Voices of Liberty

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

For more than four decades, Grover Norquist has been one of America's most influential advocates for lower taxes and smaller government. As founder and president of Americans for Tax Reform, he created the Taxpayer Protection Pledge and has spent his career pushing elected officials to commit to never raising taxes. For Norquist, the issue goes far beyond economics—taxation defines how much of an individual's life and income government is allowed to control.

In this conversation, Sean Themea and Grover discuss why government spending—not lower taxes—is at the heart of America's fiscal problem, which taxes do the most economic damage, and why competition among the 50 states is one of America's greatest defenses against bad policy. Grover also breaks down the growing push to phase state income taxes toward zero and how Americans for Tax Reform holds politicians accountable when they break their promises to taxpayers.

They also look at Grover's long-term vision for dramatically reducing the size and scope of the federal government, expanding school choice, returning power to the states—and, in a change of pace, what more than a decade of attending Burning Man has taught him about spontaneous communities and liberty.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Naomi Brockwell believes privacy is the foundation of a free society—and that Americans are rapidly losing it in the digital age. As founder of the Ludlow Institute, creator of NBTV, co-founder of the Soho Forum Debates, and a former producer for John Stossel, Naomi has dedicated her work to helping people understand digital surveillance and reclaim control over their personal information.

In this conversation, Sean and Naomi examine how government surveillance has expanded beyond the protections envisioned by the Fourth Amendment, why giving information to technology companies can weaken expectations of privacy, and how constant surveillance causes people to self-censor. Naomi also explains practical ways individuals can better protect their data, why privacy technology matters, and her work on the Surveillance Accountability Act to restore warrant requirements for government searches.

Her warning is simple: Americans should stop debating how much surveillance government should be allowed to conduct and start asking a more fundamental question—does government work for the people, or do the people exist to be controlled by government?

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Topher Field knows firsthand what it means to stand against government overreach. During Australia’s COVID-era lockdowns, he became a leading public voice against restrictions, joined protests despite government prohibitions, faced arrest, and spent years fighting criminal charges.

In this conversation, Sean Themea and Topher discuss what Americans can learn from Australia, why civil disobedience can be necessary to preserve liberty, and how to determine when a law crosses the line from something you disagree with to something your conscience demands you resist. Topher also explains why standing for liberty can carry a real personal cost—and why ordinary people must sometimes be willing to become the “spark” that challenges government power.

At America’s 250th anniversary, Topher’s message is simple: America needs less 1984 and more 1776.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

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Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Peter Lipsett has spent his career helping build the people, organizations, and resources that power the liberty movement. As vice president of DonorsTrust, chair of America’s Future, and chair of the Jefferson Forum, he has seen firsthand what it takes to turn principles into lasting impact.

In this conversation, Sean Themea and Peter discuss the mentors who shaped Peter’s career, lessons he learned working alongside some of the liberty movement’s most influential leaders, and why young professionals should never underestimate the value of doing the unglamorous work well. They also explore strategic philanthropy, developing the next generation of liberty leaders, strengthening free-market institutions, and why optimism remains essential to creating meaningful change.

For Peter, liberty is ultimately about more than individual freedom. It is about giving people the freedom to pursue their talents, strengthen their families and communities, and work together to build a better society.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

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Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

David Nott, president and chief executive officer of Reason Foundation, has spent decades advancing the ideas of free minds and free markets. In this conversation from FreedomFest, Nott explains how Reason takes bold libertarian principles and turns them into policy victories, cultural influence, and ideas capable of changing minds.

Sean and David explore Reason’s work on drug policy, public pensions, artificial intelligence, criminal justice, government debt, and transportation, along with the importance of meeting people where they are when making the case for liberty. They also discuss the mixed record of the Trump era, the enduring political power of an anti-war message, and why major national events can suddenly create opportunities for liberty that once seemed impossible.

For young people looking to make a difference, Nott offers a simple challenge: experiment, find the community where your talents and values can thrive, and don’t be afraid to fail while figuring out where you can make the greatest impact.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Liberty advocate Jim Babka has spent decades finding new ways to persuade people that freedom works. In this wide-ranging conversation from FreedomFest, Jim explains his philosophy of “human respect,” why coercion reduces happiness and prosperity, and why voluntary cooperation remains one of the most powerful forces for improving people's lives.

Sean and Jim explore why government intervention has made challenges like housing and healthcare worse, rebuilding family and community in an increasingly political culture, congressional accountability, immigration, foreign intervention, Second Amendment rights, and Jim’s work developing the Read the Bills Act and expanding the reach of the World’s Smallest Political Quiz. Jim also offers young Americans a powerful challenge: experiment, take risks, discover what you are uniquely good at, and build a life around work that gives you meaning.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

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Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Pennsylvania State Representative Robert Leadbeter went from a successful corporate career to public office after the COVID era showed him how quickly government can strip away individual liberty. Now chairman of the Pennsylvania Freedom Caucus, he is working to limit government, strengthen local control, and push Pennsylvania toward a freer future.

In this conversation, Sean Themea talks with Representative Leadbeter about why citizens cannot afford to sit on the political sidelines, the fight for liberty inside the Pennsylvania legislature, and his push for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. They also explore inflation, sound money, healthcare price transparency, and why the next generation must get involved before government makes decisions for them.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

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Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Reason editor-at-large Nick Gillespie has spent decades making the case for liberty through journalism, culture, and debate. In this conversation, Sean Themea talks with Nick about what it actually means to be libertarian, why the movement should focus on expanding freedom rather than policing ideological purity, and how liberty can reach people far beyond traditional politics.

They explore free speech, culture, government surveillance, immigration, economic nationalism, foreign policy, and the importance of making principled arguments without sacrificing persuasion. Nick also looks toward the future, explaining why he believes young Americans should reject pessimism, embrace technologies like AI, learn from the past, and adopt what he calls a more “Promethean” approach to building the world they want to inherit.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

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Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Matt Kibbe has spent decades advancing a simple but powerful vision of liberty: don't hurt people and don't take their stuff. Today, as president of Free the People, he is taking that message beyond traditional politics and using documentaries, comedy, filmmaking, and storytelling to reach new audiences.

Sean Themea and Matt discuss why culture matters in the fight for freedom, how storytelling can make the principles of liberty accessible, the opportunities available to young creatives, and why today's political setbacks could create the foundation for a new liberty movement.

From Cuba and Venezuela to independent filmmaking, Thomas Massie, Rand Paul, and even the Grateful Dead, Matt explains why freedom ultimately depends on building a culture where people value liberty enough to defend it.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

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Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Wyoming State Representative Daniel Singh was just 25 when he won his first election, driven by a belief that protecting liberty requires people willing to step forward and fight for it.

Sean Themea and Representative Singh discuss how his family’s immigrant story shaped his appreciation for American freedom, his work defending Second Amendment and free speech rights, the fight for hospital price transparency, concerns over government surveillance and biometric data, and why young people shouldn’t wait for permission to become leaders.

Representative Singh also shares what he has learned from serving in the Wyoming Legislature and why he believes courage, preparation, and a willingness to take risks can make a real difference.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

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Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Author Mark Monoscalco joins Sean Themea at FreedomFest to explore the ideas behind his book The Forbidden Idea, which features a foreword by Dr. Ron Paul. Mark spent years studying the philosophy and history of liberty, from natural rights and the non-aggression principle to the thinkers and movements that have challenged government power throughout history.

Sean and Mark discuss why liberty means the absence of coercion, the importance of private property and voluntary cooperation, what Ludwig von Mises understood about the failures of socialism, and how ordinary Americans can begin rebuilding a culture of freedom through their families, communities, and local institutions.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

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Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

What does it really take to build wealth, think independently, and create lasting prosperity? Investor and entrepreneur Ron Muhlenkamp joins Sean Themea to discuss the principles that have guided his life—from growing up on an Ohio farm to earning degrees from Harvard and MIT, founding Muhlenkamp & Company, and receiving praise from economist Milton Friedman.

Together, they explore the relationship between liberty and free markets, why long-term investing requires patience and optimism, the dangers of inflation and government spending, and why personal responsibility remains at the heart of financial success. Ron also shares lessons on entrepreneurship, family, and why freedom creates opportunity unlike any other system.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

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Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Successful companies don't happen by accident, and neither do great leaders. Serial entrepreneur Joel Trammell has built, scaled, and sold multiple companies while helping countless executives become more effective CEOs.

In this episode, Sean Themea sits down with Joel to discuss entrepreneurship, the principles of effective leadership, building strong company cultures, making difficult decisions, and why personal responsibility, integrity, and clear communication are essential to leading any successful organization. Joel also shares lessons from decades of building businesses and explains why liberty creates the environment where entrepreneurs and innovators can thrive.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

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Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Investor, economist, and Research Affiliates founder Rob Arnott has spent decades challenging conventional wisdom on Wall Street while championing the principles of free markets and limited government. In this episode, he shares why the ideas first outlined by Adam Smith nearly 250 years ago remain just as relevant today.

Sean Themea and Rob discuss The Wealth of Nations, the invisible hand, affordability, government spending, taxation, free trade, artificial intelligence, and why competition—not government intervention—drives innovation and prosperity. They also explore the future of AI, investing, constitutional government, and the enduring value of personal and economic freedom.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

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Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Kelley Paul is an author, advocate, and champion for the principles of liberty. Through her children's books Goodnight Little American and Goodnight Young American, she is helping introduce America's founding story to a new generation while encouraging families to celebrate the ideas that made the United States unique.

