The Pin Factory: Recent Episodes
Adam Smith Insitute
Each week, Adam Smith Institute staff, fellows and special guests will go beyond the headlines to provide a deeper understanding of the stories that are shaping our world.
The Pin Factory unpacks the many parts that make up our increasingly complex world.
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Daniel Pryor is joined by Mattha Busby, Freelance journalist and author.
They discuss drug policy.
Guests:
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Mattha Busby (Freelance Journalist and Author)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Daniel Pryor is joined by Thomas Walker-Werth, Associate Editor at The Objective Standard.
They discuss Rand’s moral case for freedom, the state of freedom in the UK, and the relationship between freedom and innovation.
Guests:
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Thomas Walker-Werth (Associate Editor, The Objective Standard)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Daniel Pryor is joined by Kate Andrews, Economics Editor at The Spectator.
They discuss Tax Freedom Day, Windfall Taxes and the Future of the Conservative Party.
Guests:
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Kate Andrews (Economics Editor, The Spectator)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Daniel Pryor is joined by John Macdonald, Director of Strategy at the ASI.
They discuss the good, the bad and the ugly in the Queen’s Speech.
Guests:
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- John Macdonald (Director of Strategy, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Daniel Pryor is joined by Maxwell Marlow, Development and Research Officer at the ASI.
They discuss Maxwell’s latest paper ‘A Fare Shake: Reforming taxis for the 21st century’.
Guests:
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Maxwell Marlow (Development and Research Officer, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Daniel Pryor is joined by Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs.
They discuss the Nanny State.
Guests:
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Christopher Snowdon (Head of Lifestyle Economics, Institute of Economic Affairs)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Daniel Pryor and Emily Fielder are joined by James Heale, Diary Editor for The Spectator.
They discuss the privatisation of Channel 4, the ongoing Partygate scandal and wider Civil Service culture, and the Energy Security Strategy.
Guests:
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Emily Fielder (Head of Communications, Adam Smith Institute)
- James Heale (Diary Editor, The Spectator)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's John Macdonald and Emily Fielder are joined by Darwin Friend, Policy Analyst for the Taxpayers' Alliance.
They discuss Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement.
Guests:
- John Macdonald (Director of Strategy, Adam Smith Institute)
- Emily Fielder (Head of Communications, Adam Smith Institute)
- Darwin Friend (Policy Analyst, Taxpayers’ Alliance)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Daniel Pryor and John Macdonald are joined by Emily Fielder, Head of Communications at the Adam Smith Institute.
They discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sunak’s Mais Lecture and the Policing Bill
Guests:
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- John Macdonald (Director of Strategy, Adam Smith Institute)
- Emily Fielder (Head of Communications, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Daniel Pryor and John Macdonald are joined by Madsen Pirie, President of the Adam Smith Institute.
They discuss Windfall Taxes, NHS Reform and Cold War 2.0
Guests:
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- John Macdonald (Director of Strategy, Adam Smith Institute)
- Madsen Pirie (President of the Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Daniel Pryor and Morgan Schondelmeier are joined by Rebecca Lowe, former director of FREER and a consultant on political and economic research issues.
They discuss Property on the Moon, the Mini-Reshuffle and the Brit Awards
Guests:
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Morgan Schondelmeier (Director of Operations, Adam Smith Institute)
- Rebecca Lowe (Former director of FREER and consultant on political and economic research issues)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Daniel Pryor and John Macdonald are joined by Tony Diver, political correspondent for The Telegraph
They discuss the Sue Gray update, the Levelling Up White Paper and the Benefits of Brexit Report
Guests:
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- John Macdonald (Director of Strategy, Adam Smith Institute)
- Tony Diver (Political Correspondent, The Telegraph)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Daniel Pryor and Morgan Schondelmeier are joined by Jonathon Kitson, superforecaster at GJI and Adam Smith Institute Fellow.
They discuss the Ukraine-Russia crisis, National Insurance Hikes and Woke Capitalism
Guests:
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Morgan Schondelmeier (Director of Operations, Adam Smith Institute)
- Jonathon Kitson (Superforecaster at GJI)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Daniel Pryor and John Macdonald are joined by Johnny Patterson, Director of Hong Kong Watch
They discuss the UK and China, the Lift the Ban campaign and Hong Kong BN(O)s
Guests:
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- John Macdonald (Director of Strategy, Adam Smith Institute)
- Johnny Patterson (Director of Hong Kong Watch)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Daniel Pryor and Morgan Schondelmeier are joined by Eamonn Ives, Head of Energy and Environment at the CPS.
