Why We Can't Have Nice Things

A Reason magazine podcast series about the frustrating and foolish policies that drive up prices and limit the availability of vital goods and services. From the regulations that caused a baby formula shortage to the laws that make prescription drugs more expensive, host Eric Boehm explains how these counterproductive policies get made—and why they can be so difficult to undo.

Recent Episodes

Why We Can't Have Nice Things: The War on Drugs
Oct 10, 2024 – 33:22
Why We Can't Have Nice Things: Dial 'T' for Terrible Telehealth Laws
Oct 3, 2024 – 32:21
Why We Can't Have Nice Things: The Case of the 17,000 Missing Kidneys
Sep 26, 2024 – 39:46
Why We Can't Have Nice Things: Permission Slips for Innovation
Sep 19, 2024 – 31:08
Why We Can't Have Nice Things: Who Decides What Health Care Is 'Needed'?
Sep 12, 2024 – 31:32
Why We Can't Have Nice Things: Can Mark Cuban Make Prescriptions Affordable Again?
Sep 5, 2024 – 53:59
Trailer: Why We Can't Have Nice Things Season 2
Aug 30, 2024 – 2:05
Why We Can't Have Nice Things: Can You Afford Tariffs on Tin Cans?
Sep 7, 2023 – 23:43
Why We Can't Have Nice Things: The 'Chicken Tax' That Makes Pickup Trucks More Expensive
Aug 31, 2023 – 24:24
Why We Can't Have Nice Things: Bootleggers, Baptists, and Ballots
Aug 24, 2023 – 25:53
Why We Can't Have Nice Things: Jones Act Traffic Jam
Aug 17, 2023 – 26:36
Why We Can't Have Nice Things: The Ghosts of Protectionism Past
Aug 10, 2023 – 23:27
Why We Can't Have Nice Things: The Great Baby Formula Shortage of 2022
Aug 3, 2023 – 21:47
Trailer: Why We Can't Have Nice Things Season 1
Jul 28, 2023 – 1:37

Recent Reviews

Rokuduguni

Interesting but too quiet

Really interesting content but the audio volume is quite low. Please increase the volume.
GatsbyNYC

So promising

Season one was great, but this season is so boring.
Strutzr

Spot on. Love their podcasts.

Big fan of reason and the common sense approach to basic problems. Example after example of how government intervention in the free market messes almost everything up.
max_n_tucker

Make more like this!!!

Very informative, well produced and all around enjoyable. Please, please, please make more like this.
Chubileto

Most Excellent Listen

Comrade Katherine made a superb recommendation with this show
Placebo Pharmacy

Great Podcast

All episodes are good, but I enjoyed the one on the Jones Act the best!
h4tchr

5 stars would listen again

As an avid Reason reader, I was already aware of much of this. But I was really pleasantly surprised by how much I learned. This podcast is easy to listen to. It’s a lot of fun, very well produced. And it was fascinating. If that sounds like your thing, give this podcast a go.
StefFUNNY JAGS FAN

Tariffs are bad

That’s all I need to say. Seems like an easy concept…..
Dr_pHrank

Fun and Serious Look Into Dumb Yet Consequential Laws

Short and to the point series that explains how government rules can have unintended consequences and make all sorts of products more expensive. Each episode was engaging with a bit of humor, featured experts who understand and can fluently explain the problem, and shows step by step a chain of actions. If only the US Gov listened and would get serious about repealing the many counterproductive laws in place now.
Omar Fan

I love this podcast

There are so many situations? Laws? Regulations? in this country that stymie our ability to build and grow and create opportunity. This is great information.
embee218

Enlightening

The host successfully takes a complicated policy matter and makes it digestible and engaging. Bravo!
Penguin234567

Informative

The first episode is great. The host is great at breaking down a complicated problem. I can’t wait for the next episode.