The Chris Spangle Show

Chris welcomes back Augustina Vergara Cid to discuss the moral and philosophical costs of dehumanization, particularly in the context of immigration. Drawing on her personal experience immigrating to the U.S. and her deep appreciation for American ideals, Augustina offers a compelling defense of dignity, liberty, and due process for all people. "When rhetoric reduces immigrants to invaders, criminals, or cultural threats, it paves the way for policies that strip them of their basic rights and humanity and erode freedom for everyone in America." - Agustina Vergara Cid The hateful rhetoric against immigrants is nothing new - https://www.dailynews.com/2025/03/30/the-hateful-rhetoric-against-immigrants-is-nothing-new/ https://youtu.be/V9i9A7sR8A0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Silverstein, JD candidate at Villanova University, joins Chris Spangle to explain the unitary executive theory through the case of Gwen Wilcox, former chair of the National Labor Relations Board, who sued after being fired by President Trump. Ryan discusses the legal history, constitutional questions, and implications for executive power in American government. A Gift To The Conservative Legal Movement - https://archive.ph/wCaU0#selection-491.0-627.381 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Independent policy consultant Cruz Garcia joins Chris Spangle to discuss why many Latino voters support former President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Cruz, whose own family experienced the challenges of undocumented immigration, shares personal stories and insights into why public safety and conservative values are increasingly resonating within Latino communities. He explains policies like the Lake and Riley Act and addresses concerns about potential abuses in Trump's immigration approach. While Trump Deports Undocumented Immigrants, Latino Voters Are Optimistic - https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/02/14/while_trump_deports_undocumented_immigrants_latino_voters_optimistic__152354.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michigan expanded its state-funded pre-K program by 20,000 seats—but only 6,000 children enrolled. Why are parents opting out of free preschool programs like Head Start and the Great Start Readiness Program? In this episode, Chris Spangle talks with Susanna Barnes Pettit, a social mobility fellow with Young Voices, about parental choice, preschool funding, and why families still prefer community-based options like parochial or nature-based schools. Chris and Susanna also explore how universal pre-K fits into broader education debates, discuss their own childhood experiences, and reflect on what parents truly want in early childhood education. Petitt: Michigan’s Pre-K promise can do more to reach families - https://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/2025/02/23/petitt-michigans-pre-k-promise-can-do-more-to-reach-families/79433009007/ https://youtu.be/tXSKMSgR0ks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 2, 2025—dubbed “Liberation Day” by Donald Trump—new sweeping tariffs were announced, including a 10% baseline on all imports and steep country-specific increases. But is this protectionist move really the start of an American economic revival, or just a massive tax hike on American families? Chris Spangle is joined by Aiden Grogan, a writer and Ph.D. student at Liberty University, to examine the economic consequences of tariffs, the myths of protectionism, and the real reasons manufacturing is returning to the U.S. Tariffs Won't Bring On the "Golden Age of America" - https://www.realclearmarkets.com/articles/2025/02/25/tariffs_wont_create_the_golden_age_of_america_1093222.html#google_vignette https://youtu.be/3W4tjgD-1XI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gaby Blanco, a speaker for the Dissident Project and Gideons International, joins Chris Spangle to discuss the reality of life in Cuba today. Contrary to popular belief following Obama-era policy changes, Cuba remains under intense oppression. Gaby shares her personal journey growing up in Cuba, becoming a Christian, and her experiences highlighting ongoing persecution, government spying in churches, and the complicated role of the Vatican in Cuban politics. Cuba and the Vatican Deal in the Face of U.S. Elections - https://www.realclearworld.com/articles/2025/03/07/cuba_and_the_vatican_deal_in_the_face_of_us_elections_1096115.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are tariffs taxes in disguise? Matt Cookson, a policy fellow at Young Voices and contributor at the Mises Institute, explains the complicated truth behind tariffs. Learn why the U.S. Constitution originally placed tariff-setting power in the hands of Congress and how it ended up under presidential control during the Roosevelt administration. Cookson details how tariffs actually harm consumers, disrupt supply chains, and inject uncertainty into markets. Plus, we discuss the political realities that make Congress hesitant to reclaim its authority and what steps they could take—such as repealing the 1934 Reciprocal Tariffs Act—to restore constitutional balance. Congress Needs to Be Jealous of its Tariff Powers - https://mises.org/mises-wire/congress-needs-be-jealous-its-tariff-powers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've been a longtime listener to this show, you know there are several things that we've emphasized over the years like the importance of friendship, healthy masculinity, and growing civil society within our local communities. For the last year, I have been hosting a podcast for Citizen 7, a local group dedicated to building deep friendships between men with the hope that it will spark redemptive change within Indianapolis. Big Hearted Indy is a podcast about friendship making a difference, and I think you will be encouraged by adding it to your podcast app. This is my favorite episode. My cohost Don Palmer and I welcome guest host Dave Neff, Rex Fisher and Mark Nottingham to the podcast to discuss their journeys of navigating careers, family life, and community investments. Listen in as they discuss their experiences with Edge Mentoring, Shepherd Community Center, and their entrepreneurial endeavors, providing valuable insights on balancing faith, work, and relationships in the vibrant city of Indianapolis. Download the podcast here: https://link.chtbl.com/citizen7 Here is the YouTube Channel. Please subscribe. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm0WsfdKBmcWgliQnVsHyUg Learn more about Citizen 7 and sign up for emails here: https://citizen7indy.com/ Video - https://youtu.be/Gm8lrLaAhkQ?si=n6pEGBCW_ximh5hL Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I talk with Agustina Vergara Cid, an immigration policy expert, to break down the complex issue of birthright citizenship and President Trump's day-one executive order attempting to alter it. We discuss the history and legal foundation of birthright citizenship, tracing its roots to the 14th Amendment and the 1898 Supreme Court case, Wong Kim Ark, which affirmed that anyone born on U.S. soil (except for children of diplomats) is an American citizen. Agustina explains how Trump’s executive order aims to deny citizenship to children of non-citizen visa holders and undocumented immigrants—something she believes is a direct constitutional challenge. We explore the motivation behind the order, the likelihood of it surviving court scrutiny, and how immigration laws in Europe and the U.S. differ, particularly in how they impact assimilation. We also discuss: The myth of "anchor babies" and why the 21-year waiting period makes it an unlikely incentive. How countries like Germany have struggled with immigration assimilation due to restrictive citizenship policies. The broader implications of Trump's immigration strategy, including targeting legal immigrants and even denaturalized citizens. The welfare state argument, whether immigrants receive massive government payments, and how cities like New York are handling recent arrivals. Why Agustina believes America should strive for more Americans, not fewer, and the economic and cultural benefits of a strong immigration policy. This was an insightful conversation about what it means to be an American, how immigration policies shape the nation, and the real-world impact of political rhetoric. Agustina Vergara Cid, LL.B. and LL.M., is a Young Voices contributor focusing on immigration policy. Her commentary has appeared in The Orange County Register, Newsweek, and The Hill. Follow her on X: @agustinavcid Follow Agustina Vergara Cid on: Twitter/X: @agustinavcid Instagram: @agustinavcid Ending Birthright Citizenship Won’t Make America Great - https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/01/29/ending_birthright_citizenship_wont_make_america_great_152263.html Video - https://youtu.be/A_-qurj0e3k Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle kicks off the episode with a deep dive into why Super Bowl halftime shows always spark controversy, tracing the evolution of performances from marching bands to modern artists like Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna. He highlights how reactions often reveal deeper cultural and generational divides, touching on race, media consumption, and changing societal tastes. In the second half, Chris is joined by Addison Hosner, COO of Young Voices, to discuss presidential pardon powers and their impact on the rule of law. They explore the historical context, the January 6 pardons, and the potential precedent these actions set for the future. Addison offers his expert perspective as an attorney, breaking down the legal and constitutional implications of high-profile pardons and why maintaining trust in the justice system is crucial for America’s future. Don’t miss this conversation that blends pop culture and politics for a fresh, thought-provoking take. Addison Hosner is the chief operating officer of Young Voices, based in Washington, D.C., and is a licensed DC and Florida attorney. Biden’s pardons raised eyebrows, but Trump’s insulted justice itself - https://thehill.com/opinion/criminal-justice/5122921-bidens-pardons-raised-eyebrows-but-trumps-insulted-justice-itself/ https://youtu.be/1CA-S7eSq9g Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we dive into the TikTok ban, explaining how Congress passed a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok, only for both Biden and Trump to refuse enforcement. Spangle is joined by Ed Tarnowski to break down the implications for the rule of law, executive power, and the growing tension between Congress and the presidency. Plus, Spangle shares his approach to staying informed without being overwhelmed. Ed Tarnowski is a Policy and Advocacy Director at EdChoice and host of the State of Choice Podcast. At EdChoice, he leads the organization’s advocacy efforts on national policy. He is a young voices contributor. A TikTok-ing Time Bomb for the Rule of Law - https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/01/30/a_tiktok-ing_time_bomb_for_rule_of_law_152273.amp.html Video - https://youtu.be/qOP2sm5GSKo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Nov 28, 2018: Chris Spangle examines what causes wildfires and how we can prevent them. Was Donald Trump right when he said the government makes wildland fires worse? What libertarian principles would significantly reduce both the frequency and damage of wildfires? Show Notes: https://wearelibertarians.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Wildfire.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We start out the show with a couple of personal announcements about my family and career, and then Harry Price, Rhinehold and I deal with the fact that it's hard to be a principled libertarian. First, there are some good things the government does at a local level. Secondly, the libertarian ideology is barely popular with libertarians. So I ask them, "what's the point?" Harry gives me a good answer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caleb Franz, the author of "The Conductor: The Story of Rev. John Rankin, Abolitionism's Essential Founding Father," joins me to share his incredible story and how it applies to our own day. The Conductor: The Story of Rev. John Rankin, Abolitionism's Essential Founding Father - https://amzn.to/415fKbl This episode is brought to you by Trijent's new Universal Mech-loader - https://trijent.com/spangle Trijent, a pioneering small business, proudly introduces the Universal Mech-loader. This advanced speedloader is designed for a variety of ammunition types including 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 Auto, .223/5.56mm, and 7.62mm. It significantly reduces loading time, minimizes hand fatigue, and enhances your shooting practice. With its adjustable mechanism, the Universal Mech-loader fits multiple magazine types, ensuring a universal fit for your firearms. Transform your time at the range with efficiency and ease. Do you have comments or questions about this episode? Visit it on ChrisSpangle.com and leave one! --- Join our Patreon now for commercial-free shows, bonus content, and our complete archives - https://www.patreon.com/wearelibertarians --- Join our Facebook Group to meet other listeners. - https://www.facebook.com/groups/walnutssociety --- Visit Chris-Spangle.com to see my other podcasts and projects or to add me on social. www.Chris-Spangle.com --- Looking to start a podcast? Download my podcast Podcasting and Platforms now, and check out my recommendations for buying the right equipment. Chris Spangle and Leaders and Legends, LLC edited and produced this podcast. If you want to start a podcast or take yours to the next level, please get in touch with us at LeadersAndLegends.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Eric Larson of the Paradocs podcast joins me to discuss what we think RFK Jr. wants to do if confirmed as head of the Health and Human Services division, what he might get done, and some priorities he ought to do to make America healthy again. q Video - https://youtube.com/live/wt69j-XebVg This episode is brought to you by Trijent's new Universal Mech-loader - https://trijent.com/spangle Trijent, a pioneering small business, proudly introduces the Universal Mech-loader. This advanced speedloader is designed for a variety of ammunition types including 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 Auto, .223/5.56mm, and 7.62mm. It significantly reduces loading time, minimizes hand fatigue, and enhances your shooting practice. With its adjustable mechanism, the Universal Mech-loader fits multiple magazine types, ensuring a universal fit for your firearms. Transform your time at the range with efficiency and ease. Do you have comments or questions about this episode? Visit it on ChrisSpangle.com and leave one! --- Join our Patreon now for commercial-free shows, bonus content, and our complete archives - https://www.patreon.com/wearelibertarians --- Join our Facebook Group to meet other listeners. - https://www.facebook.com/groups/walnutssociety --- Visit Chris-Spangle.com to see my other podcasts and projects or to add me on social. www.Chris-Spangle.com --- Looking to start a podcast? Download my podcast Podcasting and Platforms now, and check out my recommendations for buying the right equipment. Chris Spangle and Leaders and Legends, LLC edited and produced this podcast. If you want to start a podcast or take yours to the next level, please get in touch with us at LeadersAndLegends.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is finally over! Donald Trump won the presidency in one of the greatest political comebacks in American history. Why did Trump win, and why did Kamala Harris lose? We look at 2024's fear-based political messaging from both sides and the mental health crisis it caused, the economic frustrations across America, and the disillusionment of younger generations. We also look at the Libertarian Party's fifth-place finish and why, and we touch on the role of local community engagement in political change. This episode is brought to you by Trijent's new Universal Mech-loader - https://trijent.com/spangle Trijent, a pioneering small business, proudly introduces the Universal Mech-loader. This advanced speedloader is designed for a variety of ammunition types including 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 Auto, .223/5.56mm, and 7.62mm. It significantly reduces loading time, minimizes hand fatigue, and enhances your shooting practice. With its adjustable mechanism, the Universal Mech-loader fits multiple magazine types, ensuring a universal fit for your firearms. Transform your time at the range with efficiency and ease. Do you have comments or questions about this episode? Visit it on ChrisSpangle.com and leave one! --- Join our Patreon now for commercial-free shows, bonus content, and our complete archives - https://www.patreon.com/wearelibertarians --- Join our Facebook Group to meet other listeners. - https://www.facebook.com/groups/walnutssociety --- Visit Chris-Spangle.com to see my other podcasts and projects or to add me on social. www.Chris-Spangle.com --- Looking to start a podcast? Download my podcast Podcasting and Platforms now, and check out my recommendations for buying the right equipment. Chris Spangle and Leaders and Legends, LLC edited and produced this podcast. If you want to start a podcast or take yours to the next level, please get in touch with us at LeadersAndLegends.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special election eve edition of CSS, Rhinehold and discuss the latest polls, the impact of voter demographics, and make predictions for the upcoming election. We examine Ann Selzer's polling accuracy, trends in key battleground states, and potential election outcomes for both Trump and Harris. With a focus on early voting statistics, canvassing efforts, and historical context, we provide an in-depth analysis of what could happen on election day and beyond. This episode is brought to you by Trijent's new Universal Mech-loader - https://trijent.com/spangle Trijent, a pioneering small business, proudly introduces the Universal Mech-loader. This advanced speedloader is designed for a variety of ammunition types including 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 Auto, .223/5.56mm, and 7.62mm. It significantly reduces loading time, minimizes hand fatigue, and enhances your shooting practice. With its adjustable mechanism, the Universal Mech-loader fits multiple magazine types, ensuring a universal fit for your firearms. Transform your time at the range with efficiency and ease. Do you have comments or questions about this episode? Visit it on ChrisSpangle.com and leave one! --- Join our Patreon now for commercial-free shows, bonus content, and our complete archives - https://www.patreon.com/wearelibertarians --- Join our Facebook Group to meet other listeners. - https://www.facebook.com/groups/walnutssociety --- Visit Chris-Spangle.com to see my other podcasts and projects or to add me on social. www.Chris-Spangle.com --- Looking to start a podcast? Download my podcast Podcasting and Platforms now, and check out my recommendations for buying the right equipment. Chris Spangle and Leaders and Legends, LLC edited and produced this podcast. If you want to start a podcast or take yours to the next level, please get in touch with us at LeadersAndLegends.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every election is billed as the most important election of our lifetime. Choosing Kamala Harris or Donald Trump will not end America, but it does present two fundamentally different paths of political ideology for voters. Harry Price, Rhinehold, Brian Wholgemuth, and I discuss the future presidencies of Harris or Trump and what will happen in the days after the election. This episode is brought to you by Trijent's new Universal Mech-loader - https://trijent.com/spangle Trijent, a pioneering small business, proudly introduces the Universal Mech-loader. This advanced speedloader is designed for a variety of ammunition types including 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 Auto, .223/5.56mm, and 7.62mm. It significantly reduces loading time, minimizes hand fatigue, and enhances your shooting practice. With its adjustable mechanism, the Universal Mech-loader fits multiple magazine types, ensuring a universal fit for your firearms. Transform your time at the range with efficiency and ease. Do you have comments or questions about this episode? Visit it on ChrisSpangle.com and leave one! --- Join our Patreon now for commercial-free shows, bonus content, and our complete archives - https://www.patreon.com/wearelibertarians --- Join our Facebook Group to meet other listeners. - https://www.facebook.com/groups/walnutssociety --- Visit Chris-Spangle.com to see my other podcasts and projects or to add me on social. www.Chris-Spangle.com --- Looking to start a podcast? Download my podcast Podcasting and Platforms now, and check out my recommendations for buying the right equipment. Chris Spangle and Leaders and Legends, LLC edited and produced this podcast. If you want to start a podcast or take yours to the next level, please get in touch with us at LeadersAndLegends.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leslie Corbly and I talk through a brief history of the Christian worldview's influence on the Republican Party, and how that has changed under the last decade with Donald Trump as its head. How does morality factor into the platform of a party that once touted itself as the bulwark of Judeo-Christian values in America? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leslie Corbly and I explore our evolving perspectives on faith, libertarianism, and worldview. We share our thoughts on the current state of the libertarian movement and their growing inclination toward a more faith-based understanding of the world and how our Christian worldviews shape our approach to politics and cultural issues. Books Mentioned - What's Your Worldview?: An Interactive Approach to Life's Big Questions - https://amzn.to/3YhS4i3 Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West - https://amzn.to/4dHZTC0 How Now Shall We Live? - https://amzn.to/3YlsOYm Born Again - https://amzn.to/4dDNEGN The Communist Manifesto - https://amzn.to/47ZKpbv A Christian Manifesto - https://amzn.to/4003mZm This episode is brought to you by Trijent's new Universal Mech-loader - https://trijent.com/spangle Trijent, a pioneering small business, proudly introduces the Universal Mech-loader. This advanced speedloader is designed for a variety of ammunition types including 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 Auto, .223/5.56mm, and 7.62mm. It significantly reduces loading time, minimizes hand fatigue, and enhances your shooting practice. With its adjustable mechanism, the Universal Mech-loader fits multiple magazine types, ensuring a universal fit for your firearms. Transform your time at the range with efficiency and ease. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices