Finding Your Spine

Herzog Foundation
  • 4.3 (12)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

In a time when courage feels increasingly rare, Finding Your Spine challenges the status quo. Hosted by Dr. Chase Spears, this weekly podcast explores how Christians—and even secular conservatives—can stand firm in their values amid the pressures of cancel culture. With insightful commentary and bold conversations, Dr. Spears examines the tradeoff many make between conscience and comfort, reminding listeners that true freedom requires the spine to defend it. Tune in each week for thought-provoking discussions that inspire moral courage in an age of compromise.

  1. 1D AGO

    Classical Education and the Battle for Paideia

    In this episode of Finding Your Spine, Dr. Chase Spears sits down with David Goodwin, co-author of Battle for the American Mind and a leader in the classical Christian education movement.  They explore how education shapes the soul and why the West has shifted from a Christian paideia to a modern servile one. David shares his journey from homeschooling and military service to embracing classical Christian education, while Chase unpacks the concept of paideia as deep soul formation rather than mere academics. The conversation covers the historical roots of liberal arts, the progressive replacement of Christian formation with an “American paideia,” and the long-term cultural consequences visible today.  They discuss how stories, cosmologies, and early formation influence what people love and value, and why rebuilding a liberated paideia rooted in wisdom and virtue is essential for raising courageous generations. A thoughtful discussion on education, culture, faith, and moral courage. 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:05 – Goodwin's Background 00:02:55 – Classical Christian Education 00:04:44 – Defining Paideia 00:07:36 – Western Christian Roots 00:11:56 – Progressive Shift 00:16:55 – American Paideia 00:22:03 – Military and Worldview 00:35:18 – Colonization and Courage 00:42:54 – Hope for the Future You can find "Battle for the American Mind" here on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0abRX2Ge Read more of David’s work here: https://davidgoodwin.substack.com/ You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

    45 min

  2. MAR 30

    From Marine to Media Maverick: Defying Corporate Censorship

    Dr. Chase Spears chats with Kristian Garic, a Marine veteran, ex-sheriff's deputy, and New Orleans radio veteran, about standing firm amid cultural pressures. Kristian recounts his Army brat upbringing, Marine service, law enforcement stint, and radio rise—from sports coverage and Saints Super Bowl sideline reporting to facing pandemic-era censorship in corporate media. He details pushback on COVID warnings, mask hypocrisy, social media demands, and a suspension over a July 4th post criticizing colleagues' social justice focus. Choosing independence in 2022, he reflects on building his own show for uncensored truth. The discussion explores strong parental influences, the assault on fatherhood and masculinity, biblical family roles, absent fathers' societal costs, and Charlie Kirk's legacy of courage—emphasizing his impact on youth, Gen Z conservatism, and rejecting political violence. Amid threats and rhetoric-fueled chaos, they call for ordered liberty, generational resolve, and returning to Judeo-Christian values for a virtuous future. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:04:02 - Corporate Radio Frictions in 2020 00:06:27 - Experiences in Radio Media 00:13:06 - Buildup to Leaving Corporate Radio 00:13:53 - Working in Radio During COVID-19 00:20:03 - July 4th Post and Suspension 00:33:06 - Charlie Kirk's Courage as Choice 00:39:52 - Left Wing Violent Rhetoric 00:46:18 - Christ or Chaos in Society 00:50:14 - Encouragement from Memorial Service Turnout You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

    55 min

  3. MAR 23

    JAG Corps Exodus: Fighting Back Against Bureaucratic Drift

    Dr. Chase Spears sits down with Caleb Byrd, partner at Younts Law and fellow veteran, for a wide-ranging discussion on integrity, faith, and resistance in institutions. They reflect on their friendship origins in Fort Knox, shared military experiences, and Caleb's transition from Army JAG to civilian advocacy. They explore international law myths, self-defense rights against drug smuggling, Monroe Doctrine revival, foreign policy betrayals, and the entrenched Pentagon bureaucracy resisting reform. Emphasizing Romans 13 duties, moral courage over physical bravery, and refusing to tolerate evil, they call for ruthless stewardship, generational resolve, and reclaiming ordered liberty under Christ. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:21 - Guest Welcome and Friendship Origins 00:01:22 - Back Porch Beginnings in Fort Knox 00:02:15 - Military Career Parallels and Connections 00:04:04 - JAG Corps Experience and Fast Track 00:05:21 - Vaccine Accommodations and Early Red Flags 00:07:18 - Promotion Issues and Talent Exodus 00:08:42 - Transition to Younts Law and God Connection 00:11:53 - JAG Advice Failures and DEI Impact 00:14:22 - Stewardship Abandonment in Profession 00:18:28 - Noble JAG History and Truth to Power 00:20:28 - Moral Courage Deficit in Leaders 00:20:59 - International Law Myths and Norms 00:23:35 - Self-Defense Against Drug Smugglers 00:26:39 - Government Purpose and Romans 13 00:28:00 - Foreign Policy Failures and Betrayals 00:30:56 - Monroe Doctrine Revival and Influence 00:34:48 - Surrender Theology Critique 00:37:17 - Christ's Kingdom as Conquest 00:40:29 - Magistrate Duty to Honor God 00:44:57 - Military Bureaucracy Resistance 00:48:24 - Need for Ruthless Reformers 00:53:24 - Inspect What You Expect 00:55:25 - Stop Tolerating Evil You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

