The Chris Spangle Show

Latest Episodes:

Why Parents Are Skipping Michigan’s Free Preschool Program with Susannah Barnes Petitt Apr 05, 2025

Show notes

Michigan expanded its state-funded pre-K program by 20,000 seats—but only 6,000 children enrolled. Why are parents opting out of free preschool programs like Head Start and the Great Start Readiness Program? In this episode, Chris Spangle talks with Susanna Barnes Pettit, a social mobility fellow with Young Voices, about parental choice, preschool funding, and why families still prefer community-based options like parochial or nature-based schools. Chris and Susanna also explore how universal pre-K fits into broader education debates, discuss their own childhood experiences, and reflect on what parents truly want in early childhood education.

Petitt: Michigan’s Pre-K promise can do more to reach families - https://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/2025/02/23/petitt-michigans-pre-k-promise-can-do-more-to-reach-families/79433009007/

https://youtu.be/tXSKMSgR0ks

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liberation Day or Tax Hike? Trump Imposes Massive Tariffs Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

April 2, 2025—dubbed “Liberation Day” by Donald Trump—new sweeping tariffs were announced, including a 10% baseline on all imports and steep country-specific increases. But is this protectionist move really the start of an American economic revival, or just a massive tax hike on American families?

Chris Spangle is joined by Aiden Grogan, a writer and Ph.D. student at Liberty University, to examine the economic consequences of tariffs, the myths of protectionism, and the real reasons manufacturing is returning to the U.S.

Tariffs Won't Bring On the "Golden Age of America" - https://www.realclearmarkets.com/articles/2025/02/25/tariffs_wont_create_the_golden_age_of_america_1093222.html#google_vignette

https://youtu.be/3W4tjgD-1XI

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Truth About Life in Cuba Under Communism with Gaby Blanco Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Gaby Blanco, a speaker for the Dissident Project and Gideons International, joins Chris Spangle to discuss the reality of life in Cuba today. Contrary to popular belief following Obama-era policy changes, Cuba remains under intense oppression. Gaby shares her personal journey growing up in Cuba, becoming a Christian, and her experiences highlighting ongoing persecution, government spying in churches, and the complicated role of the Vatican in Cuban politics.

Cuba and the Vatican Deal in the Face of U.S. Elections - https://www.realclearworld.com/articles/2025/03/07/cuba_and_the_vatican_deal_in_the_face_of_us_elections_1096115.html

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tariffs Explained: Why Congress Should Reclaim Its Constitutional Powers with Matt Cookson Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

Are tariffs taxes in disguise? Matt Cookson, a policy fellow at Young Voices and contributor at the Mises Institute, explains the complicated truth behind tariffs. Learn why the U.S. Constitution originally placed tariff-setting power in the hands of Congress and how it ended up under presidential control during the Roosevelt administration. Cookson details how tariffs actually harm consumers, disrupt supply chains, and inject uncertainty into markets. Plus, we discuss the political realities that make Congress hesitant to reclaim its authority and what steps they could take—such as repealing the 1934 Reciprocal Tariffs Act—to restore constitutional balance.

Congress Needs to Be Jealous of its Tariff Powers - https://mises.org/mises-wire/congress-needs-be-jealous-its-tariff-powers

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing A New Podcast I Host: Big Hearted Indy Mar 01, 2025

Show notes

If you've been a longtime listener to this show, you know there are several things that we've emphasized over the years like the importance of friendship, healthy masculinity, and growing civil society within our local communities. For the last year, I have been hosting a podcast for Citizen 7, a local group dedicated to building deep friendships between men with the hope that it will spark redemptive change within Indianapolis. Big Hearted Indy is a podcast about friendship making a difference, and I think you will be encouraged by adding it to your podcast app.

This is my favorite episode. My cohost Don Palmer and I welcome guest host Dave Neff, Rex Fisher and Mark Nottingham to the podcast to discuss their journeys of navigating careers, family life, and community investments. Listen in as they discuss their experiences with Edge Mentoring, Shepherd Community Center, and their entrepreneurial endeavors, providing valuable insights on balancing faith, work, and relationships in the vibrant city of Indianapolis.

Download the podcast here: https://link.chtbl.com/citizen7
Here is the YouTube Channel. Please subscribe. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm0WsfdKBmcWgliQnVsHyUg
Learn more about Citizen 7 and sign up for emails here: https://citizen7indy.com/
Video - https://youtu.be/Gm8lrLaAhkQ?si=n6pEGBCW_ximh5hL

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Birthright Citizenship and Trump’s Executive Order with Agustina Vergara Cid Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I talk with Agustina Vergara Cid, an immigration policy expert, to break down the complex issue of birthright citizenship and President Trump's day-one executive order attempting to alter it.

We discuss the history and legal foundation of birthright citizenship, tracing its roots to the 14th Amendment and the 1898 Supreme Court case, Wong Kim Ark, which affirmed that anyone born on U.S. soil (except for children of diplomats) is an American citizen.

Agustina explains how Trump’s executive order aims to deny citizenship to children of non-citizen visa holders and undocumented immigrants—something she believes is a direct constitutional challenge. We explore the motivation behind the order, the likelihood of it surviving court scrutiny, and how immigration laws in Europe and the U.S. differ, particularly in how they impact assimilation.

We also discuss:

The myth of "anchor babies" and why the 21-year waiting period makes it an unlikely incentive.
How countries like Germany have struggled with immigration assimilation due to restrictive citizenship policies.
The broader implications of Trump's immigration strategy, including targeting legal immigrants and even denaturalized citizens.
The welfare state argument, whether immigrants receive massive government payments, and how cities like New York are handling recent arrivals.
Why Agustina believes America should strive for more Americans, not fewer, and the economic and cultural benefits of a strong immigration policy.
This was an insightful conversation about what it means to be an American, how immigration policies shape the nation, and the real-world impact of political rhetoric.

Agustina Vergara Cid, LL.B. and LL.M., is a Young Voices contributor focusing on immigration policy. Her commentary has appeared in The Orange County Register, Newsweek, and The Hill. Follow her on X: @agustinavcid

Follow Agustina Vergara Cid on:

Twitter/X: @agustinavcid

Instagram: @agustinavcid

Ending Birthright Citizenship Won’t Make America Great - https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/01/29/ending_birthright_citizenship_wont_make_america_great_152263.html

Video - https://youtu.be/A_-qurj0e3k

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Super Bowl Halftime Culture Wars & Presidential Pardon Controversy Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Chris Spangle kicks off the episode with a deep dive into why Super Bowl halftime shows always spark controversy, tracing the evolution of performances from marching bands to modern artists like Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna. He highlights how reactions often reveal deeper cultural and generational divides, touching on race, media consumption, and changing societal tastes.

In the second half, Chris is joined by Addison Hosner, COO of Young Voices, to discuss presidential pardon powers and their impact on the rule of law. They explore the historical context, the January 6 pardons, and the potential precedent these actions set for the future. Addison offers his expert perspective as an attorney, breaking down the legal and constitutional implications of high-profile pardons and why maintaining trust in the justice system is crucial for America’s future.

Don’t miss this conversation that blends pop culture and politics for a fresh, thought-provoking take.

Addison Hosner is the chief operating officer of Young Voices, based in Washington, D.C., and is a licensed DC and Florida attorney.

Biden’s pardons raised eyebrows, but Trump’s insulted justice itself - https://thehill.com/opinion/criminal-justice/5122921-bidens-pardons-raised-eyebrows-but-trumps-insulted-justice-itself/

https://youtu.be/1CA-S7eSq9g

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Rule of Law and the TikTok Ban: What’s Really Happening? Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

This week we dive into the TikTok ban, explaining how Congress passed a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok, only for both Biden and Trump to refuse enforcement. Spangle is joined by Ed Tarnowski to break down the implications for the rule of law, executive power, and the growing tension between Congress and the presidency. Plus, Spangle shares his approach to staying informed without being overwhelmed.

Ed Tarnowski is a Policy and Advocacy Director at EdChoice and host of the State of Choice Podcast. At EdChoice, he leads the organization’s advocacy efforts on national policy. He is a young voices contributor.

A TikTok-ing Time Bomb for the Rule of Law - https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/01/30/a_tiktok-ing_time_bomb_for_rule_of_law_152273.amp.html

Video - https://youtu.be/qOP2sm5GSKo

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What Causes Wildfires And How Do We Prevent Them? Jan 11, 2025

Show notes

From Nov 28, 2018: Chris Spangle examines what causes wildfires and how we can prevent them. Was Donald Trump right when he said the government makes wildland fires worse? What libertarian principles would significantly reduce both the frequency and damage of wildfires?

Show Notes: https://wearelibertarians.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Wildfire.pdf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the future of Libertarianism in a Populist World? Jan 04, 2025

Show notes

We start out the show with a couple of personal announcements about my family and career, and then Harry Price, Rhinehold and I deal with the fact that it's hard to be a principled libertarian. First, there are some good things the government does at a local level. Secondly, the libertarian ideology is barely popular with libertarians. So I ask them, "what's the point?" Harry gives me a good answer.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected