Best Bleak Rising Podcasts (2026)

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Why Vivek Is So Wrong about the Founding of the United States

Play Pause

29m ago

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Vivek Ramaswamy promotes a fictional version of American history in which a handful of people created America and that culture and religion are canceled out by an ideological "creed." In truth, the American nation and the American state are two different things. Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard Radio Rothbard mugs…

1
Oregon enters an election year with big political questions 24:20

1h ago24:20

24:20

Last year was a tumultuous one in Oregon politics. The city of Portland had an entirely new government and mayor. The U.S. president started talking a lot about Portland and mobilized members of the National Guard to the state. And the “big beautiful bill” blew an $890-million dollar hole in Oregon’s budget. Just a few days into 2026, it appears an…

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Venezuela and what to expect from energy in 2026 51:37

6d ago51:37

51:37

The new year has only just begun, and already we have seen an event with massive significance for the world of energy. The US operation to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro opens a new era for a country that holds – according to some definitions – the world’s largest oil reserves. So far there has been little impact on oil markets. But wha…

1
Electric vehicles create problems for the grid. Could they also help solve them? The plan to turn EVs into reliable grid infrastructure 54:29

8d ago54:29

54:29

As we head into 2026, electricity grids aren’t just under strain; they are facing transformational change because of the shifts in the ways that we work, entertain ourselves, and get around. EVs are one of the fastest-growing new loads on the grid in many parts of the world, but are also one of the least well-understood. They can exhibit flexibilit…

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Why We Hate Thomas Hobbes

18d ago

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Ryan and Josh Mawhorter talk about how Thomas Hobbes, even nearly 400 years later, remains a popular spokesman for almost limitless state power. In fact, by Hobbes's logic, the world should by ruled by a single global dictatorship. Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard Radio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Sto…

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Oregon’s big political stories of the 2025, looking ahead to 2026 36:00

26d ago36:00

36:00

As 2025 comes to a close, the OPB Politics Now team is taking a look at the top political stories of the year. It was a year. We saw the Trump administration return to power, Mayor Keith Wilson and a new government enter the scene in Portland, and Democratic state officials fumble and stumble through a legislative session. On the latest episode of …

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Energy Gang’s year in review: the highs, the lows, the people and the technologies of 2025 1:01:09

27d ago1:01:09

1:01:09

It’s the final Energy Gang of the year, and host Ed Crooks is joined by regulars Amy Myers Jaffe, Director of NYU’s Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab, Shanu Mathew, a portfolio investor and manager, and Melissa Lott, a systems engineer and energy analyst, to take stock of an exciting year for energy. The buzzword of 2025 was undoubtedl…

1
Modern Marriage and the Homeownership Rate

25d ago

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Data shows that the marriage rate and the homeownership rate have been closely connected for decades. Historically, more marriage means more home buying, but government intervention has made buying a home much harder. Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard Radio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours …

1
Deschutes County political maps spark debate, plus groundwater contamination in Eastern Oregon 17:24

27d ago17:24

17:24

The redrawing of political maps is perhaps one of the most intensely political acts elected officials undertake. In Central Oregon, the effort is prompting the familiar outcry of gerrymandering. On this week’s OPB Politics Now, we’re heading east of the Cascades. We’ll discuss the redrawing of the Deschutes County maps and the contaminated groundwa…

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California’s grid under pressure: affordability, AI, and the future of electricity markets 44:16

1M ago44:16

44:16

California is often described as the state where you can see the future of the US, and of the world. That has certainly been true in terms of some of the problems faced by the electricity grid. California has been grappling with the impact of wildfires and a big shift to renewable generation, and now faces the prospect of rising power demand from e…

1
John Mearsheimer and Europe's Bleak Future

1M ago

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This week Ryan and Zachary Yost take a look at international relations scholar John Mearsheimer's claim that Europe faces a bleak future as the United States pivots away from NATO. Can Europe thrive without American taxpayers' money? Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard Radio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises S…

1
Homelessness in Portland and taxes in Oregon take center stage 26:19

1M ago26:19

26:19

On the latest livestream episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Dirk VanderHart and Alex Zielinski talk about two of the biggest topics in Oregon politics - the state’s handling of the overall business climate and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson’s long shot effort to end unsheltered homelessness. If you have questions please share them and we will try …

1
How 50-Year Mortgages Turn Home Owners into Renters

1M ago

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50-year mortgages are likely to increase the likelihood of more "owners" becoming underwater and walking away from their mortgages. This will lead to more bailouts for the financial sector. Taxpayers will pay the price. Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard Radio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get your…

1
What happened at COP30? The key points on cutting emissions, adapting to a warming world, and raising the finance to pay for it 56:45

