We think of the state as a monolithic beast -- but it should be anything but monolithic. The state exists to serve us, not rule us, and for that, we must have checks and balances -- and the best kind is the separation of powers.

Welcome to Episode 91 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah.

In this episode, Ajay explains why for democracy to be meaningful, a separation of powers is essential. We talk history, theory and India's story.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: 00:00 Packaging00:13 Intro: The Planner and the Doer02:59 Chapter 1: Introducing the Subject06:10 Chapter 2: Arriving at The Separation of Powers18:02 Chapter 3: The Indian Story33:08 Chapter 4: What Some Regulators Get Wrong38:32 Chapter 5: Two Big Developments in the US49:55 Chapter 6: Some Additional Thoughts55:26 Chapter 7: Recommendations

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All of us suffer from constraints in our life. Some are small -- and some can be huge. We should take inspiration from people who have fought huge constraints and broken barriers despite the obstacles in their way -- and sometimes because of them.

Welcome to Episode 90 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah.

In this episode, Amit takes us through a few inspiring stories of how a few pioneers used their constraints to break new ground.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: 00:00 Packaging00:13 Intro: We are Stupid AND Creative02:40 Chapter 1: Joni Mitchell Plays Guitar10:09 Chapter 2: Frida Kahlo Won’t Be Stopped18:23 Chapter 3: Dr Seuss Has 50 Words32:23 Chapter 4: Fosbury was Not a Flop42:40 Chapter 5: Some More Stories

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There are few things a government can do to harm society more than Industrial policy. It sounds well-intentioned, but is born out of hubris and results in disaster.

Welcome to Episode 89 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah.

In this episode, Ajay breaks down the thinking behind industrial policy, the practice of it, and why it is always bad for the people.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: 00:00 Packaging00:13 Intro: The 500 Dollar Bill08:01 Chapter 1: What is Industrial Policy?15:39 Chapter 2: How Industrial Policy Works26:50 Chapter 3: Subsidies42:54 Chapter 4: The Folly of PLI52:56 Chapter 5: Coercive Power57:36 Chapter 6: Ethno-Nationalism1:05:42 Chapter 7: Government Monopolies 1:11:54 Chapter 8: The China Question1:14:55 Chapter 9: What Should the State Do?

For magnificent, detailed, juicy show notes, click here.