In this episode, Sean Themea sits down with Kelley to discuss why America's founding still matters, the importance of teaching children about freedom and personal responsibility, the dangers of socialism, and why informed citizens must always question government authority. They also reflect on the lessons of the COVID era, the importance of entrepreneurship, and how parents can help preserve liberty by passing America's story to the next generation.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

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Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Moving Picture Institute co-founder Frayda Levy has spent decades advancing the ideas of liberty through entrepreneurship, storytelling, and philanthropy. From working in the Reagan administration to helping launch films and television projects that introduce audiences to free-market ideas, she has dedicated her career to changing culture one story at a time.

In this episode, Sean Themea and Frayda discuss why liberty begins with personal responsibility, how parenting shapes a free society, the importance of entrepreneurship, the future of artificial intelligence, and why culture often changes hearts faster than politics. They also explore how compelling storytelling can introduce millions of people to the principles of liberty without ever feeling like a lecture.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

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Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Brant Pinvidic is a bestselling author, former Hollywood television producer, entrepreneur, and Chairman of the Strategic Advisory Council at Young Americans for Liberty. After decades in the entertainment industry, he stepped away from Hollywood to become a leading voice for persuasion, entrepreneurship, and the principles of liberty.

In this episode, Sean Themea talks with Brant about why America remains the greatest place for opportunity, what Hollywood taught him about culture and politics, why personal responsibility matters more than government control, and how the liberty movement can inspire the next generation of leaders. Brant also shares lessons from his bestselling book The Three-Minute Rule and explains why effectively communicating ideas is one of the most important skills freedom advocates can develop.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

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Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Wyoming Senate President Bo Biteman never planned to become a politician. After building a successful career in the energy industry, he entered public office because he believed government had grown too large and too disconnected from the principles of liberty.

In this episode, Sean Themea sits down with Senator Biteman to discuss his journey into politics, the influence of the liberty movement on his life, and the battles he has fought in Wyoming to protect constitutional rights. They explore property tax reform, school choice, energy policy, free markets, and why state legislatures remain one of the most important places to advance freedom in America.

Senator Biteman also shares why he believes young people need a renewed understanding of liberty, why affordable energy and limited government go hand in hand, and why the fight for freedom is far from over.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

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Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Arizona State Representative Alex Kolodin has built a reputation as one of the country's leading advocates for election integrity and constitutional government. As an attorney, legislator, and candidate for Arizona Secretary of State, he has spent years fighting to make elections more transparent, more secure, and more accountable to the voters they serve.

In this episode, Sean Themea talks with Representative Kolodin about restoring confidence in elections, protecting the First Amendment, increasing transparency in government, and why liberty depends on trust in the democratic process. They also discuss property rights, water policy, free markets, and why strong principles matter more than partisan politics.

Representative Kolodin explains why he believes the next generation of liberty leaders must build strong families, understand the Constitution, and never stop learning if they hope to preserve freedom for future generations.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

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Why do so many good people refuse to run for Congress—and what would it take to change that?

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with longtime libertarian leader and U.S. Term Limits Chairman Howie Rich to discuss why he believes term limits are the key to restoring representative government. Drawing from decades of experience in the liberty movement, Howie explains how career politicians have transformed Congress, why the current seniority system discourages accomplished citizens from serving, and how term limits could bring entrepreneurs, business leaders, educators, and everyday Americans back into public office.

The conversation also explores the constitutional path to congressional term limits, common objections to the movement, and why Howie believes this is one of the most important liberty reforms of our time.

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Is your data really yours?

New Hampshire State Representative James Spillane joins Sean Themea to explain why one of the biggest threats to liberty today isn't happening in Washington—it's happening in the cloud. From the Fourth Amendment and digital property rights to the dangers of the third-party doctrine, Spillane breaks down how outdated laws are leaving Americans vulnerable to government overreach in the digital age.

He also shares why New Hampshire is leading the fight to protect personal data, what citizens can do today to better safeguard their privacy, and why defending property rights must now include protecting the information we store online.

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What does it take to build a company from a small startup into a global technology leader with 14,000 employees?

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with entrepreneur, engineer, and philanthropist Jerry Rawls, founder of Finisar, to explore the journey behind one of America's greatest business success stories.

Jerry shares how taking a risk, embracing innovation, building a culture of integrity, and solving real problems helped transform a startup into a company that revolutionized fiber-optic communications. He also discusses capitalism, entrepreneurship, higher education, energy policy, and why he believes America's greatest opportunities are still ahead for those willing to work hard and think differently.

If you're interested in entrepreneurship, free markets, leadership, and the principles that drive innovation, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

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What happens when government regulators target a product that millions of people safely enjoy around the world?

In this conversation, Sean Themea sits down with Douglas La Rose, Executive Director of the Kava Coalition, to explore the growing fight over kava—a traditional South Pacific beverage that many people use as an alternative to alcohol. 

Douglas explains what kava is, why it has become a target for regulators, how government policies impact small businesses and farmers, and why consumer choice should matter when it comes to personal health decisions.

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What happens when government power goes unchecked?

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, Sean Themea sits down with constitutional attorney and Cato Institute Senior Vice President Clark Neily to discuss the principles that first drew him to the liberty movement, his role in the landmark D.C. v. Heller Supreme Court case, and why he believes protecting individual rights starts with limiting government power.

Neily explains the constitutional foundations of self-defense, the dangers of over criminalization, civil forfeiture, qualified immunity, and the growing threat posed by government surveillance and facial recognition technology. He also shares why criminal justice reform should be a priority for anyone who cares about freedom and accountability.

The conversation closes with a powerful message on persuasion, courage, humility, and how advocates for liberty can effectively create lasting change in their communities.

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What happens when ordinary people stand up to government overreach?

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, Sean Themea sits down with Spike Cohen to discuss his journey from entrepreneur to liberty activist and the mission behind You Are The Power.

Spike shares how a health crisis changed the direction of his life, why he believes liberty starts with respecting individual rights, and how his organization is helping families, homeowners, and communities push back against government abuse at the local and state level.

The conversation explores eminent domain, child welfare investigations, constitutional government, grassroots activism, and the practical ways citizens can hold powerful institutions accountable. Spike also explains why reconciliation, persistence, and community action have helped his organization achieve an extraordinary track record of success.

If you've ever wondered how everyday people can make a real difference in protecting freedom, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Voices of Liberty is hosted by Sean Themea and powered by Young Americans for Liberty, support our work here: https://bit.ly/4vnedJK

What happens when an award-winning journalist starts questioning everything he was taught about government?

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with legendary journalist and 19-time Emmy Award winner John Stossel. Stossel shares how his career as a consumer reporter transformed him from a self-described leftist into one of America’s most influential advocates for free markets and limited government.

They discuss why government programs often fail despite good intentions, how regulations drive up costs and limit opportunity, the rise of school choice, inflation, media bias, entrepreneurship, and what young people can do to become effective communicators for liberty.

Stossel also reflects on his years at ABC News and Fox Business, the launch of Stossel TV, his battle against censorship, and why the future of freedom depends on people willing to do the hard work of finding and telling the truth.

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In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with Serena Barker, a Young Americans for Liberty activist whose journey into the liberty movement began during the COVID era while attending Florida State University. What started as frustration with government mandates quickly evolved into a mission to defend individual freedom and challenge restrictions on campus and beyond.

Serena shares how she helped lead the successful effort to overturn Florida State University's pepper spray ban, organized students around constitutional carry legislation, and learned firsthand how grassroots activism can influence public policy. She reflects on the challenges of standing up for unpopular ideas, the importance of building relationships with lawmakers, and the lessons she learned through her work with Young Americans for Liberty.

The conversation also explores the future of the liberty movement, the importance of engaging young people in the fight for freedom, and why Serena believes ordinary citizens can have an extraordinary impact when they choose to get involved.

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Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than almost anyone imagined. But what does that mean for freedom, innovation, and the future of humanity?

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, Sean Themea sits down with Brendan Steinhauser, CEO of the Alliance for Secure AI, for a wide-ranging conversation about the opportunities and risks created by rapidly evolving AI technology.

Brendan discusses the growing influence of artificial intelligence, the challenges of keeping powerful systems aligned with human values, the potential impact on jobs and the economy, and the dangers posed by government surveillance and centralized control. He also explores whether AI could become more intelligent than humans, what that might mean for society, and why the decisions being made today could shape the future of liberty for generations to come.

As artificial intelligence continues to transform the world, this conversation examines one of the most important questions of our time: can technological progress and human freedom advance together?

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In this episode of Voices of Liberty, Sean Themea sits down with Lawrence W. “Larry” Reed — President Emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education — to discuss the real-world consequences of unchecked government power.

From hearing about the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia at age 13 to traveling to 96 countries, Larry shares firsthand stories of underground resistance in communist Poland, black markets under authoritarian regimes, and the sobering lessons of visiting Auschwitz.

He also explains why the Great Depression wasn’t caused by capitalism, whether America risks repeating Rome’s decline, and why character is essential to advancing liberty.

