Liberty + Leadership Podcast

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

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 Law School and served in the U.S. Army Reserve, Judge Advocate General’s Corps, from 1990-2018, where he retired as Colonel upon his appointment as judge. His experience includes service as a special master for the U.S. Supreme Court, as a consultant to Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr in the Whitewater Investigation and notably clerked for Anthony M. Kennedy and Clarence Thomas.

He currently teaches the Constitutional Originalism course for the TFAS Summer Law Fellowship and remains a professorial lecturer at George Washington University Law School.

Why Identity Politics is The Newest Incomplete Religion with Dr. Josh Mitchell

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 has also authored several books, his most recent one being, “American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time.”

Dr. Mitchell has also taught several courses in political philosophy at TFAS programs, both in the U.S. and Prague.

Behind the Editor’s Desk with Sierra McClain

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 graduated from the University of Oregon, earning a bachelor’s in history and a master’s in journalism.

The Binary Trap With Kat Timpf

What happens to our nation’s discourse when every issue has only two possible positions? This week, Roger welcomes Kat Timpf, Novak ’12, 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 theaters across the country. She’s a 2012 Robert Novak Journalism Fellow and her work has been widely published in major outlets. Kat is The New York Times bestselling author of “You Can’t Joke About That: Why Everything Is Funny, Nothing Is Sacred, and We’re All in This Together” and her new book, “I Used To Like You Until…(How Binary Thinking Divides Us)” has just been released and is available wherever fine books are sold.

Restoring Civic Engagement and Volunteerism with Eric J. Tanenblatt

What has led to the erosion of civic engagement and volunteerism over the course of the past generation? This week Eric J. Tanenblatt '87 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 is the global chair of public policy and regulation at Dentons Law Firm. For over three decades, he has worked at the highest levels of federal and state government, including serving in three presidential administrations. He is also an alumnus of The Fund for American Studies’ class of 1987 and was recently presented the TFAS 2024 Alumni Achievement Award at this year’s 34th Annual Scholarship Dinner.

How to Rebuild American Institutional Trust with Gerard Baker

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, both named “Free Expression.” He has written and broadcasted for a wide range of outlets including the Financial Times, The Times of London and the BBC. His latest book is “American Breakdown: Why We No Longer Trust Our Leaders and Institutions and How We Can Rebuild Confidence.”

The Future of Independent Reporting and Viewpoint Diversity

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.

Thomas McKenna is a junior at Hillsdale College studying political economy and journalism, is the city news editor of The Collegian (Hillsdale’s student newspaper) and interned this past summer with National Review.

Jonas Du is a senior at Columbia University studying political science and economics, is the founder/editor-in-chief of Sundial, a monthly magazine of political and cultural discourse at Columbia, and interned this past summer at The Free Press.

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

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-profile cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and as a legal scholar is perhaps the foremost expert on the ninth amendment to the Constitution, among other provisions. He is also a member of the advisory board for the TFAS Summer Law Fellowship program and has been a favorite guest lecturer in that program.

Steering Toward Freedom with Vice President Mike Pence

What level of courage is required when one’s oath to the constitution in threatened? 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 the work of Advancing American Freedom (the host of the closing ceremony) and audience Q&A.

Mike Pence is the 48th Vice President of the United States. Prior to that, he served as the 50th Governor of Indiana and as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana. He’s currently the Founder of Advancing American Freedom, an organization that promotes and defends the successful policies of recent years that yielded unprecedented prosperity at home and restored America’s strength abroad, while elevating traditional American values.

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

Our nation’s constitution serves to protect innocent people from punishment…but what happens when legal precedent and case law run 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 firm in 2013 after working as a constitutional law fellow. She’s also an alumna of TFAS’s 2009 summer law program, where she currently serves on the Board of Visitors for TFAS’s Law Fellowship. Simpson litigates cases to promote economic liberty and protect both private property and free speech. She specializes in fighting against irrational zoning decisions and abusive fines and fees practices.

Currently, she is the lead attorney in a class action lawsuit against the City of Chicago, which imposes excessive fines and harsh fees on tens of thousands of Chicago residents and visitors each year. Her work has been featured in numerous outlets including The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio’s 1A and The New York Times.

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

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 was the 2024 guest speaker for TFAS’s annual Lev Dobriansky Lecture on Political Economy. She is the George Gibbs Chair in Political Economy, the senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute. She was named in Politico Magazine’s 2015 Guide to the Top 50 Thinkers, Doers and Visionaries transforming American Politics and was a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute as well as at Atlas Economic Research Foundation. Dr. Rugy received her master’s degree from the Paris Dauphine University and her Ph.D. in economics from the University of Paris-Sorbonne.

Economics Beyond the Classroom with Rosolino Candela

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 Fredrich 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 rich, nuanced understanding of how economic principles apply to real-world issues.

Dr. Rosolino Candela teaches Economies in Transition for TFAS U.S. Programs in Washington, D.C. He is a senior research fellow and associate director of academic and student programs, as well as a senior fellow of the F.A. Hayek Program for Advanced Study in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Previously, Dr. Candela taught economics at Brown University, where he also was a postdoctoral research associate in the Political Theory Project. He received his Ph.D. in economics from George Mason University, his master’s degree in economics and international political economy and development from Fordham University and his Bachelor of Arts in history and philosophy from St. John’s University.

The Power of Resilience: Carrie Sheffield’s Path to Independence

How does one persevere in the face of adversity? In today’s discussion, Carrie Sheffield ’06, Novak ’06, 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 into discovering one’s purpose, values and voice.

Carrie Sheffield currently serves as a senior policy analyst at the Independent Women’s Forum. She is a 2006 TFAS alumna of the European Journalism Institute and a Robert Novak Journalism Fellow. Carrie is the founder of Bold TV, a nonprofit that elevates diverse voices often avoided by the mainstream media. She has worked in investment analysis and has repeatedly testified before the U.S. House on economic policy. Carrie has contributed to The Wall Street Journal, TIME, POLITICO, The Washington Post and many other publications. She has also appeared on many broadcast networks including Fox, MSNBC, PBS and BBC.

Deception and the Fight for Truth with Senator Rand Paul

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 urgent need to safeguard fundamental freedoms in an increasingly polarized political landscape.

Elected to the United States Senate in 2010, Senator Rand Paul, M.D., is one of the nation’s leading advocates for liberty, championing constitutional liberties and fiscal responsibility. Fighting against government overreach, he advocates for a return to its limited, constitutional scope. Senator Paul is also a physician, graduating from Duke Medical School in 1988 and completing his residency in ophthalmology at Duke University Medical Center. He continues to practice medicine today, performing pro-bono eye surgeries for patients around the world. The Office of Senator Rand Paul partners with TFAS annually to host the Capitol Hill Lecture Series, sponsored by the Einhorn Family Foundation.

Exploring Liberty from Budapest to Washington, D.C., with Anna Smith Lacey

What role does cultural exchange play in creating balanced perspectives? This week, host Roger Ream is joined by Anna Smith Lacey ’07, ’08, PPF ’12, 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 perspective on the pursuit of liberty by both Americans and Hungarians across generations.

Anna Smith Lacey serves as executive director of the Hungary Foundation, an organization dedicated to strengthening the connections between the United States and Hungary. Prior to this role, she served in the Hungarian Foreign Ministry as U.S. Desk officer and as political attaché at the Hungarian Embassy. She was a contributor to the Hungarian Weekly Magazine, Heti Válasz, where she covered American politics. Anna was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, and earned her Master’s degree in International Relations at Corvinus University.

Lessons from Ronald Reagan’s Presidency with Dr. Donald Devine

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. Drawing from his distinguished career and time at TFAS, Devine traces how conservative and libertarian thinking has evolved and articulates the most important values for young conservatives to nurture.

Dr. Donald Devine served as President Ronald Reagan’s civil service director during the president’s first term. The Washington Post labeled him “Reagan’s Terrible Swift Sword” for his success in reducing billions in spending by cutting bureaucratic excesses. Devine was an associate professor of government and politics at the University of Maryland and a professor of government and politics at Bellevue University. He is the author of 10 other books, including “The Enduring Tension: Capitalism and the Moral Order.” Devine is a columnist and his work appears regularly in The American Spectator, The Imaginative Conservative and Law & Liberty.

Defining Work and Rethinking Retirement with David Bahnsen

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 benefits of continual work. David challenges conventional notions and offers insights into his belief that society should not retire, but instead continue careers into old age. He also discusses the detrimental impact of policies that he believe hinder full labor productivity like the societal shift towards working from home. With a focus on mentorship, collaboration, and social interaction in the workplace, David advocates for a reimagined approach to work that promotes personal fulfillment and societal well-being.

David is consistently named one of the top financial advisors in America by Barron’s, Forbes and the Financial Times. He is a frequent guest on Bloomberg, CNBC, Fox News, and Fox Business, and is a regular contributor to National Review. Before launching The Bahnsen Group, he held positions as Managing Director at Morgan Stanley and Vice President at UBS. David hosts a popular weekly podcast, Capital Record, dedicated to the defense of free enterprise and capital markets. Last summer, he delivered the annual Neal B. Freeman Lecture on “History, Humanity and Happiness” to TFAS students during the D.C. Summer Programs.

Real-Life Applications to Navigating Economic Theory with Peter Boettke

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, Boettke 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 for the curious and a discipline for the compassionate.

Peter Boettke is the author of several books, including “F. A. Hayek: Economics, Political Economy and Social Philosophy” and “Living Economics: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.” Peter is also the co-editor of the economics textbook originally by Paul Heyne, “The Economic Way of Thinking.” Recently, he authored a substantial portion of the Fraser Institute series called “The Realities of Socialism.” TFAS’s high school division, the Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE), is turning that series into curriculum for high schools in the U.S. and Canada. Peter serves as editor of The Review of Austrian Economics and the associate editor of The Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization. He is the recipient of multiple academic awards including the Golden Dozen Award for Excellence in Teaching.

From Wordsmith to Newsmaker: Mene Ukueberuwa’s Unique Journalism Career

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 upcoming presidential election.

Mene is a member of The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board, with specialized interests in labor and politics. As a 2019 recipient of TFAS’s Robert Novak Journalism Fellowship, he reported on the project “Work in Progress: How Industry Serves the Needs of the American People.” He is an accomplished writer and editor whose work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New Criterion and the Manhattan Institute’s City Journal. He holds a bachelor’s degree in government from Dartmouth College.

Inside Modern Media and Journalism Trends with Brian C. Anderson

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 like identity politics on college campuses, the rise of crime in cities, and the migrant crisis.

Brian C. Anderson is the editor of City Journal and hosts their “10 Blocks” podcast. Previously, he was senior editor of City Journal and a research associate at the American Enterprise Institute. He is the author of “Against the Obamanet,” “Democratic Capitalism and Its Discontents,” “South Park Conservatives” and “Raymond Aron: The Recovery of the Political.” He is co-author of “A Manifesto for Media Freedom” and editor of “The Beholden State: California’s Lost Promise and How to Recapture It.” Brian’s work has appeared in publications including The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Post, National Review, and many more.

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

What is it like to be a young conservative journalist today? To kick off Liberty + Leadership’s third season, Roger Ream ’76 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 shaped her career.

Carine is an opinion and editorial writer at The Boston Globe with a broad range of expertise spanning from national security to national elections. Previously, she worked at National Review covering higher education and the Vienna nuclear negotiations with Iran. During her time as a Joseph Rago Fellow at The Wall Street Journal, she worked in the Opinion section.

Anne Bradley on the Economics Behind Terrorism

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 United State's foreign policy shortcomings concerning centralized planning in spreading economic and political freedom to quell terrorism, and the precarious balance between freedom and security both globally and locally.

Anne Bradley is the George and Sally Mayer Fellow for Economic Education and vice president of academic affairs at TFAS. She also teaches at The Institute for World Politics and George Mason University. She is currently an Acton Affiliate scholar and is a visiting scholar at the Bernard Center for Women, Politics, and Public Policy. Anne earned a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and a Ph.D. in economics from George Mason University in 2006, during which time she was a James M. Buchanan Scholar.

Robby Soave on Free Speech in the Digital Era

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: Young Radicals in the Age of Trump."

Robby also serves on the D.C. Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and is the author of two books, "Panic Attack: Young Radicals in the Age of Trump" and "Tech Panic: Why We Shouldn't Fear Facebook and the Future." As a journalist, Robby won widespread recognition for setting the record straight in two infamous cases of media malpractice: the 2014 Rolling Stone hoax article about sexual assault at the University of Virginia, and the 2019 incident involving Catholic high school students at the Lincoln Memorial. Robby is a graduate of the University of Michigan and a 2017 TFAS Novak Fellow.

Benjamin Hall on Courage Under Fire: Reporting from the War Zones

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 will face for the rest of his life. Additionally, they discuss Benjamin's experiences reporting from areas of conflict including Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as an especially intense interaction with Ugandan special forces in Mogadishu.

Throughout his tenure with the network, Benjamin has covered numerous breaking news stories, including reporting from the front lines in Ukraine during the Russian invasion, providing coverage in Syria and Iraq during the battle against ISIS and covering wars in Afghanistan and Gaza.

Previously, he was a foreign correspondent based in London, England. In this capacity, he covered President Biden’s first overseas trip to Europe. He also reported on President Trump’s first overseas trip to Saudi Arabia and was in Singapore for the 2019 summit between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He also contributed to the network’s coverage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding as well as Prince Philip’s funeral. He has covered elections in numerous countries, interviewed presidents, prime ministers, foreign ministers, U.S. commanders, ISIS prisoners, and survivors of the genocide against Uyghurs in China.

Additionally, Benjamin’s breaking news coverage has included reporting on numerous terror attacks, from Paris, to Brussels, Nice, Munich and Istanbul; the Russian poisoning of dissidents, and the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi; the release of U.S. prisoners abroad, the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime, and negotiations between U.S. and Iran ahead of the nuclear agreement; BLN protests and the origins and fallout of the global pandemic.

Benjamin is the 2023 recipient of TFAS's Kenneth Y. Tomlinson Award for Courageous Journalism and was an honorary recipient of the Foreign Press Awards from The Association of Foreign Press Correspondents. Benjamin received a bachelor’s degree from Duke University, a bachelor’s degree from Richmond American University in London and a graduate degree in television journalism from the University of the Arts London.

To support TFAS and its mission, please visit TFAS.org/support.

Benjamin's Books:

Saved: A War Reporter's Mission to Make It Home

Inside ISIS, The Brutal Rise of a Terrorist Army

Melanie Kirkpatrick on Unveiling Thanksgiving's Hidden Heroines

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he speaks with author and seasoned journalist, Melanie Kirkpatrick. Roger and Melanie discuss her most recent book, "Lady Editor: Sarah Josepha Hale and the Making of the Modern American Woman." They explore the true meaning of Thanksgiving through her book “Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience," discussing the holiday's origins and the woman who played a critical role in the American Thanksgiving tradition. Additionally, they discuss Melanie's 2014 book, "Escape from North Korea: The Untold Story of Asia’s Underground Railroad," the current climate of censorship in China and her friendship with imprisoned journalist, Jimmy Lai.

Melanie Kirkpatrick is a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, having previously worked for 30 years at The Wall Street Journal, rising from copy editor to opinion editor, member of the editorial board and deputy editor of the newspaper’s editorial pages. In addition to authoring several books, Melanie is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations; a trustee emerita of Princeton in Asia, an internship program in Asia for young graduates of American universities; a member of the Trollope Society; a member of the advisory board of the Human Freedom Program of the George W. Bush Institute; and a director of the America for Bulgaria Foundation. She was co-editor of several editions of the Index of Economic Freedom, published annually by the Journal and The Heritage Foundation.

Melanie received the 2001 Mary Morgan Hewett Award for Women in Journalism from the Friends of the East-West Center in Honolulu. The annual award recognizes a journalist who has demonstrated commitment. She received a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a master’s degree in English from the University of Toronto.

From the Capitol to Campus: TFAS Alumnae on Their D.C. Summer Adventure

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he speaks with three 2023 TFAS alumnae: Tiffany Parasca, Deniza Toma and Lyrah Panarigan, during the 2023 TFAS Leadership Summit in Park City, Utah.

Tiffany, Deniza and Lyrah each discuss their respective paths leading to TFAS as well as the powerful impact the TFAS Academic Internship Program had on them. They explore their eventful summer in Washington, D.C., the meaningful friendships they forged, and the lessons learned that they are now applying in both their academic and professional lives.

Tiffany Parasca is a student at Arizona State University, majoring in public service and public policy, with an emphasis on law policy. She is also minoring in Romanian. Deniza Toma is a student at Arizona State University, majoring in civic and economic thought leadership. Lyrah Panarigan is a student at Arizona Christian University, double majoring in communications and political science. She is also minoring in biblical studies. All three guests were part of the Young Alumni Fellowship at the annual TFAS Leadership Summit in Park City, Utah.

John Hood on the Freedom Conservative Principles

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he speaks with John Hood, President of the John William Pope Foundation. Roger and John discuss John’s transformation from journalist to think tank president to philanthropist. They explore John’s leadership in rejuvenating the core concepts of American conservatism and the importance of Freedom Conservativism principles and the statement that he was instrumental in formulating. John also shares his insight about the importance of personal responsibility, civility and the critical role of arts and cultural programs in American society.

John Hood is President at the John William Pope Foundation and serves on the board of the John Locke Foundation, a state policy think tank he founded in 1989. As a journalist, John wrote extensively about politics and public policy for several North Carolina newspapers and penned a syndicated column that appeared in more than 40 papers across the state. John authored seven nonfiction books and two historical-fantasy novels, “Mountain Folk” and “Forest Folk.” He is also a contributing editor at Reason Magazine.

John was previously a Bradley Fellow with the Heritage Foundation and currently teaches at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy. He received his undergraduate degree at UNC Chapel Hill and his master’s degree at UNC-Greensboro.

Chris Ullman on Finding Your Purpose in Life and Leadership

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he speaks with communications expert, author, and world-champion whistler Chris Ullman. Roger and Chris discuss Chris' new book, "Four Billionaires and a Parking Attendant," his time working in communications in Washington, and the valuable life lessons he’s learned along the way.

Chris shares his insight about how a clear purpose in life can serve as a compass for navigating life's turbulent waters, and the role personal branding plays in professional success. Also, stay tuned for the end of the conversation when Chris serenades listeners with a surprise whistling tune!

Chris Ullman is the founder and president of Ullman Communications and former managing director at The Carlyle Group. He also served as the director of communications for the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and the director of public affairs for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Chris is the author of two books, "Four Billionaires and a Parking Attendant" and "Find Your Whistle." He is a four-time national and international whistling champion and has performed with major symphony orchestras, whistled for President George W. Bush in the Oval Office, and whistled the National Anthem at major league sporting events. Chris earned a master’s degree in political science from Binghamton University.

In 2023, Chris was elected to the TFAS Board of Trustees. He previously served on the TFAS Board of Regents from 2017-2023, and he has served as a volunteer, mentor, guest speaker, internship host for TFAS students since 2001.

Alexandra Hudson on The Soul of Civility

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he speaks with author Alexandra Hudson. Roger and Lexi discuss her new book, “The Soul of Civility," why society is in dire need of a touch of humanity and how 'porching' can bridge the political and cultural divide. Lexi also shares fascinating excerpts from her book, and explains why Larry David may be the foremost defender of civilization in today's world.

Alexandra Hudson is writer, speaker, and the founder of Civic Renaissance, a publication and intellectual community dedicated to beauty, goodness, and truth. She has contributed to Fox News, CBS News, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, TIME Magazine, POLITICO and Newsweek. Before becoming a public advocate for civility, Lexi worked on the 2016 Presidential Transition Team, was the special assistant to the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education and served as an adjunct professor at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Lexi earned a master’s degree in public policy at the London School of Economics as a Rotary Scholar and holds a bachelor’s degree from Trinity Western University. She was awarded a 2019 Robert Novak Journalism Fellowship from TFAS, where she worked on a project titled “Make ‘Porching’ Great Again: How Front Porch Citizenship Can Save Democracy and the Soul of a Nation."

Tom Morrison on Law, Laughter, and Literature

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he speaks with lawyer-turned-author Tom Morrison, who writes under the name T.C. Morrison. Roger and Tom talk about his series of satirical legal novels, including the just released "Send In The Tort Lawyer$," his time in private practice where he pioneered false advertising litigation, and how the legal profession has changed over the past 40 years.

Tom Morrison is the author of satirical legal novels including "Please Pass the Tort$" and "Tort$ "R" US." Before becoming an author, Tom spent more than 50 years as a lawyer, first in the Air Force JAG Corps and then at several distinguished New York law firms.

Tom served on the TFAS Board of Regents for more than a decade. He and his wife established the Thomas and Sarah Morrison Scholarship Fund for students from Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. Tom eared his law degree from New York University Law School and he holds a bachelor’s degree from Otterbein, where he served eight years as the University's board chairman.

Randal Teague on the History of TFAS

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he speaks with Randal Teague, chairman of The Fund for American Studies. Roger and Randy talk about his career journey in law and politics, while covering history, economics, international trade, and civil society.

They discuss the need for a fresh approach to journalism and how America’s polarization can be countered with courageous student leaders – both issues that TFAS strives to address. Randy and Roger also talk about the significance of teaching American history in high schools, his work with the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation & Museum and his pride in his four children.

Randy Teague has been a member of TFAS’s Board of Trustees since 1979 and was elected as chairman in 1998. Randy worked closely with one of TFAS’s five founders, David R. Jones, at the time of the organization’s incorporation. He served as editor of TFAS’s publications in the 1970s; was a co-founder of TFAS Prague in 1993 and the founder of TFAS Greece in 1996. He also helped conceptualize the Capital Semester program in 2003.

Early in his career, Randy worked for former Rep. William C. Cramer of Florida, volunteered for the Goldwater presidential campaign, worked alongside Congressman Jack Kemp during the transformative tax reduction of the 1970s and practiced law in both Boston and Washington, D.C. Randy holds a bachelor’s degree from American University, and J.D. and LL.M. with honors law degrees from George Washington University. He has also been conferred two honorary doctorates in law and humanities.

Highlights from the 33rd Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner

Honorees and guests included 2023 Congressional Leadership Award recipient U.S. Senator Todd Young of Indiana, 2023 Business Leadership Award recipient Senior Executive Vice President for External and Legislative Affairs for AT&T Ed Gillespie, and 2023 Alumni Achievement Award recipient Congressman David Kustoff of Tennessee.

The evening also featured a special video message from former President George W. Bush and remarks from TFAS students, trustees and friends.

The Liberty + Leadership Podcast is hosted by TFAS President Roger Ream. If you have a comment or question for the show, please drop us an email at podcast@TFAS.org. To support TFAS and its mission, please visit TFAS.org/support.

Stephen Einhorn on Climate Change and What They Rarely Teach In College

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he speaks with venture capitalist, scientist, and author, Stephen Einhorn. Roger and Stephen discuss his most recent book, "Climate Change: What They Rarely Teach In College." They also cover recent trends in the climate discussion, including how global temperatures are measured and how efforts to combat climate change can enrich the powerful, with very little benefit to the poor. Stephen Einhorn is the co-founder of Capital Midwest Funds, which invests in revenue-stage companies, and was recently named one of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Business Leaders. Prior to his work in venture capital funding, Stephen was a merger and acquisition consultant, and started his career as a paint chemist. In addition to his most recent book on climate change, he authored the book "If You Try to Please Everybody…You Will Lose Your Ass: Jokes and Reflections on Business and Life."

Stephen received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Cornell University and a Master of Science in polymeric materials from the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute. He and his wife Nancy have been stalwart supports of TFAS for more than 20 years.

Roger Ream on Educating and Empowering Young Leaders

This week, we’re celebrating the 50th episode of the Liberty + Leadership Podcast with a special guest – your host, Roger Ream! The Fund for American Studies’ chief operating officer Steve Slattery takes Roger’s place as the host this week to interview TFAS’s president of 25 years. The pair have sat at the helm of this organization together nearly three decades expertly navigating TFAS through countless changes and improvements to make it a leading organization in alternative education and the freedom movement.

Lifelong friends, Steve and Roger sit down to reflect on their time at TFAS and the impact this organization has had on them. Steve asks Roger about his experience as a TFAS student in 1976, how his internship led him to a career at TFAS and the growth he’s seen over the past 30 years. They discuss joys and hardships of creating new programs, educating students and young adults all over the world, launching the Liberty + Leadership Podcast, and much more. Tune in to hear even more about the man behind the microphone!

Ron Hart On The Power of Laughter

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he speaks with political op-ed writer, former investment banker and TFAS alumnus, Ron Hart. Roger and Ron touch on a range of topics from how regulations and priority changes have negatively impacted the financial industry to his career as a standup comedian. They also discuss what it was like growing up as the son of a policeman, his career in wealth management, and how today's younger generation is afraid to laugh.

Ron Hart is an op-ed writer, a private investor, and serves on the boards of a number of institutions. He spent most of his career as an investment banker and wealth manager at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Citi. Ron is a former member of the University of Tennessee's Board of Regents and authored the book "There’s No Such Thing as a Pretty Good Alligator Wrestler," which received the prestigious Benjamin Franklin Award for Humor/Satire. Ron is a former member of TFAS's Board of Trustees and was a student in the Public Policy + Economics Program track in 1981. He received both his bachelor’s and MBA degrees from the University of Memphis.

Rachel Ferguson on Black Liberation Through the Marketplace

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he speaks with esteemed scholar and author, Dr. Rachel Ferguson. Roger and Rachel discuss her book "Black Liberation Through the Marketplace: Hope, Heartbreak, and the Promise of America," the fundamentals of classical liberalism, and the power of social capital. They also explore the sad reality of how government can create problems that government can't fix.

At Concordia University Chicago, Dr. Rachel Ferguson is the director of the Free Enterprise Center, assistant dean of the College of Business, and professor of Business Ethics. She is also an affiliate scholar with the Acton Institute and was a visiting fellow at the Eudaimonia Institute. Rachel’s writing has been featured in "Discourse Magazine," "Law and Liberty," "EconLib," the Acton Power Blog, and "The Journal of Markets and Morality." In her hometown of St. Louis, Rachel is actively involved in community building and empowering marginalized entrepreneurs through LOVEtheLOU and Gateway 2 Flourishing. She is a graduate of Lindenwood University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. She received her Ph.D. in philosophy with a focus on political and economic philosophy from Saint Louis University.

Katherine Mangu-Ward on Exploring the Future of AI

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he speaks with Katherine Mangu-Ward, Novak ’05, editor in chief of Reason, the leading libertarian magazine. Roger and Katherine discuss her contrarian view on not voting in elections, the rise of ChatGPT and the "robot Katherine Mangu-Ward.” They also discuss the state of capitalism and libertarianism as a brand, sharing key points from her TED Talk on “What Capitalism Gets Right.”

Katherine Mangu-Ward is the editor in chief of Reason, the magazine of “free minds and free markets.” She previously worked at The Weekly Standard and The New York Times, and her writings have appeared in The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, among other publications. Katherine frequently commentates on radio and television, including Fox, MSNBC, C-SPAN, and HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher. Katherine received a Robert Novak Journalism Fellowship in 2005 and was the 2021 winner of TFAS’s Kenneth Y. Tomlinson Award for Outstanding Journalism. She is a graduate of Yale University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and political science and was editor in chief of the Yale Free Press.

Davor Kunc on Building Bridges and Transatlantic Ties

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he speaks with Davor Kunc, a senior coordination officer at the European Investment Fund in Luxembourg. Roger and Davor discuss what it was like attending three TFAS programs, how TFAS's programs help bridge the divide among students from adversary states, Davor's internship at the Voice of America Croatian Service, the work he does at the European Investment Fund, the historic connections between the U.S. and Croatia, and how "the pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the spirit" is the best way to approach challenges.

Born in Zagreb, Croatia, Davor Kunc serves as a senior coordination officer of mandate management at the European Investment Fund, where he manages working groups on EU multi-annual financial framework and sustainability, policy and climate, and assists with improvement of mandate management strategy. Davor attended three TFAS programs: Prague 2002, Greece 2004, and the Public Policy and Economics program in Washington, D.C. in 2005. He is also a recipient of TFAS’s Kevin Burket Alumni Service Award. In 2023, he attended the TFAS Alumni Curriculum of Liberty Seminar in Athens, Greece, co-sponsored with TFAS and Liberty Fund. He is an alumnus of University of Zagreb and earned a master’s degree in international relations at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).

David Ray on Getting Government Out of the Way

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he sits down with Arkansas State Representative David Ray. Roger and David discuss how TFAS inspired him to run for state representative in Arkansas, his crusade to eventually eliminate Arkansas' state income tax, the fight for school choice with Arkansas' Education Freedom Accounts, and the personal connections made when you represent 30,000 constituents.

David Ray is a Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives. He is also a consultant and communications strategist. David previously served as chief of staff to Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin from 2017-2020 as well as U.S. Senator Tom Cotton’s communications director on his 2014 campaign. He is the former state director of Americans for Prosperity – Arkansas. David is an alumnus of the 2007 TFAS Public Policy and Economics program and earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and political science from the University of the Ozarks. This year, David was named a Club for Growth Foundation 2023 Fellow.

Anne Bradley on the Moral Foundations of Economic Freedom

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he sits down with Dr. Anne Bradley, the vice president of academic affairs at The Fund for American Studies. Anne discusses what it's like on the front lines teaching economics to younger generations, how taking a field trip to the grocery store is a great way to learn about the market economy, and the connection between economic freedom and a moral foundation in society.

Anne Bradley is the George and Sally Mayer Fellow for Economic Education and vice president of academic affairs at TFAS. She also teaches at The Institute for World Politics and George Mason University. She is currently an Acton Affiliate scholar and is a visiting scholar at the Bernard Center for Women, Politics, and Public Policy. Anne earned a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and a Ph.D. in economics from George Mason University in 2006, during which time she was a James M. Buchanan Scholar.

Tim Carney on Social Capital: The Key to America's Success

Join Roger in this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast as he sits down with Tim Carney, an acclaimed author and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Tim takes us on a fascinating journey through working with the "Prince of Darkness," Robert Novak, and how his TFAS Novak Fellowship inspired him to write gripping books like "The Big Ripoff" and "Alienated America." In this thought-provoking discussion, Tim discusses the vital importance of "social capital," and why he believes liberal elites aren't living lives too differently than conservatives. Tune in for Tim's fantastic overview of economic competition, cronyism, civil society, localism, and religion in America.

Tim Carney is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) where he focuses on economic competition, cronyism, civil society, localism, and religion in America. He is also a senior political columnist at the Washington Examiner and a noted author, whose books include “The Big Ripoff: How Big Business and Big Government Steal Your Money,” “Obamanomics: How Barack Obama Is Bankrupting You and Enriching His Wall Street Friends, Corporate Lobbyists, and Union Bosses,” and “Alienated America: Why Some Places Thrive While Others Collapse.” Tim is a 2003 TFAS Novak Fellow Alumnus and earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland.

Jason Clemens and Ted Tucker on the Realities of Socialism

In this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast, Roger is joined by Jason Clemens, executive vice president of The Fraser Institute, and Ted Tucker, executive director of TFAS high school programs, the Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE), to explore the Realities of Socialism. Roger, Jason, and Ted discuss the findings of a recent study that compares public perceptions of socialism, the differences between communism and socialism, the reality behind Scandinavian democratic “socialism,” and the responsibility of educating high school students about the ramifications of socialism.

Jason Clemens is executive vice president of The Fraser Institute and the president of the Fraser Institute Foundation. Jason earned a bachelor's degree in commerce and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Windsor as well as a post-baccalaureate degree in economics from Simon Fraser University. Ted Tucker is executive director of TFAS high school programs, the Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE). Ted earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis and a master’s degree from Kansas State University.

Don Boudreaux on the Foundations of Economics

Get ready to dive into the exciting world of economics on this week’s episode of the Liberty + Leadership Podcast!

Our guest is the brilliant Dr. Don Boudreaux, Senior Fellow of the F.A. Hayek Program at George Mason University and renowned author of several influential books.

Dr. Boudreaux shares his insights on the foundational principles of economics, including public choice theory and the trade-offs that come with every decision. Roger and Don also discuss the comparative advantage of free trade and why good journalism doesn't always equate to good economics.

Elizabeth Spalding on the Evils of Communism

Elizabeth Edwards Spalding is the founding director of the Victims of Communism Museum and chairman of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. Elizabeth is a visiting fellow at Hillsdale College’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government and a senior fellow at the Pepperdine University School of Public Policy. She has devoted her career to researching and educating generations about the history and horrors of communism. She is the author of “The First Cold Warrior: Harry Truman, Containment and the Remaking of Liberal Internationalism” and “A Brief History of the Cold War,” which she co-authored with her father, Lee Edwards.

Elizabeth is an alumna of the 1986 TFAS Journalism and Communications program. She earned a bachelor’s in politics from Hillsdale College, and both a Ph.D. and a master’s in international politics and political theory from the University of Virginia.

In this week’s Liberty + Leadership Podcast, TFAS President Roger Ream ’76 and Elizabeth discuss her childhood growing up in Washington, D.C., how falling in love with learning turned her into a lifelong student, how studying Truman is critical to understanding the Cold War, her work at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation and the personal power of the Witness Project at the Victims of Communism Museum.

Amity Shlaes on Rethinking Calvin Coolidge

Amity Shlaes is the chair of the board at the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, the current events columnist for Forbes, and a bestselling author of seven books. Amity's works include "The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression" and most recently "The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge." Over her career, Amity was a columnist for Bloomberg News, a member of the editorial board of The Wall Street Journal, and wrote for numerous publications including The New Yorker, Fortune, National Review, The New Republic, and Foreign Affairs. Amity earned a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University.

In this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast, Roger and Amity take a deep dive into one of our nation's most misunderstood presidents, Calvin Coolidge. They discuss the centennial celebration of his presidency, how the U.S. prospered during the Coolidge administration, the real reasons for the Great Depression and how misguided government intervention prolonged the nation's pain, how Coolidge's deep faith shaped his governing style, and Coolidge's rational behind the the idea that it's better to kill a bad law than to pass a good one.

Rick Graber on How Foundations Change Lives

Rick Graber is the president and CEO of The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, a Wisconsin nonprofit dedicated to reinvigorating civil society by cultivating community, responsibility and citizenship. Prior to his current leadership position, Rick was a senior vice president at Honeywell International, served as the United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic from 2006 to 2009, and was elected chairman of the Wisconsin Republican Party. He earned a J.D. from Boston University Law School and graduated magna cum laude with an Bachelor of Arts from Duke University.

In this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast, Roger and Rick discuss The Bradley Foundation's role in revamping Milwaukee's public school system by funding educational choice, the current tensions within the Republican Party, his efforts in promoting free markets as Ambassador to the Czech Republic in the George W. Bush administration, and how the Czech people truly understand the threat of Russian's war in Ukraine.

Chris Coyne on The Political Economy of Peace

Chris Coyne is the F.A. Harper Professor of Economics at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and he serves as the North American editor of “The Review of Austrian Economics.” In addition to teaching Economic Problems and Public Policies for TFAS's Washington, D.C. Programs, Chris has authored numerous books. Most recently, he wrote “In Search of Monsters to Destroy: The Folly of American Empire and the Paths to Peace," which offers alternative approaches to imperialism, militarism, and empire. He earned a bachelor's degree from Manhattan College and both a masters and Ph.D. in economics from George Mason University. In 2008, he was named the Hayek Fellow at the London School of Economics.

In this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast, Roger and Chris discuss his approach to teaching "Mason Economics," how certain kinds of large scale economic planning can lead to devastating results, September 11th's impact on inspiring him to apply the "economic way of thinking" to the war on terror and nation building, and how trade is not a zero-sum game.

Debbie Henney on Teaching Economics

Debbie Henney serves as director of curriculum for TFAS's high school programs, the Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE). She is also an economics professor and the director of the honors program at Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona. For over 25 years, Debbie has been on the front lines teaching economics to both teachers and students of all ages. She holds a bachelor's degree in secondary education and economics and master’s degree in curriculum design from Northern Arizona University.

In this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast, Roger and Debbie take an in-depth look into how economics is taught, discussing the power of experiential teaching in the classroom, how using the "economic way of thinking" helps us understand that the policy choices we make should result in the policy outcomes we want, and how sometimes economic teachers need a refresher on how to teach the subject.

Jim Otteson on Economic Liberalism

Dr. James (Jim) R. Otteson is the John T. Ryan Jr. Professor of Business Ethics at the University of Notre Dame and a senior scholar at The Fund for American Studies. As a renowned political economist, he specializes in business ethics, political economy, the history of economic thought, and eighteenth-century moral philosophy. For over 25 years, Jim has dedicated himself to teaching economics at some of the country's most prestigious schools including New York University, Yeshiva University, Georgetown University, and the University of Alabama. Jim holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a doctorate from the University of Chicago.

In this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast, Roger and Jim take a deep dive into economic theory, discussing Adam Smith's seminal book, The Wealth of Nations; the defense of economic liberalism in Robert Nozick's book Anarchy, State, and Utopia; the juxtaposition between reducing poverty and increasing inequality; and why Jim's next book will focus on universal concepts of human dignity.

Roy Abdo on His Journey to the American Dream

Roy Abdo has led a truly remarkable life. Roy got his start with TFAS in 2006 when he left Lebanon to attend the TFAS program in Greece. On his way, war broke out in Lebanon, leaving him as a 21-year-old stranded in a foreign country and unable to go back home to Beirut. With the help of TFAS friends, staff, and alumni, Roy traveled to the United States to embark on a new journey.

Today, Roy is the Founder and CEO of Digital Revamp Roy traveled to the United States to embark on a new journey. He has as worked for the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. State Department, Gallup and Middle East Broadcasting Networks. Roy has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Lebanese American University, a bachelor’s degree from both William Jewell College and Georgetown University, a master’s degree from The Catholic University of America, and an MBA from The Johns Hopkins University's Carey Business School. He officially became a US citizen in 2018.

Roy is a two-time TFAS alumnus, having participated in TFAS Greece in 2006 and Capital Semester Spring in 2007.

In this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast, Roger and Roy discuss how TFAS facilitated his journey to the United States, how the William Jewell College community helped him deal with a bit of culture shock when he arrived in Missouri, how he turned his business school case studies into real life business opportunities, and why he believes the American Dream is very much alive – you just have to work harder and smarter.

Mitch Daniels on Campus Free Speech and Leadership at Purdue

Mitch Daniels is the former governor of Indiana, leading the Hoosier state from 2005 to 2013. He also served as the president of Purdue University from 2013 to 2022. Mitch has served in the public sector across a number of roles including as director of the Office of Management and Budget under President George W. Bush, chief of staff to Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana, and senior advisor to President Ronald Reagan. He also served as executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, president of the Hudson Institute and senior vice president for corporate strategy and policy at the Eli Lilly and Company. Mitch is a former member of the TFAS Board of Trustees, where he now serves as trustee emeritus. He earned his from bachelor's degree from Princeton University and his law degree from Georgetown University. In this week's Liberty + Leadership Podcast, Roger and Mitch take a deep dive into the issues addressed and the lessons learned during his landmark 12 years as president of Purdue University. Mitch talks about how Purdue was able to increase enrollment by 30 percent while tuition remained flat, how student loan forgiveness will end up being disastrous, how the adoption of the Chicago Principles allowed Purdue promote free speech on campus, the balance of educating Purdue students in both STEM and citizenship, how students should remain flexible – as they'll never know what opportunities life may present. He also reminds listeners that both the first and last man to walk on the moon were Purdue graduates and that 30 percent of all astronauts are Boilermakers.

Nikolai Wenzel on How Free Markets are Universal

Dr. Nikolai G. Wenzel has taught at a number of TFAS International programs spanning the globe including Croatia, Hong Kong, Guatemala and Chile. Currently, he is an economics professor at Universidad de las Hesperides in Spain. He was previously a professor at Flagler College and Florida Gulf Coast University, and he was the former Wallace and Marion Reemelin Chair in Free-Market Economics at Hillsdale College. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from George Mason University and graduated cum laude from Georgetown University with a bachelor’s in international affairs. In this week's Liberty and Leadership Podcast, Roger and Nikolai discuss how he has been able to combine his passion for travel with his joy of teaching economics in multiple countries, his time in Chile, the heartbreak he feels towards China's crackdown on Hong Kong, the powerful attraction socialism holds on younger generations, and the how his students continue to inspire him.

Michael Collins on the Individual and the Collective

Bringing life to the TFAS classroom for many years, Georgetown Emeritus Teaching Professor Michael Collins taught at TFAS's program in Prague as well as Ethics and Leadership at TFAS Academic Internship Programs in Washington, D.C. and the former TFAS program in Greece. He also previously taught Shakespeare, British theatre, and Anglo-Welsh poetry at Georgetown University and led Georgetown's academic and residential programs in Fiesole, Italy. Mike holds a bachelor's degree from Fordham University and both a master’s degree and Ph.D. from New York University. In this week's Liberty and Leadership Podcast, Roger and Mike discuss their trip to Eastern Europe at the launch of TFAS International in the 90s, how Mike incorporates movies into his curriculum, the tension between the individual vs the collective, the poetry of Irishman Seamus Heaney, the works of South African playwright, Athol Fugard, why William Shakespeare is still relevant and why it's critical for students to study history.

Alexis and Justin Black on Redefining Normal

Alexis and Justin Black are co-founders of Redefining Normal, a media platform that works to redefine societal norms and inspire people to talk about their trauma, as well as coauthors of the books, "Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovering Healing, Happiness, and Love" and "I Love You More Than Cereal: Maeva and Dad Redefine Love." They are both passionate advocates for children, especially concerning those in the foster care system. Alexis attended the 2017 TFAS Capital Semester Program on Leadership and the American Presidency and Justin attended the 2018 TFAS Journalism and Communication Summer Program. They both participated in the 2019 TFAS Asia program in Hong Kong and are graduates of Western Michigan University. In this week's Liberty and Leadership Podcast, Roger, Alexis, and Justin discuss the powerful impact TFAS has had on their lives, how their childhoods growing up in foster care led them to coauthoring two books, the work Alexis and Justin are doing to help both children and parents in today's foster care system, how traveling the world fundamentally changed their outlook on everything, and a healthy debate over which cereal is superior: Count Chocula or Smart Start.

Jacek Spendel on Defending Freedom

In 2005 as a student at the University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, Jacek Spendel became involved in the KoLiber association, a Polish nonpartisan youth group dedicated to classical liberal ideas, free-market economics, and traditional values. In the years since, Jacek has gone on to open his own pizza restaurant to better understand the entrepreneurial experience and started “Project Arizona” to bring European students and young professionals (including many TFAS alumni) to Arizona to teach them how to be better leaders for freedom within their own countries. He was recently named president of Liberty International, a nonprofit organization committed to advancing world liberty through international education and networking.

In this week's episode of the Liberty and Leadership Podcast, Roger Ream sits down with Jacek to discuss his journey in the liberty movement and the impact of his experiences with TFAS. Jacek shares his early involvement with the KoLiber association in Poland, and how attending a Language of Liberty program in Slovakia in 2007 inspired him to organize similar events in multiple countries. He also delves into his time in Washington, D.C. with TFAS’s Capital Semester program and how it influenced his decision to found the nonprofit Freedom and Entrepreneurship Foundation. Jacek and Roger discuss his work and founding of Project Arizona, a program that brings international students and young professionals to Arizona to learn about leadership and freedom, and his current role as president of Liberty International. They also discuss the state of freedom in Poland, and how Spendel's work and experiences have contributed to the liberty movement in his home country.

Samuel Gregg on Liberty and Virtue

Dr. Samuel Gregg is the Distinguished Fellow in Political Economy and Senior Research Faculty at the American Institute for Economic Research, a Fellow of the Center for the Study of Law and Religion at Emory University, the Visiting Fellow for the B. Kenneth Simon Center for American Studies at the Heritage Foundation, and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Samuel perviously directed the Acton Institute’s research and international outreach, including budgeting, personnel, and programming development and implementation. Additionally, he has written 16 books, published 48 academic journal articles, and penned over 300 articles in various periodicals. Samuel was the Political Economy Professor for TFAS's 2020 Virtual Global Political Economy Seminar and in 2022, delivered the annual Neal B. Freeman Lecture in Political Economy. He has a master’s degree from the University of Melbourne and received a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Oxford in moral philosophy and political economy. In this week's Liberty and Leadership Podcast, Roger and Samuel discuss his new book, The Next American Economy: Nation, State, and Markets in an Uncertain World (which was recently nominated for a National Book Award), the virtues found within the concept of the "commercial republic," the disconnect between modern U.S. policies and the founding principals of the nation, the impact of the progressive movement in the early 20th century, the economic chasm between the political left and right, the ebb and flow of religious fervor in the US and it's impact on politics, and Samuel's work at the American Institute for Economic Research.

Desiree Koetzle on the Practice of Leadership

Desiree Koetzle is the chief of staff for U.S. Representative Pete Stauber of Minnesota, having perviously served as deputy chief of staff for U.S. Representative Erik Paulsen of Minnesota. Desiree spent six years in the private sector working as a federal affairs representative at Koch Industries and as a government relations analyst at Blank Rome Government Relations. Desiree received a bachelor's degree in communications from St. Cloud University and was a participant in the TFAS Business + Government Relations program in 2002. She was also a TFAS Public Policy Fellow in 2007. In this week's Liberty and Leadership Podcast, Roger and Desiree discuss how TFAS helped launch her career, how lobbying unfairly gets a bad rap, the perils of government overspending, the types of leadership required in running a congressional office, the ups and downs of their Minnesota/Wisconsin Vikings/Packers rivalry, and how congressional partisanship might be quelled if members just sat down and had a drink together.

Bobby Tudor on the Culture of Success

Bobby Tudor is a former professional basketball playler, investment banker and leader in the energy industry. He is currently CEO of the investment bank Artemis Energy Partners and is chairman of the Houston Energy Transition Initiative of the Greater Houston Partnership. He was the founder and CEO of THP (Tudor, Pickering, Holt, & Co.). Prior to forming TPH, he was a Partner at Goldman Sachs and a leader of its worldwide energy practice. Bobby received a degree in English and Legal Studies from Rice University and his law degree from Tulane. He now serves on the Rice University Board of Trustees. Bobby Tudor is a 1981 alumnus of TFAS's Public Policy and Economics program in Washington, D.C. In this week's Liberty and Leadership Podcast, Roger and Bobby discuss the lessons he learned playing college basketball at Rice University, putting his law degree to work at Goldman Sachs, channeling his entrepreneurial spirit into founding numerous companies, the positive elements of investment banking, and how building a culture of success is critical for any organization.

Highlights from the 29th Annual TFAS Journalism Awards Dinner

This week is a special episode of the Liberty + Leadership podcast with highlights from TFAS' 29th annual Journalism Awards Dinner in New York City. At the dinner, TFAS introduced a new class of Novak and Rago Fellows, and honored two courageous journalists at the Metropolitan Club in Midtown Manhattan. Honorees and guests included Novak Fellows Jack Butler of the National Review, Billy Binion of Reason Magazine, and Joseph Simonson of The Washington Free Beacon; Joseph Rago Memorial Fellow for Excellence in Journalism Carine Hajjar of The Wall Street Journal; and special guests Paul Gigot of The Wall Street Journal, Paul Rago, Benjamin Riley of The New Criterion, American political commentator and author Dana Perino, and William “Bill” McGurn of The Wall Street Journal. This year’s dinner was especially impactful given that one of our honorees, entrepreneur and activist Jimmy Lai, is currently detained in China for exercising freedom of speech and for criticizing the Chinese government.

