The Chris Spangle Show

Chris Spangle, Harry and Reinhold talk about when news breaks fast, like the U.S. bombing Iran, forcing them to toss their planned topics and react in real time. From there, they talk about news fatigue and attention whiplash, including how major developments can disappear from the public conversation and how hard it is to verify what is real online. They compare national coverage to alternative sources, argue that trust is shifting toward local outlets and in-person relationships, and share why many people feel overwhelmed trying to fact-check everything. The middle of the show turns to technology, including surveillance tools, license plate readers and the broader feeling of living inside a modern panopticon. They debate AI from two angles, one seeing a disorienting shift in online life, the other arguing hype and limits, then connect it to the flood of low-quality content and what it is doing to creativity and culture. In the final stretch, they walk through Iran and the nuclear deal basics, the long-running push for regime change, and how alliances and credibility shape U.S. influence abroad. They close with a sharp argument about war powers, constitutional limits and whether courts and Congress can still function as guardrails, followed by a practical reminder to build real community close to home. 0:00 Cold open and what the episode is about 1:15 Milestones, behind-the-scenes talk, and why they record the way they do 5:05 The day’s big breaking-news pivot 10:20 Information overload, attention whiplash, and tuning out 12:40 Trust, verification, and why people don’t believe what they see 17:35 The future of life online and why it feels disorienting 22:05 Privacy, surveillance, and how tracking is changing everyday life 26:15 AI anxiety vs AI reality and what people get wrong 29:20 The internet’s content quality problem and “AI slop” 31:30 Creativity, culture, and why modern media feels derivative 38:25 Where AI actually helps and the copyright debate 39:50 Middle East context and how big-power politics shapes events 46:50 Diplomacy vs hard power and the nuclear-enrichment conversation 56:20 Trade, alliances, and U.S. credibility abroad 1:01:05 Executive power, constitutional limits, and accountability 1:02:30 Courts, enforcement, and institutional stress tests 1:08:20 What happens next: economy, community, and staying grounded 1:26:10 Closing thoughts and sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris steps back from the daily outrage cycle to tackle a bigger question: Is there a difference between caring for someone personally and how the law should be written or enforced? Using a recent ICE shooting story as a case study, he explores how government power shapes human behavior, why politics is an extension of morality, and why treating people as image-bearers of God matters in public life. He also pulls in a classic libertarian argument from Marshall Fritz on robbery vs. taxation, touches on sphere sovereignty and localism, and closes with Jesus’ model of persuasion over coercion as a guide for Christian engagement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris, Harry, and Rhinehold discuss the coming snowpocolypse and what motivates people to buy 8 gallons of milk as a response. While shooting the show, news breaks about a second killing by ICE in Minneapolis. https://youtu.be/4fXijck0ELQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle is joined by Harry Price and Rhinehold for the final We Are Libertarians roundtable of 2025, recorded on the Saturday between Christmas and New Year’s. They trade Festivus-style grievances, talk life and workload, and debate Indianapolis development, public transit, and downtown design, including “no turn on red” frustrations and light rail. The conversation moves into NPR and PBS funding cuts, NOAA and weather data, and why abrupt cuts can create gaps before private solutions adapt. They also dig into “too big to fail,” stadium subsidies, wealth inequality, immigration and tariffs, and worries about an AI hype cycle that could pop. Along the way: John Bolton’s book as a Christmas gift, local versus federal power, and why history keeps repeating. 00:00 Intro & Holiday Banter 03:00 Year-End Reflections & Schedules 08:00 Jokes, Grievances & Festivus Vibes 13:00 Life Updates & Podcasting Behind the Scenes 20:00 Indianapolis Neighborhoods & Housing Market 28:00 City Development, Gentrification, and Sports Strategy 34:00 Public Projects, Taxpayer Money & Convention Economy 43:00 Transit, Traffic, and Urban Design Debates 52:00 Public Transportation & Challenges for the Poor 01:02:00 Funding Cuts, Private Solutions & PBS/NPR 01:10:00 Speculation, Tech Giants & Too Big to Fail 01:18:00 Renewable Energy, Land Use, & NIMBYism 01:24:00 American Preferences, Libertarian Values & Wealth Gaps 01:33:00 Final Thoughts, Historical Parallels & Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final 2025 episode of The Chris Spangle Show, Spike Cohen shares how he became a Christian and what his first Christmas season in the faith has meant to him. Cohen explains the mission of You Are the Power, an advocacy group that pressures local and state officials to back off when families say they are being railroaded by government systems. The conversation focuses on the Hernandez family in Georgia, who faced felony child abuse charges and the loss of their children before being found not guilty and reunited. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle and Matt Wittlief open Season 2 with essential background for the late 1200s, tracing how the Holy Roman Empire’s electoral system emerged after the Carolingians, how the Great Interregnum unfolded and how the Habsburgs entered European politics. They also outline parallel developments in Wales, Scotland, the Low Countries, international trade, banking and the origins of English common law to set the stage for the reigns of Kings Edward I, II and III. Topics in this episode: Early imperial elections after Otto III and the king of the Romans title The Stauffers and the Welfs, plus the Ghibelline and Guelph factions Frederick II’s deposition in 1245, William of Holland and the Great Interregnum The seven prince electors and the contested 1254 election between Richard of Cornwall and Alfonso II of Castile Rudolf of Habsburg’s election in 1273, later Habsburg influence and Albert’s election in 1298 Wales from Offa’s Dyke to Gruffudd ap Llywelyn, Llywelyn the Great and the Marcher lords Scotland from the Picts and Gaels to Malcolm III, the Dunkeld line and the Treaty of York in 1237 Norway’s role in northern politics, including control of the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland The Low Countries, the county of Flanders, English wool and the trade cities of Bruges and Ghent The Champagne fairs, the growth of Italian merchant banking and the Knights Templar’s financial system The position of Jews in medieval Europe, including moneylending, Aaron of Lincoln, the York massacre and the 1255 Lincoln accusation The rise of universities in Bologna, Paris and Oxford and the development of English common law through writs, precedent and administrative expansion under Edward I Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle and Matt Wittlief reunite to bring back History of Modern Politics after a long hiatus. In this episode, they explain why the show is returning, how seasons two and three are already underway, and what listeners can expect as they continue tracing political thought from the Roman Republic to the American founding. Chris and Matt share behind-the-scenes updates on research, writing, episode structure, and how their work connects ancient history to today’s political shifts. They also discuss season one, the path ahead through the Middle Ages and the Glorious Revolution, and their plans to cover the first American political systems in future seasons. Subscribe to the History of Modern Politics feed - ⁠https://link.chtbl.com/history-of-modern-politics⁠ Join the Substack - ⁠https://www.historyofmodernpolitics.com/⁠ Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@historyofmodernpolitics5701⁠https://www.youtube.com/@historyofmodernpolitics5701⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Chris Spangle, Harry Price, and Rhinehold for an unfiltered conversation exploring everything from tech “enshittification” and the work-from-home debate to the dangers of centralized government power. The trio examines how political and cultural tension mirror the post-COVID era, why Gen Z’s values echo past generations, and what the “success sequence” reveals about personal responsibility. Chris closes with a passionate critique of executive overreach, historic preservation, and America’s fading respect for the rule of law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle is interviewed by Chuck Pullen and Bob Starkey on "The Fall of Chuck And Bob" on WJOB 1230 AM for an in-depth discussion about libertarian views on Republicans and Democrats, the White House demolition, and the No Kings rallies. The conversation touches on hypocrisy in American politics, the role of power, and the increasing centralization of executive power. Key topics include Rand Paul's stance on drone strikes, the erosion of political standards, and the implications of gerrymandering and legislative immunity in Indiana. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle, Harry Price, and Reinhold reunite for a new episode of We Are Libertarians. The hosts reintroduce themselves and reflect on the history of the show before diving into today’s big issues. They discuss the speed of the news cycle, public trust in media, right- and left-wing biases, and why local journalism still matters. The conversation also explores libertarian principles, cultural debates, Christian nationalism, and the role of free speech in a divided society. Tune in for sharp analysis, humor, and spirited discussion as three different libertarian perspectives come together to debate politics and culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1633, Galileo Galilei was condemned by the Roman Inquisition for teaching that the Earth revolves around the Sun. His defiance became a symbol of individual conscience against powerful institutions. On this episode of The Chris Spangle Show, we explore the history of individualism versus collectivism — from Socrates to the Stoics, from Christianity and the Reformation to Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and John Stuart Mill, and into the American founding. We also explore libertarian principles of ethical individualism, free