This is a powerful reminder that freedom is never automatic — and must be defended before it’s too late.

Voices of Liberty is powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty, powered by Young Americans for Liberty, with host Sean Themea.

Allen Gilmer has spent his life creating things—from building one of the largest software platforms in the energy industry to producing films that explore freedom, government power, and the human desire for self-determination.

In this episode, Sean and Allen discuss entrepreneurship, free markets, the energy industry, the dangers of government overreach, and why liberty remains essential for innovation and human flourishing. They also explore Allen's transition into filmmaking, including projects that highlight the realities of life under authoritarian regimes and the lessons Americans can learn from them.

It's a wide-ranging conversation about opportunity, responsibility, creativity, and the enduring value of freedom.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Nathan Fatal believes liberty does not advance when people simply notice problems. It advances when ordinary people decide to lead, organize, and act.

In this conversation, Sean Themea talks with Nathan about why awareness without action leads to apathy, how leadership begins long before anyone has a title, and what he learned helping people respond to government overreach at the local level in Los Angeles.

Nathan explains why so many people who care about freedom still hesitate to take the first step, why small wins matter in building confidence, and why the future of liberty depends on more people choosing responsibility instead of waiting for permission.

This is a conversation about civic courage, practical leadership, and what it takes to help build a freer society.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Jake Bequette has lived several lives, and each one reflects the same pattern, choosing the hard road when easier paths were available. From playing football at the highest level, to serving as an Army Ranger, to stepping into the political arena in Arkansas, Jake has consistently pursued challenge, discipline, and purpose.

In this conversation, Sean Themea talks with Jake about the roots that shaped him, including a strong family foundation, a love of history, and an early fascination with the ideas that built America. They also discuss what Jake learned inside the New England Patriots organization, what service in uniform taught him about leadership, and why he chose to challenge the political establishment in Arkansas.

Jake explains why liberty still matters, why strong voices are needed in public life, and why America’s founding principles remain worth defending in every generation.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

In this episode, Sean sits down with South Dakota State Representative Dylan Jordan, a young lawmaker who went from grassroots activism to elected office after deciding that if government was going to keep expanding, someone needed to step in and fight back directly.

Representative Jordan shares how the ideas of liberty first took hold during the Tea Party era, why the response to the coronavirus period pushed him into local activism, and how direct pressure on elected officials eventually led him to run for office himself.

The conversation explores his fight against taxpayer funded lobbying, his push to protect property rights from eminent domain abuse, his support for campus carry, and why too many politicians become cautious the moment they enter office. Jordan also explains what he learned while campaigning across one of South Dakota’s largest districts, why grassroots action still changes outcomes, and why liberty candidates must be willing to stay firm even when it makes them outsiders.

This is a conversation about conviction, courage, and refusing to lose your principles once you have power.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube.

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Today’s guest is Lou Perez, comedian, writer, and cultural commentator, whose work has shown that humor can do far more than entertain. It can challenge bad ideas, expose political absurdity, and defend the principles of a free society in ways that straight argument often cannot.

Known for his appearances on Gutfeld!, his writing, and his sharp commentary on culture and politics, Lou joins Sean to talk about how comedy became one of his most effective tools for advancing liberty. He shares how his path into comedy came long before politics, why free speech remains essential to a healthy culture, and why creative people should never surrender the cultural battlefield to those who fear open debate.

This conversation explores the First Amendment, the role of humor in breaking down ideological walls, and why liberty still needs voices willing to say what others are afraid to say, with courage, intelligence, and wit.

It is a conversation about comedy, culture, courage, and using humor to defend the freedoms that make everything else possible.

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty, powered by Young Americans for Liberty, with host Sean Themea.

Jay Lapeyre has spent decades building in business while also helping shape some of the most important liberty institutions in the country. As a business leader in New Orleans and board chair of both the Cato Institute and the Atlas Society, he has long believed that freedom depends not only on sound policy, but also on serious thinking and civil conversation.

In this conversation, Sean and Jay discuss the books and ideas that first changed Jay’s worldview, how liberty shaped the way he leads in business and life, and why his work with the Free Society Coalition is focused on helping Americans find common ground without surrendering principle.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Vance Ginn joins Sean Themea to talk about how hardship, economics, and conviction shaped his belief in liberty. From South Houston to the White House, Vance has built his life around one mission, helping people prosper through free markets and personal responsibility.

They discuss why capitalism still matters, why economic freedom creates opportunity, and why America cannot afford to lose confidence in the ideas that made it strong.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

In this conversation, Rand Paul reflects on the ideas that first shaped his belief in liberty, growing up in a household where free markets, limited government, and constitutional thinking were part of everyday life. From the influence of Former Congressman Ron Paul to the writings of Adam Smith and Friedrich Hayek, he explains why individual freedom remains at the center of his public life.

