Lions Of Liberty

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair welcomes Felony Friday author and all-around swell chap John Odermatt back to the show for another edition of ‘The Felony Report!’John and Marc take a look at the recent arrest of former Subway spokesperson Jared Fogle - once famous for shedding weight by walking to Subway every day - for child pornography and child prostitution charges. They discuss how the criminalization of prostitution can help give sick and twisted criminals like Jared Fogle cover for their acts, and how legalizing prostitution would go far in preventing such crimes from being kept hidden for so long. They examine the [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair welcomes in entrepreneur, investor and founder of YouPaidFor.It, John Maddox! John describes how a near-death experience led him to realize that if he wanted to see a better world for his children to grow up in that he had to become politically active. John explains how YouPaidFor.It enables people to directly hold their elected officials accountable and to increase awareness of politicians’ actions through crowd sourcing and social media. Marc and John discuss how incumbents are able to hold such an advantage in the political process, and John answers critics who might scoff at his attempts to create actual accountability in governm [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair is joined by Alex Newman, co-author of “Crimes of the Educators” . Alex explains how he first became interested in the subject of education, and answers the question, ‘Just what exactly are the “crimes” of the educators?’ Alex describes the “whole word” reading method, and how it has lead to an epidemic of illiteracy and dyslexia in American children. Marc and Alex discuss how the American public school system abuses children through learning processes which actively damage their brains, psychotropic drugs administered at an early age, and just how new regulat [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair welcomes in Gavin Keefe, a libertarian and candidate for City Council in Yakima, WA. Gavin explains how he first became interested in the ideas of liberty after getting into a conversation about immigration with Lions of Liberty co-founder and frequent podcast contributor Brian McWilliams. Marc and Gavin have the revelation that they have actually met before at a beer pong fundraiser the Ron Paul campaign back in 2007.  Gavin explains why he is in favor of a more open immigration policy, and why illegal immigrants are often treated as second class citizens. Gavin explains why he got involved in Libertarian Party politics and j [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, we convene another session of our oh-so-jovial feature, “Libertarians in Living Rooms Drinking Liquor!” Host Marc Clair welcomes in fellow liquored-up libertarians John “Odie” Odermatt, our legal counsel Rico, and a very special guests, the original “Blue Republican” himself, Robin Koerner! As per usual, the show begins with the gang revealing their drinks of choice. Robin then kicks off the discussion by plugging Rand Paul’s upcoming appearance in his home  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair welcomes back our resident Rand Paul analyst Brian McWilliams for another edition of “Rand Pauluses and Minuses!”, where we discuss the comings and goings of the quasi-libertarian Presidential candidate and rate them on our very scientific “Paulus” or “Minus” scale. They start off by touching on Rand’s debate performance, his exchange with Chris Christie, and the seeming media bias against anyone with the last name “Paul.” Marc and Brian then delve into the realm of conspiracy, and wonder whether the timing of the Jesse Benton indictment had any political motive. They then d [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair welcomes in Carlos Morales, former agent for Child Protective Services turned whistleblower and author of “Legally Kidnapped: The Case Against Child Protective Services.” Carlos explains how he first became interested in libertarian ideas prior to his involvement with CPS, and just why he joined the agency despite some of his reservations about state agencies. Carlos describes how CPS agents manipulate both parents and children in order to remove children from their homes and “legally kidnap” them. Marc and Carlos discuss the perverse incentives in place which encourage CPS agents to focus on the sole goal of removing children from their homes as opposed to seeking the truth about the situation. Marc then poses the question to Carlos of [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair is joined by 2016 Libertarian Candidate for President, Steve Kerbel! Steve has been a businessman and libertarian for over thirty years, and is the author of the book “Take Everyman Down - A 12 Step Program to Servitude of the American Populace and Destruction of the American Dream.” Steve explains why he decided to step into the political arena and seek the nomination of the Libertarian Party for President in 2016. Steve details how he plans to bring mainstream attention to his campaign and breaks down some of the key tenets of his political platform. He explains what he would do to tackle the “us vs. them” mentality so many hold towards government and addresses on what occasions he believes it’s appropriate for the government to interfere in the lives of individuals. Steve discusses his pot [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair convenes a cast and crew of assorted libertarians in living rooms drinking liquor to react to the very first Republican Primary Debate of the 2016 election cycle. Marc is joined by Brian McWilliams, John Odermatt, JB Lubin and Howie Snowdon to break down how each and every candidate performed in this kickoff to the mainstream election cycle. They discuss how Donald Trump is shaking up the race and the impact of his presence, the exchange between Rand Paul and Chris Christie over NSA spying, and toss out puns galore! Grab your favorite adult beverage, kick back and join us for this entertaining look at the GOP circus.