Main Street Matters

Latest Episodes:

College Choices, Student Debt, and Smarter Paths to Higher Education Dec 17, 2025

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In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Campus Reform's Emily Sturge break down the changing landscape of higher education and what it means for students and families. They discuss how to evaluate college options, the real cost of student debt, and whether today’s degree programs deliver long-term value. The conversation also explores affordable alternatives to traditional four-year colleges—including community colleges and trade schools—and examines the role government policies play in shaping education costs and outcomes. A must-listen for anyone navigating college decisions or concerned about the future of higher education.

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Retirement Crisis on Main Street: Inflation, 401k Mistakes, and Smart Planning with Erik Weir Dec 12, 2025

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In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with financial expert and author Erik Weir to break down the growing challenges facing American workers as they try to save for retirement. From inflation eroding purchasing power to the widening gap between high earners and middle- and lower-income households, they unpack the economic forces making financial security harder to achieve. Erik explains the most common 401k mistakes, how Federal Reserve policies are shaping retirement outcomes, and what workers can do now to strengthen their long-term financial position. He also outlines retirement plan options for small businesses, offers his economic outlook heading into 2026, and shares actionable insights from his new book, Who’s Eating Your Pie? Whether you're a business owner, a saver, or someone feeling the pressure of today’s economy, this episode delivers practical strategies to help you protect—and grow—your financial future.

Purchase Erik's Book HERE | https://www.amazon.com/Whos-Eating-Your-Pie-Essential/dp/1637630557

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Small Business Healthcare Crisis: Dr. Tom Price on Rising Premiums, PBMs, and Market-Driven Solutions Dec 10, 2025

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In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz sit down with former Congressman Dr. Tom Price to break down the growing healthcare crisis facing small businesses. They discuss skyrocketing health insurance premiums, the promise of association health plans, the powerful role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and why Congress must shift its focus from political gamesmanship to real solutions. Dr. Price shares his insider perspective on how market-driven healthcare reforms can lower costs, expand access, and give small business owners the relief they need.

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Why Americans Are Fleeing High-Tax States for the South Dec 05, 2025

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In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and National Taxpayers Union EVP, Brandon Arnold, break down the major migration shift happening across America as taxpayers leave high-tax states for lower-tax Southern destinations. They examine the economic forces driving this trend, from costly tax burdens and strained housing markets to the impact of the SALT deduction and how businesses respond with strategic relocations. The conversation also explores what these patterns mean for the future of blue states, competitiveness, and the national economic landscape.

Learn more HERE | https://www.ntu.org/foundation/detail/report-high-tax-states-losing-residents-at-the-fastest-rates

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America’s Housing Crisis Explained: 50-Year Mortgages, Regulation Overload & the Fight for Affordability Dec 03, 2025

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In this episode, Elaine Parker and Eric Eggers break down the real causes behind America’s worsening housing crisis and debate the controversial push for 50-year mortgages as a solution. They explore the historical roots of the affordability problem, how environmental and zoning regulations restrict new housing supply, and why a growing number of Americans now view long-term debt and delayed homeownership as normal.

The discussion also tackles the impact of immigration, regulatory barriers, and entrenched special interests on rising home prices. Elaine and Eric go deeper into the economic consequences of sky-high housing costs and highlight innovative policy ideas that could expand access to homeownership for working families.

If you’re looking to understand the future of the housing market, the debate over mortgage reform, or how the U.S. can rebuild a path to the American Dream, this episode offers a clear and compelling breakdown.

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The IRS Is Broken: Julio Gonzalez on How to Protect America’s Small Businesses Nov 28, 2025

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In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Julio Gonzalez to discuss how IRS reform could fix a broken system, reduce audit fear, and restore fairness to Main Street. They also explore: The real impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, How Engineered Tax Services supports small business owners, & What bipartisan reforms could rebuild trust in the tax code.

Text "Why" to 26786 to get a FREE copy of Julio's NEW Book "Why Billionaires Love The Tax Code: Follow the IRS's Lead to Build Wealth"

#IRSReform #SmallBusiness #TaxCode #MainStreetMatters

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Jobs, Inflation, and the Affordability Crisis: EJ Antoni Break Down the U.S. Economy Nov 26, 2025

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In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and EJ Antoni deliver a deep dive into America’s economic outlook—breaking down the latest job numbers, shifting inflation metrics, and the growing affordability crisis impacting families nationwide. They examine how Federal Reserve policy continues to influence interest rates, long-term mortgages, and overall market stability, while highlighting the urgent need to expand the nation’s housing supply. The discussion also covers falling consumer sentiment, expectations for holiday spending, and what these trends signal for the economy in 2025.

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The Truth About SBA Loans: Why Most Small Businesses Never Get Government Support Nov 21, 2025

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In this episode, Bruce De Torres breaks down the myths surrounding federal support for small businesses and the real impact of the Small Business Administration. He reveals how only a tiny fraction of small businesses ever receive SBA-backed loans—despite the narrative pushed in politics and the media. De Torres calls for a closer look at the numbers and a serious rethink of how government programs are evaluated when it comes to helping America’s entrepreneurs.

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AI, China, and America’s Edge: Patrick Hedger on Training Workers for Tomorrow Nov 19, 2025

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In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Patrick Hedger to break down the escalating AI competition between the United States and China—and what it means for America’s economic future. They explore how AI is reshaping industries, why workforce training is essential for maintaining a competitive edge, and how public-private partnerships can accelerate innovation. Hedger also clears up common misconceptions in Congress about tech policy and emphasizes the importance of protecting parental controls as technology rapidly evolves.

Learn more HERE | https://netchoice.org/

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David Bahnsen on Economic Fallout, Voter Trends, and the Future of Conservatism Nov 14, 2025

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In this episode of Main Street Matters, Jordan Bruneau sits down with economist David Bahnsen to break down the real economic impact of the recent government shutdown and what the latest off-year election results signal for the country. They explore the growing healthcare crisis, persistent labor shortages, and the cultural shifts influencing workforce participation—particularly among men. Bahnsen outlines the biggest priorities for conservatives in the year ahead, emphasizing the need to restore economic mobility, strengthen personal responsibility, and confront the deeper societal issues driving America’s long-term challenges.

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