Gene Epstein is a prominent American economist, celebrated for his extensive contributions to the field of libertarian economics and his role as the director and co-founder of the highly acclaimed Soho Forum. With a career spanning several decades, Epstein has made significant strides in economic journalism, education, and the promotion of libertarian ideas.

Gene Epstein's journey in economics began with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brandeis University and further studies leading to a Master of Arts in economics from the New School. He leveraged his educational background to teach economics at prestigious institutions such as St. John's University and the City University of New York, where he imparted his knowledge to aspiring economists.

In 1976, Epstein authored the book "Making Money in Commodities," showcasing his expertise in the financial markets. Subsequently, he served as a senior economist at the New York Stock Exchange, where he brought his economic insights to the heart of the financial world.

Epstein's most notable role was his 26-year tenure as Economics and Books Editor at Barron's Magazine, which lasted until his retirement in 2018. During this period, he penned the weekly column "Economic Beat" that provided readers with deep insights into economic matters and served as a trusted source of economic analysis.

In 2006, Epstein published "Econospinning: How to Read between the Lines when the Media Manipulate the Numbers," a book that drew attention for its critical examination of media's manipulation of economic data, sparking debate and discussion in the blogosphere.

Gene Epstein is a passionate advocate for libertarianism and a devoted follower of the Austrian school of economics. He further solidified his libertarian influence as an associated scholar at the Ludwig von Mises Institute in Auburn, Alabama.

In 2016, Epstein co-founded the Soho Forum, a monthly debate series that has become a cornerstone of the libertarian community in Manhattan. The Soho Forum, sponsored by the Reason Foundation, aims to foster intellectual discussion and enhance social and professional connections among libertarians. One of its most widely viewed debates featured Gene Epstein himself, debating Richard D. Wolff on the pivotal issues of socialism and capitalism.

Epstein's dedication to libertarian ideals extends to his numerous appearances on popular libertarian podcasts, including "The Tom Woods Show" and "Lions of Liberty," where he continues to share his insights and promote libertarian principles.

Gene Epstein resides in downtown Manhattan with his wife, the renowned artist Hisako Kobayashi. Beyond his professional endeavors, Epstein's personal life reflects his passion for art and culture, making him a well-rounded and influential figure in both the economic and artistic communities.