speech, and personal responsibility, contrasting them with the dangers of conformity, censorship, and control inherent in collectivism. What you’ll learn in this episode: Galileo’s trial and its impact on science and freedom How Christianity and the Reformation shaped individualism The Enlightenment’s role in liberty and natural rights Ethical individualism vs. collectivist control Why libertarians defend conscience, speech, and voluntary cooperation ⁠https://youtu.be/q3Y7zGmoYaA⁠ 00:00 Galileo vs. the Inquisition 01:49 The Rise of Heliocentrism 02:42 Courage, Individualism, & Libertarianism 03:33 What Is Individualism? Key Concepts 06:07 From Tribes to Individuals: History 07:36 Greek, Christian, and Enlightenment Roots 09:39 Individualism in America 10:39 Ethical Individualism Explained 13:39 Modern Challenges: Speech & Responsibility 15:31 Voluntary Association and Libertarianism 17:59 Political Individualism and Freedom 21:12 Collectivism vs. Individualism 24:03 Government Power and Group Identity 27:01 Case Study: Hong Kong’s Freedom Lost 28:59 Pros and Cons of Each Approach 30:06 Christian Critiques of Individualism 33:55 Expressive Individualism vs. Community 37:00 Individualism in Faith and Society 40:46 Voluntary Cooperation vs. Forced Conformity 41:45 The American Founding: A Radical Shift 45:42 Why Conscience and Principles Matter 47:00 Cancellations, Tribalism, and Consistency 51:00 Embracing Courage and Individual Thought 53:11 Be an Individual, Not Just a Follower 54:10 Outro & Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle reflects on the week following Charlie Kirk’s assassination, the surprising impact on churches, and his own faith journey since September 11, 2001. He explores how tragedy shakes feelings of security, why people turn to church in uncertain times, and the role of parasocial relationships in amplifying grief. Spangle also shares practical steps for those seeking deeper faith, including church commitment, accountability, and daily spiritual disciplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle sits down with Carmel City Councilor Jeff Worrell to discuss Project Civility and why disagreement is not something to avoid but a path toward stronger communities. They explore how civility is not about silence or politeness but about creating the groundwork for meaningful conversations on politics, religion, and tough issues. Worrell shares the core principles behind managing conflict, finding common ground, and staying in relationship—even when opinions clash. Learn why courage, listening, and respect are essential for building healthier dialogue in a divided time. To learn more or attend the upcoming Project Civility Summit, visit projectcivility.com. ⁠https://youtu.be/_nLEIj-kBPY⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Adam Binkerd and Erika Crabtree open season three of Leading Adam with a deeply personal conversation with Chris Spangle—director of digital content at IBJ, former Bob & Tom digital lead, and longtime host of The Chris Spangle Show. Spangle shares his journey from early success in radio and podcasting to a season of loss, depression, and faith that reshaped his life. He talks candidly about therapy, breaking unhealthy cycles, and choosing family over workaholism. A podcast editor, co-host of The Patdown and featured juror on BET’s Ms. Pat Settles It, he shares where he thinks media is heading. This episode sets the tone for a season focused on “leading inward,” exploring grit, resilience, and the quiet work of building an “ordered life” brick by brick. Follow him on YouTube here: @ChrisSpangleShow https://youtu.be/S0LA9jqS7v0 Please support our work now on Patreon or Substack at ⁠Chris-Spangle.com⁠. 00:00 Intro & New Season Kickoff 01:07 New Set, New Energy 02:04 Introducing Chris Spangle 05:56 Why Chris? Production & Connection 08:30 Season 3: Leading Inward 13:01 Chris's Journey: Podcasting & Growth 20:53 The Granular Skills That Built a Career 24:53 Getting Personal: Lessons from Childhood 31:31 Finding Grit in Insecurity 38:56 Faith, Recovery, and Second Chances 44:52 Formulas for Values & the Ordered Life 50:59 Balance, Vocational Choices & Family 01:00:10 Building Community & The Future of Relationships 01:13:02 Parenting, Role Models & Generational Growth 01:18:10 Authenticity, Judgment, and Social Barriers 01:21:31 Lessons Learned & Season Wrap-up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are natural rights, and how do they differ from legal rights? In this episode of Foundations of Liberty on The Chris Spangle Show, Chris breaks down core Libertarian principles on rights, freedom, and government power. Learn about natural rights, legal rights, negative vs. positive rights, property rights, and why Libertarians argue that rights come from our nature—not the state. This deep dive explores thinkers like John Locke, Cicero, and Thomas Aquinas, plus key moments in history that shaped America’s founding ideas of liberty and self-government. https://youtu.be/ZaxSF5tooL8 00:00 Penn and Meade: The Trial for Religious Freedom 01:12 Bushel's Case and Jury Independence 01:47 Do Rights Come From Government? 02:52 Foundations of Liberty: Introducing Rights 03:43 Natural Rights vs. Legal Rights Explained 04:45 Brief History of Natural Rights 06:48 Examples of Natural Rights in Daily Life 07:03 What Are Legal Rights? 