Did you know that you commit up to three felonies on an average day? Ever wonder why we don't have clean energy yet? Or why you can't just make TikToks and be left alone? One answer: the government!
Red Tape, a new podcast from the R Street Institute, explores the surprising ways the government often gets in the way of solving today's biggest problems. From good-paying jobs to TikTok and electric vehicles, normal Americans often find themselves in need of a real solution that fits the real world. But more often than not, bureaucratic red tape gets in their way.
In every episode, hosts Kelli Pierce and Shoshana Weissmann will explore some of today's most pressing issues and talk with R Street Institute experts about possible solutions. The show will cover everything from birth control to social media to election misinformation. The problems might be more absurd and the answers far simpler than you'd think.
“Who’s Running the Government? Budgets, Congress, and Chaos” with Washington Post's Megan McArdle
What happens when Washington Post Columnist Megan McArdle and R Street Expert Nan Swift try to figure out who is running the government? A live episode of Red Tape!
On this episode, co-hosts Kelli Pierce has a live, wide-ranging conversation about budgets, Congress, power, and the government as part of the R Street Institute's 2025 Real Solutions Summit. (The conversation begins with co-hosts Pierce and Shoshana Weissmann talking briefly about if social media really runs the government before they are joined by Swift and McArdle.)
The 2025 Real Solutions Summit brought together leaders in public policy, media, philanthropy, and the private sector who believe our best days are still ahead if we can unleash American innovation, bolster competition, and safeguard individual liberty. Learn more at: https://www.rstreet.org/summit2025/
4 Sept 2024
You stepped on my patent!
On this special episode of Red Tape, host Kelli Pierce interviews Wayne Brough, R Street Institute resident senior fellow for the Technology and Innovation Program. They discuss why drug prices are sky-high, how the United States’ outdated patent system lets pharmaceutical companies block competition that could lead to lower prices, and the real-life solutions that could help Americans get the drugs they need for less money.
13 Sept 2023
Humble Beginnings
Not many organizations can say they were founded because of a billboard, or that they have a “no ninjas” policy. But there is one organization that can claim both, plus they love South Park. In today’s episode, host Kelli Pierce dives into the story of R Street. She interviews our President and Co-Founder, Eli Lehrer and the Executive Director and very first hire, Erica Schoder.
First, Eli and Kelli talk about the controversial billboard that started it all, why working with those who disagree with you is important, and why we should be optimistic about the future. Kelli then speaks with Erica about her love of books, that first R Street job ad, maintaining R Street’s quirky culture, and the importance of transparency, credibility, and diversity in safeguarding the independence of think tanks.
30 Aug 2023
Build high where it’s dry
What do California and Florida have in common other than beaches and Disney? Natural disasters and insurance markets that are in shambles.
Kelli Pierce interviews Caroline Melear, R Street’s resident fellow on Insurance and Trade policy. Caroline, a Florida resident, breaks down the state’s years long struggle with massive hurricanes, insurance, and why the crisis recently came to a head.
The situation in California is no less chaotic. Kelli also speaks to Steve Greenhut, R Street’s western region director and a California resident, about California’s recent wildfires and floods, the political decisions that have caused major insurance companies to leave the state, and what can be done to prevent California from having the same insurance problems as Florida.
16 Aug 2023
It’s 230. Do you know where your children are?
The internet as we know it exists today thanks to an obscure law called Section 230. On this week’s episode, Kelli interviews Red Tape’s very own Shoshana Weissmann about Section 230’s crucial role in our digital liberty. Shoshana discusses how this legislation empowers individuals to voice their opinions freely online without fear of litigation, a pivotal element in today’s social media-driven world.
Kelli also speaks with Josh Withrow, R Street’s Innovation and Technology Fellow, about how to keep kids safe on the internet. Josh talks about how to create a safe and responsible online environment for their kids, and brings to light the potential pitfalls of laws designed to protect children that might inadvertently lead to greater harm.
2 Aug 2023
Where’s The Lie?
The Pope was wearing what?! Get ready to find out as we navigate the murky waters of misinformation. R Street's Resident Elections Fellow, Matt Germer, joins host Kelli Pierce to talk about election misinformation and the strengths and weakness of states' voting infrastructures that have been revealed by the last few elections.
Kelli also speaks with Stacey McKenna, R Street's Resident Senior Fellow for Integrated Harm Reduction about the complexities of the current drug crisis. Stacey breaks down how fear-based messaging and anti-drug campaigns riddled with misinformation are doing more harm than good. Stacey also gives insight on effective harm-reduction methods, and shares her personal experience with addiction.
19 Jul 2023
They Took Our Jobs!
What will happen to our jobs when the robots take over? Kelli and Shoshana navigate the world of artificial intelligence and jobs with R Street’s Resident Senior Fellow for Technology and Innovation, Adam Thierer. An expert on AI, he explains why you shouldn’t worry so much about the robots taking your job.
Kelli also speaks with Dr. Christi Smith who explains why a criminal record shouldn’t always prevent you from getting a job. Instead, more states should look at “clean slate” laws that remove barriers to jobs for those with criminal records. Kelli and Christi discuss the importance of giving people second chances and allowing them to become productive members of society.
