Capital Record

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Jun 2026

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About the show

American prosperity was built on a foundation of free markets and free people. But, with inflation on the rise and a struggling market, many in America’s political class are attempting to recycle failed socialist ideas and calling for government intervention in nearly every aspect of American life. In this National Review Capital Matters podcast, presented by the National Review Institute, financier David Bahnsen hosts interviews with the nation’s top business leaders, entrepreneurs, and financial commentators. Tune in to hear guests such as Larry Kudlow, Steve Forbes, and Art Laffer present a practical and moral vindication of America’s capitalist way of life.

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10 recent

June 16, 202615 min

Episode 304: Concentration of Power and Elon Musk’s Trillion-Dollar Net Worth

With the SpaceX IPO and a paper mark-up of value in Elon Musk’s net worth to $1 trillion, many have bemoaned the “concentration of power” that this kind of wealth represents. In today’s episode, David suggests that some may not seem to understand what “concentration of power” really means, and that if people want to see a “concentration of power,” they should see what their desired plans to stop it do. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 9, 202616 min

Episode 303: Don’t Blame Bernie for AI State Cronyism

Yes, Bernie Sanders, who has always admitted to being a socialist, has called for the government to take equity stakes in American AI companies. And yes, it is a terrible idea. But today on the Capital Record, David does what too few on the right appear willing to do: say why it is a bad idea, and why the right are going to have a very hard time stopping it. Clip courtesy of Overtime with Bill Maher Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 2, 202611 min

Episode 302: The Power of Permanence

Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, gave a memorable speech at the Reagan Foundation Economic Forum last week. In it, he reiterated the completely true economic principle of permanence – that when policies are properly codified they assure economic actors of the rules of the road, enabling more confident decision-making when it comes to hiring, production, consumption, and investment. In today’s Capital Record, David flushes out this concept more, acknowledges where the permanence of OBBBA has been a benefit, and asks a rather obvious question about another tax policy that remains, well, not permanent. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 202616 min

Episode 301: Elizabeth Warren’s Private Equity Folly

Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s recent tirade against private equity is a libelous set of dishonest manure that should be treated as seriously as any attempt to broadly demonize private equity these days, which is not at all. Whether the Senator’s problem is intellectual or just in telling the truth, she is wrong in so many ways that today’s Capital Record gives us a chance to set the record straight. You will be better off for hearing it, which is never true when one listens to today’s private equity critics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 19, 202614 min

Episode 300: 300 Episodes to Defend a Free & Virtuous Society

We started this podcast over five years ago, committed to a free and virtuous society, and now with 300 episodes under our belt, the commitment is deeper and more robust than ever. In this very special episode, David revisits the genesis of Capital Record, reaffirms the themes that matter, identifies the enemies of human flourishing working to undermine freedom and opportunity, and offers up a manifesto of commitments for the years ahead. Pre-roll:Duke Energy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 12, 202612 min

Episode 299: Ben Sasse Writes About Kids and Technology

Ben Sasse may not know exactly how much more time God has for him here on earth, but he sure is using whatever time he does have to spread truth and wisdom. On today’s Capital Record we look at Sasse’s recent op-ed in the WSJ and his contrarian approach to the AI tech revolution. In this transformative technological moment, Ben doesn’t see a need to “get with the algorithms” but rather an opportunity to “re-discover the virtues.” And he knows just where to go to find them. Show notes:Habits for Humanity in the Age of AI Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 7, 202646 min

Episode 298: Asymmetric Advantages for Human Flourishing

David is joined this week by U.S. energy industry legend and pioneer, Charif Souki. Hear not only his incredible story as a leading force in the shale revolution but also get the lay of the land in one of the great stories of our time: U.S. energy dominance. All at once this episode will remind you of the role robust capital markets play in the cause of free enterprise and reiterate the most important business principles that matter. A truly special Capital Record! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 5, 202615 min

Episode 297: Two Bankruptcies for the Price of One?

American capital markets are celebrated on this podcast -- as they should be by anyone who values a free and virtuous society. Rule of law is a vital component to upholding the effect strong capital markets have on our economy. The DOJ blocking of a Jet Blue acquisition of Spirit Airlines did not avoid two bankruptcies -- it created one. And on today’s podcast, we prove it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 28, 202611 min

Episode 296: Spirit Airlines and Spirited Government Ineptness

If only there was a way to avoid taxpayers now bailing out a failed private enterprise whose pricing model cannot work in this economy? Well, there was -- it was a merger with a more capitalized and established brand name airline, only the same government about to spend your tax dollars on a failed private business with no national security connections whatsoever was the same one who blocked the private markets solution that would have been a winner for everyone. Now, instead of everyone winning, we literally get everyone losing -- and I mean everyone. But nobody is losing more than those arguing that increased government stewardship of the economy is a good idea. There is no bankruptcy deep enough for the intellectual rot of that position. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 21, 202621 min

Episode 295: Legal Reform as the Supply-Side Issue of Our Day

David concluded an 18-month research project and interviews with a dozen attorneys and judges with a lengthy piece on the the disaster of our current legal system. In today’s Capital Record he offers a dozen reform ideas that are desperately needed, and concludes with one that is more important than all of them put together. Hint: It doesn’t involve the judicial system. Show Notes: David’s National Review article, "The Next Supply-Side Battle" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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