The world will get smaller. Birth rate have fallen continuously for decades and are predicted to continue to decline. How big of a problem is this? And what is causing men and women across the world to choose smaller families? Join Enoch and Tim as they explore reasons for the decline in fertility and what, if anything, should be done to address the birth dearth. And be sure to listen as Enoch casually shares a personal revelation midway through the episode which surprises Tim to no end.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
Recording Date: 5 September 2024

We cannot help but measure–whether it is what we look at or talk about – we are assessing. But we need to be careful about what we select to measure because it reflects what we value. And as we agree on particular measurements, they quickly influence the very things we value! Join Enoch and Tim as they discuss their favorite measurements and examine how our values are formed by our assessments. We choose better measurements which orient our hearts toward relationships and the good life.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 29 August 2024

Did you know that conditional on giving birth, the probability of having a C-section is 10 times more likely in Mexico than in Sudan? Perhaps more surprising is that people who give birth in our local hospital are more than two times as likely to have a C-section than in the next closest hospital.

Life is inherently risky. Sometimes these risks lead to situations where we need outside help. But what if that outside help is also risky? In this episode Enoch and Tim discuss the interaction of risk aversion, medical intervention, and cultural norms. Listen in and decide for yourself whether you are pro-cedure or anti.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Recording Date: 21 March 2024

Reports of loneliness are soaring in some the most wealthy and peaceful societies in world history. According to a CDC study from 2021, 57 percent of teenage girls “felt persistently sad or hopeless”, an alarming rise from the already high 36 percent of teenage girls who reported hopelessness in 2011. Enoch and Tim discuss the scale of the problem and consider what could possibly be causing so many individuals to feel isolated and alone. But choosing hope is always an option as possible solutions are plentiful for deeply interconnected lives!

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Recording Date: 6 March 2024

What should be the top priorities when designing a country’s education system? There has been a slow movement in school curriculum away from the moral formation of the person and toward job preparedness. Enoch and Tim discuss the challenges of moral instruction under pluralism and ask each other what we most prioritize in the education of our children. Grab your copy of Plato’s Republic and sharpen those No. 2 pencils for the AP Biology exam as we talk about the purpose of education!

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 28 February 2024

Many societies are advancing assisted suicide as a viable option in the arsenal of the healthcare provider. But this breaks from longstanding duties of the physician to not administer poisons as evidenced in the Hippocratic Oath from antiquity. Enoch and Tim discuss the limits of individual autonomy and the morality of assisted suicide in a liberal democratic society. Warning: In this episode, the topic of suicide is discussed

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 21 February 2024

Who determines what land can be owned and the rules of ownership? From the freedom to roam in Scotland to communal decisions in Oaxaca to racial restrictions in American Samoa, the rules of private property are as diverse as the nations. Enoch and Tim discuss these differences and talk about some of the benefits and challenges of private property rights. But first, some trivia!

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 15 February 2024

Who would want to grant a legal monopoly to an individual or even a corporation? While we want to encourage research and development, creativity, and taking risks, we also love the competition of the marketplace and the resulting lower prices for our favorite inventions and creations. In this episode, Enoch and Tim discuss intellectual property rights and consider the optimal duration to grant monopolies through patents and copyrights all while having a lot of fun.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 14 February 2024

The academic seas are stormy, and the typical landmarks are in flux. Sometimes the best path forward is to look to the past. Join us as we reflect on the purpose of education and the role of the liberal arts.

Credits:

Intro/Outro music - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠

Post-Production - Michael Morris

Additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠ for their support of our production, Stevener Gaskin, Kimberly Fair and the ICAM Studio.

Initial Record Date: 5/18/2023

The penalties for breaking the law vary dramatically across time and space. In this episode we reflect on why certain patterns might emerge in how crimes are treated with respect to GDP per capita. We also consider the tradeoffs in play for those receiving punishment as well as the broader society.

Credits:

Intro/Outro music - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Post-Production - Michael Morris

Additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for their support of our production, Stevener Gaskin, Kimberly Fair and the ICAM Studio.

Initial Record Date: 5/5/2023

The potential economic gains from migration are enormous. Even the smallest estimates suggest migration has the potential to raise incomes more than 10 fold that of increased openness to trade. Few seem happy with current policies in the US, but what can be done? In this episode we reflect on a bit of the history of migration in the US and discuss Weyl and Posner's proposal from their book, Radical Markets.

Credits:

Intro/Outro music - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Post-Production - Michael Morris

Additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for their support of our production, Stevener Gaskin, Kimberly Fair and the ICAM Studio.

Initial Record Date: 4/18/2023

The United States makes the most prolific use of economic sanctions in global affairs. But are these sanctions even effective? And are the benefits worth the costs? Join Enoch and Tim as they discuss the logic of sanctions and their effectiveness while exploring whether the carrot is more beneficial than the stick. And have some fun while wandering into topics of integrity and the Summer Olympics.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 30 July 2024

AI can emulate many things that humans do. AI can emulate many things humans can't do. AI can emulate many things humans shouldn't do. AI can emulate many things AI shouldn't do. Perhaps emulating human emotions falls into this fourth category. This certainly appears to be the consensus for condolence letters. But are there times where this artificial sincerity is appropriate? Could it ever offer an improvement? And regardless the moral implications, what are the implications? Join us as we explore the topic! Note: this was our first recorded episode (back in March of 2023).

Credits:

Intro/Outro music - ⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠

Post-Production - Michael Morris

Additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠ for their support of our production, Stevener Gaskin, Kimberly Fair and the ICAM Studio.

Initial Record Date: 3/14/2023

We generally think of scarcity in a negative light, but what would life look like if things weren't scarce? Could their be hidden mercies embedded in this concept. We invite you to share some of your scarce time and attention to reflect with us.

(Link to Referenced Article on Scarcity)

Credits:

Intro/Outro music - ⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠

Post-Production - Michael Morris

Additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠ for their support of our production, Stevener Gaskin, Kimberly Fair and the ICAM Studio.

Initial Record Date: 4/6/2023

What are the moral implications of prices? Is there such a thing as a "Just Price?" Under what conditions are prices unjust? Let's talk about arbitrarily giving money to random friends (or strangers), price gouging, and the effects of the prices on your soul.

Credits:

Intro/Outro music - ⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠

Post-Production - Michael Morris

Additional thanks to the ⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠ for their support of our production, Stevener Gaskin, Kimberly Fair and the ICAM Studio.

Initial Record Date: 10/2/2023

If knowledge is power and ignorance is bliss, where does that leave us?

Sometimes it might be better to just not know. But... if you want to know, Enoch Hill and Tim Taylor discuss in this week's Choosing Better Podcast.

Credits:

Intro/Outro music - ⁠Drew Elliot⁠

Post-Production - Michael Morris

Additional thanks to the ⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠ for their support of our production, Stevener Gaskin, Kimberly Fair and the ICAM Studio.

Initial Record Date: 10/2/2023

In a (somewhat) recent article, Ben Peterson suggests that

1. Order is necessary for a flourishing society.
2. Order is generally achieved through informal norms or through formal law and enforcement.
3. In the US, norms previously provided order, this transitioned to law and enforcement, but now we are shifting away from formal enforcement without the informal norms.

In this episode of Choosing Better, we explore the roles of shame and honor in society, discuss how these might best be implemented, and in what contexts they may be desirable or not.

Credits:

Intro/Outro music - Drew Elliot

Post-Production - Michael Morris

Thanks to the Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics

Initial Record Date: 4/11/2023

Better to be a realist or an idealist? Economists and political scientists often stress a view of how the world is rather than what it ought to be. But how should we as individuals view our world and the people inhabiting it? Enoch and Tim discuss the merits of both perspectives as they think through when we should choose to be realists and when is it better to be idealists.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 17 June 2024

What is the best way to craft a welfare system which best maximizing the flourishing of citizens? Tim and Enoch discuss the nature of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a replacement to existing welfare programs and review findings on the effectiveness of UBI. As usual, the discussion goes beyond economics and politics as they discuss why lower income populations have worse outcomes such as life expectancy and whether adding money will meaningfully address the problem. They end while reflecting on the very goal of welfare systems and whether countries ever take the time to consider what it means to flourish.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 23 July 2024

Richard Hughes Gibson, a Professor of English at Wheaton College, joins Enoch and Tim to discuss the history and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society. How is AI distinct from other technological advances and how will it shape the course of history? Professor Gibson has written extensively on the topic and shares his insights as well as assuages fears for an imminent apocalypse.

If you want to read Dr. Gibson on the intellectual origins of today’s text generators, try his article “Language Machinery” that ran in Hedgehog Review last fall (not currently paywalled):

https://hedgehogreview.com/issues/markets-and-the-good/articles/language-machinery

Gibson’s shorter essay on “The New Verbal Economy” is also available on the Hedgehog website:

https://hedgehogreview.com/web-features/thr/posts/the-new-verbal-economy

If you are looking for an accessible introduction to the history of AI research and development, get a copy of Michael Wooldridge’s _A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence_(2021). It was published before the public debut of ChatGPT, so it is already(!) a little bit out of date. But Wooldridge tells the back story of AI exceptionally well, and he *does* include a great chapter on deep learning and the company DeepMind toward the end that is very helpful for understanding current state of machine learning.

