Why is housing so expensive in many cities—and is the government making it worse?

In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I interview Dr. Emily Hamilton, senior research fellow and director of the Urbanity Project at the Mercatus Center. We explore the big questions in housing policy: What drives rising costs? How do land-use regulations distort supply? And what reforms would make it easier for families to afford homes?

Dr. Hamilton is a leading voice on urban economics and has worked extensively to evaluate how government decisions, particularly at the local level, restrict housing development and make affordability harder to reach for many Americans. We break down the challenges of the modern housing market through a free-market lens, offering real solutions that expand opportunity, protect property rights, and let people prosper.

For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com.

Today marks the conclusion of the 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature, and what a session it's been. Once renowned for its commitment to pro-freedom and pro-growth policies, Texas now grapples with decisions that challenge its conservative principles. This session has strayed from the fiscal conservatism Texans expect, from expanding corporate handouts to unprecedented spending. The people of Texas deserve better. It's time to return to the pro-growth policies that have enabled the state to thrive and lead the nation. On the federal front, the passage of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” in the House reveals a similar mix of commendable and concerning developments. How can we reconcile the benefits of tax cuts with the drawbacks of increased government spending?

In this episode, I delve into these significant legislative moves and assess their impact on the nation's economic health. Let's examine both the positive and negative aspects to gain a clear understanding of where things stand.

You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.

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What does it mean to be a conservative in the 21st century—and how do we bridge liberty with virtue?

In this milestone 150th episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I interview John Hood, president of the John William Pope Foundation and a leading voice behind the Freedom Conservatism movement (sign the statement of principles at the link).

We talk about his career as a journalist and policy expert, how fiction writing helped him rediscover deeper meaning, and why a renewed framework for conservatism is essential for America's future. From education and immigration to family and fiscal responsibility, this conversation unpacks the foundations for prosperity in a free society.

For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com.

How do we make sense of inflation, government overreach, or why housing costs keep climbing? It all comes back to basic economic principles—ideas too often ignored by those crafting the laws that shape our lives. So this week on This Week’s Economy, I’m kicking off a new Econ 101 series to reconnect the fundamentals of economics with the everyday issues Americans face. These aren’t abstract theories. They’re tools for protecting prosperity.

In today’s episode, I explain what economics really means, why strong institutions and secure property rights are the foundation of growth, and how bad incentives and broken systems have left our economy in a fragile state. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.

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What do the American Revolution, free trade, and the fragility of global supply chains have in common?

In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I talk with Austin Petersen—former presidential candidate, liberty advocate, and media entrepreneur—about how understanding our nation’s founding principles and sound economics is critical to restoring freedom and prosperity.

We unpack what a recent flag controversy at the Smithsonian tells us about modern politics, how symbols shape civic culture, and why tariffs fail to protect national security. Plus, Austin shares insights from his political campaigns and why even losing the race can mean winning hearts and minds.

For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com.

Why does the economy feel so uncertain right now—and what can we do about it?

From Washington’s protectionist tariffs to Austin’s bloated budget, Americans feel the consequences of poor economic policy. Rising prices squeeze families, businesses struggle under new regulatory burdens, and taxpayers foot the bill for government expansion at every level.

In this week’s Let People Prosper Show, I discuss the big stories driving economic uncertainty and what real reform looks like. Watch now and subscribe for weekly updates on how we can let people prosper.

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Listen and Subscribe on: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Why is the electricity market so broken—and what can we do to fix it?

In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I interview Glen Lyons, a Texas-based energy expert and advocate for Consumer Regulated Electricity (CRE). Glen shares his journey from advertising to energy policy, offering unique insights on ERCOT’s dysfunction, the original sin of electricity monopolies, and how free markets—not central planning—can finally unleash innovation, reliability, and cost savings for consumers.

We also explore the growing demands of data centers, the role of AI in energy usage, and why Texas has a golden opportunity to lead the way with CRE.

For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com.

In Washington, Congress is hard at work trying to pass a “one big, beautiful bill” that brings together key parts of the Trump administration’s agenda—covering energy, taxes, immigration, and more. There’s hope it could deliver real benefits for Americans, including tax cuts, health care reform, and regulatory relief. Getting it across the finish line by the desired July Fourth deadline will be no easy task.

Back home in Texas, we’re seeing policies branded as “conservative” but are not. A massive, California-style spending bill just passed. What’s conservative about that? During this session, Texans were promised real property tax relief and universal school choice, but lawmakers haven’t delivered. There’s still work to be done to keep Texas a bold beacon of pro-growth policy and prosperity, with Sine Die on June 2.

Watch now and subscribe for weekly updates on how we can let people prosper.

Visit: VanceGinn.com

Subscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

Listen on: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify