

Hearts of Oak Podcast
heartsofoak
GUEST INTERVIEWS - Every Monday and Thursday -
WEEKLY NEWS REVIEW - Every Weekend -
Hearts of Oak is a Free Speech Alliance that bridges the transatlantic and cultural gap between the UK and the USA.
Despite the this gap, values such as common sense, conviction and courage can transcend borders.
For all our social media , video , livestream platforms and more https://heartsofoak.org/connect/
WEEKLY NEWS REVIEW - Every Weekend -
Hearts of Oak is a Free Speech Alliance that bridges the transatlantic and cultural gap between the UK and the USA.
Despite the this gap, values such as common sense, conviction and courage can transcend borders.
For all our social media , video , livestream platforms and more https://heartsofoak.org/connect/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 13, 2025 • 52min
John O'Looney - The Cost of Truth: A Funeral Director’s Battle Against Corruption and Cover-Ups
John O’Looney, a funeral director, discusses the challenges posed by whistleblowing in the medical field, particularly since COVID-19. He highlights the diminishing protections for whistle-blowers and the impact on death certifications and investigations. O’Looney shares his IVF experience to critique NHS bureaucracy and express concerns about rising "sudden deaths" in younger populations, linking these trends to changes in reporting procedures and potential vaccine implications. He emphasizes the silence of healthcare professionals due to fear and financial incentives, calling for collective action and transparency. O’Looney warns of a societal reckoning regarding vaccine safety and urges fellow professionals to break their silence for the sake of public health and accountability.
Connect with Hearts of Oak. . .
𝕏 x.com/HeartsofOakUK
WEBSITE heartsofoak.org/
PODCASTS heartsofoak.podbean.com/
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SHOP heartsofoak.org/shop/
*Special thanks to Bosch Fawstin for recording our intro/outro on this podcast.
Check out his art theboschfawstinstore.blogspot.com and follow him on 𝕏 x.com/TheBoschFawstin

Jun 10, 2025 • 46min
Dennis Kneale - The Leadership Genius of Elon Musk
Dennis Kneale discusses his book "The Leadership Genius of Elon Musk," highlighting Musk's rise as a transformative figure amid a polarized political landscape. Kneale, a seasoned journalist with experience at major publications and networks, critiques the media's treatment of Musk and outlines 11 lessons derived from Musk's leadership style. Key themes include embracing risk, Musk's unassuming lifestyle, and his commitment to free speech following his acquisition of Twitter (now X). Kneale emphasizes Musk's intense work ethic and competitive nature, contrasting him with other tech billionaires. The conversation underscores Musk's revolutionary approach to business and innovation, positioning him as a significant figure in contemporary leadership studies.
Connect with Hearts of Oak. . .
𝕏 x.com/HeartsofOakUK
WEBSITE heartsofoak.org/
PODCASTS heartsofoak.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA heartsofoak.org/connect/
SHOP heartsofoak.org/shop/
*Special thanks to Bosch Fawstin for recording our intro/outro on this podcast.
Check out his art theboschfawstinstore.blogspot.com and follow him on 𝕏 x.com/TheBoschFawstin

Jun 10, 2025 • 46min
Matt Strickland - The Cost of Standing Up for Constitutional Rights
In this episode, I speak with Matt Strickland, a former intelligence analyst and entrepreneur with a background as a military veteran and restaurant owner. Matt discusses his significant legal battle against state mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he became the only restaurant owner in Virginia to successfully challenge the unconstitutional orders. He reflects on his experience at the Department of Homeland Security, including the hostile work environment and challenges he faced after whistleblowing on biased intelligence reports. Matt shares insights into the systemic issues within government bureaucracy, the impact of political biases on actionable intelligence, and the necessity for accountability and transparency. As he prepares to file a wrongful termination lawsuit, he advocates for citizen engagement and critical evaluation of political leaders to foster meaningful change within governmental operations.
Connect with Hearts of Oak. . .
𝕏 x.com/HeartsofOakUK
WEBSITE heartsofoak.org/
PODCASTS heartsofoak.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA heartsofoak.org/connect/
SHOP heartsofoak.org/shop/
*Special thanks to Bosch Fawstin for recording our intro/outro on this podcast.
Check out his art theboschfawstinstore.blogspot.com and follow him on 𝕏 x.com/TheBoschFawstin

Jun 2, 2025 • 42min
Todd Bensman - Tackling the Border Crisis: From Journalist to Policy Advisor
In this episode of Hearts of Oak, I welcome back Todd Bensman as he prepares to join the administration to tackle immigration challenges. Todd shares insights on the dramatic shifts in border enforcement since the Trump administration, including the decline in daily crossings and the need for increased deportations amid legal and infrastructure hurdles.
We discuss the complexities of federal agency coordination, strategies against drug cartels related to the fentanyl crisis, and the role of tariffs to encourage Mexican cooperation. As Todd transitions to a policy advisor role, he reflects on navigating the political landscape within the Republican party while aiming for meaningful immigration reforms that balance national security with economic factors.
Todd Bensman is an investigative author of the 2023 book OVERRUN, How Joe Biden Unleashed the Greatest Border Crisis in U.S. History (Posthill Press/Bombardier Books) and also America’s Covert Border War: The Untold Story of the Nation’s Battle to Prevent Jihadist Infiltration (Posthill Press/Bombardier Books, February 2021).
The two-time National Press Club award winner, a former journalist of 23 years, currently serves as the Texas-based Senior National Security Fellow for the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), a Washington, D.C. policy institute for which he writes, speaks, and grants media interviews about the nexus between immigration and national security. He frequently reports from the southern border, traveling widely inside Mexico and in Central America. He has testified before Congress as an expert witness and regularly appears on radio and television outlets to discuss illegal immigration and border security matters.
He writes about homeland security and terrorism subjects for Newsweek Magazine, Homeland Security Today, The New York Post, The Daily Mail, Townhall, The Federalist, the Investigative Project on Terrorism, SpyTalk, The Daily Wire, The National Interest, and other publications. He serves as a Writing Fellow for the Middle East Forum and also teaches terrorism, intelligence analysis, and journalism as a university adjunct lecturer.
For nearly a decade prior to joining CIS in August 2018, Bensman led counterterrorism intelligence for the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division and its multi-agency fusion center. Before his homeland security service, Bensman worked as a reporter for more than two decades, covering national security after 9/11 as an investigative staff writer for major newspapers.
Contact Todd at news@toddbensman.com and sign up for his newsletter to receive alerts when new columns and reports publish.
Connect with Todd Bensman
𝕏: https://x.com/BensmanTodd
Website: https://www.toddbensman.com/
Connect with Hearts of Oak. . .
𝕏 x.com/HeartsofOakUK
WEBSITE heartsofoak.org/
PODCASTS heartsofoak.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA heartsofoak.org/connect/
SHOP heartsofoak.org/shop/
*Special thanks to Bosch Fawstin for recording our intro/outro on this podcast.
Check out his art theboschfawstinstore.blogspot.com and follow him on 𝕏 x.com/TheBoschFawstin

