Leading Liberty

We don't know what will happen on Election Day -- but one thing we do know for certain is that people are tired of the toxicity in politics.   Parties vs. the people. Republicans vs. Democrats. Libertarians vs... themselves. Matt refused to run as an independent to stand by the party that shared his principles -- but now he's under fire for not being libertarian enough.   In this episode:   >> Why there's so much infighting in the party of peace   >> How we can solve homelessness with less government   >> Whether top-two primaries help or hurt third-party candidates   >> Why Matt didn't run as an independent... and why Jenn hopes he'll change his mind in 2020   >> Plus what he *actually* said that got the party all up in arms (pun totally intended)   Resources in today’s episode:   >> To watch Matt's interview on running Libertarian with Nick Veser (on Facebook), click here.    >> To check out Matt's website, click here.   >> To listen to episode 44 with Nick Troiano, "Can Independents Unite America?" click here.  >> To learn more about Jenn’s new online fundraising course, Raise the Standard -- and try it for $1, click here.   >> To book a 1-on-1 strategy session with Jenn, click here.   P.S. Did you like this episode?   Subscribe to get a heads up when we drop our next one!   Help spread the word with a quick review.   P.P.S. Want to keep Leading Liberty coming? These episodes are always free for you to listen to, but they're not free for us to create -- click here to sponsor an episode on Patreon and get a shout-out in the next show.

42 percent of American voters don’t identify with a political party, yet hesitate to vote for independent or third-party candidates. Why? Nick Troiano was the youngest and most successful independent candidate of the cycle in 2014 -- and now he leads Unite America, where he’s built from scratch a rapidly growing movement to disrupt the duopoly. Unite America is the only organization in the country building the grassroots community, donor network, and electoral infrastructure to help independent candidates run winning campaigns -- and it’s working. In this episode: >> Why the absence of a one-size-fits-all independent platform isn’t a problem >> How the “Fulcrum Strategy” can break through partisan gridlock >> Independent races to watch in the 2018 midterm elections >> Why voter turnout is so low -- and what we can do about it >> What independent activists can do to keep moving the needle in 2019 >> And lots more, so let’s dive in! Resources in today’s episode: >> To learn more about Unite America, click here.  >> To learn more about Nick’s work, click here. >> To learn more about Jenn’s new online fundraising course, Raise the Standard -- and try it for $1, click here.  >> To book a 1-on-1 strategy session with Jenn for your campaign team, click here.  UP NEXT: There Is No Them with State House Candidate Matt Dubin P.S. Did you like this episode? Subscribe to get a heads up when we drop our next one. Help spread the word with a quick review. Click here to kick in $1 per episode and get a shout-out in the next show

Nobody wants to be sold something, but everybody wants to buy something. Just like nobody likes asking for money, but everybody likes getting it. And there’s the Libertarian Catch 22. We can’t win if we don’t get it; but we can’t get it if we don’t win. In the past 11 years, Jenn has raised millions for pro-liberty causes and campaigns — and in the next 40 minutes, you’ll learn how.   In this episode: >> The (very small) number of yeses it takes to raise $10,000 >> Two easy ways the candidate and campaign manager can divide and conquer to get the most out of events and phone calls >> Jenn’s go-to ice breaker to start a conversation with a complete stranger >> The quick text that keeps you from wasting time with people who don’t want to talk to you >> How to try Jenn’s step-by-step fundraising course for $1 >> And lots more, so let’s dive in!   Resources in today’s episode: >> To learn more about Raise the Standard -- and try it for a $1, click here. >> To book a 1-on-1 strategy session with Jenn for your campaign team, click here. >> To learn more about ConvertKit (Jenn’s so-far-favorite email provider), click here. >> To learn more about a compliant and user-friendly texting option for campaigns on a budget, click here to check out Mobile Text Alerts. (Just FYI, those last two are affiliate links.. which means Leading Liberty will earn a small commission if you decide to sign up. I only recommend stuff I use and love, promise.) UP NEXT: There Is No Them with State House Candidate Matt Dubin P.S. Did you like this episode? Subscribe to get a heads up when we drop our next one. Help spread the word with a quick review. Click here to kick in a quick 5 bucks on Patreon to tip the Leading Liberty production team. P.P.S. Episode image photo credit to Ford Fischer

On the literal grounds of the American Revolution, police told Navy veteran Jeff Lyons he couldn’t pass out pocket Constitutions on his college campus — and now he’s leading a fight for free speech that’s restored the rights of hundreds of thousands of students in Massachusetts. In this episode: >> What colleges do when they’re afraid of free speech — and how Young Americans for Liberty is fighting back >> Why we should lean in to resistance from the state (spoiler alert: the obstacle is the way) >> How Jeff’s recruiting experience in the Navy helped him quadruple the size of his Libertarian Party affiliate >> Plus, the real reason why Jenn left the Libertarian Party — and why she (kind of) came back   UP NEXT: The 3 key fundraising habits that turn a little into a lot   Mentioned in this episode: Article: ADF, FIRE to Bunker Hill Community College: Remember the First Amendment? Learn more about Dan Fishman for Auditor  Learn more about Young Americans for Liberty  Connect with the Leading Liberty Podcast on Facebook   P.S. Did you like this episode? 1. Subscribe to get a heads up when we drop our next episode. 2. Leave us a quick review for good karma! 3. TAXATION IS THEFT TIP JAR: Click here to kick in 5 bucks and get a shout out on the next show. 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team.

Jenn’s pick for chairman of the Libertarian National Committee —- and why she won’t be voting for him. In this episode: >> We don’t have to choose between Nick Sarwark and Josh Smith. >> What inspires activists to want to pay to work >> The problem with the 2,000-candidate goal — and how we can start winning instead >> How Josh came out of nowhere and turned Jenn from an enemy to a friend #LetsGetToWork UP NEXT: The REAL reason Jenn left the Libertarian Party…   Mentioned in this episode: Joshua Smith: Taking It to the Next Level: My 4-Point Plan for a Successful Libertarian Party Video: Larry Sharpe Endorses Joshua Smith Follow Joshua Smith for LNC Chair on Facebook (DELEGATES — Contact Josh on this page if you’d like to speak to him 1-on-1) Connect with the Leading Liberty Podcast on Facebook  P.S. Did you like this episode? 1. Subscribe to get a heads up when we drop our next episode. 2. Leave us a quick review for good karma. TAXATION IS THEFT TIP JAR: Click here to kick in 5 bucks and get a shout out on the next show. 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team.

Liberty is supposed to make us happy. Why aren’t we happy? Jeffrey Tucker is. In this episode: >> How getting out of bed in the morning is “pure anarchy” >> What to do about LP drama and negativity >> Jeffrey’s take on Trump: the good, bad, and catastrophically ugly >> A few libertarian answers to school shootings >> Why “the system” can’t last — and how it’ll fall apart And lots more. Hit it.   Mentioned in this episode: Jeffrey Tucker: Against Libertarian Brutalism Jeffrey Tucker: Why the Libertarian Party Needs to Remove and Replace the Pledge Join Jenn at an upcoming event:   P.S. Did you like this episode? Subscribe! You can also help get the word out by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review. (Awesome people only - click here to kick in 5 bucks and get a shout out on the next show. 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team.)

Cappies and commies don’t exactly see eye-to-eye. But at the end of the day, they can (operative word, CAN) both reject the use of force or fraud to achieve their political and social goals. And when it comes to growing the Libertarian Party, that’s all that matters. In today’s very candid, (very long), and intentionally unedited conversation, Bo tries to defend the statement “rent is theft” with a thought experiment.. Jenn gets initiated into the Peace Pipe Caucus.. and we all learn how to rescue future Democrats in 15 seconds or less from one of the top signature gatherers in the LP. Don’t mind the lighters sparking, and don’t listen with kids in the car. Mentioned in this episode: Article: A Guaranteed Income for Every American  Go have a “charitable conversation” with the LibSoc Caucus on Facebook  Want to help elect the first state-level Libertarian? Click here to support Larry Sharpe’s record-breaking run for governor of New York. Join Jenn with the Peace Pipe Caucus in Nashville — or at another event coming up in a city near you! Click here for details. P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging a dollar or two per episode! 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team.

Who are you, what do you stand for, and why should anybody care? We get asked a lot on Leading Liberty about how to get more Facebook followers and media hits and donors, and all those things are great —- but at the end of the day, they’re a reflection of how relatable you are as an actual human being and how well you take the problems you’re passionate about and turn them into messages that matter to others. Your narrative is the foundation of your campaign, so before you spend another dime on outreach, check out today’s episode with Larry Sharpe’s senior adviser Phil Ricci on what questions you need to ask yourself about why you’re running — and what you need to do to get them answered in an actionable way. Mentioned in this episode: Join Team Sharpe as a Director of External Affairs — click here to apply. Episode 34: Tackling Tough Questions with NY Gubernatorial Candidate Larry Sharpe Episode 36: Maximizing Earned Media with Larry Sharpe for NY’s Lauren McKinnon Episode 32: How to Make Money by Raising It Want to help elect the first state-level Libertarian? Click here to support Larry Sharpe’s record-breaking run for governor of New York. Join Jenn at an upcoming event in a city near you! Click here for details. P.S. Did you like this episode? Check out our show sponsor Robin Koerner’s book “If You Can Keep It” Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging a dollar or two per episode! 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team.

Johnson Weld was the most successful Libertarian presidential campaign in history.. but where do we go from here? What will take it to get people to question their long-held political beliefs, and how can we dismantle the duopoly along the way? In this special behind-the-scenes glimpse of the first-look screening of “I Am Gary Johnson” during the Sundance Film Festival, Jenn charts a course forward with three of the Johnson Weld campaign’s most effective strategists — Field Director Carlos Sierra, Communications Director Joe Hunter, and Northeastern Regional Director Dan Fishman —- and sets the record straight on her controversial decision to attend the event. Mentioned in this episode: To learn more about the “I Am Gary Johnson” documentary, click here. To help elect the first Libertarian governor by supporting Larry Sharpe for New York, click here. And to join Jenn at an upcoming event in a city near you, click here. P.S. Did you like this episode? Check out our show sponsor Robin Koerner’s book “If You Can Keep It” Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging a dollar or two per episode! 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team.

Traditional media isn’t exactly known for paying attention to pro-liberty causes and political campaigns.. but is that about to change? Larry Sharpe’s race for governor of New York is catching media attention from local TV to national news, thanks in large part to today’s guest, Lauren McKinnon. Lauren is Larry’s Director of Communications, and she’s managed to build one of the most successful media presences for a state-level Libertarian candidate ever — with an entirely volunteer army (and a killer sense of humor). Resources in this episode: POLITICO: A New York Rarity: A Serious Libertarian Candidate Matt Welch Interviews Larry Sharpe in Reason Magazine Larry Sharpe on NY Governor Run on CBS Larry Sharpe on Growth and Eliminating State Income Tax on Capital Tonight Click here to help Larry keep smashing records in his run for governor (and support Leading Liberty at the same time)! Want to hang out with Jenn in person? Click here to join her at an upcoming event! P.S. Did you like this episode? Check out our show sponsor Robin Koerner’s book “If You Can Keep It” Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging a dollar or two per episode! 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team.

Time-sensitive PSA, fam — open up!! A new behind-the-scenes documentary about the Johnson Weld campaign just got a first-look screening during the Sundance Film Festival.. it is going to be the VIP liberty event of the year — and you’re invited! All the juicy details in today’s episode, plus the low-down on Larry Sharpe’s next stop in Arizona for a joint event with Nick Sarwark’s campaign for mayor of Phoenix. Just listened to the episode and/or already know you want to come? Got you covered right here. Click here to check out the trailer for “I Am Gary Johnson” and reserve your seats to the first-look screening (plus VIP before-and-after parties!) during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT on January 23. (Only 30 spots left at the time of this recording, so be sure to RSVP by January 20, 2018 if you’re in!) Click here to grab a ticket to a special evening with Larry Sharpe and Nicholas Sarwark in Scottsdale, AZ on January 27. I’ll be at both events too and can’t wait to see you there! Can’t make it? Click here to help Larry keep smashing records in his run for governor. P.S. Did you like this episode? Check out our show sponsor Robin Koerner’s book “If You Can Keep It” Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging a dollar or two per episode! 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team.

Is New York a lost cause? Why is the rent so damn high? Why won't Larry Sharpe run as an independent? (Or would he??) Are there any circumstances where gun control might actually be a good idea? How can libertarians fix healthcare? Resources: Apply to join Team Sharpe as a Director of External Affairs. Join Larry's Legion to support Larry Sharpe's 2018 run for governor of New York. Check out our show sponsor Robin Koerner’s book If You Can Keep It. ... What do you think are the hardest questions to answer about liberty? Let us know in the Leading Liberty Mastermind Facebook group! Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review. OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging a dollar or two (or more!) per episode. 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team. If you want to win big for the cause of liberty today and grab a copy of the Tuttle Twins series, use our affiliate link here or click the banner below so a portion of the purchase can come back to support the show.  

If the principles of liberty are so good, shouldn’t it speak for itself? Do they really depend on a party? Communication and online marketing guru from the Leading Liberty podcast, Jenn Gray, joins the program to tie all this together. Resources: Join Larry’s Legion at $25/mo to be listed in the credits for forthcoming Lost Party documentary. Listen to our show with the host of Being Libertarian Daily Headline, Nick Veser, here. Check out our show sponsor Robin Koerner’s book If You Can Keep It. ... What do you think about this week’s episode? Let us know what you learned in the Leading Liberty Mastermind Facebook group! Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review. OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging a dollar or two (or more!) per episode. 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team. If you want to win big for the cause of liberty today and grab a copy of the Tuttle Twins series, use our affiliate link here or click the banner below so a portion of the purchase can come back to support the show.

So you’ve created your podcast. The content is engaging, your audience loves it, and the show is steadily gaining popularity… But you’re still not making money. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. The good news is that making your content profitable, whether it’s a podcast, video series, or blog, has never been easier. More importantly, if you stay tuned, you’ll get expert advice in under one hour and be on your way to making money from what you’re already creating. On today’s episode, Jenn interviews Remso Martinez, an accomplished political commentator, consultant, and multimedia producer. His podcast, the Remso Republic, reaches thousands of listeners every episode. He’ll share his insights, answer questions you may have about marketing your show, and help you successfully monetize your content. But that’s not all! In less than one hour, you will learn: Small changes you can make to increase engagement. How to build relationships with your audience. Affiliates vs. sponsorships - Which one is right for you? Simple steps to monetize your content. Finding advertisers to fit your message. You’ve already done the hard part. Now it’s time to take your content to the next level. So why wait any longer? Let’s start today’s show! Resources: Episode 30: How to Make Money by Raising It Join Larry’s Legion at $25/mo to be listed in the credits for the forthcoming Lost Party documentary. Check out our show sponsor Robin Koerner’s book If You Can Keep It. ... What do you think about this week’s episode? Let us know what you learned in the Leading Liberty Mastermind Facebook group! Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review. OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging a dollar or two (or more!) per episode. 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team.

Let’s face it: you love volunteering for pro-Liberty projects and campaigns, but you also want to get paid. Want to learn how you can do both? Stay tuned, and in just one episode, you’ll have the knowledge you need to start advancing Liberty full-time. Jenn understands how frustrating it can be to dedicate hours to campaigns without reciprocal pay. In fact, she used to be there. Now, she’s making six figures through her work in the movement. Most importantly, she wants to help you get there, too. Using her experience on Larry Sharpe’s current gubernatorial campaign as an example, Jenn will show you what skills you should develop to make yourself a more valuable asset in activism and beyond. But that’s not all. In under 30 minutes, you will also learn: Who gets paid first on libertarian political campaigns and why Where the money from fundraising actually goes How to find the right people for your development team Why monthly recurring gifts are so important — and 3 ways to get them without advertising How to get involved in commission-based fundraising on the highest profile Libertarian campaign since Johnson/Weld … and that’s just the beginning. If you have the right tools, the possibilities for effective and profitable activism are endless. So why wait any longer? Let’s dive into the show! Resources: Post a Job with Young Americans for Liberty. Join Larry’s Legion at $25/mo to be listed in the credits for forthcoming Lost Party documentary. Interested in joining the development team for the highest profile Libertarian campaign since Johnson Weld? Reach out to Jenn directly in the Leading Liberty Mastermind. Check out our show sponsor Robin Koerner’s book If You Can Keep It. ... What do you think about this week’s episode? Let us know what you learned in the Leading Liberty Mastermind Facebook group! Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review. OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging a dollar or two (or more!) per episode. 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team.

What do effective marketers know that you don’t? Simply: how to get to know their audience. Sound scary? Don’t worry. In 12 questions, you’ll be on the way to marketing success. In order to sell your product well, whether it be an idea, a campaign, or a podcast, you have to know who is already buying it and why. In this episode, Jenn will teach you what she’s learned from working for Larry Sharpe’s gubernatorial campaign and Reason Magazine. She’ll walk you through a typical conversation with a member of her audience, identifying opportunities for success and potential pitfalls for beginners. In just a half hour, you will not only have 12 different questions to ask your audience, you will also understand: The value in getting to know your audience. Finding individuals in your audience to talk to. Asking questions that produce meaningful answers. How transform your feedback into action. ... but the learning doesn’t end there! Listen to the entire show, and you’ll have the tools you need to up your marketing game. So what are you waiting for? Resources: Get the podcast player designed to grow your audience. Simple Podcast Press is easy, effective, and affordable. Visit their website today, and see how simple taking your show to the next level can be. Get your signed copy of "If You Can Keep It” by Robin Koerner, with introduction by Jeffrey Tucker! Revolutionize your fundraising with RevUp. ... What do you think about this week’s episode? Let us know what you learned in the Leading Liberty Mastermind Facebook group! Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review. OR get a shout out on the next show by pledging a dollar or two (or more!) per episode. 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team. Be the first to hear Leading Liberty shows by liking and sharing our Facebook page. Thank you for making this show possible. We’ll see you next week!

What can libertarians learn from history's most hated dictators? Simply put: the power of propaganda. Hold on, you say. Isn't propaganda a thing of the past? And isn't it obvious when something or someone is trying to manipulate me? These are all good questions. Stay tuned, and we'll give you some answers. The fact is, even today, propaganda in some form is everywhere. It lurks in news, music, media, political speeches, and even history textbooks. More importantly, it still changes the way we think about the world and the decisions we make as a result. Is that scary? Well, it doesn't have to be. It turns out the more you know about the history of propaganda, the more you'll be able to recognize and resist it. Moreover, with the right tools, you can use elements of propaganda to better advocate for the ideas of liberty. In this episode, guest hosts Chris Spangle and Greg Lenz are back to dissect how Hitler and the Nazis to take over Germany and how the influence of propaganda is still relevant today. Give us one hour, and you will learn: Propaganda techniques used by the Nazis, and why they were effective. How to determine when politicians are using propaganda to manipulate you. Ways to resist the influence of propaganda. What propaganda can teach libertarians about effective communication. ... and so much more. Listen right now, and you’ll have the tools to become a more informed citizen. Sound good? (Of course it does.) So why wait any longer? Let's do this thing. Resources: Get the podcast player designed to grow your audience. Simple Podcast Press is easy, effective, and affordable. Visit their website today, and see how simple taking your show to the next level can be. Interested in hearing more from Chris and Greg? Download their podcast, We Are Libertarians here. ... What do you think about this week’s episode? Let us know what you learned in the Leading Liberty Mastermind Facebook group! Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review. OR get a shout out on the next show by pledging a dollar or two (or more!) per episode. 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team. Be the first to hear Leading Liberty shows by liking and sharing our Facebook page. Thank you for making this show possible. We’ll see you next week!

In less than one hour, you could be on your way to podcasting success. Intrigued? Excited? Scared? All of the above? Do not panic, just keep reading. You are already on the right path. Every week, Leading Liberty reaches hundreds of listeners, spreading our love of free markets and free people nationwide. But that’s not all. We know you can too! Podcasting done right is a game changer, and creating your own show has never been easier. Whether you want to grow your business, advocate for your organization, or promote your personal brand, podcasting is one of the most cost-effective ways to take your ideas to the global stage. And we’re here to help you do just that. In just under 60 minutes, guest hosts Chris Spangle and Greg Lenz will teach you the ins and outs of podcasting. As hosts of We Are Libertarians, a show with 9,000 listeaners per episode and nearly $1,000 in Patreon donations per month, Chris and Greg offer expert insight for beginners and experienced podcasters alike. In just one episode, you’ll learn: How to set up your podcast. The most affordable resources for painless recording and producing. Tips and tricks that keep your audience coming back after every single episode. Best methods for creating quality content. Cheap & effective ways to advertise your show. Common mistakes beginners make and how to avoid making them. … But that’s not all! Listen to the rest, and you’ll be ready to start your own successful podcast. Now is your time to shine, so don’t wait another day. Let’s do this thing. Resources: Get the podcast player designed to grow your audience. Simple Podcast Press is easy, effective, and affordable. Visit their website today, and see how simple taking your show to the next level can be. Interested in hearing more from Chris and Greg? Download their podcast, We Are Libertarians here. Books We Recommend: Content, Inc: How Entrepreneurs Use Content to Build Massive Audiences and Create Radically Successful Businesses ~ Joe Pulizzi. Available on Amazon here. Platform: Get Noticed in a Busy World ~ Michael Hyatt. Available at Barnes & Noble here. What do you think about this week’s episode? Let us know what you learned in the Leading Liberty Mastermind Facebook group! Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review. OR get a shout out on the next show by pledging a dollar or two (or more!) per episode. 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team. Be the first to hear Leading Liberty shows by liking and sharing our Facebook page. Thank you for making this show possible. We’ll see you next week!

Chris Spangle and Greg Lenz from “We Are Libertarians” guest host for Jenn as she is out on special assignment. Some of you remember Chris from earlier this season in the episode titled “Does the Liberty Movement Need To Lighten Up?” As the hosts of a show which boasts an average of 9k downloads per episode and a hefty $1k monthly in pledges through Patreon, Chris and Greg walk you through the process of understanding: The power of a podcast for a brand, candidate or organization. The quickest way to build a growing and engaging online community. How to monetize your audience so it’s a win-win for everyone. Why podcasts are becoming the fastest growing and most engaging form of multi-media. How the Libertarian Party of Indiana podcast helped their candidates and leaders spread the message of liberty. Resources in this episode: Listen to the top episodes of the We Are Libertarians podcast on the human cost of government regulations. Automatically publish your podcasts to your website with Simple Podcast Press. It also includes a podcast player designed to grow your audience and build your email list. Questions, comments, special requests? Tell us what’s on your mind in the Leading Liberty Facebook group! P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging $1 per episode to keep Leading Liberty ad-free!  

Alternative media is amazing because we finally have an escape from the humdrum of headline chasers and can focus on simply having good content and enjoyable conversations. I was so excited to get a chance to appear on The Resistance Podcast with Josh Carter earlier this month to discuss how I went from being a development director and vice president of pro-liberty non-profits, Reason’s youngest major donor, and why I am so committed to elevating our standards of political messaging. We cover so much more in the episode, including: How to run Facebook ads The creative process for messaging a compelling campaign How I almost ended up at the NSA What podcasts I listened to Case studies from previous campaigns I worked on Why do I love underground rap (not a joke folks) So what are you waiting for? Check out the episode today! As promised, here's the live video recording of the interview! Any questions, comments, or special requests? Tell us what’s on your mind in the Leading Liberty Mastermind Facebook group! P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging a dollar or two per episode! 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team.

It's already hard to get your kids reading these days, but getting them to be interested in the ideas and philosophy behind the ideas of liberty can be even more difficult. With public schools teaching one way of viewing the world on top of the non-stop distraction of life, it's been the prayer of freedom minded parents around the country to finally have something they could get their children to enjoy and learn from. Those prayers for a fun and informative way to bring parents and their kids together has finally been answered thanks to Connor Boyack of the Libertas Institute, who also happens to be the author of the libertarian children's series The Tuttle Twins. We have so much to cover on this episode that will help freedom families nights of fun and wondering around this series. Some of what we'll discuss will focus on: Why one of the freedom movement's most successful marketers almost gave up on Facebook ads. The power of consumer testimonals. How to craft a complicated topic into something kids today can grasp and engage with. How entrepreneurial kids are using the Tuttle Twins books to earn money. If you want to win big for the cause of liberty today and grab a copy of the Tuttle Twins series, use our affiliate link here so a portion of the purchase can come back to support the show. Any questions, comments, or special requests? Tell us what’s on your mind in the Leading Liberty Mastermind Facebook group! P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging a dollar or two per episode! 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team.

It can be frustrating looking for a “win” from the good guys. Far too often we look for big, obvious and life-changing circumstances, but sometimes the good guys do win -- and Clint Bolick is one of those good guys you may or may not have heard about. As the co-founder of the Institute for Justice, Clint knows a thing or two about going toe-to-toe with the government on every level. Now, Clint serves as an Associate Justice on the Arizona Supreme Court, where he has taken his passion for justice and liberty to a whole new level. Clint is both a liberty warrior and a scholar, a thought leader *and* active leader in the field of law and order, and here's what we'll learn from him in this episode of Leading Liberty: Whether judicial activism from the bench is what our Founding Fathers feared What the "Gift Clause" is, and how the Arizona Constitution may be leading the way on some amazing state-level taxpayer protections What’s really going on with the status of Civil Asset Forfeiture reform Whether jury nullification is justified -- and when it turns problematic I could keep going, but this episode goes into all of that and so much more! So listen, enjoy, learn, but don’t forget to leave the show a rating and review on iTunes if you haven’t already done that. Resources for this episode: Go back and check out Episode 13: Mastering Public Relations for Liberty with the Institute for Justice’s John Kramer and Episode 23: The Blue Republican Revolution for Ron Paul with the Foundation for Economic Education’s Robin Koerner to get a clearer picture of the story behind more of what we discussed in this episode. Also, pick up up a copy of both of Clint’s books we discussed today -- “David’s Hammer: The Case for an Activist Judiciary” and “Two-Fer: Electing a President and a Supreme Court” -- which you can find on Amazon now (and if you click those links, you support the show in the process, so it’s a win-win). And for more after the show, check out the free marketing resources for the freedom movement on JennGray.com. P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging a dollar or two per episode! 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team.

In 2012, thousands of progressives and independents registered as Republicans to support Ron Paul and ended up becoming the largest coalition of his campaign. How in the world did that happen?? It all started with a Huffington Post article by today’s guest, Robin Koerner, who challenged people who love peace to become a “Blue Republican,” just for a year — and the rest is history. But a lot has changed since then, and if we want to get those Blue Republicans and other liberty-curious voters back on our side, we need to understand why we lost them in the first place. So here’s what you’ll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty: What a “Blue Republican” is, what they want, and why it matters   A 2-word sentence starter to help change hearts and minds in political writing   What Trump, Ron Paul, and Bernie Sanders have in common that made them so popular   How we can win back the Ron Paul supporters who defected to Donald Trump   The most important psychology fundamental we need to understand to be more persuasive communicators   And lots more! So on that note, let’s dive into the interview. Resources in this episode: Article: “If You Love Peace, Become a ‘Blue Republican’ (Just For a Year)” Read the Foreword to “If You Can Keep It” (and get a signed copy!) Free Report: 10 Reasons Why Your Arguments Don’t Change Minds and What You Can Do About It Right Now Learn more about Robin’s Weapon of Mass Persuasion course at RobinKoerner.com Follow the Blue Republican on Facebook Follow Robin on Twitter @rkoerner Any questions, comments, or special requests? Tell us what’s on your mind in the Leading Liberty Mastermind Facebook group! P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging a dollar or two per episode! 100% of the proceeds support the Leading Liberty production team.

We know Facebook can be a powerful tool for campaigns. But using it EFFECTIVELY is tricky, so today’s episode will give you some quick wins you can implement right away. This interview originally aired on the How to Run for Office podcast with Raz Shafer, who wrote: “Each week I get to interview candidates, elected officials and campaign rockstars, discussing everything from Facebook to Block-Walking. But this week is special to me because not only is our guest an incredibly effective campaign operative, but she’s also a long-lost friend from college. Jenn Gray and I first got to know each other while we were attending Hillsdale College and spent some quality time together in a number of economics classes and enjoying more than a few Greek events. Since graduating, Jenn has worked throughout the Libertarian movement, everywhere from development to social media, and made a name for herself as a rockstar in every arena she’s entered. She is a true innovator and has become known, even outside the Libertarian community as someone who is constantly looking for new, more efficient ways to run campaigns, win votes and raise money. Her mission is to help pro-liberty causes and campaigns change hearts and minds and attract their perfect prospects with innovative social media advertising. Some of the things she’s been able to do with Facebook are mind-boggling and I’m really excited to find out more about the advice she has more efficiently marketing and effectively communicating a pro-liberty message. Jenn is also a fellow podcast host with the Leading Liberty Podcast, where she focuses on giving pro-liberty professionals a way to educate themselves on marketing, communication and activism from some of the leading minds in the liberty movement." Resources in this episode: Leading Liberty Episode 21: Overcoming Campaign Chaos with My Campaign Coach’s Raz Shafer Connect with Jenn Gray on Facebook and via her website. Check out more episodes of the How to Run for Office Podcast Book a Free Consultation with Raz (you won’t regret it!!) Enroll in Raz’s Advanced Candidate Course Important Topics and Time Stamps from the Podcast: 02:46 Podcast Intro & Jenn Gray Bio 05:09 Jenn’s political journey 07:44 Experimenting with Social Media for Business and Politics 15:28 Keys to communicating the principles of Liberty in the digital realm? 22:34 Tips for campaign fundraising on Facebook 27:24 How to build a campaign connection on Facebook 37:14 Easy guide to understanding Sales or Lead Funnels for campaigns 44:34 What can Jenn do to help your campaign? 49:21 More about the Leading Liberty Podcast 51:40 Closing advice from Jenn Gray 54:34 Where you can find Jenn online Any questions, comments, or special requests? Tell us what’s on your mind in the Leading Liberty Mastermind Facebook group! P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Sponsor our editor from Young Americans for Liberty and get a shout out on the next show!

If you've ever been involved in a political campaign - whether as a block walker, campaign manager, or even a candidate (or anywhere in between!) - you've probably experienced a certain degree of... campaign chaos. It's hard to anticipate all the challenges coming at us on the campaign trail... and even harder to put future systems in place to solve them when we have fires to put out NOW. I've encountered plenty of these unexpected obstacles lately on Larry Sharpe's campaign, and thankfully, my college-buddy-turned-campaign-coaching-rockstar Raz Shafer came to the epic rescue with some easy solutions for our rapidly growing team. So when I found out he was also an expert at organizing a campaign’s ground game (something I admittedly know nothing about!), I had to bring him on to help our Leading Liberty candidates and community take control of their campaigns, too. So here's what you'll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty: The most common ground game mistake liberty candidates make (and what to do instead) The ONE most important question voters need answered about your vision and values The 5 systems you need to master to take control of your campaign 4 things you need to cover in the script you provide to door-knocking volunteers How the car in someone's driveway can help you have a more productive political conversation 2 questions you need to ask your printing vendors to save your campaign time and money Where to find inexpensive campaign coaching (and how to make the most of it) And lots more! So on that note, let's dive into the interview! Resources in this episode: Free Cheat Sheet: 10 Questions You Need to Ask to Take Control of Your Campaign Free Cheat Sheet: 9 Ways to Make the Most of Your Volunteers Book a Free Consultation with Raz (you won't regret it!!) Schedule a free demo of the Campaign Sidekick voter contact software Enroll in Raz's Advanced Candidate Course How to Run for Office Podcast: How to Use Facebook to Super Charge Your Campaign with Jenn Gray Join the Best Campaign Team in the LP on a LIVE Call with Larry Sharpe (Friday 8/4 at 6P/9E) Any questions, comments, or special requests? Tell us what's on your mind in the Leading Liberty Mastermind Facebook group! P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Sponsor our editor from Young Americans for Liberty and get a shout out on the next show!

Facebook meets Uber for fundraising? Building community with low-dollar donors (and demonstrating that their support really does make a difference) isn't easy - but now, there's an app for that. It's easier to post a project on DonorSee than a picture on Instagram, and dollar-for-dollar, their results are blowing the Red Cross (and taxpayer-funded foreign aid) out of the water. The government even banned the Peace Corps from using the app, so you know it must be good. But then again, DonorSee CEO Gret Glyer (who also happens to be a libertarian) knew he was starting a revolution, and he expected the resistance. So here's what you'll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty: How a 20-something kid built more houses for the homeless in Haiti than the Red Cross (for a minute fraction of the cost) How competition for new donor dollars results in more compelling and impactful projects What you need to know about imagery, social proof, and quantifiable calls to action Why an LLC might be more charitable than a 501c3 What traditional non-profits and even political campaigns can learn from DonorSee's success And lots more! So on that note, let's dive into the interview! Resources in this episode: Download DonorSee in iTunes Download DonorSee on Android Follow DonorSee on Facebook Article: Why DonorSee is an LLC (as opposed to a 501c3) Article: Charities Are Unsustainable Follow Gret on Twitter @gretglyer Pledge to Help Larry Sharpe Make History Any questions, comments, or special requests? Tell us what's on your mind in the Leading Liberty Mastermind Facebook group! P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging $1 per episode to keep Leading Liberty ad-free!

Why do some factions of the freedom movement seem to have such an ax to grind with the military? Sure, it would be great if we had a war and no one showed up, but back in real life, the military isn't going anywhere... and at least 76 percent of the general public has a favorable view of every branch. Tha's a good thing though, because veterans are natural allies for pro-liberty causes and campaigns. More active duty servicemen and veterans supported Gary Johnson and Ron Paul than any other candidate, and given their personal experience with blowback, they're some of our most credible voices for peace. If we want to win hearts and minds, we need to choose our battles and learn from the messaging mistakes we've made in the past. And that starts with making an effort to understand who we’re talking to and where they're coming from. So here's what you'll learn (from a combat veteran I deeply respect) in this episode of Leading Liberty: How liberty-leaning servicemen reconcile the non-aggression principle with the role of the military in today's world Why the mismanagement of the VA perfectly illustrates the problems with universal healthcare A little-known secret of the pension reform crisis (and what he's trying to do about it) Whether libertarians should run as independents or Libertarians (more on this later) What unique contributions veterans can make to the freedom movement How our communication approach with veterans needs to change if we've never served And lots more! So on that note, let's dive into the interview. Resources in this episode: Article: When will we start asking the right questions about our healthcare system? Follow Marc on Facebook DEBATE: Should libertarians run as independents or Libertarians? Check out the scoreboard in the Leading Liberty Mastermind Facebook group. P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging $1 per episode to keep Leading Liberty ad-free!

Raising money is hard. Raising money for Libertarians is even harder. So how can we use the resources we have today to build a stronger base tomorrow? We should never start asking for money if we can’t explain why we need it, how we’re going to spend it, and how much the things we need are going to cost… but once we’ve got that foundation, where do we go from there? As Development Coordinator for the Libertarian National Committee (and Johnson Weld 2016’s Director of Digital Events), Jess Mears has raised a *lot* of money for Libertarian candidates and affiliates, and in this episode of Leading Liberty, she’s condensed over a dozen campaigns worth of experience into 30 minutes of actionable fundraising strategies for her fellow freedom fighters. So here’s what you’ll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty: 3 insider secrets to help determine how much to ask for before you pick up the phone Where to get the data you need to start the fundraising process 4 elements of a successful, memorable event What roles and skills you need on your campaign fundraising team How to respond when people say they’re not interested The key differences in how to raise money for candidates vs. local affiliates And lots more! So on that note, let’s dive into the interview! Resources in this episode: Look up prospects’ political giving history on the FEC website Look up prospects’ property values on Zillow Easy things you can do to help grow the Libertarian Party Follow the Libertarian Party on Facebook Connect with Jess on Facebook Any questions, comments, or special requests? Tell us what’s on your mind in the Leading Liberty Mastermind Facebook group! P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging $1 per episode to keep Leading Liberty ad-free!

If you had the opportunity to tell your story to the entire liberty movement (and beyond), how would you do it? Capturing the essence of our message in a substantive, entertaining way isn’t easy, but that’s what Nicholas Veser does best. You may know him as the host of Being Libertarian’s “Daily Headline” video segments, but what you may not know is that he also brings his umpteen Telly Awards worth of experience to video marketing pieces for other pro-liberty causes and campaigns. He’s created top-notch storytelling content for several candidates and the Libertarian Party itself, he’s an expert at building brands for liberty, and he’s full of actionable advice to help other freedom fighters get started with video marketing. So here’s what you’ll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty: What super simple equipment you need to DIY a professional-looking video Several specific types of video content to create for your cause or campaign (and what NOT to do on camera) How Being Libertarian grew one of the largest pro-liberty audiences on Facebook The pros and cons of alternative media outlets vs. mainstream propaganda machines Whether all press is actually good press (and how Libertarians can get it without sinking to the other parties’ level) And lots more! So on that note, let’s dive into the interview! Resources in this episode: Check out the Liberty Link Media Group’s videos on Facebook Follow Being Libertarian on Facebook Learn more about the Liberty Link Media Group Politics, Activism, and More on BeingLibertarian.com Rode SmartLAV Microphone, Diva Ring Light, and Smartphone Tripod Mount on Amazon Any questions, comments, or special requests? Tell us what’s on your mind in the Leading Liberty Mastermind Facebook group! P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging $1 per episode to keep Leading Liberty ad-free!

"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds." That was Samuel Adams in 1775, and his legacy became the Libertarian Leadership Academy’s mission. Michael Pickens has helped numerous Libertarian candidates achieve local wins and record-breaking vote totals, and in this LIVE interview, he’s telling all on how they did it… and how your campaign can too. So here’s what you’ll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty: Why local wins and community involvement are the most important things we can focus on What we need to reflect on BEFORE we commit to a campaign The key elements of record-breaking Libertarian runs for office The ONE must-read book for Libertarian candidates and activists What you need to create FIRST in order to make a successful ask for a major gift (and where to find an example) What video games and chess have in common with successful Libertarian campaigns Which voters we need to focus on (and where to find them) Where to get affordable training on how to develop your leadership and campaigning skills And lots more! So on that note, let’s dive into the interview! Resources in this episode: Grab your free copy of the Libertarian Leadership e-book Learn more about the Libertarian Leadership Academy courses Join the Libertarian Leadership Academy Watch the uncut LIVE taping of this interview on YouTube Larry Sharpe demonstrating effective conversations with progressives on the We the Blue podcast Any questions, comments, or special requests? Tell us what’s on your mind in the Leading Liberty Facebook group! P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging $1 per episode to keep Leading Liberty ad-free!

Liberty in danger is no laughing matter. Or is it? We Are Libertarians is “treating modern politics with all the irreverence it deserves,” and it’s earned them one of the largest followings in the freedom movement. And what’s really remarkable about their rapidly growing podcast and Facebook page is that the marketing behind them is almost entirely organic (a.k.a. free). So here’s what you’ll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty: How to successfully integrate comedy and current events The pros and cons of growing your audience with a Facebook merger How to become a better speaker if you hate the sound of your own voice The root cause of LP infighting (and how to help the movement move beyond it) How to use Facebook groups and Snapchat to have more fun and build more intimate relationships with your followers And lots more! So on that note, let’s dive into the interview! Resources in this episode: Listen to the top episodes of the We Are Libertarians podcast on the human cost of government regulations Jenn Gray on Marketing Libertarianism on the We Are Libertarians podcast Follow We Are Libertarians on Facebook Questions, comments, special requests? Tell us what’s on your mind in the Leading Liberty Facebook group! P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! OR Get a shout out on the next show by pledging $1 per episode to keep Leading Liberty ad-free!

Libertarian ideas don’t sell themselves. Just like any product, liberty needs great marketing and positive messengers, and that’s what this episode is all about. Alex Merced is the founder of the Libertarian Positivity Caucus, the creator of Libertarian Wing Media and the Libertarianism 101 online course, the host of several podcasts, and a candidate for comptroller in New York. He’s also run for public advocate and U.S. Senate, and with that experience comes a really refreshing perspective on how much of a difference we can make in our own communities and personal circles of influence. So here’s what you’ll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty: Why media is so biased against libertarians (and what we can do about it) The biggest branding mistakes libertarians make (and how to fix them) What we need to do FIRST, before we start talking about policy The role of a caucus within a party What a comptroller is and why it’s a perfect window of opportunity for Libertarians How to get people to aspire to your ideas with arguing And lots more! So on that note, let’s dive into the interview! Resources in this episode: Episode 8: Reshaping the Debate (Literally) with Larry Sharpe, Libertarian Join the Libertarian Positivity Caucus Learn more about Alex’s resources for Libertarian activists at AlexMerced.com Follow Alex Merced on Facebook P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review! Keep Leading Liberty ad-free by pledging $1 per episode on Patreon

Even when we lose the battle, we can still win the war. And no one knows that better than the “merry band of libertarian litigators” at the Institute for Justice. If you’ve ever heard the word “Kelo,” you’ve experienced the power of public relations, but what you might not know is the strategy and philosophy of the man behind it. As Vice President of Communications at IJ, John Kramer has directed the media relations for 6 landmark Supreme Court cases (among many others), 5 of which they won in court, and the other of which they absolutely won in the court of public opinion. He brings an unparalleled depth of experience to the pro-liberty PR table, and I’m thrilled to share his 25 years of communication expertise with the Leading Liberty tribe. So here’s what you’ll learn from “freedom’s PR man” in this awesome episode: How to write compelling headlines, op-eds, and press releases that earn the trust of the public and the press The “PhD” philosophy of public relations (and how you can apply it to your own cause) A literal and figurative example of effective “billboard marketing” The top 2 rookie mistakes to avoid when communicating with the media An inspiring secret weapon to get your creative juices flowing when it’s time to create new content What leadership advice a 25-year veteran of the freedom movement would give to young organizations And so much more! So on that note, let’s dive into the interview! Resources in this episode: Want to see some examples of awesome storytelling content? Visit IJ’s website to learn more about their litigation for liberty. Follow IJ on Facebook Follow IJ on YouTube Check out Kramer’s new novel, Blythe, on Amazon And for more after the show, check out the free marketing resources for the freedom movement on JennGray.com. P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review!

