The Lunch Hour with Washington Signal

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The Lunch Hour with Washington Signal covers wide-ranging discussions with the Capitol city's policy movers, shakers, and thinkers. The Lunch Hour provides a unique look at the people behind the policy debates that are moving in DC.

  1. 4d ago

    Ep. 200 - Lunch Hour 200th Episode: The Greatest Rock Bands of All Time

    For the 200th episode of the Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer puts public policy aside for a special conversation with Tim Lee, Senior Vice President of Legal and Public Affairs at the Center for Individual Freedom, and Jerry Rogers, editor of RealClearPolicy and RealClearHealth and host of The Jerry Rogers Show on WBAL NewsRadio.  The three take on some of the great rock-and-roll debates: Were the Beatles better before or after they grew facial hair? Which era of the Rolling Stones was best? Are Led Zeppelin or The Who actually the greatest rock band of all time? And where do Elvis Presley and the Beach Boys fit into the history of popular music? Along the way, Andrew, Tim, and Jerry talk about the albums and artists that shaped their musical tastes, their first records, Casey Kasem and American Top 40, and what it was like discovering the music of the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s. It's a different kind of Lunch Hour as the show celebrates 200 episodes with music, memories, disagreements, and plenty of rock-and-roll arguments. 00:00 — Celebrating 200 Episodes 01:17 — Introducing Tim Lee & Jerry Rogers 03:01 — Were the Beatles Better Before or After Facial Hair? 09:28 — Sgt. Pepper, Revolver & the Beatles' Best Era 14:07 — Elvis, Led Zeppelin & the Greatest Rock Artists 22:17 — The Beatles' Breakup & Solo Careers 25:00 — How Influential Were the Beatles? 29:36 — The Best Era of the Rolling Stones 34:21 — Led Zeppelin, The Who & the Greatest Rock Songs 38:38 — Casey Kasem & American Top 40 40:32 — Growing Up with the Music of the '60s, '70s & '80s 47:19 — Final Verdicts & Celebrating Episode 200 Follow us on social media X: @TheLunchHourPod Instagram: the_lunchhour_pod LinkedIn: Lunch Hour Podcast TikTok: lunchhourpod   Find more at Washington Signal Your source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism. https://washingtonsignal.com/

    Ep. 200 - Lunch Hour 200th Episode: The Greatest Rock Bands of All Time

  2. Aug 10

    Ep. 199 - SpaceX, Private Property & the Future of Space Capitalism w/Rainer Zitelmann

    Can capitalism take humanity farther into space than government ever could? On this episode of the Washington Signal Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with historian, sociologist, journalist, and author Rainer Zitelmann to discuss his book New Space Capitalism and the dramatic transformation of space exploration from government-run programs to private enterprise. Zitelmann examines the economics of the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs, the rise of SpaceX, reusable rockets, and how changing NASA’s relationship with private companies helped dramatically reduce the cost of reaching space. He then tackles an even bigger question: If humanity is going to settle Mars and exploit resources in space, who gets to own them? The conversation expands into private property rights, entrepreneurship, and the role capitalism has played in reducing poverty around the world, with examples from Vietnam, China, Poland, and Sweden. Zitelmann also discusses the dangers of centralized economic planning and why he believes property rights will be essential to humanity’s future beyond Earth. The episode covers: How SpaceX transformed the economics of spaceflight Why reusable rockets changed the space industry Private property rights on Mars and other celestial bodies Capitalism’s role in reducing poverty and creating prosperity China’s growing private space industry The future of commercial space exploration From NASA and SpaceX to Mars, property rights, and economic freedom, Zitelmann makes the case that the next great era of human exploration may depend less on governments—and more on entrepreneurs. 00:00 — Introduction 02:45 — New Space Capitalism 04:53 — From government spaceflight to private enterprise 06:31 — The economics of the Space Shuttle 08:17 — NASA takes a chance on private companies 09:53 — The beginning of the second space age 12:18 — How SpaceX changed the economics of spaceflight 15:42 — What will drive the future of space exploration? 17:12 — The problem with property rights in space 21:04 — Who should own land on Mars? 23:31 — Property rights and the American frontier 26:12 — How capitalism helped Vietnam escape poverty 29:41 — Could the same model work on Mars? 32:19 — Property rights, socialism, and government power 36:21 — Germany’s energy policies 38:27 — SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab & the new space economy 41:08 — China’s private space industry 43:24 — Zitelmann’s films and other work 47:28 — Closing thoughts Follow us on social media X: @TheLunchHourPod Instagram: the_lunchhour_pod LinkedIn: Lunch Hour Podcast TikTok: lunchhourpod   Find more at Washington Signal Your source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism. https://washingtonsignal.com/

    Ep. 199 - SpaceX, Private Property & the Future of Space Capitalism w/Rainer Zitelmann

  3. Aug 3

    Ep. 198 - AI, Regulatory Dark Matter & the Administrative State w/Wayne Crews

    On this episode of the Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with Wayne Crews, Fred L. Smith Fellow in Regulatory Studies at the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), for a wide-ranging discussion about regulation, government power, artificial intelligence, and the future of the administrative state. Crews explains the problem of “regulatory dark matter”—guidance documents, agency directives, and other actions that can shape policy outside the traditional rulemaking process—and discusses efforts to reduce the federal regulatory burden. The conversation also examines 10,000 Commandments, Crews' annual analysis of the federal regulatory state, and what recent deregulatory efforts are actually accomplishing. The discussion then turns to AI and a growing concern: while artificial intelligence can help businesses navigate regulations and reduce compliance costs, it could also dramatically increase the government's ability to enforce rules, conduct surveillance, and exercise administrative power. The episode covers: Regulatory reform and “regulatory dark matter” AI, government enforcement, and individual rights The Administrative Procedure Act and agency guidance The 10,000 Commandments report The difference between deregulation and simply making government more efficient Why Crews argues an “AI Bill of Rights” should constrain government power Crews and Langer ultimately explore a fundamental question for the AI era: Can technology help shrink the administrative state, or will it simply make government more powerful? 00:00 — Introduction 01:00 — Wayne Crews and regulatory dark matter 03:19 — Agencies, regulation, and unintended consequences 05:37 — Regulatory precedent and the Chevron doctrine 07:00 — Using “good cause” for deregulation 12:12 — Regulation, privacy, and individual rights 16:14 — Artificial intelligence and government power 20:12 — Federal involvement in AI 24:35 — Can AI make government more powerful? 26:43 — AI enforcement and the administrative state 30:01 — Protecting citizens from AI-powered government 32:18 — 10,000 Commandments and the regulatory state 38:20 — Deregulation, tariffs, and industrial policy 39:59 — Reforming the Administrative Procedure Act 44:21 — Wayne's summer plans and closing thoughts 45:59 — Where to follow Wayne Crews and CEI Follow us on social media X: @TheLunchHourPod Instagram: the_lunchhour_pod LinkedIn: Lunch Hour Podcast TikTok: lunchhourpod   Find more at Washington Signal Your source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism. https://washingtonsignal.com/

    Ep. 198 - AI, Regulatory Dark Matter & the Administrative State w/Wayne Crews

  4. Jul 27

    Ep. 197 - AI, Constitutional Rights & the Future of American Law w/Margaret Hu

    As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms society, can America's constitutional framework keep pace? On this episode of the Washington Signal Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer welcomes Margaret Hu, the Davison Douglas Professor of Law at William & Mary Law School, for a thoughtful discussion about artificial intelligence, constitutional law, civil liberties, and the future of democratic governance. Drawing on her experience in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice following 9/11 and her groundbreaking textbook AI Law and Policy, Professor Hu explains how emerging AI systems challenge long-standing constitutional principles, including due process, equal protection, federalism, privacy, and separation of powers. The conversation explores how lawmakers, courts, and citizens can preserve individual rights while embracing technological innovation. The episode covers: Artificial intelligence and constitutional law AI governance, civil liberties, and individual rights Federalism and the role of states in AI regulation Due process, surveillance, and government accountability AI's impact on intellectual property, privacy, and national security The future of AI law and public policy The discussion also examines lessons from post-9/11 government reforms, the importance of constitutional first principles, William & Mary's historic role in American legal education, and why thoughtful governance—not just technological innovation—will shape the future of artificial intelligence. 00:00 — Intro & Meet Margaret Hu 01:06 — Why AI law matters today 02:24 — Growing up in Kansas and choosing civil rights law 04:09 — DOJ after 9/11 and constitutional concerns 08:27 — AI, surveillance, and due process 12:24 — Government power and federalism 17:06 — AI regulation and constitutional guardrails 24:05 — Inside AI Law and Policy 30:03 — AI, governance, and constitutional philosophy 34:54 — AI personhood and legal responsibility 38:38 — Can America have this conversation? 43:14 — William & Mary, art, and the human element 45:43 — Closing remarks Follow us on social media X: @TheLunchHourPod Instagram: the_lunchhour_pod LinkedIn: Lunch Hour Podcast TikTok: lunchhourpod   Find more at Washington Signal Your source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism. https://washingtonsignal.com/

    Ep. 197 - AI, Constitutional Rights & the Future of American Law w/Margaret Hu

  5. Jul 20

    Ep. 196 - Tariffs, Regulation & the Future of Free Markets w/Ryan Young

    Can the United States reduce regulation, strengthen its economy, and remain competitive while preserving free markets? On this episode of the Washington Signal Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer welcomes Ryan Young, Senior Economist and Director of Publications at the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), for a wide-ranging discussion on tariffs, regulatory reform, AI, energy policy, and the future of economic growth in America. Young explains how tariffs, regulatory uncertainty, and government intervention affect businesses, consumers, and long-term investment decisions. He also discusses why stable policy matters for economic growth, the importance of transparency in rulemaking, and how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence could reshape both innovation and government oversight. The conversation covers: Tariffs, trade policy, and the economics of protectionism Regulatory reform and limiting agency overreach Jobs, productivity, and long-term economic growth The Jones Act, LNG exports, and national security AI, regulatory compliance, and government enforcement The future of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) The discussion also explores supply chain resilience, free trade versus national security, regulatory "dark matter," David Boaz's legacy, and why thoughtful, limited government can foster innovation while protecting economic opportunity. 00:00 — Intro & Meet Ryan Young 03:26 — Agency power and regulatory reform 06:03 — Tariffs and free markets 13:14 — Jobs, productivity, and economic growth 14:48 — LNG exports and energy policy 16:06 — The Jones Act debate 20:50 — National security and free trade 23:18 — Reforming the Administrative Procedure Act 29:22 — AI, regulation, and compliance 34:26 — Regulations of the week 37:19 — Remembering David Boaz 40:37 — Where to learn more 41:14 — Closing remarks Follow us on social media X: @TheLunchHourPod Instagram: the_lunchhour_pod LinkedIn: Lunch Hour Podcast TikTok: lunchhourpod   Find more at Washington Signal Your source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism. https://washingtonsignal.com/

    Ep. 196 - Tariffs, Regulation & the Future of Free Markets w/Ryan Young

  6. Jul 13

    Ep. 195 - America's Chemical Industry: Innovation, AI & Manufacturing Competitiveness

    How can the United States strengthen manufacturing, accelerate innovation, and remain globally competitive? On this special episode of the Washington Signal Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with three leaders from the American Chemistry Council's Competitiveness Summit for a series of conversations on the future of American manufacturing, energy, innovation, and regulatory policy. Featured guests include Chris Jahn, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council; Peter Huntsman, Chairman, President and CEO of Huntsman Corporation; and Rebecca Liebert, President and CEO of Lubrizol Corporation. Together, the guests discuss why the chemical industry serves as the foundation for countless American industries—from semiconductors and AI to healthcare, transportation, defense, and consumer products—and what policymakers can do to ensure the United States remains a global leader in manufacturing. The conversation covers: America's manufacturing competitiveness and supply chain resilience AI, advanced materials, and the future of industrial innovation Regulatory reform, permitting, and the need for science-based policy Energy policy, data centers, and growing electricity demand Global competition with China and lessons from Europe The role of chemistry in powering America's next generation of growth The discussion also explores how artificial intelligence is transforming manufacturing, accelerating scientific research, improving chemical safety assessments, and helping companies develop new products faster than ever before. Throughout the episode, the guests explain why modern chemistry touches nearly every aspect of daily life and argue that balanced regulation, abundant energy, and continued innovation will be critical to maintaining America's competitive advantage for decades to come. 00:00 — Intro & American Chemistry Council Competitiveness Summit 01:50 — Chris Jahn: America's chemical industry today 08:38 — Regulatory reform and permitting challenges 11:13 — AI, innovation, and the future of chemistry 16:03 — Peter Huntsman on manufacturing competitiveness 20:20 — Energy policy, AI, and global competition 24:43 — Rebecca Liebert on specialty chemicals and innovation 27:47 — Science-based regulation and permitting reform 30:06 — The future of chemistry in America 31:24 — Closing remarks Follow us on social media X: @TheLunchHourPod Instagram: the_lunchhour_pod LinkedIn: Lunch Hour Podcast TikTok: lunchhourpod   Find more at Washington Signal Your source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism. https://washingtonsignal.com/

    Ep. 195 - America's Chemical Industry: Innovation, AI & Manufacturing Competitiveness

  7. Jul 6

    Ep. 194 - Consumer Choice, AI, Tariffs & the Future of Innovation w/Stephen Kent

    How can policymakers protect consumers without stifling innovation? On this episode of the Washington Signal Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with Stephen Kent, Media Director at the Consumer Choice Center, for a wide-ranging discussion on consumer freedom, technology policy, global regulation, tariffs, prediction markets, and the role of popular culture in shaping public discourse. Kent explains how the Consumer Choice Center advocates for policies that expand consumer access, encourage innovation, and challenge regulations that increase costs or limit choice. Drawing on the organization's international presence, he also discusses how regulatory decisions in Europe often influence policy debates in the United States. The conversation covers: Consumer choice and the growing influence of European regulation AI, innovation, and the precautionary principle Public health policy, harm reduction, and nicotine regulation Tariffs, trade policy, and housing affordability Prediction markets and emerging financial regulations Star Wars, storytelling, and Stephen Kent's books The discussion also explores the role of international organizations in shaping alcohol policy, the debate over lab-grown meat, and how governments can encourage innovation while maintaining appropriate consumer protections. 00:00 — Intro + Meet Stephen Kent 01:07 — What is the Consumer Choice Center? 04:13 — The new prohibition movement 10:16 — Europe's regulatory influence on America 15:13 — Harm reduction and nicotine policy 22:17 — Tariffs, trade, and consumer prices 30:29 — Prediction markets explained 39:33 — Star Wars, storytelling, and philosophy 47:56 — Stephen's books and Geeky Stoics 49:08 — Where to learn more 50:05 — Closing remarks Follow us on social media X: @TheLunchHourPod Instagram: the_lunchhour_pod LinkedIn: Lunch Hour Podcast TikTok: lunchhourpod   Find more at Washington Signal Your source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism. https://washingtonsignal.com/

    Ep. 194 - Consumer Choice, AI, Tariffs & the Future of Innovation w/Stephen Kent

  8. Jun 29

    Ep. 193 - Reviving New York Through Free Markets & Growth w/Caroline Shinkle

    Can New York reclaim its position as the world's premier center of opportunity and economic growth? On this episode of the Washington Signal Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with Caroline Shinkle, Republican candidate for New York's 12th Congressional District. A graduate of MIT and Harvard Law School, Shinkle previously worked at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, bringing a unique blend of legal, economic, and financial expertise to the conversation. Shinkle discusses her vision for New York City, arguing that economic empowerment, fiscal responsibility, and pro-growth policies can restore opportunity while strengthening America's financial capital. The conversation covers: Reviving New York through free-market economic policies Balancing the federal budget and addressing the national debt AI, innovation, and the future of government America's role in global energy and foreign policy The challenges facing New York City and its future Throughout the discussion, Shinkle shares how her background in economics, law, and finance has shaped her views on public policy, while emphasizing the importance of individual opportunity, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic growth. 00:00 — Intro + Meet Caroline Shinkle 01:03 — Why she's running for Congress 03:17 — Economic empowerment and free markets 10:13 — Balancing the budget and lowering taxes 13:07 — Is New York better off today? 18:52 — Lessons from New York's past 25:16 — AI and the future of government 32:01 — Energy policy and America's global role 37:21 — Life outside politics 39:55 — Campaign, website, and closing thoughts Follow us on social media X: @TheLunchHourPod Instagram: the_lunchhour_pod LinkedIn: Lunch Hour Podcast TikTok: lunchhourpod   Find more at Washington Signal Your source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism. https://washingtonsignal.com/

    Ep. 193 - Reviving New York Through Free Markets & Growth w/Caroline Shinkle
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The Lunch Hour with Washington Signal covers wide-ranging discussions with the Capitol city's policy movers, shakers, and thinkers. The Lunch Hour provides a unique look at the people behind the policy debates that are moving in DC.

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