In this episode, we discuss false scarcity and how fear drives bad economic decisions, comparing self-sufficiency with the global benefits of free trade and the trust that arises from voluntary exchange. We examine the economics of water management, from property rights and groundwater to desalination and market incentives for conservation. We also cover corruption in sports betting, political hypocrisy in market regulation, and the populist rise of figures like Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes. We explore the decline of moderation in American politics, the failures of the two-party system, and what genuine self-government could look like in a more responsible democracy. 00:00 Introduction and Listener Mail 02:56 The Illusion of Scarcity and Economic Fear 04:14 Self-Sufficiency vs. the Benefits of Global Trade 05:11 Trust, Trade, and Peace Between Nations 08:24 Water Rights and the Economics of Groundwater 10:18 Innovation, Desalination, and Market Incentives 13:17 Sports Betting, Corruption, and the UFC Scandal 16:50 The Economics of Insider Trading 19:26 Foolishness of the Week: YouTube TV and Disney 24:05 Tucker Carlson, Nick Fuentes, and Political Extremes 28:21 The Rise of Populism and the Fall of Moderation 34:03 How Social Media Empowers Extremists 45:29 The Need for Statesmanship Over Leadership 51:51 Breaking the Two-Party Grip on Power 54:08 How to Restore Self-Government and Public Trust Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices