Main Street Matters

Latest Episodes:

Deregulation Fueled the Economic Boom | E.J. Antoni on Small Business Growth Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Jordan Bruneau sits down with E.J. Antoni, Chief Economist at the Heritage Foundation, to break down one of the most overlooked drivers of today’s economic growth: deregulation. While tax cuts and energy policy often dominate economic headlines, Antoni explains why deregulation has quietly powered hiring, profitability, and expansion—especially for small businesses that lack the resources to navigate burdensome federal rules. Drawing on real-world examples from the Trump administration, Antoni details how rolling back environmental and labor regulations reduced costs, increased flexibility, and unlocked economic activity across Main Street America.

The conversation explores why overregulation disproportionately harms entrepreneurs, how regulatory rollbacks helped fuel stronger-than-expected growth, and what future deregulation efforts could mean for jobs, wages, and consumer prices. If you want to understand what’s really driving economic momentum—and why small businesses are at the center of it—this episode is a must-watch.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homeschooling After COVID: Parental Empowerment, Mental Health & Education Choice Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker is joined by Holly Swenson for an in-depth conversation on the rapid rise of homeschooling in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Elaine and Holly explore why more families are rethinking traditional education, highlighting the growing demand for parental empowerment, flexibility, and individualized learning. Holly shares her personal homeschooling journey, explaining how tailored education can better meet children’s academic needs while also supporting emotional well-being.

The discussion also addresses the mental health challenges facing today’s students, the pressures placed on families by conventional school systems, and why choice in education is critical for long-term success. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of self-care for parents and the value of creating learning environments that prioritize both academic growth and personal development.

Purchase Holly's Book 'Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow: Forming Deeper and More Joyful Connections with Yourself and Your Children' HERE | https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Drop-Grow-Glow-Connections/dp/1950476723

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Freedom Chamber Is Fighting for Small Businesses & Affordable Healthcare Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Chuck Barnum, Chief Marketing Officer of Freedom Chamber, to discuss how the organization is empowering America’s small businesses through advocacy, networking, and innovative healthcare solutions. Chuck explains the launch of the Freedom Chamber, including its new Health Guardianship Plan designed to give entrepreneurs and their employees more affordable, flexible healthcare options.

They also explore how current legislation and regulatory pressures impact small business owners, why transparency and trust are critical in today’s economy, and how a pro-American business network can help level the playing field against corporate and government overreach. From navigating healthcare choices to building a resilient business community, this conversation delivers practical insights for anyone invested in the future of Main Street.

Learn more about Freedom Chamber | https://freedomchamber.net/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Progressive Policies Are Driving New York & Oregon Into Crisis Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker is joined by journalist and author Dennis Kneale for a wide-ranging discussion on the economic and social crises unfolding in New York City and Oregon. They examine how progressive policies, high taxes, and burdensome regulations are impacting small businesses, fueling homelessness, and driving residents out of major cities.

The conversation explores the deeper ideological divide between individualism and collectivism, the role of education in shaping political beliefs, and what critics call a failure of leadership to confront reality. Kneale also previews insights from his forthcoming book, Ore-Goners, drawing striking parallels between Oregon’s trajectory and the potential future of New York City if current policies continue.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Trade Policy Is Hurting Family Farmers with Brian Reisinger Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Brian Reisinger to examine how U.S. trade policies are impacting family farmers across the country. They break down the long-term effects of NAFTA, the reality of modern trade barriers, and why many farmers are “land rich, cash poor” despite owning valuable property. Reisinger explains why one-size-fits-all trade agreements often leave small and mid-sized farms behind, and what smarter, targeted trade policies could do to protect food security, strengthen rural economies, and preserve economic diversity in American agriculture.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rich States, Poor States with Jonathan Williams Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Jonathan Williams discuss the latest Rich States, Poor States report, highlighting the economic successes of states like Utah and the challenges faced by states at the bottom of the rankings. They delve into the importance of fiscal responsibility, the need for pension reform, and the impact of government spending on state economies. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for states to compete for businesses and jobs while addressing the criticisms of their rankings and the broader implications of federal spending policies.

Check and see how your state performed HERE: https://www.richstatespoorstates.org/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Impact of Tax Cuts on Small Business Growth with Guy Berkebile Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with Guy Berkebile, founder of Guy Chemical Company, about the significant impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on small businesses. They discuss Berkebile's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced, and how tax policies have enabled him to invest in his company and community. The conversation also touches on the importance of retaining youth in small towns, the implications of tariffs and trade policies, and the future of American manufacturing.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Millennials and Gen Z Struggle to Build Wealth and Own Homes Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Jeremiah Poff of the Washington Examiner discuss the challenges faced by millennials and Gen Z in achieving home ownership and building wealth. They explore the economic shifts from a production-driven economy to a consumption-driven one, the impact of inflation on housing prices, and the role of student debt in economic mobility. The conversation highlights the importance of local economic drivers and corporate responsibility in creating sustainable communities. They also address the need for effective messaging of economic policies to connect with everyday Americans.

Read Jeremiah's work at the Washington Examiner

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Solving America’s Homelessness Crisis: Policy Failures, Mental Health, and Community Solutions Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with Michele Steeb, founder of the Free Up Foundation, about the ongoing homeless crisis in America. They discuss the impact of homelessness on communities, the failures of past policies, and the importance of a human-first approach to addressing the issue. Michele shares insights from her experience running a shelter for homeless women and children and emphasizes the need for mental health and addiction treatment as part of a comprehensive solution. The conversation also touches on the economic implications of homelessness and the role of community involvement in creating effective solutions.

Learn more about Michele & Purchase her book HERE | https://www.michelesteeb.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How AI Is Transforming Education and Closing Learning Gaps Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Main Street Matters, host Elaine Parker sits down with Erika Donalds of the America First Policy Institute to examine the future of education in America. The conversation explores how artificial intelligence in education can personalize learning, support teachers, and help students recover from COVID-era learning loss. They discuss innovative teaching methods, the role of educators in an AI-driven classroom, and practical solutions to close learning gaps.

Learn more about AFPI | https://www.americafirstpolicy.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected