As we turn the page on another year, the questions facing the economy aren’t abstract—they’re personal.

Families are watching prices, businesses are weighing risk, and policymakers are deciding whether 2026 brings stability or more uncertainty. The choices made in the months ahead won’t just shape headlines—they’ll shape paychecks, savings, and opportunity.

In this episode of This Week’s Economy, I look ahead to the policy fights most likely to define 2026. From trade and inflation to artificial intelligence and regulation, these decisions will determine whether we move toward prosperity or remain stuck in cycles of dysfunction.

I make the case for returning to basic economic principles that work—and for choosing policies that truly let people prosper.

🔗 Show notes and analysis: vanceginn.substack.com🌐 More work and research: vanceginn.com

If you’ve ever wondered why so many people assume progress is automatic, why trillion-dollar deficits barely raise eyebrows anymore, or why “economic planning” keeps making a comeback despite its long record of failure—this episode gets to the heart of the issue.

Prosperity doesn’t happen by accident. Freedom doesn’t sustain itself. And history doesn’t bend toward progress unless the rules of the game allow it to.

That’s why this conversation matters.

My guest is Dr. Peter Boettke, Distinguished University Professor of Economics at George Mason University and Director of the F.A. Hayek Program at the Mercatus Center. This is Peter’s third appearance (episodes 10 and 119) on the Let People Prosper Show, and every time he joins, he brings clarity to questions most policymakers avoid.

Today’s discussion centers on his new book, The Historical Path to Liberty and Human Progress, which makes a simple but uncomfortable point: human flourishing depends on institutions—and bad institutions destroy progress faster than good intentions can save it.

At a time of runaway federal spending, renewed industrial policy, and bipartisan refusal to confront tradeoffs, this conversation couldn’t be more timely.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of the Let People Prosper Show, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. You can also find more of my work at vanceginn.com.

As we kick off a new year, state legislatures across the country are gearing up for their 2026 sessions. What lawmakers decide in the next few months will shape the economic health, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity of their states. With Americans continuing to vote with their feet—seeking opportunity, affordability, and freedom—states have every incentive to get their policies right.

From sustainable budgeting and tax relief to school choice to debanking regulations to the future of AI innovation, these are the reforms that can strengthen economies, expand competition, and help states attract new people and new investment. If policymakers want prosperity, this is where to start.

In this episode of This Week’s Economy, I’ll break down the key priorities that should be at the top of every state’s agenda. Catch the show notes on my Substack newsletter, and visit my website for more information.