The conversation explores why Senator Paul believes America’s greatest long term threat comes from debt, unchecked federal spending, and a growing loss of confidence in free market economics. He also explains why he continues to stand apart from both parties when constitutional limits, war powers, and balanced budgets are at stake, even when that independence comes with political cost.

It is a conversation about courage, consistency, free markets, and why liberty requires leaders willing to stand firm when party pressure pushes the other direction.

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Today’s guest is Lyn Ulbricht, the mother of Ross Ulbricht and one of the most determined advocates for mercy, justice, and human dignity in the liberty movement. What began as a mother’s fight to save her son from dying in federal prison became a much larger mission to expose cruel sentencing, defend the Bill of Rights, and remind Americans that government power must always have limits.

Lyn shares the devastating story of Ross’s arrest, trial, and double life sentence plus forty years, the deep disillusionment she felt watching the justice system fail her son, and the nearly twelve year grassroots campaign that ultimately led to his freedom. She explains what it was like to keep going through crushing setbacks, how a movement formed around Ross, and why President Trump’s pardon was nothing short of life changing.

But this conversation goes far beyond one family’s story. Lyn makes the case that America’s prison and sentencing system has grown far too cruel, especially for nonviolent offenders. She speaks about the human cost of excessive punishment, the families destroyed by decades long sentences, the children left behind, and why life without parole and extreme federal sentencing should alarm anyone who cares about liberty.

This is a conversation about justice, mercy, perseverance, and the kind of courage it takes to keep fighting when the system tells you there is no hope.

If you care about the Bill of Rights, free speech, criminal justice reform, and protecting people from unchecked government cruelty, you will not want to miss this conversation with Lyn Ulbricht.

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty, hosted by Sean Themea and powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Today’s guest is Glenn Jacobs, mayor of Knox County, known to millions around the world for his legendary career in professional wrestling as Kane. Behind the public persona is a leader whose convictions were shaped through years of studying liberty, economics, and the role of government.

In this conversation, Glenn shares how he went from feeling politically homeless to discovering libertarian thought, why Ron Paul had such a profound influence on his thinking, and how reading Austrian economic thinkers helped him understand the deeper connection between freedom, human action, and responsibility.

Sean and Glenn also discuss what it looked like to govern during one of the most politically charged periods in recent American history, when many elected officials accepted sweeping government control during the pandemic. Glenn explains why he chose a different path, how liberty shaped his leadership decisions, and why local government still matters when defending freedom in everyday life.

The conversation also touches on Austrian economics, political courage, the long term impact of the liberty movement, and why principle matters most when pressure is highest.

If you care about limited government, strong leadership, and the future of freedom in America, this is a conversation worth hearing. 🎙️🇺🇸🔥

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Today’s guest is Ty Hicks, founder and chief executive officer of mentalhealthcoaching.com and former executive vice president of Young Americans for Liberty. For years, Ty has helped people break through the invisible barriers that keep them stuck, whether in leadership, activism, or life itself.

In this conversation, Ty shares how his early search for meaning, purpose, and service led him to the ideas of liberty, why he ultimately embraced a radical belief in voluntary human cooperation, and how his time helping lead Young Americans for Liberty shaped his understanding of persuasion, leadership, and personal growth.

Sean and Ty also dive into a deeper question that does not get asked enough in politics or in life. What if the greatest barriers to freedom are not only external, but internal? What if the stakes holding people back are often the beliefs they have accepted about themselves?

Ty explains how leadership starts with compassion and standards, why persuasion is really about helping people see a better path for themselves, and how mental and emotional freedom unlocks the energy people need to make a real difference in the world. He also shares powerful stories from his work helping people overcome anxiety, depression, addiction, and self limiting beliefs, and why he believes the liberty movement needs more people who are willing to step up, choose their arena, and fight to raise the standard.

This is a conversation about freedom at every level, political, personal, and psychological. If you care about leadership, liberty, self mastery, and building a freer future, you will not want to miss it.

What if your first lesson in economics wasn’t a textbook — but a shower?

In this powerful episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with entrepreneur and global freedom advocate Magatte Wade to explore how her childhood journey from Senegal to Germany sparked a lifelong mission to understand why some nations are rich while others remain poor.

Magatte doesn’t speak in theory — she speaks from lived experience. From waiting an hour for heated water in Senegal to discovering instant hot showers in Europe, her question became an obsession: Why do some countries flourish while others struggle?

The answer she discovered changed her life — and could change the world.

In this deeply moving and intellectually sharp conversation, Magatte explains:

• Why Africa’s poverty is rooted in overregulation — not colonialism or culture
• How economic freedom restores human dignity
• Why aid often undermines the very people it claims to help
• How she went from self-described communist to classical liberal
• The dangerous ideological shift happening on American college campuses
• Why entrepreneurship — not government — is the true engine of prosperity
• How startup cities and economic freedom zones could transform nations

Magatte shares heartbreaking stories of migration, slavery, and systemic barriers — but also stories of awakening, empowerment, and hope.

This is not a debate about left vs. right.
It’s a conversation about freedom vs. control — and what that means for billions of people.

If you care about human dignity, entrepreneurship, global prosperity, or the future of America and Africa, this is an episode you cannot miss.

🎙️ Subscribe to Voices of Liberty and find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty.

Today’s guest is Ohio State Representative Ron Ferguson, a leader who has taken the fight for liberty from the grassroots to the Ohio Statehouse. Before serving in office, Ron worked as a television news reporter and later as a grassroots trainer, helping everyday Americans learn how to make a political impact. Then he stepped into the arena himself and won election in a district that had not sent a Republican to the legislature in nearly fifty years.

In this conversation, State Representative Ron Ferguson shares how the attacks of September 11 first awakened his understanding of freedom, how his work in journalism and grassroots organizing deepened his commitment to limited government, and why he believes most people simply want to be left alone to live their lives.

Sean and Ron also dive into the real policy fights shaping Ohio today, including hospital price transparency, school choice, property tax abolition, and the battle against establishment politicians who put power ahead of principle. Ron explains what happened with the Blue 22, why grassroots pressure matters, and why the liberty movement can only grow if every person in it takes responsibility for bringing others in.

This is a conversation about conviction, service, and what it looks like when an elected official refuses to go along to get along.

If you care about defending constitutional rights, reducing the size and scope of government, and advancing liberty in our lifetime, you will not want to miss this conversation with Ohio State Representative Ron Ferguson.

Building Liberty Through Business: Alexander McCobin on Capitalism, Entrepreneurship, and the Future of Freedom

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with Alexander McCobin, CEO and founder of Liberty Ventures Network, former CEO of Conscious Capitalism, and founder of Students for Liberty.

Alexander shares the story of his “liberty light bulb” moment, sparked at age 14 after reading Atlas Shrugged. What began as a fascination with philosophy evolved into a lifelong mission to turn ideas into action. From launching student movements to leading boardrooms filled with seasoned CEOs, Alexander has dedicated his career to advancing liberty.

The conversation explores:

• How entrepreneurship and capitalism connect to human flourishing
• The challenges of leading mission-driven organizations under pressure
• Why building the right team matters more than having the perfect plan
• How to defend capitalism from attacks on both the political left and right
• Why business leaders must play a central role in preserving liberty

Alexander argues that the future of liberty will not be predicted; it will be built. And the builders are entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders willing to take responsibility for shaping the culture and economy.

If you care about capitalism, leadership, and advancing liberty in our lifetime, this episode delivers both inspiration and practical insight.

Subscribe to Voices of Liberty on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode, Sean sits down with former Indiana State Representative Curt Nisly, a man who learned firsthand what happens when you refuse to bend, even when leadership, lobbyists, and your own party push back.

Curt did not grow up in politics. Raised Mennonite and discouraged from civic involvement, he didn’t even vote until he was nearly 30. But the Tea Party movement awakened something in him. What began as studying the Constitution with his son turned into eight years in the Indiana Statehouse, where he stood for life, gun rights, and state sovereignty, no matter the personal cost.

Inside the legislature, Curt encountered something few voters ever see: peer group shift, political threats, bills buried in committee, and leadership pressure designed to make principled lawmakers fall in line. He refused.

When he pushed for Constitutional Carry, he was sidelined, downgraded, threatened, and nearly isolated. Yet he kept pressing. And because he did, Indiana ultimately passed Constitutional Carry into law in 2022. Just 17 days later, that law helped save lives when a legally armed citizen stopped a mass shooter in a mall near Indianapolis.

Curt’s story is one of conviction. He lost a primary after redistricting and heavy establishment spending. But he did not lose the mission. Today, alongside his wife Mary, he trains the next generation of liberty candidates through Liberty Candidate Academies, ensuring others are prepared to stand firm when the pressure comes.

This conversation is about remembering who sent you. It’s about standing when it costs you. And it’s proof that principled leadership can change the course of a state.

This is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Check us out here:

What does it look like to carry the torch of liberty from the battlefield to the statehouse?

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with Ohio State Representative Jennifer Gross, a combat veteran and nurse practitioner who stepped into public office during one of the most turbulent periods in modern American history.

