Is the Word 'Liberal' Worth Fighting For? with Stephen Hicks

Is the Word 'Liberal' Worth Fighting For? with Stephen Hicks

Author: The Atlas Society February 19, 2026 Duration: 57:24

All political labels are abused—some more than others. When should a label be abandoned, and when not? In contemporary American political journalism, liberal is one such contested word.

In the 290th episode of Objectively Speaking, Stephen Hicks will discuss its value and prospects.


Tune in to The Atlas Society Presents-Objectively Speaking for a series of thoughtful conversations that explore the practical application of Ayn Rand's philosophy. This podcast, brought to you by The Atlas Society, moves beyond abstract theory to examine how the principles of reason, individualism, and achievement manifest in our daily lives, careers, and culture. Each episode features discussions that connect Objectivist ideas to contemporary issues in business, creative pursuits, and societal trends, offering a framework for navigating a complex world. You'll hear analyses that celebrate human potential and the power of the individual while critically examining opposing doctrines. The dialogue is grounded in Rand's works, from the monumental *Atlas Shrugged* to her incisive essays, treating Objectivism as the vital, life-affirming guide it was designed to be. Whether you're well-versed in the philosophy or newly curious, this podcast provides a space for open, reasoned exploration. It’s an invitation to consider how a commitment to rational self-interest and freedom can shape a flourishing life and a better society. Join the conversation to hear these ideas unpacked with clarity and depth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 252

The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively Speaking
Podcast Episodes
The Atlas Society Asks Michael Saylor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:57
Michael Saylor is chairman, CEO, and co-founder of MicroStrategy, a company that provides business intelligence, mobile software, and cloud-based services. An expert on Bitcoin, he frequently speaks and appears on televi…
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Aubrey de Grey is the Chief Science Officer and Co-Founder of SENS Research Foundation, an organization dedicated to changing the way the world researches and treats age-related diseases by researching, developing, and p…
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Randall Wallace is an Oscar-nominated screenwriter, director, producer, songwriter, and novelist. He is best known for writing the screenplay for Braveheart and Pearl Harbor but has also written and directed We Were Sold…
Current Events with Hicks and Salsman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:33
The Atlas Society Senior Scholars Dr. Stephen Hicks and Dr. Richard Salsman join host Vickie Oddino for a discussion on an Objectivist perspective of what’s currently happening around the country.
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Duration: 1:01:19
Bill Whittle is a writer, film director, political commentator and YouTuber who focuses on America, history, and conservative values. He is the co-host of Bill Whittle Now and Right Angle, in which he and his co-hosts sh…
The Atlas Society Asks Nina Teicholz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:03
Nina Teicholz is an investigative science journalist and an adjunct professor at NYU. She is the author of the best-selling book, "The Big Fat Surprise", which challenges conventional thinking regarding dietary fat and g…
The Atlas Society Asks Patri Friedman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:01
Patri Friedman is the founder and general partner of Pronomos Capital, which is dedicated to building prosperous cities using a new model for urban development, uplifting entire regions. Mr. Friedman worked at Google as…
Current Events with Hicks, Kelley, Salsman, and Grossman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:49
The Atlas Society Senior Scholar Dr. Stephen Hicks, Founder Dr. David Kelley, and Professor of Political Economy Dr. Richard Salsman join host CEO Jennifer Grossman for a discussion on an Objectivist perspective of what’…