137: Why Assange Deserves a Medal, Not Prison

137: Why Assange Deserves a Medal, Not Prison

The arrest of Julian Assange by British authorities has captured the attention of the world. As the Wikileaks founder awaits extradition to the U.S. to face charges of conspiring to reveal secrets government officials don’t want the public to know. The implications for whistleblowers, the press and truth-tellers everywhere are considerable. Is Assange the boogeyman we’re being told he is or does he deserve recognition for creating transparency where there was none?   Links mentioned: Julian Assange’s charges are a direct assault on press freedom, experts warn by Ed Pilkington Ecuador inks $4.2 billion financing deal with IMF: Moreno by […]
April 23, 2019
136: Daniel and Ellinor Petersen on One Family’s Failed Attempt to Homeschool in Sweden

136: Daniel and Ellinor Petersen on One Family’s Failed Attempt to Homeschool in Sweden

Parental choice in your child’s education isn’t something to be taken for granted. Depending upon the country in which you reside, homeschooling your child may be seen as a questionable act. In this episode, we visit with the Petersen family and discuss the legal battle they’ve fought with officials in Sweden for the right to homeschool their kids. Their story should be heard by every parent who feels a personal responsibility regarding their child’s education.  Links mentioned: Homeschooling Family Appeals to Supreme Court by HSLDA Sweden continues to quash homeschooling by Michael F. Haverluck
April 16, 2019
135: 10 Tips to Make a Difference

135: 10 Tips to Make a Difference

Life takes on noticeably greater depth and purpose when we are actively living to make a difference. It’s not enough just to be against something, we have to know how to stand for something and how to persuade others. If you’ve reached the point where you’re no longer content shouting slogans from the sidelines, here are some proven tips to help you wield your influence wisely.   Links mentioned: How Do You Describe Yourself? by Paul Rosenberg
April 11, 2019
134: Michael Tanner on The Inclusive Economy

134: Michael Tanner on The Inclusive Economy

Think of how many public policies have been created for the purpose of helping the poor. Now ask yourself, why does it seem that none of them are working? Michael Tanner joins us to discuss the ways that the political left and right are inadvertently making matters worse with their respective approaches to bring wealth to the poor. You’ll learn what government should be doing to stop pushing people further into poverty and how the power can be authentically empowered.  Links mentioned: The Inclusive Economy: How to Bring Wealth to America’s Poor by Michael Tanner Why Are People Poor? by […]
April 5, 2019
133: Do We Need a Social Safety Net?

133: Do We Need a Social Safety Net?

A key part of the conversation regarding personal liberty and free markets always comes back to the proper role of government in our lives. One of the most common justifications for the expansion of government power is the perceived need for some type of social safety net. Is the term “social safety net” synonymous with the welfare state? What are some of the options that exist to care for the truly needy without increasing the size and costs of government?   Links mentioned: From Mutual Aid to Welfare State: How Fraternal Societies Fought Poverty and Taught Character by David Bieto […]
April 2, 2019
132: Marina Lowe on Which State Has the Best Digital Privacy

132: Marina Lowe on Which State Has the Best Digital Privacy

The issue of digital privacy is one that should be on the minds of every person who uses a smart phone. Recently the state of Utah became the first state in the U.S. to require law enforcement to get a warrant before accessing anyone’s data on a third party’s server. Marina Lowe from the ACLU of Utah joins Connor to discuss what this law does and why it was a needed protection of our Fourth Amendment rights.  Links mentioned: Utah makes a surprising leader for electronic privacy by Connor Boyack and Marina Lowe Society and the State Episode 70: Nate […]
March 30, 2019
131: What Books Are We Reading?

131: What Books Are We Reading?

We’re back! After a brief but productive hiatus, the Society and the State podcast is back in production and we have a lot to discuss. In today’s episode, Connor and Bryan each share 3 of the books currently taking up space on their respective night stands. See what’s captured our interest and attention of late and feel free to add your suggestions for other worthwhile books in the comments section.  Links mentioned: Disturbing the Nest: Family Change and Decline in Modern Societies (Social Institutions and Social Change)By David Popenoe Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth Pre-Suasion: […]
March 27, 2019
130: Joe Baker on An Innovative Approach to Abortion

130: Joe Baker on An Innovative Approach to Abortion

Few things are as controversial as the topic of abortion. One-size-fits-all approaches only tend to reinforce the controversy by causing their proponents to dig in ideologically. In today’s episode, Connor visits with Joe Baker from Save the Storks. Joe’s work is proving to be a creative way to tackle the issue with a eye towards furthering the protection of innocent lives. Bridge-builders are few and far between on this subject, so listen as Joe explains how it’s done. Links mentioned: 8 Out Of 10 Women Change Their Mind on Abortion After Visiting a Stork Bus. Why So Many? Save the […]
December 22, 2018
129: What About That Immigrant Caravan?

129: What About That Immigrant Caravan?

When the news first hit about a caravan of refugees making their way towards the U.S. border to seek asylum, it didn’t take long to become a political football. Are they simply “dreamers” looking for a better life far away from the crime and corruption of their homelands? Or are they an existential threat to America coming here to overthrow us by signing up for welfare benefits and by voting Democratic? Somewhere amidst all the anger, fear and virtue signaling, there must be a more dispassionate way to respond to the situation. In this episode we set out to find […]
December 19, 2018
128: The Formula to Change Hearts and Minds

128: The Formula to Change Hearts and Minds

When it comes to shaping public policy, especially on hot button issues, it can be tricky to build consensus. Especially at the grassroots level, emotional and passionate dialogue can quickly become angry shouting back and forth. Make no mistake, anger alone isn’t sufficient to decisively shift public opinion and change minds. In this episode, Connor explains the critical lessons he’s learned in how to persuade and build consensus between highly polarized opponents.  Links mentioned: How to Change Minds: Lessons from the Prop 2 and Kavanaugh Controversies by Bryan Hyde News Improvements in the Medical Cannabis compromise Libertas Institute
December 15, 2018
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