If you want an accessible introduction to the breakthrough behind today’s writing machines, so-called “large language models,” try Cal Newport’s article for The New Yorker “What Kind of Mind Does ChatGPT Have?”.

https://www.newyorker.com/science/annals-of-artificial-intelligence/what-kind-of-mind-does-chatgpt-have

Some tech writers for The New York Times built an imitation of ChatGPT, called BabyGPT, that offers an illuminating window into how the “prediction engines” inside these bots improve by testing themselves in training. You need to get over the paywall here; but it’s worth the effort.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/04/26/upshot/gpt-from-scratch.html

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 19 September 2024

If people seek likeminded groups to avoid conflict, is our very anxiety toward disagreement fueling polarization? Having recently read The Anxious Generation (Jonathan Haidt), Enoch runs a new hypothesis by Tim about anxiety as a cause of polarization. They discuss the nature of polarization and whether young people are more polarized than older generations. Some theories are meant to fly while other fall short. Join the fun to learn if Enoch’s ideas fly too close to the sun.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
Recording Date: 12 June 2024

Civilizations across history have had an aristocracy to govern politics and culture. The advent of democracy levelled society and made us all equals, but can we ever truly rid ourselves of a ruling class which dictate trends and values? Join Enoch and Tim as they discuss the benefits and harms of an aristocracy and what is lost when we free ourselves from the ruling class.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 23 May 2024

How far should we go when we plan our families and what should guide us when we consider fertility? Bioethicist Dr. Calum MacKellar joins Tim in conversation on the equality of all life and the growing challenges of eugenics as parents select which children to welcome into their families and which to turn away. What may have looked like the horrors of the 20th Century are making a resurgence in many western societies.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 1 May 2024

Free speech is a bedrock of American democratic society and oftentimes protected above other rights. However, many who consider some rhetoric as harmful and potentially violent have called for certain limits to free expression such as Scotland’s hate crime law (entered into force April 1, 2024). Enoch and Tim freely express themselves on the benefits and challenges of free speech toward a flourishing society.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 15 April 2024

The war on uncut lawns and drabby clothes lines is being waged across great cities and small towns alike! But is it reasonable to place limits on how one can use their own property when they live in neighborhoods where any one person’s actions affect their neighbors? Join Enoch and Tim as they discuss the purpose and use of zoning regulations and how these rules impact the private spaces of our homes. Their commitments to individual liberties are stressed as they consider when, if ever, constraints are beneficial for cities and the flourishing of living in community.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 3 October 2024

When couples struggle with infertility and want their own baby, should they turn to the marketplace? Advances in modern medicine provide an array of options to individuals and couples, but should we be concerned when we put a price on fertility and childbirth? Join Enoch and Tim as they discuss the complexity of the modern global market for sperm, eggs, embryos, and surrogacy. They grapple with their commitments to individual free choice and what may be lost when we buy and sell the very components of human life.

Warning: This episode may not be appropriate for younger ages.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Recording Date: 12 September 2024

What are the greatest inventions in history and how should we think about gains for human wellbeing? Join Enoch and Tim alongside special guest Dr. Jason Long, an economic historian at Wheaton College, as they discuss the greatest moments for growth and standards of living in economic history. In this episode, we explore key technologies and inventions that have fundamentally improved human lives and made daily existence healthier, safer, and more connected. The conversation concludes with a look at future innovations and how they might continue the legacy of these “greatest hits”.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Recording Date: 13 November 2024

In this episode Enoch and Tim invite special guest and beloved colleague Denise Daniels to join them in reflecting on the question of, "What makes a good college?" Specifically, they discuss what they valued from their undergraduate experiences, what professional college ranking websites consider, and what they desire(d) regarding college selection for their children. Along the way, we hear about both Denise and Tim's college pranks and how Tim's punishment led to his favorite part of his undergraduate experience.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 16 January, 2025

Inside everybody's head is a large set of things they know. We're made out of a whole bunch of tiny little atoms, the earth revolves around the sun, if I sneeze on someone they might get sick, the sun is really, really hot, we will (not) exist after death, vaccines (do not) work.

Most of this knowledge wasn't obtained through your own observations. But how can I tell from personal experience that the earth is not flat? We all would have likely believed something very different had we been born a couple centuries earlier. Given I am unlikely to unlikely to ever verify the temperature of the sun. So, how do you know what you know?