The Libertarian Party may have its challenges, but it’s the ONLY party in the United States that’s actually growing. And that’s thanks in large part to Nicholas Sarwark, the chairman of the Libertarian National Committee. He’s a warrior for ballot access, debate inclusion, and candidate recruitment, and after almost 20 years of experience, his vision and perspective on the future of the Libertarian movement are absolutely inspiring (in my humble opinion). So here’s what you’ll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty: How our personal outlook affects our political effectiveness What our 2016 battles for ballot access mean for 2018 and 2020 Which challenges we need to overcome for more independent voters to take us seriously Whether he supports Arvin Vohra’s comments about the military Whom he’d endorse for president in 2020 What the “platinum rule” is and why it matters And lots more! So on that note, let’s dive into the interview! Resources in this episode: Follow Nicholas Sarwark on Facebook Got questions? Connect with Jenn in the Leading Liberty Mastermind  P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review!

How much of a difference can you really make with a family and a full-time job? Even if you don’t work at a think tank or have time to run for office, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a valuable contribution to the cause. What the freedom movement needs most right now is more “salesmen,” i.e. better communicators who can start compelling conversations about liberty. And that’s exactly what the volunteer squad over at Ask A Libertarian is all about. Today’s guest is an editor and contributing author on their rapidly growing Facebook page dedicated to helping people understand the principles of liberty, and the more activists who can adopt Jared’s communication mindset, the brighter the future of freedom will be. So here’s what you’ll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty: A 4-word sentence starter to help open the mind of the someone who disagrees with you A powerful mindset shift to make your political conversations more constructive The 2 most common questions people Ask a Libertarian (I think you’ll be surprised!) The most impactful thing you can do to help shift public opinion in the long run And how haters actually help you So on that note, let’s dive into the interview! Resources in this episode: The Ask A Libertarian Facebook Page Jenn on Marketing Libertarianism on the We Are Libertarians Podcast Got questions? Connect with Jenn in the Leading Liberty Mastermind P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review!

Did you know that donors age 40-59 give online more than any other age group, and that 26 percent do so as a result of a request from another individual on social media? Meanwhile, millennial and Latino voters say they’re more than twice as likely to vote for someone after watching a video, and it only costs about a penny apiece to show them one. Sooo… who wants to knock some digital doors with me?! I’ve used Facebook video ads to kickstart small businesses, raise money for grassroots outreach, and help elect a pro-liberty rockstar to my city council without a single piece of direct mail, to the tune of Campaigns & Elections Reed Award finalist for Best Use of Video on a Social Platform. Which I say not to try to impress you, but to impress *upon* you that video ads are an AMAZING opportunity for the freedom movement to change hearts and minds — and cultivate some new prospects in the process. And the most common question I get, from both political and non-profit pro-liberty causes is, "how much do I need to spend to get results?” The short answer is “it depends.” The long answer is, here’s what you’ll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty: The 2 metrics most beginning marketers OVERSPEND on — and why they don’t matter Why Facebook ads are a way better investment than TV, especially if you’re on a limited budget 2 case studies to give you a ballpark feel for how much to spend on your own ad campaign How a $3 independent ad for Gary Johnson raised $300 4 things to keep in mind when creating your ad budget The next steps of your prospects’ journey after they watch your video ad Other marketing expenses to factor in to your digital strategy How I can help you plan that strategy 1-on-1 for your own cause or campaign And on that note, let’s dive into the episode! Resources in this episode: Jim Epstein Episode Mark Stewart episode Article: Budgeting Your Campaign the Right Way Institute for Justice Video: “Everything" LeadPages (mobile responsive website templates with email capture) Bluehost (website hosting) ActiveCampaign (affordable email automation and segmentation) Free Digital Prospecting Cheat Sheet: 5 Quick Wins to Increase the Return on Your Facebook Investment Got questions? Connect with Jenn in the Leading Liberty Mastermind P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review!

How did Reason come to be a practically household name within the freedom movement, and what can other pro-liberty non-profits learn from their success? Online video is totally changing people’s first impression of free market ideas, and Reason has attracted a massive following with their short-form documentaries and video editorials. Today’s guest, Jim Epstein, is a writer and producer for Reason TV, and he's been at it with video since before Facebook and YouTube were even a thing, so he knows a thing or two about how to change hearts and minds with video and how it’s evolving as a medium. So here’s what you’ll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty: How to integrate video content with your organization's written work Why Reason's #1 most popular video attracted twice as many viewers as #2 4 best practices to keep in mind to get as much mileage as possible out of your video What to consider when choosing your primary playground on social media The most important element in creating a compelling final product The first decision you need to make if you’d like to incorporate video into your own marketing strategy And lots more! So on that note, let’s dive into the interview! Resources in this episode: Reason TV Jim’s Author Page on Reason.com Reason Magazine Reason Media Awards Institute for Justice Videos Questions about incorporating video into your organization’s marketing strategy? Ask us in the Leading Liberty Mastermind! P.S. Did you like this episode? Leave Leading Liberty a quick review!

Will the LP ever break out of the minor party mindset? If it’s true that more Americans identify as independents than as Republicans or Democrats (it is), then what’s it going to take for those voters to start taking a third party seriously? It’s a tough question, and no one has a better answer than Larry Sharpe. Larry was the Libertarian Party’s runner-up for Vice President of the United States in 2016, and he’s still grinding away at helping Libertarians find more effective ways to communicate all our awesome ideas. So here’s what you’ll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty: The biggest mistake Libertarians make when it comes to attracting new friends to the freedom movement How to have a constructive conversation with progressives about healthcare and Social Security How to respond to social conservatives who object to legalization, gay marriage, etc on Biblical grounds The ONE word Libertarians need to stop using A 7-year plan to put Libertarians in control of Congress (really) The 6 people every campaign needs to make it work The ONE question you can ask at your next meeting to help your local LP get its act together And lots more! So on that note, let’s dive into the interview. (It’s such a good one!) P.S. Did you like this episode? Click here to be awesome and leave Leading Liberty a quick review! Resources in this episode: Larry Sharpe, Libertarian on Facebook Larry Sharpe’s Recommended Reading List The Libertarian Leadership Academy Threads of Liberty, The Look Sharpe Collection P.S. What’s your biggest frustration in political conversations? Ask away in the Leading Liberty Mastermind!

Are we finally on the verge of a breakthrough when it comes to public opinion about prohibition? It's an exciting time to be an activist for criminal justice reform, thanks especially to people like Lieutenant Diane Goldstein, Ret., whose decades of experience on the police force make her case for decriminalization a lot harder for law enforcement to ignore. Diane is a rockstar speaker, board member, and investigative reporter with the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, whose mission is to unite and mobilize the voice of law enforcement in support of drug policy and criminal justice reform. Which means there's a whole network of “good cops” out there we can tap into to back up our own advocacy efforts. So here's what you'll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty: What inspired a former narcotics officer to dedicate the rest of her career to criminal justice reform The two-word distinction making a 180-degree difference in how even our unlikely allies respond to the idea of letting adults make their own decisions A shocking new statistic about the unintended consequences of the drug war that's impossible for even the most conservative elected officials to ignore The first phone call to make to start a conversation about criminal justice reform in your own community And lots more! So on that note, let's dive into the interview! Resources in this episode: Episode 006: Finding a Gateway Issue to Agree On Article: We Need to End This Form of Robbery (Diane's investigation on civil asset forfeiture + CHART of declining violent crime clearance rates) Article: A Fudge on Facts (Thorough rebuttal to misleading claims about cannabis-related crime in Colorado) Incarcerating US (Documentary) Want to start chipping away at the drug war in your own city? If you’ve got questions, click here for answers in the Leading Liberty Mastermind. P.S. Did you like this episode? Help other freedom fighters find the show by leaving Leading Liberty a quick review!