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair welcomes Felony Friday author and all-around swell chap John Odermatt back to the show, fresh off his vacation for another edition of the Felony Report! John and Marc discuss the Charleston shooting, why gun control laws failed to stop it, and ponder a scenario where gun control might actually “work.” They then discuss a fairly ridiculous felony arrest related to a pecan pie fight, express both praise and criticism for President Obama’s push for criminal justice reform, and discuss whether the dentist who killed Cecil the Lion should face [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair is joined by former Baltimore police officer Michael A. Wood, who recently made headlines for a series of tweets exposing instances of police brutality he witnessed during his 11 year with the Baltimore PD. Michael explains what drove his desire to become a police officer from a very young age, and how his view of the role of police was gradually altered during his time serving as a police officer on the streets of Baltimore. Marc and Michael discuss the case of Freddie Gray, the questionable circumstances surrounding his arrest, and why the abuse Gray likely received at the hands of police officers is so common. Michael describes the many instances of police brutality he witnessed as an officer, the inherent [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair welcomes in economist and libertarian theorist David D. Friedman to discuss his book “Machinery of Freedom”, which was recently released in it’s 3rd edition. David describes what led him to believe that the most ideal society would be one without governments, and what drove him he to organize his thoughts on just how this could occur through the three edition of Machinery of Freedom. David explains his definition of government, how he views it as differing from other insti [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair is joined by the Executive Director of Gun Owners of America , Larry Pratt! Larry discusses the driving motivation behind the founding of Gun Owners of America, and the need for an alternative organization to the NRA that is focused on protecting 2nd Amendment rights and keeping an eye on the government rather than in working with it. Marc and Larry touch on multiple issues related to the 2nd Amendment and gun ownership, including the fallacy of “Gun Free̶ [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair is joined by Libertarian National Committee Chair, Nicholas Sarwark! Nicholas describes how he became acquainted with libertarian ideas from a very early age, as he grew up in a very active libertarian political family. He then explains just why he decided to run for Chair of the Libertarian National Committee, and the change he hopes to bring to the party at the national level. Nicholas and Marc discuss the bias in the political system towards the “Big Two” parties, and Nicholas describe the various ways in which he and other motivated individuals are fighting to change that very system. Nicholas makes his pitch on why liberty-minded individuals should support the Libertarian Party, and responds to those who discourage political action among libertarians.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair and Lions of Liberty’s resident Rand Paul analyst Brian McWilliams convene an impromptu, special edition of “Rand Pauluses and Minuses” to discuss the Iran nuclear deal and Rand Paul’s stated opposition to it. Brian and Marc are joined by special guest Scott Horton of AntiWar Radio and the Scott Horton Show. Scott breaks down the history of the contentious relationship between the U.S. and Iran, and explains why the Iran nuclear deal is a win for liberty lovers. Scott dissects Rand Paul’ [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show, host Marc Clair welcomes in young libertarian blogger Ryan Griggs! Ryan explains how he first became familiar with libertarian ideas after stumbling upon YouTube videos of Ron Paul’s 2008 Presidential campaigns. Marc and Ryan discuss how the public education system doesn’t prepare young people to think critically, rather training youth to think with pure emotion as opposed to reason and logic. Ryan then  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show, host Marc Clair is joined by the one and only, Judd Weiss! Judd is known largely for his photography in the liberty movement, but in today’s show we meet the man behind the camera and delve into what makes Judd Weiss tick. Judd describes how his largely nihilistic attitude as a teenager was knocked for a loop with his introduction to Ayn Rand and her work “Anthem.” He then describes how he discovered the work of Nathaniel Branden, how it drastically altered his path in life, and how he eventually became close personal friends with Branden prior to his death in 2014. Marc and Judd discuss Judd’s interview with Jan Helfeld, and just why he was so unfazed by the questioning of t [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair welcomes in Lions of Liberty’s own Brian McWilliams for the latest installment of “Rand Pauluses and Minuses,” where they grade the political maneuvers and statements of quasi-libertarian presidential candidate Rand Paul, using the very scientific “Paulus” - “Minus” system. Marc and Brian discuss Rand’s statements surrounding the Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage in the United States, and just what Rand views as the solution to the marriage contro [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show, host Marc Clair welcomes in Austin Petersen to discuss why he enthusiastically touts a minarchist - i.e. “limited government” - view of government. But first, Austin describes how he came to identify as a libertarian after being raised in a conservative household. Austin then details how he spearheaded the creation Judge Napolitano’s much-hailed “Freedom Watch” on Fox  Business, and what he learned from the experience. Marc and Austin then why Austin identifies as a minarchist. Austin explains why he rejects he rejects the concept of anarchism, and the key problems he sees with anarchist philosophy. Marc and Austin discuss concepts such as consent of the governed, negative vs. positive rights, how a ’small government’ could be funded, and vigilante justice. After the interview, Marc lays out his positive vision of how individuals in a free [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair welcomes in 23 year old independent journalist, Sam Richards! Sam details how he first became exposed to independent journalism while helping to cover and promote local protests in Minneapolis. Marc and Sam discuss some of the pitfalls of going through the traditional path of a journalistic career, and how being independent can allow one to be a true “watchdog” journalist. Sam describes how a tip from his brother regarding an odd flight pattern over Minneapolis led him down a rabbit hole to discovering an entire fleet of secret government surveillance plans operating through several front companies. Marc and Sam discuss the implications of this program, who is affected by it (spoiler alert: everyone!), and how it relates to futuristic-sound [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices