Lions of Liberty

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair welcomes in cult expert and deprogramming specialist, Rick Ross of the Cult Education Institute. Rick describes how he first became entrenched in the subject of cults when he realized his grandmother was being preyed upon by one at her nursing home. Since then, Ross has become one of the leading specialists on cults in the United States, and has worked to "deprogram" many who have fallen under the influence of destructive cults. Rick describes the defining characteristics of cults, and how they differ from mainstream religions. Rick and Marc discuss the types of people who are vulnerable to cults, how cult leaders exert such a strong influence over their followers, and just how those who have fallen into a cult can be deprogrammed. In the wrap-up rant, Marc has some thoughts of his own on how cult-like thinking has become pervasive in many aspects of our society. Marc then shares a personal story about his own experience with a cult.  For full show notes, head on over to LionsOfLiberty.com! And find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +!  Miss an episode? Check out the podcast archive. Have thoughts on the show? Don't hesitate to email me! Additonal credit goes to: John Daubert, editing and mastering (check out his work here) Ron Branch for providing the Lions of Liberty Podcas

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty podcast, host Marc Clair forgets any semblance of order and celebrates the 100th episode the only way he knows how - by throwing a party! The champagne and whiskey flow freely, as Marc is joined by a variety of guests from the past, present, and future of the Lions of Liberty Podcast! If you're looking for the insightful interviews of libertarian leaders and thought-provoking analysis of current events that you've come to expect from this show...well this might not be the episode for you. But if you're looking to drink along with some of your favorite "Libertarians in Living Rooms Drinking Liquor" as they wax and reminisce about the episodes that did have those qualities, then look no further than this, the Lions of Liberty Podcast 100th Episode Extravaganza! For full show notes, head on over to Lions of Liberty! And find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +!  Miss an episode? Check out the podcast archive. Have thoughts on the show? Don't hesitate to email me! Additonal credit goes to: John Daubert, editing and mastering (check out his work here) Ron Branch for providing the Lions of Liberty Podcast theme music (check out his work here)

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair welcomes back Lions of Liberty contributor and co-founder John Odermatt, for another edition of The Felony Report! John breaks down some of his most recent articles from his weekly Felony Friday series. Topics discussed include a deaf man who was detained and denied access to a sign language interpreter of six weeks, the questionable shooting of a Georgia man fleeing arrest, an executive order that would prohibit donations to Edward Snowden, Apple's decision to allow felons at their Cupertino construction site, and a student who slipped his teacher a pot cookie. John and Marc discuss the implications of the "felony" label, and how they effectively serve as a life sentence of probation for many. Finally, we ponder the question, "Will Odie ever get his Amazon Echo?" For full show notes, head on over to Lions of Liberty! And find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +!  Miss an episode? Check out the podcast archive. Have thoughts on the show? Don't hesitate to email me! Additonal credit goes to: John Daubert, editing and mastering (check out his work here) Ron Branch for providing the Lions of Liberty Podcast theme music (check out his work here)

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair is joined by WorldNetDaily.com's longest running paleolibertarian columnist, Ilana Mercer! Ilana describes how her political views first took shape, and how a conversation with Walter Block made her realize that she was a libertarian. Marc and Ilana then discuss Ms. Mercer's recent article, "Libertarian Anarchism's 'Justice' Problem". Ilana explains the issue she has with many anarchists who denounce any involvement in government or politics, preferring to live in the "sin of abstraction." Ilana and Marc explore the ideas surrounding what justice should be in a free society, the problem with competing theories of justice, and how "personalized justice" can actually result in injustice. As usual, Marc has some thoughts of his own in the wrap-up rant! For full show notes, head on over to LionsOfLiberty.com! And find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +!  Miss an episode? Check out the podcast archive. Have thoughts on the show? Don't hesitate to email me! Additonal credit goes to: John Daubert, editing and mastering (check out his work here) Ron Branch for providing the Lions of Liberty Podcast theme music (check out his work here)

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair welcomes in Michael Minardi, a criminal defense attorney based out of Florida who specializes in defending clients against prosecution for using cannabis for medical purposes. Michael describes how he first began to see the hypocrisy in drug laws and their enforcement as a teenager, and how that led him to pursue a career in defending people against drug prosecutions. Michael and Marc discuss the case of Jesse Teplicki, who Mr. Minardi successfully defended in court after he was arrested for growing marijuana at his home in order to aid him in dealing with his anorexia nervosa. Michael explains the federal government's hypocrisy on medical cannabis, the hostility faced from judges and prosecutors for defending medical cannabis patients, and why he feels the jury's decision to acquit Jesse Teplicki is not a case of jury nullification. As fans of the Lions of Liberty Podcast might expect, Marc has a rant of his own to close out the show. For full show notes, head on over to LionsOfLiberty.com! And find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +!  Miss an episode? Check out the podcast archive. Have thoughts on the show? Don't hesitate to email me! Additonal credit goes to: John Daubert, editing and mastering (check out his work here) Ron Branch for providing the Lions of Liberty Podcast theme music (check out his work here)

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair is joined by Nick Sorrentino co-founder of AgainstCronyCapitalism.Org. Nick explains why he considers himself a libertarian, and just why he and Hunter Lewis saw crony capitalism as an issue needing dire attention, leading to the founding AgainstCronyCapitalism.Org. Topics discussed include how crony capitalism relates to the banking industry, the military-industrial complex, net neutrality, and even the California drought. Nick reveals his pick for the "most crony capitalist company" in the United States, and attempts to answer the question "why aren't there any private passenger trains in the United States?" For full show notes, head on over to LionsOfLiberty.com! And find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +!  Miss an episode? Check out the podcast archive. Have thoughts on the show? Don't hesitate to email me! Additonal credit goes to: John Daubert, editing and mastering (check out his work here) Ron Branch for providing the Lions of Liberty Podcast theme music (check out his work here)

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair welcomes in Lions of Liberty's own Brian McWilliams for the second edition of the podcast adaptation of his weekly column, "Rand Pauluses and Minuses!"  Following a discussion on the momentous news of Rand announcing his presidential candidacy, Marc and Brian dish on the current Rand-related goings on and assign their "Paulus" or "Minus" grades. Topics Included in this episode include Rand's statements about gay marriage and America's "moral crisis," his upcoming book releases, Jesse Benton running a Rand SuperPAC, possible VP candidates, presidential endorsements and the controversial introduction of Paul's "Life at Conception" bill. Put the dogs outside, tell Wolf Blitzer to shut his dirty mouth and get ready for "Rand Pauluses and Minuses!"  For full show notes, head on over to LionsOfLiberty.com! And find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +!  Miss an episode? Check out the podcast archive. Have thoughts on the show? Don't hesitate to email me! Additonal credit goes to: John Daubert, editing and mastering (check out his work here)

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, the tables are turned as host Marc Clair gets interviewed by last episode's guest, Michael Santos, on the Earning Freedom podcast. Marc describes his inquisitiveness as a teenager, and how a college friend first introduced him to the ideas of liberty through the writing of Ron Paul. Marc explains how years later - and largely inspired by the Presidential campaigns of Ron Paul - he came together with college friends Brian McWilliams, John Odermatt and Dom Sidoti to form the Lions of Liberty. Marc and Michael discuss some of the reasons the Lions of Liberty work daily to advance the ideas, and some of the common topics we discuss such as the FDA and the War on Drugs. Marc then gives his last word, with a message to anyone currently imprisoned who wants to create change in the world. For full show notes, head on over to LionsOfLiberty.com! And find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +!  Miss an episode? Check out the podcast archive. Have thoughts on the show? Don't hesitate to email me! Additonal credit goes to: John Daubert, editing and mastering (check out his work here) Ron Branch for providing the Lions of Liberty Podcast theme music (check out his work here)

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair welcomes in Michael G. Santos of the Earning Freedom Podcast! Michael details how he successfully rejoined society after 26 years in federal prison. Michael explains how he landed in jail with a 45 year sentence for selling cocaine, and how he came up with his 3 part plan, which required that he educate himself, contribute to society, and build a support network. He explains how that plan empowered him and allowed him to return to society with his dignity in tact and opportunities to lead a meaningful, relevant life. Marc and Michael discuss why the U.S. is "obsessed" with mass incarceration, and how meaningful reforms can be made in the U.S. prison system to allow prisoners to empower themselves and truly earn their freedom.  For full show notes, head on over to LionsOfLiberty.com! And find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +!  Miss an episode? Check out the podcast archive. Have thoughts on the show? Don't hesitate to email me! Additonal credit goes to: John Daubert, editing and mastering (check out his work here) Ron Branch for providing the Lions of Liberty Podcast theme music (check out 

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair welcomes in fellow podcast host, James Newcomb of the Outside the Music Box podcast. James describes how he first found his passion in music, and how that led to a job as a musician with the U.S. army. James then details how he became acquainted with libertarian ideas, and how those ideas began the questioning of his role in the U.S. Army, eventually leading to his request for a discharge under conscientious objector status. Marc and James discuss the process to attain this status, why James is taking this route instead of just walking away, and what military defense might look like in a more ideal world. James then describes how he has channelled his energy into the "Outside the Music Box ", and as usual Marc ends the show with his wrap-up rant.  For full show notes, head on over to Lions of Liberty! And find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +!  Miss an episode? Check out the podcast archive. Have thoughts on the show? Don't hesitate to email me! Additonal credit goes to: John Daubert, editing and mastering (check out his work here) Ron Branch for providing the Lions of Liberty Podcast theme music (check out his work here)

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair welcomes in Yvette Guinevere, the Science Babe! Yvette begins by describing her interest in science and how her love of pumpkin spice lattes drove her to challenge the "Food Babe" on her claims about toxins in her favorite frothy beverage. Yvette explains why she began to identify as a libertarian after working on the Obama campaign. Marc and Yvette look at the main issues Yvette blogs about over at SciBabe.com, including GMO's and vaccines. They then discuss the role crony capitalism plays in scoping the public's opinions regarding these controversial subjects, and Yvette clarifies her previous statement regarding whether vaccinations should be mandatory. As always, Marc has some thoughts of his own in the wrap-up rant! For full show notes, head on over to Lions of Liberty! And find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +!  Miss an episode? Check out the podcast archive. Have thoughts on the show? Don't hesitate to email me! Additonal credit goes to: John Daubert, editing and mastering (check out his work here) Ron Branch for providing the Lions of Liberty Podcast theme music (check out his work here)

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair convenes another session of our popular feature, "Libertarians in Living Rooms Drinking Liquor." Marc welcomes in John Odermatt, Howie Snowdon, and Lions of Liberty's official legal counsel, the man known simply as "Rico" for a lovely Sunday brunch of liquor and liberty. Things fall off the rails quickly, as they discuss such odd news items as Mitt Romney's boxing match vs Evander Holyfield, and the "mystery pooper" plaguing the cars of the citizens of Ohio. This somehow leads to a somewhat legitimate discussion of property rights, and the how a "free society" would handle issues such as a serial vandal. They then discuss the 5th anniversary of Obamacare, mandatory voting, how the FDA harms people through its burdensome testing regulations, and a man falsely imprisoned for 40 years. The crew then comes up with the perfect solution to solving police abuse in the United States (so they think), and plot how they will have to become crony capitalists to do so. After some shoddy impressions of Mitt Romney and Alex Jones, the topic to the upcoming Presidential runs of Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, and Hillary Clinton. Somehow they all make it to the end to give their final, booze-fueled thoughts.So grab your favorite adult beverage (or perhaps a hot cocoa if you're underage!), sit back in your favorite comfy chair, and hang with the Libertarians in Living Rooms Drinking Liquor!  For full show notes, head over to Lions of Liberty! And find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +!  Miss an episode? Check out the podcast archive. Have thoughts on the show? Don't hesitate to email me! Additonal credit goes to: John Daubert, editing and mastering (check out his work here)

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair is joined by fellow Lions of Liberty contributor and co-founder, John Odermatt for another edition of The Felony Report! John breaks down some of his most recent articles from his weekly Felony Friday series. Topics discussed include the Florida man acquitted of marijuana charges due to a medical necessity defense, the 72 year old New Jersey teacher arrested for an antique pistol, and the Hillary Clinton email scandal. John and Marc discuss property rights, why non-violent felons should have their rights restored, and ask just who is "Texas Bill?"  For full show notes, head on over to Lions of Liberty! And find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +!  Miss an episode? Check out the podcast archive. Have thoughts on the show? Don't hesitate to email me! Additonal credit goes to: John Daubert, editing and mastering (check out his work here) Ron Branch for providing the Lions of Liberty Podcast theme music (check out his work here)

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair is joined by the libertarian speaker, activist, and author of "Healing Our World: In an Age of Aggression", Dr. Mary Ruwart! Mary describes how her political views evolved from her days in Catholic School to her more liberal college days until finally coming upon the ideas of liberty. Mary explains how she came to see aggression as the root of many of society's ills, eventually leading her to write "Healing Our World." Mary and Marc discuss how a free society actually benefits the poor, how government licensing stifles the market, and why we should not want the government to require mandatory vaccinations. As you might expect, Marc has some thoughts of his own in the post-show rant! For full show notes, head on over to Lions of Liberty! And find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +!  Miss an episode? Check out the podcast archive. Have thoughts on the show? Don't hesitate to email me! Additonal credit goes to: John Daubert, editing

In this episode of the Lions of Liberty Podcast, host Marc Clair welcomes in Lions of Liberty's own Brian McWilliams for the premier of the podcast adaptation of his weekly column, "Rand Pauluses and Minuses!"  Brian explains why he decided to start a weekly article grading Rand Paul's various actions and statements, and why he's such a focus of attention for libertarians. Marc and Brian then analyze and dish out their "Paulus" or "Minus" grades for some of the latest goings-on in Rand Paulitics. They discuss medical marijuana legalization, "ClapGate", Sheldon Adelson, Libertarian Girl, the Republican "Open Letter" to Iran, and more! Gather your family and friends, and strap yourselves in for the ride with "Rand Pauluses and Minuses!"  For full show notes, head on over to Lions of Liberty! And find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +!  Miss an episode? Check out the podcast archive. Have thoughts on the show? Don't hesitate to email me! Additonal credit goes to: John Daubert, editing and mastering (check out his work here) Ron Branch for providing the Lions of Liberty Podcast theme music (check out his work here)