Singapore’s Best Minds Run the Government. America’s Run Ads. | Connor Leahy
Link to full episode: https://youtu.be/rtir6QmQQRg?si=cyrMliYb7Xz57qLP
Connor Leahy describes a political death spiral in which frustration with government discourages capable people from joining it. He argues that this makes government work worse and gives the next group of potential recruits another reason to stay away. The discussion starts with an account from a former member of Congress about how little time his suggested schedule left for reading and learning. Leahy connects that story to conversations with politicians and staff in Washington, where he says heavy workloads and constant pressure leave people struggling to think through the decisions in front of them.
Danny asks who has time to think under those conditions. Leahy questions why talented people would choose public service when other careers offer better incentives. He contrasts his experience in Washington with a visit from Singaporean civil servants who came to ask him about AI safety. He describes their detailed questions and interest in potential regulation. He then discusses Singapore’s approach to public-sector pay and education support tied to government service. These are the examples he uses to explain how a government might attract capable recruits and give them a reason to stay.
Leahy argues that withdrawing from government can deepen the problems that make people distrust it. He calls for capable young people to get involved and says improvements can begin through steady work, even when the task feels overwhelming. The conversation later turns to his experiences in Singapore and Japan, including his impressions of public safety and everyday order. His comparison returns to the question behind the political discussion: how can a country create conditions that make public service an appealing career for people with the skills to improve it?
Subscribe to this channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ_piSR8gm-TfHZcDWOJciA?sub_confirmation=1
Watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/@dannyjones
@DannyJonesClips
September 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
Link to full episode: https://youtu.be/rtir6QmQQRg?si=cyrMliYb7Xz57qLP
@nsikadlamini4751
September 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
this guy could be a great teacher, its easy listening to him….great guest
@jellybean-k8c
September 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
America was a mostly a high trust society, until the Fabian Socialists infiltrated our government bottom to top.
@daryljmann8595
September 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
Jakarta 2000-2005.
Singapore is a tight Ship.
Love Singapore 🇸🇬 ♥️
@CJW00747
September 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
I’m a state prosecutor. Best job in the world.
@bernardmauge8613
September 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
Start with the death penalty for drug dealers just like Singapore.
@GrimFowler
September 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
How tf do they have no free time and yet nothing is getting better for us? All they are doing is working to line their own pockets and their bosses pockets.
@brandonb5075
September 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
Ahhhh, to be so young and naive…
I miss those days!
Have an AWESOME day Humans!
@thisbrocklife1582
September 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
Replace them with AI
@mrelmer6512
September 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
Connor Leahy operates on a level of competence the rest of the show can’t seem to reach. He’s grounded, analytical, and actually engages with ideas instead of performing for attention. The DJ, on the other hand, derails serious discussion so consistently it’s almost impressive. If the producers removed the intellectual deadweight and let people like Connor carry the conversation, the show would stop embarrassing itself.
@mrelmer6512
September 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
Connor Leahy is one of the few people on that show who actually thinks before he speaks. He brings depth, rigor, and a level of intellectual seriousness that makes everyone else look like they’re just filling airtime. Every moment he’s talking, the conversation sharpens. Every moment the DJ jumps in, it collapses back into shallow noise. If the show cut out the pointless interruptions and centered contributors who actually know what they’re talking about, it might finally rise above mediocrity.
@ericaberry535
September 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
They seem to not be troubled. America wake up
@mrelmer6512
September 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
Connor Leahy comes across as well-educated, intelligent, and grounded. Remove the DJ from the show and it would be 100% improved.
@mrelmer6512
September 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
"Connor Leahy comes across as well-educated, thoughtful, and grounded. The DJ, on the other hand, sounds completely out of his depth and contributes very little to the discussion."
@mrelmer6512
September 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
"Connor Leahy sounds intelligent, informed, and level-headed. The DJ, by contrast, comes across like a complete buffoon who isn't equipped to have this conversation."
@Cooper-k71
September 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
Petty theft punishable by death.
@travelerseetheworld
September 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
❤ Singapore, great country!
Comments are closed.