    58 min

  4. MAR 16

    From Battlefield to Ballot Box: A Veteran's Fight Against Marxism

    Dr. Chase Spears sits down with Chandler Langevin, a Navy veteran and Palm Bay City Councilman, to explore a journey shaped by real-world experiences. Chandler shares his eye-opening deployment to Afghanistan, where restrictive rules and political priorities cost American lives, sparking his disillusionment with government institutions. From there, he recounts travels studying the devastating impacts of Marxist revolutions in places like Cambodia's Killing Fields, witnessing firsthand the horrors of ideologies that claim millions.  Back home, COVID lockdowns, election concerns, and vaccine mandates pushed him into activism—fighting for medical freedom, parental rights, Second Amendment protections, and ultimately winning a city council seat to flip a poorly run local government. The conversation dives deep into the need for virtuous Christian leadership at the local level, the dangers of bureaucratic capture, the merchant-class influence in modern politics, and why men must reclaim masculinity, involvement, and purpose to restore America.  A powerful call to bold, principled action. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:58 - Navy Enlistment and Afghanistan Path 00:02:44 - 2016 Deployment ROE Disillusionment 00:04:19 - Base Security and Suicide Bombing Impact 00:05:37 - Travel to Study Marxist Revolutions 00:07:20 - Cambodia Killing Fields Horrors 00:10:33 - Marxist Formula in Today's West 00:11:40 - COVID-Era Deployment and Lockdowns 00:13:29 - Vaccine Fight, Discharge, and Activism 00:32:52 - Luciferian Left and Demonic Influences 00:34:06 - Merchant Class Takeover of the Right 00:37:20 - Civil War Destruction of Southern Nobility 00:39:01 - Post-WWII Shift to Profit-Driven GOP 00:48:44 - Reclaiming Masculinity and Call to Action You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

    55 min

  5. MAR 9

    Intercepting 100,000 Lives: The Fight Against Human Trafficking

    Dr. Chase Spears interviews John Molineux, Founder and CEO of Love Justice International, a Christian nonprofit disrupting human trafficking in over 20 countries. John shares how the organization has intercepted over 100,000 individuals—preventing exploitation before it occurs—through transit monitoring at border crossings, bus stations, and transit points. He describes the heartbreaking realities: average victim age around 17 (55-60% minors), lures via false jobs/marriages, and destinations including brothels, labor exploitation, scam centers, and worse. John explains the strategy's cost-effectiveness ($112 per interception over the last year) and why prevention at transit points outperforms post-exploitation rescue or awareness alone. The conversation explores the personal toll of confronting darkness, the need for a broken heart and humility, family involvement in the mission, and the call for Christians to maximize impact against the world's greatest injustices. John emphasizes prayer, spreading awareness, and intentional living to drive slavery's downfall.  You can find out more about John's work at lovejustice.ngo 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:42 - Transit Monitoring Strategy 00:02:42 - Impact of 100,000 Interceptions 00:03:28 - Forms of Trafficking Encountered 00:04:57 - Why Prevention Beats Rescue 00:08:00 - Exercise for Empathy 00:09:37 - Average Victim Profile 00:12:39 - Scale of Global Slavery 00:15:30 - John's Journey to Nepal 00:16:53 - Highest Prevalence Areas 00:18:19 - Law Enforcement Cooperation 00:22:53 - What It Takes to Join 00:27:35 - Family in the Mission 00:32:16 - Maximizing Impact 00:40:15 - Learned Disempowerment 00:43:31 - Legacy and Greatest Impact You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

    48 min

  6. MAR 2

    The Thirty Year Fight Against Anthrax Mandates and Illegal Orders

    Dr. Chase Spears welcomes retired Air Force Colonel Tom Rempfer, whose nearly 30-year battle against the unlawful anthrax vaccine mandate mirrors the recent fight against COVID shot coercion in the military. Tom shares how the program—declared illegal by federal courts in 2004 for using an unapproved, investigational product—led to punishments, discharges, and career setbacks for thousands of service members. He details historical parallels: the vaccine's regulatory failures (no finalized FDA license since 1985), post-Gulf War concerns linking it to undiagnosed illnesses, the 2001 anthrax letter attacks (later tied to a Fort Detrick insider saving the failing program), and the creation of emergency use authorization as a lowered standard to bypass injunctions. The conversation explores gaslighting, inverted accountability (whistleblowers punished, enablers promoted), and the urgent need for record corrections, back pay, and proactive reviews—patterns repeated in the COVID era. Tom urges the current administration to extend equitable remedies to anthrax veterans, emphasizing constitutional duty over blind compliance. A powerful call to learn from history and never give in. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:23 - Tom's Career and Advocacy 00:02:08 - What Keeps the Fight Going 00:03:13 - Gulf War Illness Connections 00:04:59 - Investigational Vaccine Status 00:06:16 - Regulatory Failures Pre-2003 00:07:15 - Emergency Use Authorization History 00:09:31 - Anthrax Letters and Cover-Up 00:11:22 - Parallels to COVID Mandates 00:13:21 - Inversion of Accountability 00:15:19 - Gulf War Exposures Revisited 00:17:16 - Nixon's 1969 Biodefense Memo 00:19:50 - White House Interventions 00:22:44 - Fort Detrick Insider Role 00:25:06 - Command Gaslighting Experiences 00:28:23 - Duty to Disobey Illegal Orders 00:32:14 - Current Remedies and Hope 00:34:15 - Equitable Treatment Needed 00:36:05 - 2018 Trump Directive Undermined 00:38:52 - Call for Anthrax Record Fixes 00:42:29 - Task Force Accountability 00:46:09 - Whistleblower Treatment Patterns 00:48:31 - Senate Report 197 Lessons 00:50:35 - Biodefense Strategy Failures 00:53:15 - Naval Postgraduate Recognition 00:55:04 - COVID Cover-Up Parallels You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

    1 hr

  7. FEB 23

    Saving Babies at the Sidewalk

    Dr. Chase Spears sits down with Brian Westbrook, founder and president of Coalition Life in St. Louis, Missouri. Brian shares the remarkable journey of building a ministry dedicated to professional sidewalk counseling and high-risk pregnancy support, starting from a small group in 2011 and expanding across Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, and beyond.Hear how Coalition Life has helped facilitate over 4,800 turnarounds outside abortion facilities and serves around 1,000 clients annually through their pregnancy center, with many high-risk women choosing life. Brian opens up about his own life-changing turning point — a near-tragic health crisis with his infant son that led him to rededicate his life and eventually leave a successful engineering career to answer a calling to protect the unborn.The conversation covers the realities of sidewalk ministry, facing hostility and legal challenges, the impact of the Dobbs decision, the dangers of chemical abortion pills, the importance of men stepping up, and the ongoing need for prayer, support, and involvement in local pro-life efforts. It's an inspiring call to live and lead boldly in defense of life. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:31 - Welcoming Brian Westbrook 00:01:04 - What Coalition Life Does 00:01:57 - Creating a Pregnancy Center 00:02:37 - Professionalizing Sidewalk Counseling 00:04:47 - Over 4800 Lives Saved 00:07:00 - Brian's Unexpected Path 00:09:34 - A Life-Changing Crisis 00:12:10 - Family and Blessings 00:15:17 - First Steps at the Clinic 00:19:32 - Launching in 2011 00:22:46 - Post-Dobbs Challenges 00:26:32 - Facing Hostility 00:33:13 - Dobbs and Chemical Abortion 00:38:40 - Men Stepping Up 00:44:35 - Sustaining the Mission 00:49:54 - How to Get Involved You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

    52 min

  8. FEB 16

    Where are These Unaccompanied Minors Being Sent to?

    Dr. Chase Spears sits down with Dr. Clarissa Rippee, a former GSA contract specialist turned whistleblower, for a powerful conversation on one of the darkest chapters of recent border policy. Clarissa shares how a routine training session revealed massive government contracts—hundreds of millions of dollars—awarded to transport unaccompanied minors crossing the border illegally to unknown destinations across the U.S. and beyond. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:48 - Discovery in Training 00:02:09 - Contract Details 00:05:40 - Minnesota Fraud Parallel 00:08:15 - Initial Reaction 00:09:20 - Decision to Speak Out 00:15:19 - Reaching James O'Keefe 00:19:38 - Where Children Ended Up 00:24:15 - Scale of the Crisis 00:30:39 - Drafting Evil Plans 00:35:26 - Ongoing Search Efforts 00:39:35 - Media Blackout 00:44:35 - Lack of GSA Retaliation 00:50:10 - Still Employed During Interview 00:57:01 - Closing Prayer You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

    1 hr
See All (54)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

In a time when courage feels increasingly rare, Finding Your Spine challenges the status quo. Hosted by Dr. Chase Spears, this weekly podcast explores how Christians—and even secular conservatives—can stand firm in their values amid the pressures of cancel culture. With insightful commentary and bold conversations, Dr. Spears examines the tradeoff many make between conscience and comfort, reminding listeners that true freedom requires the spine to defend it. Tune in each week for thought-provoking discussions that inspire moral courage in an age of compromise.

Information

  • Creator
    Herzog Foundation
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Herzog Foundation
  • Show Website
    Finding Your Spine