Liberty + Leadership

Roger Ream

TFAS has reached 53,000 students and professionals through their academic programs, fellowships and seminars. Representing more than 140 countries, TFAS alumni are courageous leaders throughout the world – forging careers in politics, government, public policy, business, philanthropy, law and the media. Join TFAS President, Roger Ream, as he reconnects with these outstanding alumni to share experiences, swap career stories, and find out what makes their leadership journey unique. The Liberty and Leadership podcast is produced at Podville Media in Washington, D.C. If you have a comment or question for the show, please drop us an email at podcast@TFAS.org.

  1. Jul 8

    Austrian Economics and the Case Against Central Planning

    In this episode of Liberty + Leadership, Roger Ream sits down with Christopher Coyne, professor of economics at George Mason University and TFAS faculty member, to discuss his new book, “Austrian Economics: An Introduction”, co-authored with Abigail Hall. Roger and Christopher explore the origins and enduring relevance of the Austrian School of economics, tracing its development from Carl Menger and Ludwig von Mises to F.A. Hayek and Israel Kirzner. Together, they discuss subjective value, economic calculation, entrepreneurship, spontaneous order and the role prices play in helping individuals coordinate activity in a complex and changing world. The conversation also examines why central planning fails, whether artificial intelligence changes the calculation problem and how Austrian economics can help students understand contemporary debates over industrial policy, government intervention, economic development and human flourishing. These ideas remain essential for understanding markets, preserving individual freedom and preparing the next generation to think seriously about economic life. The Liberty + Leadership Podcast is hosted by TFAS president Roger Ream and produced by Podville Media. If you have a comment or question for the show, please email us at podcast@TFAS.org. To support TFAS and its mission, please visit TFAS.org/support. Support the show

  2. Jun 24

    The Declaration of Independence: A Radical Experiment in Liberty

    In this episode of Liberty + Leadership, Roger Ream sits down with Bradley Birzer, the Russell Amos Kirk Chair in American Studies at Hillsdale College and author of “The Declaration of Independence: A Radical Experiment in Liberty.” Together, they explore the ideas and events that shaped the Declaration, the tension between conservatism and radicalism in the American founding and why the founders believed liberty required both enduring principles and courageous citizens. They discuss the intellectual and religious influences on the Declaration, the difficult legacy of slavery and how the promise that "all men are created equal" has shaped the American story for nearly 250 years. The conversation also turns to civic education and the future of the American experiment. As the nation prepares to commemorate the Semiquincentennial, Birzer argues that the Declaration remains more than a historical document. It is a timeless statement of human equality and liberty that each generation must rediscover and make its own. The Liberty + Leadership Podcast is hosted by TFAS president Roger Ream and produced by Podville Media. If you have a comment or question for the show, please email us at podcast@TFAS.org. To support TFAS and its mission, please visit TFAS.org/support. Support the show

  3. Jun 10

    National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America

    In this episode of Liberty + Leadership, Roger Ream sits down with historian and author Michael Auslin to discuss his new book, “National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America.” As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Auslin explores the remarkable history of the Declaration of Independence, not only as the nation's founding document but also as a living symbol that has shaped American identity for nearly two and a half centuries.  Together, they discuss the Declaration's origins, its philosophical foundations in natural rights, natural law and the Anglo-American constitutional tradition, and the ways its meaning has evolved throughout American history. Auslin explains how figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr. drew upon the Declaration's principles to advance their own visions of liberty and equality while arguing that the document's most enduring message is one of national unity.  The conversation also explores the upcoming America 250 celebration, the state of civic education in the United States and why a renewed understanding of the Declaration remains essential to preserving the American experiment in self-government. The Liberty + Leadership Podcast is hosted by TFAS president Roger Ream and produced by Podville Media. If you have a comment or question for the show, please email us at podcast@TFAS.org. To support TFAS and its mission, please visit TFAS.org/support. Support the show

  4. May 27

    Why Character Still Matters in Leadership

    In this episode of Liberty + Leadership, Roger Ream sits down with Stock Executive Search CEO and TFAS alumnus Toby Stock to discuss leadership, civic culture and the habits that shape successful careers and institutions. Toby reflects on his work with prominent public intellectuals and organizations including the American Enterprise Institute, the National Constitution Center, Harvard Law School and The Dispatch, where he helped launch the media company alongside Jonah Goldberg and Steve Hayes.  Together, they discuss the qualities that define effective leaders, the difference between management and leadership, the importance of courage and integrity in public life and why developing sound judgment matters more than ever for young professionals. The conversation also explores America 250, the current state of civic education, Congress and institutional incentives and the opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence. Toby also shares practical advice for students and young professionals seeking careers in Washington and beyond. The Liberty + Leadership Podcast is hosted by TFAS president Roger Ream and produced by Podville Media. If you have a comment or question for the show, please email us at podcast@TFAS.org. To support TFAS and its mission, please visit TFAS.org/support. Support the show

  5. May 13

    Developing Courageous Citizens: Highlights from the 2026 TFAS Annual Conference

    This special episode of Liberty + Leadership features highlights from the 2026 TFAS Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., where students, scholars, alumni and national leaders gathered around this year’s theme: Developing Courageous Citizens. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, TFAS is placing renewed focus on civic education, the American founding and the responsibility each generation bears in preserving a free society. Across keynote remarks, panel discussions and alumni reflections, this episode explores the institutions, principles and habits of character that sustain self-government. Featured speakers include Vice President Mike Pence, Daniel Hannan, Lord of Kingsclere and many others. Together, they discuss America’s founding principles, constitutional government, civic education, economic freedom, free speech and the enduring importance of preparing young people to lead with courage, conviction and integrity. The episode also highlights the lasting impact of TFAS programs through personal stories of intellectual formation, public service and lives shaped by encounters with the ideas of liberty both in the United States and around the world. The Liberty + Leadership Podcast is hosted by TFAS president Roger Ream and produced by Podville Media. If you have a comment or question for the show, please email us at podcast@TFAS.org. To support TFAS and its mission, please visit TFAS.org/support. Support the show

  6. Apr 29

    Did Adam Smith Attend the Constitutional Convention?

    This special episode of Liberty + Leadership features a panel discussion recorded live at the 2026 TFAS Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., centered on the question, “Did Adam Smith Attend the Constitutional Convention?” Moderator Dominic Pino is joined by Anne Bradley and Ted Tucker to explore how the ideas in “The Wealth of Nations” influenced the American founding and continue to shape our understanding of economic freedom today. Together, they discuss the role of free markets in creating prosperity, the importance of limited government and the rule of law, how Adam Smith’s ideas contrasted with mercantilism and why these principles must be actively taught and defended in each generation. The conversation also examines modern misconceptions about capitalism, the appeal of socialism and the importance of educating young people through experiential learning and civic engagement. Anne Bradley is the George and Sally Mayer Fellow for Economic Education and vice president of academic affairs at TFAS. Ted Tucker is executive director of the Foundation for Teaching Economics. Dominic Pino is an editorial writer for The Washington Post opinion section. The Liberty + Leadership Podcast is hosted by TFAS president Roger Ream and produced by Podville Media. If you have a comment or question for the show, please email us at podcast@TFAS.org. To support TFAS and its mission, please visit TFAS.org/support. Support the show

  7. Apr 15

    From Bicentennial to Semiquincentennial: Class of ’76 TFAS Alumni Conversation with Mark Levin

    Roger welcomes Mark Levin, bestselling author, nationally syndicated radio host and constitutional lawyer, for a special conversation recorded live at the 2026 TFAS Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Mark and Roger reflect on their shared experience as members of the TFAS Class of 1976 during America’s bicentennial and discuss how that formative summer shaped their commitment to liberty, constitutional principles and public service.  They examine how the United States has changed over the past 50 years, including the growth of government, the expansion of the administrative state and the increasing national debt. Levin shares his perspective on the proper role of Congress, the separation of powers and the ongoing debate between originalism and the idea of a living Constitution. Additional topics include presidential war powers, the influence of the progressive movement on American institutions, changes in the media landscape and the importance of civic education as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. The conversation also highlights the role of organizations like TFAS in developing informed and courageous citizens who can help preserve the American experiment.  The Liberty + Leadership Podcast is hosted by TFAS president Roger Ream and produced by Podville Media. If you have a comment or question for the show, please email us at podcast@TFAS.org. To support TFAS and its mission, please visit TFAS.org/support. Support the show

  8. Apr 1

    The Untold Story of Jesus and His Fishermen

    Roger welcomes Randal C. Teague, chairman of The Fund for American Studies and author of “Jesus and His Fishermen: The Untold Story,” for a conversation on the historical, economic and cultural context of Jesus’ early ministry. Drawing on years of research and firsthand experience traveling throughout Israel, Teague explores how the familiar story of “fishers of men” reveals a deeper understanding of work, leadership and daily life in the first century.  They discuss what it meant to be a fisherman in the ancient world, including the heavy taxation, regulation and economic pressures faced by working families. Teague explains how preparation, patience, success and failure shaped both the profession of fishing and the structure of Jesus’s ministry. Additional topics include the role of government and taxation in first-century Judea, the organizational dynamics among the disciples, the influence of broader historical and religious traditions, and how understanding the context of the Gospels can deepen one’s perspective on leadership, responsibility and individual purpose. The conversation also touches on the enduring relevance of these lessons and the parallels between the challenges of that era and the modern world. The Liberty + Leadership Podcast is hosted by TFAS president Roger Ream and produced by Podville Media. If you have a comment or question for the show, please email us at podcast@TFAS.org. To support TFAS and its mission, please visit TFAS.org/support. Support the show

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About

TFAS has reached 53,000 students and professionals through their academic programs, fellowships and seminars. Representing more than 140 countries, TFAS alumni are courageous leaders throughout the world – forging careers in politics, government, public policy, business, philanthropy, law and the media. Join TFAS President, Roger Ream, as he reconnects with these outstanding alumni to share experiences, swap career stories, and find out what makes their leadership journey unique. The Liberty and Leadership podcast is produced at Podville Media in Washington, D.C. If you have a comment or question for the show, please drop us an email at podcast@TFAS.org.

Information

  • Creator
    Roger Ream
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    129
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Liberty + Leadership
  • Show Website
    Liberty + Leadership

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