Liberty and Leadership

Roger welcomes Marian L. Tupy, founder and editor of HumanProgress.org and a senior fellow at the Cato Institute’s Center for Global Liberty, for a compelling conversation about human progress, population growth and the myth of scarcity.

They explore the legacy of economist Julian Simon, the surprising data behind global trends and why more people often means more innovation, not less. They also break down how human ingenuity continues to drive prosperity across the globe and why doomsday narratives about overpopulation, resource depletion and environmental collapse fail to reflect reality. Plus, they examine how the idea of...

Roger welcomes Dr. Jenna Robinson, president of the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal, for a timely discussion on the state of American higher education and how to restore its core mission.

They examine the rise of administrative bloat in higher education, the spread of DEI bureaucracies and the decline of intellectual diversity on college campuses. They also explore how the Martin Center serves as a model to promote academic freedom, viewpoint diversity, institutional neutrality and transparency in public universities. Plus, reform efforts taking place in North Carolina, how legislative and trustee oversight can serve as...

Roger welcomes Ted Tucker, executive director of the Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE) and Lisa Chang, director of operations and teacher programs at FTE, to discuss the organization’s 50-year legacy of teaching the economic way of thinking to high school students and teachers. They share the fascinating history of FTE’s founding in the 1970s, the pivotal role of leaders like Milton and Rose Friedman and Gary Walton, and how FTE has evolved to meet the needs of a changing world.

They explore why economic literacy is so critical, yet often neglected today, how FTE’s experi...

Roger welcomes Robert Lawson, economist, author, and director of the Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom at Southern Methodist University. Lawson is the co-author of “Socialism Sucks: Two Economists Drink Their Way Through the Unfree World.”

In this episode, they discuss Lawson’s firsthand observations from socialist regimes including Venezuela, Cuba, and North Korea and how central planning continues to fail the people living under it. They explore the dangerous appeal of socialism in modern political discourse, the real differences between Scandinavian welfare states and actual socialist systems, and why economic freedom remains essential to human flourishing. Plus, they h...

Roger welcomes Benjamin Hall, FOX News correspondent and New York Times bestselling author, for a powerful conversation about courage, recovery and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

They discuss Halls’ harrowing experience surviving a Russian missile strike while covering the war in Ukraine, the loss of his colleagues that day and the long physical and emotional road to recovery that followed. Hall shares reflections from his latest book, “Resolute: How We Humans Keep Finding Ways to Beat the Toughest Odds,” offering insights into post-traumatic growth, the role of faith and family and the importance of community suppor...

Roger welcomes Kyle Mann, a comedian, writer, podcast host, and the editor-in-chief of the Babylon Bee.

They discuss the origin story of the Babylon Bee, the creative process behind crafting their daily satirical headlines, and their expansion into film and other media projects. Plus, how they navigate the landscape of censorship and fact-checking, and why humor is such a valuable outlet when it comes to commenting on the absurdities of modern culture and politics.

Kyle Mann writes and publishes articles on topics that include politics, current events, censorship and wokeness. In comedy, he has authored...

On this very special episode of Liberty + Leadership recorded at the TFAS Annual Conference in Naples, Florida, Roger welcomes Catherine Shea and Caleb Davis, two recent TFAS alumni from the summer class of 2024.

Catherine and Caleb share their positive TFAS experiences, highlighting the program’s focus on fostering open dialogue, civility and respect for different viewpoints. They reflect on how their TFAS courses and internships provided them with an invaluable D.C. experience and discuss the lasting impact TFAS and its supporters have in developing the principled leaders of the future.

The Liberty + Leadership Podcast is...

On this special episode of the Liberty + Leadership Podcast, recorded live at the Annual TFAS Conference in Naples, Florida, Roger welcomes Dan Proft. Proft is co-host of the morning drive-time radio talk show Chicago’s Morning Answer and a 1993 TFAS alumnus.

They discuss, Proft's successful career in radio, his experience as a TFAS student and his observations on the first months of the Trump administration and the role of the executive branch. Plus, they take a look at the changing tides in the media landscape, the political dynamics in Illinois and Proft’s advice to young people on t...

Roger welcomes Ambassador Paula Dobriansky, the former Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs and editor of her father Lev Dobriansky’s newly released book, “Unyielding Resolve: Captive Nations and the Path to Freedom.”

Together, they discuss Lev Dobriansky’s work advocating for the rights of captive nations, his role in establishing an annual Captive Nations Week proclamation signed by U.S. presidents, the historical significance of the captive nations concept and its continued relevance today - particularly in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Plus, reflections on the legacy of President Ronald Reagan and the impo...

Roger welcomes Talmage Boston, a lawyer, historian, and author of “How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents,” which was released in April of last year.

They explore Boston’s top 8 presidents, the leadership lessons they teach Americans — especially young Americans developing their leadership characteristics, and the importance of optimism, unification, and the ability of a president to connect with the American people. Plus, they discuss how baseball history is intertwined with American history and how it shapes the American zeitgeist.

Talmage Boston is a partner at the Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton law firm...

Roger welcomes Ari Fleischer, former White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush and an esteemed communication and crisis management leader.

They discuss Fleischer’s firsthand experience of the September 11 attacks while serving as White House Press Secretary, reflecting on the immediate chaos and the key lessons learned in crisis management, particularly the importance of staying calm under pressure. Plus, the modernization of the White House Press Room, the significance of diverse voices in journalism, why supporting Israel aligns with American values, and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of government.

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This week, Roger welcomes Mark L. Clifford, the president of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation and author of “The Troublemaker: How Jimmy Lai Became a Billionaire, Hong Kong's Greatest Dissident, and China's Most Feared Critic,” which was released in December of 2024.

They discuss the remarkable life story of Jimmy Lai, a Chinese refugee who built a successful business empire in Hong Kong before becoming an outspoken pro-democracy activist. They cover Lai's early hardships, his spiritual conversion to Catholicism, and his current imprisonment by the Chinese government under harsh conditions. Plus, how Clifford and the Comm...

This week Roger welcomes Tim Goeglein, the vice president of external and government relations for Focus on the Family, a Christian ministry and nonprofit organization. They discuss how the cultural and moral shifts of the 1960s shaped many of the challenges American society faces today, how the seeds for these changes were planted earlier in the 20th century by progressives like Woodrow Wilson and John Dewey and how the Great Society programs of the 1960s (despite good intentions) led to unintended consequences that undermined traditional American societal institutions. Plus, why the path forward lies in grassroots efforts to rebuild...

This week Roger welcomes Randy DeCleene, TFAS’s very own chief development and communications officer to the show. They discuss the transformative impact TFAS programs have on both current students and alumni of all ages, the achievement and growth of TFAS over the past year and the need for continued funding to support future students and programs. Plus, how Randy’s longstanding relationship with TFAS over the course of his career working in both the private sector and government, ultimately led him to a full-time role with TFAS.

Prior to joining TFAS in September 2023, Randy DeCleene was a pa...

This week Roger welcomes Michael C. Maibach to discuss the significance of the Electoral College in the American republic, its origins, and the historical context of its establishment. They also discuss the ongoing debates surrounding the Electoral College’s relevance and how to view the Constitution through the lens of Natural Law.

Michael C. Maibach is the founder and director of The Center for the Electoral College and is also the current distinguished fellow at Save Our States, an organization dedicated to defending the Electoral College. He also serves on the board for multiple nonprofit organizations including th...

This week, Roger welcomes Judge Gregory E. Maggs to discuss the role of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the concept of originalism in constitutional law and the importance of civic education. Plus, Judge Maggs shares insights on the quality of TFAS Law Fellows and the practical education they receive, as well as his experiences in the JAG Corps.

Judge Gregory E. Maggs was appointed to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces in 2018 and prior to that, he taught full-time at The George Washington University...

This week, Roger welcomes Dr. Joshua Mitchell, a professor of political theory at Georgetown University. They discuss the perils of identity politics, the meaning of the material, blank and spiritual economies, and the need for a return to competence and community engagement. Dr. Mitchell also shares firsthand insight on the state of higher education and the ever-growing fear of free and open dialog among students.

Dr. Joshua Mitchell is one of the world’s leading experts on Alexis de Tocqueville and has written widely on a range of subjects, most recently on identity politics. He ha...

Is there still a place for local journalism in today’s media landscape? This week, Roger welcomes the 2023 Joseph Rago Memorial Journalism Fellow, Sierra McClain. They discuss her experiences from the fellowship, the true value of on-the-ground journalism, the differences between local and national journalism, and advice for young journalists.

Sierra is the assistant editorial features editor for The Wall Street Journal, a position she secured upon completion of her Rago Fellowship. Prior to The Journal, she was a correspondent for the Capital Press, a regional newspaper covering agricultural business in California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. She gr...

What happens to our nation’s discourse when every issue has only two possible positions? This week, Roger welcomes Kat Timpf to explore the complexities of division within American society. They discuss how embracing vulnerability can be a tool to diffuse that division and examine the dangers of binary thinking, touching on topics like religion, mental health and the size of government. Plus, discover how Kat’s journalism background led to her successful career as a television personality, writer and comedian.

Kat is a regular panelist on Fox News’ “Gutfeld!” and her national comedy live show has sold out t...

What has led to the erosion of civic engagement and volunteerism over the course of the past generation? This week Eric J. Tanenblatt joins host Roger Ream to discuss how his TFAS experience led to him to pursue a career in government and public service, and the memorable moments he experienced as a result (coordinating the 2004 G8 Economic Summit, serving in the George H. W. Bush administration and serving as chief of staff to former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue). Tanenblatt also emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and volunteerism and gives his thoughts on effective leadership.

Eric...

Why has there been a sharp decline in institutional trust amongst Americans and how can that confidence be rebuilt? This week Gerard Baker joins host Roger Ream to discuss the loss of trust in American institutions (particularly in the media, government, and big business), the reasons behind that decline, and the impact of globalization. Plus, the true value of objective intellectual diversity in journalism.

Gerard Baker is the editor-at-large at The Wall Street Journal and was recently named TFAS Media Fellow. Baker writes a weekly column for the editorial page and hosts a weekly podcast...

Journalism requires courage and a commitment to pursuing the truth, even in
challenging environments. Thomas McKenna and Jonas Du, two talented students participating in the TFAS Student Journalism Association, understand this. Through the Student Journalism Association, TFAS supports young independent journalists who approach journalism through a lens of sound objective reporting and a desire to find the truth. In their chat with host Roger Ream, McKenna and Du discuss their TFAS experience, how real-world experience in journalism is often more valuable than classroom learning, the importance of diverse viewpoints, and why it's imperative to support young journalists.
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This week Randy Barnett joins host Roger Ream to discuss the ideas of constitutional originalism, natural law vs. natural rights, the importance of the ninth amendment, and how they all inform his interpretation of libertarianism. Plus, the benefits of teaching constitutional law through a narrative lens and stories from Randy’s newly released memoir, “A Life for Liberty: The Making of an American Originalist.” 

Randy is the Patrick Hotung Professor of Constitutional Law at the Georgetown University Law Center and is the Faculty Director of the Georgetown Center for the Constitution. He has argued numerous high-pr...

On this very special episode of Liberty + Leadership, host Roger Ream is joined by the 48th Vice President of the United States Mike Pence for a fireside chat at the TFAS 2024 Summer Law Fellows Closing Ceremony. They discuss the state of religious liberty, how our nation maintains peace through strength, and why democracy depends on heavy doses of civility. Plus, the work of Advancing American Freedom (the host of the closing ceremony) and a Q&A with the TFAS Law Fellows.

Mike Pence is the 48th Vice President of the United States. Prior to that, he served...

Our nation’s constitution serves to protect innocent people from punishment…but what happens when legal precedent and case law runs contrary to that notion? This week Diana Simpson joins host Roger Ream to discuss her work in promoting economic liberty and protecting individual rights, fighting against government infringements, and the important mission of creating legal precedent to expand liberty. Plus, a look at some of Diana’s current cases and why storytelling is such a critical aspect of building a legal case.

Diana is an attorney at the Institute for Justice, joining the law fi...

What is the impact of expanding government roles on family policies? This week, Dr. Veronique de Rugy joins host Roger Ream for a critical conversation on economic freedom, including her takes on policy and ideological differences among the left and right. Dr. de Rugy compares their approaches to expanded government involvement in areas such as paid family leave, childcare subsidies, and tax credits. From economic insights involving women in the workforce to the future of Social Security, Dr. de Rugy provides a compelling assessment of federal intervention and challenges popular stances of modern economics.

Dr. de Rugy...

How can people apply economics to daily life? This week, join host Roger Ream for an engaging conversation on economics and the transformative power of education with Dr. Rosolino Candela, a senior fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Dr. Candela emphasizes the importance of meeting students where they are by making complex economic concepts accessible and relevant. He delves into the enduring relevance of several economists such as Friedrich Hayek, illustrating their economic theories with captivating real-world examples. From the significance of price mechanisms to the unintended consequences of public policy, Candela provides a...

How does one persevere in the face of adversity? In today’s discussion, Carrie Sheffield, journalist and TFAS alumna, joins host Roger Ream to discuss her new book, "Motorhome Prophecies: A Journey of Healing and Forgiveness." With great candor, Carrie shares a harrowing picture of her childhood living in and out of severe poverty and experiencing abuse from her father. Despite facing unimaginable hardships, Carrie shares how she persevered, pursued her education, and forged a successful career in journalism and public service. From her tumultuous upbringing to her journey of self-discovery and faith, Carrie offers valuable insights in...

In what ways do government overreach and misinformation manifest themselves? This week, Senator Rand Paul joins host Roger Ream for an eye-opening discussion as they delve into the revelations uncovered in Senator Paul’s latest books, “Deception: The Great Covid Cover-Up” and “The Case Against Socialism.” From the contentious debates surrounding gain-of-function research to the erosion of trust in public health officials, Senator Paul sheds light on the origin of the virus, the efficacy of masks, and the critical importance of preserving individual liberties. Senator Paul also shares insights into the resurgence of socialism among young Americans and the ur...

What role does cultural exchange play in creating balanced perspectives? This week, host Roger Ream is joined by Anna Smith Lacey, executive director at the Hungary Foundation and alumna of TFAS summer programs in Prague and Washington, D.C., to explore her remarkable leadership journey from Budapest to Washington, D.C. Anna reflects on her upbringing in post-communist Hungary and its influence on her understanding of liberty, highlighting the transformative impact of TFAS programs in shaping her views on socialism and freedom. Through nuanced discussions, Anna provides insight into the intricacies of cultural exchange, offering a distinct...

What can new generations learn from Ronald Reagan? This week, Dr. Donald Devine, President Ronald Reagan’s civil service director and TFAS senior scholar, joins host Roger Ream for a discussion of his latest book “Ronald Reagan’s Enduring Principles: How They Can Promote Political Success Today.” Delving into his experiences working alongside the president, Devine shows the interconnectedness between Reagan's morals and his vision for a balanced government. As one of the most prominent proponents of the philosophy of fusionism, Devine also discusses how he himself has applied the concept of balance to his own world views. D...

Does retirement hinder achievement? Host Roger Ream is joined by co-host Dr. Anne Bradley, TFAS Vice President of Academic Affairs, and special guest David Bahnsen, Founder, Managing Partner, & Chief Investment Officer of The Bahnsen Group, for a compelling discussion on the meaning and benefits of work. David challenges conventional notions and offers insights into his belief that individuals should not retire, but instead continue evolving careers into old age. He also discusses the detrimental impact of policies that he believes hinder full labor productivity such as the societal shift towards remote workplaces. With a focus...

