TalkGOP - Conservative Grass Roots Republican Talk

It's 2018 and that means it's time for a mid-term election.  Typically, the party in power loses seats and polling shows that the House might be in Jeopardy for Republicans. Recent special elections and polling shows that Republicans are not doing well with younger voters. Democratic voters are highly motivated and pressing hard. In this podcast episode I present 8 suggestions to Republicans to present a positive face to independent and younger voters for the good of the party. Just click above to listen. Renew Reagan's 11th Commandment Accept Reality Stop yelling at people on social media Reject class warfare and racial warfare Hold media AND leadership accountable Connect with young people Volunteer in your community Let go of the irrelevant past

It's 2018 and that means it's time for a mid-term election.  Typically, the party in power loses seats and polling shows that the House might be in Jeopardy for Republicans. Recent special elections and polling shows that Republicans are not doing well with younger voters. Democratic voters are highly motivated and pressing hard. In this podcast episode I present 8 suggestions to Republicans to present a positive face to independent and younger voters for the good of the party. Just click above to listen. Renew Reagan's 11th Commandment Accept Reality Stop yelling at people on social media Reject class warfare and racial warfare Hold media AND leadership accountable Connect with young people Volunteer in your community Let go of the irrelevant past

What's it like to run for Coroner? That's the topic of this episode.  My cousin, Andy Moore recently ran and won a race for Coroner against an incumbent in Butler County, Missouri. We discuss what is like to run as a first time candidate and identified some lessons learned, including: 1. Some elected offices are a little unusual or less understood. Run on your merits and what you bring to the office. 2. Tell people you want the job. 3. Even for a small office campaign like you are running for a big office. (Campaign hard) 4. Some people (Democrats) will not vote for you no matter what. 5. Going door-to-door demonstrates your work ethic and commitment. 6. Think about how you present yourself. 7. Campaigning can be a family experience. 8. People want to know the person they are voting for. 9. Ask for help on how to file and run for your race. 10. Use past voter data! Don't waste your time with people who don't vote. 11. Form a budget of what you have to personally spend. 12. For a local race, have your friends share your posts on social media. 13. Even smaller elected offices give you access and influence in your community. To listen to the episode, just click play above.  

What's it like to run for Coroner? That's the topic of this episode.  My cousin, Andy Moore recently ran and won a race for Coroner against an incumbent in Butler County, Missouri. We discuss what is like to run as a first time candidate and identified some lessons learned, including: 1. Some elected offices are a little unusual or less understood. Run on your merits and what you bring to the office. 2. Tell people you want the job. 3. Even for a small office campaign like you are running for a big office. (Campaign hard) 4. Some people (Democrats) will not vote for you no matter what. 5. Going door-to-door demonstrates your work ethic and commitment. 6. Think about how you present yourself. 7. Campaigning can be a family experience. 8. People want to know the person they are voting for. 9. Ask for help on how to file and run for your race. 10. Use past voter data! Don't waste your time with people who don't vote. 11. Form a budget of what you have to personally spend. 12. For a local race, have your friends share your posts on social media. 13. Even smaller elected offices give you access and influence in your community. To listen to the episode, just click play above.  

What does it mean to be a Republican today? Is a Republican a follower of President Trump? Is a Republican anyone who votes against Democrats? Is a Republican defined by a certain set of beliefs? In the current environment, there is a lot of disagreement about what makes one a Republican.  This podcast episode won't end that discussion, but I present my thoughts on what a Republican is. I argue that being a Republican is not just about following a leader.  I believe a Republican is about upholding liberty and promoting prosperity through free markets and personal resposibility. What type of Republican are you? An Establishment Republican? A Reagan Republican? A Trump Republican? Others?  

What does it mean to be a Republican today? Is a Republican a follower of President Trump? Is a Republican anyone who votes against Democrats? Is a Republican defined by a certain set of beliefs? In the current environment, there is a lot of disagreement about what makes one a Republican.  This podcast episode won't end that discussion, but I present my thoughts on what a Republican is. I argue that being a Republican is not just about following a leader.  I believe a Republican is about upholding liberty and promoting prosperity through free markets and personal resposibility. What type of Republican are you? An Establishment Republican? A Reagan Republican? A Trump Republican? Others?  

A few weeks ago the "March for Science" was held in Washington D.C. The purpose of the March was billed as an effort to stand up for science and protect science against ignorant politicians.  So of course the March was basically an Anti-Trump Protest. Marchers hurled a lot of insults against Republicans in general.  This was a continuation from the Presidential campaign of attacking the right as being "anti-science." There have even been calls to arrest people who disagree with the consensus view on Global Warming. In this episode I review the question: "Is the GOP Anti-Science?" Or is this all just another exercise of the left portraying itself as the good guys and anyone on the right as "the bad guys?"

A few weeks ago the "March for Science" was held in Washington D.C. The purpose of the March was billed as an effort to stand up for science and protect science against ignorant politicians.  So of course the March was basically an Anti-Trump Protest. Marchers hurled a lot of insults against Republicans in general.  This was a continuation from the Presidential campaign of attacking the right as being "anti-science." There have even been calls to arrest people who disagree with the consensus view on Global Warming. In this episode I review the question: "Is the GOP Anti-Science?" Or is this all just another exercise of the left portraying itself as the good guys and anyone on the right as "the bad guys?"

In this episode I discuss the Republican efforts to repeal Obamacare. Topics include: The difference between health care and health insurance What is a Death Spiral anyway? Top Problems with Obamacare What are the improvements the new bill will make What's improvements are still missing. To listen just click the play button above. Thanks for listening!

In this episode I discuss the Republican efforts to repeal Obamacare. Topics include: The difference between health care and health insurance What is a Death Spiral anyway? Top Problems with Obamacare What are the improvements the new bill will make What's improvements are still missing. To listen just click the play button above. Thanks for listening!

Hey Everyone! It's the return of the TalkGOP Podcast!  Due to a health crisis with my wife and a long commute to work, I had to suspend the podcast for a while. But,... my wife is better (doing great actually) and a new job has eliminated my lengthy commute. In this podcast I give a brief overview of my thoughts about the election. Things to celebrate Positive aspects of the elections Negative aspects of the elections Challenges for conservatives going forward.

Hey Everyone! It's the return of the TalkGOP Podcast!  Due to a health crisis with my wife and a long commute to work, I had to suspend the podcast for a while. But,... my wife is better (doing great actually) and a new job has eliminated my lengthy commute. In this podcast I give a brief overview of my thoughts about the election. Things to celebrate Positive aspects of the elections Negative aspects of the elections Challenges for conservatives going forward.

[pullquote align="normal" cite="Esther 4:12, NKJV"]“Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish.”[/pullquote] Thus spoke Mordecai to his adopted daughter Esther, when he learned of a plot to kill all of the Jews in the Old Testament book of Esther. Mordecai worried that Esther, who was now queen, would feel she was immune to the coming persecution. There is a coming persecution to Christians in America. It has already started with the harassment of florists and bakers who refuse to compromise their beliefs to endorse same-sex marriages. Perhaps you, like Esther, feel like this will not concern you. But the progressive left will make it your concern, as explained by Erick Erickson and Bill Blankschaen in their new book, “You Will Be Made To Care.” “You Will Be Made To Care” (YWBMTC) is an outstanding primer on the topic of religious persecution in America that every lover of religious freedom would benefit from reading. The book opens with the powerful and inspiring story of Kelvin Cochran, the nationally-recognized African-American fire chief of the city of Atlanta, who is also a devout Christian. A dedicated Bible student and teacher, Chief Cochran wrote a devotional book that encouraged Christian men to behave as Christian men and in one brief passage, admonished them to avoid sexual immorality outside of marriage, such as adultery and homosexuality. This was unacceptable to LGBT activists in Atlanta, who successfully pressured the mayor to fire Chief Cochran. The lesson from Chief Cochran’s firing is stark. He was fired for simply stating his religious beliefs outside the workplace, in his personal life. If it could happen to him, it could happen to you. When you think of religious persecution, you may think of Bible stories of being stoned, beaten, thrown in the lion’s den or cast into prison. It is hard for us today to visualize what modern persecution would look like. “You Will Be Made to Care” provides a look at the future of persecution in the US with detailed examples of discrimination that are happening right now. Business owners fined by judges Non-profits forced out of providing adoption services and foster care Court ordered silence about religious beliefs Civil lawsuits against individual assets Fraud convictions Students expelled from universities or forced to change belief to obtain degrees Employees demoted at work or fired Pharmacists forced to provide abortion inducting drugs Based on the actions and statements of anti-religious activists we can expect other consequences in the near future such a loss of tax exempt status for churches and religious organizations, or religious individuals being charged with hate crimes. [pullquote align="normal"]People should be free to live and work according to their faith without fear of being punished by government. [/pullquote] Historically, believers have been able to rely on constitutional protections in the First Amendment. YWBMTC contains a detailed discussion of the importance of the First Amendment and the freedom to think as you please. Unfortunately secular progressives are seeking to redefine our interpretation of First Amendment religious protections. President Obama himself has begun to refer to the “Freedom of Woship” instead of “Freedom of Religion.” This subtle change in terms, the book explains, is intended to limit our expression of religion to the four walls of a church building, but not beyond into the wider society. Why are leftists doing this? YWBMTC explains in great detail the motivations of the left to compel Christians to conform. In summary, leftists believe in a Utopian view of progress, in which Christians must be made to change in order to achieve human happiness ...

[pullquote align="normal" cite="Esther 4:12, NKJV"]“Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish.”[/pullquote] Thus spoke Mordecai to his adopted daughter Esther, when he learned of a plot to kill all of the Jews in the Old Testament book of Esther. Mordecai worried that Esther, who was now queen, would feel she was immune to the coming persecution. There is a coming persecution to Christians in America. It has already started with the harassment of florists and bakers who refuse to compromise their beliefs to endorse same-sex marriages. Perhaps you, like Esther, feel like this will not concern you. But the progressive left will make it your concern, as explained by Erick Erickson and Bill Blankschaen in their new book, “You Will Be Made To Care.” “You Will Be Made To Care” (YWBMTC) is an outstanding primer on the topic of religious persecution in America that every lover of religious freedom would benefit from reading. The book opens with the powerful and inspiring story of Kelvin Cochran, the nationally-recognized African-American fire chief of the city of Atlanta, who is also a devout Christian. A dedicated Bible student and teacher, Chief Cochran wrote a devotional book that encouraged Christian men to behave as Christian men and in one brief passage, admonished them to avoid sexual immorality outside of marriage, such as adultery and homosexuality. This was unacceptable to LGBT activists in Atlanta, who successfully pressured the mayor to fire Chief Cochran. The lesson from Chief Cochran’s firing is stark. He was fired for simply stating his religious beliefs outside the workplace, in his personal life. If it could happen to him, it could happen to you. When you think of religious persecution, you may think of Bible stories of being stoned, beaten, thrown in the lion’s den or cast into prison. It is hard for us today to visualize what modern persecution would look like. “You Will Be Made to Care” provides a look at the future of persecution in the US with detailed examples of discrimination that are happening right now. Business owners fined by judges Non-profits forced out of providing adoption services and foster care Court ordered silence about religious beliefs Civil lawsuits against individual assets Fraud convictions Students expelled from universities or forced to change belief to obtain degrees Employees demoted at work or fired Pharmacists forced to provide abortion inducting drugs Based on the actions and statements of anti-religious activists we can expect other consequences in the near future such a loss of tax exempt status for churches and religious organizations, or religious individuals being charged with hate crimes. [pullquote align="normal"]People should be free to live and work according to their faith without fear of being punished by government. [/pullquote] Historically, believers have been able to rely on constitutional protections in the First Amendment. YWBMTC contains a detailed discussion of the importance of the First Amendment and the freedom to think as you please. Unfortunately secular progressives are seeking to redefine our interpretation of First Amendment religious protections. President Obama himself has begun to refer to the “Freedom of Woship” instead of “Freedom of Religion.” This subtle change in terms, the book explains, is intended to limit our expression of religion to the four walls of a church building, but not beyond into the wider society. Why are leftists doing this? YWBMTC explains in great detail the motivations of the left to compel Christians to conform. In summary, leftists believe in a Utopian view of progress, in which Christians must be made to change in order to achieve human happiness ...

