Recorded: May 31, 2025

This conversation, recorded in late May, features Kumar Thangudu. Kumar is an engineer by training, a marketing professional, and a dynamic, incisive writer on issues related to economics, technology, and policy. 

The interview was prompted by Kumar’s blog post, American Dynamism is Hypetastic…, in which he delivers a cold dose of reality to the optimistic narratives surrounding America’s efforts to reshore manufacturing. His analysis stood out for venturing into areas often overlooked in mainstream discussions—topics like the burden of occupational licensing, ballooning pension liabilities, and what he describes as a “materials-energy” balance. 

Over the course of the conversation, Kumar unpacks how the structure of America’s labor, legal, and financial systems creates immense friction for building and producing. He also explores the quiet cartelization of key industries, the creeping nationalization of private equity, and the deep dysfunctions of the U.S. healthcare system, describing an economy increasingly overrun with grift. 

Midway through the discussion, Kumar outlines his own policy ideas—what he would do if tasked with revitalizing American industry. His proposals are as distinctive and unorthodox as his diagnosis of the problems. This is a wide-ranging and provocative conversation. We hope you enjoy it.