The Libertarian Christian Podcast

Libertarian Christian Institute
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Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 12min

Mere Economics, with Caleb S. Fuller

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 ★
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Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 15min

Beyond Open vs. Closed Borders

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 ★
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Jun 20, 2025 • 60min

Prehistoric Anarchist Societies? with Dr. Charles Stanish

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 ★
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Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 36min

Trespassing or Invited? Soho Forum Debate Analysis

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 ★
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Jun 6, 2025 • 1h 5min

Make Racism Great Again... Again? with Jacob Winograd & Cody Cook

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 ★
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May 30, 2025 • 60min

Rethinking the War on Drugs, with Jane Clair Tyner

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 ★
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May 23, 2025 • 47min

The Pocket Anabaptist, with Cody Cook

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 ★
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May 16, 2025 • 52min

Seeing Through Political Narratives, with George Yancey

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 ★
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May 9, 2025 • 1h 8min

What if Jesus Were President?

This episode is a special remastered replay of Doug Stuart’s appearance on Gracearchy with Jim Babka. Join Doug Stuart, Jim Babka, and Bill Protzmann for a dynamic discussion on Christian libertarianism and the role faith plays in political thought.Doug unpacks what it means for him to head up content at LCI, how the Institute seeks to make the Christian case for a free society, and what the world might look like if their mission were fully realized. The conversation dives deep into topics like the biblical roots of freedom, why “Jesus is Lord and Caesar is not” is such a powerful political and spiritual statement, and how LCI champions an ecumenical approach spanning denominations from Anabaptist to Reformed.Doug also opens up about his personal faith journey—from growing up in a conservative Baptist home, to wrestling with questions about Christian nationalism, to finding coherence in libertarian thought. He shares inside stories about LCI’s recent projects, including new book releases and their podcast/media expansion, as well as reflections on why free speech, principled pacifism, and creative, peaceful problem-solving are essential for Christians engaging society.If you’re interested in the intersection of liberty, faith, and public engagement—or you’re just curious about why more Christians could mean more peace (not more war!)—this open and honest conversation is for you.Show highlights include:What it means to be a Christian libertarian—with concrete examples from early Christianity to modern AmericaHow LCI is building bridges across traditions, and why ecumenical outreach mattersDoug’s candid takes on Christian left and right, pacifism vs. statism, and the “kingdom way” of nonviolent creativityBehind the scenes on LCI’s new books and media projects, plus how you can get involvedDon’t miss this replay of a thoughtful, timely discussion that’s just as relevant for Libertarian Christian Podcast listeners as it was for Gracearchy’s audience!Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★
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May 2, 2025 • 1h 2min

Libertarian Memes and Mayhem: Chris Freiman's Guide to Economics on X

In this episode, Doug Stuart chats with Chris Freiman, who’s back on the podcast to discuss his new book, Libertarianism, the Basics. Chris is an economics professor at West Virginia University, and dives into the nitty-gritty of what libertarianism really is and brings us up to speed on some modern issues that libertarians care about.The two cover everything from why tariffs can get sticky—especially with Trump’s policies—to the hot debate over living wages and immigration. Chris shares his take that maybe the world isn’t as bad off as some people think, thanks to the free market and economic progress. He also brings some fun moments with Seinfeld references and talks about why he can’t stay away from correcting economic misconceptions on Twitter (or X, as we’re apparently calling it now).Listeners will get a kick out of hearing how his book, co-written with Jess Flanagan, tackles big questions in a way that’s both deep and approachable. Plus, they ponder whether Elon Musk's new government efficiency venture will actually pan out and whether Musk is doing a good job or not. If you're looking to get a handle on libertarian ideas with a good mix of humor and thought-provoking discussion, this episode is for you. Tune in for a great conversation! Show Notes:- Follow Chris on X: @cafreiman- Chris's Substack: freiman.substack.comAudio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

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