Giving Ventures

We want our doctors to treat us as individuals, not members of an identity group, and we would hope that our medical establishments would resist today's fixation on identity politics. But unfortunately, that's not the case . We have seen identity politics creep into doctors' offices and medical schools, and we've seen its negative effects, particularly in the fight over gender-affirming care. In this episode of Giving Ventures, Dr. Stanley Goldfarb joins Peter to discuss these issues and describe the good work his organization, Do No Harm, is doing to combat progressive ideas in the medical field. Dr. Goldfarb has a long history as a teacher, researcher, and practitioner of medicine. He's also been a keen observer of the shift that the medical profession has taken over the last couple of decades. He is the author ofTake Two Aspirin and Call Me By My Pronouns and Doing Great Harm: How DEI and Identity Politics Are Infecting American Healthcare and How We Are Fighting Back.

Here at DonorsTrust, we've mostly focused on the charitable giving provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Trump earlier this year. But the big bill also brought about some significant changes to America's welfare programs. Emphasizing work requirements and accountability, this legislation has the potential to transform lives and foster economic independence. Tarren Bragdon, founder and CEO of the Foundation for Government Accountability, joins this episode of Giving Ventures to discuss the importance of these reforms.

2026 marks 250 years since our Founding Fathers declared their independence July 4, 1776. The fireworks are sure to be bigger and many Americans will pause to reflect on the meaning of our country's founding. Many charities supported by the DonorsTrust community of givers have already begun producing materials and planning events to help us all think about the values that inspired our Founders to throw off the British yoke a quarter millennium ago. Central to one of those efforts is Jay Lapeyre, a philanthropist who is passionate about ethical basis of America's freedoms. Jay has launched the Free Society Coalition to organize an effort to center our semiquincentennial conversations around the ideas of the Declaration of Independence. The group has produced a brochure titled "Happy Birthday, Freedom!" which introduces readers to the essential values of liberty and responsibility as seen in the Declaration. In this episode, Jay joins Peter to discuss the inspiration behind the project and what lies ahead as 2026 approaches.

Yuval Levin, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, and Chris DeMuth, former president of AEI, delve into the current state and future of the conservative movement. They discuss the tension between order and justice, the importance of tradition, and the emergence of National Conservatism. The duo argues that healthy dissent is crucial for coalition-building, while excessive individualism can undermine community ties. They also explore the need to strengthen governmental structures and envision a responsible, united Right moving forward.

Join Greg Sindelar, interim president of the America First Policy Institute, and Adele Malpass, president of the Daily Caller News Foundation, as they dissect the MAGA movement's impact on modern conservatism. They explore the differences between MAGA and Reagan-era principles, delve into the roots of populism, and examine economic grievances shaping voter realignment. The duo also discusses the future of Trumpism, essential policy reforms, and the evolving role of new conservative institutions and media in rallying support for the movement.

John Papola, Founder and CEO of Emergent Order Foundation, dives into the intriguing shift of newcomers toward conservatism. He discusses how the rise of 'wokeness' and gender ideology fractured the left, prompting many moderates to reassess their political stance. The conversation explores illiberalism on both sides and the cultural focus of the new right. Papola also links economic grievances with cultural anxieties and examines the search for meaning post-new atheism, asserting that community and agency can unify diverse right-leaning factions.

Ralph Reed, a key player in mobilizing faith-based voters, and Mark Tooley, an advocate for biblical Christianity's role in democracy, discuss the intricate ties between Christianity and American politics. They engage in lively debates on the historical impact of the Great Awakenings, the decline of mainline denominations, and the rise of non-denominational churches. The conversation touches on the shifting identification of evangelicals, the need for civic engagement, and the challenges of Christian nationalism in today's polarized landscape.

Tevi Troy, a senior fellow at the Ronald Reagan Institute and former Deputy Secretary of HHS, teams up with Jonathan Silver, Chief Programming Officer of Tikvah, to explore the intersection of Jewish conservatism. They discuss the diverse political landscape within Jewish communities and how conservative policies, like school choice, meet the educational needs of these communities. The conversation also touches on the contributions of Jewish thought to Western civilization and the evolving role of neoconservatism in today's political climate.

Kathryn Jean Lopez, a Senior Fellow at the National Review Institute, and Kris Mauren, President of the Acton Institute, delve into the interplay of Catholicism and American conservatism. They argue against strict political labels, emphasizing Catholic identity as a matter of orthodoxy. The discussion highlights the rise of issues like assisted suicide, generational divides in Catholic practices, and the resurgent interest in Catholicism tied to cultural stability. They assert the importance of living faith publicly, prompting a reevaluation of how Catholics engage in philanthropy.

Stephanie Slade, a senior editor at Reason Magazine and a key voice on fusionism, teams up with Tim Chapman, president of Advancing American Freedom, to discuss the philosophy that blends traditional conservatism, libertarianism, and anti-communism. They explore the historical roots of fusionism, warning against excluding libertarians which may empower coercive government. The conversation also touches on the need for unity in conservatism, critiques of modern political tactics, and how big government can undermine philanthropic efforts. A thought-provoking dialogue on preserving core conservative ideals!