In this episode of Defenders of Capitalism, Michael Williams and Mitch Whitus sit down with Bob Schaffer, former U.S. Congressman, Chairman of the Leadership Program of the Rockies, and the acclaimed headmaster of Liberty Common School. They have a wide-ranging conversation on liberty, leadership, and the future of education in America.

Schaffer reflects on the values that shaped him, the battles he fought in Washington, and why he ultimately turned to education as the most powerful lever for preserving a free society. The conversation dives into the tensions between public institutions and individual responsibility, the cultural headwinds facing capitalism, and what it really takes to cultivate independent thinkers in today's world.

Hosts Mike Williams and Mitch Whitus examine the Federal Reserve’s role in setting interest rates, its growing powers since the Great Recession, and recent political pressure on its independence. They explain how central banking influences inflation, borrowing, and the broader economy.

Drawing on Hayek’s knowledge problem and the moral case for capitalism, the episode argues for preserving Fed independence (or moving toward freer monetary alternatives) to protect prosperity and limit political manipulation of the money supply.

Lord Daniel Hannan is one of the most eloquent defenders of classical liberalism in the modern era. A former member of the European Parliament and a key voice behind Brexit, Hannan has spent decades championing individual rights, free markets, and limited government on the global stage. In our conversation, he reflects on the enduring brilliance of the American Founding, the dangers of centralized power, and how capitalism—when properly understood—is not just efficient but ethical. He and Mike discuss the current ominous trends of protectionism and nationalism and why they need to be fought. Hannan’s historical insight and philosophical clarity make this episode especially relevant in a time when freedom faces growing threats from both Left and Right.

https://danielhannan.info/

@DanielJHannan on X

In this wide-ranging discussion about film, art, and activism, Mike talks with Jo Jensen, a seasoned film producer, political strategist, media consultant, and entrepreneur who has dedicated her career to helping principled candidates succeed without abandoning their ideals. In this episode, Jo shares how she transitioned from Capitol Hill to empowering liberty-minded voices nationwide. We discuss the cultural and strategic challenges of running as a freedom-first candidate, the power of persuasion in today’s media environment, and why authentic leadership is more vital than ever.

Jo’s experience, energy, and optimism are contagious—this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to defend liberty in the real world, not just in theory.

Check out Jo's new project, moviegoer on Instagram (@moviegoerinc) and LinkedIn (moviegoerinc)

Films mentioned:

Honor Flight

Poverty Inc.

She Rises Up

The Test

Miss Virginia

In this episode, Mike and Mitch cover a wide variety of topics and updates, including their review of the 2025 LPR Retreat and thoughts on Ukraine and Trump's Tariffs.

Mike interviews one of the 2024 LPR Defenders of Capitalism Co-Winners, Jameson Dion. They discuss Jameson's experience in LPR/DoC, growing up in Indonesia, his activism around school & parental choice post-Covid, the impact of policy & tariffs on international business, and much more.

Resources from this episode:

Colorado Parent Advocacy Network

While Defenders of Capitalism are generally skeptical about President-elect Trump’s 2nd term cabinet nominations so far, we are excited about his choice for Energy Secretary: Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy. Wright has a broad understanding of the need for cheap, safe, reliable energy and innovation, as well as the function that free markets play.

This special episode is a conversation with Emmy-award winning filmmaker Duncan Scott and long-time objectivist & producer Robert Begley on Individualism vs Tyranny and the film our culture desperately needs to see. Duncan and Robert tell the astounding story of the recovery and restoration of the Italian film of Ayn Rand's "We the Living." The film was made in Italy during World War II and the 80th Anniversary Restoration this year is the first-ever full restoration of this film classic.