The Republican Legacy Podcast

Our Republican Legacy
  • 5.0 (1)
  • News Commentary

The official podcast of Our Republican Legacy. ORL is a movement of Republicans concerned about the future of the Republican Party. Our mission is to return the party to its core principles of Unity, the Constitution, Fiscal Responsibility, Free Enterprise, and Peace through Strength. The Republican Legacy Podcast is hosted by former Washington State Republican Party Chairman Chris Vance, ORL Texas State Chair and syndicated columnist Merrill Matthews, ORL Missouri State Chair and syndicated columnist Lynn Schmidt, and ORL Connecticut State Chair Tommy Whiteley. The show features a weekly discussion of the week's events and interviews with elected officials, thought leaders, and everyday Republicans who want to see the party return to its core values.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    Ep. 6 - Peace Through Strength with Dr. Nicholas Rostow & Greg Wilson

    In this episode, hosts Chris Vance, Lynn Schmidt, and Dr. Merrill Matthews are joined by two distinguished guests: Dr. Nicholas Rostow, Distinguished Research Professor at the National Defense University, former Special Assistant for National Security Affairs to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, and ORL’s Vermont State Chair; and Greg Wilson, former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Treasury Department under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush and Senior Advisor to ORL. Together, they discuss the principles of peace through strength, America’s role in the world, the importance of NATO and our international alliances, and how military readiness and American credibility influence global security. They also reflect on the foreign policy legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham and examine the challenges facing U.S. leadership in an increasingly uncertain world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Peace Through Strength and the Podcast 01:26 Meet the Panel: Experts on National Security and Foreign Policy 04:02 The Origins of the Republican Party and Its Principles 05:47 The Link Between Foreign Policy and Economic Stability 07:11 U.S. Support for Ukraine and Global Security 08:00 Ukraine as a Test of the International Order 09:34 The Threat of Nuclear Proliferation and Russia’s Ambitions 11:54 U.S.-Ukraine Nuclear Agreements and Security Commitments 12:50 The Role of U.S. Foreign Policy in the Bigger Global Picture 13:21 The Impact of Trump’s Foreign Policy on International Alliances 14:16 Freedom of Navigation and the Law of the Sea 17:54 U.S. Defense Spending and Military Readiness 20:44 The Constitution and Presidential War Powers 22:02 Congressional Authority and War Declarations 24:50 The Importance of NATO and U.S. Commitment 29:23 The Legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham 37:50 Graham’s Bipartisan Efforts and Foreign Policy Legacy 43:41 The Post-Trump Republican Party and Future Challenges 44:42 Do Americans Care About Foreign Policy? 45:56 The Biggest Foreign Policy Challenges for the U.S. 47:40 Restoring U.S. Credibility and Alliances 48:18 The Role and Goals of U.S. Foreign Policy 49:05 The Threat of War and Global Instability 50:16 Peace Through Strength in Modern America 51:47 Deterrence and U.S. Global Leadership Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyDr. Nicholas Rostow's Book: Proportional to the MischiefMerrill Matthews’ Latest ArticlesLynn Schmidt's Latest Articles

  2. Jul 11

    Ep. 5 - Rep. Mickey Edwards

    In this episode, one of Our Republican Legacy’s founding members, former Oklahoma Congressman Mickey Edwards, joins Senior Advisor Chris Vance and Texas State Chair Merrill Matthews to reflect on conservatism, why he became an independent, the future role of political parties, and the need for the Republican Party to return to core principles. In our week-in-review segment, our panel, including new faces Virginia State Chair Linda de Seife and Florida State Chair Jake Walsh, discusses current political developments, foreign policy, Supreme Court decisions, the state of play in swing states, and the future of the Republican Party. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Republican Legacy Podcast 01:00 Panel Discussion: State Chairs Introductions 02:57 Foreign Policy Under Trump: A Roller Coaster Ride 09:06 Generational Perspectives on Foreign Policy 11:01 Supreme Court's Stance on Birthright Citizenship 14:13 The Intellectual Legacy of the Republican Party 18:59 Political Landscape in Key States: Virginia, Florida, Texas 26:24 Partisan Solidarity and Its Consequences 29:18 The Changing Landscape of Political Parties 31:51 Teaching Principles to the Next Generation 34:38 Bipartisanship and the Role of Parties 36:59 The Future of the Republican Party Post-Trump Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyMickey Edwards' BooksMerrill Matthews’ Latest Articles

  3. Jun 27

    Ep. 4 - Gov. Marc Racicot

    In this episode, Our Republican Legacy’s Co-Chair, former Montana Governor and former RNC Chair Marc Racicot, joins Senior Advisor Chris Vance and Missouri State Chair Lynn Schmidt to discuss why he joined Our Republican Legacy (ORL), expressing concerns about the current political culture and the importance of adhering to constitutional values. He reflects on his extensive political career, emphasizing the need for humility and collaboration in governance. Racicot highlights the unique challenges faced by rural communities, the shifting political landscape, and the implications of military actions on domestic and international law. He concludes with a hopeful outlook for future elections and the potential for restoring sanity in politics. In our week-in-review segment, our panel discusses the rise of Democratic Socialism within the Democratic Party and its implications for the Republican Party. They explore regional perspectives on Democratic Socialism, the appeal of new leadership, and reflect on patriotism and the qualities needed in political leaders. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Republican Legacy Podcast 01:01 The Rise of Democratic Socialism 04:17 Regional Perspectives on the Democratic Party 06:12 The Appeal of New Leadership 11:24 Preview of Interview with Governor Marc Racicot 13:44 Reflections on Patriotism and Leadership 18:55 Looking Ahead: The Future of the Republican Party 20:53 Introduction of Gov. Marc Racicot 23:47 Concerns about Political Culture 26:30 Lessons from a Political Career 29:10 Challenges in Rural America 31:50 Voter Sentiment and Political Change 34:46 Military Use and Constitutional Concerns 37:32 Looking Ahead: Hope for the Future Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyLynn Schmidt’s Latest ArticlesMerrill Matthews’ Latest Articles

  4. Jun 20

    Ep. 3 - Rep. Charlie Dent

    In this episode, Our Republican Legacy’s Co-Chair, former Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA), joins Senior Advisor Chris Vance and Missouri State Chair Lynn Schmidt to discuss why he joined Our Republican Legacy (ORL), emphasizing the need to refocus the Republican Party on its core principles. He expresses concerns about the current state of the party, particularly the shift towards loyalty to individual leaders rather than adherence to foundational values. Dent highlights the challenges of bipartisan cooperation in Congress and the importance of building a grassroots movement to support principled center-right Republicans. He also shares insights from his work at the Aspen Institute, where he fosters relationships among members of Congress to promote effective governance amidst increasing polarization. In our week-in-review segment, our panel discusses economic concerns, the implications of the Iran deal, and the importance of bipartisanship. They reflect on the role of moderate Republicans, the impact of Trump's presidency on foreign policy, and the challenges facing the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. The conversation also touches on generational perspectives on free enterprise and conservation issues and concludes by focusing on core Republican principles. Chapters 00:54 Economic Concerns and Federal Reserve Decisions 01:48 Iran: A Disastrous Memorandum of Understanding 03:07 Interview Insights with Congressman Charlie Dent 04:16 The Role of Moderate Republicans 05:59 Bipartisanship in American Politics 07:20 The Impact of Iran on U.S. Foreign Policy 10:55 Republican National Security Policy in Question 13:02 Generational Perspectives on Foreign Policy 15:35 The Importance of Deterrence in Foreign Policy 17:11 Trump's Birthday Spectacle and Political Branding 21:22 Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industry Challenges 23:59 Free Enterprise and Young Voter Perspectives 26:23 Positive Developments in Global Affairs 28:02 Conservation and Public Land Issues 29:35 Closing Thoughts on Republican Principles 30:40 Why Dent Joined Our Republican Legacy 32:51 Concerns Within the Republican Party 35:12 The Future of Center-Right Politics 39:17 Challenges in Congressional Deal-Making 46:11 Understanding Congress and Its Members 53:35 The Role of the Aspen Institute Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyLynn Schmidt’s Latest ArticlesMerrill Matthews’ Latest ArticlesAspen Institute

  5. Jun 13

    Ep. 2 – Sen. John Danforth

    In this episode, Our Republican Legacy’s founder Senator John Danforth joins Senior Advisor Chris Vance, and Missouri State Chair Lynn Schmidt to discuss the origins of Our Republican Legacy, its core principles, and the importance of restoring responsible conservatism in America. He discusses the party's history, current challenges, and the need for civility and faith in politics. In our week-in-review segment, the panel is joined by Steven Willing, Our Republican Legacy’s California State Chair, to discuss the top stories of the week with a special focus on the results of the Primary Elections in California. They discuss the current state of the Republican Party, focusing on the recent California primary results, the ongoing claims of voter fraud, and the implications for the party's future. The conversation highlights the fragmentation within the party, the challenges posed by extremist candidates, and the need for a return to traditional Republican values. The panel emphasizes the importance of leadership and integrity, and the need for fresh ideas to move the party forward. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Republican Legacy Podcast 02:06 The Need for a Responsible Conservative Party 09:44 Core Principles of Our Republican Legacy 15:37 Fiscal Responsibility and National Debt 17:37 The Importance of Free Enterprise 19:45 Peace Through Strength: A Republican Principle 24:47 Advice for Young Republicans 26:45 Faith, Civility, and Politics 29:50 Week-in-Review Introduction 30:22 Introduction of California State Chair Steve Willing 31:10 California Primary Insights 32:38 Voter Fraud Claims and Their Impact 40:58 Bill Pulte DNI Fiasco 43:14 Primary Elections Check-in 44:15 Moderation vs. Extremism in Candidates 47:23 Sen. Danforth Conversation Review 49:43 Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyLynn Schmidt’s Latest ArticlesMerrill Matthews’ Latest Articles

  6. Jun 7

    Introducing The Republican Legacy Podcast

    In the inaugural episode of The Republican Legacy podcast, the official podcast of Our Republican Legacy (OurRepublicanLegacy.com), hosts Chris Vance, Lynn Schmidt, Merrill Matthews, and Tommy Whiteley introduce the organization and its mission to restore the Republican Party to its core values. The conversation explores their personal journeys to the organization, the impact of Donald Trump on the party, and the importance of accountability and messaging. The group discusses the need to return to core principles, the role of opinion writing in shaping public discourse, and the challenges facing the Republican Party, particularly in engaging younger voters and addressing contemporary issues such as AI regulation. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the shifting political landscape, with a particular focus on young voters' engagement and the authenticity they seek in political figures. They explore the economic concerns that dominate the minds of younger generations, such as housing and affordability, while contrasting these with the identity politics that seem to resonate less with them. The discussion also touches on the future of the Republican Party, the importance of returning to traditional values, and the potential for a new generation of leaders to emerge. Ultimately, the hosts express both optimism and concern for the future of American politics, emphasizing the need for genuine engagement and fiscal responsibility.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Republican Legacy Podcast 03:07 The Call for Traditional Republican Values 06:03 Personal Journeys to Our Republican Legacy 08:48 Moments of Realization and Commitment 12:04 The Role of Messaging and Mobilization 14:47 Addressing Corruption and Accountability 17:51 The Importance of Opinion Writing 20:47 The Future of the Republican Party and Young Leaders 27:23 The Authenticity Factor in Politics 30:18 Economic Concerns of Young Voters 33:24 Identity Politics vs. Economic Issues 35:06 Engaging Young Voters with Traditional Republicanism 39:03 The Future of the Republican Party 45:46 Optimism and Concerns for America's Future   Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyLynn Schmidt’s Latest ArticlesMerrill Matthews’ Latest Articles

  • 6 Episodes

About

The official podcast of Our Republican Legacy. ORL is a movement of Republicans concerned about the future of the Republican Party. Our mission is to return the party to its core principles of Unity, the Constitution, Fiscal Responsibility, Free Enterprise, and Peace through Strength. The Republican Legacy Podcast is hosted by former Washington State Republican Party Chairman Chris Vance, ORL Texas State Chair and syndicated columnist Merrill Matthews, ORL Missouri State Chair and syndicated columnist Lynn Schmidt, and ORL Connecticut State Chair Tommy Whiteley. The show features a weekly discussion of the week's events and interviews with elected officials, thought leaders, and everyday Republicans who want to see the party return to its core values.

Information

  • Creator
    Our Republican Legacy
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Our Republican Legacy

You Might Also Like