Editorial note:Tim accidentally misspoke and the former NBA basketball player is Rick Barry. And his 90% free throw shooting was the best in the NBA at the time of his retirement in 1980.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 12 December 2024

Most of us would agree that the art of disagreeing well is a dying one. In this episode Enoch and Tim discuss what it means to effectively navigate different perspectives. In the process, they discover that, in the quest to disagree better, the stakes are far greater than they expected.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 24 October 2024

Will imposing tariffs, a tax on imports, benefit the economy? World history is rife with suspicion of international trade, but barriers to trade fell after World War II so that global markets have been fairly open throughout our lifetimes. As voters and politicians view trade with pessimism, Enoch and Tim discuss the nature and use of tariffs. How “America First” is blocking imports from our neighbors and who benefits (or loses) from international trade? Stories are told and theories are explained to help us all choose better. Reference: Frédéric Bastiat, The Candlemakers’ Petition.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Recording Date: 5 December 2024

In a world where even waving a flag feels like picking a fight, what does it really mean to belong to a nation? Is nationalism a unifying force or a political powder keg? Come join Dr. Taylor and Dr. Hill in their first ever live recording as they try to untangle the good, the bad, and the downright weird of national identity—when it inspires, when it divides, and when it just gets awkward. Enoch and Tim record their first podcast with a live audience at Wheaton College!

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
Recording Date: 20 March 2025

On April 2nd, 2025, President Donald Trump announced the most expansive set of tariffs (taxes on imports) in modern history with the United States setting a baseline tariff rate of 10% on over 180 countries. And further tariffs will be added to particular countries including China, Japan, Taiwan, and the European Union. Rarely does a global event intersect so closely with the academic work of both Enoch and Tim, so they too are stepping into unprecedented terrain in recording a bonus episode on a current event in political economy. They discuss what the tariffs will do, motivations for comprehensive tax on nearly all imports, and how we can choose better in a world with less free trade.

Errata: In the episode, I (Enoch) attempted a back of the envelope calculation of the magnitude of the tariff. I estimated 2-5% increase in costs using (10-54% tariff range on imports which are about 20% of the magnitude of US GDP). This may be in the ballpark of the increase in prices (likely an overestimate), but it is a big overestimate on the hit to GDP since this the tariffs are largely a transfer to government revenue (taxes on imports). There is a deadweight loss to the economy (transition to less-efficient production, some consumers no longer can afford specific goods), but this is going to be significantly smaller than the 2-5% number.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
Recording Date: 3 April 2025

Is one being generous if they enjoy the very act of giving? Or is giving only a virtue if it hurts in some way? Join Enoch and Tim as they discuss the pleasure in generosity and why we may want to cultivate in ourselves, and others, the “warm glow” that comes from altruism. They tell stories and question whether we should consider efficiencies and effectiveness in our giving.  

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Recording Date: 23 January 2025

Inequality is generally presented as a major problem to be corrected. It has become such a talking point that many people even conflate inequality with poverty. But should we truly seek a society of equality where everyone is given the same number of resources… does the same go for compliments? Join Enoch and Tim as they discuss what may be lost when equality becomes the driving force of a workplace or community.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Join Tim and Enoch as they sit down with former CIA executive, Tim Buch — an insider who’s briefed four U.S. presidents and ran the Near East and South Asia office — for an exclusive look at the past, present, and future of India and Pakistan. From recent tensions to the deep-rooted history of the subcontinent, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 13 May 2025

How do we know the difference between right and wrong? Laws often legislate morality, but we cannot necessarily use laws to inform our knowledge and behaviors on good versus evil. Join Enoch and Tim as they discuss laws and morality as a means to guide our behaviors. They consider when laws should enforce morality for all and how we should live in a diverse pluralistic society where we do not necessarily agree.

Note: A previous episode, Just Price or Just a Price? is referenced in the conversation.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 6 March 2025

Fact: Married adults tend to live longer than their non-married counterparts. They also tend to make more money, have lower suicide risk, work more stable jobs, and are evenmore likely to avoid incarceration. But these differences are most seen among men! Women tend to have similar outcomes regardless of their marital status while men seem to differ quite a bit. Enoch and Tim discuss these differences and then ask if marriage makes better men or if better men tend to get married. The conversation is fun and takes a unique look at the role of marriage in society.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Recording Date: 10 April 2025

In this thoughtful and humorous episode, Enoch and Tim explore how having more choices can sometimes change not just what we pick—but how we feel about what we pick. The presence of certain choices—especially morally charged ones—can alter how we evaluate other options and even diminish our satisfaction with them.

