Main Street Matters

Latest Episodes:

Why Millennials and Gen Z Struggle to Build Wealth and Own Homes Sep 05, 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

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The Federal Reserve: Power and Accountability with Richard Stern Sep 03, 2025

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In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with The Heritage Foundation's Richard Stern about the Federal Reserve's significant influence on the economy, the potential for privatizing the money supply, and the impact of recent legislation on banking. They discuss the rise of FinTech as a solution to gaps left by traditional banks, the importance of transparency in the Fed's decision-making process, and the complexities surrounding inflation and interest rates. The conversation also touches on the role of tariffs in economic negotiations and the challenges faced by small businesses in the current economic climate.

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Government Overreach and Its Impact on Small Businesses Aug 29, 2025

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In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with Sandy Moore, CEO of the Pet Advocacy Network, about the significant impact of government regulations on small businesses in the pet industry. They discuss the economic scale of the pet industry, the challenges posed by overreach in regulations, and the implications of legal changes regarding pet ownership. Sandy highlights the importance of consumer protection and the need for a balanced approach to animal welfare, while also addressing the challenges faced by veterinarians and the effects of state laws on pet ownership and sales.

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Reevaluating American Values on Campus with Emily Sturge Aug 27, 2025

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In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Campus Reform's Emily Sturge discuss the current state of college education in America, focusing on the indoctrination of students, the impact of DEI initiatives, the burden of student debt, and the importance of preparing students for the workforce. They explore alternative career paths for Gen Z and the need for educational institutions to provide real-world skills and value in degrees.

Learn more about Campus Reform and Emily

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The One Big Beautiful Bill Explained with NTU's Tommy Aiello Aug 22, 2025

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In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Tommy Aiello discuss the implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill, focusing on its tax cuts, economic impact, Medicaid reforms, and student loan accountability. They explore the significance of these policies for small businesses and taxpayers, while addressing concerns about the national debt and government spending.

Learn more about the National Taxpayers Union HERE | ntu.org

Visit TaxCutsNow.com

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Free Speech at Risk? UK Online Safety Act, U.S. Content Laws & the Future of Innovation Aug 20, 2025

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In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with NetChoice's Director of Policy, Patrick Hedger about the implications of the UK's Online Safety Act and its potential impact on free speech and small businesses. They discuss the chilling effects of content moderation laws, the Kids Online Safety Act in the U.S., and the need for parental empowerment and education on online safety. The conversation also touches on the importance of innovation in artificial intelligence and the risks posed by overregulation. Learn more about NetChoice | NetChoice.org

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The Optimism of Small Business Owners with Tom Sullivan Aug 15, 2025

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In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Tom Sullivan discuss the unique challenges and opportunities faced by small business owners in America. They explore the optimism that drives entrepreneurs, the role of the US Chamber of Commerce in advocating for small businesses, and the significant tax provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. The conversation highlights the importance of R&D expensing, workforce development, and the misconceptions surrounding small business owners' financial realities. Overall, the episode emphasizes the need for continued support and understanding of the small business landscape.

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Breaking the Zip Code Barrier: How Conservatives Are Reshaping Education Freedom Aug 13, 2025

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Across America, a quiet revolution is transforming education. For decades, students were confined to schools determined by their zip codes — but now, conservative governors are shifting the power back to parents. Through education savings accounts, state funding follows the student, giving families more choice and control. In this episode, panelists Chip Rogers, Dr. Ralph Alvarado, Erika Donalds, Mesha Mainor, and Christopher Mohrman explore how to champion these victories, win public support, and inspire more states to join the movement.

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Interest Rates and Small Business: An Optimistic Outlook with Dan Furman Aug 08, 2025

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In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Dan Furman discuss the definition of small businesses, the impact of interest rates on small business growth, and the challenges posed by national debt and regulations. Dan emphasizes the importance of optimism in entrepreneurship and encourages small business owners to invest in their growth despite fluctuating interest rates. The conversation also touches on the effects of regulations on small businesses and the need for a supportive economic environment.

Learn more about Dan Furman HERE | https://www.clear-writing.com/

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Jerrod Sessler on Reviving the American Dream: Small Business, Inflation, and Fixing Washington Aug 06, 2025

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In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker interviews Jerrod Sessler, a Trump-endorsed congressional candidate and successful entrepreneur. They discuss Jerrod's journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a business owner and his motivations for running for office. The conversation delves into the importance of small businesses in America, the need for deregulation, the role of the Federal Reserve, and the current economic challenges facing the nation. Jerrod emphasizes the importance of sending experienced individuals to Congress who understand the struggles of small business owners and the need for a pro-small business agenda.

Learn more about Jerrod Sessler and purchase his book HERE | https://howwebrokeamerica.com/

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