Boom Bust Season 1 Episode 142 Bryan Caplan On Parenting and George Selgin With More On Free Banking

Boom Bust is a daily business news program that delves deep into the world of finance, economics, and global markets. In season 1, episode 142, the focus is on Bryan Caplan, a professor of economics at George Mason University and the author of "Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids". The second guest of the episode is George Selgin, a professor of economics at the University of Georgia and a senior fellow at the Cato Institute. He is known for his work on free banking and monetary policy.

The first segment features Bryan Caplan, who discusses his controversial views on parenting. Caplan argues that parents should be more relaxed and focus on enjoying time with their children, instead of worrying about their academic success. He believes that parents put too much pressure on their children to succeed in school and that this pressure can be harmful. Caplan also puts forth the idea that having more children can actually make families happier and more fulfilled.

Caplan's ideas are at odds with traditional parenting advice, which emphasizes the importance of education and academic achievement. He argues that parents who prioritize their children's academic success end up sacrificing their own happiness and wellbeing, which ultimately harms the entire family. Instead, Caplan suggests that parents should aim to be "good enough" rather than perfect, and spend more time enjoying their children's company.

The second segment of the episode features George Selgin, who discusses the concept of free banking. Selgin argues that the government's monopoly on money is harmful and that a free market in money would be more beneficial for consumers. He also explains his ideas for how a free banking system could work in practice.

Selgin's ideas for free banking are based on the principle that competition is the best way to ensure that consumers get the best deal. Under a free banking system, consumers would have the option to choose from a variety of different currencies, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. This would create a competitive marketplace where banks would have to offer attractive interest rates and other benefits in order to attract customers.

Overall, season 1, episode 142 of Boom Bust offers a thought-provoking look at two very different topics: parenting and monetary policy. Both segments challenge traditional ideas and offer innovative solutions to complex problems. Whether you're a parent or an economist, this episode is sure to provide plenty of food for thought.