Episodes

  • Foundations of Liberty 001: The 8 Core Principles of Libertarian Thought
    Aug 8 2025
    Chris Spangle launches a new series exploring the foundational ideas behind libertarianism. In this episode, he outlines eight core principles—individualism, individual rights, spontaneous order, limited government, free markets, the virtue of production, the natural harmony of interests, and peace. Chris reflects on how these ideas shape a free society and wrestles with the tensions between liberty, the common good, and his Christian worldview. ⁠https://youtu.be/K8VX7BW4UvY⁠ 00:00 Welcome & Series Overview 01:00 Chris Spangle's Background & Purpose 03:00 Why Libertarian Philosophy Matters 07:00 Rediscovering the Basics of Libertarianism 09:00 Core Ideas: Individualism Explained 13:00 Individual Rights & Natural Rights 17:00 Spontaneous Order & Hayek's Insight 19:00 Limited Government & Checks on Power 22:00 Free Markets: Voluntary Exchange & Prosperity 23:30 The Virtue of Production & Property Rights 24:30 Harmony of Interests: Cooperation over Conflict 25:30 The Importance of Peace 27:30 The Power and Impact of These Principles 29:00 No Perfect Ideology: Wrestling with Libertarianism 31:00 Conclusion & Call to Engagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • Introducing Foundations of Liberty: Where The Show Is Headed
    Aug 8 2025
    Chris Spangle returns to share why he’s been away and what’s next for the show. He opens up about fatherhood, intellectual shifts since the pandemic, and his desire to rethink libertarianism and faith in public. Chris also introduces two upcoming themes: the Foundations of Liberty series and reflections on personal formation. ⁠https://youtu.be/9OIPaHHnrjU⁠ 00:00 Show Returns & Life Update 02:00 Coping with Change & New Beginnings 04:00 Reflecting on Growth & Regrets 06:30 Speaking Up vs. Staying Quiet 09:00 Political Disillusionment and Evolving Beliefs 11:30 A New Direction for the Show 14:00 Exploring Foundations of Liberty 17:00 Faith, Family, and Personal Growth 19:30 Balancing Ambition and Family 21:00 Two Core Themes: Society & The Individual 22:30 Plans for Future Episodes & Listener Involvement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • Grill Pilled: Chris Spangle on Escaping Political Idolatry and Reclaiming Real Life
    Jun 25 2025
    I was honored to (and surprised) to be asked as a guest on Jacob Winograd's show The LCI Green Room over at the Libertarian Christian Institute to talk about the “Grill Pill”—a mindset that’s all about stepping back from the chaos of national politics to focus on what really matters: faith, family, community, and yes, sometimes literally grilling. He and I unpack the emotional toll of constant political engagement, why many of us are disillusioned with activism, and how to reorder our lives around what God has actually called us to. We talk about libertarianism, Christian cultural engagement, and the dangers of making politics an idol. This one’s honest, raw, and full of hard-won wisdom. Hope it helps you recalibrate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Why the Spectrum Pipeline Act Matters | James Czerniawski on Wireless Innovation & 5G
    Jun 6 2025
    Senior policy analyst James Czerniawski of Americans for Prosperity joins The Chris Spangle Show to break down the Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2025 and why it’s crucial for America’s digital future. From unlicensed spectrum access for startups to restoring FCC auction authority, Czerniawski explains how wireless innovation impacts everyday life—and why keeping pace with China matters. ⁠https://youtu.be/Kujolbpm9W4⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 mins
  • America Is an Idea. Here’s Why Civics Teaches Us That with Alejandro Ramos
    May 19 2025
    Join Chris Spangle and Alejandro Ramos as they discuss why civics education is crucial for America's future. Alejandro outlines his Citizenship Empowerment Framework, emphasizing foundational documents, media literacy, courageous dialogue, and community engagement to combat polarization and misinformation. Ramos, a second-generation immigrant, shares personal insights on immigration, birthright citizenship, and the importance of civics in creating informed, engaged citizens. Why Civic Education Must Be at the Forefront of Reform - https://dcjournal.com/why-civic-education-must-be-at-the-forefront-of-reform/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • Tariffs, Trade, and Tensions: Chris Spangle and Alex Rosado on U.S.-China Policy
    May 10 2025
    Chris Spangle is joined by Alex Rosado, professional programs assistant at the Alexander Hamilton Society, to unpack the complexities of U.S.-China trade relations. They break down the legacy of Trump’s “Phase One” deal, why China fulfilled only 57% of its commitments, and how tactics like invoice manipulation and transshipment undermine global trade norms. The conversation also explores reshoring U.S. manufacturing, the AI and semiconductor arms race, and China’s internal demographic and economic challenges. Together, they examine how America can balance skepticism with strategy in navigating future trade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • Serve Your Circle: Answering God's Call to Create Culture In Our Sphere of Influence
    May 3 2025
    I was honored to give the commencement address at a homeschool high school graduation. In this speech, I encouraged graduates to resist the pull of shallow success and instead pursue lives rooted in faith, service, and meaningful relationships. Drawing inspiration from Jane Addams and Abraham Kuyper, I highlighted how small, faithful choices—made consistently—can transform communities and leave a lasting legacy. ⁠https://youtu.be/o7rT4hY4s7k⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    17 mins
  • Inside Canada's Election: How American Politics Are Shaping Canadian Voters with William Dunstan
    Apr 28 2025
    In this episode of The Chris Spangle Show, Chris welcomes William Dunstan, a Canadian political commentator and Young Voices contributor, for a wide-ranging discussion about U.S.-Canada relations, Canadian politics, and the impact of Donald Trump’s policies on Canada’s upcoming elections. Chris explains the long-running joke about Canadians on the show and reflects on the serious consequences of anti-American sentiment in Canada today. William outlines how tariffs, the "51st state" comments, and Trump’s rhetoric are reshaping Canadian nationalism and boosting the Liberal Party’s chances. They also explore the challenges young Canadians face, including housing affordability, economic stagnation, and why free tuition and rent control policies are missing the mark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins