The Libertarian Christian Podcast

Is immigration chaos at the border a failure of libertarian ideals—or government itself? Host Doug Stuart is joined by Alex Nowrasteh, Vice President for Economic and Social Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, to tackle the heated issues around immigration policy and American history. Fresh off his Soho Forum debate with Dave Smith, Alex reflects on why the immigration conversation keeps evolving, how Congress uses “hearings” more as political theater than for honest dialogue, and what actually went wrong during the Biden administration’s approach to immigration and border security.Doug and Alex dive deep into the shifts over the past decade in how Americans (especially conservatives and libertarians) perceive legal and illegal immigration, and whether the “open borders” label is even useful. They explore how the welfare of global citizens fits—or doesn’t fit—into Christian and libertarian arguments, the nuances of rhetoric vs. principle, and how immigration intersects with everything from labor unions to the welfare state.Alex candidly addresses the most common libertarian objections—from welfare and roads to claims about immigrants’ voting patterns and threats to freedom—and even steel-mans the best arguments against liberalizing migration.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Ross Benes, an author and journalist known for his work with Esquire and the Wall Street Journal, discusses how the chaotic pop culture of the late '90s, like Jerry Springer and Insane Clown Posse, has reshaped our political landscape. He examines the rise of low culture and its effects on democracy and political dynamics, questioning if today's reality TV tactics are a necessary evolution. The conversation also explores how entertainment influences identity and community, particularly in the era of social media.

In this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, host Cody Cook welcomes Dr. Caleb S. Fuller, Associate Professor of Economics at Grove City College and co-author of Mere Economics. Together, they explore the foundational concepts of economics through a Christian lens, drawing on the new book Fuller co-authored with Art Carden.Dr. Fuller explains why basic economic principles are widely shared among economists regardless of their political leanings, and why these ideas matter for both economic policy and everyday life. The conversation takes a deep dive into the role of markets, trade, and private property, as well as common misunderstandings about self-interest, selfishness, and the supposed morality of government intervention.The episode also grapples with thought-provoking questions often posed to Christians: Should prosperity make us feel guilty? Is suffering better for spiritual growth? Do economic systems like capitalism promote or hinder spiritual and material well-being? Fuller unpacks myths about capitalism versus other systems, discusses the pitfalls of unintended consequences in public policy, and shares practical insights on how exchange, specialization, and entrepreneurship reflect both human dignity and biblical stewardship.Perfect for listeners curious about the intersection of faith, economics, and liberty, this episode offers a clear, accessible, and principled look at why understanding economics isn’t just for “numbers nerds,” but for anyone who wants to make intelligent, faithful choices in a world of scarcity.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, host Doug Stuart is joined by Jim Babka and Jacob Winograd for a lively conversation that moves beyond the oversimplified "open versus closed borders" debate. Together, they reflect on the recent Soho Forum clash between Dave Smith and Alex Nowrasteh, dissect how libertarians can approach immigration theory and policy, and discuss the implications for Christians invested in political discourse. From philosophical foundations like property rights and voluntarism to real-world concerns about the state’s role, cultural effects, and compassion for individuals, this episode steers away from talking points towards practical and principled engagement.Whether you’re a seasoned libertarian, curious Christian, or someone passionate about how faith and liberty intersect in today’s world, this episode will challenge your assumptions and equip you for deeper conversations about justice, borders, and what it means to truly respect the humanity of others people.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Dr. Charles Stanish was our guest to talk about his archaeological work and what it tells us about the evolution of human cooperation and complex societies–and particularly the surprising existence of complex stateless societies and what we might learn from them. Dr. Stanish is an archaeologist who has worked extensively in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, conducting research on the prehistoric societies of the region. He is the author of The Evolution of Human Co-operation, among other books and articles.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for a breakdown and reaction to the recent Soho Forum debate on immigration, hosted by Reason Magazine, where Dave Smith faced off against Alex Nowrasteh to answer a hot question: Should libertarians support open borders?Doug Stuart and Jacob Winograd were there in person and here unpack the arguments, the ideological tension between libertarian populism and policy libertarianism, and what it all means for the future of liberty and immigration discourse.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

This is a cleaned-up version of what we thought was a really useful unedited conversation on the Biblical Anarchy Podcast.In it, Jacob Winograd sat down with Cody Cook to wrestle with some uncomfortable questions facing the liberty movement today. We talked about the rise of identity politics—not just on the left, but increasingly on the right—and whether libertarianism can offer a true alternative or if it’s being co-opted by tribal instincts and reactionary impulses. Using Jeff Deist’s controversial “blood and soil” quote as a starting point, we explore how freedom of association intersects with issues of nationalism, racism, and open borders.Can liberty thrive in a society fragmenting along cultural and tribal lines? Is decentralization enough, or do we need a shared moral foundation to preserve peace and voluntary cooperation? We reflect on Rothbard’s Nations by Consent, the Christian nationalist temptation, and whether becoming a republic again is a prerequisite to building a voluntaryist future. It’s a challenging but necessary conversation on where liberty and principle must stand in a world increasingly defined by group identity. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Dive into a thought-provoking episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast with host Cody Cook and guest Jane Clair Tyner, Communications Manager at End It For Good. This compelling conversation challenges conventional views on drug addiction and explores health-centered approaches over punitive measures. Jane shares insights from End It For Good’s mission, drawing from founder Christina Dent’s transformative journey detailed in her book Curious. From Dr. Bruce Alexander's groundbreaking Rat Park study to the harsh realities of the justice system, they unravel the complexities of addiction, debunk the "demon drug" myth, and discuss the societal impacts of prohibition. Jane’s personal story adds a heartfelt dimension, urging listeners to rethink drug policy with empathy and evidence. Tune in for a fresh perspective on balancing grace, liberty, and responsibility in addressing one of society’s toughest issues. Find resources and connect at enditforgood.com!Additional resources:End It For Good's podcast interviews with Dr. Bruce Alexander: Ep. 14 on the Rat Park experiment, Ep. 15 on a deeper dive into addiction and recovery.End It For Good's core resource page.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Stuart and Cody Cook talk about Cody's new book, The Pocket Anabaptist, an introductory work about the theology, history, and unique characteristics of the Anabaptist tradition.Cody shares what inspired him to write The Pocket Anabaptist, a concise and approachable systematic theology exploring the radical Reformation’s legacy. Doug and Cody discuss the book’s origins, the Anabaptist reputation for prioritizing ethics over systematic dogma, and the surprising depth and organization in early Anabaptist thought. The conversation delves into core topics like the relationship between anarchism and Anabaptism, the importance of the church-state separation, Anabaptist views on creeds, and how they interpret the Bible—especially in terms of Christ-centered hermeneutics and the difference between Old and New Covenants.They also tackle how Anabaptists approach missions, their global impact, and address common questions: Are Anabaptists Protestants? How do they relate to broader Christian traditions? What role does eschatology play, especially in light of the tumultuous events at Munster, and how do Anabaptists understand ruling alongside God?If you’re curious about the intersections of liberty, systematic theology, and practical Christian living, or if you’d like a fresh take on how the Sermon on the Mount can be lived in the here and now, this episode is a must-listen. Cody also shares where listeners can find his books and projects, so you’ll have plenty of resources to dive even deeper. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

In a lively episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, host Cody Cook sits down with George Yancey, a sociology professor at Baylor University known for his sharp insights on racial division and anti-Christian bias. Yancey, who’s not a libertarian but shares their skepticism of the two-party system, dives into the messy world of partisan politics with a refreshing clarity that cuts through the noise. They talk partisan bias, anti-racism versus colorblindness, the unacknowledged variety of the black intellectual tradition, and our moment of political realignment where our history of racial partisanship is taking a backseat.It’s a call to engage thoughtfully in a polarized world, grounded in a Christian perspective that values truth over tribe.You can find Yancey on Facebook and at https://www.georgeyancey.comA couple of his recent books include Beyond Racial Division: A Unifying Alternative to Colorblindness and Antiracism and Hostile Environment: Understanding and Responding to Anti-Christian Bias.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★