09:41 How Rights Philosophies Evolved 11:12 Natural Rights in Ancient and Medieval Times 13:24 Magna Carta, the Crown, and Pre-Existing Rights 14:53 Enlightenment Thinkers and the Spread of Natural Rights 15:54 Property, Assembly, and Libertarian Principles 17:12 Natural Rights Aren't Handed Out—They're Inherent 18:03 Positive vs. Negative Rights 19:31 Negative Rights: The Libertarian Standard 21:10 Trade-offs and the Limits of Government Intervention 22:28 Why Libertarians Prioritize Natural & Negative Rights 25:36 Limiting Power: Sphere Sovereignty and Social Checks 27:02 Government, Morality, and Personal Autonomy 28:34 Government Dependency vs. Private Solutions 29:52 Why Rights Matter in a Free Society 31:02 Rights as Fundamentals of U.S. Society 32:22 Learning from History: Rights, Stories, and Systems 32:56 Modern Challenges and Demanding Your Rights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Agustina Vergara Cid, a former immigrant from Argentina and now a U.S. citizen, joins host Chris Spangle to share her powerful story of becoming American. She describes her July 3 naturalization ceremony, the emotional oath of allegiance, and why she has dreamed of America since childhood. Agustina explains how growing up in Argentina shaped her views on freedom, individualism, and government, and why she believes America’s founding values are still worth defending. This conversation offers a unique immigrant perspective on citizenship, immigration policy, and what makes the United States different. https://youtu.be/9aaLDBkw6B0 Despite anti-immigrant narratives, Americans still embrace immigrants - ⁠https://www.ocregister.com/2025/07/28/despite-anti-immigrant-narratives-americans-still-embrace-immigrants/?share=niagim2rshrngirsieop⁠ The Immorality of the U.S. Immigration System - ⁠https://youtu.be/1VOzKYDDkow⁠ Immigration Enforcement and the Betrayal of Due Process - ⁠https://youtu.be/mkOadbwUP5s⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle launches a new series exploring the foundational ideas behind libertarianism. In this episode, he outlines eight core principles—individualism, individual rights, spontaneous order, limited government, free markets, the virtue of production, the natural harmony of interests, and peace. Chris reflects on how these ideas shape a free society and wrestles with the tensions between liberty, the common good, and his Christian worldview. ⁠https://youtu.be/K8VX7BW4UvY⁠ 00:00 Welcome & Series Overview 01:00 Chris Spangle's Background & Purpose 03:00 Why Libertarian Philosophy Matters 07:00 Rediscovering the Basics of Libertarianism 09:00 Core Ideas: Individualism Explained 13:00 Individual Rights & Natural Rights 17:00 Spontaneous Order & Hayek's Insight 19:00 Limited Government & Checks on Power 22:00 Free Markets: Voluntary Exchange & Prosperity 23:30 The Virtue of Production & Property Rights 24:30 Harmony of Interests: Cooperation over Conflict 25:30 The Importance of Peace 27:30 The Power and Impact of These Principles 29:00 No Perfect Ideology: Wrestling with Libertarianism 31:00 Conclusion & Call to Engagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle returns to share why he’s been away and what’s next for the show. He opens up about fatherhood, intellectual shifts since the pandemic, and his desire to rethink libertarianism and faith in public. Chris also introduces two upcoming themes: the Foundations of Liberty series and reflections on personal formation. ⁠https://youtu.be/9OIPaHHnrjU⁠ 00:00 Show Returns & Life Update 02:00 Coping with Change & New Beginnings 04:00 Reflecting on Growth & Regrets 06:30 Speaking Up vs. Staying Quiet 09:00 Political Disillusionment and Evolving Beliefs 11:30 A New Direction for the Show 14:00 Exploring Foundations of Liberty 17:00 Faith, Family, and Personal Growth 19:30 Balancing Ambition and Family 21:00 Two Core Themes: Society & The Individual 22:30 Plans for Future Episodes & Listener Involvement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I was honored to (and surprised) to be asked as a guest on Jacob Winograd's show The LCI Green Room over at the Libertarian Christian Institute to talk about the “Grill Pill”—a mindset that’s all about stepping back from the chaos of national politics to focus on what really matters: faith, family, community, and yes, sometimes literally grilling. He and I unpack the emotional toll of constant political engagement, why many of us are disillusioned with activism, and how to reorder our lives around what God has actually called us to. We talk about libertarianism, Christian cultural engagement, and the dangers of making politics an idol. This one’s honest, raw, and full of hard-won wisdom. Hope it helps you recalibrate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senior policy analyst James Czerniawski of Americans for Prosperity joins The Chris Spangle Show to break down the Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2025 and why it’s crucial for America’s digital future. From unlicensed spectrum access for startups to restoring FCC auction authority, Czerniawski explains how wireless innovation impacts everyday life—and why keeping pace with China matters. ⁠https://youtu.be/Kujolbpm9W4⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices