106: Joe Darger A Conversation With a Polygamist

106: Joe Darger A Conversation With a Polygamist

What comes to mind when you hear the word “polygamist”? It’s a topic that, historically, has proven to be highly polarized, even though many people have never spoken with a practicing polygamist. In today’s episode, Connor sits down with Joe Darger, a friend and polygamist, to discuss the reality of polygamy in modern times. You might be surprised at the number of people currently practicing polygamy as well as the way that different states are choosing to approach the issue from a legal and public policy standpoint.  
August 15, 2018
105: When Good Intentions Are Imposed By Force

105: When Good Intentions Are Imposed By Force

If an idea is so good that it must be imposed by the force of the state, how good can that idea really be? A great deal of public policy begins with the best of intentions. Unfortunately, there comes a point where good intentions are being enforced at the expense of personal liberty and private property rights. In this episode, we’ll examine the experience of an elderly Maryland couple who built their own wheelchair ramp and ended up in legal trouble with their county.
August 11, 2018
104: Brian Doherty on What Is the Big Deal with 3D Printed Firearms?

104: Brian Doherty on What Is the Big Deal with 3D Printed Firearms?

Lately there’s been a fair amount of hand-wringing over a federal court ruling that distributing the blueprints by which a person could print a firearm is a protected form of free speech. This has gun control advocates in a near panic as it would make absolute government control of access to firearms virtually impossible. Reason magazine Senior Editor Brian Doherty joins us to discuss the ramifications of this ruling for both freedom and for public safety.  
August 8, 2018
103: The TSA’s Newest Surveillance Program

103: The TSA’s Newest Surveillance Program

Just when you think flying on an airline couldn’t get more creepy or intrusive, someone in the TSA says, “Hold my beer and watch this.” Now, in addition to the over-the-top physical screening of passengers, we learn of a new “Safe Skies” program that conducts warrantless surveillance of airline passengers who are not known threats. Whatever the intended purpose of this security theater, the actual result is that we are being conditioned to comply with anyone in authority and to do what we’re told without question. Is this the new normal?
August 4, 2018
102: Larry Reed on 7 Principles of Sound Public Policy

102: Larry Reed on 7 Principles of Sound Public Policy

Most of us agree that freedom and free markets are worthwhile things. When it comes to putting these ideals into practice, however, there can be considerable confusion. Lawrence W. Reed who is president of the Foundation for Economic Education joins us to share 7 specific principles of sound public policy. Whether you choose to be a better-prepared participant or simply a well-informed observer, this is very useful philosophical ammunition.  
July 31, 2018
101: How Does Social Media Impact the Freedom Movement?

101: How Does Social Media Impact the Freedom Movement?

Social media is so entrenched in our lives that we tend to regard it in the same manner that a fish might regard water. It’s so universal that we are nearly oblivious to the impact it’s having on our world. Like any tool, social media can be used for noble and uplifting purposes or for not so good purposes. In this episode, we examine the ways that we can use social media to enlighten and unite rather than to simply marginalize those with whom we disagree.
July 27, 2018
100: Ron Paul Reflections on the Fight for Liberty

100: Ron Paul Reflections on the Fight for Liberty

Welcome to a milestone episode of Society and the State. For our 100th episode, it’s fitting that our guest is former Congressman and presidential candidate Dr. Ron Paul. Dr. Paul has been a tireless advocate for personal liberty and free markets. His influence has been a catalyst for many of us who have found purpose in the cause of freedom. Dr. Paul shares his thoughts on what the freedom movement has accomplished so far and what likely lies ahead for it.  
July 24, 2018
99: Evidence That Public School is a Failure

99: Evidence That Public School is a Failure

We’ve all seen the “man on the street” interviews where average Americans struggle to identify or name a single country on a world map. Granted, the hapless folks we’re laughing at aren’t necessarily the norm but the fact that they even exist raises some interesting questions about our dominant schooling systems. Is our public school system a failure or is it working exactly as its designers intended? What are the tools and tactics of learning that prepare us for life in the real world?
July 20, 2018
98: Kerry McDonald on the Advantage of Self Directed Learning

98: Kerry McDonald on the Advantage of Self Directed Learning

It’s no secret that many people tend to think of education in one-size-fits-all terms. When it comes to educational alternatives, there’s a lot more going on than simply homeschooling. To grasp all the possibilities, we must be able to think outside the box a bit. Kerry McDonald joins us to discuss the advantages of self directed learning and unschooling. 
July 17, 2018
97: Does Voting Legitimize a Failed System?

97: Does Voting Legitimize a Failed System?

As passionate as people tend to get during an election cycle, it can be difficult to maintain perspective. Voting is the minimum level of citizenship yet we treat it like it’s the high sacrament of our civic religion. How much good does it do to vote? Does it lend approval to systems that are primarily looking out for their own interests? In this episode, we discuss the moral and ethical considerations of exercising our vote as well as what we can do outside of voting to affect meaningful change.
July 13, 2018
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