Jun 1, 2025 • 49min
The Week According To: Howard Cox. . .
In this episode, we talk with Howard Cox, a strong advocate for motorists and critic of the UK government's environmental policies, particularly concerning Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ). Howard discusses the growing resistance to ULEZ and Low Traffic Neighborhoods (LTNs), highlighting recent successes by local councils against these measures.
Representing FairFuel UK, he shares findings from a poll indicating significant opposition to net zero policies and critiques the government's taxation on motorists. The conversation also touches on the hypocrisy of public figures regarding climate action, animal welfare in religious practices, national security issues, and the current political landscape, including the rise of Reform UK. Lastly, we address changes in vaccination policies, with Howard expressing cautious optimism for public health shifts.
The Week According to Howard Cox
@HowardCCox
France could scrap its version of Ulez
Group of MPs want to get rid of low-emission zones calling them ‘punitive’ and ‘anti-social’https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/09/france-could-abandon-its-version-ulez/
Rupert Lowe MP @RupertLowe10
I have written to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs requested a full review into the scale, regulation, labelling and future legality of non-stun slaughter - including halal.
This is a debate we need to have.
I will update you when he responds...https://x.com/RupertLowe10/status/1928059039591661596
Exclusive: China Praises Starmer’s Chagos Sellout Offering ‘Massive Congratulations’ to Mauritius
https://order-order.com/2025/05/29/exclusive-china-praises-starmers-chagos-sellout-offering-massive-congratulations-to-mauritius/
Ben Habib @BackBrexitBen
Tommy Robinson was jailed for showing a film — a civil case turned criminal by political decree.
This isn’t about whether you like him.
It’s about whether you’re OK with the state deciding who gets free speech — and who gets prison.https://x.com/BackBrexitBen/status/1927454767501988086
Katie Hopkins @KTHopkins
Jail looks good on you, Stephen
You have the heart of a bloody lion.And those who caged you are right to feel the fear.
Even in solitary, YOU WERE NEVER ALONE. WE ARE MANY. AND WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER https://x.com/KTHopkins/status/1927323034685198505
Secretary Kennedy @SecKennedy
Today, the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from @CDCgov recommended immunization schedule. Bottom line: it’s common sense and it’s good science. We are now one step closer to realizing @POTUS’s promise to Make America Healthy Again.https://x.com/SecKennedy/status/1927368440811008138
Rubio targets foreign nationals who he alleges police Americans’ social media posts https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/28/marco-rubio-social-media-europe-00372280
Connor Tomlinson @Con_Tomlinson
Lucy Connolly has been refused Right of Temporary Leave to visit her husband and daughter because the prison authorities decreed she expressed “extreme views”.
This has now been changed to “strong opinions”.https://x.com/Con_Tomlinson/status/1927615653365633402
How will Reform UK pay for its pledges and policies?
Nigel Farage has promised up to £80bn of tax cuts and spending rises, but can he really pay for them by axing net zero and diversity and inclusion initiatives?https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/how-reform-pay-pledges-policies-j2kw7zkrr
Nigel Farage Is Voters' Last Choice To Be Prime Minister, Poll Shows, https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/nigel-farage-is-most-unpopular-choice-for-uk-prime-minister_uk_68358a37e4b0b885650d00ac
Dr. Maalouf @realMaalouf
This mosque in East London blasts the Islamic call to prayer five times a day, the earliest one at 5 am.
This is what everyone has to wake up to!
No wonder British people have become a minority in London. Who would want to live here?https://x.com/realMaalouf/status/1927194911641669788 VIDEO
Howard Cox @HowardCCox
I have said on behalf of #fairfueluk that the only way EVs can succeed is to legally but unfairly knock out Diesel/Petrol cars via the draconian 2030 ban, keep tax subsidies and remove any vehicle tax. Well it seems this u-turn infested government is to do exactly that. And tens of millions of fossil fuel drivers will have to pic up the tab. This is not a free market economy, it’s a state control attack on our freedom to drive and choose what we want to drive.
@Ed_Miliband @Keir_Starmer @RachelReevesMP. https://x.com/HowardCCox/status/1927384014240788612
Connect with Howard Cox
Non-Governmental & Nonprofit Organization - fairfueluk.com
𝕏 https://x.com/HowardCCox
Episode Recorded 30.05.25
Connect with Hearts of Oak. . .
𝕏 x.com/HeartsofOakUK
WEBSITE heartsofoak.org/
PODCASTS heartsofoak.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA heartsofoak.org/connect/
SHOP heartsofoak.org/shop/
*Special thanks to Bosch Fawstin for recording our intro/outro on this podcast.
Check out his art theboschfawstinstore.blogspot.com and follow him on 𝕏 x.com/TheBoschFawstin

May 22, 2025 • 46min
Bryan Ferre - The Optio Vision: Where Crypto Meets Real-World Value
Bryan Ferre discusses his journey from graphic design to blockchain technology, sparked by a personal tragedy. He highlights his work on Optio, a decentralized platform focused on user control over data, addressing centralized tech issues. The conversation covers the potential of blockchain in education and personal finance, emphasizing autonomy and monetization of user engagement. Bryan also reflects on empowerment, faith, and community involvement in shaping the future of cryptocurrency. Upcoming events in London and Amsterdam will promote further engagement in the space.
Interview Recorded 21.05.25
Connect with Bryan Ferre
Linkedin Bryan Ferre - Vice Chairman - Parler | LinkedIn
Parler https://www.parler.com/
Connect with Hearts of Oak. . .
𝕏 x.com/HeartsofOakUK
WEBSITE heartsofoak.org/
PODCASTS heartsofoak.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA heartsofoak.org/connect/
SHOP heartsofoak.org/shop/
*Special thanks to Bosch Fawstin for recording our intro/outro on this podcast.
Check out his art theboschfawstinstore.blogspot.com and follow him on 𝕏 x.com/TheBoschFawstin