They discuss the energy bills crisis, the future of Net Zero and partygate.
Guests:
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Morgan Schondelmeier (Director of Operations, Adam Smith Institute)
- Eamonn Ives (Head of Energy and Environment, CPS)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Daniel Pryor and John Macdonald are joined by Paul North, Director of Volteface.
They discuss cannabis in the capital, the UK drug strategy and global drug law reform.
Guests:
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- John Macdonald (Director of Strategy, Adam Smith Institute)
- Paul North (Director of Volteface)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Morgan Schondelmeier, Director of Operations at the Adam Smith Institute and John Macdonald, Director of Strategy at the Adam Smith Institute.
They discuss the highs and lows of 2021.
Guests:
- Morgan Schondelmeier (Director of Operations, Adam Smith Institute)
- John Macdonald (Director of Strategy, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Morgan Schondelmeier, Director of Operations at the Adam Smith Institute.
They discuss Omicron, Crime Week and the Afghanistan Whistleblower.
Guests:
- Morgan Schondelmeier (Director of Operations, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Dr. Tyler Goodspeed, Kleinheinz Fellow at the Hoover Institution, former Chairman of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers and Senior Fellow at the Adam Smith Institute.
They discuss Trump’s economic policy in retrospective, the US economy and transatlantic relations.
Guests:
- Dr. Tyler Goodspeed (Kleinheinz Fellow, Hoover Institution)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Alys Denby, Deputy Editor of CapX.
They discuss tackling the Britain’s borders, Boris’ bluster, and babies in Parliament.
Guests:
- Alys Denby (Deputy Editor, CapX)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Dr. Eamonn Butler, Director of the Adam Smith Institute.
They discuss tackling the Covid Debt, minimum alcohol pricing and globalisation.
Guests:
- Dr. Eamonn Butler (Director, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Mark Oates, Director of WeVape, founder of the Snus & Nicotine Pouch Users Association and Fellow of the Adam Smith Institute.
They discuss COP9, recent MP sleaze and the medicial potential of magic mushrooms
Guests:
- Mark Oates (Director of WeVape and Fellow of the Adam Smith Institute
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Sam Dumitriu, Research Director at The Entrepreneurs Network.
They discuss COP26, tech mergers and drones.
Guests:
- Sam Dumitriu (Research Director, The Entrepreneurs Network)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by John O'Connell the Chief Executive of The TaxPayers' Alliance.
They discuss the announcements from this week's Budget and dissect the key policies shaping Britain's financial future.
Guests:
- John O'Connell (Chief Executive, The TaxPayers' Alliance)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Victoria Hewson, Head of Regulatory Affairs at the Institute of Economic Affairs.
They discuss anonymous online abuse, the return of COVID and the New Zealand free trade deal.
Guests:
- Victoria Hewson (Head of Regulatory Affairs, Institute of Economic Affairs.)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by John Macdonald, Head of Government Affairs at the Adam Smith Institute.
They discuss COVID Failures, the Northern Ireland Protocol, and Bailout Britain
Guests:
- John Macdonald (Head of Government Affairs, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Andy Mayer, Chief Operating Officer at the Institute of Economic Affairs.
They discuss Conservative Party Conference, Migration and Wages, and the Energy Crisis.
Guests:
- Andy Mayer (Chief Operating Officer, Institute of Economic Affairs)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programs, Adam Smith Institute)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Dr. Michael Turner, Head of Research at the C|T RSR.
They discuss Fuel and Gas Shortages, Labour Party Conference, and Winning Housing Reform.
Guests:
- Michael Turner (Head of Research, C|T RSR)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programs, Adam Smith Institute)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Dr. Stephen Davies, Head of Education at the Institute of Economic Affairs.
They discuss Virtual Economics, the Great Realignment, and the Reappearance of Inflation.
Guests:
- Stephen Davies (Head of Education, Institute of Economic Affairs)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programs, Adam Smith Institute)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by John Ashmore, Editor of CapX.
They discuss the recent reshuffle, COVID winter plans and worldwide labour shortages.
Guests:
Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
John Ashmore (Editor, CapX)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Matt Kilcoyne are joined by Dr. Eamonn Butler, Director of the Adam Smith Institute.
They discuss the National Insurance Hike, Reforming Social Care, and The Next Cold War
Guests:
- Eamonn Butler (Director, Adam Smith Institute)
- Matt Kilcoyne (Deputy Director, Adam Smith Institute)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Morgan Schondelmeier are joined by Connor Tomlinson, Policy Director at the British Conservation Alliance.
They discuss Market Environmentalism, Geronimo the Alpaca and the Downfall of Zero Covid
Guests:
Morgan Schondelmeier (Head of External Affairs, Adam Smith Institute)
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
Connor Tomlinson (Policy Director, British Conservation Alliance)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and John Macdonald are joined by James Lawson, ASI Senior Fellow and Business Advisor.
They discuss the fall of Afghanistan, the next step for vaccinations, and political donations
Guests:
James Lawson (ASI Senior Fellow and Business Advisor)
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
John Macdonald (Head of Government Affairs, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and John Macdonald are joined by Dr. Kristian Niemietz, Head of Political Economy at the Institute of Economic Affairs.
They discuss Cuba, what can be learned from the Australian healthcare system, and whether young people really are socialist.
Guests:
Kristian Niemietz (Head of Political Economy, Institute of Economic Affairs)
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
John Macdonald (Head of Government Affairs, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Dr. Madsen Pirie, President of the Adam Smith Institute
They discuss regaining liberty from the state after Covid, the next generation of billionaires and LSE Class War.
Guests:
Madsen Pirie (President, The Adam Smith Institute)
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Philip Salter, founder of the Entrepreneurs' Network
They discuss boosting innovation, digital state capacity, and entrepreneurial culture.
Guests:
Philip Salter (Founder, The Entrepreneurs' Network)
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Rebecca Lowe, former think tanker, policy consultant and PhD student.
They discuss freedom day, space exploration, and levelling up.
Guests:
Rebecca Lowe (Think tanker, policy consultant and PhD student)
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Morgan Schondelmeier, Head of External Affairs at the ASI.
They discuss racism in football, the sugar tax, and cuts to foreign aid.
Guests:
- Morgan Schondelmeier (Head of External Affairs, Adam Smith Institute)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded Thursday July 15th 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Sir Iain Duncan Smith, member of parliament and former Conservative Party Leader.
They discuss regulatory reform and the worrying rise of a bullish China.
Guests:
- Ian Duncan Smith (Member of Parliament and former Conservative Party leader)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded July 8th 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Matt Kilcoyne, Deputy Director of the ASI.
They discuss Matt Hancock's resignation, e-scooters and the offshore processing of asylum seekers.
Guests:
- Matt Kilcoyne (Deputy Director of the ASI)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded Thursday July 1st 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by John Myers, co-founder of the YIMBY alliance and London YIMBY.
They discuss NIMBY Fightback, vaccination privileges and life after school.
Guests:
- John Myers (Co-founder of the YIMBY alliance and London YIMBY)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded Tuesday June 22nd 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Benjamin Butterworth, Late Editor and Senior Reporter at ‘The I’ newspaper.
They discuss the extension of Covid-19 restrictions, the launch of GB News and Pride month.
Guests:
- Benjamin Butterworth, Late Editor and Senior Reporter at ‘The I’ newspaper
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded Thursday June 17th 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh and Daniel Pryor are joined by Michael Turner, Head of Research at CT Group Research and Strategy business based in Australia and fellow of the ASI.
They discuss the new polling on the AU-UK free trade deal, political realignment and selling free markets.
Guests:
- Michael Turner (Head of Research at CT Group Research and Strategy business based in Australia and Fellow of the ASI)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded Thursday June 10th 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Julian Morris, Senior Fellow at Reason Foundation and Senior Scholar at International Centre of Law and Economics.
They discuss calls to delay reopening, the repercussions of a global minimum corporation tax and market environmentalism.
Guests:
- Julian Morris (Senior Fellow at Reason Foundation and Senior Scholar at International Centre of Law and Economics)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded Thursday June 4th 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and the Institute of Economic Affairs’ Emma Revell.
They discuss Cummings’ Covid claims, Great British Railways and the Australia-UK free trade deal.
Guests:
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Emma Revell (Head of Public Affairs at the Institute of Economic Affairs)
(Recorded Thursday May 27th 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and King's College London's Dr. Stuart Ritchie.
They discuss reopening and risk posed by the Indian variant, vaccine patents and the use of science during the Covid pandemic.
Guests:
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Dr. Stuart Ritchie (Lecturer, King's College London)
(Recorded Wednesday May 19th 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Madeline Grant, Telegraph columnist and Parliamentary sketch writer.
They discuss the fallout of the British mid-term results and the highs and lows of the Queen’s speech.
Guests:
- Madeline Grant (Telegraph columnist and Parliamentary sketch writer)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded Thursday May 13th 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Chris Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs.
They discuss the pace of reopening, tobacco harm reduction and the ASI's latest paper on the subject and the UK's economic recovery.
Guests:
- Chris Snowdon (Head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded Thursday 6th May 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Victoria Hewson, Head of Regulatory Affairs at the Institute of Economic Affairs.
They discuss the current state of lobbying in Westminster and whether or not it is reasonable, red tape and why the law must be reduced and better categorised, and the online safety bill and whether or not it is fit for purpose.
Guests:
- Victoria Hewson (Head of Regulatory Affairs at the Institute of Economic Affairs)
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded Thursday 27th April 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Ryan Bourne, Chair for the Public Understanding of Economics at the Cato Institute.
They discuss Ryan Bourne's latest book "Economics in One Virus: An Introduction to Economic Reasoning Through COVID-19" and the economic lessons that can be learnt from Covid-19, the idea of a European Super League, and the first 3 months of President Biden.
Guests:
Ryan Bourne (Chair for the Public Understanding of Economics, Cato Institute) Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded Thursday 22nd April 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Aria Babu, Senior Researcher and Head of the Female Founders Forum at The Entrepreneurs Network.
They discuss the return of the pub, generational impacts of the pandemic, and the Government's recent report on race in Britain.
Guests:
Aria Babu (Senior Researcher and Head of the Female Founders Forum at The Entrepreneurs Network) Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded Thursday 15th April 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and John Macdonald, Head of Government Affairs at the Adam Smith Institute.
They discuss the latest on Covid-19 vaccines, the London Mayoral Election and reflect on one year of Keir Starmer as leader of the Labour Party.
Guests:
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute) John Macdonald (Head of Government Affairs, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded Thursday 9th April 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Dr. Chris Berg, Co-Director of the RMIT Blockchain Innovation Hub.
They discuss how to reboot the economy post-lockdown, the rise of NFTs (non fungible tokens) and whether greed really is good.
Guests:
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Dr. Chris Berg (Co-Director, RMIT Blockchain Innovation Hub)
(Recorded Thursday 25th March 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Morgan Schondelmeier, Head of External Affairs at the Adam Smith Institute.
They discuss new policing powers and the fallout from the murder of Sarah Everard, the EU's latest actions on vaccine rollout, and Uber's move to reclassify its driver-partners as workers.
Guests:
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Morgan Schondelmeier (Head of External Affairs, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded Wednesday 17th March 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Michael Hendrix, the Director of State and Local Policy at the Manhattan Institute.
They explore how Covid-19 has affected our cities, the results of Berlin's rent controls and the latest in American politics, including President Biden's latest stimulus package.
Guests:
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Michael Hendrix (Director of State and Local Policy, Manhattan Institute)
(Recorded Wednesday 10th March 2021)
In this special episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Sam Dumitriu, Research Director for The Entrepreneurs Network.
They delve into the detail behind all of the big policy announcements in the UK's March 2021 Budget.
Guests:
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Sam Dumitriu (Research Director, The Entrepreneurs Network)
(Recorded Thursday 4th March 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Mark Johnson, Legal and Policy Officer at Big Brother Watch.
They discuss the idea of vaccine passports, increasing online censorship and whether lockdowns proved to be the correct response to the pandemic in retrospective.
Guests:
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Mark Johnson (Legal and Policy Officer, Big Brother Watch)
(Recorded Thursday 25th February 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and John Macdonald, Head of Government Affairs at the Adam Smith Institute.
They discuss the UK Government's roadmap out of lockdown, new measures to preserve free speech at British universities, and whether the monarchy has had its day.
Guests:
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- John Macdonald (Head of Government Affairs, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded Wednesday 17th February 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Matt Kilcoyne, Deputy Director at the Adam Smith Institute.
They discuss the problems with acquiring British citizenship, the UK's backlash against Big Tech giants, and the Government's jabs amnesty for illegal immigrants.
Guests:
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Matt Kilcoyne (Deputy Director, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded on 10th February 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Jonathon Kitson, ASI Fellow and Superforecaster.
They discuss the EU's vaccine rollout woes, questions around short-selling in the wake of the GameStop saga, and the value of superforecasting.
Guests:
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Jonathon Kitson (ASI Fellow and Superforecaster)
(Recorded on 2nd February 2021)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Morgan Schondelmeier, the ASI's Head of External Affairs.
They discuss President Biden's inauguration, the debate over whether to shut the UK's borders, and former Supreme Court judge Jonathan Sumption's controversial remarks on whether lives have equal value.
Guests:
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Morgan Schondelmeier (Head of External Affairs, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Dr. Eamonn Butler, Director of the ASI.
They discuss prospects for 2021, the UK's ongoing vaccine rollout, and recent events surrounding President Trump's impeaching and the storming of the US Capitol.
Guests:
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Dr. Eamonn Butler (Director, Adam Smith Institute)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Tom Harwood, journalist and commentator at Guido Fawkes.
They discuss the latest Brexit deal wranglings over fish, trade troubles between Australia and China, and the idea of the economy having a 'Great Reset' in a post-Covid world.
Guests:
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute)
- Tom Harwood (Journalist and commentator, Guido Fawkes)
In this special episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Preston J. Byrne, technology lawyer and ASI Legal Fellow, and James Lawson, ASI Fellow and business advisor.
They discuss the subject of their recent papers for the Adam Smith Institute - a UK Free Speech Act and the future of AI, automation and work.
Guests:
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- Preston J. Byrne (Technology lawyer and Legal Fellow at the Adam Smith Institute)
- James Lawson (Fellow of the Adam Smith Institute and business advisor)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by our Head of Government, John Macdonald, and John Ashmore, the editor of CapX.
They discuss the spending review, the latest Covid news, and the Boris’ ‘green industrial revolution’.
Guests:
- Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute)
- John MacDonald (Head of Government, Adam Smith Institute)
- John Ashmore (Editor, CapX)
(Recorded Friday, 17 November 2020)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs. They discuss the latest Covid-19 vaccine developments, the departure of key advisor Dominic Cummings from Downing Street and the Government's proposed ban on all online advertising of 'junk food'.
Guests:
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute) Christopher Snowdon (Head of Lifestyle Economics, Institute of Economic Affairs)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute, Robby Soave, Senior Editor at Reason and Sophia Gaston, Director of the British Foreign Policy Group. They discuss why the US elections have delivered a serious blow to American socialism and the future of UK-US relations under a Biden presidency.
Guests:
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute) Robby Soave (Senior Editor, Reason) Sophia Gaston (Director, British Foreign Policy Group)
(Recorded Wednesday 11th November 2020)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute, Oliver Wiseman, US Editor at The Critic Magazine and Sam Bowman, Director of Competition Policy, International Center for Law and Economics. They discuss the latest results from the US election and England's second national lockdown.
Guests:
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute) Oliver Wiseman (US Editor, The Critic Magazine) Sam Bowman (Director of Competition Policy, International Center for Law and Economics)
(Recorded Thursday 5th November 2020)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Joseph C. Sternberg, Editorial-Page Editor and Political Economics Columnist at the Wall Street Journal Europe. They discuss the prospects for the US Presidential election, Britain's ongoing Brexit negotiations and whether the Bank of England should adopt negative interest rates.
Guests:
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute) Joseph C. Sternberg (Editorial-Page Editor and Political Economics Columnist, Wall Street Journal)
(Recorded Tuesday 27th October 2020)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Tom Clougherty, Head of Tax at the Centre for Policy Studies. They discuss the latest developments in the UK's response to Covid-19, how to improve our tax system and what the US election results could mean for the free market movement.
Guests:
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute) Tom Clougherty (Head of Tax, Centre for Policy Studies)
(Recorded Tuesday 20th October 2020)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Matt Kilcoyne, Deputy Director of the Adam Smith Institute and Sam Dumitriu, Research Director at The Entrepreneurs Network and ASI Senior Fellow. They discuss reported tax rises in the UK, as well as the Government's campaign to get people back in the office and pupils returning to school.
Guests:
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Matt Kilcoyne (Deputy Director, Adam Smith Institute) Sam Dumitriu (Research Director, The Entrepreneurs Network)
(Recorded Thursday 3rd September 2020)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Dr. Madsen Pirie, President of the Adam Smith Institute. They discuss the history of the institute, how to run a think-tank, and the most effective ways of promoting free markets.
Guests:
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Dr. Madsen Pirie (President and Co-Founder, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded Friday 28th August 2020)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Tom Slater, Deputy Editor at Spiked and John Macdonald, Head of Government Affairs at the Adam Smith Institute. They discuss the downfall of Public Health England, the Government's u-turn on A levels and asylum seekers crossing the English Channel.
Guests:
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Tom Slater (Deputy Editor, Spiked) John Macdonald (Head of Government Affairs, Adam Smith Institute)
(Recorded Monday 17th August 2020)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Anthony Breach, Analyst at Centre for Cities, and Dr. Chris Berg, Co-Director of the RMIT Blockchain Innovation Hub. They discuss the recent planning reforms in the UK and the challenges of second lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Guests:
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Anthony Breach (Analyst, Centre for Cities) Dr. Chris Berg (Co-Director, RMIT Blockchain Innovation Hub)
(Recorded Tuesday 11th August 2020)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Daniel Pryor, Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute and Robby Soave, Senior Editor at Reason. They discuss the controversy over grime artist Wiley's anti-semitic tweet tirade, antitrust hearings involving Big Tech, and President Trump's hints at US election delays.
Guests:
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute) Robby Soave (Senior Editor, Reason)
(Recorded Tuesday 28th July 2020)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matthew Lesh is joined by Allie Renison, the Head of EU and Trade Policy at the Institute of Directors and Victoria Hewson, the Head of Regulatory Affairs at the Institute of Economic Affairs. They discuss how Covid-19 has affected globalisation and supply chains, our trading relationship with China, and how trade talks between the UK and EU are progressing.
Guests:
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Allie Renison (Head of EU and Trade Policy, Institute of Directors) Victoria Hewson (Head of Regulatory Affairs, Institute of Economic Affairs)
(Recorded Tuesday 28th July 2020)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matt and Eamonn are joined by Tom Harwood of Guido Fawkes to discuss the joys and perils of working from home, whether we should be forking out £4 billion to restore Parliament, and what classical liberals should think about the revocation of Shamima Begum's citizenship.
Guests:
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Dr. Eamonn Butler (Director, Adam Smith Institute) Tom Harwood (Commentator and Journalist, Guido Fawkes)
(Recorded Monday 20th July 2020)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matt and John are joined by Chris Snowdon from the Institute of Economic Affairs to discuss the Chancellor's recent summer statement, the ongoing failures of Public Health England and the rise of cancel culture.
Guests:
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) John Macdonald (Head of Government Affairs, Adam Smith Institute) Chris Snowdon (Head of Lifestyle Economics, Institute of Economic Affairs)
(Recorded Monday 13th July 2020)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the ASI's Matt and Daniel are joined by the New Statesman's Stephen Bush to discuss the latest Hong Kong developments, the Prime Minister's 'Build Build Build' speech and rough sleeping in the Covid-19 era.
Guests:
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Daniel Pryor (Head of Programmes, Adam Smith Institute) Stephen Bush (Political Editor, New Statesman)
(Recorded Monday 6th July 2020)
In this episode of The Pin Factory, the two Matt's at the ASI are joined by the Spectator's Economics Correspondent, Kate Andrews to chat about lifting the lockdown, UK trade talks and the latest developments in the upcoming US elections.
Guests:
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Matt Kilcoyne (Deputy Director, Adam Smith Institute) Kate Andrews (Economics Correspondent, Spectator)
(Recorded Friday 26th June 2020)
In this pilot episode of The Pin Factory, ASI staff from the past and present discuss Black Lives Matter protests in the US and UK, reopening the economy post-Covid and managing foreign investment from China.
Guests:
Matthew Lesh (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) Morgan Schondelmeier (Head of External Affairs, Adam Smith Institute) Sam Bowman (Director of Competition Policy, International Centre for Law and Economics)
(Recorded Thursday 11th June 2020)
The Adam Smith Institute's Head of Research, Matthew Lesh, introduces our all-new podcast—The Pin Factory.