Voices of Liberty is a podcast powered by Young Americans for Liberty and hosted by Sean Themea. Each week, Voices of Liberty brings you the untold stories of the next generation of liberty leaders. These are the people fiercely defending America’s founding principles and proving that freedom is not just an idea, but a movement that is winning right now. Listeners hear from bold entrepreneurs showing that free markets work, principled elected officials pushing back against big government, and fearless student activists standing up for liberty on college campuses across the country. Through honest, human conversations, the podcast highlights how individuals are building momentum for freedom in government, culture, and their communities. Voices of Liberty puts the spotlight on the people making liberty win today and shows why liberty can, and will, be achieved in our lifetime. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts, and join the movement shaping the future of freedom in America. Check out YAL here: https://yaliberty.org/
Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty. Investor, economist, and Research Affiliates founder Rob Arnott has spent decades challenging conventional wisdom on Wall Street while championing the principles of free markets and limited government. In this episode, he shares why the ideas first outlined by Adam Smith nearly 250 years ago remain just as relevant today. Sean Themea and Rob discuss The Wealth of Nations, the invisible hand, affordability, government spending, taxation, free trade, artificial intelligence, and why competition—not government intervention—drives innovation and prosperity. They also explore the future of AI, investing, constitutional government, and the enduring value of personal and economic freedom. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org. Powered by Young Americans for Liberty, help support our work here: https://bit.ly/4vnedJK
Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty. Kelley Paul is an author, advocate, and champion for the principles of liberty. Through her children's books Goodnight Little American and Goodnight Young American, she is helping introduce America's founding story to a new generation while encouraging families to celebrate the ideas that made the United States unique. In this episode, Sean Themea sits down with Kelley to discuss why America's founding still matters, the importance of teaching children about freedom and personal responsibility, the dangers of socialism, and why informed citizens must always question government authority. They also reflect on the lessons of the COVID era, the importance of entrepreneurship, and how parents can help preserve liberty by passing America's story to the next generation. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org. Powered by Young Americans for Liberty, help support our work here: https://bit.ly/4vnedJK
Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty. Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Moving Picture Institute co-founder Frayda Levy has spent decades advancing the ideas of liberty through entrepreneurship, storytelling, and philanthropy. From working in the Reagan administration to helping launch films and television projects that introduce audiences to free-market ideas, she has dedicated her career to changing culture one story at a time. In this episode, Sean Themea and Frayda discuss why liberty begins with personal responsibility, how parenting shapes a free society, the importance of entrepreneurship, the future of artificial intelligence, and why culture often changes hearts faster than politics. They also explore how compelling storytelling can introduce millions of people to the principles of liberty without ever feeling like a lecture. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org. Powered by Young Americans for Liberty, help support our work here: https://bit.ly/4vnedJK
Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty. Brant Pinvidic is a bestselling author, former Hollywood television producer, entrepreneur, and Chairman of the Strategic Advisory Council at Young Americans for Liberty. After decades in the entertainment industry, he stepped away from Hollywood to become a leading voice for persuasion, entrepreneurship, and the principles of liberty. In this episode, Sean Themea talks with Brant about why America remains the greatest place for opportunity, what Hollywood taught him about culture and politics, why personal responsibility matters more than government control, and how the liberty movement can inspire the next generation of leaders. Brant also shares lessons from his bestselling book The Three-Minute Rule and explains why effectively communicating ideas is one of the most important skills freedom advocates can develop. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org. Powered by Young Americans for Liberty, help support our work here: https://bit.ly/4vnedJK
Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty. Wyoming Senate President Bo Biteman never planned to become a politician. After building a successful career in the energy industry, he entered public office because he believed government had grown too large and too disconnected from the principles of liberty. In this episode, Sean Themea sits down with Senator Biteman to discuss his journey into politics, the influence of the liberty movement on his life, and the battles he has fought in Wyoming to protect constitutional rights. They explore property tax reform, school choice, energy policy, free markets, and why state legislatures remain one of the most important places to advance freedom in America. Senator Biteman also shares why he believes young people need a renewed understanding of liberty, why affordable energy and limited government go hand in hand, and why the fight for freedom is far from over. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org. Powered by Young Americans for Liberty, help support our work here: https://bit.ly/4vnedJK
Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty. Arizona State Representative Alex Kolodin has built a reputation as one of the country's leading advocates for election integrity and constitutional government. As an attorney, legislator, and candidate for Arizona Secretary of State, he has spent years fighting to make elections more transparent, more secure, and more accountable to the voters they serve. In this episode, Sean Themea talks with Representative Kolodin about restoring confidence in elections, protecting the First Amendment, increasing transparency in government, and why liberty depends on trust in the democratic process. They also discuss property rights, water policy, free markets, and why strong principles matter more than partisan politics. Representative Kolodin explains why he believes the next generation of liberty leaders must build strong families, understand the Constitution, and never stop learning if they hope to preserve freedom for future generations. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org. Powered by Young Americans for Liberty, help support our work here: https://bit.ly/4vnedJK
