Best PTFAS Podcasts (2025)

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Looking Back on 2025: Liberty, Leadership and the Next Generation 42:34

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3d ago42:34

42:34

On this special year-end episode of Liberty + Leadership, Roger reflects on a remarkable year for The Fund for American Studies (TFAS). He highlights moments from the podcast that celebrate TFAS’s mission and the work of alumni, fellows, students, and friends who are advancing individual liberty, personal responsibility and economic freedom around …

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Inside the Future of Reporting: Highlights from the TFAS Journalism Forum 39:06

16d ago39:06

39:06

Roger hosts a special episode of Liberty + Leadership that brings listeners inside the 32nd Annual TFAS Journalism Awards Dinner and the Journalism Forum that preceded it. These curated conversations offer a look at how TFAS is shaping the journalists of tomorrow through their rich ecosystem of programs like the Robert Novak Journalism Fellowship, …

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Teaching the Economic Way of Thinking with Amanda Stiglbauer 29:23

1M ago29:23

29:23

Roger welcomes Amanda Stiglbauer, a longtime mentor and instructor with TFAS’s high school division, the Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE), for a conversation about teaching economics in a way that connects with students and helps them understand the world. Amanda, who recently joined TFAS as FTE’s economic education curriculum fellow, shares…

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The Engineering State: Dan Wang on China’s Breakneck Modernization 30:56

1M ago30:56

30:56

Roger welcomes Dan Wang, a research fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution History Lab and author of “Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future.” They discuss Wang’s perspective on China’s technological rise and the contrast he draws between China’s engineering approach to governance and the United States’ lawyerly system, which e…

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Restoring Honesty on Campus with TFAS Campus Transparency Fellows 24:14

2M ago24:14

24:14

Roger welcomes Ben Rothove, editor-in-chief of the Madison Federalist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Elsa Johnson, managing editor of the Stanford Review, for a conversation about their experiences as student journalists and fellows in TFAS’s new Campus Transparency Fellowship, a program created to bring accountability and openness bac…

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The Man Who Invented Conservatism: Daniel J. Flynn on Frank Meyer’s Life and Legacy 33:15

2M ago33:15

33:15

Roger welcomes Daniel J. Flynn, senior editor at the American Spectator and visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution, for a conversation about his new biography, “The Man Who Invented Conservatism: The Unlikely Life of Frank S. Meyer.” Flynn explores the fascinating journey of Meyer, a former communist who became one of the most influential conser…

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Fiscal Democracy in America: Kurt Couchman on the Case for a Balanced Budget Amendment 33:06

3M ago33:06

33:06

Roger welcomes Kurt Couchman, senior fellow in fiscal policy at Americans for Prosperity, for a conversation on the risks of the nation’s growing debt and his proposal for a balanced budget amendment to restore sound governance. They discuss why fiscal insolvency threatens future generations, how intergenerational debt burdens undermine prosperity,…

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Benjamin Franklin: The Greatest American with Mark Skousen 27:31

3M ago27:31

27:31

Roger welcomes Dr. Mark Skousen, economist, author and the Doti-Spogli Chair of Free Enterprise at Chapman University, for a conversation about Benjamin Franklin’s enduring wisdom and what it means for today’s debates on liberty, economics and civic life. They explore Franklin’s defense of wealth and philanthropy, his views on capitalism and free t…

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Listening, Not Lecturing: Lessons for the Next Generation of Journalists with Sam Feist 28:32

4M ago28:32

28:32

Roger welcomes Sam Feist, longtime journalist and CEO of C-SPAN, for a conversation about why the role of nonpartisan reporting and transparency remains essential to the future of journalism and public trust. They discuss the importance of unfiltered access to government, the challenge of maintaining neutrality in a polarized media environment, and…

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The Triumph of Economic Freedom with Dr. Donald J. Boudreaux 32:10

5M ago32:10

32:10

Roger welcomes Dr. Donald J. Boudreaux, professor of economics at George Mason University and longtime TFAS senior scholar who teaches the economics for the citizen course, for a conversation about the enduring value of economic freedom and the importance of correcting common myths that cloud public understanding of capitalism. They discuss how mis…

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The Hidden Costs of Executive Power with Lord Daniel Hannan 33:30

5M ago33:30

33:30

Roger welcomes Lord Daniel Hannan, a British writer, historian and member of the UK House of Lords, for a wide-ranging conversation on executive overreach, constitutional principles and the ideas that preserve liberty. They explore how power has steadily concentrated in the hands of presidents and prime ministers, weakening the roles of legislature…

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The False Promise of Government-Driven Growth with Dominic Pino 35:17

6M ago35:17

35:17

Roger welcomes Dominic Pino, the Thomas L. Rhodes journalism fellow at the National Review Institute, for a wide-ranging conversation on why both political parties are drifting away from free-market principles—and what that means for the United States’ economic future. They discuss the growing embrace of industrial policy, the return of tariffs and…

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The Overpopulation Myth with Marian L. Tupy 31:19

