Pegasus Podcast

Most people agree that the student loan system is broken. College costs are inflated. Most students don't know the value of their degree. They sign on the dotted line, attend a 4 year college, and hope for the best. So, is there a better way? Enter Tyler Curtis' proposal: down payments. Much like when you buy a car, or house, a down payment gives you skin in the game, and holds your lender accountable. But might the down payment be too much of a barrier? We discuss all that and more on today's show - listen now!

An election in Italy, and the rise of Giorgia Meloni has plenty in the media claiming fascism has returned to Italy. So, is it true? On today's Pegasus Podcast we talk through what the news from Italy means, the state of conservatism in America and abroad, and whether all this is a phase or a new era of the right. Listen now!

An increasingly dysfunctional program. That is how the Pioneer Institute describes the 340B drug program. Created many years ago with the hope of helping uninsured, low-income patients receive discounted drugs, the program has ballooned into a scam. Hospitals in some of the richest part of the countries now making millions off the program, with nearly no oversight or transparency. So how can we fix it? On this week's podcast Dr. Bill Smith joins us to talk about fixing the 340B Program and returning it to its original intent.

Despite being the bourbon capital of the world, distilling the historic spirit in your own home is still illegal in Kentucky. Entrepreneurs looking to learn the craft in their home, or start a new hobby, will be shocked to learn the process can land you a felony. And yet the story of bourbon is one of small startups, home distillers and small operations. On today's Pegasus Podcast, Caleb Franz joins the show to talk with us about why Kentucky and America should embrace home distilling and how it can keep the spirit of Kentucky bourbon alive and well.

Many on both the left and the right agree that the tariffs and trade war approach during the Trump years was a failure. So why hasn't President Biden done more to roll them back? On today's podcast - Amanda Griffiths joins us to talk about why the Trump tariffs are not working, but more importantly, how we can effectively combat the growing threat from China. Join us!

America has a family crisis. Skyrocketing divorce rates and fatherless homes means more trouble for more kids. Brad Wilcox, Director of the National Marriage Project, has dedicated much of his research of his lifetime to examining the benefits of a strong family. On today's podcast, we talk through the important values a father can provide, the risks that increase for children without fathers and above all, why strong families matter. Join us as we talk through one of the greatest challenges facing our nation today.

Whenever reading the name of a bill being passed in Congress, you can almost assure yourself it does the exact opposite of its name. Enter the "Inflation Reduction Act", a $740 billion progressive wish list that spends more on pet projects and raises taxes. The worst of it? More price controls in healthcare that will be detrimental to long term innovation. On today's podcast, we talk through the failures of the bill and why recycled ideas like price controls simply never work.

American consumers reap the benefits of innovation every day. New technology makes our lives easier, safer and many times, cheaper. New platforms, new products, all allowing us to shop and sell in a more connected world. Yet, some politicians in Congress are upset with how successful some of these companies have become. Enjoy the benefits of your Amazon Prime membership? Too bad. Joining to discuss why American innovation is important to protect is Doug Kelly, CEO of the American Edge Project, an organization dedicated to protecting our competitive advantage. Join us for the full conversation!

There are perhaps no proposals floating around Washington, DC today that would have more of an impact on our nation's economy than many of the "anti-trust" bills. More aptly described as anti-innovation, these proposals take aim at some of nation's most successful companies with new arbitrary regulations. Think you enjoy the experience of being an Amazon prime member, too bad - Congress wants to change it. Why? Because they don't like these companies. On today's podcast, Zach Lilly of NetChoice talks us through these proposals, their problems, and how we can fight back.

American cities across the country, small and large, have faced record breaking years of violence since 2020. Louisville is among the worst of those cities, facing record breaking homicides in the last half decade. But did the violent crime wave also impact rural Kentucky? New analysis from Pegasus Institute shows rural Kentucky saw a early 70% increase in homicides during the same years Louisville and many other big city murders dominated the headlines. On today's podcast we talk through why the crime has spiked and what else we need to know to help address it.

In December of 2019, just a few days before Christmas, when walking home to make his curfew, 19 year old Christian Gwynn was murdered in a drive-by shooting. Two weeks later, his family sat in US Attorney Russell Coleman's office and told their story. They hoped then, as they do now, that being a voice for the voiceless, for those harmed by senseless gun violence, that they can create change. Since 2019, the Gwynn family suffered another tragedy when the daughter, Victoria, was shot hanging out a park. A family touched by so much violence, they remain steadfast in the hope that they can inspire change and help those harmed. On today's Voices Podcast, hear from Krista and Navada Gwynn, their story, their strength and what keeps them going.

Father's Day offers us an opportunity to thank our dads, or all dads, for the sacrifices they make for us. Parenting, and often thankless job, is critically important to the development and outcomes of so many children. On today's podcast, we talk through why America needs Dads more than ever and how a strong male role model and fix so many lives.

K-12 education, when done best, is hardly a one size fits all approach. For some students, that success comes in the form of a vocational school. For many years now, Massachusetts has been a model for how to start and operate incredibly successful vocational schools. Now, a new book from Pioneer Institute examines their success and how we can bring that every state. Join us for today's podcast as Jamie Gass and Chris Sinacola talk through the new book and why it matters to a state like Kentucky. Listen now!

Dexter Horne is young progressive who hopes to usher in a new era of leadership in Louisville. He has his own ideas on fixing many of the cities problems, but importantly he is committed to making sure more people and more of our cities leaders engaged. Active, in making sure the next generation sees a better Louisville. Dexter brings a strong brand of progressive ideas to the next generation through much of his work - while remaining optimistic about our institutions and their ability to adapt. Join us today for our latest episode of the Voices Podcast with special guest Dexter Horne!

Just a decade ago, the city of Louisville found itself ranked among the safest cities in the country. Unfortunately, since 2015, skyrocketing rates of homicides and shootings have put Louisville in the wrong group of cities. Now, violent crime rates put us with infamous cities like Detroit, Chicago and Baltimore. Now, a spike in carjackings adds another violent crime to Louisville's trend. On today's podcast we talk through the latest crime to trend upwards in our city, and what leaders can do to combat these dangerous trends.

VOICES: Episode 4 -The Path In and Out of Addiction (Part II) by Pegasus Institute

Daniel Hockersmith knows all too well what addiction can do you, your family, and your relationships. Sober for 17 years, he spends nearly every day on a journey to repair his life. But his mission now is much different than it was years ago. He hopes to heal, to help others and keep kids away from the lifestyle he abused. Caught up in drugs and crime early in his life, Daniel takes us through the lessons he learned and how we can help those struggling with addiction. Check out Part I of our 2 part conversation with Daniel here.

Second chance month offers a time to reflect on the policies we can use to improve the lives of our fellow Americans. Amanda Hall, in both her work and personal life, knows just how important a second chance can be. On today's podcast, Amanda joins us to talk about the importance of second chances, and some of the crucial policies we can advance to help more families. From schooling to job training and expungement, several states have shown us effective pathways for reentry. We discuss it all on today's show.

Sine die! The 2022 Kentucky legislative session officially came to an end last week as legislators gaveled out on Thursday night at the end of Day 60. In a session that featured redistricting, a new 2 year budget, tax reform, school choice and much, much more, we go through some of the biggest policy passed - and of course - some of the missed opportunities. Settle in for a long episode recapping all of our important takeaways from the last 60 legislative days.

With just a few days left in the 2022 legislative session, Kentucky lawmakers appear poised to passed significant reforms to our state's education system. Legislation that focuses on superintendents, curriculum, choice and more are making their way to final passage. Many of these bills represent a small, but significant step in the right direction for our state's education system. On today's podcast, our friend Dr. Gary Houchens joins us again to break down these bills and discuss what they might mean for the future of education in Kentucky.

The embrace of innovation has always been a staple of America. Entrepreneurs have always chased that "next" idea, the newest product or the best innovation. Perhaps no area of our economy has expanded and innovated more in the last decade than tech. Businesses everywhere are now interconnected through social media, web services and internet apps. Yet despite this success, some in Congress are deadset on breaking up these companies. Why? Because they simply don't like them. On today's podcast, we tell you why new anti-trust legislation focused on tech is BAD for American business.

On episode 3 of the Voices podcast, hosts Christie Welch and Jared Crawford welcome their first guest, Aqueelah Haleem. Aqueelah is a dually licensed therapist in Indiana and Kentucky, and has operated a private practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2016. For today's conversation we dive into the importance of mental health, and how gun violence can impact so many children's mental well-being. Particularly, we focus on the lack of access and education around mental health in the black community and what we must do to improve that. Join us on the Voices podcast!

On the latest episode of the Pegasus Podcast, Retired Brigadier General Rob Givens joins us once again to take a deep dive in to the conflict occurring in Ukraine. We breakdown some of the Russians military strategy, where the Ukrainians have had success so far, and what the long term implications of Russian victory or lose could mean for global politics.

The 2022 Kentucky legislative session has entered crunch time. With only about 15 days left, and lots of legislation still set for votes, we go through some of the biggest pieces of legislation pending and update you on what it is, where it is, and why it matters. From state and local tax reform measures to charter school funding, and several justice reform bills - we take you through it all in today's episode. Join us for a jam packed legislative update episode!

Nicole Neily is the President of Parents Defending Education, a non-profit dedicated to empower parents when it comes to their child's education. As school across the country have embraced indoctrination, exclusionary practices and downright unconstitutional ideas, Parents Defending Ed is right their to fight back. Whether they are empowering grassroots activists or suing major public school districts, Nicole and her team and leading a new revolution of parents in education. Hear from Nicole on today's podcast! Join us now!

Black History Month offers many of us the opportunity to reflect on amazing success of many Black Americans. Here in Louisville, the story is no different. Black Louisvillians have a complex history, one of success but also hardship. Yet, today, things for many young black kids seem worse than ever before. The many institutions meant to improve their lives only make them worse. Violence and crime is worse than ever. So what will it take to make things better? On today's podcast we talk through what needs to happen to make life better for Louisville's black youth.

The Louisville Community was shocked this last week when Democrat candidate for Mayor Craig Greenburg was nearly assassinated in his offices. The violent act has spurred plenty of conversation around gun violence, Louisville's record breaking violence, political crimes, bail reform and much more. On today's show we talk about the now louder conversations being had about addressing these issues, and the potential policies that can fix them. Join us as we talk through what the biggest story in our state last week.

Legislators returned to Frankfort this year for the first 'normal' session in a few years. Well, sort of normal. With millions in new revenue from the federal government, a budget to handle, oh and new districts to draw, the legislators have a lot to take on. House Majority Floor Leader Steve Rudy joins us on today's show to talk through those priorities, along with some of the major policy reforms they hope to tackle. Listen now!

Dr. Wilfred Reilly is a Professor of Political Sciences, author and famous critic of much of modern 'woke' culture. He has famously exposed the many fake hate crimes that go viral. Recently, Dr. Reilly authored a book titled 'Taboo' - diving into the many falsehoods of both the progressive left and alt-right. From urban violence, to police killings, Reilly exposes the false narrative with simple logic and facts. On today's podcast we get into how so many of the false ideas became mainstream, and what we can do to fight back.

Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr is back on the podcast! With so much going on in Washington, Rep. Barr joins us to talk through some of the big issues he is working on - from banking, to China, and even cigars. We talk through the first year of Biden's presidency, and what will be the big issues for 2022. Join us!

Welcome, to the Voices podcast! A collaboration between 2X Game Changers and Pegasus Institute, the Voices podcast brings you conversations from Christie Welch, Deputy Director of 2x Game Changers and Christopher 2X himself. Dive into topics like violent crime, mental health, early childhood education and more. Join us, for episode 1!

After a little bit of a break, we are back and better than ever! We update everyone on what has gone on during our break and some new things we have coming. We dive into what has been going in Louisville, Kentucky and nationally and what to expect over the next few months! Join us!

Naomi Schaefer Riley is author of the new book " No Way to Treat a Child: How the Foster Care System, Family Courts, and Racial Activists Are Wrecking Young Lives." On this week's podcast, Naomi joins us to discuss the importance of the book, and some of the major failures within America's child welfare system.

FDA Takes Major Step Forward in Tobacco Harm Reduction by Pegasus Institute

America's major metro areas have always been seen as hubs of liberal ideas. Democrats have, for the better part of there last half decade, dominated city politics. But, are the people they represent as liberal as those in charge? New polling from the Manhattan Institute points a strong moderate majority that is now inhabiting our metro areas. They care about public safety, cleaning up the streets, and certainly care about their taxes and jobs. On today's podcast, Michael Hendrix from the Manhattan Institute takes us through the polling, and the most important takeaways.

Last week, the Ford Motor Co. announced the single largest investment in our state's history. The announcement was hailed as major victory, a success by all involved. But is all worth celebrating? The state has pushed a lot of its chips into the middle on this investment - putting taxpayers on the hook for a tremendous amount. So what should we really make of this project? On today's podcast we breakdown the good and the bad of this investment.

