The Secular Foxhole

In our conversation with Mark Shupe, author of "The Moneyball Method: A Middle-Class Manifesto for Objective Investing," we delve into the essential principles of objective investing and the fallacies surrounding traditional financial advice. Shupe elucidates the significance of understanding money, prices, markets, and profits, emphasizing that money should not be demonized but rather respected for its role in facilitating production and value creation. He introduces the concept of "risk capacity," which shifts the focus from conventional notions of risk tolerance to a more personalized assessment of how much one can afford to lose. The discussion further explores the importance of cash flow management and the critical role of time in achieving investment success, challenging the prevailing belief that beating the market is paramount. Ultimately, this episode serves as a clarion call for middle-class investors to adopt a rational, evidence-based approach to investing that prioritizes personal values and long-term goals. Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services: The Moneyball Method: A Middle-Class Manifesto for Objective Investing (book) The Moneyball Method blog on Substack The Moneyball Method on YouTube Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game - Wikipedia Moneyball (film) David Loeper - Wealth Management John Tamny on Twitter (X) Rick Rescorla - Wikipedia Heart of a Soldier - Simon & Schuster Episode 114 (56 minutes) was recorded at 2200 Central European Time, on August 23, 2026, with Alitu's recording feature. Martin did the editing and post-production with the podcast maker, Alitu. The transcript is generated by Captivate Assistant. Easy listen to The Secular Foxhole podcast in your podcast (podcatcher) app of choice, e.g., Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Listen Notes. Even better is to use one of the new podcast apps, on Podcast Index, supporting the Podcasting 2.0 initiative, and Value for Value model, by streaming Satoshis (bits of Bitcoin), and sending a Boostagram (digital telegram with a donation of sats). Check out the Sam Sethi's new service called, TrueFans. Become a fan of our podcast there. Listen to The Secular Foxhole podcast, "and pay the price you want for the value you hear." This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

The pivotal discourse of this podcast episode centers around the moral justification of wealth, particularly in the context of Elon Musk's substantial net worth. We engage in a profound exploration of the notion that productive individuals, such as Musk, who contribute to societal advancement through innovation and economic growth, possess an inherent right to the riches they accrue. Our guest, Brian Simpson, an esteemed economics professor, articulates the necessity to defend the rights of such affluent figures against incessant political and social attacks that seek to undermine their achievements. The conversation further delves into the implications of wealth on societal standards of living, asserting that the prosperity generated by wealthy entrepreneurs ultimately benefits the broader populace. In conclusion, we contemplate the moral implications of wealth creation and the societal attitudes that shape our perceptions of affluence, emphasizing the critical need for a rational discourse on this contentious issue. Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services: A Declaration and Constitution for a Free Society - episode 51, The Secular Foxhole A Conversation with Brian P. Simpson on Why Markets Don't Fail - episode 84, The Secular Foxhole Dr. Brian Simpson - National University Elon Musk has a moral right to his trillion-dollar net worth - The Orange County Register Elon Musk finally launches X Money. What could possibly go wrong? - Ars Technica Brian Simpson on TrueFans.FM Episode 113 (47 minutes) was recorded at 2200 Central European Time, on August 2, 2026, with Alitu's recording feature. Martin did the editing and post-production with the podcast maker, Alitu. The transcript is generated by Captivate Assistant. Easy listen to The Secular Foxhole podcast in your podcast (podcatcher) app of choice, e.g., Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Listen Notes. Even better is to use one of the new podcast apps, on Podcast Index, supporting the Podcasting 2.0 initiative, and Value for Value model, by streaming Satoshis (bits of Bitcoin), and sending a Boostagram (digital telegram with a donation of sats). Check out the Sam Sethi's new service called, TrueFans. Become a fan of our podcast there. Listen to The Secular Foxhole podcast, "and pay the price you want for the value you hear." This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

In this enlightening discussion, we engage once more with the esteemed Kyle Kirschling, who elaborates on his groundbreaking project, Gravitator, which seeks to revolutionize urban mass transit through innovative infrastructure. Kirschling shares his insights on the paramount importance of enhancing speed and efficiency in transportation systems, contending that such advancements can significantly expand opportunities for urban dwellers. He draws upon his extensive experience with the New York City subway and articulates how leveraging gravity can facilitate rapid transit while maintaining passenger comfort. Furthermore, we explore the economic ramifications of such infrastructural developments and the potential for private investment in transportation systems, a topic of considerable significance in contemporary urban planning. Through this discourse, we aim to illuminate the intersection of transportation, infrastructure, and economic viability, providing listeners with a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in urban mobility. Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services: OUR "GROUNDBREAKING" 50TH EPISODE! - The Secular Foxhole podcast 1898 Bird's Eye View of Chicago - Wikimedia Commons Gravitator dot city Gravitator | 2X the Speed, 1/2 the Cost of a Subway | Transit That Pays Making Infrastructure Pay on YouTube Kyle M. Kirschling on LinkedIn Episode 112 (51 minutes) was recorded at 2200 Central European Time, on June 21, 2026, with Alitu's recording feature. Martin did the editing and post-production with the podcast maker, Alitu. The transcript is generated by Captivate Assistant. Easy listen to The Secular Foxhole podcast in your podcast (podcatcher) app of choice, e.g., Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Listen Notes. Even better is to use one of the new podcast apps, on Podcast Index, supporting the Podcasting 2.0 initiative, and Value for Value model, by streaming Satoshis (bits of Bitcoin), and sending a Boostagram (digital telegram with a donation of sats). Check out the Sam Sethi's new service called, TrueFans. Become a fan of our podcast there. Listen to The Secular Foxhole podcast, "and pay the price you want for the value you hear." This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

This podcast episode features a compelling dialogue with the esteemed returning guest, Ray Niles, who elucidates the intricate themes surrounding his recent articles published in his Substack newsletter, "Capital Thoughts." We delve deeply into the nuanced concepts of cronyism and the fallacy of perfect competition, both of which serve as critical analyses of fundamental economic principles. Niles draws a striking analogy between the First Amendment and economic liberty, advocating for a separation of state and economics to mitigate the pervasive issue of cronyism. Additionally, he critiques the traditional economic model of perfect competition, arguing that it overlooks the essential dynamics of market discovery and the role of entrepreneurial innovation. Through this discourse, we aim to foster a richer understanding of these significant economic challenges and their implications for contemporary society. Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services: OUR "GROUNDBREAKING" 50TH EPISODE! - The Secular Foxhole podcast Capital Thoughts by Raymond Niles - Substack How to End Cronyism “Perfect” Competition Is Worse Than Imperfect Raymond Niles dot com Become a fan of The Secular Foxhole podcast on TrueFans.fm Support page for The Secular Foxhole Episode 111 (54 minutes) was recorded at 2000 Central European Time, on May 31, 2026, with Alitu's recording feature. Martin did the editing and post-production with the podcast maker, Alitu. The transcript is generated by Captivate Assistant. Easy listen to The Secular Foxhole podcast in your podcast (podcatcher) app of choice, e.g., Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Listen Notes. Even better is to use one of the new podcast apps, on Podcast Index, supporting the Podcasting 2.0 initiative, and Value for Value model, by streaming Satoshis (bits of Bitcoin), and sending a Boostagram (digital telegram with a donation of sats). Check out the Sam Sethi's new service called, TrueFans. Become a fan of our podcast there. Listen to The Secular Foxhole podcast, "and pay the price you want for the value you hear." This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

In this episode, Dr. James Lennox articulates a compelling narrative surrounding Aristotle's enduring relevance in the philosophy of biology, particularly through the lens of inquiry. He elucidates how Aristotle's erotetic framework—derived from the Greek term for questioning—provides a systematic approach to scientific investigation, positing that the essence of inquiry lies in the critical questioning of phenomena. The conversation traverses Dr. Lennox's academic journey, revealing how his early interests in biology transitioned into a profound engagement with Aristotelian thought, ultimately leading to his latest publication. The discussion critically examines the intersection between Aristotelian principles and contemporary scientific methodologies, advocating for a recognition of the structured inquiry that Aristotle championed. By emphasizing the necessity of both general frameworks and domain-specific norms, Dr. Lennox challenges prevailing notions in the philosophy of science and encourages a reevaluation of how inquiry is conceptualized. This thought-provoking dialogue not only sheds light on Aristotle's methodologies but also inspires a renewed appreciation for the philosophical foundations that underpin modern scientific exploration, making it a significant contribution to ongoing debates in the field. Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services: Aristotle on Inquiry: Erotetic Frameworks and Domain-Specific Norms - Cambridge University Press James Lennox's website Episode 110 (52 minutes) was recorded at 2200 Central European Time, on May 3, 2026, with Alitu's recording feature. Martin did the editing and post-production with the podcast maker, Alitu. The transcript is generated by Captivate Assistant. Easy listen to The Secular Foxhole podcast in your podcast (podcatcher) app of choice, e.g. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Listen Notes. Even better is to use one of the new podcast apps, on Podcast Index, supporting the Podcasting 2.0 initiative, and Value for Value model, by streaming Satoshis (bits of Bitcoin), and sending a Boostagram (digital telegram with a donation of sats). Check out the Sam Sethi's new service called, TrueFans. Become a fan of our podcast there. Listen to The Secular Foxhole podcast, "and pay the price you want for the value you hear." This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy