The Professor Liberty Podcast

Ep# 125 Vlad the Impaler: Savior of Western Europe?

Join us on the Professor Liberty Podcast as we delve into the chilling history of Vlad the Impaler, the man behind the Dracula legend. Unravel the complex narrative of Vlad III, the ruler of Wallachia, whose brutal methods and defiance against the mighty Ottoman Empire positioned him as a controversial yet pivotal figure in Europe during the 15th century. Was Vlad III a cruel monster or a divine weapon used to thwart the Ottoman horde?
 

Ep# 124: Adam Smith: The Father of Modern Economics

Welcome to the Professor Liberty Podcast, where your favorite slightly libertarian social studies teacher, Mr. Palumbo, dives into the life and legacy of Adam Smith, the father of modern economics. Discover how Smith's groundbreaking ideas during the Enlightenment era continue to influence economic thought and practices today.
 

Ep# 123 Mailbag Q and A

Join Mr. Palumbo, your favorite social studies teacher, in this engaging mailbag episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast. Dive into the intriguing question of whether a return to the gold standard could restore economic stability and control inflation. Explore the evolving role of the Vice President, from constitutional duties to diplomatic responsibilities. Finally, examine the parallels and differences between Trump's tariff policies and the infamous Hawley-Smoot Tariff of the 1930s, and consider the resilience of today's global economy. Whether you're a history buff or a curious listener, this episode offers insightful discussions on topics that shape our world.

Ep#122 The Panama Canal

Join Mr. Palumbo, your favorite obscure social studies teacher, in this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast as he explores the fascinating story behind the Panama Canal and its significance for global trade and diplomacy. From the historical attempts to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to the current geopolitical tensions involving China, Mr. Palumbo takes you on a journey through time, highlighting the challenges faced by the French and the Americans in constructing this engineering marvel and how it shaped international relations.
 

Ep# 121: Birthright Citizenship

Mr. Palumbo takes you on a deep dive into the complexities of birthright citizenship and its implications on American identity. In this episode, we unravel the historical and legal intricacies of the 14th Amendment, focusing on the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" and its significance in today's heated immigration debate.
 

Ep#120 The Ancients: The Romans

In this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo kicks off a new series called "The Ancients" with a look at the Romans. Our host explores how its geographic advantages, such as its strategic location along the Tiber River and the Seven Hills, contributed to its rise. Through the lens of the founding myth of Romulus and Remus, the episode highlights Rome's success, driven by diplomacy, military excellence, and pragmatic governance. Mr. Palumbo examines how Rome's ability to form alliances, adapt its military tactics, and adjust its political structures allowed it to thrive and dominate for over a thousand years, shaping much of the modern western world.

Ep#119 Important Battles: Trenton

In this episode of The Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo takes us back to December of 1776, a time when the American Revolution seemed on the brink of collapse. With General George Washington's army suffering devastating losses, low morale, and dwindling supplies, the Continental Army appeared to be on the verge of disintegration. But Washington, faced with mounting pressure, made a bold and daring decision that would turn the tide of the war—crossing the treacherous Delaware River to launch a surprise attack on the Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey.

Ep# 118 Important Battles: Tours

In this episode of The Professor Liberty Podcast,  our favorite obscure social studies teacher delves into one of the most significant military confrontations in European history—the Battle of Tours. As part of the ongoing "Important Battles" series, the episode explores how this clash between the Frankish forces, led by Charles Martel, and the advancing Muslim Umayyad Caliphate had profound implications not only for Europe but for the entire Western world.

Ep#117 War is a Racket

In this Veterans Day episode, Mr. Palumbo explores General Smedley Butler's 1935 pamphlet "War Is a Racket", where Butler exposes how wars benefit arms dealers and corporations, not the soldiers who fight them. The episode also reflects on Eisenhower’s warning about the military-industrial complex, highlighting its continued relevance. Mr. Palumbo argues that to truly honor veterans, we must end the cycle of endless wars that serve the few at the expense of many.

Ep# 116 Emotional Democracy

In this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast called "Emotional Democracy," the hosts tackle the idea of the cult of personality in politics. Our favorite social studies teacher explores how people often vote based on feelings—either loving or hating a candidate—rather than focusing on what those candidates actually do or their voting records. It’s a conversation about the risks of letting emotions drive our choices, which can lead to unfit leaders getting into power. The episode wraps up with a reminder for listeners to dig deeper and really research candidates, encouraging everyone to look beyond the hype and make informed choices.