204. Defending Property Rights From Government and Big Tech

204. Defending Property Rights From Government and Big Tech

Author: Nick Jamell March 16, 2021 Duration: 1:05:10

In this episode, I talked to Brook Medina from the John Locke Foundation about defending property rights from government and big tech. But, we also discussed capitalism vs. distributism, John Locke, beauty, and much more. We were able to pack a lot of great insights into this hour-long interview. So, listen or watch below. And, if you want to learn more about the John Locke Foundation, check out their work here.

About Brooke and the John Locke Foundation

Brooke Medina is Vice President of Communications for the John Locke Foundation. Brooke also co-hosts HeadLocke and handles all press relationships. She has been published in outlets such as The Hill, Entrepreneur, Washington Examiner, Daily Signal, FEE, and Intellectual Takeout.

"The reason why men enter into society is the preservation of their property."
-John Locke

Defending Property Rights

In my book on this subject, I discuss how innovation can outpace government regulation if done right. But, the world of big tech censorship is another issue. Brooke and I discussed how political activism can help push back against government and the potential solutions for holding big tech accountable. As advocates of the free market, neither of us wants more government regulation. However, we both recognize the problem and see the need for some solution to hold these big tech companies accountable.

Power of Free Markets

We also dove into the debate I've been seeing several places on capitalism vs. distributism. Again, while we don't want government getting into managing the economy, we both are intrigued by the distributists. Neither of us sees how the distributist model can be implemented. However, new trends on remote work and a dispersion of talent could lead to a similar outcome. Instead of government reassigning wealth or jobs, they may be able to stand aside and let the free market decentralize.


Nick Jamell hosts Conversation of Our Generation, a space where urgent contemporary questions meet enduring ideas from history and philosophy. Rather than reacting to the noise of daily headlines, this podcast deliberately steps back to examine the deeper currents shaping our society and culture. Each episode is a long-form dialogue that treats topics like politics, religion, and social change not as fodder for debate, but as puzzles to be understood with patience and intellectual humility. The aim is to move beneath entrenched partisanship and surface-level takes, searching instead for clearer perspectives and foundational truths. What you’ll hear are thoughtful explorations that connect modern dilemmas to the wisdom of ancient and modern thinkers, asking how we might navigate today’s complexities with a more grounded sense of principle. This isn’t about quick answers; it’s about cultivating a more meaningful and less reactive way of engaging with the world. For anyone feeling adrift in a polarized age, this podcast offers a sustained, earnest conversation that values depth over speed, and understanding over winning an argument. Tune in for a respite from the frantic news cycle and a chance to consider what it means to be part of this particular moment in time, armed with the best ideas from across the ages.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Conversation of Our Generation
Podcast Episodes
199. Time to Fight | Lord of the Rings The Two Towers Book Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:04
There comes a time when you have to fight, even if it seems hopeless. I think we're at that point in our culture. And no, I'm not calling for actual violence. I'm calling for us to simply rise up and speak the truth, eve…
Sneak Peek | Course on The Golden Mean | Nichomachean Ethics, Book 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:25
This is a sneak peak of my course on the Golden Mean. In this installment, I go through the first book of Aristotle's Nichomachean Ethics. Together, we'll walk through each chapter of Aristotle's Ethics, Lewis's Abolitio…
198. How to Prevent Burnout [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:03
This episode is a bit of a departure from my normal conversations about politics, philosophy, etc. Nicole from the Infinity Twins podcast joined me to discuss productivity and how to prevent burnout. While I don't want t…
197. What is Virtue? | Book Review Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:00
A lot of people are happy to note that virtue is lacking in our society, and we have a lot of work to do if we want a virtuous society. But, I hear only a few voices offering a solution to this problem. Only a few people…
196. The Golden Mean [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:48
The Golden Mean is an idea found in Aristotle's Ethics, The Tao Te Ching, and the Analects, and describes the right way of being. I've talked about the mean, or the way, previously on podcasts and articles. I wanted to r…