The Brian Nichols Show

98: Election 2020- How Libertarians Can "Win"

January 17th, 2020  |  1 hr 3 mins

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It's hard to imagine, but we're just 10 months or so away from the 2020 election. Wild, isn't it? With the Democratic Debates seemingly taking the national conversation towards the brink of outright socialism, and Trump deciding whether or not to start World War III (I'm kidding of course... right?), it seems that most Americans are searching for a candidate that they can support that, well, isn't as crazy as everyone else.

It's why candidates like Mike Bloomberg have essentially decided to spend a substantial fortune on trying to win the presidency, and why the Libertarian Party has an absolutely epic opportunity to win over some hearts and minds by being the adult in the room.

But the real question for the Libertarian Party is, well, will the be the adults in the room?

That's why I'm joined today by Elaine Joan, who is an independent campaign consultant and widely known political commentator, "Libertarian Redhead", who helps me break down some of the problems in Libertarian candidacies past, how Libertarian campaigns can catch on in the future, and which candidates seeking the Libertarian Party nomination can lead the LP to the most success in 2020

If you're considering running for elected office as a Libertarian, then please consider this as a complimentary consulting session between two seasoned political veterans (tips are appreciated in the form of shares, reviews, and Patreon support).

Bio: Elaine Joan is an independent campaign consultant and political commentator; you may know her as Libertarian Redhead on Facebook and Twitter. She has previously been a Libertarian Party of Tennessee Executive Committee member. She has a track record for lobbying legislative issues like 3rd party ballot access, ending the death penalty, and civil asset forfeiture. In 2018 she took a position as the Data Director for Elect Liberty PAC during the midterm elections in New Mexico and she is currently working with Voice for America PAC in Indianapolis.

Find Elaine Online:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/libertarian.redhead
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LibertarianRed1

97: Rethinking American Foreign Policy/War with Iran? with Pratik Chougule

January 10th, 2020  |  31 mins 56 secs

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With commentators proclaiming that World War III is just around the corner due to increasing tensions between the United States and Iran, the United States' foreign policy is at the forefront of the national conversation. With conservative pundits like Ben Shapiro singing the praises of President Trump's more hawkish approach to the increasing tensions with Iran (which Shapiro has seemingly toned down in recent days), I thought it would be a great opportunity to have a former self-described "neocon" who ended up becoming a "foreign policy realist" on the show to discuss their own personal growth and change of mindset.

Joining the show is Pratik Chougule. Chougule is a researcher at Boston College's Center for International Higher Education, where he is writing a book about American universities in the greater Middle East. He was previously an executive editor at The American Conservative and managing editor at The National Interest. During the 2016 election cycle, Chougule served as policy coordinator on the presidential campaigns of Donald Trump and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. From 2008-2009, Chougule was a George W. Bush appointee at the State Department in the Office of the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security. Chougule graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Brown University and holds a JD from Yale Law School.

Listen as Chougule discusses his take on foreign policy, his critiques of the traditional neocon/hawkish foreign policy, the rising tensions of Iran, and finally his perspective of where the world stands after the 2020 election with regards to foreign relations and policy.

Support the We Are Libertarians Network Rebranding! -> https://www.paypal.me/wearelibertarians

Find Chougule Online: https://pratikchougule.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjchougule
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pratik.chougule.96

96: How to Have Impossible Conversations

January 3rd, 2020  |  36 mins

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2020 will certainly present its share of challenges. Among them being that of having tough discussions with our friends, family, coworkers, etc... on issues that are politically and emotionally charged.

To start off the year, I wanted to take a second and go solo to discuss a phenomenal book I've been reading, "How to Have Impossible Conversation: A Very Practical Guide" by Peter Boghossian, where Boghossian outlines strategies to bring people who disagree into useful, productive engagement with one another.

Discussed today are some tools I've used (unintentionally, at that!) from the book, and some real-life examples of me using them both in my personal life and on the show with folks who have vastly disagreements with your favorite host.

And finally, as I mention at the close the show, if you're interested in sharing your story of utilizing some of these techniques yourself, email me at brian@briannicholsshow.com or tag me on social media (@BNicholsLiberty both on Twitter and on Facebook).

My conversation with Keith Rubino from March 2019: https://briannichols.fireside.fm/ask-a-democratic-socialist-with-keith-rubino

Where to purchase "How to Have Impossible Conversation: A Very Practical Guide": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NL74KR2/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

The Reason Podcast Episode mentioned: https://reason.com/podcast/how-to-have-impossible-conversations-in-terrible-times/

BONUS: Brian Nichols on "Friends Against Government" Podcast

December 27th, 2019  |  1 hr 8 mins

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For the final episode of the year, please enjoy my appearance on the "Friends Against Government" Podcast where we discuss impeachment, Dominick the Donkey, and more!

(Originally aired on November 26, 2019 at https://www.podbean.com/site/EpisodeDownload/PBC90D37PSE45)

95: Should Justin Amash be the Impeachment Manager?

December 20th, 2019  |  39 mins 32 secs

classical liberal, congress, conservative, constitution, government, house of representatives, libertarian, libertarian party, politics, potus, president, republican, rights, scotus, senate, supreme court, voluntary, white house

Ho ho ho! It's the most wonderful time of the year, and with that, I'm riding solo this week as we wrap up a phenomenal 2019 and start looking ahead to 2020!

Today, I read some of the awesome reviews you guys have posted for the show over on Apple Podcasts (and even take a suggestion from one of them!). Later, I cover some topics that ya'll wanted to hear about- The proposal to raise the smoking age from 18 to 21 and whether or not Justin Amash should consider taking on the role as "impeachment manager".

This will be the last "new" episode of the year, with next week's episode being my appearance on the "Friends Against Government Podcast", where I enlighten Bird and Car about the classic Christmas song from Pennsylvania, "Dominick The Donkey". Oh, and we talk about politics and such, too.

94: Criminal Justice Reform and Why it Matters (with Conner Drigotas)

December 13th, 2019  |  32 mins 57 secs

classical liberal, congress, conservative, constitution, government, house of representatives, libertarian, libertarian party, politics, potus, president, republican, rights, scotus, senate, supreme court, voluntary, white house

Criminal justice reform is a topic that many members on the left and the right have started to agree on (much in thanks to libertarians for paving the way), but despite the progress, our criminal justice system still harms millions of non-violent offenders to this day.

Today I am joined by Conner Drigotas to get his perspective on criminal justice reform, why it's so important for us to pay attention to criminal justice reform, and the very real human impact and harm that our current criminal justice system inflicts.

Conner's Bio: Conner is the Director of Communications and Outreach for a nonprofit public interest law firm offering free legal services to those hurt by public-sector union officials. He is also an adjunct professor at Lehigh University where he teaches business communications. Prior to joining the his current firm, Conner managed local, state, and federal political campaigns, and worked in the financial industry developing financial strategies for at risk populations.

Conner earned his MBA from Lehigh University and holds undergraduate degrees in Government & Law and Psychology from Lafayette College. A native Mainer, Conner enjoys the great outdoors and spends his free time hunting, camping, and fishing with his wife Danielle.

Find Conner Online-
Website: https://connerdrigotas.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CDrigs44
Facebook: http://facebook.com/cddrigotas
Instagram: http://instagram.com/drigs44

BONUS: Brian Nichols on "Your Better Life Podcast" (How Brian Nichols Turned the Tables on Obesity)

December 6th, 2019  |  1 hr 35 mins

classical liberal, congress, conservative, constitution, exercise, government, healthy living, house of representatives, keto, libertarian, libertarian party, obesity, politics, potus, president, republican, rights, scotus, senate, supreme court, voluntary, weight lifting, weight loss, white house

Usually we discuss politics here on The Brian Nichols Show, but in a few past episodes, we've focused on some other topics, like how to find happiness (with Tim Preuss) and living "Your Better Life" (with Gary Collins). Today, we're sticking with that theme, only this time, it's my appearance on someone else's show...

Today is my appearance on Amazon best-selling author Gary Collin's podcast, the "Your Better Life Podcast"! Listen as I discuss my personal battle with obesity and my ultimately losing 180lbs!

