The Professor Liberty Podcast

Ep #130 The Federal Reserve: Secrets, Power, and the Fate of Your Dollar

In this provocative episode of The Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo, your favorite "undocumented conservative social studies teacher" pulls back the curtain on one of the most mysterious and powerful institutions in America: the Federal Reserve. With his signature mix of humor, skepticism, and historical insight, he traces the Fed’s shadowy origins from the secretive 1910 Jekyll Island meeting to its enormous influence on today’s economy. From inflation to interest rates, from the gold standard to quantitative easing, this episode explores how the Fed shapes the value of your dollar and raises serious constitutional and ethical questions about accountability, transparency, and control. Packed with facts, reflections, and a little bit of Hulkamania, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand how economic power operates behind closed doors—and what reforms might put it back in the hands of the people.

Ep #129 Andrew Jackson: His Troubled Legacy and the Reasons Behind Indian Removal

In this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo dives into the complex and controversial legacy of President Andrew Jackson, focusing on one of the most debated policies of his presidency: the Indian Removal Act. Through historical context and Jackson’s own reasoning, the episode explores how a man once hailed as a champion of the “common man” also presided over one of the darkest chapters in American history—the forced relocation of Native American tribes along the Trail of Tears. Mr. Palumbo examines the political, economic, and cultural motives behind removal, Jackson’s belief that it was a necessary measure to preserve Native lives, and how this moment in history clashes with modern values of diversity and inclusion.

Ep# 128: Locked, Loaded and misunderstood: Explaining the Defense Dilemma

In this episode, Mr. Palumbo breaks down a powerful but often overlooked concept in global politics: the defense dilemma (also known as the security dilemma). It’s a paradox where actions meant to increase a country’s security—like building up military forces—can actually make other nations feel threatened, prompting them to do the same. The result? A dangerous cycle of mistrust and escalation.

Ep# 127 The Ancients: Assyrians History’s "First War Machine"

In this episode of the Professor Liberty podcast, we continue our series on the ancients with a deep dive into the fearsome Assyrian Empire—so brutal, they earned condemnation in the Bible. From their ruthless kings like Sennacherib to their cutting-edge siege warfare and forced population relocations, the Assyrians didn’t just conquer—they terrorized. With fortified capitals like Nineveh and iconic symbols like the lamassu, their legacy shaped empires, warfare, and civilization for generations to come. 

Ep#126 Forged on the Frontier: The Making of Abraham Lincoln

In this episode of The Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo takes listeners on a journey through the early life of Abraham Lincoln, tracing his transformation from a poor frontier boy in Kentucky to a rising political force. Born into hardship, Lincoln’s character was shaped by loss, manual labor, and a relentless hunger for knowledge, which he fed through books like the Bible and Aesop’s Fables. The episode highlights key formative experiences—his exposure to slavery as a child, a life-changing visit to a slave market in New Orleans, and his early political stances opposing slavery’s expansion. Through humor, storytelling, and historical insight, Mr. Palumbo explores how Lincoln’s evolving moral convictions and legal intellect laid the groundwork for his future role as a leader dedicated to justice and unity.

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.