Referenced Article by Scott Alexander

https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/more-drowning-children

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 24 April 2025

On June 21, 2025, the U.S. launched direct airstrikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities—marking a dramatic escalation in its military posture and aligning with Israel in a deepening regional conflict. In this bonus episode of Choosing Better, Enoch and Tim break down what led to this moment, the international reactions, and what it signals for the future. They also dive into the broader history of U.S. military interventions: How often has America formally declared war? Which president used military force against more countries… Bush, Obama, Biden, or Trump? Find out on this timely bonus episode of Choosing Better.Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 25 June, 2025

Unemployment…presidential elections may be won or lost, stock markets rise or tumble, and our very optimism or pessimism is strongly attached to this one measurement. But how is unemployment measured and what exactly does it entail? Join Enoch and Tim on their first learning primer as they explain unemployment, labor force participation, and how it impacts the economy and even our identities. This is your chance to learn about unemployment and explore how different countries view unemployment and how policy is attached to the measurement. Later episodes will build upon this learning primer to explore topics of work and society. Tim and Enoch refer to past episodes including The Upside of Unequal and Birth Dearth.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additionalthanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Recording Date: 29 April 2025

In a dramatic late-night session, Congress passed the sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. The legislation squeaked through the Senate in a 50-50 tie, broken by Vice President Vance, and passed the House by just four votes (218-214). But what exactly is in this massive bill—and why has it sparked such fierce debate? Enoch and Tim break down the key provisions, discuss why the bill is so controversial, and react calmly as they compare this bill to other hallmark deficit bills across modern presidential administrations

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 14 July 2025

Is AI coming for your job? In this episode, Enoch and Tim dive into centuries of techno-panic, from the Luddites and the ATM to ChatGPT and spreadsheet nostalgia. Is a world without work a dystopian nightmare or an opportunity to rethink purpose, productivity, and... pneumatic tubes? Join us as we laugh, learn, and maybe panic a little about the future of labor.

Link to referenced episode with Jason Long

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 7 May 2025

What do journalists and CIA analysts have in common? To be effective and trusted, both must present detailed information from a neutral perspective. But what happens when professionals in these fields feel an issue is important enough to cross the line into advocacy? Join Tim and Enoch as they sit down once again with former CIA executive Tim Buch to unpack the critical distinction between sharing information and pushing an agenda. In this timely conversation, they explore why neutrality matters, what’s lost when it's abandoned, and how to recognize bias—even in places where objectivity is expected.

Reference to previous episode with Jason Long on "History's Greatest Hits".

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics.

Recording Date: 13 May 2025

After years of slow decline, belief is growing. Not just in the US but across cultures and continents. In this episode, Enoch and Tim dive into surprising data about Christianity's recent rise, the return of young men to church, the increased attention from academics and influencers, and the influence of Christian underpinnings for society more broadly.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 1 July 2025

Are boys and men falling behind? Enoch and Tim unpack the widening gap between men and women in education, leadership, volunteerism, and broader civic life. They spotlight striking statistics—like how university enrollment now stands at 59% female and only 41% male—and explore what this shift means for the future of families, communities, and society. The conversation traces how public attention has only recently turned to this issue and considers the long-term consequences of a generation of men growing up feeling undervalued, underperforming, and unseen. What happens to a society when half its young people believe the system isn’t built for them?

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 28 August, 2025

Why does it matter if inflation, unemployment, or GDP numbers get nudged to “look better” than they are? Enoch and Tim explore why keeping politics out of economic data is critical for good policy and stability. They discuss the recent dismissal of the BLS commissioner, walk through how data is collected, why it might be trusted and the lessons that can be drawn from case studies of Argentina, Mexico, and Greece.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: August 8, 2025

We all long for meaningful belonging—a place where we’re seen, accepted, and part of something greater than ourselves. But true belonging often comes at a cost. In this episode, Enoch and Tim explore why shared beliefs and behaviors—especially the difficult ones—are essential to forming lasting, purpose-driven communities. Building on their previous episode about the global rise of Christianity and renewed interest in faith, they dive into howcommitment, conformity, and even sacrifice shape religious identity. With personal stories, humor, and honest reflection, they unpack why even non-religious groups rely on behavioral boundaries to foster deep connection. Along the way, they reference the New York Times’ Believing project.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 14 July 2025

In this bonus episode of Choosing Better, Enoch and Tim dig deep into the sweeping changes to the U.S. H-1B visa system following the shock announcement of a $100,000 application fee. They break down the policy’s potential upsides and downsides, discuss its implications, and explore what it might mean for the future of American immigration. The U.S. immigration system is overviewed and some shocking trivia is revealed.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 25 September, 2025

Is ownership a natural right, a social contract, or just God’s loan? Join Tim and Enoch for a mix of humor, history, and hard questions.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 4 September, 2025