(0:06:14) The Impact of AI on Jobs
(0:08:45) The Evolution of Technology and Professions
(0:12:26) AI and Quantum Computers Enhance Creativity
(0:16:21) Truckers Union vs. Driverless Trucks
(0:20:26) Retraining in Changing Industries
(0:26:41) Technology, Burnout, and Job Security
(0:36:00) Clean Slate Laws for Convicts
(0:39:27) Jobs for Those With Sealed Records
(0:42:28) Clean Slate
(0:45:31) Clean Slate Reform
5 Jul 2023
South Park Explains Why We’re Trillions in Debt
What can we learn about the U.S. debt crisis from a classic South Park episode? Turns out, almost everything. In this episode of Red Tape, Kelli and Shoshana dissect the classic Margaritaville episode from Season 13 of South Park in 2009.
Host Kelli Pierce is then joined by Nan Swift, a Resident Fellow for R Street’s Governance Program, to examine the complexities of the U.S. budget and why bad ideas persist in government. Also, why is Bill Gates receiving farm bill subsidies?
Kelli also speaks with Jonathan Bydlak, Policy Director for the Governance Policy Program and a Resident Senior Fellow, where they discuss the differences between how the federal government and states handle budgeting, and the implications of people seeking more and better public assistance. Also, what Bernie Sanders and Rand Paul have in common.
(0:05:36) Using Cartoons to Understand the World
(0:12:46) The Partisan Use of Budget Reconciliation
(0:21:52) Congressional Spending and Priorities
(0:32:51) South Park and Economic Perceptions
(0:38:34) Federal Reserve Versus US Treasury
(0:41:31) The Importance of Fiscal Discipline
(0:47:31) Public Perception vs. Actual Votes
(0:50:26) Budget Discipline and Hard Choices
21 Jun 2023
Ban It All!
Don’t like or understand something? Just ban it! In this episode of Red Tape from R Street, host Kelli Pierce is joined by Brandon Pugh, R Street's Resident Fellow and Policy Director for the Cybersecurity and Emerging Threats Program. They discuss the potential implications of a Tik Tok ban in the United States and examine the delicate balance between data security and tech policy.
Kelli also speaks with Mazen Saleh, R Street’s Policy Director for Integrated Harm Reduction, to discuss why tobacco bans are a bad idea and the challenges surrounding nicotine and tobacco-related policies. Mazen also breaks down the controversy surrounding flavored e-cigarettes, discussing their potential benefits as a safer alternative to traditional combustible cigarettes. Plus, they get real about why quitting cold turkey doesn’t always work and the essential role of harm reduction strategies in managing nicotine addiction.
7 Jun 2023
It Ain’t Easy Being Green
Why is the government getting in the way of green energy initiatives? Join hosts Kelli Pierce and Shoshana Weissmann as they navigate some of the red tape that is slowing down clean energy projects.
R Street’s Josiah Neeley speaks with host Kelli Pierce about the crucial role of our nation’s power grid in our pursuit of green energy goals. He talks about how wind and solar have become the cheaper options, why utilities are monopolies, the challenges this creates for our clean energy future, and finally why there aren’t more clean energy projects connected to the grid.
Next up, R Street’s Philip Rossetti shares his thoughts on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and how it can delay clean energy projects by years-even decades. He also talks about the hard choices we have to make as we pursue a greener future.
(0:00:00) - Bureaucracy or BS
(0:05:42) - Power Grid and Clean Energy Goals with Josiah Neeley
(0:20:22) - NEPA's Impact on Clean Energy with Phil Rossetti
24 May 2023
You’re Not As Free As You Think
How free are we really? In the first episode of Red Tape from R Street, hosts Kelli Pierce and Shoshana Weissmann pull back the curtain on some of the ways that the government is getting in the way of your day-to-day freedom. Host Kelli Pierce first speaks with Jill Snider, a retired New York City Police Officer and R Street's Policy Director for Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties, who talks about the consequences of cash bail and the punishment it inflicts on those unable to pay.
Kelli also speaks with R Street's Courtney Joslin about pharmacist-prescribed birth control as a way to improve access and reduce barriers to care. They discuss the significant ramifications birth control access can have on the lives and freedom of women across the country.
(0:00:00) - Show and Host introduction with Kelli Pierce and Shoshana Weissmann
(0:04:45) - The Importance of Bail Reform with Jill Snider
(0:24:05) - Birth Control and Barriers to Healthcare Access with Courtney Joslin
11 May 2023
Introducing Red Tape From R Street
Did you know that you commit up to three felonies on an average day? Ever wonder why we don’t have clean energy yet? Or why you can’t just make TikToks and be left alone? One answer: the government!
Red Tape, a new podcast from the R Street Institute, explores the surprising ways the government often gets in the way of solving today’s biggest problems. From good-paying jobs to TikTok and electric vehicles, normal Americans often find themselves in need of a real solution that fits the real world. But more often than not, bureaucratic red tape gets in their way.
In every episode, hosts Kelli Pierce and Shoshana Weissmann will explore some of today’s most pressing issues and talk with R Street Institute experts about possible solutions. The show will cover everything from birth control to social media to election misinformation. The problems might be more absurd and the answers far simpler than you’d think.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
139,453
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
17 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 53 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
39
Social presence
0
YouTube
82
Engagement
85
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