May 19, 2025 • 46min
Karys Rhea - Zionism and the New Right: Unpacking Conservatism’s Cultural War
In this episode, we speak with Karys Rhea about the complexities of the conservative political landscape in America and its relationship with Israel. Karys discusses the significance of the "woke right" for the MAGA movement and the influential role of Tucker Carlson in shaping its direction. We delve into U.S. support for Israel, addressing misconceptions and highlighting the mutual benefits of military aid as crucial for both nations' security.
Interview Recorded 19.05.25
Here's all the links you need for Karys Rhea:
Producer: @AmThoughtLeader
on @Epochtimes
Fellow: @meforum
Artist: @basterecords
Rising Leader @_GlobalLiberty
Her latest - Europe's Illegal Land-Grab: The Unlawful Palestinian Settlements You've Never Heard Of :: Gatestone Institute
Connect with Hearts of Oak. . .
𝕏 x.com/HeartsofOakUK
WEBSITE heartsofoak.org/
PODCASTS heartsofoak.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA heartsofoak.org/connect/
SHOP heartsofoak.org/shop/
*Special thanks to Bosch Fawstin for recording our intro/outro on this podcast.
Check out his art theboschfawstinstore.blogspot.com and follow him on 𝕏 x.com/TheBoschFawstin

May 17, 2025 • 56min
The Week According To. . . Karli Bonne'
We examine immigration policies and the challenges faced by advocates like Tom Holman, noting the political risks for Democrats who ignore public concerns. Additionally, we compare Trump's reception in the Middle East to Biden's approach, highlighting a shift in international relations. We conclude by stressing the need for public engagement before the midterms, urging listeners to remain active and informed.
Recorded 15.5.25
If you are not following Karli, you should be!
Here's all the links you need...
TELEGRAM https://t.me/realKarliBonne (Midnight Rider Channel)
TRUTH https://truthsocial.com/@KarliBonne
GETTR https://gettr.com/user/karlibonne
Connect with Hearts of Oak. . .
𝕏 x.com/HeartsofOakUK
WEBSITE heartsofoak.org/
PODCASTS heartsofoak.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA heartsofoak.org/connect/
SHOP heartsofoak.org/shop/
*Special thanks to Bosch Fawstin for recording our intro/outro on this podcast.
Check out his art theboschfawstinstore.blogspot.com and follow him on 𝕏 x.com/TheBoschFawstin

May 15, 2025 • 42min
Rich Jay - Redefining Social Media: Inside GETTR’s Mission, Vision and Future Plans
In the interview, Rich Jay, Chief Evangelist at Getter, discusses the platform's launch to promote free speech and user privacy, stemming from his frustrations with censorship on mainstream social media. He highlights Getter's commitment to diverse voices, future features like AI-assisted translations, and a monetization strategy supporting creators. Rich addresses concerns about echo chambers, emphasizing genuine dialogue and community moderation. He expresses optimism about Getter's potential to reshape social media by empowering users through technology and decentralization.
Recorded: 14.05.25
Connect with Rich Jay
Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/richjayongettr
Connect with Hearts of Oak...
𝕏 x.com/HeartsofOakUK
WEBSITE heartsofoak.org/
PODCASTS heartsofoak.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA heartsofoak.org/connect/
SHOP heartsofoak.org/shop/
*Special thanks to Bosch Fawstin for recording our intro/outro on this podcast.
Check out his art theboschfawstinstore.blogspot.com and follow him on 𝕏 x.com/TheBoschFawstin

May 12, 2025 • 47min
Nathan A Simington - The FCC and the Future of U.S. Media: Balancing Freedom and Oversight
Nathan Symington, FCC commissioner and lawyer, discusses his journey to the FCC and the agency's role in regulating media communications. He highlights the uniqueness of U.S. media regulation under the First Amendment, the challenges faced by local broadcasters, and issues of accountability amid high-profile lawsuits.
Symington also addresses the impact of advertising, particularly pharmaceutical ads, on media economics and the difficulties broadcasters face in a digital landscape. The interview offers insights into the complexities of communications policy and the balance between regulation and freedom of expression in the U.S.
Connect with Nathan
𝕏: https://x.com/SimingtonFCC
FCC: https://www.fcc.gov/
Connect with Hearts of Oak...
𝕏 x.com/HeartsofOakUK
WEBSITE heartsofoak.org/
PODCASTS heartsofoak.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA heartsofoak.org/connect/
SHOP heartsofoak.org/shop/
*Special thanks to Bosch Fawstin for recording our intro/outro on this podcast.
Check out his art theboschfawstinstore.blogspot.com and follow him on 𝕏 x.com/TheBoschFawstin