Best Jacob Shapiro Podcasts (2025)

1
Pissing in the Public Pool 56:29

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5d ago56:29

56:29

Jacob and Rob dig into Trump’s firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner, exposing the political theater surrounding government data. They explore labor hoarding, CPI distortions, and the fragility of public statistical institutions in a polarized, AI-saturated world. The conversation spans historical context, philosophical takes on tru…

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What The F*ck Is a Framework Trade Agreement??? 1:15:24

13d ago1:15:24

1:15:24

Jacob and Marko roll out their first “Geopolitical Six Pack,” each bringing three key global developments to the table. They unpack the Trump-EU “framework” trade deal, argue over the strategic logic of tariffs, and assess Europe’s long game. From Taiwan’s volatile domestic politics to Trump’s AI policy pivot and Chinese tech strategy, the cousins …

1
Fiscal Reality and Financial Repression 1:02:24

15d ago1:02:24

1:02:24

Jacob Shapiro sits down with Luke Gromen for a wide-ranging discussion about AI’s disruption, the U.S. fiscal outlook, and global power dynamics. Jacob noted that AI is rapidly commoditizing data and could upend white-collar industries, but he and Luke agreed that intuition and discerning quality data points remain critical. They dug into Europe’s …

1
Putin’s Out of Time, Not Troops 54:36

23d ago54:36

54:36

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic dive into the shifting dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war and Trump’s evolving stance. They analyze Trump’s 50-day ultimatum to Putin, potential secondary sanctions, and U.S. weapons sales to NATO. The conversation critiques misconceptions about Trump’s loyalty, explores Putin’s domestic challenges, and assesses the po…

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The White Nationalist Social Democracy 1:09:16

29d ago1:09:16

1:09:16

Jacob interviews Dr. Van Jackson, an international relations scholar specializing in East Asian and Pacific security. They discuss the accelerating pace and volatility of U.S. foreign policy, characterizing Trump-era actions as part of a broader counter-revolutionary, oligarchic project. Van critiques both major U.S. parties and highlights the risk…

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Saurabh Vishnubhakat on the Constitutionality of the Appointment of PTAB Judges 1:08:32

28d ago1:08:32

1:08:32

In this episode, Saurabh Vishnubhakat, Professor of Law and Director of the Intellectual Property and Information Law Program at Cardozo School of Law, discusses his draft article "Constitutional Structure in the Patent Office." Vishnubhakat begins by explaining how the patent application or "prosecution" process works, how the Patent Office adjudi…

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Richard Albert & Kevin Frazier on Using AI to Draft Constitutions 45:40

1M ago45:40

45:40

In this episode, Richard Albert, Hines H. Baker and Thelma Kelley Baker Chair in Law at the University of Texas School of Law, and Kevin Frazier, AI Innovation & Law Fellow at The University of Texas School of Law, discuss their draft article, "Should AI Write Your Constitution?" They begin by explaining how much constitution writing and amending i…

1
Laurie Gwen Shapiro on Amelia Earhart & Historical Research 51:48

29d ago51:48

51:48

In this episode, Laurie Gwen Shapiro, a writer and filmmaker, discusses her new book, "The Aviator and the Showman: Amelia Earhart, George Putnam, and the Marriage That Made an American Icon," which is published by Viking. Shapiro reflects on the process of researching and writing the book, and shares many fascinating stories and anecdotes about Am…

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Jacob Schriner-Briggs on First Amendment Traditionalism 38:53

1M ago38:53

38:53

In this episode, Jacob M. Schriner-Briggs, a Visiting Assistant Professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law, discusses his article "Against First Amendment Traditionalism," which will be published in the Kentucky Law Journal. Schreiner-Briggs begins by observing that the Supreme Court has recently suggested that its "history and tradition" based inter…

1
Our Post-Neoliberal Moment (w/ Mike Konczal) 52:31

1M ago52:31

52:31

Jacob welcomes economic policy expert Mike Konczal for a wide-ranging conversation on American capitalism, industrial policy, and the evolving role of the state. They explore how the Biden administration’s economic agenda challenges decades of neoliberal orthodoxy, discuss the implications of increased public investment, and examine what it means t…

1
Realpolitik with Range (Trade Value Leaders Index P2) 2:06:09

1M ago2:06:09

2:06:09

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic deliver part two of their Trade Value Leaders ranking—a spirited, analytical exercise measuring global leaders by their geopolitical utility. Shapiro leans into controversial picks like Lula and Netanyahu, defends the logic behind selecting Orban, and emphasizes competence over charisma. Marko defends bold picks like S…

1
Our Currency, Your Problem 1:09:44

1M ago1:09:44

1:09:44

Jacob and Rob Larity dive deep into U.S. interest rate dynamics, focusing on Jerome Powell, Trump’s criticism of the Fed, and the potential political and market-driven forces affecting rate decisions. They explore Fed mechanics, historical precedent for presidential interference, and potential appointments like Scott Bessent. They also examine the …

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The Trade Value Leader Index 1:26:04

1M ago1:26:04

1:26:04

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic debut a provocative “Trade Value Index” - ranking the top 30 global leaders by geopolitical and economic value, modeled after Bill Simmons’ NBA Trade Value framework. They debate each pick based on leadership effectiveness, economic performance, future potential, and strategic skill. Categories include “products of the…

1
Unpacking the U.S.-Pakistan Reset (with Fahd Humayun) 54:08

2M ago54:08

54:08

Jacob Shapiro speaks with Fahd Humayun about the shifting geopolitical dynamics in South Asia and the Middle East. They discuss Pakistan’s perspective on the Iran-Israel conflict, U.S.-Pakistan relations under a potential second Trump term, and the strategic implications of Pakistan’s recent military and diplomatic moves. The conversation also expl…

1
The Largest Standing Army In Europe 49:51

2M ago49:51

49:51

Jacob Shapiro and Rob Larity discuss the recent Israel-Iran conflict and its geopolitical impacts, including President Trump's ceasefire announcement. They analyze the muted market reactions, particularly oil's price drop, despite heightened tensions. The conversation then explores significant shifts in U.S.-Japan relations, highlighting Japan's ri…

1
Postmortem on the Iran-Israel War 57:19

2M ago57:19

57:19

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic discuss the aftermath of the Iran-Israel war, analyzing President Trump's controversial claims of obliterating Iran's nuclear program and the broader geopolitical implications. They critique the media's response, evaluate future scenarios for Iran—including regime stability or shifts toward authoritarianism—and express…

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America Strikes Iran 1:24:21

2M ago1:24:21

1:24:21

Jacob and Marko break down the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, unpacking the strategic logic, historical echoes, and likely retaliation scenarios. They debate the possibility of regime change, Iranian restraint, and why Strait of Hormuz closure is the true red line. The cousins also explore Trump’s foreign policy instincts, the limits of mul…

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Latin America's Moment in Global Chaos 47:26

2M ago47:26

47:26

Jacob Shapiro sits down with Facundo Robles, Program Coordinator at the Wilson Center’s Latin America Program, for a wide-ranging conversation on how the Israel-Iran conflict intersects with Latin America’s geopolitical and economic realities. They unpack why Latin America remains relatively stable amid global volatility, and how rising oil, fertil…

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To Bomb or Not To Bomb 1:42:19

2M ago1:42:19

1:42:19

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic respond to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. They unpack the potential for U.S. airstrikes, the unraveling MAGA coalition, and the fantasy of regime change in Iran. Marko draws parallels to the 1999 NATO campaign in Serbia, warning against simplistic assumptions about military power. Jacob proposes four scen…

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Tariffs, Trust, and Tokyo 48:17

2M ago48:17

48:17

In this episode, Jacob speaks with Japan analyst Tobias Harris to unpack rising tensions in U.S.-Japan trade relations amid the Trump administration’s tariff blitz. They explore how Japan—historically a close U.S. ally—is reacting to unclear demands, internal U.S. policy chaos, and the potential collapse of trust in American economic leadership. To…

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Israel Strikes Iran P2: Analyst Kamran Bokhari 33:03

2M ago33:03

33:03

Jacob Shapiro is joined by Middle East expert Kamran Bokhari to analyze the rapidly unfolding Israeli military strikes on Iran. They discuss the strategic implications of Israel’s targeted attacks on IRGC leadership, the potential for regime instability in Tehran, and the calculus behind Washington’s response. Bokhari introduces the concept of “evo…

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Israel Strikes Iran P1: Security Expert Hamidreza Azizi 29:03

2M ago29:03

29:03

Jacob Shapiro speaks with Iranian security expert Hamidreza Azizi to unpack Israel’s unprecedented strikes on Iran. They explore the strategic implications of Israel’s multi-phase assault, including the assassination of top IRGC commanders, the targeting of nuclear and missile infrastructure, and the collapse of Iran’s proxy network. Azizi outlines…

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Israel Strikes Iran 1:02:02

2M ago1:02:02

1:02:02

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic react in real time to Israel’s stunning military strikes on Iran. With key nuclear sites hit and top Iranian commanders killed, the cousins break down what this means for Iran’s capacity to retaliate, the role (or lack thereof) of U.S. strategy, and why Saudi Arabia’s response might be the most important of all. They e…

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Jade Craig on Rate Covenants in Municipal Bonds 1:00:06

2M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

In this episode, Jade Craig, Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Mississippi School of Law, discusses his article, "Rate Covenants in Municipal Bonds: Selling Away Civil Rights and Fair Housing Goals." Professor Craig discusses revenue bonds that state and local governments issue to fund projects ranging from improvements to public util…

1
Manufactured Chaos 1:33:38

2M ago1:33:38

1:33:38

Marko and Jacob unpack the media frenzy and political theater surrounding the ICE raids and escalating protests in Los Angeles. Marko cuts through the noise, calling out the mutually parasitic relationship between Trump and the media, and argues that California’s political posturing may hint at deeper national fissures. They dig into immigration hy…

1
Stablecoins and the Geopolitics of Trust 1:16:06

2M ago1:16:06

1:16:06

Jacob and Rob respond to listener feedback about negativity by focusing on positive trends, including declining violent crime and drug overdose rates in the U.S. They then dive into a high-level exploration of stablecoins—what they are, why they matter, and the potential risks and geopolitical implications of their rise. They compare the U.S. appro…

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Ukrainian Drone Attack and the Future of War 53:12

2M ago53:12

53:12

Jacob welcomes Sim Tack, a military analyst at Force Analysis, to break down the shifting battlefield dynamics in Ukraine. Together, they unpack Ukraine’s evolving tactics, Russia’s slow but grinding advances, and the logistical and manpower challenges both sides face. Jacob pushes for a bigger picture: what this phase of the war tells us about the…