Kyle Hybl

Kyle Hybl is the president and chief executive officer of the El Pomar Foundation and is a former member of the Board of Regents at the University of Colorado. Kyle has both a bachelor's degree and J.D. from the University of Colorado. In 2019, Kyle received the TFAS Alumni Achievement Award for his dedication and service to TFAS. Kyle is a two-time TFAS alumnus, participating in the Public Policy + Economics program in 1991 and TFAS's first-ever Prague program in 1993. In this week's Liberty and Leadership Podcast, Roger and Kyle discuss his experiences in post-Soviet Eastern Europe, his time in the Judge Advocate General Corps, being an elected member of the University of Colorado Board of Regents, and his work on the behalf of all Coloradans leading the El Pomar Foundation.

Ibrahim Al-Marashi

Ibrahim Al-Marashi is an associate professor of Middle East History at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) and a visiting professor at IE University in Spain. Ibrahim graduated from UCLA majoring in Middle Eastern History, received his master’s degree in Arab Studies from Georgetown University, and his doctorate in Modern History from Oxford College. Ibrahim attended a TFAS international program in 2001 and teaches at the TFAS summer programs in Prague. In this week's Liberty and Leadership Podcast, Roger and Ibrahim discuss Ibrahim's time as a TFAS student and teacher, the nuances of teaching conflict resolution, leadership through passion - rather than power, the importance of good grammar, and how one of his articles was plagiarized by British Intelligence in what later became the "Dodgy Dossier," leading some to incorrectly label him the “mastermind behind starting the Iraq war."

Bryce Mitchell

Bryce Mitchell is an Air Force Captain and Staff Officer at the Department of Defense, a National Security Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, an Undergraduate Ambassador for Service to School. Bryce is a TFAS mentor, speaker and a member of the Alumni Engagement Committee. He is also a Defense Ventures Fellow at the Defense Ventures Program. Bryce received a bachelor's degree in international history from the U.S Air Force Academy, a master's degree in International Affairs with a concentration in Espionage and Surveillance from King’s College in London, and attended TFAS’s International Affairs program in 2014. In this week's Liberty and Leadership Podcast, Roger and Bryce discuss his time at the Air Force Academy, working for Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld as a TFAS intern, his experience as an intelligence officer in South Korea during the height of nuclear tensions, the nexus between the DoD and Silicon Valley, and his passion for mountain climbing.

Richard Benedetto

For 25 years, Richard Benedetto served as White House and national political correspondent for USA Today, and teaches journalism at American University as well as for TFAS at George Mason University. Richard is a graduate of Utica College of Syracuse University, earned a masters in journalism from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications, and also taught journalism at the University of Colorado and St. Bonaventure University. In this week's Liberty and Leadership Podcast, Roger and Richard discuss how journalism has evolved over the past 50 years, writing the first front-page cover story for USA Today, covering 5 presidencies, the politicization of the media, the power of optimism, and how his Italian grandfather taught him to respect the presidency - no matter who was in office.

Joe Sabia

Joe Sabia is the Creative Director of Studio Sabia and a renowned digital content creator. As SVP of Creative Development at Condé Nast, Joe created Vogue Magazine's 73 Questions while growing Condé Nast's cumulative YouTube audience from 1.5M to 46M subscribers. Joe is a 2005 alumnus of TFAS's Prague Program and is a graduate of Boston College. In this week's Liberty and Leadership Podcast, Roger and Joe discuss his TFAS experience in Prague skydiving and rooming with "George from Georgia" (the country not the state), driving from London to Mongolia for charity, how Joe got started producing YouTube content in college, working with people you like, creating 73 Questions for Vogue Magazine, owning a pizza restaurant, and how Joe won the international pun championship.

Lindsey Rose King

Lindsey Rose King is the founder of Mostess, a home decor and hosting company in Houston, Texas. She is alumna of TFAS's Business and Government Relations program and currently serves on TFAS Board of Regents. In this week's Liberty and Leadership Podcast, Roger and Lindsey Rose discuss the challenges of starting and running her own company, her time on Capitol Hill, political fundraising, and how her TFAS experience prepared her for the future.

Elliot Kaufman

Elliot Kaufman is the Letters Editor at The Wall Street Journal where he selects, edits, and solicits letters to the editor. He also runs the Future View column and regularly provides opinion articles and book reviews. In 2018, Elliot was named the Robert L. Bartley Fellow and was the inaugural Joseph Rago Memorial Fellow for Excellence in Journalism with TFAS and The Wall Street Journal. In this week's Liberty and Leadership Podcast, Elliot and Roger discuss how learning to debate at the dinner table helped him become a debating champion, his time at Stanford University both managing the basketball team and writing for the Stanford Review, how in-depth reporting informs the best option writing, and the heated exchanges in The Wall Street Journal's Letters to the Editor section.

Dr. Donald Devine

Dr. Donald Devine is a TFAS Senior Scholar and served as Director of the Office of Personnel Management in the Reagan administration. Don has had a distinguished career in academics having written 10 books, and taught at both University of Maryland and Bellevue University, where he was known as a proponent of fusionist philosophy. This weeks episode of the Liberty and Leadership Podcast was recorded live at TFAS in front of an audience, where Roger and Don discussed the development of fusionism, the tension between freedom and tradition, reforming the Federal Reserve, Woodrow Wilson's lasting impact, and how Don earned the title of Reagan’s “terrible swift sword” as President Reagan's OPM Director.

Abby Witt '15

Abby Witt is a content producer and host for the PGA TOUR's "The Cut" on NBC Sports’ Golf Channel. In this week's Liberty and Leadership Podcast, Roger and Abby discuss her path from anchoring Asbury University's television news station to working the midnight shift as an associate producer at local NBC network affiliate WLEX-TV in Kentucky to covering golf's Olympic debut at the 2016 Games. Today, she interviews PGA's biggest hitters as host of the "The Cut." Abby participated in TFAS’s Journalism and Communications class of 2015 and is a graduate of Asbury University, where she was honored as one of Asbury’s 30 Under 30 in 2021.

Katie Barlow '10

Katie Barlow ’10 is a lawyer turned journalist who hosts “In the Courts with Katie Barlow” on Fox 5 DC in addition to producing content for the SCOTUSblog’s 217K avid TikTok followers as Social Media Editor. Katie is also the co-founder of Circuit Breaker, a website focused on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. In this week’s of the Liberty and Leadership Podcast, Roger and Katie discuss her journey from journalist to lawyer back to journalist, the inner workings of the Supreme Court, what Originalism means, the importance of good writing, and her love for both TikTok and the theater. Katie was a member of TFAS’s Journalism and Communications 2010 program and is a graduate of the University of Georgia. She has a J.D. from Georgetown University. The Liberty + Leadership Podcast is hosted by TFAS President Roger Ream ’76. If you have a comment or question for the show, please drop us an email at podcast@TFAS.org.

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