Best Mark McCloskey Podcasts (2025)

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The 3 Things Stopping Women From Getting Started (That Really Don’t Need To) 15:49

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1M ago15:49

15:49

After speaking with 172 women (yes… one hundred and seventy-two!) about their dreams of renovating and developing, Rebeka has spotted the same three roadblocks popping up again and again, and none of them are dealbreakers as they may feel. Most of the women she spoke to weren’t lacking ability - they were lacking clarity. Once they understood the a…

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Hal Brands: Allies, Autocrats, and AI 28:08

1M ago28:08

28:08

Today on Political Economy, I’m chatting with Hal Brands about America’s place in the changing global order. Under the Trump administration, the US has acted less as an “ordering power,” as Brands puts it, than it has over the past century. We talk about the evolving relationship between the US and its allies, in addition to the role of emerging te…

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Different Paths, Same Goal: Profiting from Property Your Way 12:30

2M ago12:30

12:30

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to play the property game, and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. In this episode, Rebeka talks about how different strategies suit different people, depending on where you’re at in life, how much time you’ve got, and what you’re aiming for. From big-picture subdivision projects to fast-turnaround renos, she …

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Options Analysis: The Secret to Smarter, More Profitable Projects 13:25

3M ago13:25

13:25

Before you jump into your next renovation, extension, or development, have you actually run the numbers? And not just on what you think you should do with a property, but have you stacked it up against a number of different options? In this episode, Rebeka breaks down how she approaches every project with an options analysis — looking at a site fro…

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Tobias Peter: Solving the US Housing Shortage 27:57

3M ago27:57

27:57

Today on Political Economy, I’m talking with Tobias Peter about housing: From homeownership rates to construction types, we go over the many factors that play into a healthy housing market and explore what is holding back US homeowners. Tobias is the codirector of the Housing Center at AEI. As a senior fellow, his research focuses on housing risk a…

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From Project to Payoff: Finding Your Profitable Path 19:26

3M ago19:26

19:26

And, we’re back! After a little podcasting pause (because sometimes you’ve got to build instead of just talk about building), Rebeka returns with an insight-packed episode that’s all about unlocking your pathway to profit. Over the past few months, she’s had over 100 conversations with incredible women such as industry professionals, tradie wives, …

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Mackenzie Eaglen: The State of US Military Preparedness 21:29

4M ago21:29

21:29

Today on Political Economy, I talk with Mackenzie Eaglen about the Pentagon’s evolving strategy to confront today’s national defense challenges. Mackenzie and I take a look at the military doctrine of recent administrations compared to that of today. We discuss America’s state of preparedness, the changing defense-industrial base, and the role of a…

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Christopher Scalia: Literary Fiction for the Conservative Mind 32:17

5M ago32:17

32:17

Stories are the way we communicate our values, explore complex ideas, and learn to empathize with those who fundamentally differ from ourselves. Christopher Scalia’s most recent book, 13 Novels Conservatives Will Love (but Probably Haven’t Read), delves into the particular benefit conservatives may find in literature they likely hadn’t considered. …

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Edward Glaeser: What's Hampering American Housing? 26:26

6M ago26:26

26:26

Today on Political Economy, I’m talking with Edward Glaeser about the problem with American housing supply and the many hurdles to building affordable homes. Ed and I look at the past century of urban and suburban construction and the attitudes and policies that have held back the US housing market. Ed is the chair of the economics department at Ha…

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Deirdre McCloskey: Ideas that Sparked Independence 28:30

6M ago28:30

28:30

You remember your fourth grade history textbook: The British Empire unfairly taxed the American colonies. Tea was dumped in the Boston Harbor. Colonists refused taxation without representation. Therefore, the American Revolution was driven by economics, right? Well, maybe not. Today on Political Economy, I’m talking with Deirdre McCloskey about the…

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Andrew Biggs: American Retirement Readiness 29:12

7M ago29:12

29:12

Today on Political Economy, I’m talking with Andrew Biggs on why policymakers, the media, and most Americans are convinced of a retirement crisis that Biggs argues . . . doesn’t exist. Andrew and I discuss why this misperception continues to persist, and where the real flaws are in the American retirement system. Andrew is a senior fellow here at A…

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Volume Building with Vision: Leanne's Lessons in Creating a Home That’s Personal, Functional, and Full of Potential 18:37

8M ago18:37

18:37

In this episode, we sit down with DevelopHer Leanne Barbaro to unpack the journey of building her family home through a volume builder — and the gold is in the lessons learned. We talk through how volume building offers cost efficiencies but requires savvy planning to avoid cookie-cutter pitfalls. You’ll hear her tips on what to prioritise (hint: l…

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Design Smarter, Not Pricier – Where to Spend (and Where to Save) 17:58

8M ago17:58

17:58

Let’s face it—your Pinterest board might have champagne taste, but your project budget is the reality check you need to consider. In this episode, Rebeka and BHC's Head of Interiors Rebecca, dive into the heart of what it really means to design smarter, not pricier. The key? Understanding the cost implications of your design choices from day one—an…

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Tapware Talk 101: Durability, Quality, and Longevity with ABI Interiors 31:44

9M ago31:44

31:44

This week, we dive deep into the world of tapware with Rhys Beal from ABI Interiors—unpacking how this once purely functional hardware has evolved into a style statement and investment decision all on its own. You’ll get the inside scoop on how tapware has transformed over the years, moving beyond chrome to a stunning palette of finishes and materi…

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Derek Scissors: Trump's Tariffs and the China Trade War 27:45

9M ago27:45

27:45

Today on Political Economy, I talk with Derek Scissors about what the Trump Administration’s newly-declared tariffs mean for US-China relations and what to make of today’s economic uncertainty. Derek is a senior fellow here at AEI, where he focuses on US-Asia economic relations. He is the chief economist of the China Beige Book and previously serve…

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Beyond the Lens: The Secret to Picture-Perfect Real Estate with Spacecraft Media 42:13

9M ago42:13

42:13

You’ve put your heart (and plenty of hard-earned money) into creating a beautiful home. But when it comes time to sell, it’s not just about showcasing the finishes, the fixtures, or the floor plan—it’s about selling a lifestyle. Cheyne Toomey of Spacecraft Media joins us in this episode to share the secret sauce of a successful sale: photos that do…

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Flow to Fortune: The Feng Shui Formula for Property Success with Kelly McCloskey 46:14

9M ago46:14

46:14

In this episode, we chat with Kelly McCloskey from The Feng Shui Girl, a passionate expert in Feng Shui, uncovering how this ancient Chinese art of harmonising energy in spaces can directly influence your well-being, and even, property value. You'll get insights on how incorporating Feng Shui into your property design can enhance the flow of energy…

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Mark Warshawsky: Sizing Up Social Security 30:28

9M ago30:28

30:28

Today on Political Economy, I talk with Mark Warshawsky about the state of the Social Security system as we size up some of the reforms currently on the table.By AEI Podcasts

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McCloskey On Fire - FINAL EPISODE! 49:13

9M ago49:13

49:13

Mark McCloskey On Fire Sunday Evenings: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Mark was born and raised in the St. Louis Missouri suburb of Webster Groves, a lifelong Republican, and ardent anti-communist. He attended St. Louis Country Day School where he was captain of the wrestling team and President of the Student Council. He graduated magna cum laude from Southern …

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How to Elevate your Lighting Game with About Space 41:01

9M ago41:01

41:01

Lighting is one of those things that, when done right, you don’t even notice it, it just feels right—but when done wrong, it's so obvious and uncomfortable. Enter the importance of lighting design! In this episode, we chat with Jodie Meier from About Space, who shares why good lighting is about more than just picking pretty fixtures—it’s about crea…

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Designing Moments – Why Form Comes Before Colour 31:16

10M ago31:16

31:16

Ever walked into a home that just feels right? It’s not just about colour or finishes—it’s about the moments built into the design. In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca Papas, Head of Interior Design at BuildHer Collective, to talk about the importance of shaping a home’s form before even thinking about colour. Bec shares her own experience de…

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Zelenskyy Demanding Money From President Trump Didn't Work Out Well-For Zelenskyy 49:12

10M ago49:12

49:12

Mark McCloskey On Fire Sunday Evenings: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Mark was born and raised in the St. Louis Missouri suburb of Webster Groves, a lifelong Republican, and ardent anti-communist. He attended St. Louis Country Day School where he was captain of the wrestling team and President of the Student Council. He graduated magna cum laude from Southern …

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From Wrecked to Remarkable: Roxy's Cost-Savvy Home Rebuild 29:04

10M ago29:04

29:04

When a devastating storm left DevelopHer Roxy’s home in ruins, she faced the daunting task of rebuilding—not just her house, but her entire approach to home design. In this episode, Roxy shares how she turned a challenging situation into an opportunity to build smarter, proving that a beautiful, high-quality home doesn’t have to come with an overwh…

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Zelenskyy Decides To Disrespect President Trump And The American People 49:12

10M ago49:12

49:12

Mark McCloskey On Fire Sunday Evenings: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Mark was born and raised in the St. Louis Missouri suburb of Webster Groves, a lifelong Republican, and ardent anti-communist. He attended St. Louis Country Day School where he was captain of the wrestling team and President of the Student Council. He graduated magna cum laude from Southern …

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Colour Outside the Lines: Creating Meaningful Spaces with Pip Brett 24:35

10M ago24:35

24:35

In this fun episode with Pip Brett, founder of JUMBLED, we dive into all things interior design, art, and her exciting latest project, a renovated bank turned luxury short-stay accommodation in Malong NSW named Sona. She opens up about her creative process, how she plays with colour, and why supporting Aussie artists is so important to her. Pip als…

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Standing Up Against The New World Order 49:07

10M ago49:07

49:07

Mark McCloskey On Fire Sunday Evenings: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Mark was born and raised in the St. Louis Missouri suburb of Webster Groves, a lifelong Republican, and ardent anti-communist. He attended St. Louis Country Day School where he was captain of the wrestling team and President of the Student Council. He graduated magna cum laude from Southern …

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Trusting The American Government Again-Will be a Big Lift 49:12

10M ago49:12

49:12

Mark McCloskey On Fire Sunday Evenings: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Mark was born and raised in the St. Louis Missouri suburb of Webster Groves, a lifelong Republican, and ardent anti-communist. He attended St. Louis Country Day School where he was captain of the wrestling team and President of the Student Council. He graduated magna cum laude from Southern …

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Room to Grow: Phasing Your Renovation Like a Pro 30:08

10M ago30:08

30:08

In this episode, we dive into the art of renovating in phases—smart, strategic, and family-focused! Join us as we sit down with Anna Crawford, an incredible BuildHer and DevelopHer who has been part of our community for six years, and who we believe has mastered the balance of juggling a growing family and an ever-evolving home renovation. We chat …

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Mastering Natural Stone with Shaun from RMS Traders 55:35

11M ago55:35

55:35

In this episode, we sit down with Shaun Palkhiwala from RMS Traders to talk about one of our favourite materials - natural stone! As someone who grew up in the family business, Shaun has a wealth of knowledge on the beauty and durability of natural stone, and he offers insightful tips on how to select the perfect stone for your next project, ensuri…

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Andrew Leigh: An Economist's Guide to Human History 25:25

11M ago25:25

25:25

The arc of human history is a story of economics. Social values, human behavior, and the defining events of history are all woven into this field that seeks to explain how and why societies prosper — and why they often don’t. Today on Political Economy, I talk with Andrew Leigh about the economic lessons we miss in history class and what we gain fr…

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From Pinterest to Practical: The Art of Designing Spaces That Work with Rebecca Papas 35:36

11M ago35:36

35:36

In this episode, Rebeka welcomes listeners back to the podcast for 2025 and introduces a new series of design chats she will regularly host with BuildHer Collective’s Head of Interiors, Rebecca Papas. Rebeka and Rebecca dive into what they believe are the fundamentals of interior design, focusing on understanding a client’s lifestyle to create a ho…

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Michael Strain: On the State of the US Economy 25:29

11M ago25:29

25:29

Today on Political Economy, Michael Strain and I discuss the key challenges currently facing the American economy; namely, the growing debt burden, lingering inflation, the market response to tariffs, and general uncertainty. Strain is the director of Economic Policy Studies and the Arthur F. Burns Scholar in Political Economy here at AEI. He has p…

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Philosophy Professor Mark Rowlands Discusses His Latest Book: The Word of Dog - What Our Canine Companions Can Teach Us About Living a Good Life 21:45

11M ago21:45

21:45

In this Latest Episode RFG's John Shannon speaks with Author/Philosophy Professor Mark Rowlands about his latest book - The Word of Dog-What Our Canine Companions Can Teach Us About Living a Good Life. He is also the author of twenty-three other books, including the international bestseller The Philosopher and the Wolf. Rowlands is professor and ch…

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The J6 Hostages Are Being Released -David Moerschel, Oath Keeper, J6 Prisoner is Guest 49:13

11M ago49:13

49:13

Mark McCloskey On Fire Sunday Evenings: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm This week's Guest: David Moerschel, Oath Keeper, J6 Prisoner Mark was born and raised in the St. Louis Missouri suburb of Webster Groves, a lifelong Republican, and ardent anti-communist. He attended St. Louis Country Day School where he was captain of the wrestling team and President of the…

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James Coleman: Unleashing American Infrastructure 27:12

11M ago27:12

27:12

Energy, transportation, housing — pro-growth advocates from Washington to Silicon Valley are calling for a revival of American infrastructure. They say, “It’s time to build.” One massive problem, however: decades of environmental regulation, such as the National Environmental Policy Act, have slowed these efforts to a snail’s pace, if not halted th…

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The COVID Era-They Tried To Hide What Was Really Going On 49:13

12M ago49:13

49:13

Mark McCloskey On Fire Sunday Evenings: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm This Week's Guests: Mic Rosado and Rachel Rodriguez Mark was born and raised in the St. Louis Missouri suburb of Webster Groves, a lifelong Republican, and ardent anti-communist. He attended St. Louis Country Day School where he was captain of the wrestling team and President of the Student …

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We Won A Battle In November 2024-Be Ready To Fight In 2025 49:13

12M ago49:13

49:13

Mark McCloskey On Fire Sunday Evenings: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Mark was born and raised in the St. Louis Missouri suburb of Webster Groves, a lifelong Republican, and ardent anti-communist. He attended St. Louis Country Day School where he was captain of the wrestling team and President of the Student Council. He graduated magna cum laude from Southern …

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Being Bold, Taking Risks and Finding Your Own Personal Style with Nickolas Gurtler 36:28

1y ago36:28

36:28

We're excited to be joined by Nickolas Gurtler in today's episode - an award-winning Interior Designer who has fast become renowned for his bold and luxurious style. Nickolas' journey didn’t start with blueprints and fabric swatches—it began in the fast-paced, visually rich world of merchandising, where every display told a story. He shares with us…