Why do so many good people refuse to run for Congress—and what would it take to change that? In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with longtime libertarian leader and U.S. Term Limits Chairman Howie Rich to discuss why he believes term limits are the key to restoring representative government. Drawing from decades of experience in the liberty movement, Howie explains how career politicians have transformed Congress, why the current seniority system discourages accomplished citizens from serving, and how term limits could bring entrepreneurs, business leaders, educators, and everyday Americans back into public office. The conversation also explores the constitutional path to congressional term limits, common objections to the movement, and why Howie believes this is one of the most important liberty reforms of our time. Powered by Young Americans for Liberty, help support our work here: https://bit.ly/4vnedJK
Is your data really yours? New Hampshire State Representative James Spillane joins Sean Themea to explain why one of the biggest threats to liberty today isn't happening in Washington—it's happening in the cloud. From the Fourth Amendment and digital property rights to the dangers of the third-party doctrine, Spillane breaks down how outdated laws are leaving Americans vulnerable to government overreach in the digital age. He also shares why New Hampshire is leading the fight to protect personal data, what citizens can do today to better safeguard their privacy, and why defending property rights must now include protecting the information we store online. Powered by Young Americans for Liberty, help support our work here: https://bit.ly/4vnedJK
What does it take to build a company from a small startup into a global technology leader with 14,000 employees? In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with entrepreneur, engineer, and philanthropist Jerry Rawls, founder of Finisar, to explore the journey behind one of America's greatest business success stories. Jerry shares how taking a risk, embracing innovation, building a culture of integrity, and solving real problems helped transform a startup into a company that revolutionized fiber-optic communications. He also discusses capitalism, entrepreneurship, higher education, energy policy, and why he believes America's greatest opportunities are still ahead for those willing to work hard and think differently. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, free markets, leadership, and the principles that drive innovation, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Powered by Young Americans for Liberty, help support our work here: https://bit.ly/4vnedJK
What happens when government regulators target a product that millions of people safely enjoy around the world? In this conversation, Sean Themea sits down with Douglas La Rose, Executive Director of the Kava Coalition, to explore the growing fight over kava—a traditional South Pacific beverage that many people use as an alternative to alcohol. Douglas explains what kava is, why it has become a target for regulators, how government policies impact small businesses and farmers, and why consumer choice should matter when it comes to personal health decisions. Powered by Young Americans for Liberty, help support our work here: https://bit.ly/4vnedJK
What happens when government power goes unchecked? In this episode of Voices of Liberty, Sean Themea sits down with constitutional attorney and Cato Institute Senior Vice President Clark Neily to discuss the principles that first drew him to the liberty movement, his role in the landmark D.C. v. Heller Supreme Court case, and why he believes protecting individual rights starts with limiting government power. Neily explains the constitutional foundations of self-defense, the dangers of over criminalization, civil forfeiture, qualified immunity, and the growing threat posed by government surveillance and facial recognition technology. He also shares why criminal justice reform should be a priority for anyone who cares about freedom and accountability. The conversation closes with a powerful message on persuasion, courage, humility, and how advocates for liberty can effectively create lasting change in their communities. Subscribe to Voices of Liberty on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube. Powered by Young Americans for Liberty, help support our work here: https://bit.ly/4vnedJK
What happens when ordinary people stand up to government overreach? In this episode of Voices of Liberty, Sean Themea sits down with Spike Cohen to discuss his journey from entrepreneur to liberty activist and the mission behind You Are The Power. Spike shares how a health crisis changed the direction of his life, why he believes liberty starts with respecting individual rights, and how his organization is helping families, homeowners, and communities push back against government abuse at the local and state level. The conversation explores eminent domain, child welfare investigations, constitutional government, grassroots activism, and the practical ways citizens can hold powerful institutions accountable. Spike also explains why reconciliation, persistence, and community action have helped his organization achieve an extraordinary track record of success. If you've ever wondered how everyday people can make a real difference in protecting freedom, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Voices of Liberty is hosted by Sean Themea and powered by Young Americans for Liberty, support our work here: https://bit.ly/4vnedJK
What happens when an award-winning journalist starts questioning everything he was taught about government? In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with legendary journalist and 19-time Emmy Award winner John Stossel. Stossel shares how his career as a consumer reporter transformed him from a self-described leftist into one of America’s most influential advocates for free markets and limited government. They discuss why government programs often fail despite good intentions, how regulations drive up costs and limit opportunity, the rise of school choice, inflation, media bias, entrepreneurship, and what young people can do to become effective communicators for liberty. Stossel also reflects on his years at ABC News and Fox Business, the launch of Stossel TV, his battle against censorship, and why the future of freedom depends on people willing to do the hard work of finding and telling the truth. Powered by Young Americans for Liberty, help support our work here: https://bit.ly/4vnedJK
In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with Serena Barker, a Young Americans for Liberty activist whose journey into the liberty movement began during the COVID era while attending Florida State University. What started as frustration with government mandates quickly evolved into a mission to defend individual freedom and challenge restrictions on campus and beyond. Serena shares how she helped lead the successful effort to overturn Florida State University's pepper spray ban, organized students around constitutional carry legislation, and learned firsthand how grassroots activism can influence public policy. She reflects on the challenges of standing up for unpopular ideas, the importance of building relationships with lawmakers, and the lessons she learned through her work with Young Americans for Liberty. The conversation also explores the future of the liberty movement, the importance of engaging young people in the fight for freedom, and why Serena believes ordinary citizens can have an extraordinary impact when they choose to get involved. Subscribe to Voices of Liberty on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about Young Americans for Liberty at yaliberty.org.
Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than almost anyone imagined. But what does that mean for freedom, innovation, and the future of humanity? In this episode of Voices of Liberty, Sean Themea sits down with Brendan Steinhauser, CEO of the Alliance for Secure AI, for a wide-ranging conversation about the opportunities and risks created by rapidly evolving AI technology. Brendan discusses the growing influence of artificial intelligence, the challenges of keeping powerful systems aligned with human values, the potential impact on jobs and the economy, and the dangers posed by government surveillance and centralized control. He also explores whether AI could become more intelligent than humans, what that might mean for society, and why the decisions being made today could shape the future of liberty for generations to come. As artificial intelligence continues to transform the world, this conversation examines one of the most important questions of our time: can technological progress and human freedom advance together? Subscribe to Voices of Liberty on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Powered by Young Americans for Liberty.
In this episode of Voices of Liberty, Sean Themea sits down with Lawrence W. “Larry” Reed — President Emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education — to discuss the real-world consequences of unchecked government power. From hearing about the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia at age 13 to traveling to 96 countries, Larry shares firsthand stories of underground resistance in communist Poland, black markets under authoritarian regimes, and the sobering lessons of visiting Auschwitz. He also explains why the Great Depression wasn’t caused by capitalism, whether America risks repeating Rome’s decline, and why character is essential to advancing liberty. This is a powerful reminder that freedom is never automatic — and must be defended before it’s too late. Voices of Liberty is powered by Young Americans for Liberty.
Welcome back to Voices of Liberty, powered by Young Americans for Liberty, with host Sean Themea. Allen Gilmer has spent his life creating things—from building one of the largest software platforms in the energy industry to producing films that explore freedom, government power, and the human desire for self-determination. In this episode, Sean and Allen discuss entrepreneurship, free markets, the energy industry, the dangers of government overreach, and why liberty remains essential for innovation and human flourishing. They also explore Allen's transition into filmmaking, including projects that highlight the realities of life under authoritarian regimes and the lessons Americans can learn from them. It's a wide-ranging conversation about opportunity, responsibility, creativity, and the enduring value of freedom. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.
Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty. Nathan Fatal believes liberty does not advance when people simply notice problems. It advances when ordinary people decide to lead, organize, and act. In this conversation, Sean Themea talks with Nathan about why awareness without action leads to apathy, how leadership begins long before anyone has a title, and what he learned helping people respond to government overreach at the local level in Los Angeles. Nathan explains why so many people who care about freedom still hesitate to take the first step, why small wins matter in building confidence, and why the future of liberty depends on more people choosing responsibility instead of waiting for permission. This is a conversation about civic courage, practical leadership, and what it takes to help build a freer society. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.
Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty. Jake Bequette has lived several lives, and each one reflects the same pattern, choosing the hard road when easier paths were available. From playing football at the highest level, to serving as an Army Ranger, to stepping into the political arena in Arkansas, Jake has consistently pursued challenge, discipline, and purpose. In this conversation, Sean Themea talks with Jake about the roots that shaped him, including a strong family foundation, a love of history, and an early fascination with the ideas that built America. They also discuss what Jake learned inside the New England Patriots organization, what service in uniform taught him about leadership, and why he chose to challenge the political establishment in Arkansas. Jake explains why liberty still matters, why strong voices are needed in public life, and why America’s founding principles remain worth defending in every generation. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube, and learn more at YALiberty.org.
Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty. In this episode, Sean sits down with South Dakota State Representative Dylan Jordan, a young lawmaker who went from grassroots activism to elected office after deciding that if government was going to keep expanding, someone needed to step in and fight back directly. Representative Jordan shares how the ideas of liberty first took hold during the Tea Party era, why the response to the coronavirus period pushed him into local activism, and how direct pressure on elected officials eventually led him to run for office himself. The conversation explores his fight against taxpayer funded lobbying, his push to protect property rights from eminent domain abuse, his support for campus carry, and why too many politicians become cautious the moment they enter office. Jordan also explains what he learned while campaigning across one of South Dakota’s largest districts, why grassroots action still changes outcomes, and why liberty candidates must be willing to stay firm even when it makes them outsiders. This is a conversation about conviction, courage, and refusing to lose your principles once you have power. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or YouTube.
