What good is the freedom we've spent a lifetime building if we don't use it to make a difference?

In this episode, Dr. David Phelps sits down with Rick Green, founder of Patriot Academy and former Texas state legislator, to explore what it means to use our freedom, experience, and influence to make a lasting difference.

Rick shares how his father's encouragement shaped his life, why he shifted his focus from politics to educating the next generation, and what he's learned from more than 25 years of developing young leaders.

They also discuss what older generations misunderstand about young people, why we've lost the ability to disagree without hostility, and how to move beyond frustration and outrage toward meaningful action.

For business owners considering their next chapter, Rick offers a practical challenge: You don't need to run for office, start an organization, or write a large check to make a difference. There are meaningful ways to invest your time, resources, and experience right where you are.

• How Rick's father helped shape his confidence, character, and sense of purpose.
• Why Rick believes developing the next generation is more important than winning elections.
• What young people really want from leaders, parents, and mentors.
• How to disagree without hostility—and why curiosity matters more than winning an argument.
• Why moving from outrage to agency starts with taking responsibility for what we can influence.
• Rick's practical 2-2-2 framework for getting involved and making a difference.

Patriot Academy: https://patriotacademy.com

The Exit Optional Playbook: https://exitoptional.com

• 02:21 – Finding His Calling Beyond Politics: The conversation with his father that changed Rick's direction
• 03:30 – The Power of Family Influence: How his parents shaped his confidence, entrepreneurial spirit, and teaching style
• 04:28 – A Wake-Up Call About Freedom: Why Rick became passionate about constitutional education
• 05:28 – Building Patriot Academy: Developing the next generation of civic leaders
• 06:42 – What We're Getting Wrong About Young People: Their desire for authenticity, purpose, and meaningful contribution
• 08:33 – From Outrage to Civil Discourse: Why listening and humility matter more than winning arguments
• 11:28 – Putting Freedom Into Action: Rick's practical 2-2-2 framework for making a difference