Representative Gross shares how her lifelong love of liberty, shaped from childhood and strengthened through military service, led her to stand against government overreach during the COVID era. She discusses the challenges of running against the political establishment, the pressure to “go along to get along,” and what happens behind the scenes in a state legislature.

The conversation dives into her work advancing medical freedom in Ohio, including the Right to Try Act and the Conscientious Right to Refuse Act, and why she believes the government must stop at the skin when it comes to personal medical decisions.

From grassroots organizing to reading every bill before casting a vote, Jennifer Gross makes the case that liberty is not abstract. It is personal, constitutional, and worth fighting for.

For more than three decades, Kent Lassman has been on the front lines defending free enterprise and pushing back against government overreach. As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, he has helped lead major battles to protect economic liberty in America.

On this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with Kent to explore the moment that lit his liberty torch, the mentors who shaped his convictions, and the real pushback that comes with challenging the regulatory state.

Kent reflects on key victories, hard-fought lessons, and why he believes the next decade presents a powerful opportunity to advance freedom in America.

If you care about limiting government and strengthening liberty in our lifetime, this is a conversation you will not want to miss.

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with Jennifer A. Grossman—a.k.a., JAG— CEO of the Atlas Society, for an in-depth conversation on leadership, philosophy, and the power of ideas.

Jennifer shares her journey into the liberty movement, shaped by early experiences in public education and a transformative encounter with the ideas of Ayn Rand. That discovery sparked a lifelong commitment to reason, individualism, and freedom, guiding a non-linear career that included presidential speechwriting, television production, and policy advocacy.

The conversation explores the challenges of staying true to one’s principles in high-pressure environments, the temptation to compromise for success, and the importance of intellectual integrity. Jennifer also discusses her vision for the Atlas Society, including innovative digital programming, global outreach to young people, and ambitious creative projects such as the upcoming feature film adaptation of Anthem.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at how philosophical ideas translate into real-world leadership, why young people are central to the future of liberty, and how culture and storytelling play a critical role in formingfree societies.

Subscribe to Voices of Liberty on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with New Hampshire state representative Sam Farrington, who was elected at just 22 years old after defeating a long-time incumbent through a grassroots, pro-liberty campaign.

Sam explains how government overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic became the catalyst that pushed him into public service. Frustrated by lockdowns, mandates, and the erosion of individual rights, he decided to run for office rather than stay on the sidelines. He shares how knocking on doors, listening to voters, and speaking honestly about freedom helped him win.

The conversation explores Sam’s work in the New Hampshire legislature, including his support for campus carry, right-to-work protections, and strong Second Amendment policies. He also discusses balancing college life with serving in elected office, facing opposition on campus, and why he believes government exists to protect life, liberty, and property.

This episode highlights how young leaders can translate conviction into action and why state-level leadership remains one of the most effective ways to defend freedom in America.

Subscribe to Voices of Liberty on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with Hannah Cox, a leading voice in the liberty movement, to explore her unexpected journey into activism, public policy, and cultural commentary.

Hannah shares how dissatisfaction with the music industry led her to question government power, discover the writings of Frédéric Bastiat, and rethink widely accepted assumptions about capitalism and public policy. Reading The Law became a turning point, introducing her to the concept of unintended consequences and influencing how she evaluates government intervention and economic systems.

The conversation dives into the challenges of entering the liberty movement, maintaining principles in an evolving political landscape, and navigating the pressures of partisanship, social media, and modern political activism. Hannah also discusses how authenticity, community-building, and new media have allowed her to change minds on controversial issues and foster critical thinking, even when it comes at a personal or professional cost.

This episode offers a candid look at how liberty ideas spread today, why capitalism is often misunderstood, and how grassroots voices can impact the future of liberty in America.

Subscribe to Voices of Liberty on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Check out Hannah Cox's Substack here: https://hannahcox.substack.com/

Voices of Liberty is powered by Young Americans for Liberty

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with Eric Brakey, Executive Director of the Free State Project and former Maine State Senator, for a wide-ranging conversation on how state-level leadership is shaping the future of freedom in America.

Eric shares his personal journey into the liberty movement, from being inspired as a college student to serving in elected office, and now leading the Free State Project. The conversation explores why state politics matter more than ever, how reforms like constitutional carry and education freedom accounts are changing lives, and why New Hampshire has become a national proving ground for liberty-minded policy.

This episode highlights how grassroots organizing, principled leadership, and focused state-level action can produce real wins that ripple far beyond state borders. Whether you are deeply involved in the liberty movement or just beginning to explore it, this conversation offers a hopeful and practical look at how freedom can advance, one state at a time.

Subscribe to Voices of Liberty on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Young Americans for Liberty at yaliberty.org
Learn more about the Free State Project at fsp.org