Recapping the Latest Kentucky Special Session with Senator Max Wise by Pegasus Institute

Record inflation. Millions still unemployed. Workers quitting at high levels. Savings are up. The United States economy is in a weird spot and a lot of leaders do not seem to care. Getting people back to work must be a priority right now for everyone. On today's podcast we talk about why.

After nearly 20 years in Afghanistan, the United States has left. The withdrawal however, has left us with more questions than answers. The exit can only be described as a disaster. So how did we get here? Where were the major failures? On this week's podcast, Rob Givens, a Retired Brigadier General, reflects on his experiences, and what we should all learn from the last two decades.

Decisions by the United States Supreme Court and Kentucky Supreme Court in the last week have had many consequences for unchecked executive power. In Kentucky, justices reaffirmed the role of the legislature, paving the way for a return to balanced power. On the federal level, the eviction moratorium was once again found illegal, reminding Presidents that cannot do it all alone.

The Kentucky State Fair offers us a unique opportunity to celebrate the beauty that is Kentucky agriculture. From getting up close and personal with livestock, to the crops on display, this week offers Louisvillians a chance to see what the rest of the state has to offer. But Kentucky agriculture is not just about farmers, it has so much more to offer. So, on today's podcast, Warren Beeler and Jonathan Shell join to talk about the amazing science, innovation, and families that make Kentucky agriculture the best.

Last month, college athletes across the country were finally given the opportunity to make money off their name, image and likeness. Previously prohibited from signing autographs for money, or endorsing brands, college athletes can make now make some extra cash on the side from these endorsements and events. So what does it mean for college sports? Can schools bid for athletes? Will players be able to work with any brand? On today's podcast we dive into some of the details around NIL - and the large gray area that exists, with our guest Joey Wagner of Rocketeer Sports Marketing.

Just a few days after admitting that the eviction moratorium was unlawful and potentially unconstitutional, President Biden decided to defy many of his advisers and extend the terrible policy. And the policy is not just bad policy. It obviously sticks the federal government into a place it need not be, disrupting private agreements with no good explanation. But it also creates a terrible precedent for executive authority. No President, no matter the party, should simply be able to create laws when Congress cannot act. That, is incredibly dangerous.

Domestic Violence Spikes as Lockdowns Inch Closer Back by Pegasus Institute

Schools Begin Push for Mandatory Masks and Vaccines by Pegasus Institute

The scenes and stories coming out of Cuba in the last week are truly historical. For the first time in over 60 years, the people of Cuba have taken to the streets in mass to protest the communist government. The movement, and cry for freedom, has reached every Cuban-American neighborhood, including Louisville. The big question now is, what is next? What can the US government do? How might this impact international relations? On today's podcast we dive into just how significant this movement is, and what it could mean for the world.

A recent headline described criminal justice reform as the "only Trump era achievement that Democrats want to continue." While that headline may say more about our previous President than CJ reform, it is an important reminder of the strong bipartisan work being done on everything from crack cocaine and powder cocaine sentencing, to home incarceration. Today's guest, Jason Pye, with the Due Process Institute, played a critical role in the passage of the First Step Act, and now hopes to build on that success with a broad coalition of support. On today's podcast we break down trending policies in Washington, and what else should happen this year.

Drafting the Best Things about America for the 4th of July by Pegasus Institute

When Kentucky legislators passed, then overrode the veto, of HB 563, it was a huge step forward for school choice in our state. Families that desperately needed and deserved options for their children's education, now had some hope. Unfortunately, there are groups in Kentucky that will always defend the status quo of education. Thus, some have decided to filed a lawsuit to stop this program. On today's podcast, Joshua House, one of the attorneys defending the program, joins us to talk about the problems with the legal challenge and why this program would benefit our state's families.

In many ways, every state failed in some fashion when it came to the pandemic. Lacking complete information, attempts to slow the spread in two weeks, became months. Evidence to keep schools closed was sparse, yet they remained closed. Even the most severe lockdown states saw some of the worst death counts in the world. However, out of all the states, Florida has been held up as the best example of a state that got it right. Were they perfect? Of course not. But on today's podcast, Sal Nuzzo takes us through what other states can learn from Florida today and in the future.

Last week the Kentucky Supreme Court heard oral arguments on two cases regarding the Governor's emergency powers. Since the passing of Senate Bill 1, things have certainly changed in Kentucky. Most importantly, the law. So the big question on the table now is, does Kentucky's Governor have to follow new laws just like everyone else?