It's a presidential election year.  Are you going to be active in politics this year?  Many people observe politics, but don't really get involved.  In this episode I want to encourage you to take action and make a difference in 2016 People Hate Politics. They think all politicians and most people involved in politics are liars. They think that politicians are hypocrites, they say one thing and do another. They don't believe that anything people can do will make any difference at all, that the game is rigged. They believe that their fellow citizens don't really care what happens so what's the point in trying to change things? They believe politics is too complicated, that the average person can never really understand the issues and the complications to make a good decision. They don't like the arguing. They just find debate distasteful, so they avoid it. They think it's too negative. Everything they hear in the news is gloom and doom, they tire of it and just stop paying attention. It's true that politics can be distasteful.  But politics is also important.  Politics affects nearly every area of our lives, from taxes to defense to our toilets (yes, toilets). And liberals are using politics everyday to pull down our freedoms and way of life This year, get involved. Volunteer, donate, or run for office. Your country needs you to make a difference.

It's a presidential election year.  Are you going to be active in politics this year?  Many people observe politics, but don't really get involved.  In this episode I want to encourage you to take action and make a difference in 2016 People Hate Politics. They think all politicians and most people involved in politics are liars. They think that politicians are hypocrites, they say one thing and do another. They don't believe that anything people can do will make any difference at all, that the game is rigged. They believe that their fellow citizens don't really care what happens so what's the point in trying to change things? They believe politics is too complicated, that the average person can never really understand the issues and the complications to make a good decision. They don't like the arguing. They just find debate distasteful, so they avoid it. They think it's too negative. Everything they hear in the news is gloom and doom, they tire of it and just stop paying attention. It's true that politics can be distasteful.  But politics is also important.  Politics affects nearly every area of our lives, from taxes to defense to our toilets (yes, toilets). And liberals are using politics everyday to pull down our freedoms and way of life This year, get involved. Volunteer, donate, or run for office. Your country needs you to make a difference.

September 30th is International Podcast Day, a day to promote and share podcasting with the world. In honor of this event, here is a special episode featuring conservative podcasting. In this episode I explain why you should be listening to conservative podcasts, how to find and subscribe to podcasts, and I even give you some tips on how you can start your own podcast.​ To get you started I feature 9 conservative podcasts in this episode that you can try. These podcasts represent a range of styles and sources to give you a good idea of the types of podcasts that are available for conservatives. Just click one of the links below to check them out.   Need to Know Blunt Force Truth Matt Locke Show Coffee and Markets 3 Martini Lunch Rought.org The Weekly Standard Consider This Ricochet Other Links Mentioned in the Show ​TalkGOP Podcast Directory Blog Talk Radio Newsmax List of Top 50 Conservative Podcasts The Audacity to Podcast with Daniel J. Lewis School of Podcasting with Dave Jackson

September 30th is International Podcast Day, a day to promote and share podcasting with the world. In honor of this event, here is a special episode featuring conservative podcasting. In this episode I explain why you should be listening to conservative podcasts, how to find and subscribe to podcasts, and I even give you some tips on how you can start your own podcast.​ To get you started I feature 9 conservative podcasts in this episode that you can try. These podcasts represent a range of styles and sources to give you a good idea of the types of podcasts that are available for conservatives. Just click one of the links below to check them out.   Need to Know Blunt Force Truth Matt Locke Show Coffee and Markets 3 Martini Lunch Rought.org The Weekly Standard Consider This Ricochet Other Links Mentioned in the Show ​TalkGOP Podcast Directory Blog Talk Radio Newsmax List of Top 50 Conservative Podcasts The Audacity to Podcast with Daniel J. Lewis School of Podcasting with Dave Jackson

In this episode, I discuss political correctness run amok on our college campuses. Discover how microagressions, safe spaces, and gender roles are used to suppress free speech of conservatives.

In this episode, I discuss political correctness run amok on our college campuses. Discover how microagressions, safe spaces, and gender roles are used to suppress free speech of conservatives.

Donald Trump came to Nashville and the TalkGOP podcast was there. Hear my thoughts on lessons we can learn from Donald Trump's campain.

Donald Trump came to Nashville and the TalkGOP podcast was there. Hear my thoughts on lessons we can learn from Donald Trump's campain.

A Must Read Book for Conservatives On this episode of the TalkGOP podcast I review the book "The Conservative Heart" by Arthur Brooks of the American Enterprise Institute. Conservatives have been slandered by the liberals as uncaring and it's working.  Too many Americans believe Republicans are greedy, heartless rich people who don't care about their fellow citizens. In his book, Arthur Brooks presents a plan to persuade Americans that the conservative approach is best, including: How the author transformed from a typical liberal musician to a conservative economist. Success of free markets raising people out poverty worldwide Why the pursuit of happiness is more important than the pursuit of money Seeing people as assets, not liabilities. The importance and blessings of meaningful work Why values matter most in lifting people out of poverty The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Conservatives Let me ask you a simple question.  Are you content to just talk about our problems or do you want to make a difference?  "The Conservative Heart" is written to improve your skills of persuasion for conservative solutions. I encourage you to listen to the podcast and buy the book. For a chance to win a free copy of the book, click here. Or, you can go straight to Amazon and buy a copy by clicking the link below.  This is an affiliate link, so I will make a small commission if you use it, to help pay the bills at this site. That's OK, because we are all happy capitalists here, right? The Conservative Heart: How to Build a Fairer, Happier, and More Prosperous America

A Must Read Book for Conservatives On this episode of the TalkGOP podcast I review the book "The Conservative Heart" by Arthur Brooks of the American Enterprise Institute. Conservatives have been slandered by the liberals as uncaring and it's working.  Too many Americans believe Republicans are greedy, heartless rich people who don't care about their fellow citizens. In his book, Arthur Brooks presents a plan to persuade Americans that the conservative approach is best, including: How the author transformed from a typical liberal musician to a conservative economist. Success of free markets raising people out poverty worldwide Why the pursuit of happiness is more important than the pursuit of money Seeing people as assets, not liabilities. The importance and blessings of meaningful work Why values matter most in lifting people out of poverty The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Conservatives Let me ask you a simple question.  Are you content to just talk about our problems or do you want to make a difference?  "The Conservative Heart" is written to improve your skills of persuasion for conservative solutions. I encourage you to listen to the podcast and buy the book. For a chance to win a free copy of the book, click here. Or, you can go straight to Amazon and buy a copy by clicking the link below.  This is an affiliate link, so I will make a small commission if you use it, to help pay the bills at this site. That's OK, because we are all happy capitalists here, right? The Conservative Heart: How to Build a Fairer, Happier, and More Prosperous America

  Last week presidential candidate Ted Cruz made several stops in Tennessee.  I attended the rally in Franklin, TN pictured above.  In this episode I give you an overview with excerpts recorded live at the rally. Senator Cruz gave a bold presentation of himself as a true conservative who is an outsider to Washington and who will take action to restore the republic to its constitutional founding. The audience was large and spirited. In addition to Senator Cruz the podcast also features. Congressman Marsha Blackburn TN State Party Chairman Ryan Haynes Williamson County Party Chairman Julie Taleghani TN State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver You can learn more about the campaign of Senator Cruz at TedCruz.org.

  Last week presidential candidate Ted Cruz made several stops in Tennessee.  I attended the rally in Franklin, TN pictured above.  In this episode I give you an overview with excerpts recorded live at the rally. Senator Cruz gave a bold presentation of himself as a true conservative who is an outsider to Washington and who will take action to restore the republic to its constitutional founding. The audience was large and spirited. In addition to Senator Cruz the podcast also features. Congressman Marsha Blackburn TN State Party Chairman Ryan Haynes Williamson County Party Chairman Julie Taleghani TN State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver You can learn more about the campaign of Senator Cruz at TedCruz.org.

Adam Yardumian & Bobbie Patray On this episode of TalkGOP my guest is Adam Yardumian.  Adam is a legislative intern for the Tennessee Eagle Forum. In this episode we discuss what he has learned as he has worked in TN legislative plaza with Mrs. Bobbie Patray, president of TN eagle forum. Mentioned in the show: Tennessee Eagle Forum - Pro Family activism organization Tennessee Eagle Forum Newletters Baby Box - Controversial method in Indiana for mothers in Indiana to give up their babies. TalkGOP Podcast Directory - Find conservative podcasts here. The Matt Locke Show - This week's featured podcast.

Adam Yardumian & Bobbie Patray On this episode of TalkGOP my guest is Adam Yardumian.  Adam is a legislative intern for the Tennessee Eagle Forum. In this episode we discuss what he has learned as he has worked in TN legislative plaza with Mrs. Bobbie Patray, president of TN eagle forum. Mentioned in the show: Tennessee Eagle Forum - Pro Family activism organization Tennessee Eagle Forum Newletters Baby Box - Controversial method in Indiana for mothers in Indiana to give up their babies. TalkGOP Podcast Directory - Find conservative podcasts here. The Matt Locke Show - This week's featured podcast.