Gary's Appearance on The Brian Nichols Show: https://briannichols.fireside.fm/the-simple-life

From Your Better Life Podcast (https://www.thesimplelifenow.com/e14/):

Brian Nichols host, of The Brian Nichols Show, drops by for a chat. Brain shares how he lost 180 pounds and is now focused on being as healthy as he possibly can be. He has not only changed his health, but most importantly changed his life.

Topics Discussed with Brian Nichols:
-A bit about Brian
-What is the Brian Nichols Show and what is it about
-Brian’s childhood and how he became obese
-Dealing with being overweight and the obstacles he faced
-Brian’s wake up call that made him take action
-Our broken healthcare system
-How he lost 180 pounds
-His shift in mindset outside of just losing the weight
-Why taking charge of your life is the key to happiness
-His new lease on life and his new direction
-His advice for those fighting being overweight

93: Andrew Yang's Economics- ANALYSIS with Max Gulker from AIER

November 29th, 2019  |  33 mins 38 secs

#timeforyang, classical liberal, congress, conservative, constitution, government, house of representatives, libertarian, libertarian party, politics, potus, president, republican, rights, scotus, senate, supreme court, voluntary, white house, yang gang

Andrew Yang is easily one of the most interesting candidates running for the Democratic Party nomination. His economic ideas have captivated his supporters, the "Yang Gang", leaving a nice portion of Americans arguing it's #TimeForYang.

Today, I have Max Gulker from the American Institute for Economic Research return to the show to offer his expert analysis of Andrew Yang's economic policies, namely, his universal basic income proposal to give every American $1,000 a month.

Find Max Online-
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maxgAIER
Email: Max.Gulker@aier.org
Website: https://www.aier.org/staff/max-gulker-phd

92: "The Deep State is Real!"- A Conversation with Congressman Thomas Massie

November 22nd, 2019  |  28 mins 58 secs

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At The Brian Nichols Show, my goal is to leave my audience educated, enlightened, and informed. For today's episode, I feel confident that each of you will finish the show feeling that all three of those boxes were checked, as I am joined by the one and only, Congressman Thomas Massie!

Listen as Congressman Massie joins The Brian Nichols Show to discuss his entry into the liberty movement/politics, the impeachment inquiry into President Trump, and the sneaky manner in which the establishment snuck in an extension of the Patriot Act into the most recent continuing resolution passed through Congress.

Find Congressman Massie Online-
Website: https://massie.house.gov/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/repthomasmassie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThomasMassieforCongress
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/repthomasmassie/?hl=en

91: Elizabeth Warren's Tax Plans and Economic Vision- ANALYSIS with Max Gulker from AIER

November 15th, 2019  |  28 mins 37 secs

#fightfor15, #yanggang, amazon, andrew yang, bernie sanders, billions, branches of government, communist, congress, conservative, democrat, democratic socialism, education, elizabeth warren, fair tax, free college, free healthcare, government, jeff bezos, libertarian, liberty, medicaid, medicare, millions, minimum wage, progressive, republican, senate, socialist, taxes, trump, ubi, universal basic income, universal education, universal healthcare, walmart, yang gang

If you have friends who are Elizabeth Warren fans, then this most definitely is the episode you should send their way, as today I am joined once again by Max Gulker from the American Institute for Economic Research!

Max joins the show to help me break down Elizabeth Warrens tax plans (one of her many plans), her anti-billionaire rhetoric, he proposed wealth tax, and outline her plan to rule the American economy through the force of government regulatory agencies.

Max's Article- "Elizabeth Warren and the Economics of Magical Thinking"
https://www.aier.org/article/elizabeth-warren-and-the-economics-of-magical-thinking/

Find Max Online-
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maxgAIER
Email: Max.Gulker@aier.org
Website: https://www.aier.org/staff/max-gulker-phd

90: Todd Hagopian (Libertarian-in-Chief) for Libertarian Party Chair!

