RTP's Fourth Branch Podcast

The Federalist Society
  • 4.9 (28)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Regulatory Transparency Project is a nonprofit, nonpartisan effort dedicated to fostering discussion and a better understanding of regulatory policies. On RTP’s Fourth Branch Podcast, leading experts discuss the pros and cons of government regulations and explain how they affect everyday life for Americans.

  1. SEP 19

    Law For Little Tech: Part 3 - Is Big Tech Bad Tech?

    What priorities should shape U.S. innovation policy at the national level? Historically, the federal government has adopted a "light touch" approach, with legislation often focused on reducing barriers so that smaller entrepreneurs can prioritize innovation over regulatory compliance. Big tech companies often hold a competitive advantage including resources, capital, and political influence that small-scale entrepreneurs lack. How can policymakers design legislation that ensures fair competition between Big Tech and little tech? Do acquisitions of little tech companies by Big tech promote innovation or constrain the development of emerging ideas? How can policymakers foster innovation for smaller scale initiatives through legislation, competition regulation, and support for emerging firms? Join the Federalist Society’s Regulatory Transparency Project and host Prof. Kevin Frazier for an in-depth discussion of the “Little Tech Agenda” with special guest Jennifer Huddleston, Senior Fellow in Technology Policy at the Cato Institute.

    31 min

  2. SEP 12

    Law For Little Tech: Part 2 - Examining the Little Tech Agenda's Approach to Regulations

    Over the past 25 years, the rapid growth of Big Tech has raised questions about competition, innovation, and the ability of smaller startups to thrive. At the same time, regulatory approaches can create uncertainty that affects entrepreneurs in different ways. With Congress hesitant to act decisively, the debate continues: how can policymakers strike a balance that encourages innovation, ensures fair competition, and protects consumers? And when it comes to regulation should the path forward involve more, or less? Join the Federalist Society's Regulatory Transparency Project for the 2nd episode of Law for Little Tech series, featuring special guest Samuel Levine, Senior Fellow at the Berkeley Center for Consumer Law & Economic Justice and led by host Professor Kevin Frazier, AI Innovation & Law Fellow at the University of Texas School of Law.

    37 min

  3. SEP 5

    Law For Little Tech: Part 1 - Breaking Down the Little Tech Agenda

    Smaller, advanced technology entrepreneurs are increasingly shaping the U.S. innovation landscape through what some have called the “Little Tech Agenda.” But what exactly is this agenda, and how might it influence policy debates moving forward?America has long celebrated small-scale innovators, yet questions remain about how regulatory frameworks can support entrepreneurship without stifling growth. Some policymakers argue that new parameters are needed to govern emerging technologies, while others caution that overregulation could hinder the nation’s competitive edge in the global power struggle. If “Little Tech” is critical to America’s future, how far should the United States go to defend and promote its development?Join the Federalist Society’s Regulatory Transparency Project and host Prof. Kevin Frazier for an in-depth discussion of the “Little Tech Agenda” with special guest Collin McCune, Head of Government Affairs at Andreessen Horowitz.

    37 min

  4. AUG 25

    Explainer Episode 91 - OFCCP's Proposed Regulatory Changes

    On July 1st, 2025, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) released three proposed regulatory changes, two of which would have significant implications for federal contractor’s legal obligations surrounding affirmative action and disability inclusion. In this episode, experts discuss the history of both the OFCCP and the now revoked Executive order 11246, the scope of the recently proposed regulatory changes, and the potential implications of these changes. Featuring: Brett Swearingen, Senior Counsel, Miller Johnson (Moderator) Linda Chavez, Chairman, Center for Equal Opportunity

    32 min

  5. AUG 14

    Deep Dive 307 - America’s AI Action Plan: Green Lights or Guardrails?

    America’s new AI Action Plan — announced by the White House in July and framed by three pillars of accelerating innovation, building national AI infrastructure, and projecting U.S. leadership abroad — promises more than 90 separate federal actions, from fast-tracking approvals for medical-AI tools to revising international export controls on advanced chips. Supporters hail its light-touch approach, swift development of domestic and foreign deployment of AI, and explicit warnings against “ideological bias” in AI systems. In contrast, some critics say the plan removes guardrails, favors big tech, and is overshadowed by other actions disinvesting in research. How will the Plan impact AI in America? Join us for a candid discussion that will unpack the Plan’s major levers and ask whether the “innovation-first” framing clarifies or obscures deeper constitutional and economic questions. Featuring: Neil Chilson, Head of AI Policy, Abundance Institute Mario Loyola, Senior Research Fellow, Environmental Policy and Regulation, Center for Energy, Climate, and Environment, The Heritage Foundation Asad Ramzanali, Director of Artificial Intelligence & Technology Policy, Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator, Vanderbilt University (Moderator) Kevin Frazier, AI Innovation and Law Fellow, University of Texas School of Law

    51 min

  6. JUL 10

    Tech Roundup Episode 28 - Privacy & Safety: Examining the FSC, Inc. v. Paxton Decision

    On June 27th, the Supreme Court ruled in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton that Texas’s age-verification law did not violate the First Amendment's Free Speech Clause. Justice Thomas wrote the Court’s opinion, holding that States had a right to protect children from obscenity, even if that meant incidentally burdening adults’ own access to that content. Many are celebrating the 6-3 decision as a victory for the protection of children, as it will cement similar laws in the 21 other states that have implemented them. Yet, as in Justice Kagan's dissent, others worry about Paxton’s implications for Freedom of Speech in the digital age. When does an incidental burden become a substantial violation of adults' First Amendment Rights? What kind of precedent does Paxton set for speech cases going forward? Featuring: Ashkhen Kazaryan, Senior Legal Fellow, The Future of Free Speech, Vanderbilt University Clare Morell, Fellow, Ethics & Public Policy Center Bailey Sanchez, Deputy Director of U.S. Legislation, FUture of Privacy Forum [Moderator] Jennifer Huddleston, Senior Fellow, Technology Policy, Cato Institute

    47 min

  7. JUN 23

    Deep Dive Episode 313 - Medicare's New Drug Price Mandate: Healthcare & Innovation Implications

    On January 17, the Biden-Harris Administration added 15 new drugs, including Ozempic, to the list of drugs covered by the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Now there are a total of 25 drugs that are covered by the IRA’s requirement that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) pays only a “fair price” for selected drugs covered by Medicare Part D. The new prices are set to take effect on January 1, 2027. What implications does this have for patients and for drug research and development? Join the discussion on the 'fair price' mandate and its impact on pharmaceutical innovation. Featuring: Lisa Ouellette, Deane F. Johnson Professor of Law at Stanford Law School Dan Troy, Managing Director at the Berkeley Research Group Brad Watts, Senior Vice President at the Global Innovation Policy Center, U.S. Chamber of Commerce [Moderator] Adam Mossoff, Professor of Law at Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University

    59 min

  8. JUN 18

    Deep Dive Episode 312 - Reducing Regulatory Barriers: The Future of Market Competition

    On April 9th, President Trump signed E.O. 14267, Reducing Anti-Competitive Regulatory Barriers, which “commences the process for eliminating anti-competitive regulations to revitalize the American economy.” The order instructs the agency heads to review all regulations that may stifle economic competition or impose restraints on the free market. Many applaud the order, arguing that it addresses an overburdened economy, while others question the necessity of government regulation for ensuring a fair and just market. What does President Trump’s order mean for the future of the economy and the laws that regulate it? Featuring Alden Abbott, Senior Research Fellow, Mercatus Center, George Mason University Charlie Beller, Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Kathleen Bradish, Vice President and Director of Legal Advocacy, American Antitrust Institute Moderator: Bilal Sayyed, Senior Adjunct Fellow, TechFreedom

    1h 4m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

The Regulatory Transparency Project is a nonprofit, nonpartisan effort dedicated to fostering discussion and a better understanding of regulatory policies. On RTP’s Fourth Branch Podcast, leading experts discuss the pros and cons of government regulations and explain how they affect everyday life for Americans.

Information

  • Creator
    The Federalist Society
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    434
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright The Federalist Society
  • Show Website
    RTP's Fourth Branch Podcast

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