[pullquote]and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity[/pullquote] Over the last few weeks I have found myself thinking often of the topic of liberty.   Liberty is a distinguishing feature of the United States.  It is a feature worth defending in the 2016 election. Liberty is defined as "freedom from control, interference, obligation, restriction, hampering conditions, etc.; power or right of doing, thinking, speaking etc., according to choice."   Liberty and Liberalism Today's liberal's, led by the president, have open socialist tendencies. And socialism is anti-liberty.  Progressives want to "fundamentally transform the country." And to do that they need to control you. Liberals do not trust the results of liberty, that's why they are always trying to specify the outcome. In this episode I discuss three main actions the GOP congress needs to pursue to set a successful liberty agenda in 2016: Re-establish trust with conservative and liberty minded groups on the right such as the tea party. Pressure President Obama and the Democrat minority to recognize the authority of the U.S. Congress Promote a message to the voting public that Republicans are pro-liberty and Democrats are controlling and unreasonable.   Resources Mentioned The Refinery podcas Ben Shapiro Speaks at Horowitz Freedom Center Chuck Woolery's new podcast: Blunt Force Truth   (yeah, that Chuck Woolery)   If you enjoyed today's podcast, please leave  a rating or review in iTunes.  Thanks!

[pullquote]and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity[/pullquote] Over the last few weeks I have found myself thinking often of the topic of liberty.   Liberty is a distinguishing feature of the United States.  It is a feature worth defending in the 2016 election. Liberty is defined as "freedom from control, interference, obligation, restriction, hampering conditions, etc.; power or right of doing, thinking, speaking etc., according to choice."   Liberty and Liberalism Today's liberal's, led by the president, have open socialist tendencies. And socialism is anti-liberty.  Progressives want to "fundamentally transform the country." And to do that they need to control you. Liberals do not trust the results of liberty, that's why they are always trying to specify the outcome. In this episode I discuss three main actions the GOP congress needs to pursue to set a successful liberty agenda in 2016: Re-establish trust with conservative and liberty minded groups on the right such as the tea party. Pressure President Obama and the Democrat minority to recognize the authority of the U.S. Congress Promote a message to the voting public that Republicans are pro-liberty and Democrats are controlling and unreasonable.   Resources Mentioned The Refinery podcas Ben Shapiro Speaks at Horowitz Freedom Center Chuck Woolery's new podcast: Blunt Force Truth   (yeah, that Chuck Woolery)   If you enjoyed today's podcast, please leave  a rating or review in iTunes.  Thanks!

In this week's episode of TalkGOP I interview Memphis area blogger and civic leader Mick Wright. Mick lives in the Memphis suburb of Bartlett, TN  where he serves in a number of civic organizations and the Republican party. Mick and I discuss his experience in civic leadership and the importance of conservative leadership at the local level. Many thanks to Mick for his insights. Resources discussed during the show: Mick's blog - MickWright.net Mick's blog post on getting politically involved - What is Your Political Impact- 75 ways to Get Involved Politically. The movie Hating Breitbart Breitbart's book: Righteous Indignation Mick's recommended podcasts: The Glenn Beck Program from TheBlaze Radio Network, NPR’s Planet Money, Gimlet Media’s Startup Podcast and The National Constitution Center’s We the People Podcasts. My recommended podcast: Need to Know Mick's post about the podcast episode can be found here  

In this week's episode of TalkGOP I interview Memphis area blogger and civic leader Mick Wright. Mick lives in the Memphis suburb of Bartlett, TN  where he serves in a number of civic organizations and the Republican party. Mick and I discuss his experience in civic leadership and the importance of conservative leadership at the local level. Many thanks to Mick for his insights. Resources discussed during the show: Mick's blog - MickWright.net Mick's blog post on getting politically involved - What is Your Political Impact- 75 ways to Get Involved Politically. The movie Hating Breitbart Breitbart's book: Righteous Indignation Mick's recommended podcasts: The Glenn Beck Program from TheBlaze Radio Network, NPR’s Planet Money, Gimlet Media’s Startup Podcast and The National Constitution Center’s We the People Podcasts. My recommended podcast: Need to Know Mick's post about the podcast episode can be found here  

In this episode I interview my friend and lifelong Republican, Sally Singles. We discuss how she got involved with politics and related topics including: The first campaigns she ever worked on Meeting Richard Nixon A comparison between politics in Delaware and the southern state of Tennessee What are the most important things a local party should be doing in 2015? Sally's advice for other women who want to get involved in politics Who will win the presidency in 2016?   Sally is the Director of Public Relations for Raconteur House, a publishing house that focuses on children and young adult books.  

In this episode I interview my friend and lifelong Republican, Sally Singles. We discuss how she got involved with politics and related topics including: The first campaigns she ever worked on Meeting Richard Nixon A comparison between politics in Delaware and the southern state of Tennessee What are the most important things a local party should be doing in 2015? Sally's advice for other women who want to get involved in politics Who will win the presidency in 2016?   Sally is the Director of Public Relations for Raconteur House, a publishing house that focuses on children and young adult books.  

Last month, I spent some time campaigning door-to-door for a local candidate (he won!). So, for this episode I thought I would review some basics on door-to-door campaigning.  Topics include: Identifying which voters to target Preparing your walk list to knock doors What to wear How to approach the voter What to say Have you ever campaigned door-to-door? What was your experience?  Leave us a note in the comments

Last month, I spent some time campaigning door-to-door for a local candidate (he won!). So, for this episode I thought I would review some basics on door-to-door campaigning.  Topics include: Identifying which voters to target Preparing your walk list to knock doors What to wear How to approach the voter What to say Have you ever campaigned door-to-door? What was your experience?  Leave us a note in the comments

Last week I had the privilege of visiting Congress on behalf of a community organization. This was my 5th or 6th trip to Washington.  In this episode I share some of the lessons I have learned on making a lobby trip to congress:    Deciding which congressional offices to visit Making meeting appointments Getting around the House and Senate Congressional Directory Congress App Visiting a congressional office Delivering your message Enjoying your visit Rate us on iTunes If you enjoy (or hate) the show, I would appreciate if you could give us a rating or review in iTunes.  Rating the show in iTunes will help others  find the show. Thanks!

Last week I had the privilege of visiting Congress on behalf of a community organization. This was my 5th or 6th trip to Washington.  In this episode I share some of the lessons I have learned on making a lobby trip to congress:    Deciding which congressional offices to visit Making meeting appointments Getting around the House and Senate Congressional Directory Congress App Visiting a congressional office Delivering your message Enjoying your visit Rate us on iTunes If you enjoy (or hate) the show, I would appreciate if you could give us a rating or review in iTunes.  Rating the show in iTunes will help others  find the show. Thanks!

On this episode of TalkGOP I review online conservative resources.  I discussed a lot of online links in this episode and so I have collected them for you below.  Do you have a favorite online resource for conservatives?  Leave a comment below: Resources mentioned in this episode. WEBSITES FreeRepublic.com - online conservative forum DrudgeReport.com - online news site Instapundit.com - blog featuring short posts by law professor Glenn Reynolds Townhall.com - conservative news site featuring columnists and political cartoons. The Corner - group blog at National Review Online RedState.com - very conservative blog news and commentary Michelle Malkin - conservative female blogger and commentator. Twitchy - curator of interesting conservative twitter content Breitbart.com - conservative new media website TheBlaze.com - internet home of Glenn Beck and new conservative video content SOCIAL MEDIA Google+ Conservative Union - largest conservative group on Google+ Freedom Works on Facebook Heritage Foundation on Facebook TWITTER #tcot - find conservatives on twitter with this hashtag - ("top conservatives on twitter") @DLoesch - Dana Loesch @WayneDu - Wayne Dupree @DavidLimbaugh - Daid Limbaugh @iowaHawkBlog - Iowa Hawk @JonahNRO - Jonah Goldbert of National Review Online PODCASTS Coffee and Markets Need to Know Ricochet Podcast 405 Radio Rought.org YOU TUBE ZoNation PJTV Uncommon Knowledge Pinterest Conservative Pins:  Rate us on iTunes If you enjoy (or hate) the show, I would appreciate if you could give us a rating or review in iTunes.  Rating the show in iTunes will help others  find the show. Thanks!    

On this episode of TalkGOP I review online conservative resources.  I discussed a lot of online links in this episode and so I have collected them for you below.  Do you have a favorite online resource for conservatives?  Leave a comment below: Resources mentioned in this episode. WEBSITES FreeRepublic.com - online conservative forum DrudgeReport.com - online news site Instapundit.com - blog featuring short posts by law professor Glenn Reynolds Townhall.com - conservative news site featuring columnists and political cartoons. The Corner - group blog at National Review Online RedState.com - very conservative blog news and commentary Michelle Malkin - conservative female blogger and commentator. Twitchy - curator of interesting conservative twitter content Breitbart.com - conservative new media website TheBlaze.com - internet home of Glenn Beck and new conservative video content SOCIAL MEDIA Google+ Conservative Union - largest conservative group on Google+ Freedom Works on Facebook Heritage Foundation on Facebook TWITTER #tcot - find conservatives on twitter with this hashtag - ("top conservatives on twitter") @DLoesch - Dana Loesch @WayneDu - Wayne Dupree @DavidLimbaugh - Daid Limbaugh @iowaHawkBlog - Iowa Hawk @JonahNRO - Jonah Goldbert of National Review Online PODCASTS Coffee and Markets Need to Know Ricochet Podcast 405 Radio Rought.org YOU TUBE ZoNation PJTV Uncommon Knowledge Pinterest Conservative Pins:  Rate us on iTunes If you enjoy (or hate) the show, I would appreciate if you could give us a rating or review in iTunes.  Rating the show in iTunes will help others  find the show. Thanks!    

Frances Arthur visits with Lt. Col Allen West at a recent event.   On this episode of the TalkGOP podcast I interview my friend Frances Arthur.  Frances is a long time conservative and also happens to be an event planner for weddings and other events. Frances shares tips on how to have a successful political event such as: HAVE A PLAN! (planning - good: winging it - bad). Have greeters at the door to make everyone feel welcome. Have hosts who are responsible for making sure everyone mingles. Considerations on seating arrangements Ideal program length (1.5 hours) No tall table centerpieces!   Frances is also running for the Tennessee Republican Party executive committee.  We discuss her work with young conservatives and what motivates her to run.  Finally she has a few comments on the so-called "War on Women." To learn more about Frances check her out on Facebook. Rate us on iTunes If you enjoy (or hate) the show, I would appreciate if you could give us a rating or review in iTunes.  Rating the show in iTunes will help others  find the show. Thanks!

Frances Arthur visits with Lt. Col Allen West at a recent event.   On this episode of the TalkGOP podcast I interview my friend Frances Arthur.  Frances is a long time conservative and also happens to be an event planner for weddings and other events. Frances shares tips on how to have a successful political event such as: HAVE A PLAN! (planning - good: winging it - bad). Have greeters at the door to make everyone feel welcome. Have hosts who are responsible for making sure everyone mingles. Considerations on seating arrangements Ideal program length (1.5 hours) No tall table centerpieces!   Frances is also running for the Tennessee Republican Party executive committee.  We discuss her work with young conservatives and what motivates her to run.  Finally she has a few comments on the so-called "War on Women." To learn more about Frances check her out on Facebook. Rate us on iTunes If you enjoy (or hate) the show, I would appreciate if you could give us a rating or review in iTunes.  Rating the show in iTunes will help others  find the show. Thanks!

Click the "Play" button above to listen to the podcast right now. On this week's episode I present 20 Ways to Make a Difference in 2014.  20 actions you can take this year to make a difference in your community, your state, and your country. 20 Ways to Make a Difference Talk to a friend about politics: Talk to a young person about conservative principles: Write a letter to the newspaper Make a Public Comment: Write short political articles on Facebook or other social media: Share good content on social media: (For example: http://blog.heritage.org/) Leave comments on social media: Write a blog:  If you are interested in how to get started blogging check out. http://michaelhyatt.com/ez-wordpress-setup.html  Become an expert in a particular political issue: Record a podcast: Learn more at http://podcastanswerman.com/learn-how-to-podcast/ Volunteer to help out at a political event: Volunteer to serve in your local political organization: Serve in leadership for your local political organization: Encourage someone else to run for office: Volunteer to help someone run for office: Run for office: Apply to serve on an appointed commission or committee: Volunteer to be an poll worker or a poll watcher: Vote in your primary: Vote in the general election: That's my list of 20.  What actions are you going to take in 2014? TalkGOP Now Available on Stitcher. You can now listen to TalkGOP on Stitcher. Stitcher is a service for listening to internet radio shows on your smart phone or computer. To listen to the show and learn about apps for your smart phone. Click on the Stitcher logo to the right. Rate us on iTunes If you enjoy (or hate) the show, I would appreciate if you could give us a rating or review in iTunes.  Rating the show in iTunes will help other  find the show. Thanks!

Click the "Play" button above to listen to the podcast right now. On this week's episode I present 20 Ways to Make a Difference in 2014.  20 actions you can take this year to make a difference in your community, your state, and your country. 20 Ways to Make a Difference Talk to a friend about politics: Talk to a young person about conservative principles: Write a letter to the newspaper Make a Public Comment: Write short political articles on Facebook or other social media: Share good content on social media: (For example: http://blog.heritage.org/) Leave comments on social media: Write a blog:  If you are interested in how to get started blogging check out. http://michaelhyatt.com/ez-wordpress-setup.html  Become an expert in a particular political issue: Record a podcast: Learn more at http://podcastanswerman.com/learn-how-to-podcast/ Volunteer to help out at a political event: Volunteer to serve in your local political organization: Serve in leadership for your local political organization: Encourage someone else to run for office: Volunteer to help someone run for office: Run for office: Apply to serve on an appointed commission or committee: Volunteer to be an poll worker or a poll watcher: Vote in your primary: Vote in the general election: That's my list of 20.  What actions are you going to take in 2014? TalkGOP Now Available on Stitcher. You can now listen to TalkGOP on Stitcher. Stitcher is a service for listening to internet radio shows on your smart phone or computer. To listen to the show and learn about apps for your smart phone. Click on the Stitcher logo to the right. Rate us on iTunes If you enjoy (or hate) the show, I would appreciate if you could give us a rating or review in iTunes.  Rating the show in iTunes will help other  find the show. Thanks!

This week on the podcast it's lucky Episode #13.  In honor of the 13th Episode I thought we would have a little fun. 13 Ways to Avoid Political Bad Luck. 1. Don't forget your three main points.  Especially in public, especially in a big debate, especially in front of the whole country.  (See Rick Perry)  For more information on making a speech with three main points you can listen to Episode 8  at TalkGOP.com/8.  2. Don't stand in the rain.  William Henry Harrison was elected in 1840. The day that Harrison was sworn into office was rainy and cold, and to make matters worse, the newly elected president chose to deliver his entire 8,444-word speech . A month later he was dead of pneumonia. 3.  Don't talk to Jon Stewart.  He's funnier than you, and he is more clever.  You can only come out looking dumb. 4.   (This rule only applies to Republicans)   Don't have an affair, especially an affair with women who live in another country. 5. Don't get secretly recorded in private.   And NO SELFIES. 6.  Don't have a funny name.  And yes, Weiner is a funny name. 7. Don't be boring.  If you are boring, don't have an affair to liven things up. (see Rule #4) 8.  Don't be clueless.  If you don't know why you are running, no one else will either. 9. Don't be Orange.  Fake tan, fake hair, cheap suit.  Don't look fake. Or blue. 10. Don't wear Stupid Hats .  Especially if you have a funny name. Like Dukakis. Or John Kerry 11. Don't talk about rape. 12.  Don't LIE. Read my lips, if you like your insurance you can keep it. 13.  DON'T BE DUMB.  If you think islands can tip over maybe congress isn't for you. [divider ] PODCAST OF THE DAY American Conservative University Show 1058 George Will- The Political Argument Today  

This week on the podcast it's lucky Episode #13.  In honor of the 13th Episode I thought we would have a little fun. 13 Ways to Avoid Political Bad Luck. 1. Don't forget your three main points.  Especially in public, especially in a big debate, especially in front of the whole country.  (See Rick Perry)  For more information on making a speech with three main points you can listen to Episode 8  at TalkGOP.com/8.  2. Don't stand in the rain.  William Henry Harrison was elected in 1840. The day that Harrison was sworn into office was rainy and cold, and to make matters worse, the newly elected president chose to deliver his entire 8,444-word speech . A month later he was dead of pneumonia. 3.  Don't talk to Jon Stewart.  He's funnier than you, and he is more clever.  You can only come out looking dumb. 4.   (This rule only applies to Republicans)   Don't have an affair, especially an affair with women who live in another country. 5. Don't get secretly recorded in private.   And NO SELFIES. 6.  Don't have a funny name.  And yes, Weiner is a funny name. 7. Don't be boring.  If you are boring, don't have an affair to liven things up. (see Rule #4) 8.  Don't be clueless.  If you don't know why you are running, no one else will either. 9. Don't be Orange.  Fake tan, fake hair, cheap suit.  Don't look fake. Or blue. 10. Don't wear Stupid Hats .  Especially if you have a funny name. Like Dukakis. Or John Kerry 11. Don't talk about rape. 12.  Don't LIE. Read my lips, if you like your insurance you can keep it. 13.  DON'T BE DUMB.  If you think islands can tip over maybe congress isn't for you. [divider ] PODCAST OF THE DAY American Conservative University Show 1058 George Will- The Political Argument Today  

I'm off on a hunting trip with my dad this week, so the show notes are abbreviated. On the show this week I discuss 8 things the Average Voter Should Know About Obamacare.   Healthcare is a limited resource. And therefore it must be allocated. Healthcare and Health Insurance are not the same thing. Obamacare is not free Obamacare was sold under false pretenses. Obamacare will Not reduce the actual cost of health care (even if it spends less) Obamacare will not increase the availibility of health care. Government supply of health care is not morally superior. Mandated Government health care is a threat to individual liberty.   If you use iTunes you can subscribe to the TalkGOP podcast here. Thanks for listening to the show!  

I'm off on a hunting trip with my dad this week, so the show notes are abbreviated. On the show this week I discuss 8 things the Average Voter Should Know About Obamacare.   Healthcare is a limited resource. And therefore it must be allocated. Healthcare and Health Insurance are not the same thing. Obamacare is not free Obamacare was sold under false pretenses. Obamacare will Not reduce the actual cost of health care (even if it spends less) Obamacare will not increase the availibility of health care. Government supply of health care is not morally superior. Mandated Government health care is a threat to individual liberty.   If you use iTunes you can subscribe to the TalkGOP podcast here. Thanks for listening to the show!  

In this week's episode I interview Dr. Jerry Anderson.  Dr. Anderson is a chiropractor from Winchester, TN and has been active for many years as a Republican and lately, in the Tea Party. Dr. Anderson shares his thoughts about the current Obamacare rollout, his experience with getting involved in politics and his thoughts and reflections on the Tea Party. He observes that Tea Party members can be characterized as the "producers" of American society. Also on the show, we share a couple of  Dr. Anderson's political parody songs. Featured Podcast This week I would like to recommend the Nov 8th Edition of American Conservative University Evan Sayet discusses the "The KinderGarden of Eden: How the Modern Liberal Thinks." Please Rate TalkGOP in iTunes If you like the show please give the show a rating or even give us a review in iTunes. If you do that, it will help other people find the show. Feedback What is your experience with the Tea Party?  Leave me feedback in the comments below or email at  feedback@TalkGOP.com.

In this week's episode I interview Dr. Jerry Anderson.  Dr. Anderson is a chiropractor from Winchester, TN and has been active for many years as a Republican and lately, in the Tea Party. Dr. Anderson shares his thoughts about the current Obamacare rollout, his experience with getting involved in politics and his thoughts and reflections on the Tea Party. He observes that Tea Party members can be characterized as the "producers" of American society. Also on the show, we share a couple of  Dr. Anderson's political parody songs. Featured Podcast This week I would like to recommend the Nov 8th Edition of American Conservative University Evan Sayet discusses the "The KinderGarden of Eden: How the Modern Liberal Thinks." Please Rate TalkGOP in iTunes If you like the show please give the show a rating or even give us a review in iTunes. If you do that, it will help other people find the show. Feedback What is your experience with the Tea Party?  Leave me feedback in the comments below or email at  feedback@TalkGOP.com.

This week on the podcast I take a look at free speech rights of the religious. Do the religious have a right to engage in political debate? Or should they keep their opinion to themselves? Lately on social media I keep getting into debates where I hear comments like this: Religious people can be individually religious. They can NOT impose their ridiculous personal belief systems on others. No one is calling for those people who MUST have the psychological crutch of religion to maintain their cowardly existence in a sane, civilized manner to leave that religion. Simply keep your delusional beliefs to yourself. Exercise your civil rights only to the extent of where other people's civil rights begin. Do not attempt to force your delusional beliefs on others who do not need your superstition to maintain sanity. I have a big problem with words like "MORAL" ,because individual rights should never be restricted by other people's moral beliefs.   These sort of comments seemed to be based on the following assumptions. Religion should be kept private and has no place in the public sphere. Secular life therefore excludes religion Religious people are somewhat suspect and dangerous Any exercise or religious rights in the public sphere infringes on the rights of others. Laws should not be based on MORAL considerations   To properly address these accusations I think it is important to take a close look at the First Amendment. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances In this podcast I discuss how the First Amendment protects the rights of the religious to speak out freely and advocate for laws they believe in. I also discuss why supporting a law BECAUSE of your religious beliefs is not the same thing as IMPOSING YOUR RELIGION, and the fact that all laws impose on others by definition. Has this happened to you?  Leave a comment below with your experience on trying to discuss your positions that involved religion or morals. SHOW LINKS Family Action Council of Tennessee:  FACTN.ORG I recorded this episode on a live Google+ Hangout On Air:  If you want to see the sausage being made, click below, but I will warn you it is not pretty. [youtube height="HEIGHT" width="WIDTH"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoM7kSClYh4&feature=share&t=2m35s[/youtube] Thanks for listening.