Sheldon Richman Joins Michael Liebowitz for a Candid Discussion on Liberty, Justice, and Political Philosophy
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz sits down with Sheldon Richman for a thoughtful and principled conversation about where their political views converge—and where they part ways.
Sheldon Richman is a lifelong advocate of liberty, reason, and justice. A father and grandfather, he brings both moral seriousness and lived experience to political philosophy. In this discussion, Michael and Sheldon explore foundational questions about individual rights, social cooperation, the role of the state, and the moral assumptions that sit beneath modern political movements.
Rather than trading slogans, the conversation digs into first principles:
What do individuals actually owe one another in a free society?
Where does voluntary cooperation end and coercion begin?
Can liberty be defended consistently without sacrificing moral clarity?
They also examine areas of agreement—such as the rejection of collectivist premises—and areas of tension, particularly around strategy, language, and the practical implications of political theory in a mixed economy.
This episode is a rare example of two serious thinkers engaging honestly, without posturing or tribalism, in pursuit of truth rather than consensus.
About Sheldon Richman
Sheldon Richman is a freelance editor, author, and long-time writer on liberty and political philosophy. He is the author of What Social Animals Owe to Each Other and Coming to Palestine, and a consistent voice for individual rights, peace, and voluntary social order. He is also, by his own description, a lover of liberty, justice, reason—and pipe tobacco.
About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist
Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.
His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.
He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:
Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crime
https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X
View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty
https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj
About Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist
Xenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, responsible for overseeing the publishing, presentation, and promotion of each episode to ensure a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual rigour.
She is the CEO of Alexa Real Estate, a property manager and entrepreneur, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Ayn Rand Centre Australia, where she contributes to the organisation’s strategic direction and public engagement with ideas centred on reason, individual rights, and human freedom.
Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, creating a forum for thoughtful discussion on philosophy and its application to everyday life, culture, and current issues.
Join Capitalism and Coffee here:
https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/
Follow Xenia’s essays on reason, independence, and purposeful living at her Substack:
https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu
Because freedom is worth thinking about — and talking about.