The Professor Liberty Podcast

Ep# 132 The Indispensable Man: George Washington

In this powerful episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo explores why George Washington was, as historian James Thomas Flexner called him, “The Indispensable Man” in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. With a mix of humor, reverence, and historical insight, the episode traces Washington’s critical role from his reluctant acceptance of military leadership in 1775, through the brutal years of the Revolutionary War, to his unprecedented decision to surrender power after victory. Mr. Palumbo highlights how Washington’s leadership was defined not by tactical brilliance, but by unwavering character, humility, and a deep commitment to republican values.

Ep#131 Free Speech on Trial: The Charlie Legacy You Need to Know

In this episode, A Tribute to Charlie and Free Speech, we explore the powerful origins, philosophical foundations, and modern-day challenges surrounding one of humanity’s most essential liberties. From Voltaire’s Enlightenment ideals and the bold defiance of American colonists to the work of the late Charlie Kirk on college campuses, Mr. Palumbo traces how free speech became the cornerstone of democratic self-governance and individual conscience. We examine the First Amendment’s intellectual roots in the writings of Jefferson and Madison, the warnings from Washington and Franklin, and how freedom of expression serves both as a safeguard against tyranny and a path to personal growth. The episode also critiques the erosion of speech freedoms today highlighting overreach in British internet laws and the ideological conformity on modern university campuses, the very hostile places where Charlie Kirk bravely attempted to debate opponents and change hearts and minds.  

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.