Roger welcomes Samuel Goldman, associate professor of humanities at the University of Florida’s Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education and TFAS faculty member, for a conversation about American political thought, civic education and the ideas that sustain a free society. Goldman reflects on his academic journey, his work teaching TFAS students in Washington and his commitment to helping young people engage seriously with the founding principles of the United States.

They discuss Goldman’s approach to teaching the Declaration of Independence by reading it closely and treating it as a carefully constructed argument about the purposes of government. Goldman explains how studying Jefferson’s writings, “The Federalist Papers” and “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin” helps students understand both the ideals and the imperfections of the American founding. They also explore the growth of civic centers such as the Hamilton School, the decline of civic literacy in K-12 education, the role of religion in public life, the influence of Adam Smith and how the founders might assess the condition of the republic 250 years later.

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 Andrés Guilarte, vice president of opinion research at Eyes Over US and Stratus Intelligence and a former TFAS outreach fellow. Guilarte reflects on growing up under Venezuela’s socialist regime, his journey to the U.S. after facing political persecution, and his work raising awareness about the consequences of authoritarian rule.

They discuss the U.S.-led efforts to pressure Nicolás Maduro’s regime, the regional implications for Latin America and the challenges of rebuilding democratic institutions after decades of authoritarian rule. Guilarte explains the role of opposition leader María Corina Machado, the slow process of releasing political prisoners, and the continued influence of the military. He also recounts his travels across the country as a TFAS outreach fellow, sharing his firsthand experience with socialism, educating students about its real-world consequences, and addressing common misconceptions he encountered from young Americans who believe it could be implemented differently in the United States.

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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On this special year-end episode of Liberty + Leadership, Roger reflects on a remarkable year for The Fund for American Studies (TFAS). He highlights moments from the podcast that celebrate TFAS’s mission and the work of alumni, fellows, students, and friends who are advancing individual liberty, personal responsibility and economic freedom around the world.

These moments feature foreign policy leaders, courageous journalists, economists, educators and student leaders. Topics range from reflections on captive nations and the global fight for freedom to firsthand accounts of the costs of courageous journalism, discussions on fiscal responsibility and sound governance and the changing media landscape. They also showcase the impact of TFAS programs and the voices of students and alumni just starting their leadership journeys.

These moments tell the story of a year defined by growth, intellectual seriousness and a renewed commitment to the principles that sustain a free society. As TFAS looks ahead to 2026 and America’s 250th anniversary, it is a reminder of why developing principled leaders remains more important than ever.

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.

Support the show