Charter Cities Podcast

In this episode of the Freedom Cities Podcast, we speak with David Ernst, founder of Secure Internet Voting, about the urgent need for innovation in democratic systems. David argues that while voting is foundational to democracy, its design is outdated, especially in an era of digital communication and governance. We explore what it would take to make online voting secure, transparent, and legitimate, and why he believes charter cities can be critical testing grounds for political innovation. From trust-building in new cities to redefining digital citizenship, this conversation is a thought-provoking deep dive into the future of governance.

This episode features a conversation with Wyoming State Senators Dan Dockstader, Brian Boner, and Chris Rothfuss, hosted by Carl Peterson of the Charter Cities Institute. The discussion centers on the concept of Freedom Cities, first introduced in national discourse by former President Donald Trump, and how Wyoming—home to abundant federal land and cutting-edge energy projects—might serve as a testing ground. The senators provide a deep dive into the economic profiles of their districts, ranging from tourism and agriculture to energy production and higher education. A recurring theme is the challenge and opportunity posed by federal regulations, particularly around nuclear energy, and how local innovation can be empowered by streamlining policy frameworks. The episode provides a timely, insightful look at how state-level leadership can drive national conversations around economic dynamism and regulatory reform.

In this episode of the Charter Cities Podcast, Mark speaks with Michael Muthukrishna, Associate Professor of Economic Psychology at LSE, about how cultural evolution explains the rise of human civilization. They explore why Homo sapiens prevailed over Neanderthals, the role of self-domestication and social learning in societal development, and how religion and cooperation have shaped social complexity. The conversation covers major historical shifts—from agriculture to the Industrial Revolution—and examines how modern challenges like declining fertility, institutional stagnation, and academic conformity can be better understood through the lens of cultural evolution.

In this episode of the Freedom Cities Podcast, host Carl Peterson speaks with three Wyoming State Senators—Brian Boner (District 2), Chris Rothfuss (District 9), and Dan Dockstader (District 16)—about the bold future of economic development in Wyoming through the lens of Freedom Cities. The conversation explores Wyoming’s unique challenges and opportunities, including how the checkerboard pattern of federal land ownership complicates development and how land swaps could help unlock much-needed access and growth.

In this episode of the Freedom Cities Podcast, Mark Lutter is joined by Patri Friedman, a pioneer in the new cities movement. As the founder of the Seasteading Institute and Managing Partner at Pronomos Capital, Patri has spent the last two decades pushing for new approaches to governance through the creation of innovative urban developments. They explore why Africa represents the most promising frontier for urban innovation, how autonomy and special economic zones can drive development, and what it takes to make new cities work in practice. The episode also addresses key challenges, including financing, talent, and how to build trust in unproven governance models. For listeners interested in the intersection of economics, cities, and systems change, this episode offers a unique perspective from someone who has been at the forefront of the movement to rethink how and where we live.

Isaiah Taylor, CEO and Founder of Valar Atomics, joins the Freedom Cities Podcast to discuss their game-changing advancements in nuclear energy. Learn about their $19 million seed round, their first reactor project in the Philippines, and how scalable nuclear power could transform American industry by driving down energy costs. Isaiah also dives into the regulatory hurdles facing nuclear innovation in the U.S. and the exciting possibilities for reindustrialization and advanced manufacturing. Don’t miss this electrifying conversation about the future of energy and freedom!

In this episode of the Freedom Cities Podcast, Edward Pinto discusses his work at the American Enterprise Institute Housing Center, focusing on the housing supply crisis and potential solutions. He emphasizes the importance of utilizing federal land for housing development, particularly through the Bureau of Land Management. Mark and Edward explore Freedom Cities as a solution to the housing shortage, aiming to make homes more affordable for first-time buyers. Pinto advocates for legalizing starter homes to stimulate economic growth and improve housing availability across the country.

Welcome to the Freedom Cities Podcast, a short-form series by the Charter Cities Institute & the Frontier Foundation. In each episode, we sit down with innovators, entrepreneurs & thought leaders to explore how Freedom Cities can drive innovation and economic growth.In our first episode of the Freedom Cities podcast, Joshua Abbotoy discusses his innovative approach to building rural communities in Appalachia, focusing on economic decentralization and the integration of modern amenities. He shares his vision for the future of these areas, the journey that led him to this work, and the potential for new cities that cater to the evolving needs of residents. Joshua emphasizes the unique opportunities presented by Appalachia's natural beauty and historical context, and how these can be leveraged for sustainable growth and community building.

In this episode, Nick Allen from the Frontier Foundation delves into the concept of Freedom Cities, highlighting their potential to rejuvenate American urban landscapes and industries. He explores the historical context of city formation in the U.S., the necessity of supporting emerging industries, and the crucial role of coalition-building among stakeholders. The conversation addresses regulatory reform, housing affordability, and the importance of federal support in making Freedom Cities a reality, offering insightful perspectives on reshaping America's urban future. Join the conversation!

Atossa Araxia Abrahamian, author of 'The Hidden Globe,' dives into the intriguing world of special economic zones and unconventional legal systems. She reflects on her upbringing in Geneva, revealing how it shaped her views on sovereignty. Key topics include the rise of citizenship by investment and the implications of offshoring asylum seekers. Atossa also explores governance challenges in conflict zones and the potential of charter cities, highlighting their role in reshaping migration, statelessness, and national identity amid geopolitical instability.