Top Priority | Ideas for Human Flourishing

Welcome to Top Priority, the podcast where we discuss the most pressing issues facing our nation today. In this episode, our host Duane Lester sits down with Kurt Couchman, Senior Fellow on Fiscal Policy with Americans for Prosperity Foundation, to talk about one of the most critical issues of our time: inflation.Inflation is a topic that affects every American, yet it's often misunderstood and overlooked. With the recent surge in prices, it's more important than ever to understand what inflation is, how it works, and what can be done to address it.In this 30-minute episode, Duane and Kurt dive deep into the causes and consequences of inflation, and discuss the policies that can help mitigate its impact on American families and businesses. They'll explore the role of the Federal Reserve, the impact of government spending and taxation, and the importance of free markets in promoting long-term economic growth and stability.Join us for this informative and thought-provoking conversation on inflation, and learn how you can be a part of the solution.Don't miss this episode of Top Priority with Duane Lester and Kurt Couchman, available now on all major podcast platforms. Subscribe today and stay informed on the issues that matter most to our nation's prosperity.

Show: 045 Top Priority Podcast | Book: Get Out of ControlHost: Duane Lester, Director of Issue Education, Grassroots Leadership AcademyGuests: Neil Chilson, Senior Research Fellow, Technology and Innovation at Stand TogetherNeil Chilson, the senior research fellow for technology and innovation at Stand Together, launched his book, Getting Out of Control: Emergent Leadership in a Complex World, on September 23rd. A frequent guest on Top Priority, he joins us again to discuss his book.Our Vision:We break barriers that stand in the way of people realizing their potential. This moves our society toward one of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping others improve their lives.History demonstrates people are capable of extraordinary things when they have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and succeed. We can transform society by breaking the internal and external barriers that prevent people from realizing their potential, enabling all people to improve their lives and find fulfillment by helping others do the same.This vision is guided by the following mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights A system of equal rights—articulated in the Declaration of Independence—requires respect for the dignity of all people and equality under the law. Mutual Benefit When the values and laws of society respect the dignity of individuals and uphold their rights, people succeed by creating value for others, motivating them to assist rather than harm one another. Openness Equal rights and mutual benefit foster openness by allowing the free movement of ideas, resources and people that generate knowledge, innovation, and opportunity, fueling progress throughout society. Self-Actualization For such a society to exist, its key institutions—education, communities, business, government—remove rather than erect barriers to people realizing their potential and finding fulfillment.  As more people have the opportunity to use their unique talents to succeed by helping others improve their lives, society flourishes. To realize this vision, we strive to build movements of millions by inspiring and equipping principled social-change entrepreneurs to bring us closer to a society of mutual benefit by eliminating injustice of all kinds. We stand by our principles at whatever cost, with a commitment to unite with anybody willing to dedicate themselves to any of these goals.Recognizing the magnitude of the task, our efforts are guided by a heightened sense of urgency.  We are committed to continually transforming ourselves and our organizations, constantly experimenting, learning and innovating. As we improve and add to our capabilities, new opportunities open, which point to the need for additional capabilities, and so on, in never-ending cycles of improvement and human betterment.Stand Together Website 

Show: 044 Top Priority Podcast | AFPF v. BontaHost: Duane Lester, Director of Issue Education, Grassroots Leadership AcademyGuests: Casey Mattox, Vice President, Legal and Judicial Strategy at Americans for Prosperity Foundation, Senior Fellow, Free Speech and Peace at Charles Koch InstituteToday's top priority is free expression. Specifically, the Supreme Court case AFPF vs. Bonta. Our guest today is Casey Mattox. He's the Vice President, Legal and Judicial Strategy at Americans for Prosperity Senior Fellow, Free Speech and Peace at Charles Koch Institute.Our Vision:We break barriers that stand in the way of people realizing their potential. This moves our society toward one of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping others improve their lives.History demonstrates people are capable of extraordinary things when they have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and succeed. We can transform society by breaking the internal and external barriers that prevent people from realizing their potential, enabling all people to improve their lives and find fulfillment by helping others do the same.This vision is guided by the following mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights A system of equal rights—articulated in the Declaration of Independence—requires respect for the dignity of all people and equality under the law. Mutual Benefit When the values and laws of society respect the dignity of individuals and uphold their rights, people succeed by creating value for others, motivating them to assist rather than harm one another. Openness Equal rights and mutual benefit foster openness by allowing the free movement of ideas, resources and people that generate knowledge, innovation, and opportunity, fueling progress throughout society. Self-Actualization For such a society to exist, its key institutions—education, communities, business, government—remove rather than erect barriers to people realizing their potential and finding fulfillment.  As more people have the opportunity to use their unique talents to succeed by helping others improve their lives, society flourishes. To realize this vision, we strive to build movements of millions by inspiring and equipping principled social-change entrepreneurs to bring us closer to a society of mutual benefit by eliminating injustice of all kinds. We stand by our principles at whatever cost, with a commitment to unite with anybody willing to dedicate themselves to any of these goals.Recognizing the magnitude of the task, our efforts are guided by a heightened sense of urgency.  We are committed to continually transforming ourselves and our organizations, constantly experimenting, learning and innovating. As we improve and add to our capabilities, new opportunities open, which point to the need for additional capabilities, and so on, in never-ending cycles of improvement and human betterment.Stand Together Website 

Show: 043 Top Priority Podcast | Protests and RiotsHost: Duane Lester, Director of Issue Education, Grassroots Leadership AcademyGuests: David Voorman, Senior Policy Analyst, Americans for Prosperity FoundationToday's top priority is free expression. Specifically, we're talking about the difference between protests and riots, and some troubling legislation being proposed that can impact your free speech rights. Our guest today is David Voorman. He's a senior policy analyst with Americans for Prosperity Foundation.Our Vision:We break barriers that stand in the way of people realizing their potential. This moves our society toward one of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping others improve their lives.History demonstrates people are capable of extraordinary things when they have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and succeed. We can transform society by breaking the internal and external barriers that prevent people from realizing their potential, enabling all people to improve their lives and find fulfillment by helping others do the same.This vision is guided by the following mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights A system of equal rights—articulated in the Declaration of Independence—requires respect for the dignity of all people and equality under the law. Mutual Benefit When the values and laws of society respect the dignity of individuals and uphold their rights, people succeed by creating value for others, motivating them to assist rather than harm one another. Openness Equal rights and mutual benefit foster openness by allowing the free movement of ideas, resources and people that generate knowledge, innovation, and opportunity, fueling progress throughout society. Self-Actualization For such a society to exist, its key institutions—education, communities, business, government—remove rather than erect barriers to people realizing their potential and finding fulfillment.  As more people have the opportunity to use their unique talents to succeed by helping others improve their lives, society flourishes. To realize this vision, we strive to build movements of millions by inspiring and equipping principled social-change entrepreneurs to bring us closer to a society of mutual benefit by eliminating injustice of all kinds. We stand by our principles at whatever cost, with a commitment to unite with anybody willing to dedicate themselves to any of these goals.Recognizing the magnitude of the task, our efforts are guided by a heightened sense of urgency.  We are committed to continually transforming ourselves and our organizations, constantly experimenting, learning and innovating. As we improve and add to our capabilities, new opportunities open, which point to the need for additional capabilities, and so on, in never-ending cycles of improvement and human betterment.Stand Together Website 

Show: 042 Top Priority | Housing Regulations with Jason SorensHost: Duane Lester, Director of Issue Education, Grassroots Leadership AcademyGuests: Jason Sorens, Director for the Center for Ethics in SocietyToday's top priority is Economic Opportunity, specifically housing regulations. Our guest today is Jason Sorens. He's the Director for the Center for Ethics in Society from Saint Anslem College. Our Vision:We break barriers that stand in the way of people realizing their potential. This moves our society toward one of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping others improve their lives.History demonstrates people are capable of extraordinary things when they have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and succeed. We can transform society by breaking the internal and external barriers that prevent people from realizing their potential, enabling all people to improve their lives and find fulfillment by helping others do the same.This vision is guided by the following mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights A system of equal rights—articulated in the Declaration of Independence—requires respect for the dignity of all people and equality under the law. Mutual Benefit When the values and laws of society respect the dignity of individuals and uphold their rights, people succeed by creating value for others, motivating them to assist rather than harm one another. Openness Equal rights and mutual benefit foster openness by allowing the free movement of ideas, resources and people that generate knowledge, innovation, and opportunity, fueling progress throughout society. Self-Actualization For such a society to exist, its key institutions—education, communities, business, government—remove rather than erect barriers to people realizing their potential and finding fulfillment.  As more people have the opportunity to use their unique talents to succeed by helping others improve their lives, society flourishes. To realize this vision, we strive to build movements of millions by inspiring and equipping principled social-change entrepreneurs to bring us closer to a society of mutual benefit by eliminating injustice of all kinds. We stand by our principles at whatever cost, with a commitment to unite with anybody willing to dedicate themselves to any of these goals.Recognizing the magnitude of the task, our efforts are guided by a heightened sense of urgency.  We are committed to continually transforming ourselves and our organizations, constantly experimenting, learning and innovating. As we improve and add to our capabilities, new opportunities open, which point to the need for additional capabilities, and so on, in never-ending cycles of improvement and human betterment.Stand Together Website 

Show: 041 Top Priority | Drug Policy in a Society of Mutual BenefitHost: Duane Lester, Director of Issue Education, Grassroots Leadership AcademyGuests: Brianna Nuhfer, Director of Criminal Justice at Stand Together, Jeremiah Mosteller, Senior Policy Analyst at Americans for Prosperity FoundationWhat should we do about the use of drugs in a free society? If we apply the principles of equal rights, mutual benefit, openness, and self-actualization, what does the policy look like? That's what we discuss in this episode.See also: Billionaire Charles Koch On Why Cannabis Should Be LegalOur Vision:We break barriers that stand in the way of people realizing their potential. This moves our society toward one of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping others improve their lives.History demonstrates people are capable of extraordinary things when they have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and succeed. We can transform society by breaking the internal and external barriers that prevent people from realizing their potential, enabling all people to improve their lives and find fulfillment by helping others do the same.This vision is guided by the following mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights A system of equal rights—articulated in the Declaration of Independence—requires respect for the dignity of all people and equality under the law. Mutual Benefit When the values and laws of society respect the dignity of individuals and uphold their rights, people succeed by creating value for others, motivating them to assist rather than harm one another. Openness Equal rights and mutual benefit foster openness by allowing the free movement of ideas, resources and people that generate knowledge, innovation, and opportunity, fueling progress throughout society. Self-Actualization For such a society to exist, its key institutions—education, communities, business, government—remove rather than erect barriers to people realizing their potential and finding fulfillment.  As more people have the opportunity to use their unique talents to succeed by helping others improve their lives, society flourishes. To realize this vision, we strive to build movements of millions by inspiring and equipping principled social-change entrepreneurs to bring us closer to a society of mutual benefit by eliminating injustice of all kinds. We stand by our principles at whatever cost, with a commitment to unite with anybody willing to dedicate themselves to any of these goals.Recognizing the magnitude of the task, our efforts are guided by a heightened sense of urgency.  We are committed to continually transforming ourselves and our organizations, constantly experimenting, learning and innovating. As we improve and add to our capabilities, new opportunities open, which point to the need for additional capabilities, and so on, in never-ending cycles of improvement and human betterment.Stand Together Website 

In this Top Priority, we explore the topic of second chance hiring, meaning the hiring of ex-cons. Jeremiah Mosteller joins the podcast again and explains why hiring ex-cons has benefits not just for the employee, but for the employer and society as a whole. Our Vision:We break barriers that stand in the way of people realizing their potential. This moves our society toward one of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping others improve their lives.History demonstrates people are capable of extraordinary things when they have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and succeed. We can transform society by breaking the internal and external barriers that prevent people from realizing their potential, enabling all people to improve their lives and find fulfillment by helping others do the same.This vision is guided by the following mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights A system of equal rights—articulated in the Declaration of Independence—requires respect for the dignity of all people and equality under the law. Mutual Benefit When the values and laws of society respect the dignity of individuals and uphold their rights, people succeed by creating value for others, motivating them to assist rather than harm one another. Openness Equal rights and mutual benefit foster openness by allowing the free movement of ideas, resources and people that generate knowledge, innovation, and opportunity, fueling progress throughout society. Self-Actualization For such a society to exist, its key institutions—education, communities, business, government—remove rather than erect barriers to people realizing their potential and finding fulfillment.  As more people have the opportunity to use their unique talents to succeed by helping others improve their lives, society flourishes. To realize this vision, we strive to build movements of millions by inspiring and equipping principled social-change entrepreneurs to bring us closer to a society of mutual benefit by eliminating injustice of all kinds. We stand by our principles at whatever cost, with a commitment to unite with anybody willing to dedicate themselves to any of these goals.Recognizing the magnitude of the task, our efforts are guided by a heightened sense of urgency.  We are committed to continually transforming ourselves and our organizations, constantly experimenting, learning and innovating. As we improve and add to our capabilities, new opportunities open, which point to the need for additional capabilities, and so on, in never-ending cycles of improvement and human betterment.Stand Together Website 

It's possible you've never heard of a Certificate of Need. It's a policy so awful, even the Federal Government repealed it. Yet many states still enforce it and the negative consequences of it impact access to quality health care across America. In this episode, Charlie Katabi, Health Policy Analyst with Americans for Prosperity, and Jason Edson, trainer with the Americans for Prosperity Education and Training Department and paramedic, explain the damaging effects Certificates of Need policies have on Americans.

Today’s top priority is technology and innovation. Specifically, we’re going to be talking about government surveillance. This podcast was recorded on March 10th, 2021. Joining me to discuss this subject is Neil Chilson of the Charles Koch Institute and Billy Easley from Americans for Prosperity Foundations Policy Department.

Melony Armstrong just wanted to braid hair. The state of Mississippi tried to stop her. This is her story of fighting one barrier after another for more than ten years.

The Americans for Prosperity team in New Hampshire worked to decriminalize marijuana in the Granite State. How did the Stand Together Vision guide them to that action? How does decriminalization break barriers? Deputy State Director Ross Connelly explains what happened and the principles that guided their actions.

What is the Stand Together Community's position on no-knock raids?

What is stakeholder capitalism and how does it relate to the Stand Together Community Vision. Russell Greene, Associate Director, Institution of Business at Stand Together, joins the podcast to explain the concept.

This is a break from the normal format. In this episode, Evan Feinberg, Executive Director at Stand Together Foundation, talks about one of his favorite books, "Reclaiming the American Dream" by Richard Cornuelle. It's a great discussion on the role voluntary associations have played in America, and how they fit into a society of mutual benefit.

"Big Tech" is the target of a lot of people right now, and some are calling for a federal regulator for the industry. Is that needed, or is there enough government right now to go around? Neil Chilson, a senior research fellow for technology and innovation at the Charles Koch Institute, recently published a chapter in The Global Antitrust Institute Report on the Digital Economy, asking and answering the question, "Does Big Tech Need Its Own Regulator?"

Both sides of the aisle are working to change Section 230, but today's guest says that would harm free speech, especially marginalized voices who have found community in the Internet.

In this podcast, we talk about the role regulations have in keeping people safe and rigging the game. We talk with Clint Woods, recovering regulator and Policy Fellow with Americans for Prosperity Foundation, and Erica Jedynak, Director of Economic Opportunity for Stand Together.

In this installment, we talk about the importance of free expression and how it relates to our vision of a society of mutual benefit. Our guest, Sarah Ruger, leads the Free Expression Priority Initiative for the Stand Together Community.

The topic of tech decency coming in HOT on Ep028 | Facebook, Twitter, and THAT Hunter Biden Story

Hear the story of a form police captain who used civil asset forfeiture and wants to see it reformed to better protect Americans from their government.

What is Civil Asset Forfeiture? Where did it come from? How does it hurt you and enrich the State? And most importantly, what is a viable path to reform? Answer to all these questions and more on episode 026 of Top Priority.

In this episode, Evan Feinberg, Executive Director at the Stand Together Foundation, and the Reverend Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. discuss the issue of poverty.

What do you need to know about your personal digital free speech? Learn about anti-SLAPP and what it means for your personally.

Mark Holden, Senior Vice President of Stand Together and advocate for Criminal Justice Reform shares his story, why he's passionate about Criminal Justice Reform, and how we can achieve great reforms for the American experiment when we are willing to unite with any to do good.

What can good look like in Healthcare? What are win-win solutions for patients and doctors alike? What is Scope of Practice and Certificate of Need? And how are these barriers to people accessing quality care? Answer to all this and more on ep013 of Top Priority | Ideas for Human Flourishing.

We want to see a culture and society that continually empowers free people to innovate and create whatever they can dream up to add value to the world around them. Two key ideas for human flourishing in technology and innovation are: 1) Permissionless innovation and 2) Regulatory humility. Learn more on ep 010 of Top Priority where we make the ideas of human flourishing a top priority!

In the criminal justice system what should sentencing look like in prioritizing public safety, equal rights, and mutual benefit?

Learn why the Stand Together Community is involved in Immigration reform, our Community position on Immigration, and how the Stand Together Community views Immigration through the lens of our Vision and the four mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights | Mutual Benefit | Openness | Self-Actualization.

What is the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)? Why is it leaving so many without a permanent solution and a path to get right with the law? And why can't DACA recipients just "get in line" and become legal citizens? Answers to all these questions on more on episode 007 of Top Priority.

What is the Stand Together Community Vision of the Trial Process in the criminal justice system? What are the unintended consequences of overcriminalization of the citizenry?

What is Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act? How does is relate to technology and innovation? And how should we be thinking about Section 230 through the lens of the Stand Together Community Vision? All this and more on 005 of Top Priority.

What is Qualified Immunity? How does it relate to criminal justice reform AND free speech and toleration? What sort of barriers does it erect and why must these barriers come down? Answers to all these questions and more on ep004 of Top Priority.

Police are meant to protect and serve by upholding public safety and human dignity. In ep003 of Top Priority you will learn more about the Stand Together Community’s positive vision for policing that builds trust and collaboration between the police and the communities they serve.

Learn why the Stand Together Community is involved in the issue of Overcriminalization, our Community position on Criminal Justice Reform, and how the Stand Together Community views Overcriminalization through the lens of our Vision and the four mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights | Mutual Benefit | Openness | Self-Actualization.

Learn why the Stand Together Community is involved in Foreign Policy, our Community Position on Foreign Policy, and how the Stand Together Community views Foreign Policy through the lens of our Vision and the four mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights | Mutual Benefit | Openness | Self-Actualization.