Roger welcomes Daniel J. Flynn, senior editor at the American Spectator and visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution, for a conversation about his new biography, “The Man Who Invented Conservatism: The Unlikely Life of Frank S. Meyer.” Flynn explores the fascinating journey of Meyer, a former communist who became one of the most influential conservative thinkers of the 20th century and whose ideas still shapes conservative thought today.

They discuss Meyer’s early years as a communist organizer at Oxford, his dramatic break with the party, and his later role as literary editor of National Review. Flynn highlights Meyer’s enduring contribution to American conservatism through his philosophy of “fusionism,” the idea that freedom and virtue must coexist for a society to thrive. Additional topics include Meyer’s clashes and friendships with figures such as William F. Buckley Jr., Brent Bozell and Rose Wilder Lane; his mentorship of emerging writers; and the extraordinary archival discoveries that made this biography possible.

Daniel J. Flynn is the author of seven books, including his most recent title, “The Man Who Invented Conservatism: The Unlikely Life of Frank S. Meyer.” His work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and City Journal. He also served as a reservist in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1994 to 2002 and was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant.

The Liberty + Leadership Podcast is hosted by TFAS president Roger Ream and produced by Podville Media. If you have a comment or question for the show, please email us at podcast@TFAS.org. To support TFAS and its mission, please visit TFAS.org/support.

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Roger welcomes Kurt Couchman, senior fellow in fiscal policy at Americans for Prosperity, for a conversation on the risks of the nation’s growing debt and his proposal for a balanced budget amendment to restore sound governance.

They discuss why fiscal insolvency threatens future generations, how intergenerational debt burdens undermine prosperity, and why Congress struggles to act despite bipartisan public support for reform. Couchman explains “fiscal democracy,” outlines his balanced budget amendment, and shares lessons from countries like Switzerland and Sweden. The discussion also touches on the politics of government shutdowns, Social Security’s unsustainable path, and how institutional reforms could improve Congress’ ability to govern responsibly.

Kurt Couchman is the author of “Fiscal Democracy in America: How a Balanced Budget Amendment Can Restore Sound Governance.” He has worked on Capitol Hill as a congressional staffer, at leading budget policy organizations, and is a frequent commentator in national media on fiscal issues. A TFAS alumnus, Couchman received the 2023 Kevin Burkett Alumni Service Award for his contributions to the TFAS community.

The Liberty + Leadership Podcast is hosted by TFAS president Roger Ream and produced by Podville Media. If you have a comment or question for the show, please email us at podcast@TFAS.org. To support TFAS and its mission, please visit TFAS.org/support.

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Roger welcomes Dr. Mark Skousen, economist, author and the Doti-Spogli Chair of Free Enterprise at Chapman University, for a conversation about Benjamin Franklin’s enduring wisdom and what it means for today’s debates on liberty, economics and civic life.

They explore Franklin’s defense of wealth and philanthropy, his views on capitalism and free trade, and his complex relationships with fellow Founders such as Washington, Jefferson and Adams. Skousen shares lessons from Franklin on personal finance, diplomacy, optimism in the face of crisis and even the power of compound interest.

The discussion also touches on Franklin’s role in shaping the postal system, his influence on Adam Smith’s “The Wealth of Nations", and why Franklin’s humor and optimism still resonate in divided times.

Skousen is the bestselling author of more than 25 books, including his latest, “The Greatest American: Benjamin Franklin, the World’s Most Versatile Genius.” He has served as president of the Foundation for Economic Education, writes widely on business and finance, and is the founder of FreedomFest, a national conference celebrating liberty, ideas and free enterprise.

The Liberty + Leadership Podcast is hosted by TFAS president Roger Ream and produced by Podville Media. If you have a comment or question for the show, please email us at podcast@TFAS.org. To support TFAS and its mission, please visit TFAS.org/support.

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