How can economics empower individuals? This week, Roger Ream is joined by Peter Boettke, Professor of Economics and Philosophy at George Mason University and former professor for TFAS Prague, to unravel the impact of teaching economics beyond mere equations. To illustrate economic theory's relevance and its potential to shape a brighter future, Peter covers a broad range of subjects including the significance of the Austrian economics tradition, the economic transformation of Estonia and the dangers of socialist policies. Peter also shares how his own career shaped his belief that economics can serve as a tool...

What strategies can aspiring journalists use to advance their careers? This week, host Roger Ream is joined by guest Mene Ukueberuwa, Novak ’19, editorial board member at The Wall Street Journal, as they delve into Mene's journey into the field of journalism. From his early days at Dartmouth College, where he honed his writing skills at the Dartmouth Review, to his current role as a member of The Wall Street Journal's editorial board, Mene shares insights into his path to success. Explore how Mene's background in government informs his perspectives on economics, business, politics and the up...

What are the key media trends shaping public opinion? Join host Roger Ream and Brian C. Anderson, editor of City Journal and recipient of the 2023 Thomas L. Phillips Career Achievement Award, as they delve into the intricate dynamics of modern journalism and how it has impacted Brian’s career. Brian provides expert analysis of the constantly changing landscape of news dissemination, ranging from the evolving strategies of traditional newspapers like The New York Times to the implications of social media censorship. He also shares valuable insight into the role of the media as he explores current issues li...

What is it like to be a young conservative journalist today? To kick off Liberty + Leadership’s third season, Roger is joined by Carine Hajjar, Rago '22, opinion and editorial writer at The Boston Globe, to explore her journalism journey, the challenges she's overcome, and the valuable insights she's gained. From her formative years at The Harvard Crimson’s editorial board to her impactful role as the 2022 Joseph Rago Memorial Fellow at The Wall Street Journal – a nine-month internship awarded by TFAS and The Journal – Carine shares how her unwavering dedication to free speech and responsible journalism has shap...

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he speaks with Dr. Anne Bradley, vice president of academic affairs at The Fund for American Studies. In this week's episode, they discuss Anne's new book, "The Political Economy of Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and the War on Terror," which she co-authored with Abigail R. Hall and TFAS professor Christopher Coyne. Roger and Anne explore Austrian economics, applying its principles to understand the issue of terrorism. They also discuss how terrorists are influenced by the economics of supply and demand, the narrative of terrorism as mere acts of evil, the...

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he speaks with Robby Soave, senior editor at Reason and host of Rising on Hill TV. In this week's episode, they explore the importance of free speech, the dangers of censorship, and the relentless march of social media. Roger and Robby also discuss the harsh reality of media deception and the need for fact-checking, concerns over the monopolistic dominance of tech giants like Amazon and Google, and the wave of campus activism and its ramifications on free speech, a topic Robby explores intricately in his book, "Panic Attack...

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he speaks with Bill McGurn, who sits on The Wall Street Journal editorial board and writes the weekly "Main Street" column for the Journal. In this week's episode, they explore Bill's career at The Wall Street Journal, his deep connection with Hong Kong political prisoner Jimmy Lai, and the intertwined themes of faith and imprisonment. They also discuss ways in which ordinary people can help support press freedom and combat the rise of imprisoned journalists including Jimmy Lai, WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich and countless others who...

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he speaks with FOX News correspondent, Benjamin Hall. Roger and Benjamin discuss his recent book, "Saved: A War Reporter's Mission to Make It Home.”

The book details the story of his survival, his dramatic rescue along with his arduous and ongoing recovery from a horrific missile attack that critically wounded him and killed several of his colleagues while they were reporting from the war in Ukraine. Benjamin recounts the intensity of that day, his long road to recovery and both the physical and emotional challenges he wi...