This episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast welcomes Finlay Beach. Beach is the author of the Managed Paranoia series, a near-future Sci-Fi thriller series that weaves libertarian ideals and Christian values into a gripping narrative of a dystopian world shaped by an overreaching post-pandemic government. Beach shares how he balances his day job with his passion for fiction writing, emphasizing character-driven storytelling over preachy ideology. The conversation explores the power of fiction to subtly convey complex ideas, the danger of losing the story to a political agenda, and how libertarian creatives can effectively use their gifts--even if it means not quitting their day jobs. This episode is a must-listen for creatives seeking to blend conviction with compelling storytelling.
Learn more about Finlay Beach's work at https://www.openthegift.com, download a free short story that ties into the series here, and buy his books on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4oAT2Rx
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Doug Stuart welcomes Alex Bernardo—host of The Protestant Libertarian Podcast—to unpack his book-in-progress on politics, economics, and New Testament interpretation. Alex argues that modern readers (and many New Testament scholars) import post-Enlightenment categories—“politics,” capitalism, socialism—into the first century and then draw conclusions the biblical writers never intended. His remedy starts before exegesis: nail down stable definitions and widen “politics” beyond elections to how humans relate, wield authority, and organize life together.
They zero in on Luke–Acts. From Caesar’s census pushing Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem to Paul proclaiming the kingdom “unhindered” in Rome, Luke traces the reign of the crucified, risen, and ascended Son of David. In that frame, the Gospel is unavoidably political—not because it tells you how to vote, but because Jesus already reigns. The early church engages authorities without revolutionary violence, trusting the Spirit’s power while keeping allegiance to Christ above every rival.
Bernardo outlines his method-first opening: concrete definitions of capitalism and socialism; a spectrum framed by liberty versus authority and violence versus nonviolence; and the needed context of Greco-Roman and Second Temple Jewish history. He previews work-by-work studies—Acts 2 and 4 on sharing, the rich young ruler, the widow’s mites, Romans 13, and 1 Peter 2—and explains why academic readings often lean left: institutional incentives, limited engagement with primary economic sources, and reliance on secondhand caricatures of economists and traditions (e.g., Hayek, the Austrians). The conversation ranges into theology too: recovering Jesus’s concrete Davidic kingship, refusing to sever messianic identity from divine ontology, and practicing interpretive humility that lets the text correct us. Expect a big, careful book (roughly 450–500 pages) that raises the bar for Christians who care about Scripture, history, economics, and real-world power—and a discussion that resists anachronism while inviting principled, peaceable political discipleship today.
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Cody Cook welcomes to the show John Roth, a scholar of the Radical Reformation and former editor of the Mennonite Quarterly Review. John and Cody explore the enduring relevance of Anabaptism at its 500th anniversary, focusing on its emphases on community, nonviolence, decentralization, and stewardship. Roth also discusses the Anabaptist Community Bible, a unique project blending scholarly insights, historical voices, and lay reflections, inviting readers into a communal hermeneutic. The conversation delves into Anabaptist distinctives—like love for neighbor and rejection of coercive power. Roth also shares the inspiring story of Elsie Baumgartner, an early Anabaptist who cited Psalm 24:1 to challenge national borders, reflecting a theology of God’s universal sovereignty. With humor and depth, they navigate the Anabaptist Community Bible's hermeneutical diversity, its artistic elements, and its call to participatory faith. Available at mennomedia.org or Amazon, this Bible offers a fresh lens for Christians seeking a decentralized, diverse, and Spirit-receptive approach to scripture.
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Doug Stuart welcomes back James Whitford, founder of Watered Gardens and the True Charity Initiative, for an in-depth discussion on his new book, The Crisis of Dependency: How Our Efforts to Solve Poverty Are Trapping People in It, and What We Can Do to Foster Freedom Instead. James shares the journey from launching a small local ministry in Joplin, Missouri, to spearheading a national movement focused on transforming how we address poverty.
Diving into the roots of toxic charity and the pitfalls of well-intended handouts, James explains how our charitable efforts often create cycles of dependency—rather than empowering those in need. He unpacks the principles of true charity: it should be privately funded, outcome-driven, and challenge-oriented, always respecting the dignity and agency of every individual.
Doug and James also explore practical steps for compassionate, effective giving, the important role of relationships in overcoming poverty, and how churches and organizations can shift from relief-based to empowerment-based ministry. With references to Frédéric Bastiat, John Stuart Mill, and powerful personal anecdotes, this episode challenges listeners to rethink what it means to truly help—and to foster real freedom in their communities.
Crisis of Dependency Book Description:
Millions in the U.S. are trapped in cycles of poverty due to well-meaning but misguided charitable models. In The Crisis of Dependency, James Whitford, Founder of Watered Gardens Ministries, shares how our compassion often perpetuates the very problems we aim to solve. Through personal stories, firsthand experience, and research, he reveals that handouts offer temporary relief but deepen dependency.
James has worked for decades with those struggling with homelessness and poverty and after a brief stint of living on the streets, he recognized that what most people in poverty need isn’t material aid alone, but a path to self-sufficiency. Inspired by thought leaders like Marvin Olasky and Robert D. Lupton, and drawing from his own ministry, Whitford reimagined charity as one that restores dignity through relationship and accountability. His work has transformed lives by helping individuals build the skills and mindset needed for long-term success.
This book offers a blueprint for those who want to move beyond transactional charity. James invites readers to embrace approaches that challenge the status quo and cultivate meaningful, sustainable change in communities.
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Dive into the fiery world of free speech in this episode featuring Connor Murnane, Campus Advocacy Chief of Staff at FIRE (the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression). Once focused solely on college campuses, FIRE expanded its mission in 2022 to champion free speech nationwide, tackling issues from K-12 book bans to citizen journalists’ rights. Murnane recounts iconic cases like the “Water Buffalo” incident and a student’s fight to distribute pocket Constitutions, exposing the absurdity of restrictive speech codes. Despite progress in campus policies, a troubling rise in student support for shout-downs and violence signals a cultural battle ahead. FIRE’s nonpartisan stance navigates a polarized landscape, defending everyone from Trump supporters to Satanists while facing accusations of bias. With new books like The War On Words: 10 Arguments Against Free Speech—And Why They Fail arming readers against anti-speech arguments, FIRE remains a beacon for liberty. Tune in to uncover why free speech is the bedrock of a free society—and what’s at stake if we lose it.
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Wilk Wilkinson, host of Derate the Hate and Director of Media Systems and Operations at Braver Angels, joins host Cody Cook to talk about our polarized political climate and how to rise above it. Braver Angels is a cross-partisan grassroots movement that strives to bridge toxic partisan divides through civil dialogue and civic renewal. Wilkinson shares his journey from a “toxic keyboard warrior” to advocating for depolarized conversations, emphasizing that dialogue doesn’t mean compromising core beliefs—like a libertarian’s stance against state violence—but fosters understanding. Can you engage neo-Nazis or Klansmen? Wilkinson, friends with de-radicalization expert Daryl Davis, insists even the darkest minds can teach us something, preventing downstream harm. While fear-driven memes grab clicks, Braver Angels’ love-based approach, though more challenging to scale, builds trust over outrage. Wilkinson’s Derate the Hate podcast and BraverAngels.org invite you to join this patriotic movement to heal divides.
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Doug Stuart sits down with Jordan Bush—missionary, author, and Bitcoin advocate—for a deep dive into the intersections of sound money, faith, and global impact. Jordan shares his firsthand experiences as a missionary witnessing the economic collapse in Venezuela, which opened his eyes to the human cost of currency debasement and the urgent need for financial alternatives. Together, they unpack core questions around what makes Bitcoin "sound money," why its scarcity matters, and how it’s being adopted by missionaries and nonprofits in challenging environments worldwide.
Jordan explains why Bitcoin has a unique value proposition for Christians and liberty-minded individuals, making the moral and theological case for decentralized currency. The conversation weaves stories of hardship, hope, and practical tips for approaching Bitcoin—not as financial advice, but as an exploration of conviction and stewardship. Whether you're skeptical about digital currency, curious about its real-world uses, or already a believer, this episode sheds light on Bitcoin’s potential to transform lives and societies.
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Stephan Kinsella was our guest to talk about "intellectual property," the concept that an individual's ideas belong to them and should be protected from free use by others through law. Stephan is a patent attorney and libertarian writer in Houston whose book Against Intellectual Property is the seminal work on this subject. We discussed why intellectual property is not really property, why it places an undue burden on society, and how it inhibits the free exchange of culture and ideas.
Stephan can be found at www.stephankinsella.com, at the Center for the Study of Innovative Freedom, and on X/Twitter @NSKinsella
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Stephan Kinsella’s book, Against Intellectual Property – on Amazon and Free from the Mises Institute
Stephan’s Soho forum debate, Abolish Copyrights and Patents?
RiP: A Remix Manifesto – Amazon Video and Free on YouTube
Richard Stallman’s book, Free Software, Free Society
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Doug Stuart welcomes Elizabeth Nolan Brown—senior editor at Reason, author of the bi-weekly Sex and Tech newsletter, co-founder of Feminists for Liberty, and adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati. Together, they dive deep into the "MAHA" (Make America Healthy Again) movement, exploring its roots, cultural evolution, and increasing intersection with politics—particularly within libertarian and right-leaning circles.
Doug and Liz discuss the personal journeys that led them to think more critically about health, food, and nutrition, and how public perceptions of "crunchy" or alternative health lifestyles have shifted across the political spectrum. The conversation touches on the elitism sometimes present in health movements, the pros and cons of government regulation (like banning food dyes or mandating certain foods), and how much of the MAHA movement aligns—or clashes—with libertarian ideals of personal responsibility, choice, and skepticism of state authority.
With humorous anecdotes about picky eating, parenting, and label reading, as well as a lightning round on healthy habits and guilty pleasures, this episode offers a balanced, insightful, and fun look at the current state of American health culture—and why it matters for libertarians and non-libertarians alike.
Whether you're health-curious, politically engaged, or simply enjoy smart, lively conversation, this episode is a must-listen!
Show Notes:
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Join us on the Libertarian Christian Podcast for a compelling conversation with Adam B. Coleman, author of The Children We Left Behind and founder of Wrong Speak Publishing. In this episode, Adam dives deep into the societal impacts of family separation, exploring how fatherlessness, homelessness, and childhood trauma turn into issues like drug addiction and crime. With raw honesty, he shares his personal journey through fatherlessness and poverty, revealing how these experiences influenced his faith, parenting, and perspective on personal responsibility. Adam challenges the narrative around single motherhood, discusses the pitfalls of victimhood, and offers practical advice for young people navigating relationships and family planning. From his critique of how some Christians understand "spare the rod, spoil the child" to his transformative insights on forgiveness and faith, this episode is a thought-provoking blend of social commentary and spiritual reflection. Don’t miss Adam’s powerful story of breaking cycles and finding purpose.
Find Adam's books, Black Victim to Black Victor and The Children We Left Behind, at wrongspeak.net or Amazon, and be sure to follow him on Twitter @wrong_speak!
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Nick Gillespie joins Doug Stuart to trace his path from Catholic kid in an immigrant family to a postmodern libertarian—and why that journey made him bullish on freedom of movement and a more “mongrel” America. We talk through the Ellis Island frame for sane, humane immigration, why “build a wall around the welfare state” is the sharper rejoinder, and how Catholic parish life (and Roger Williams) shaped Nick’s instinct for pluralism and tolerance.
We also unpack what he means by “postmodern libertarianism” in plain terms: be humble about what we can know, be wary of top-down fixes, and trust bottom-up problem-solving. Hayek meets Foucault without the jargon. From there we hit the “paradox of choice” debate (yes, 45 deodorants can be a feature), how pop culture shapes the way people find meaning, and where the liberty movement is actually headed right now.
In this episode:
Show Notes:
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In this Freedom Fest 2025 presentation, The Anarchist Anabaptist author Cody Cook explores the historical and philosophical alignment between Christian principles and libertarian anarchism. Rooted in the early church's and 16th-century Anabaptism's rejection of state violence and coerced faith, the talk highlights shared values like voluntaryism, nonviolence, and decentralization. Despite tensions, such as differing views on self-defense and capitalism, these traditions mutually enrich each other. The speaker encourages studying Anabaptist communities as models of voluntary societies and promotes their books.
Watch LCI's whole presentation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4t4Lb61Cfzw?si=uXu1-xRSyWN6iA5f
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Cody Cook sits down with Jacob Winograd, host of the Biblical Anarchy Podcast, and Chris Todd, a missionary in the Middle East, to discuss the Israel-Palestine conflict through a Christian lens. Todd shares his work providing trauma therapy to war-affected individuals in Lebanon, highlighting the human toll of conflict. The trio critiques the evangelical tendency to unconditionally support Israel, with Todd emphasizing a "Team Jesus" approach that advocates for peace over violence. They explore historical and ongoing violence, referencing Israel's actions since 1948 and the blowback it has incited. Theologically, they contrast dispensationalism, which ties support for Israel to end-times prophecy, with covenant theology, which sees God's promises fulfilled in Christ. Addressing rising anti-Semitism, they stress disentangling Jewish identity from Israel's policies to foster peace and reduce prejudice.
Chris' work with Words of Isa can be found here: https://www.wordsofisa.com
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★ Support this podcast ★Benjamin Giffone, author of the LCI-published book A House Divided: Technology, Worship, and Healing the Church After COVID, gave this presentation at FreedomFest 2025. Benj takes on one of the most controversial topics of our time—COVID-19 and the role of the Church in a world increasingly dominated by state control. He dives into how the pandemic exposed the fragile balance between personal freedom and government overreach, and how both the Church and the state reacted to the crisis.
Watch LCI's full presentation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4t4Lb61Cfzw?si=HcCHd2-bqFf2QHND
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Host Cody Cook sits down with Paul Darr, Vice Chair of the Libertarian National Committee, to explore the current state and future direction of the Libertarian Party. Darr shares his journey from foster care to military service, shaping his libertarian views through personal experiences with state overreach and incompetence. He discusses efforts to heal internal party divisions, particularly between the Mises and Classical Liberal Caucuses, emphasizing unity through shared goals like ballot access, membership growth, and coalition-building legislative initiatives such as Defend the Guard. Darr advocates for modernizing outreach, reviving Project Archimedes, and focusing on local elections to build a stronger foundation. Addressing Christian listeners, he frames libertarianism as a Christ-like pursuit of voluntary cooperation, urging active engagement to dismantle state coercion. With a nod to past leaders like Harry Browne, Darr outlines a pragmatic yet principled vision for a healthier, more effective Libertarian Party, ready to challenge the political duopoly.
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★ Support this podcast ★Is immigration chaos at the border a failure of libertarian ideals—or government itself? Host Doug Stuart is joined by Alex Nowrasteh, Vice President for Economic and Social Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, to tackle the heated issues around immigration policy and American history.
Fresh off his Soho Forum debate with Dave Smith, Alex reflects on why the immigration conversation keeps evolving, how Congress uses “hearings” more as political theater than for honest dialogue, and what actually went wrong during the Biden administration’s approach to immigration and border security.
Doug and Alex dive deep into the shifts over the past decade in how Americans (especially conservatives and libertarians) perceive legal and illegal immigration, and whether the “open borders” label is even useful. They explore how the welfare of global citizens fits—or doesn’t fit—into Christian and libertarian arguments, the nuances of rhetoric vs. principle, and how immigration intersects with everything from labor unions to the welfare state.
Alex candidly addresses the most common libertarian objections—from welfare and roads to claims about immigrants’ voting patterns and threats to freedom—and even steel-mans the best arguments against liberalizing migration.
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★ Support this podcast ★On this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, host Cody Cook sits down with author and journalist Ross Benes to discuss his latest book, 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times. The conversation dives deep into how the most sensational and “trashy” pop culture of the late 90s—think Jerry Springer, pro wrestling, Insane Clown Posse, Pokémon, and Beanie Babies—not only shaped our current media landscape, but also influenced today’s political and cultural divides.
Ross explores the ascent of “low culture,” tracing how it blurred the boundaries between entertainment and politics—culminating in a world where reality TV tactics rule the public sphere. They talk about the rise of populism, the persistence of elitism, and why figures like Trump are both symptoms and products of this cultural shift. Cody and Ross also debate whether democracy is better off now that the “facade of respectability” is gone, or if we’ve lost something essential along the way.
Ross Benes’ work can be found at rossbenes.com, and his book 1999 is available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible formats.
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★ Support this podcast ★In this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, host Cody Cook welcomes Dr. Caleb S. Fuller, Associate Professor of Economics at Grove City College and co-author of Mere Economics. Together, they explore the foundational concepts of economics through a Christian lens, drawing on the new book Fuller co-authored with Art Carden.
Dr. Fuller explains why basic economic principles are widely shared among economists regardless of their political leanings, and why these ideas matter for both economic policy and everyday life. The conversation takes a deep dive into the role of markets, trade, and private property, as well as common misunderstandings about self-interest, selfishness, and the supposed morality of government intervention.
The episode also grapples with thought-provoking questions often posed to Christians: Should prosperity make us feel guilty? Is suffering better for spiritual growth? Do economic systems like capitalism promote or hinder spiritual and material well-being? Fuller unpacks myths about capitalism versus other systems, discusses the pitfalls of unintended consequences in public policy, and shares practical insights on how exchange, specialization, and entrepreneurship reflect both human dignity and biblical stewardship.
Perfect for listeners curious about the intersection of faith, economics, and liberty, this episode offers a clear, accessible, and principled look at why understanding economics isn’t just for “numbers nerds,” but for anyone who wants to make intelligent, faithful choices in a world of scarcity.
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In this episode, host Doug Stuart is joined by Jim Babka and Jacob Winograd for a lively conversation that moves beyond the oversimplified "open versus closed borders" debate.
Together, they reflect on the recent Soho Forum clash between Dave Smith and Alex Nowrasteh, dissect how libertarians can approach immigration theory and policy, and discuss the implications for Christians invested in political discourse. From philosophical foundations like property rights and voluntarism to real-world concerns about the state’s role, cultural effects, and compassion for individuals, this episode steers away from talking points towards practical and principled engagement.
Whether you’re a seasoned libertarian, curious Christian, or someone passionate about how faith and liberty intersect in today’s world, this episode will challenge your assumptions and equip you for deeper conversations about justice, borders, and what it means to truly respect the humanity of others people.
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★ Support this podcast ★Dr. Charles Stanish was our guest to talk about his archaeological work and what it tells us about the evolution of human cooperation and complex societies–and particularly the surprising existence of complex stateless societies and what we might learn from them. Dr. Stanish is an archaeologist who has worked extensively in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, conducting research on the prehistoric societies of the region. He is the author of The Evolution of Human Co-operation, among other books and articles.
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★ Support this podcast ★