2M ago56:45

56:45

The COP30 climate talks in Belem wrapped up over the weekend, and reactions to the outcome were sharply divided. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, said “climate cooperation is still alive…we’re undeniably still in it and we are fighting back.” Others said the COP had been another failure, with a final statement that amounted to “a fo…

1
Oregon education report card: Budget woes, enrollment issues and Trump effect 28:10

2M ago28:10

28:10

As the school calendar shifts into holiday mode, many public school students are about to be out of the classroom for a long time. And as families brace for time off, educators are bracing too – for potential budget cuts. And that’s as Oregon’s education system remains one of the worst performing in the nation. On this week’s episode of OPB Politic…

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What happened in COP30’s first week? Support for energy efficiency and a status report on methane show which climate initiatives are still making progress 52:49

2M ago52:49

52:49

Negotiations in the COP 30 climate talks are continuing in Belem, Brazil. The headlines are focusing on the divisions between countries that are shaping this year’s climate talks. But despite the doom and gloom, there are some practical steps being taken to support the transition towards lower-carbon energy. There may be a notable lack of significa…

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Newport fights potential ICE facility, plus Trump’s National Guard legal defeat 20:56

2M ago20:56

20:56

The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown is entering a new chapter in Oregon. A judge has permanently blocked the president from sending the National Guard to protect the ICE building in Portland. But the legal fight may not be over. And now, the federal government may be looking to the Oregon coast to run a new immigration facility. On the…

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The COP30 climate talks are under way In Brazil. What is the point of the conference? 48:13

2M ago48:13

48:13

COP30, which began this week in Belém, Brazil, marks a decade since the Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21 in 2015. It’s being billed as the “implementation COP”: instead of grand new announcements of international agreements, governments are supposed to be focused on delivering on the commitments they have already made. Host Ed Crooks and regula…

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How are businesses rethinking energy and sustainability? COP30 starts in Belem as climate action falters 31:01

2M ago31:01

31:01

COP30, now getting under way in Belem, Brazil, has been billed as “the implementation COP”, which means a focus on governments taking real steps to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. We will be examining all the key issues for government negotiators in the talks very soon. But for this show, we are looking at the role of business. At New Yor…

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Energy addition, not energy transition? What does it mean for the future of our energy system, and the climate? | Special episode recorded at ADIPEC, the world’s largest energy event 45:16

2M ago45:16

45:16

As world leaders, businesses and NGOs start their journeys to Brazil for the COP30 climate talks, more than 200,000 people attended ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi, the world’s biggest energy event. Energy Gang was there to bring you the highlights from the week’s discussions. One of the key talking points was the theme of energy addition, rather than transiti…

1
Taxes and the Rise of the Modern State

2M ago

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In this lecture from the 2025 Mises Institute Supporters summit, Ryan looks at how the modern state is built on the rapid rise of taxation in recent centuries. Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard Radio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% o…

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Portland's camping ban, suburban ICE raids and election recap 23:16

2M ago23:16

23:16

On the latest live stream edition of OPB Politics Now, reporters Dirk VanderHart, Alex Zielinski and Holly Bartholomew discuss a range of political topics. Portland is finally enforcing its ban on homeless camping. How is that playing out? Plus, a rise in Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity is shaking the Willamette Valley. We discuss what…

1
Why Food Stamp Spending Is Out of Control

2M ago

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Ryan McMaken takes a deep dive on food stamp spending, food stamp recipients, and how Big Ag and other industry lobbyists fight to keep food stamp spending flowing and increasing. Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard Radio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PROMO COD…

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Speed to power: how can America accelerate the build-out of the next grid? | special episode from the ACORE Grid Forum in Washington DC 1:01:19

2M ago1:01:19

1:01:19

Electricity demand in the US is rising faster than it has in decades, driven by AI and a wave of investment in domestic manufacturing. But with transmission lines and other electricity infrastructure taking years to permit and build, how can America secure the power it needs fast enough to remain competitive? In this special episode of The Energy G…

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Chapter 9 - Broken Cry 23:29

2M ago23:29

23:29

Intended for Headphone listening. Nina makes a dreadful discovery. Abigail forges a path forward. G makes a desperate bargain. Visit https://gravenpod.carrd.co/ for updates and more, or join our discord community. Graven is written, directed, and produced by Oliver Szabo. Nina was performed by Maddie Girouard. Connor was performed by Joe. Abigail w…

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Food assistance and health insurance stuck in government shutdown limbo 21:08

2M ago21:08

21:08

Hundreds of thousands of Oregonians who help fill their pantries thanks to the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could be cut off from the program. I’m Lauren Dake. On this week’s OPB Politics Now we will take a deeper about what will happen to some of the most vulnerable as the government shutdown continues. Find the show …

1
AI could break the electricity grid. What do regulators and the industry need to do to keep the lights on? 59:47

3M ago59:47

59:47

What happens when the surge in electricity demand comes faster than we can build the infrastructure to support it? Live in front of an audience at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, host Ed Crooks leads a conversation on the future of the US energy grid, skyrocketing load from data centers and electrification, and why politics keeps gett…

1
How energy diversification can drive development | Special pre-ADIPEC preview episode 28:01

3M ago28:01

28:01

As global energy systems evolve, emerging economies face a defining challenge: how to secure affordable power for today while investing in the low-carbon solutions that will drive tomorrow’s growth. Can energy diversification unlock a new era of industrial development, resilience, and inclusive prosperity? In the third and final episode of our spec…

1
Talking Tina Kotek: The National Guard, reelection and her first term 21:10

2M ago21:10

21:10

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek says she’s making progress on some of the state’s most pressing problems. But even some of her most ardent supporters seem skeptical and the Democrat is eyeing a likely reelection effort. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Dirk VanderHart and Lauren Dake discuss their recent reporting on Kotek. They talked t…

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Permitting reform and the politics of building the grid | Live from the ACORE Grid Forum in Washington, D.C. 47:28

3M ago47:28

47:28

Everyone agrees it takes too long and costs too much to build energy infrastructure in America, but what exactly needs fixing, and can we make progress without rolling back vital environmental protections? In this special episode of Energy Gang, recorded live at the ACORE Grid Forum in Washington D.C., host Ed Crooks takes a deep dive into one of t…

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The new nuclear renaissance - real or rhetoric? | Special pre-ADIPEC preview episode 38:07

3M ago38:07

38:07

Nuclear power is back at the centre of the global energy conversation again. Is a real renaissance in the industry under way? Or are we just in another moment of excitement before familiar challenges emerge and the hype cycle turns down again? In the second of three special episodes ahead of ADIPEC 2025, host Ed Crooks speaks with Dr Sama Bilbao y …

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Portland’s ICE protest brings frogs, naked cyclists and right wing streamers 26:31

3M ago26:31

26:31

Oregon is still waiting for a court to decide whether or not President Trump can send National Guard troops into Portland. But as that battle plays out in court, the fight for Americans’ hearts and minds continues in South Portland. On one side are conservative media personalities and streamers, who’ve been granted eye-popping access to Trump admin…

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The connected world of energy | Special episode from Wood Mackenzie 44:05

3M ago44:05

44:05

Host Ed Crooks talks to Jason Liu, Chief Executive of Wood Mackenzie and co-author (with Chief Analyst Simon Flowers) of a new book, Connected, about the fast-changing world of energy. They are also joined by Sunaina Ocalan, formerly Senior Director for Corporate Strategy & Climate at the oil and gas company Hess, now Senior Analyst and Co-Head for…

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Does low-carbon hydrogen still have a future? | Special pre-ADIPEC preview episode 39:50

3M ago39:50

39:50

Low-carbon hydrogen has taken a few knocks in the headlines lately. There have been cancelled projects and fewer splashy announcements. Policy support has been jittery. Is momentum fading, or are we simply moving out of the hype phase and into the serious work of delivery? Host Ed Crooks puts that question to two industry leaders who are aiming to …

1
Taxes, War, and the State are Freedom's Biggest Enemies

3M ago

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Ryan and political scientist Joseph Solis-Mullen talk about how taxes, war, and the state are all part of a centuries-old formula for impoverishing the productive class while enriching the government class. Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard Radio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://…

1
OPB Politics Now: President Trump's push for the military in U.S. cities ramps up in courts, streets 31:13

3M ago31:13

31:13

From Portland to Chicago to Texas - President Trump's pushes for military forces in American cities is ramping up in the courts and in multiple American cities. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we talk with public media reporters in Chicago and Houston about the situation there. WBEZ's Arcaceli Gómez-Aldana and The Texas Newsroom's Lucio …

1
Does Economic Growth Require an Elastic Money Supply?

3M ago

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A long-enduring myth about money is that we need a flexible or "elastic" currency for the economy to grow. Economist Jonathan Newman joins us to talk about why this has never been true. Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard Radio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PRO…

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President Trump targets Portland 37:39

3M ago37:39

37:39

If you weren’t in front of a computer or on the Internet, it was truly spectacular in Portland last weekend. It was clear and sunny, but not too warm. People were out and about. Running errands, doing yard work or just hanging out with friends and family. But meanwhile in the background, President Trump was taking aim at the city.. We are still pie…

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How can the grid help AI, and how can AI help the grid? Live from NYU at New York Climate Week, featuring leaders from Nvidia and Amazon | Energy Gang Live from Climate Week 1:08:25

4M ago1:08:25

1:08:25

Recorded in front of a packed room at NYU’s Kimmel Center during Climate Week NYC, Ed Crooks and Amy Myers Jaffe moderate a debate on the high-stakes topic of AI and energy. They dig deep into the questions raised by the surge of investment in data centers: what it means for grid stability and electricity bills, and how new technologies and market …

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Rothbard's Lost Letters on Ayn Rand

3M ago

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New letters, from Murray Rothbard to Frank Meyer, have been discovered by researcher Daniel Flynn detailing some of Rothbard's earliest views on Ayn Rand, and what later went wrong. This week is our Fall Campaign! Donate $5 today and receive a physical copy of Hayek for the 21st Century: https://Mises.org/RR25 https://Mises.org/RR25 Be sure to foll…

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What do China’s climate commitments mean for energy? 50:41

4M ago50:41

50:41

For COP30, the international climate talks in Brazil in November, the countries of the world are supposed to roll out their new Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs: their commitments to cut emissions. China’s NDC is particularly eagerly awaited: it is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Its NDC has been described as the most im…

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Inside one of Portland’s new homeless shelters 23:08

4M ago23:08

23:08

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson sailed into City Hall this year on the back of an ambitious pledge to end unsheltered homelessness. That plan relies heavily on swiftly opening a bunch of overnight-only shelters across town. We’re now nine months into Wilson’s term, and quickly approaching his self-imposed deadline to get everyone off the streets. So le…

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Everyone is talking (again!) about a coming revival in nuclear power. What needs to change to make it happen? | More from New York Climate Week 47:50

4M ago47:50

47:50

At Climate Week NYC continues, the hottest topic is the question of how to meet growing demand for electricity while cutting emissions. In New York State, electricity use is expected to increase by 25% over the next 15 years. To meet that demand, the state plans to add tens of gigawatts or renewables. But that is not enough. It also wants more “dis…

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As the pressure for climate action fades, what is driving investment in clean energy? | The big talking points from New York Climate Week 36:03

4M ago36:03

36:03

It’s New York Climate Week this week, and we’re bringing you highlights from all the key debates and discussions. Climate Week NYC is one of the most important gatherings in the energy calendar, bringing together business leaders, investors, scientists, campaigners and policymakers to discuss the global effort to prevent catastrophic global warming…

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Carbon capture could be an important tool for tackling climate change. Can we find productive ways to use that carbon? 42:58

4M ago42:58

42:58

As fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, there is renewed interest in what can be done to capture carbon dioxide. Until now, most of the investment in carbon capture has gone into projects to take those emissions and store them underground forever. But what if we could make use of that captured carbon? To find out what role…

1
The Federal Reserve Cut Rates So the Rich Get Richer

4M ago

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As the Federal Reserve signals it doesn't care about price inflation, we're reminded the Fed is mostly motivated to ensure rising asset prices for Wall Street while pushing cheap credit to finance federal deficits. Free Book: Get your copy of Hayek for the 21st Century, featuring Hayek’s classic essays on liberty, knowledge, and markets. Claim your…

1
Who needs shots? Vaccines drive a wedge between Oregon and the feds 24:03

4M ago24:03

24:03

It’s been five years now since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Oregon and a global pandemic shook our lives and our politics.The virus is now endemic. A permanent feature of life. Causing less destruction and loss than it did, but still capable of sending people to the hospital and worse.This is the time of year when boosters for COVID a…

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Data centers for AI will need to embrace flexibility if our electricity system is going to cope. How can large loads support the grid? 50:43

4M ago50:43

50:43

AI is adding to US electricity consumption at a pace not seen in decades. That demand growth is creating new strains on the grid in many parts of the country. But what if AI could instead help keep the system running? Varun Sivaram is a founder & CEO of Emerald AI and a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He says that far from underm…

1
The Jobs Picture Is Worse than They Told You

4M ago

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Newly released jobs data this month shows that the jobs narrative from the media was based on bogus numbers. Free Book: Get your copy of Hayek for the 21st Century, featuring Hayek’s classic essays on liberty, knowledge, and markets. Claim yours at https://mises.org/Hayek21 Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard Radio R…

1
Why 2 Oregon lawmakers bucked their political parties 20:57

4M ago20:57

20:57

Last week, two Oregon lawmakers bucked their respective parties in a major vote on transportation taxes. This week, both of them face very different political futures. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we look at what their votes mean for the Democratic and Republican parties in Oregon. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.…