November 8th, 2019  |  48 mins 57 secs

classical liberal, congress, conservative, constitution, government, house of representatives, libertarian, libertarian party, politics, potus, president, republican, rights, scotus, senate, supreme court, voluntary, white house

The Libertarian Party is the largest, pro-liberty political organization in the United States, yet the LP has never surpassed 3.5% in a nationwide election. So, what's the problem...? Is it the message, or the party?

Well, my guest today believes that part of the problem is the party, which is why he's made it his goal to bring his private sector expertise to the LP and is seeking to be the next chairman of the Libertarian Party. Returning to The Brian Nichols Show is the "Libertarian-in-Chief", Todd Hagopian!

Todd joined the show last year to discuss the Libertarian Party, the greater libertarian movement, and to dig into the upcoming 2020 presidential election and who should lead the LP as the nominee.

This time, Todd joins the show to discuss his candidacy to be the next chairman of the LP, with his main goals being to professionalize the party, create consistent branding for the party, and to focus on winning targeted, local elections.

Later, Todd answers questions from the audience, ranging from "What are some mistakes the LP has made, and what are some things they've done right?" to "How important is it for the LP to engage the youth vote, including the newest batch of voters in Gen Z?"

As I wrap up the show, I give my take on Todd's candidacy (oh, and a special surprise, too!).

And as a final ask, if you leave today's show inspired and want to take action within the Libertarian Party, make a small donation of $25 and sign up to become a member using my exclusive link! -> lp.org/briannicholsshow

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Todd's First Appearance on The Brian Nichols Show: https://briannichols.fireside.fm/28

Find Todd Online-
Website: http://www.libertarianinchief.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ToddHagopian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LibertarianInChief/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officiallibertarianinchief/
Email: todd@LibertarianInChief.com

BONUS: Brian Nichols on "Call Me Ignorant"

November 1st, 2019  |  1 hr 22 mins

classical liberal, congress, conservative, constitution, government, house of representatives, libertarian, libertarian party, politics, potus, president, republican, rights, scotus, senate, supreme court, voluntary, white house

Folks... I'm sorry, but I'm sick this week! So, instead of subjecting you to my gross voice for thirty minutes, I instead wanted to give you guys an episode from my appearance on Call Me Ignorant with Stephen Ignoramus back in the summer.

But have no fear, I'll be back in the swing of things next week, as we'll be joined by recently announced candidate for Libertarian Party Chair, Todd Hagopian!

Until then, have a great weekend, and I'll see you all next week!

---

Hey everybody. Stephen Ignoramus here and welcome to Call Me, Ignorant. So pleased you could be with us. Call Me, Ignorant is a live conversation show. Whether with an interesting content creator, an expert in a field, a controversial figure or with a fellow human being trying to spread a message, Call Me Ignorant will try to solve the problems of the world, conversationally speaking.

My guest today is Brian Nichols. Brian is a writer, a liberty advocate and the host of the Brian Nichols show and his goal through his show is to discuss today's news in an objective manner to ultimately find common ground between individuals of differing ways of thinking. I am very excited to talk to him today about those goals, how he started his show and other liberty minded things.

Links for Brian:The Brian Nichols Show: https://briannichols.fireside.fm/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBrianNicholsShowPayPal: https://www.paypal.me/bnichols14Brian's interview with Justin Amash: https://briannichols.fireside.fm/justin-amashTLR Author Page: https://thelibertarianrepublic.com/author/bnichols/ACE Jounal Page: https://acejournaltoday.com/author/bnicholsliberty/________________________________Streaming "The Daily Ignoramus" around midday every weekday. News, History, Idiocy, Call-in's.

89: School Choice and Why it Matters

October 25th, 2019  |  35 mins 44 secs

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Our old, exclusionary, geographically-based education system is not educating children the way it promises to. Parents have been fighting for the ability to get their kids into schools that don’t constantly fail them decade after decade, only to be denied by the public education establishment, and the various policies promoted by the school choice movement give parents autonomy over their children’s education.

Joining The Brian Nichols Show today is Michael Torres from the Commonwealth Foundation. Michael is the Senior Communications Office over at the Commonwealth Foundation and joins the show to help dispel some myths regarding school choice and to speak to the value that school choice has in helping further our youths' education.

Find the Commonwealth Foundation Online: https://www.commonwealthfoundation.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CommonwealthFoundation
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/liberty4PA

Find Michael Online: https://www.commonwealthfoundation.org/about/detail/michael-torres
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mindoftorres

88: A Christian Conservative's Case Against Social Progressivism

October 18th, 2019  |  48 mins 23 secs

classical liberal, congress, conservative, constitution, government, house of representatives, libertarian, libertarian party, politics, potus, president, republican, rights, scotus, senate, supreme court, voluntary, white house

In 2015, the Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges held that the Fourteenth Amendment requires states to license and recognize same-sex marriage per the Equal Protection Clause. While millions celebrated the decision (including libertarians), many social conservatives found the ruling to be an attack on state's rights and the institution of traditional marriage.

Joining me on today's episode is a dear friend, Thomas K. C. Thomas is a law student, a former libertarian, and a proponent of reverting America back to the days pre-Obergfell to restore America's valuing of traditional marriage and traditional social values. Thomas also is a strong proponent against social progressivism. While Thomas and I disagree, we still ended up having a respectful conversation to best understand where the other side was coming from, undoubtedly leaving the audience educated, enlightened, and informed.

Follow Thomas online: https://twitter.com/thomas_k_c

https://libertarianpodcasts.com/

87: How to Succeed in Politics (and Other Forms of Devil Worship) with Remso Martinez

October 11th, 2019  |  41 mins 8 secs

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Two men separated by time embark on parallel paths to succeed in the blood sport that is professional politics. In the aftermath of the 2016 election, a young political operative named Art Brown finds himself about to sit at the right hand of power in Washington D.C only to end up falling out of the insider-circles he spent years trying to find acceptance in.

The other man would start his political path as one of the most progressive statesmen in the south, only to evolve into the villain of the civil rights movement- George C. Wallace.

Filled with political intrigue and suspense that spans among generations, along with that classic gonzo humor Remso W. Martinez has become known for, “How to Succeed in Politics (and Other Forms of Devil Worship)” is a dark comedy that will force you to ask whether success at all costs is worth losing your humanity in the process.

Today's episode features all that and more, as we are once again joined by Remso to discuss his newest book, "How to Succeed in Politics (and Other Forms of Devil Worship)"!

Purchase an autographed "How to Succeed in Politics (and Other Forms of Devil Worship" using this exclusive link to Brian Nichols Show listeners (Makes a great stocking stuffer/gift!): https://rwmartinez.com/brian-nichols-listener-special/

Remso's Past Appearances on The Brian Nichols Show-
20: Stay Away From The Libertarians! with Remso Martinez: https://briannichols.fireside.fm/25
37: Censorship Online Can Happen to You with Remso Martinez: https://briannichols.fireside.fm/social-media-censorship-of-libertarians-and-conservatives
BONUS- The Weekly Standard is Dead So Who is Next on The Remso Martinez Experience: https://briannichols.fireside.fm/the-weekly-standard-is-dead-so-who-is-next-on-the-remso-martinez-experience

BONUS: Nobody Knows How to Make a Pizza with Julie Borowski

October 6th, 2019  |  14 mins 53 secs

classical liberal, congress, conservative, constitution, government, house of representatives, libertarian, libertarian party, politics, potus, president, republican, rights, scotus, senate, supreme court, voluntary, white house

Did you know that nobody knows how to make a pizza?

Wait, you disagree?

Okay, let's try this- Did you know there's not a single person on Earth who has the skills and knowledge to make something as deceptively simple as a cheese pizza? As a matter of fact, it takes millions of people, all with specialized skills – and what’s more, there are no central planners or people managing the process. So how do they do it?

That's the premise of the new children's book, "Nobody Knows How to Make a Pizza" by Julie Borowski! Listen as Julie joins the show to discuss her book to the liberty-loving audience of The Brian Nichols Show!

Buy Nobody Knows How to Make a Pizza: https://www.amazon.com/Nobody-Knows-How-Make-Pizza-ebook/dp/B07WCQWGWF

Find Julie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JulieBorowski
Find Julie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieBorowski/
Find Julie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julie_borowski/
Find Julie on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/julieborowski