Giving Ventures

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!

Daniel McCarthy, Vice President for Publications at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, and Luke Sheahan, assistant professor of political science, dive into the heart of traditionalist conservatism. They discuss how modern liberalism erodes community bonds and emphasize the need for decentralization. McCarthy highlights Edmund Burke's arguments against revolutionary rationalism, while Sheahan connects traditionalism to American self-governance. Together, they explore the overlap with libertarianism and the importance of continuity in preserving Western traditions.

Oren Cass, founder of American Compass and author of The Once and Future Worker, and Nick Solheim, co-founder of American Moment, dive into the rise of the New Right. They discuss how this movement prioritizes family, community, and national interests over libertarian ideals. Oren critiques traditional GDP metrics in favor of measuring median incomes and family well-being. Nick shares personal stories of economic decline and emphasizes a cautionary approach to foreign intervention. Together, they explore the New Right's ambitions and efforts to reshape conservatism for modern America.

Katherine Mangu-Ward, Editor-in-Chief of Reason Magazine, and Peter Goettler, President and CEO of the Cato Institute, dive deep into the essence of libertarianism. They discuss the challenges of defining libertarianism and whether it fits on the traditional political spectrum. With a focus on freedom, they explore historical libertarian influences on trade and governance. The conversation also touches on the appeal of libertarian ideals to the youth, coalition-building, and the importance of upholding the rule of law in a rapidly changing political landscape.

Avik Roy, founder of the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, and John Hood, president of the John William Pope Foundation, dive into the emergence of Freedom Conservatism. They discuss its philosophical roots, responding to nationalism's rise, and how it aims to embody classical liberalism. The duo shares insights on the movement's branding, donor reactions, and internal disputes over values and tactics. They also explore strategies for building influence in policy circles and fostering a new generation within the movement.

There was a time in the not-too-distant past where every political candidate looking to tout his or her conservative principles trotted out connections to and affinities for Ronald Reagan. And in a certain subset, those who really wanted to signal they were committed to smaller or more limited government reached even farther back into history, preaching the wisdom of President Calvin Coolidge. So what do their legacies look like today in this interesting political moment we find ourselves in? This episode of Giving Ventures features the leaders of both the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute as well as the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation.First, Amity Shlaes, chair of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, discusses how Coolidge’s ideals are being revived and instilled in new generations. Next, David Trulio, president and CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, shares how Reagan’s timeless principles are being adapted to modern challenges.

In an era where federal overreach seems to be the norm, the concept of federalism stands as a beacon of hope for many seeking a return to localized power and decision-making. In this episode, Tony Woodlief of the State Policy Network's Center for Practical Federalism shares insights into how states can reclaim their autonomy from an ever-expanding federal government.This episode goes beyond American civics and history, diving deep into the practical tools and strategies available to state and local officials aiming to push back against federal encroachment and restore the balance of power envisioned by the framers of the Constitution.Tony Woodlief is a Senior Fellow at the State Policy Network's Center for Practical Federalism and author of I, Citizen: A Blueprint for Reclaiming American Self-Governance. His work focuses on empowering state and local governments to reclaim authority and push back against federal overreach.

California has long been a trendsetter...but not always for the right reasons. Known for its innovative spirit and sun-soaked coastline, the state grapples with a multitude of policy challenges, from housing costs to environmental regulations. California's decisions often ripple across the nation, influencing policies from coast to coast. This episode features interviews with leaders from two influential think tanks—Pacific Research Institute and California Policy Center—about their efforts to counteract detrimental policies and promote free-market solutions in the Golden State. These organizations are not only tackling local issues but are also providing a blueprint for other states to avoid California's pitfalls.Sally Pipes is the longtime president of the Pacific Research Institute, a healthcare expert, and author of several books. Rowena Itchon serves as the Chief Operating Officer at the Pacific Research Institute. Will Swaim is the president of the California Policy Center.