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Freed Up

Freed Up is a break from the joyless churn of doomscrolling—a lighthearted libertarian podcast from Reason for people who still like to laugh. Each week, cohosts Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi riff on whatever made them laugh, cringe, or roll their eyes, from politics and media freakouts to pop culture and internet absurdities. They roast politicians, mock each other, and occasionally stumble into real debates about the issues that actually matter—like why your favorite Star Wars show is bad, whether the Holy Roman Empire gets an unfair rap, and how everything somehow became political. Freed Up is smart, unserious, and happily unhinged.

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Thursday · 1 hr 14 min
Feeding Chameleons, Lesbian Bars, and Fight Club
This week on Freed Up, Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi break down former Rep. Mary Peltola's (D–Alaska) latest scandal, the bizarre COVID-conscious lesbian bar story, and the week's biggest culture war debates—from libertarianism and race-conscious admissions to school choice, cult classic movies, and America's prison system. 0:00—Would you feed your boss's chameleon? 11:51—The viral COVID-conscious lesbian bar 20:05—The death of libertarianism? 31:36—Anti-white racism in medical school admissions 35:12—Nikole Hannah-Jones missed the whole point of school choice 42:40—Does Fight Club stand the test of time? 58:00—The Matrix 1:07:40—The history of U.S. prisons The post Feeding Chameleons, Lesbian Bars, and Fight Club appeared first on Reason Magazine.
September 18 · 1 hr 22 min
Is Effective Altruism Really a Doom Cult?
This week on Freed Up, Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi have a lot to say about effective altruists who think we are all doomed. They also make the case for Sydney Sweeney fandom, dig into the Texas football photo that set off fights on the right, and explain why Claire Valdez managed to make them mad too. Later, they react to Hasan Piker's comments on al-Qaeda. Christian closes things out by returning once again to Frasier and The Office. 0:00—We have a lot to say about effective altruism 32:55— We are Sydney Sweeney fans 37:10— The football photo that launched a thousand fights on the right 52:24— Claire Valdez makes us mad too (plus Robby's bane impression of the week) 1:00:30— Hasan Piker's comments on al-Qaeda 1:07:43— Christian's watching Frasier again The post Is Effective Altruism Really a Doom Cult? appeared first on Reason Magazine.
September 10 · 1 hr 29 min
Trump's Bribe, AI Doom Psyop, and the Rapture
Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi kick things off with President Donald Trump's way-too-long Republican midterm convention speech before debating whether stay-at-home moms should get paid to stay home. Then, Robby picks a fight with car insurance; the guys ask whether AI is going to kill us all, and they reflect on where they were on September 11, 2001. They end the show by getting excited about the remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and revisit Jennifer Lawrence's character in No Hard Feelings. Finally, they close with a Rapture-themed detour through The Leftovers. 0:00—Trump's speech could have been an email. 11:15—Should moms be paid to stay at home? 25:43—Robby starts beef with car insurance. 33:28—Is AI going to kill us all? 54:32—Where were Robby and Christian on 9/11? 1:08:51—The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake 1:16:55—No Hard Feelings 1:22:18—The Rapture and The Leftovers The post Trump's Bribe, AI Doom Psyop, and the Rapture appeared first on Reason Magazine.
September 3 · 1 hr 17 min
Lindsay Clancy, Heehaw the Donkey, and New Magneto Origins
This week on Freed Up, Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi kick things off with the latest in the Lindsay Clancy trial and where the jury stands. Then we dig into a Virginia case involving a mom who received a six-month suspended jail sentence after letting her 5-year-old walk to a nearby pond. We also say goodbye to Heehaw the donkey, talk about President Donald Trump's rallying cry to "let data reign," and come up with some better origin stories for Magneto. Later, we talk about Milo Yiannopoulos getting deported and wrap up with a bigger question facing schools and families: Should students be allowed to use AI? 0:00—Lindsay Clancy jury can't decide. 11:01—Virginia mom's suspended jail sentence 19:38—RIP Heehaw the donkey. 27:10—"Let data reign." 34:42—Better origin stories for Magneto 43:12—Milo got deported. 52:06—Tom Hardy rap album 1:01:41—Should students be able to use AI? The post Lindsay Clancy, Heehaw the Donkey, and New Magneto Origins appeared first on Reason Magazine.
August 27 · 1 hr 13 min
Gavin Newsom Admits He Might Keep Tariffs?
This week on Freed Up, Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi regrettably cover California Gov. Gavin Newsom's surprising economic instincts and the latest moral panics over data centers, kids on social media, video games, and online harm. Then Robby talks about his scooter accident. Later, they remember Dolly Parton as one of the rare American heroes almost everyone liked, and they celebrate the great Tim Curry by talking about his unforgettable movies. Plus: AI-generated articles in The Wall Street Journal, the end of summer, and the national debt hitting $40 trillion. 0:00—Newsom apparently likes tariffs? 4:20—Which moral panic is worse: data centers or children on social media? 17:57—Robby got in a scooter accident. 24:03—How do social media companies measure harm? 31:33—Are young men playing too many video games? 43:12—Parton was one of the few American heroes whom everyone liked. 45:44—So much love for Curry and all of his movies. 51:01—Karen Attiah got re-hired by The Washington Post. 55:05— AI is writing articles in The Wall Street Journal. 1:07:28—Robby is going to miss summer, and the national debt hit $40 trillion! The post Gavin Newsom Admits He Might Keep Tariffs? appeared first on Reason Magazine.
August 20 · 1 hr 25 min
Jason Arday's Downfall, Lindsay Clancy Case, and the Surveillance State
Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi kick off the episode by arguing against new proposed restrictions on the press in the wake of Jason Arday's death before turning to the Lindsay Clancy trial, the war on drugs, and the strange saga of "Pablo Pledgescobar." They also discuss the glory of My Chemical Romance and punk rock, why war is bad, and their concerns about Flock cameras. The episode closes with detours into 28 Days Later, the collapse of dating, and the shocking fact that some listeners may actually make it all the way to the end of the episode. 0:00—We do not need more restrictions on the press. 16:30—Lindsay Clancy trial 24:56—"Pablo Pledgescobar" and the war on drugs 34:35—My Chemical Romance concert was epic, and we miss punk rock. 45:00—"Freedom ain't free," and war is bad. 52:11—Christian defends data centers again. 59:12—We have some problems with Flock. 1:07:34—28 Days Later 1:13:12—Nobody is dating anymore. 1:22:02—If you made it this far, we are actually surprised. The post Jason Arday's Downfall, Lindsay Clancy Case, and the Surveillance State appeared first on Reason Magazine.
August 13 · 1 hr 20 min
Woke 1.0, House of the Dragon, and the Absurd Politics of Surveillance
Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi start off by talking about the craziness of Woke 1.0, which they may never get over. Then they remind all of their viewers that the Fourth Amendment exists in America for a reason, even though Flock cameras like to skirt around those rules. Finally, they end the show by discussing the third season finale of House of the Dragon, with a fun sidebar about magic. 0:00—Are New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's chickens coming home to roost? 10:23—Flock cameras are doing warrantless mass surveillance. 29:11—Karoline Leavitt leaves her post as press secretary. 40:23—House of the Dragon Season 3 finale 49:51—Avatar the Last Airbender sequel 54:52—Our favorite (and most ridiculous) times from Woke 1.0 1:07:54—Who would be a better dictator? The post Woke 1.0, House of the Dragon, and the Absurd Politics of Surveillance appeared first on Reason Magazine.
August 6 · 1 hr 24 min
Francesca Hong's Hateful Holidays, Burrito Prices, and Woke 1.0
Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi survey the latest fights inside American politics and culture, from Francesca Hong's war on holidays to the Midwest's emergence as a hub for democratic socialism. They argue that the war on "woke" has largely been won, while figures like Hasan Piker and Tucker Carlson continue attempting to scramble the political landscape. The episode also detours into burrito discourse, young men's grievances, race relations in Western civilization, and the ethics of euthanasia. Finally, Christian offers his thoughts on The Staircase. 0:00—Hong's war on holidays 1:37—Robby's first Bane impression in weeks 6:00—The Midwest is becoming the breeding ground for democratic socialists. 11:03—We won the war on "woke." 16:34—Piker is a liability, even for Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan 25:02—Tucker Carlson wants to create another third political party 30:34—The burrito discourse is crazy 44:06—Young men are systemically oppressed? 50:10—Race relations in Western civilization 1:03:40—Debate over euthanasia 1:14:15—Christian watched The Staircase The post Francesca Hong's Hateful Holidays, Burrito Prices, and Woke 1.0 appeared first on Reason Magazine.
July 30 · 1 hr 22 min
Fauci Pleads the Fifth, Pluribus, Ross Douthat's New CBS Gig
Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi revisit the COVID-19 era through the lens of then-White House coronavirus adviser Anthony Fauci's newly released diary and testimony before Congress. They debate what the diary reveals about gain-of-function research, lockdowns, and the origins of the virus. They argue that Fauci's private perspective makes the pandemic response look even more disturbing in hindsight. Then the episode turns to lighter—but still heated—culture war territory, including Ayn Rand's treatment in J.D. Vance's new book and Ross Douthat's move from The New York Times to 60 Minutes. 0:00—We will never forgive Fauci. 8:17—Did Fauci lie to Congress about gain-of-function research? 19:08—Fauci's diary reveals how he controlled lockdowns. 29:47—Reliving COVID-19 through Fauci's perspective feels like a horror novel. 35:13—Pluribus was a lab leak! 52:33—Rand, our hero, is misrepresented in Vance's new book. 1:12:04—Douthat leaves The New York Times for 60 Minutes. 1:15:56—Robby's data center debate The post Fauci Pleads the Fifth, Pluribus, Ross Douthat's New CBS Gig appeared first on Reason Magazine.
July 23 · 1 hr 8 min
Debate: Did Wokeness Actually Ruin The Odyssey?
This week on Freed Up, the conversation starts with Robby and Christian's reviews of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, including why Agamemnon stands out and whether Robby may finally be wrong about a movie. The hosts also dig into the parts of The Odyssey that felt perhaps too modern. Then they pivot to Nolan's action scenes and why they sometimes fall short. Later, they discuss Citizen Vigilante, the New York City mayor's comments about arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Democratic Socialists of America's increasing embrace of communist ideas. The episode closes with a broader debate over why socialism has failed historically and what Michigan Democrats seem to be getting wrong. 0:00—The Odyssey reviews are in! 4:40—Agamemnon is so cool. 10:35—Is Robby wrong for the first time? 19:03—The modern parts of The Odyssey 27:01—Nolan's action scenes leave something to be desired. 35:10—Citizen Vigilante 42:00—The mayor of NYC is not going to arrest a leader of an allied nation. 48:57—DSA becoming more and more communist by the day 54:10—Socialism has never worked. 1:03:50—The Democrats in Michigan are confused. The post Debate: Did Wokeness Actually Ruin The Odyssey? appeared first on Reason Magazine.
July 17 · 1 hr 18 min
Vance Exposing Epstein's Intelligence Links on Rogan? Not Quite.
In this episode, Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi discuss Donald Trump's pointless primetime speech, then turn to J.D. Vance and Joe Rogan's continued fixation on Jeffrey Epstein. The hosts also talk about wildfire smoke from Canada reaching Washington, D.C., before they debate the worst person to ever get canceled. Later, they examine Lindsey Graham's foreign policy legacy, interest-group opposition to data centers, and why no one walks in Las Vegas. 0:00—Donald Trump's pointless primetime speech 8:12—J.D. Vance and Joe Rogan keep talking about Jeffrey Epstein. 12:43—The Canada wildfire smoke reaches D.C. 15:30—It's a crime to be a heterosexual man now. 20:37—Zohran Mamdani explaining the expanded definition of rape 26:38—Who was the worst person to get canceled? 30:15—Lindsey Graham did not have a positive influence on American foreign policy. 46:15—Interest groups are trying to kill data centers. 52:40—No one walks around Las Vegas. 55:12—Airport luggage nightmares 1:00:24—Robby loves Mega Man X games. 1:10:22—Medical advances have dramatically improved quality of life over time. The post Vance Exposing Epstein's Intelligence Links on Rogan? Not Quite. appeared first on Reason Magazine.
July 8 · 1 hr 18 min
Democratic Establishment Rages at Graham Platner
Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi discuss why Maine Democratic candidate for Senate Graham Platner is refusing to drop out despite attacks from fellow Democrats, then Robby shares a conspiracy theory he actually believes. They look back at how America elected presidents and vice presidents 250 years ago before turning to the renewed war with Iran. Later, they argue that boomers should pay property taxes like everyone else, examine Netflix's struggle to get audiences to return for second seasons, and close with a discussion of '90s fashion. 0:00—Platner will just not drop out 26:15—Robby found a conspiracy theory he believes 37:14—How we elected the president and vice president 250 years ago 43:15—The Iran war is back on 46:50—Boomers should pay property taxes like everyone else 57:50—Netflix can't figure out how to get people to watch second seasons 1:13:15—Seinfeld haircuts and fashion The post Democratic Establishment Rages at Graham Platner appeared first on Reason Magazine.
July 2 · 1 hr 28 min
Zohran Mamdani Goes Full Commie on Air Conditioning
Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi discuss New York Gov. Zohran Mamdani's proposal to ease pressure on the power grid by having New Yorkers sweat it out at home, then dive into the latest debate over the Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship. They also cover War and Peace meeting 30 Rock, revisit the best TV comedies of the 2010s, and react to Matthew Yglesias' concerns about the national debt. Later, they unpack Vice President J.D. Vance's attack on Milton Friedman–style economics and debate why House of the Dragon keeps drifting from its source material. 0:00—Mamdani wants you to sweat at home because of the power grid. 7:53—Robby and Christian have many thoughts about birthright citizenship. 32:53—War and Peace meets 30 Rock. 40:30—The TV comedies of the 2010s 57:59—Matthew Yglesias complains about the debt. 1:12:23—Vance wants to "overthrow" Friedman philosophy. 1:19:56—House of the Dragon doesn't follow the source material. The post Zohran Mamdani Goes Full Commie on Air Conditioning appeared first on Reason Magazine.
June 24 · 1 hr 6 min
Mamdani's Socialists Conquer New York City
In this episode of Freed Up, Robby Soave and Jason Russell discuss New York City's election of young radical socialists and what it reveals about the left's growing internal divide. They also react to World Cup visitors embracing American culture. Later, Robby reflects on his recent trip to Ukraine, sharing observations from the war-torn country and what he learned on the ground. The conversation closes with a pop culture discussion about why PLUR1BUS is worth watching and the return of House of the Dragon. 0:00—NYC elected young radical socialists. 10:02—Robby's 1,007th Bane impression 11:10—The left fights with the left 14:05—The World Cup loves America! 19:23—Robby's trip to Ukraine 45:33—PLUR1BUS is a great show. 51:55—House of the Dragon is back! The post Mamdani's Socialists Conquer New York City appeared first on Reason Magazine.
June 10 · 1 hr 11 min
Graham Platner Wins, Backrooms, and Church and State
Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi start this episode of Freed Up with how Democrats plan to stand by Graham Platner in Maine no matter what. The conversation then moves from politics and mail-in ballots to cultural complaints, consciousness, internet horror, and generational grumbling. It then turns to movies and franchises, including Sorcerer, Star Wars, and the new Wuthering Heights. Later, they discuss Mormons vs. the Department of War and the inequalities we all face. 0:00—Democrats don't care that Graham Platner may be a bad person 12:30—Mailing ballots to everyone is a dumb idea 18:07—Why do people talk like that? 21:42—Can we define consciousness? 23:26— Backrooms was great 27:20—Kids these days 31:38—The Sorcerer 33:54—They ruined Star Wars 41:15—The Department of War starts a war with the Mormons 50:15—The inequality of religious rights 58:57—The new Wuthering Heights movie is not good 1:06:30—Robby is going to Ukraine! The post Graham Platner Wins, Backrooms, and Church and State appeared first on Reason Magazine.
June 4 · 1 hr 30 min
California Elections, Graham Platner, Recalling COVID Insanity
Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi kick off this week's episode of Freed Up with a look at California's socialist elections and Los Angeles' worsening homelessness problem. Then, they discuss why socialism keeps failing, Sen. Ted Cruz's (R–Texas) claim that he is "quite libertarian," and the U.K.'s decision to ban Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur. Later, they break down Graham Platner's growing list of scandals, debate whether Dracula is really a romance story, and consider when science and religion come into conflict. Finally, they talk about Robby's struggles as a light sleeper, revisit the moment COVID-19 experts betrayed the public's trust, examine how annual homelessness counts are calculated, and close with Robby's memory of former President Barack Obama speaking at his university commencement. 0:00—The socialist elections in California 4:50—The Los Angeles homeless problem and Spencer Pratt 11:22—Socialism is bad. 19:48—Cruz claims he is "quite libertarian." 22:49—Piker and Uygur banned from the U.K. 31:12—Platner has had enough scandals. 38:27—Dracula is a romance story. 41:33—When are science and religion in conflict? 50:03—Robby is a light sleeper. 58:13—This was the moment the COVID-19 experts betrayed us. 1:12:30—How they come up with the annual homelessness numbers 1:24:55—Obama was the speaker at Robby's university commencement. The post California Elections, Graham Platner, Recalling COVID Insanity appeared first on Reason Magazine.
May 29 · 1 hr 25 min
James Talarico vs. Ken Paxton, the Pope on AI, and Caves
Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi discuss the brewing Texas showdown between Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico. Then, they break down Rep. Nancy Mace's (R–S.C.) proposal to give boomers a property tax break and Pope Leo XIV's latest encyclical on artificial intelligence. Finally, they wrap up with some lighter debates over The Legend of Zelda, Nicolas Cage movies, retro-futurism, Jill Biden's latest remarks, and whether President Donald Trump's political influence will ever fade. 0:00—Heretics and hypocrites in Texas 14:30—Talarico takes back his former wokeness 19:10—If you can't take it, don't dish it 32:25—Coal mines are cool? 34:00—Mace's boomer luxury communism 39:20—The pope's views on AI 47:40—Why does anyone play video games? 58:59—Nicolas Cage is a good actor 1:05:57—Retro-futurism 1:10:26—Jill Biden's latest remarks 1:18:36—Will Trump's influence ever fade? The post James Talarico vs. Ken Paxton, the Pope on AI, and Caves appeared first on Reason Magazine.
May 21 · 1 hr 23 min
Thomas Massie Falls, 'Samurai vs. Squatters,' Jeff Bezos
Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi discuss Republican Rep. Thomas Massie's primary defeat in Kentucky and how his refusal to be a Trump yes-man cost him his seat in Congress. Then, they break down why Jeff Bezos is going viral after floating a proposal to eliminate income taxes for the bottom 50 percent of earners. Finally, they dissect Christian's reporting trip to California for his feature article, "Samurai vs. Squatters: On the Street With the Hired Swords Reclaiming California Property Owners' Stolen Homes." 0:00—Tough loss for Massie 18:25—Bezos made some claims about taxes. 28:40—"Teen takeovers" in Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. 37:06—The anti-data center people are giving Robby an aneurysm. 50:37—"Samurai vs. Squatters" 1:00:38—The Boys' new season is bad. 1:11:00—Euphoria is the hot people show. 1:17:18—Robby loves complicated board games. The post Thomas Massie Falls, 'Samurai vs. Squatters,' Jeff Bezos appeared first on Reason Magazine.
May 15 · 1 hr 27 min
CIA Whistleblower Reveals COVID Lab Leak Cover-Up
Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi dive right in to the latest news: A CIA whistleblower is alleging that his agency revised its assessment of COVID-19's origins under pressure from…Anthony Fauci! Next up, the boys discuss the spread of hantavirus and whether it's OK to quarantine the cruise ship passengers. Then, they talk about a dubious accusation against Rep. Thomas Massie (R–Ky.). Finally, they wrap up by going over their favorite Frances McDormand movies. 0:31—CIA whistleblower exposes Fauci 15:11 —Quarantining hantavirus victims? 23:29—AI data centers debate 38:39—Miso soup and Dracula 48:36—Was Troy good? 55:43—iPads for prisoners? 1:00:26—Thomas Massie smeared 1:07:09—True crime lies The post CIA Whistleblower Reveals COVID Lab Leak Cover-Up appeared first on Reason Magazine.
May 8 · 1 hr 25 min
AOC Hates Billionaires, Heritage Americans, and Ranking Christopher Nolan Movies
Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi cover a wide range of topics, opening with a critique of New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortes' claims about billionaires and wage theft. Then they dig into a philosophical debate over what it means to be American—heritage vs. creedal identity—then turn to a discrimination lawsuit against The New York Times. On the lighter side, the duo reacts to a new trailer for an Odyssey film adaptation and ranks Christopher Nolan's movies. They also weigh in on a bizarre story involving Donald Trump and the National Mall reflecting pool, discuss Jeffrey Epstein's reported suicide note, and close out talking about the Roman Empire. 0:00—AOC bashing billionaires again 11:09—The hantavirus cruise needs to go. 16:18—Heritage Americans vs. creedal Americans 27:51—Discrimination suit against The New York Times 41:17—A new Odyssey trailer is out. 50:40—Ranking Christopher Nolan movies 1:01:23—Donald Trump drove through the reflecting pool? 1:09:24—Epstein's suicide note 1:19:45—Always thinking about the Roman Empire The post AOC Hates Billionaires, Heritage Americans, and Ranking Christopher Nolan Movies appeared first on Reason Magazine.

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