Can we please stop demonizing “the Left”? I know that might be an unpopular stance to take, but the reality is that there are quite a few important issues we agree on, and our friends are a lot more open to our ideas than our enemies. If we want to influence another human being’s perspective, the first step is to understand who we’re talking to and the problems *they* perceive so we can position our people and principles as the solution. And let’s face it; there’s probably a lot we can learn from progressives about persuasion along the way. Despite identifying as a Democrat, and despite the devastating effects of addiction in her own family, Melissa Sue Tucker’s life work is totally aligned with the belief that government isn’t the answer to drug problems, and in this episode, she gives us a behind-the-scenes look at why people who agree with us don’t always vote with us: The ONE thing that influences their perception of a public figure more than the media (spoiler alert: it’s YOU) The 8.5 out of 10 gateway issues we agree on >> What they’re afraid will happen if agencies they don’t even like are defunded What drug addicts and political zealots have in common How to have your voice heard at the State Capitol (literally) The activating power of a changed mind And lots more! So on that note, let’s dive into the interview! Resources in this episode: More about Melissa 60 Seconds of Solitude Podcast The Addiction Support Podcast Study: This Is Your Brain On God Screencast: How to Use the Request to Speak Feature on the AZ Legislature’s Website (Leading Liberty Mastermind Exclusive!) Is apolitical activism part of how you’re spreading the message of liberty? Tell us about it in the Leading Liberty Mastermind! Did you like this episode? Leave Leading Liberty a review!

Sign up for a newsletter? Ain’t nobody got time for that! Our best prospects - our website visitors - are getting away, and if we ignore the fact that donors between the age of 40 and 59 give online more than any other age group, we’re leaving a lot of money on the table. If we want people to give, we need to go first, and the easiest way to do that is with a digital giveaway that solves a problem *they* perceive… in exchange for an email address. This is common practice in the marketing space, but in the freedom movement, not so much. Except at DonorsTrust, which is why I’m SO excited to share how their Director of Growth Strategies Peter Lipsett is turning website visitors into prospective clients — and how other pro-liberty organizations can do it, too. So here’s what you’ll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty: The difference between billboard marketing vs. content marketing — and why it matters How DonorsTrust built half of its email list with a free PDF How basic email segmentation can trigger that indispensable human point of contact The 4 steps to making a bulletproof case for content marketing at your own organization Where non-profits can get $10,000 worth of advertising for free And lots more So on that note, let’s dive into the interview! Resources in this episode: DonorsTrust Lead Magnet Example: 8 Steps to Securing Your Donor Intent Free Cheat Sheet: The 5-Step Digital Prospecting QuickStart ActiveCampaign (Affordable email automation and segmentation) LeadPages (Mobile-responsive web pages with easy email capture) Like the idea of content marketing but not sure where to start? Ask Jenn & Peter your questions in the Leading Liberty Mastermind! Did you like this episode? Leave Leading Liberty a review!

Is the paradigm shifting when it comes to campaign communications? If our last election was any indicator, digital outreach is disrupting the status quo in a major way, and no one knows that better than City Councilman Mark Stewart. Mark broke the mold when he won his election without a single piece of direct mail -- on half the budget of his 16-mailer establishment opponent. Now in all fairness, I may be slightly biased here because I had the privilege of working on Mark's campaign, which was a finalist for Campaigns and Elections magazine's award for Best Use of Video on a Social Platform. So here's what you'll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty, recorded in person at Chandler City Hall: 3 things 21st-century campaigns can do instead of direct mail The #1 most important element of a successful campaign The 2 types of video content voters like the most The ONE question prospective candidates need to ask themselves to nail their messaging What voters need to understand to influence their representatives’ decisions   And lots more! So on that note, let’s dive into the episode! Resources in this episode: Reconnecting Voters and Elected Officials with Campaign Fundraising Strategist Tysen Schlink Campaign Video Example: Mark’s Most Popular Ad (Spoiler Alert: It’s a Blooper Reel) What’s the best campaign ad and/or video you’ve ever seen? Show us inside the Leading Liberty Mastermind!

When was the last time you heard from someone you voted for? What’s up with that, and what can we do to help elected officials and prospective candidates do a better job of earning (and keeping) our trust? After raising millions of dollars for dozens of pro-liberty causes and campaigns, Tysen Schlink started pioneering a pretty awesome, replicable idea to do just that (in the only state that isn’t subsidizing it at taxpayer expense). And by “just that,” I mean, build a digital infrastructure BEFORE running for office and then raise money for ongoing constituent communications AFTER election day. So here’s what you’ll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty: The 3 pieces of digital infrastructure prospective candidates must have BEFORE they run for office The single most cost effective way to get your message in front of prospective voters and donors once you START your campaign Which metrics actually matter when it comes to message testing What a franking account is and 4 ways new representatives can use it to communicate with constituents after election day How to protect official communication expenditures from corruption How to do super informative prospective donor research in one click BONUS! How to WIN a signed copy of one of the freedom movement’s most influential books And lots more, so let’s dive in! Resources in this episode: Cheat Sheet: The 5-Step Digital Prospecting QuickStart Got questions about campaign fundraising or marketing? We’ve got answers. Ask us inside the Leading Liberty Mastermind! See you on the inside!    

How is it that a group of college kids is rounding up more pro-liberty activists than the Libertarian Party, and how can the rest of us have what they're having?   The guy you're about to hear from summed it up in one word at the Students for Liberty conference last month, and I couldn't have agreed more, which is why I'm so excited to share this best-kept secret with you, too. (Spoiler alert: it's MINDSET!)   Ty Hicks is the Executive Vice President of Young Americans for Liberty, where he's trained thousands of people on leadership and influence -- and overseen a 34% increase in YAL's membership and a 79% increase in their network activity along the way.   Needless to say, that's incredible. And in this interview, he's spilling the beans on how they did it.   So here's what you'll learn in this episode of Leading Liberty:   >> How an empty booth can be the best way to recruit at events   >> The ONE thing every YAL chapter does in the first 24 hours that's blown up their network activity 79%   >> The disempowering misconception that keeps people from getting involved (and how to fix it in 15 minutes a day)   >> And much more..!   Resources in this episode: Find, Join, or Start a YAL Chapter Send a Student to a YAL Summit   Do you have an idea or expertise of your own that's helping move freedom forward? We want to hear about it!   Visit the free Leading Liberty Mastermind to connect with other pro-liberty leaders and tell us what you're up to.

People are more open than ever to pro-liberty ideas. The problem (part of it, anyway) is that as a movement, we tend to be a lot better at wonking out on policy and criticizing people who disagree with us than we are at attracting new friends of freedom and winning them over as advocates for the liberty brand.   The good news though, is that there are so many phenomenal leaders out there changing the way people experience the freedom movement in some small way, that replicating those little shifts and strategies on a larger scale could have a huge impact on public opinion.    That’s why we created Leading Liberty, and in this quick welcome episode, you’ll learn what interviews and ideas are on deck for you in the first marketing and communication podcast ever created for pro-liberty professionals — so you can do your cause the justice it deserves.   For more after show, visit the free Leading Liberty Mastermind to connect with other pro-liberty leaders and share what’s working for your cause or campaign!