Bringing Economic Principles to Life: Integrating ‘The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible’ into Your Curriculum

It’s no secret that economics education in America is sorely lacking. But how do we make economics engaging for young minds? Enter The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible, an animated series that transforms complex economic principles into accessible, entertaining stories that resonate with students of all ages. Just as Milton Friedman used easy-to-understand examples and language to explain economics to television audiences in his groundbreaking Free To Choose  series, this delightful series makes free-market principles digestible for today’s young viewers. Based on Ken Schoolland’s beloved book, the series follows Jonathan’s adventures through a world where economic freedom and personal liberty intersect …

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Is Bigger Always Better In Business?

Sometimes, the most interesting business stories start with a simple observation. That’s exactly what happened when Bo Burlingham, writing for Inc. Magazine, visited a quirky deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan. What he found at Zingerman’s wasn’t just great food—it was a completely different way of thinking about business success. The article Burlingham wrote about Zingerman’s, dubbed “The Coolest Small Company in America,” sparked something unexpected. His publisher noticed a pattern: successful companies actively choosing not to expand as aggressively as possible. This insight led Burlingham on a journey that would challenge conventional wisdom about business growth and eventually culminate with …

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Episode 230 – A Conversation with Arnaud de Borchgrave (Podcast)

Today’s podcast is titled, “A Conversation with Arnaud de Borchgrave.” Recorded in 1987, Arnaud de Borchgrave, Editor-in-Chief of The Washington Times and co-author of the novel, The Spike, discusses the early years of his journalism career as a war and foreign correspondent that took him to the world’s hot spots and shares his observations of the US media.  Listen now, and don’t forget to subscribe to get updates each week for the Free To Choose Media Podcast.

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5 Essential Life Lessons from The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible

Remember the magic of Saturday morning cartoons? The excitement of following your favorite characters on their weekly adventures? Now imagine if those adventures also taught valuable life lessons about economics, critical thinking, and personal responsibility. That’s exactly what The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible delivers—and here are five powerful lessons your children will learn while being thoroughly entertained. The Power of Asking “Why?” Jonathan’s greatest superpower isn’t strength or speed—it’s curiosity. Throughout his adventures, he constantly asks, “Why?” when encountering strange rules and customs. Why can’t people start new businesses? Why are some jobs protected while others aren’t? Why is innovation …

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Episode 229 – Evolutionary Economics (Podcast)

Today’s podcast is titled, “Evolutionary Economics.” Recorded in 1999, Dr. David B. Audretsch, Director, Ameritech Chair of Economic Development and Director, Institute for Development Strategies, Indiana University, and Professor Ulrich Witt, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Research into Economic Systems, discuss the development of evolutionary economics as a field of study.  Listen now, and don’t forget to subscribe to get updates each week for the Free To Choose Media Podcast.

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From Friedman to Gullible: Empowering Youth Through Economic Education

“Governments never learn. Only people learn.” This simple yet profound observation by economist Milton Friedman encapsulates the importance of education. It’s a lesson that can shape how young people view the world and their place in it. Free To Choose® Network is excited to feature a new way to bring these timeless principles to life for children: The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible. This animated series takes Friedman’s legacy of economic education and builds onto it in a fun, engaging format for young minds. But how does this connect to Friedman’s broader vision for education, and why is it so crucial …

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Episode 228 – Classical Liberalism (Podcast)

Today’s podcast is titled, “Classical Liberalism.” Recorded in 1995, Dr. James M. Buchanan, Harris University Professor at George Mason University and Dr. Charles K. Rowley, General Director of the Locke Institute and Professor of Economics at George Mason University discuss the question of where classical liberalism stands in a civil society.  Listen now, and don’t forget to subscribe to get updates each week for the Free To Choose Media Podcast.

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Michael E. Gerber: Thinking Like a True Entrepreneur

Are you working in your business, or on your business? This simple question strikes at the heart of Michael E. Gerber’s philosophy on entrepreneurship. In the video below, the 80-year-old author of The E-Myth Revisited gives advice that could revolutionize how you approach your business. Gerber challenges the common notion of what it means to be an entrepreneur. It’s not just about owning a business—it’s about dreaming big and creating systems that allow your vision to scale. He uses Ray Kroc and McDonald’s as a prime example. Kroc didn’t flip burgers; he created a system that could replicate the perfect …

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From Page to Screen: Jonathan Gullible Teaches Economics to the Next Generation

Ken Schoolland’s beloved book The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible has long been a gateway for young minds to explore free-market economics. Now, as an animated series, it’s set to captivate a new audience. We asked Schoolland to discuss how this adaptation aims to enlighten and entertain young viewers about economic principles. The series follows Jonathan’s journey to Corrumpo, an island where misguided policies reign supreme. Schoolland explains, “Each new situation he witnesses pushes him to use reason and common sense to challenge the absurd rules and limitations that create needless suffering for the island’s residents.” This approach, he notes, “reflects …

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Episode 227 – Globalization and the Emergence of the Entrepreneurial Economy (Podcast)

Today’s podcast is titled, “Globalization and the Emergence of the Entrepreneurial Economy.” Recorded in 1999, Dr. David B. Audretsch, Ameritech Chair of Economic Development and Director, Institute for Development Strategies, Indiana University, and Dr. A. Roy Thurik, Professor of Industrial Economics at Erasmus University, Rotterdam, discuss the impact of globalization and the emergence of the entrepreneurial economy. Listen now, and don’t forget to subscribe to get updates each week for the Free To Choose Media Podcast.

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