From the steam engines of the Industrial Revolution to the rise of artificial intelligence, every technological leap has forced humanity to redefine work, purpose, and fairness. But this time, the machines aren’t just replacing muscle, they’re replacing minds. As AI begins to write, create, and decide, we’re confronting questions that strike at the heart of identity itself: What happens when work disappears? Who benefits from automation’s wealth? And how do we build a new social contract before inequality and disconnection tear society apart? In this episode, we trace history’s lessons, explore the promises and perils of AI, and ask what it means to be human in an age when intelligence is no longer ours alone.

In this powerful episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo explores why George Washington was, as historian James Thomas Flexner called him, “The Indispensable Man” in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. With a mix of humor, reverence, and historical insight, the episode traces Washington’s critical role from his reluctant acceptance of military leadership in 1775, through the brutal years of the Revolutionary War, to his unprecedented decision to surrender power after victory. Mr. Palumbo highlights how Washington’s leadership was defined not by tactical brilliance, but by unwavering character, humility, and a deep commitment to republican values.

In this episode, A Tribute to Charlie and Free Speech, we explore the powerful origins, philosophical foundations, and modern-day challenges surrounding one of humanity’s most essential liberties. From Voltaire’s Enlightenment ideals and the bold defiance of American colonists to the work of the late Charlie Kirk on college campuses, Mr. Palumbo traces how free speech became the cornerstone of democratic self-governance and individual conscience. We examine the First Amendment’s intellectual roots in the writings of Jefferson and Madison, the warnings from Washington and Franklin, and how freedom of expression serves both as a safeguard against tyranny and a path to personal growth. The episode also critiques the erosion of speech freedoms today highlighting overreach in British internet laws and the ideological conformity on modern university campuses, the very hostile places where Charlie Kirk bravely attempted to debate opponents and change hearts and minds.  

In this provocative episode of The Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo, your favorite "undocumented conservative social studies teacher" pulls back the curtain on one of the most mysterious and powerful institutions in America: the Federal Reserve. With his signature mix of humor, skepticism, and historical insight, he traces the Fed’s shadowy origins from the secretive 1910 Jekyll Island meeting to its enormous influence on today’s economy. From inflation to interest rates, from the gold standard to quantitative easing, this episode explores how the Fed shapes the value of your dollar and raises serious constitutional and ethical questions about accountability, transparency, and control. Packed with facts, reflections, and a little bit of Hulkamania, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand how economic power operates behind closed doors—and what reforms might put it back in the hands of the people.

In this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo dives into the complex and controversial legacy of President Andrew Jackson, focusing on one of the most debated policies of his presidency: the Indian Removal Act. Through historical context and Jackson’s own reasoning, the episode explores how a man once hailed as a champion of the “common man” also presided over one of the darkest chapters in American history—the forced relocation of Native American tribes along the Trail of Tears. Mr. Palumbo examines the political, economic, and cultural motives behind removal, Jackson’s belief that it was a necessary measure to preserve Native lives, and how this moment in history clashes with modern values of diversity and inclusion.

In this episode, Mr. Palumbo breaks down a powerful but often overlooked concept in global politics: the defense dilemma (also known as the security dilemma). It’s a paradox where actions meant to increase a country’s security—like building up military forces—can actually make other nations feel threatened, prompting them to do the same. The result? A dangerous cycle of mistrust and escalation.

In this episode of the Professor Liberty podcast, we continue our series on the ancients with a deep dive into the fearsome Assyrian Empire—so brutal, they earned condemnation in the Bible. From their ruthless kings like Sennacherib to their cutting-edge siege warfare and forced population relocations, the Assyrians didn’t just conquer—they terrorized. With fortified capitals like Nineveh and iconic symbols like the lamassu, their legacy shaped empires, warfare, and civilization for generations to come. 

In this episode of The Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo takes listeners on a journey through the early life of Abraham Lincoln, tracing his transformation from a poor frontier boy in Kentucky to a rising political force. Born into hardship, Lincoln’s character was shaped by loss, manual labor, and a relentless hunger for knowledge, which he fed through books like the Bible and Aesop’s Fables. The episode highlights key formative experiences—his exposure to slavery as a child, a life-changing visit to a slave market in New Orleans, and his early political stances opposing slavery’s expansion. Through humor, storytelling, and historical insight, Mr. Palumbo explores how Lincoln’s evolving moral convictions and legal intellect laid the groundwork for his future role as a leader dedicated to justice and unity.

Join us on the Professor Liberty Podcast as we delve into the chilling history of Vlad the Impaler, the man behind the Dracula legend. Unravel the complex narrative of Vlad III, the ruler of Wallachia, whose brutal methods and defiance against the mighty Ottoman Empire positioned him as a controversial yet pivotal figure in Europe during the 15th century. Was Vlad III a cruel monster or a divine weapon used to thwart the Ottoman horde?  

Welcome to the Professor Liberty Podcast, where your favorite slightly libertarian social studies teacher, Mr. Palumbo, dives into the life and legacy of Adam Smith, the father of modern economics. Discover how Smith's groundbreaking ideas during the Enlightenment era continue to influence economic thought and practices today.  

Join Mr. Palumbo, your favorite social studies teacher, in this engaging mailbag episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast. Dive into the intriguing question of whether a return to the gold standard could restore economic stability and control inflation. Explore the evolving role of the Vice President, from constitutional duties to diplomatic responsibilities. Finally, examine the parallels and differences between Trump's tariff policies and the infamous Hawley-Smoot Tariff of the 1930s, and consider the resilience of today's global economy. Whether you're a history buff or a curious listener, this episode offers insightful discussions on topics that shape our world.

Join Mr. Palumbo, your favorite obscure social studies teacher, in this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast as he explores the fascinating story behind the Panama Canal and its significance for global trade and diplomacy. From the historical attempts to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to the current geopolitical tensions involving China, Mr. Palumbo takes you on a journey through time, highlighting the challenges faced by the French and the Americans in constructing this engineering marvel and how it shaped international relations.  

Mr. Palumbo takes you on a deep dive into the complexities of birthright citizenship and its implications on American identity. In this episode, we unravel the historical and legal intricacies of the 14th Amendment, focusing on the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" and its significance in today's heated immigration debate.  

In this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo kicks off a new series called "The Ancients" with a look at the Romans. Our host explores how its geographic advantages, such as its strategic location along the Tiber River and the Seven Hills, contributed to its rise. Through the lens of the founding myth of Romulus and Remus, the episode highlights Rome's success, driven by diplomacy, military excellence, and pragmatic governance. Mr. Palumbo examines how Rome's ability to form alliances, adapt its military tactics, and adjust its political structures allowed it to thrive and dominate for over a thousand years, shaping much of the modern western world.

In this episode of The Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo takes us back to December of 1776, a time when the American Revolution seemed on the brink of collapse. With General George Washington's army suffering devastating losses, low morale, and dwindling supplies, the Continental Army appeared to be on the verge of disintegration. But Washington, faced with mounting pressure, made a bold and daring decision that would turn the tide of the war—crossing the treacherous Delaware River to launch a surprise attack on the Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey.

In this episode of The Professor Liberty Podcast,  our favorite obscure social studies teacher delves into one of the most significant military confrontations in European history—the Battle of Tours. As part of the ongoing "Important Battles" series, the episode explores how this clash between the Frankish forces, led by Charles Martel, and the advancing Muslim Umayyad Caliphate had profound implications not only for Europe but for the entire Western world.

In this Veterans Day episode, Mr. Palumbo explores General Smedley Butler's 1935 pamphlet "War Is a Racket", where Butler exposes how wars benefit arms dealers and corporations, not the soldiers who fight them. The episode also reflects on Eisenhower’s warning about the military-industrial complex, highlighting its continued relevance. Mr. Palumbo argues that to truly honor veterans, we must end the cycle of endless wars that serve the few at the expense of many.

In this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast called "Emotional Democracy," the hosts tackle the idea of the cult of personality in politics. Our favorite social studies teacher explores how people often vote based on feelings—either loving or hating a candidate—rather than focusing on what those candidates actually do or their voting records. It’s a conversation about the risks of letting emotions drive our choices, which can lead to unfit leaders getting into power. The episode wraps up with a reminder for listeners to dig deeper and really research candidates, encouraging everyone to look beyond the hype and make informed choices.

In this episode, we dive into the rich history of Columbia, a personification of the United States that predates iconic figures like Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty. We explore Columbia’s origins, tracing her roots back to the age of exploration and the ideals of American nationalism. Named after Christopher Columbus, Columbia symbolizes liberty, democracy, and the emerging American identity. As the 18th century unfolded, intellectuals and poets began to adopt her as a national emblem, highlighting her connection to ideals of freedom and self-governance.

In this episode, Mr. Palumbo dives into the fascinating world of propaganda, starting with its roots in ancient civilizations and bringing us all the way to today’s digital landscape. We break down what propaganda really is—a method of shaping how people think and act—while pointing out some key traits, like its emotional pull and the way it picks and chooses facts.