Adam Smith
Mentioned in 31 analyzed podcast episodes across 10 shows
An 18th-century Scottish economist and philosopher whose ideas on competition, markets, and labor continue to be discussed and frequently misinterpreted in modern economic discourse. Best known for *Wealth of Nations* and the concept of the "invisible hand," Smith's actual positions on topics like wage differentials, labor protections, and work dignity are often contrasted with how contemporary market fundamentalists invoke his name. Podcasts reference his work when examining the intellectual foundations of capitalism, the history of economic thought, and tensions between classical economic theory and its modern applications.
Appears On
Episode Appearances
Letters from an American · May 22, 2026
Blocking the Slush Fund
“Sent memo to DOJ questioning Acting AG Blanche's ethics compliance in Trump-related matters”
The MeidasTouch Podcast · May 16, 2026
🚨GOP Reps Turn Against Military Officials at Public Hearing!!
“Democratic ranking member aligned with Republican colleagues in criticizing Trump regime military decisions”
Odd Lots · May 14, 2026
Martin Wolf on the 'Terrifying' Superpower That the US Wields
“Wolf quotes 'great deal of ruin in a country' to explain economic resilience despite chaos”
Freakonomics Radio · May 8, 2026
674. How Does a Composer Feel After the World Premiere?
“Author of The Wealth of Nations (1776); philosophical foundation and text source for Lang's oratorio.”
How to Money · May 6, 2026
Building Wealth When Markets Get Messy w/ Ben Carlson #1136
“Referenced for 'Theory of Moral Sentiments' discussing human nature and loss aversion 250 years ago”
Freakonomics Radio · May 6, 2026
Was Adam Smith Really a Right-Winger? (Update)
“18th-century Scottish thinker whose work is the subject of the episode's investigation”
Freakonomics Radio · May 1, 2026
673. What Is Money?
“Author of The Wealth of Nations (1776), whose text forms the basis of Lang's oratorio”
Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov · Apr 30, 2026
As the War Nears Its Legal Limit, Trump Pushes Presidential Power Further
“Questioned Defense Secretary on Iran threat timeline and Operation Midnight Hammer justifications”
The Briefing with Jen Psaki · Apr 30, 2026
'It's the incompetence!': Hegseth roasted by Democrats in congressional hearing
“Questioned Hegseth on contradictory claims about Iranian nuclear facilities”
The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell · Apr 30, 2026
Lawrence: The first six Americans killed in Trump's war died because Hegseth left them defenseless
“Guest discussing Hegseth's incompetence, lack of planning for Iran war, and accountability failures”
Voices of Liberty · Apr 21, 2026
Senator Rand Paul on Liberty, Debt, and Why Principle Must Matter More Than Party
“Referenced for division of labor theory and free-market economic principles foundational to American prosperity”
Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis · Apr 12, 2026
O'Round the World - April 12, 2026
“Democratic congressman criticized for claiming US military failed to degrade Iran's nuclear program capacity”
All Things Sustainable · Apr 10, 2026
The rise of billion-dollar US weather and climate disasters
“Former NOAA researcher leading redevelopment of billion-dollar weather disaster research program with 20 years meteorology and economics experience”
DSR's Words Matter · Mar 27, 2026
Top House Dem: Trump’s Got No Good Options in Iran
“Primary guest discussing Trump's Iran strategy failures and congressional abdication of oversight responsibilities”
Capitalisn't · Mar 26, 2026
Is Everyone Getting Adam Smith Wrong? - ft. Glory Liu
“18th-century Scottish thinker whose work on power, morality, and institutions is the episode's central focus”
Capitalisn't · Feb 26, 2026
Adam Smith In The Age of The “Epstein Class” - ft. MP Jesse Norman
“18th-century philosopher and economist whose ideas on competition, legitimacy, and elite corruption are central to episode analysis”
Odd Lots · Feb 21, 2026
Jamee Moudud on the Intellectual Roots of Zohranomics
“Classical economist whose institutional approach to markets is contrasted with neoclassical misinterpretation of his work”
TBPN · Feb 18, 2026
The Cournot Equation, Micron’s $200B Bet, Hollywood vs. Seedance 2.0 | Diet TBPN
“Economist; referenced in A Beautiful Mind scene discussing competition and individual ambition”
Office Hours with Arthur Brooks · Feb 16, 2026
How to Live Your Life Like a Start-up with Codie Sanchez
“Economist; author of Wealth of Nations; cited for compensating wage differentials theory”
The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart · Feb 11, 2026
The Wealth of Wall Street with Oren Cass
“Historical economist whose invisible hand concept is misinterpreted by modern market fundamentalists; actually supported labor protections”
Savage Lovecast · Feb 10, 2026
Savage Lovecast Episode 1005
“Author of 'Deep Sniff: A History of Poppers and Queer Futures,' guest on the show to discuss poppers and queer sexuality”
Stuff You Should Know · Feb 10, 2026
How Cognitive Biases Work
“Historical economist whose work preceded modern behavioral economics research on irrational decision-making”
The Glenn Beck Program · Feb 7, 2026
Ep 277 | Is Leftist Rage About to Become as BLOODY as the French Revolution?! | The Glenn Beck Podcast
“Economist whose 'Wealth of Nations' and 'Theory of Moral Sentiments' provide framework for capitalism requiring moral constraints”
Capitalisn't · Jan 22, 2026
Can We Build a Middle Class Without Factories? - ft. Dani Rodrik
“Historical economist cited for viewing work as negative utility, highlighting economists' blind spot on work dignity”
Civics 101 · Jan 20, 2026
What is the Monroe Doctrine?
“Economic philosopher whose 1776 treatise 'The Wealth of Nations' theoretically refuted mercantilism but had limited practical impact for 40-50 years.”
How Much Can I Make? — Real Jobs. Real Stories. Career Insights · Jan 19, 2026
Careers, Money, And The Economy Explained
“18th-century Scottish economist whose 'invisible hand' metaphor is featured in Peter Coy's new book”
The a16z Show · Jan 7, 2026
Marc Andreessen's 2026 Outlook: AI Timelines, US vs. China, and The Price of AI
Capitalisn't · Dec 18, 2025
How Capitalism Became Global ft. Sven Beckert
“Classical economist whose quote about butcher, brewer, baker self-interest is discussed as foundational capitalist philosophy”
Capitalisn't · Nov 6, 2025
Why Economists Should Care About Inequality, with Branko Milanovic
“Historical figure quoted on flourishing societies requiring reasonable equality among members”
Capitalisn't · Oct 30, 2025
Nobel Economist Reveals Why Economic Models Keep Failing Us, ft. Richard Thaler
“Historical reference; Thaler notes Smith discussed overconfidence, self-control, and fairness in 1776 Wealth of Nations”
Stepchange · Jan 21, 2025
Coal: Part I
“Economist at University of Glasgow who befriended James Watt and influenced economic thinking during the Industrial Revolution”