Podcast appearances and mentions of scot bertram

Stephen Cox, a founding board member of Thomas More Classical School in Anchorage, Alaska, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss his role in starting a classical school in Alaska, the decision to make Thomas More Classical School a private institution, and the process of becoming a Hillsdale College K-12 Education partner school. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Future of Freedom, host Scot Bertram is joined by two guests with different viewpoints about New York City's congestion pricing program. First on the show is Nicole Gelinas, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor of City Journal. Later, we hear from Diana Furchtgott-Roth, Director of the Center for Energy, Climate, and Environment and The Herbert and Joyce Morgan Fellow in Energy and Environmental Policy at the Heritage Foundation. You can find Nicole on X @NicoleGelinas and Diana at @DFR_Economics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest host Scot Bertram talks with Aidan Grogan, history PhD candidate at Liberty University and senior contributor at Young Voices, about the political rise of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. They dive into what his win signals about the growing influence of “champagne socialism” among young voters, the appeal of Democratic Socialist ideas, and what this might mean for local and national politics.

Guest host Scot Bertram sits down with Gerard Scimeca, attorney and chairman of Consumer Action for a Strong Economy (CASE), to break down the state of the U.S. economy. They discuss current challenges, market trends, and what consumers need to know to protect their finances in a shifting economic landscape. A practical and insightful look at the forces shaping our wallets and livelihoods.

Scot Bertram discusses news and headlines 

Here are 3 big things you need to know—   One — The White House is denying a report that President Trump is considering removing FBI Director Kash Patel in the coming months.  On Tuesday MSNow cited three people with knowledge of the situation, who say Patel's top aides have become frustrated with headlines generated by Patel, and that top FBI official Andrew Bailey is being considered to replace him.  Later, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X, saying the story was completely made up.   Two ---  A pair of turkeys are enjoying presidential pardons.  President Trump signed the paperwork for Gobble and Waddle yesterday in the Rose Garden.  Trump took a shot at former President Biden, saying the turkey pardons last year were determined to be invalid because they were signed by an auto-pen.  And number three --- The Thanksgiving travel rush is on.  The TSA expects to screen over 18-million flyers between today and next Tuesday, and today's the busiest with 52-thousand flights scheduled nation-wide.  Officials say air traffic control staffing is back up to pre-government shutdown levels, and flights are largely on-schedule. 

Guest host Scot Bertram sits down with Aaron Withe, CEO of Freedom Foundation and President of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, to discuss the Trump Administration's bold moves to dismantle education bureaucracy. They explore the impact on teachers, parents, and students, and provide a fresh perspective from educators who have opted out of traditional union structures. A thoughtful look at empowering teachers and restoring choice in education.

Guest host Scot Bertram talks with Michael J. Reitz, executive vice president of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, about Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's recent claim that Michigan's COVID lockdowns were driven by “bad information.” Reitz unpacks what that admission means, revisits the policies that shaped Michigan during the pandemic, and explains why accountability and transparency still matter. A clear-eyed conversation on lessons learned, and the ones still being ignored.

Here are 3 big things you need to know—   One — Russia is not expected to agree to the newly revised peace plan drafted by the U.S. and Ukraine. That's according the New York Post.  It was reported earlier that Ukraine had agreed to a deal to end the war with Russia, with just minor details needing to be ironed out. The U.S.-led plan has been changed after Ukraine objected to parts that called for it to cede territory to Russia.   Two ---  U.S. Sen. Jim Justice and his wife have agreed to pay more than $5 million to the IRS in previously unpaid federal income taxes dating back to 2009. The West Virginia Republican committed to paying that amount sum just hours after the Justice Department sued him and his wife on behalf of IRS tax collectors, who said they had repeatedly attempted to recover the unpaid taxes, but to no avail. And number three --- More people are expected to be on the hunt for deals this week on Black Friday.  But according to a new survey, they'll be looking to spend less than they did last year.   Deloitte's 2025 Holiday Retail Survey shows that on average, consumers who plan to shop during the Black Friday to Cyber Monday period expect to spend 622 dollars, down four percent from a year ago.  They cite economic uncertainty, a higher cost of living and financial constraints.

Here are 3 big things you need to know—   One — The U.S. is moving toward direct peace talks in the Ukraine war, with President Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff headed to Moscow next week to negotiate a potential deal.  A Putin advisor confirmed the visit as Ukraine says it's reached a common understanding with the Trump administration on the framework of an agreement.  Trump says his 28-point plan has now been fine-tuned, even as heavy fighting continues in eastern Ukraine.   Two --- The FBI wants to interview six Democrats featured in a video encouraging military members to refuse illegal orders.  The FBI has reportedly been in contact with Capitol Police to get the interviews scheduled.  President Trump has called for the lawmakers involved in the video to be punished. And number three ---  Energy experts say Michigan's grid can support current demand but may need major upgrades as new data center proposals move forward. Projects in Saline Township and Livingston County have raised concerns about heavy power use, water demands, and strain on local wells. A national report shows regions with large clusters of data centers face higher outage risks during extreme weather. Analysts say Michigan isn't in that category yet but will need stronger transmission and distribution systems to keep pace.  

Guest host Scot Bertram welcomes Phil Kerpen, president of American Commitment, to break down a new report that's raising eyebrows in Washington. Kerpen explains how AARP has played a major behind-the-scenes role in pushing for what many are calling massive insurance bailouts, and what that means for seniors, taxpayers, and the future of U.S. healthcare policy. It's a sharp, fact-driven conversation that cuts through the noise and gets to the heart of who really benefits from these proposals.

Guest host Scot Bertram sits down with bestselling author William Elliott Hazelgrove for a deep-dive into his new book, Evil on the Roof of the World. Hazelgrove, whose work has appeared everywhere from The New York Times to NPR and C-SPAN, walks us through the real-life mystery, the hidden history, and the unbelievable twists behind his latest true-crime narrative. It's a fascinating look at how he uncovers stories most people never even knew existed.

Guest host Scot Bertram sits down with bestselling author William Elliott Hazelgrove for a deep-dive into his new book, Evil on the Roof of the World. Hazelgrove, whose work has appeared everywhere from The New York Times to NPR and C-SPAN, walks us through the real-life mystery, the hidden history, and the unbelievable twists behind his latest true-crime narrative. It's a fascinating look at how he uncovers stories most people never even knew existed.

Gabrielle Lewis, a teacher support lead and Core Virtues director at Hillsdale College’s K-12 Office, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the relaunched Core Virtues program, cultivating the moral imagination through stories, and how schools can utilize the Core Virtues program. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin Jackson, English professor and Edrie Seward Kennedy Chair in English at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss his upcoming co-authored book on teaching students the elements of analysis, the art of close analysis, and what texts teachers should use to teach close analysis. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Future of Freedom, host Scot Bertram is joined by two guests with different viewpoints about the country's H-1B visa program. First on the show is Simon Hankinson, Senior Research Fellow in the Border Security and Immigration Center at the Heritage Foundation. Later, we hear from Brent Orrell, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. You can find Simon on X @WatchfulWaiter1 and AEI at @AEI. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Benedict Whalen, associate professor of English at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss why short stories are worth studying, how to prepare your class to learn from a short story, and why reading short stories out loud can help your students better understand them. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on Wednesday's 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they break down Democrats' bigger-than-expected wins in Virginia and New Jersey, Zohran Mamdani coasting to victory in New York City, and several ballot initiatives that mostly went the wrong way.First, they dig into Virginia, where Democrat Abigail defeated Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears by nearly 15 points, outperforming every major poll. That landslide also helped rage texter Jay Jones win the attorney general's race by six points, while Democrats picked up 13 seats in the state legislature. In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill beat Jack Ciattarelli by 13 points. The wins were not shocking, but the margins were, and Scot and Greg break down what those results mean heading into 2026.Next, they come to grips with Zohran Mamdani winning the New York City mayor's race by taking comfort that Andrew Cuomo won't be mayor. They also highlight some very ominous indications of what's to come from Mamdani's victory speech. Dems will undoubtedly try to mimic his smiley socialism in some parts of the country next year. Are Republicans ready to fight it?Finally, they analyze key ballot measures across the country, including strong conservative victories in Texas protecting parental rights and requiring proof of citizenship to vote. But not all results went the right way, as Gavin Newsom's gerrymander gimmick passed easily in California, and Colorado voters approved a tax hike on the wealthy to fund free school meals.Please visit our great sponsors:Give your liver the support it deserves with Dose Daily.  Save 35% on your first month when you subscribe at https://DoseDaily.co/3ML or enter code 3ML at checkout. Get 20% off your first purchase of classic menswear. Visit https://MizzenAndMain.com with promo code 3ML20—shop online or visit a Mizzen and Main store in select states.Sponsored by Quo, formerly known as Open Phone: Get started free and save 20% on your first 6 months and keep your existing numbers at no extra charge—no missed calls, no missed customers. Visit https://Quo.com/3ML

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on Wednesday's 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they break down Democrats' bigger-than-expected wins in Virginia and New Jersey, Zohran Mamdani coasting to victory in New York City, and several ballot initiatives that mostly went the […]

Jenny Pridgeon, director of field recruitment for the Admissions Office at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the art of writing a memorable letter of recommendation, how to stand out from other college applicants, and activities that students should include on their high school resume. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karol Markowicz, columnist at the New York Post and Fox News, joins Scot Bertram to unpack the high-stakes 2025 mayoral race in New York City, where turnout, ideological shifts, and a fractured Democratic field are reshaping City Hall. She also casts a wide net: offering sharp takes on key elections in Virginia and New Jersey, and what they signal about broader national trends.

Noah Rothman joins Scot Bertram for a conversation about the state of the conservative movement. Rothman takes aim at Kevin Roberts's arguments, labeling them “bad faith” because they distract from serious policy and principle. At the same time, he argues that Donald Trump's continued dominance is not helping the right cohere or move forward, his rhetoric and influence may be undermining conservative credibility just when it matters most.

Sisters Cristina and Tina Barr join Scot Bertram to share the heartwarming story behind their new children's book, “Bigger.” This touching tale celebrates family, imagination, and the boundless love that helps children grow, both in heart and spirit.

Here are 3 big things you need to know—   One — Those relying on SNAP benefits could be getting some relief soon, but timing is still uncertain.  Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says some food assistance payments could start as soon as Wednesday, after the program ran out of money on November 1st due to the ongoing government shutdown. Two federal judges have now ordered the Trump administration to make partial payments using emergency funds, but Bessent says the President wants guidance from the courts on the legal way to release the money.    Two ---  The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Wednesday on the legality of President Trump's tariff plan.  The case centers on Trump using a law meant for emergencies to impose tariffs without Congress's approval.  Oral arguments were fast-tracked and the tariffs will remain in place until the Court decides.  And number three --- Michigan drivers are paying ten-cents a gallon less to fill up the tank today compared to last week.  Triple-A Michigan says the statewide average price is two-dollars-97-cents, 19-cents less than last month and 20-cents less than last year.  The highest price in the state is in Ann Arbor at $3.07, and Traverse City has the lowest price at $2.82.

Here are 3 big things you need to know—   One — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is warning of more air travel disruption as the government shutdown continues.  During an appearance on CBS' Face the Nation, Duffy says passenger safety remains the top priority.  He predicted more slowdowns and delays along with flight cancellations due as air traffic controllers work without.  Major airlines have begun to call on Congress to end the shutdown.   Two ---  New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani is getting praise from Barack Obama.  The New York Times says the former President called Mamdani Saturday and spoke for nearly half an hour, and told him he's invested in his success after the election. Polls show despite tightening numbers; Mamdani remains firmly in the lead ahead of Tuesday's election. And number three --- The lawyer for one of five young men arrested in what the FBI said was a conspiracy to carry out a Halloween terror attack in Michigan has said his client was only part of a gaming chat. He says there was no conspiracy and he expects there will be no charges. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrests last week, saying the bureau had thwarted a potential terror attack.

Scot Bertram discusses news and headlines 

Here are 3 big things you need to know—   One — A federal court is ordering the Trump administration to start paying out SNAP food benefits.  In a weekend decision, the Rhode Island court said the administration must present a plan by Monday to either make full payments on that day or partial payments by Wednesday.  The program for low-income Americans has been suspended because of the shutdown. Appeals are underway.   Two ---  Police are ruling out a terror attack in a mass stabbing on a London train.  Two British nationals have been arrested in the incident that left eleven people injured.  In an update Sunday morning, police said two victims suffered life-threatening injuries while four others have been treated and released.   And number three --- U.S. forces carried out another deadly strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean Sea.  In a post on X on Saturday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said three alleged narco-terrorists were killed in the operation. This marks the 15th strike the U.S. has conducted since they began in early September.

Andrew Morris, Senior Litigation Counsel at the New Civil Liberties Alliance (NCLA), joins Scot Bertram to discuss the high-stakes legal battle over emergency tariffs. Morris explains the NCLA amici brief submitted to the Supreme Court, arguing that the executive branch lacks the legal authority to impose these tariffs without congressional approval, and what this case could mean for the balance of power between the branches of government.  

On this episode of Future of Freedom, host Scot Bertram is joined by two guests with different viewpoints about recent actions taken by the United States against cartels. First on the show is Jacob Sullum, senior editor at Reason. Later, we hear from Ammon Blair, a Senior Fellow for the Texas Public Policy Foundation's ‘Secure & Sovereign Nation' Initiative. You can find Jacob on X at @JacobSullum and the Texas Public Policy Foundation at @TPPF. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ammon Blair, senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, joins Scot Bertram to discuss how partisan politics and ideological overreach are eroding America's strength, from the military ranks to national leadership. Blair argues that the same forces that once sought to weaken the U.S. Army are now targeting the very foundation of the nation itself, through divisive rhetoric, cultural decay, and failed policy priorities.

Michael Lucchese, founder of Pipe Creek Consulting and associate editor at Law & Liberty, joins Scot Bertram for a fascinating conversation that bridges politics, culture, and philosophy. From the history and modern meaning of the filibuster to the intellectual legacy of William F. Buckley's Cold War conservatism, Lucchese examines how ideas shape governance and values today. They also dive into the unexpected connections between classic conservative thought and the cinematic storytelling of Paul Thomas Anderson, exploring what both teach us about human nature, power, and moral conviction.

Scot Bertram discusses news and headlines

Rep. Tim Walberg joins Scot Bertram to discuss a bipartisan effort to keep Michigan's Selfridge Air National Guard A-10 fighter jets in service. With the Air Force planning early retirements, Walberg explains why these aircraft are critical to national defense, how local communities and service members are impacted, and the steps Congress is taking to ensure Michigan remains a hub of military readiness.

Scot Bertram discusses news and headlines

Joel Penton, CEO of LifeWise Academy, joins Scot Bertram to explore how school choice is evolving from political polls to real-world impact. Penton discusses how LifeWise is helping families access quality education options that align with their values, the challenges parents face navigating public and private school systems, and why expanding school choice is crucial for America's students and communities.

Greg Corombos, co‑host of the 3 Martini Lunch podcast and veteran political commentator, joins Scot Bertram to break down the most critical battlegrounds in Virginia's upcoming elections. From tightening polls in the governor's race to up‑for‑grabs seats in the House of Delegates, they dig into which campaigns could tip the balance of power and what voters should watch for.

Scot Bertram discusses news and headlines 

Scot Bertram discusses news and headlines 

For the most powerful voice in business across Michigan, it's the Michigan Chamber Business Brief. This week, Mike Alaimo, Senior Director of Legislative and External Affairs, joins Scot Bertram to break down the latest developments in nuclear energy and carbon capture legislation. As Michigan looks to balance energy reliability, environmental goals, and economic growth, Alaimo explains how new proposals could reshape the state's energy future and what it means for businesses, consumers, and jobs. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! JOIN TODAY!!!

John Sailer, director of higher education policy at the Manhattan Institute, joins Scot Bertram to discuss the latest City Journal College Rankings. Sailer breaks down which colleges are delivering real value, academic rigor, and career preparation, and which institutions fall short. They also explore broader trends in higher education, including rising costs, political influence on campuses, and how students and parents can navigate the increasingly complex landscape of American colleges.

Scot Bertram discusses news and headlines 

School choice is at the center of America's education debate, and Ed Tarnowski of EdChoice joins Scot Bertram to discuss whether the promise of “education freedom” will truly follow students, or fizzle out in the face of political resistance. Tarnowski breaks down the latest policy trends, how school-choice programs are expanding (or being blocked), and what families need to know to take advantage of educational opportunities beyond traditional public schools.

Here are 3 big things you need to know—   One — Hurricane Melissa has killed over two dozen people in the Caribbean.  That's according to multiple reports.  Melissa brought heavy winds and rain to The Bahamas overnight.  It caused devastating flooding to Cuba after slamming Jamaica on Tuesday.  Hurricane experts say Melissa is the second-strongest Atlantic hurricane in recorded history.    Two --- About 17-hundred General Motors workers in Michigan and Ohio are now out of a job.  The automaker cited a slowdown in the electric vehicle market as the reason for the layoffs.  Detroit's electric vehicle plant saw around 12-hundred job cuts while 550 jobs at an Ohio battery cell plant were impacted.  Wednesday's layoffs follow the company's announcement last week that 200 salaried positions would be eliminated at its global tech campus in Detroit.    And number three ---    A new poll shows Andrew Cuomo gaining some ground on Zohran Mamdani in the race for New York City Mayor with less than a week to go until the election.  The latest Quinnipiac poll shows Zohran Mamdani leading by ten-percent in the race.  He holds 43 percent of the vote, compared to 33 percent for Cuomo, and 14 percent for Republican Curtis Sliwa. 

At a time when faith and culture are colliding across America, Charles Murray, renowned policy analyst and bestselling author of Coming Apart and The Bell Curve, joins Scot Bertram to discuss his deeply personal new book, Taking Religion Seriously. Murray shares his intellectual and spiritual journey from decades of agnosticism to a thoughtful belief in God and Christianity. He reflects on how science, philosophy, and moral reasoning led him to reconsider faith in a modern, skeptical age, and why religion still holds profound meaning for America's future.

Paul Perez, head of the National Border Patrol Council, joins Scot Bertram to sound the alarm on narcoterrorism at the U.S.-Mexico border, a crisis that's no longer just about immigration, but about national survival. Perez details how cartels operate like militarized organizations, how they exploit weak policy, and how law enforcement is fighting to keep America safe.

Here are 3 big things you need to know—   One —  President Trump says the U.S. and China have reached a one-year-deal with China on critical rare earth minerals and some tariffs.  Trump announced the deal after his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.  The deal would see fentanyl-linked tariffs on China lowered by ten percent, cutting tariffs on Chinese exports cut from 57 percent to 47 percent.   Two ---  Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is joining lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture for suspending SNAP.  The program helps more than 40 million Americans buy food.  The suit claims SNAP is being unlawfully suspended due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.  Nearly 13-percent of Michigan households receive SNAP benefits.   And number three --- A federal judge is ordering Greenpeace to pay 345-million dollars in damages over protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline.  The ruling cuts the original jury award in half after Energy Transfer accused the group of damaging its reputation during demonstrations nearly a decade ago.  The judge said some of the initial damages had no legal basis.

Filmmaker Michael Pack, President of Manifold Productions and Palladium Pictures, joins Scot Bertram to discuss his award-winning documentary The Last 600 Meters, a gripping and emotional account of Marine heroism during some of the fiercest battles in Iraq. As the U.S. Marine Corps marks its 250th anniversary, Pack reflects on the courage, sacrifice, and brotherhood that defined those final, bloody days in Fallujah and Najaf. The film, celebrated at the G.I. Film Festival and the Hudson Institute Film Festival, captures the bravery of ordinary Marines who accomplished extraordinary things in the face of overwhelming odds.  

At a time when faith and culture are colliding across America, Charles Murray, renowned policy analyst and bestselling author of Coming Apart and The Bell Curve, joins Scot Bertram to discuss his deeply personal new book, Taking Religion Seriously. Murray shares his intellectual and spiritual journey from decades of agnosticism to a thoughtful belief in God and Christianity. He reflects on how science, philosophy, and moral reasoning led him to reconsider faith in a modern, skeptical age, and why religion still holds profound meaning for America's future.

Here are 3 big things you need to know—   One — The government shutdown is entering entered its 30th day with no end in sight.  A 13th effort to end the shutdown impasse failed in the Senate and there are no plans to vote on the measure today.  The Trump administration says that the military will be paid, but thousands of air traffic controllers have missed their first full paycheck.    Two ---  The Federal Reserve is cutting interest rates for a second straight meeting.  The Fed lowered interest rates by a quarter percentage point today.  The benchmark rate is now in a range of three-point-75-percent to four-percent.   And number three ---    A new study is suggesting women may need less exercise than men to have a healthy heart.  Researchers in the UK found women who got around four hours of moderate exercise each week lowered their risk of heart disease by about 30 percent.  It found men, however, needed about eight hours of exercise per week to achieve the same level of heart health. 

Jason Lund, upper school humanities teacher and senior thesis coordinator at Treasure Valley Classical Academy in Fruitland, Idaho, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the least interesting parts of great books, how Homer's list of ships in The Iliad relates to the poem's themes, and the importance of the extracts in Melville's Moby Dick. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.