6M ago31:19

31:19

Roger welcomes Marian L. Tupy, founder and editor of HumanProgress.org and a senior fellow at the Cato Institute’s Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, 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 w…

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Reclaiming the Mission of Higher Education with Dr. Jenna Robinson 31:10

6M ago31:10

31:10

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 colleg…

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FTE at 50: Ted Tucker and Lisa Chang on Building Economic Literacy 29:35

7M ago29:35

29:35

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…

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Socialism Sucks: Robert Lawson on the Real-World Consequences of Central Planning 30:39

7M ago30:39

30:39

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…

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The Journalist Who Wouldn't Be Silenced: Benjamin Hall's Story of Survival and Recovery 31:14

8M ago31:14

31:14

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 t…

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Satire in the Age of Censorship: How Kyle Mann and the Babylon Bee Preserve Humor and Navigate Cancel Culture 21:22

8M ago21:22

21:22

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,…

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Leadership in Action: Lessons from A TFAS Summer in Washington 31:50

9M ago31:50

31:50

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 resp…

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Dan Proft on Challenging the Status Quo 29:19

9M ago29:19

29:19

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…

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Unyielding Resolve: Captive Nations and the Path to Freedom with Paula Dobriansky 31:04

9M ago31:04

31:04

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 establis…

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Leadership Lessons from Our Top Presidents with Talmage Boston 32:16

10M ago32:16

32:16

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 importanc…

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From the White House to the Crisis Room: An Inside Look with Ari Fleischer 29:58

10M ago29:58

29:58

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 ma…

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The Cost of Courage: Mark L. Clifford on the Life of Jimmy Lai 29:38

11M ago29:38

29:38

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 re…

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Why the 1960s Damaged the American Dream with Tim Goeglein 31:03

11M ago31:03

31:03

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 2…

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Investing in the Future with Randy DeCleene 29:53

1y ago29:53

29:53

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…

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The Electoral College: A Safeguard Against Tyranny with Michael C. Maibach 34:21

1y ago34:21

34:21

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. Maib…

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Beyond the Bench: Judge Gregory E. Maggs on Constitutional Originalism, the JAG Corps, and the TFAS Law Fellowship 24:37

1y ago24:37

24:37

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 t…

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Why Identity Politics is The Newest Incomplete Religion with Dr. Joshua Mitchell 39:38

1y ago39:38

39:38

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 educati…

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Behind the Editor’s Desk with Sierra McClain 23:08

1y ago23:08

23:08

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. Sier…

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The Binary Trap With Kat Timpf 24:13

1y ago24:13

24:13

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, me…

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Restoring Civic Engagement and Volunteerism with Eric J. Tanenblatt 30:18

1+ y ago30:18

30:18

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,…

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How to Rebuild American Institutional Trust with Gerard Baker 39:42

1+ y ago39:42

39:42

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 …

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Campus Voices: The Future of Reporting with TFAS Journalism Students 29:47

1+ y ago29:47

29:47

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 …

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Unpacking Originalism: Natural Law, Natural Rights, and the Ninth Amendment with Randy Barnett 38:15

1+ y ago38:15

38:15

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 memo…

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Steering Toward Freedom with Vice President Mike Pence 42:13

1+ y ago42:13

42:13

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…

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Beyond the Law: Fighting for Liberty When Justice Fails with Diana Simpson 31:21

1+ y ago31:21

31:21

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 mi…

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How Family Policy Impacts the Entire Economy with Dr. Veronique de Rugy 37:38

1+ y ago37:38

37:38

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 pai…

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Economics Beyond the Classroom with Dr. Rosolino Candela 40:54

1+ y ago40:54

40:54

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 eco…

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The Power of Resilience: Carrie Sheffield's Path to Independence 28:54

1+ y ago28:54

28:54

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 …

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Deception and the Fight for Truth with Senator Rand Paul 31:27

1+ y ago31:27

31:27

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 ga…

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Exploring Liberty from Budapest to Washington, DC, with Anna Smith Lacey 37:59

1+ y ago37:59

37:59

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 upbring…

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Lessons from Ronald Reagan's Presidency with Dr. Donald Devine 28:52

1+ y ago28:52

28:52

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 p…

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Defining Work and Rethinking Retirement with David Bahnsen 37:36

1+ y ago37:36

37:36

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 of…

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Real-Life Applications to Navigating Economic Theory with Peter Boettke 43:31

2y ago43:31

43:31

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, Pet…

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From Wordsmith to Newsmaker: Mene Ukueberuwa's Unique Journalism Career 34:42

2y ago34:42

34:42

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 Dartmou…

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Inside Modern Media and Journalism Trends with Brian C. Anderson 26:16

2y ago26:16

26:16

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 changi…

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A Conservative Journalist’s Journey from Harvard to The Boston Globe with Carine Hajjar 23:21

2y ago23:21

23:21

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 …

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Anne Bradley on the Economics Behind Terrorism 43:17

2y ago43:17

43:17

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 profe…

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Robby Soave on Free Speech in the Digital Era 41:37

2y ago41:37

41:37

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 th…