Finding Freedom

John Odermatt

We are born free and we will die free..... the time in between, can be complicated. Freedom is constantly under attack, either by governments and institutions, or our own egos. Sometimes when we build our own prison walls around us, escaping can be incredibly difficult. On Finding Freedom we deliver interviews with real people, sharing real stories of overcoming the odds, persevering injustice and unlocking their potential. This show has been created to inspire you. Life is hard. And Finding your Freedom isn't easy.

  1. Why is Everyone Suddenly Sick All the Time

    4D AGO

    Why is Everyone Suddenly Sick All the Time

    In this episode of Finding Freedom, John explores why it feels like everyone is constantly sick—and the data proves it's not just your imagination. With flu-like illnesses reaching their highest levels in the U.S. in 25 years, John breaks down the real reasons behind our declining immune health. From chronic stress and sleep deprivation to nutrient-depleted food and gut health issues, he examines how modern life is quietly overwhelming our immune systems. John shares practical, actionable strategies to take control of your health, including the importance of movement, real food, supplements, and stress reduction. This episode is a wake-up call to stop being a victim of circumstance and start being proactive about your wellbeing. Video Chapters 0:00 Introduction: Why Is Everyone Sick? 1:07 Welcome & Fox and Sons Coffee Sponsor 3:05 Personal Update: Family Loss & Life Lessons 6:16 The Sickness Epidemic: CDC Data & Trends 9:02 Rising Negative Emotions: Anger, Stress & Pain 11:25 Your Immune System Isn't Isolated 11:57 You Don't "Catch" Sickness—You Drift Into It 13:54 Chronic Stress, Poor Sleep & Immune Suppression 14:44 Nutrient-Depleted Food: Why Your Apple Isn't What It Used to Be 16:05 Gut Health: 70% of Your Immune System Lives Here 18:07 Chronic Inflammation: The Silent Killer 20:52 Why the Medical System Can't Fix This 23:02 Understanding Your Own Body 24:13 How to Fix It: Sleep, Movement & Real Food 25:03 The Power of Pushups: A Simple Daily Practice 26:37 Supplements: Filling the Gaps 29:17 Stress Reduction & the Role of Faith 30:49 Be Proactive, Not Reactive: Take Accountability 32:47 Final Thoughts: Laugh, Have Fun & Stay Healthy Resources Mentioned Fox and Sons Coffee Use code JOHN for 15% off orders $40+ at foxnsons.com John's Newsletter Weekly insights on health, investing & real estate: https://john-odermatt-finding-freedom.kit.com/105b53c794 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min
  2. Institutional Capture in the U.S. Military with Dr. Chase Spears

    JAN 26

    Institutional Capture in the U.S. Military with Dr. Chase Spears

    The military is supposed to be apolitical, but what happens when ideology quietly replaces constitutional accountability? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Chase Spears, a 20-year U.S. Army combat veteran who walked away from a major promotion to speak out about what's really happening inside our armed forces. We dive deep into how DEI policies have infiltrated the military, eroding trust, readiness, and the ability of service members to speak truth. Chase shares his firsthand experience watching the institution transform from 2003 to 2023, the consequences he faced for standing on his convictions, and why he ultimately chose conscience over career. This isn't just about the military—it's about institutional capture across America and what it takes to fight back. If you care about national defense, freedom, and moral courage, this conversation is a must-listen. Chase's message to current service members is clear: stop talking, start doing. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction & Sponsor2:38 - Meet Dr. Chase Spears: From Journalism to 20 Years in the Army7:42 - The Leftward Drift: How Institutions Lose Their Way16:50 - 2010: The Turning Point for Military Culture27:48 - The Promotion He Turned Down36:01 - Can the Military Be Fixed? Personnel Is Policy42:31 - Advice to Service Members: Find Your Spine45:33 - Where to Find Dr. Chase Spears47:00 - Closing Thoughts LINKS: 🔗 Dr. Chase Spears:Website: chasespears.comSubstack: Dr. Chase Spears on SubstackPodcast: Finding Your Spine (available on all platforms)Social Media: @DrChaseSpears ☕ Fox and Sons Coffee (Use code JOHN for 15% off orders $40+):foxnsons.com 🦁 Support Lions of Liberty:Patreon: patreon.com/lionsoflibertyLocals: lionsofliberty.locals.com 📺 Finding Freedom Podcast:Subscribe for weekly interviews every Monday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
  3. Rebuilding America’s Broken Political System with Travis Misurell

    JAN 19

    Rebuilding America’s Broken Political System with Travis Misurell

    In this episode, I sit down with Travis Misurell, founder of Fink (Future Is Coalition), to discuss his ambitious plan to rebuild America's broken political system from the ground up. Travis explains how the real problem isn't left versus right ideology, but rather "up versus down" – politicians serving big donors versus those serving everyday voters. We dive into his vision for new civic infrastructure that gives citizens transparent access to politician report cards, campaign funding sources, voting records, and broken promises all in one digital hub. The goal is to level the playing field so grassroots candidates don't need millions of dollars to compete with establishment politicians who are bought and paid for by special interests. Travis shares how this citizen-owned platform will connect voters directly with candidates, journalists, and movements without party gatekeepers controlling the narrative. We discuss the challenges of preventing bias, the timeline for launch (aiming for some features by the 2026 midterms), and how everyday Americans can get involved as "citizen architects" to help build this new system. This is about creating real accountability and giving power back to the people – not just switching which party is in charge. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction: America's Broken Political System1:56 - Sponsor: Fox & Sons Coffee2:26 - Meet Travis Misurell & Fink's Mission3:00 - Travis's Background & 2016 Political Awakening5:53 - The Vision: New Civic Infrastructure for the Digital Age8:33 - How It Works: Politician Report Cards & Transparency11:00 - Making Public Data User-Friendly12:36 - The "Up vs Down" Framework (Not Left vs Right)19:00 - The Real Problem: Money in Politics23:00 - Protecting the Platform from Bias & Special Interests28:51 - How Citizens Can Get Involved Right Now33:17 - Preventing Buyouts & Maintaining Grassroots Funding36:37 - Helping New Candidates Challenge Incumbents42:00 - Timeline: When Will This Be Ready?47:40 - Final Thoughts & Where to Sign Up Links: 🔗 Fink Digital Politics Hub: https://hub.futureis.org🔗 Fink Website: https://futureis.org🔗 Follow Fink on Social Media: @FutureIsOrg (Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook) ☕ Support the Show & Get Great Coffee:Fox & Sons Coffee: https://foxnsons.com (Use code “JOHN” for 15% off orders $40+) 🦁 Support Lions of Liberty:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/LionsoflibertyLocals: https://lionsofliberty.locals.com/Join the PoliPricks supporter group! Check out our merchandise at the Lions of Liberty Store for all of our awesome t-shirts, mugs and hats: https://www.lionsofliberty.store/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min
  4. JAN 12

    How DEI Captured School Counseling with Alvin Lui

    In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Alvin Lui, president of Courage is a Habit, to expose how the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) has systematically embedded DEI and gender ideology into K-12 counseling nationwide. We break down their investigative report that reveals how school counselors have transformed from reactive guidance counselors into proactive "social change agents" who work one-on-one with children—often keeping secrets from parents. Alvin explains the dangerous tactics of "language contamination," where terms like "anti-bullying," "mental health," and "safe spaces" are weaponized to push transgender ideology and critical race theory while silencing dissenting students and parents. This isn't just happening in blue states—it's a systemic problem in all 50 states, funded by mental health grants that parents unknowingly support through their tax dollars. Whether your kids are in public school or you know someone whose children are, this conversation is essential viewing. We discuss warning signs, the indoctrination pipeline, and most importantly, what parents can do right now to protect their children. This is about our kids' futures, and it's time to fight back. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction: DEI's capture of school counseling 01:30 - Meet Alvin Lui and Courage is a Habit 04:40 - From California to Indiana: education corruption everywhere 07:50 - How school counselors became "social change agents" 11:50 - The 80% mandate and one-on-one access to children 15:00 - Language contamination: using your vocabulary, not your dictionary 18:30 - Anti-bullying policies weaponized for trans ideology 23:00 - ASCA's radical position statements exposed 28:30 - Professional development: Southern Poverty Law Center training 31:00 - Behind Closed Doors: infiltrating ASCA events 34:00 - The mental health Trojan horse 38:30 - Keeping transgender secrets from parents 43:00 - The cycle: SEL → activism → violence → more "mental health" 46:30 - Warning signs and what parents can do NOW 48:00 - The opt-out form every parent needs to file RESOURCES: 🔗 Read the full ASCA 2025 Report: https://courageisahabit.org 🔗 Behind Closed Doors Campaign & Tools: https://courageisahabit.org (click "School Counselors") 🔗 Download the Opt-Out Form & Stranger Danger Strategies: https://courageisahabit.org 🔗 Restorative Justice tool and exposure: https://x.com/CourageHabit/status/1816892056201232639?s=20 🔗 Follow Courage is a Habit: @CourageHabit (X, Instagram, Facebook) SUPPORT THE SHOW: ☕ Fox and Sons Coffee - Use code JOHN for 15% off orders $40+: https://foxnsons.com Sign up for my Newsletter! https://john-odermatt-finding-freedom.kit.com/105b53c794 Follow the Lions of Liberty: Twitter - https://x.com/LionsofLiberty Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/LionsofLiberty YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/lionsofliberty Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lionsofliberty/ Telegram - https://t.me/lionsofliberty Get access to all of our bonus audio content, livestreams, behind-the-scenes segments and more for as little as $5 per month by joining the Lions of Liberty Pride on Patreon OR support us on Locals! Check out our merchandise at the Lions of Liberty Store for all of our awesome t-shirts, mugs and hats! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
  5. Power, Justice and the Decline of Trust with Brian O'Leary

    JAN 5

    Power, Justice and the Decline of Trust with Brian O'Leary

    In this episode of Finding Freedom, John Odermatt welcomes Brian O’Leary, the voice and pen behind The O’Leary Review, for a deep dive into the intersection of power, justice, and trust in today’s institutions. The conversation explores Brian’s journey from aspiring sports journalist to independent commentator, highlighting the evolution of his writing and podcasting. Together, they examine the decline of trust in media and the persistent influence of legacy narratives, using the Jerry Sandusky case as a focal point. Brian shares insights on the challenges of independent media, the importance of questioning accepted stories, and the cultural shifts impacting sports and politics. The discussion also touches on the role of community, the value of honest discourse, and the ongoing struggle to find truth in a polarized landscape. Listeners will gain a nuanced perspective on how media narratives are shaped and why skepticism is more important than ever. Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode that encourages critical thinking and celebrates the power of independent voices. Video Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Setting the Stage01:05 – Meet Brian O’Leary & His Background06:00 – From Sports Journalism to Independent Commentary15:00 – Populism, Conservatism, and Political Identity25:00 – The Jerry Sandusky Case & Media Narratives38:00 – Institutional Trust, Corruption, and the Power Vacuum50:00 – Tom Woods’ School of Life & Building Community59:00 – Closing Thoughts, Links, and Final Reflections Links & Resources Sandusky Case Interview Archive: https://www.lionsofliberty.com/sandusky-scandal The O’Leary Review (Substack): https://olearyreview.com Brian O’Leary on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/BrianDOLeary Lions of Liberty Network: https://lionsofliberty.com Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lionsofliberty Fox & Sons Coffee: https://foxnsons.com (use code JOHN for 15% off $40+) Follow the Lions of Liberty: Twitter - https://x.com/LionsofLiberty Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/LionsofLiberty YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/lionsofliberty Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lionsofliberty/ Telegram - https://t.me/lionsofliberty Get access to all of our bonus audio content, livestreams, behind-the-scenes segments and more for as little as $5 per month by joining the Lions of Liberty Pride on Patreon OR support us on Locals! Check out our merchandise at the Lions of Liberty Store for all of our awesome t-shirts, mugs and hats! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 9m
  6. Ideology vs. Evidence: Feminism, Evolution, and Academia with Marc Defant

    12/29/2025

    Ideology vs. Evidence: Feminism, Evolution, and Academia with Marc Defant

    In this episode of Finding Freedom, host John Odermatt interviews Dr. Marc Defant about the influence of ideology versus evidence in feminist studies. Dr. Defant, a geologist and evolutionary psychology researcher, discusses his peer-reviewed paper critiquing the empirical rigor of feminist academia. The conversation explores the origins of feminist studies, the role of critical theory, and the impact of ideology on academic integrity. They examine topics like patriarchy, the gender pay gap, fat studies, and theories on rape through the lens of evolutionary psychology. Dr. Defant shares insights on how biological and cultural factors shape gender roles and societal trends. The episode also addresses the reception of his work in academia and the broader implications for students and faculty. Listeners are encouraged to think critically and seek out Dr. Defant’s work for further reading. Video Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview00:53 – Holiday Greetings & Sponsor Message02:13 – Guest Introduction: Dr. Marc Defant03:32 – Academic Background & Evolutionary Psychology07:12 – Ideology vs. Evidence in Feminist Studies13:27 – Critical Theory & University Culture17:11 – Reception of the Paper in Academia25:06 – Evolutionary Psychology and Patriarchy34:06 – Gender Pay Gap: Myths vs. Data44:00 – Fat Studies and Biological Realities47:30 – Objectification, Beauty, and Health49:30 – Feminist Theories on Rape51:00 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find Dr. Defant51:45 – Outro & Listener Call to Action Links Dr. Marc Defant’s Website & Papers: https://www.marcdefant.com Lions of Liberty Podcast Network: https://www.lionsofliberty.com Fox and Sons Coffee (Sponsor): https://www.foxnsons.com (Use code JOHN for 15% off orders $40+) Subscribe for more episodes: YouTube Channel Follow John Odermatt on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnOdermatt Follow the Lions of Liberty: Twitter - https://x.com/LionsofLiberty Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/LionsofLiberty YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/lionsofliberty Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lionsofliberty/ Telegram - https://t.me/lionsofliberty Get access to all of our bonus audio content, livestreams, behind-the-scenes segments and more for as little as $5 per month by joining the Lions of Liberty Pride on Patreon OR support us on Locals! Check out our merchandise at the Lions of Liberty Store for all of our awesome t-shirts, mugs and hats! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min
  7. 12/08/2025

    Dave Portnoy’s Outburst Wasn’t the Problem — It Was the Symptom

    In this episode of Finding Freedom, John Odermatt dives into the explosive growth of sports betting and the emotional fallout it brings—using Dave Portnoy’s viral outburst as a lens into a much bigger issue. John explores how gambling culture is shaping adult behavior, impacting families, and influencing the next generation. He shares personal reflections, industry stats, and a call for self-regulation over government intervention. Whether you’re a sports fan, a parent, or just curious about the intersection of culture and betting, this episode offers a thought-provoking perspective. Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview00:53 – Why Talk About Sports Betting?01:41 – Sponsor: Fox and Sons Coffee02:42 – Community & Bonus Content03:07 – Setting the Stage: Dave Portnoy’s Outburst04:34 – The Game Breakdown & The Bad Beat05:01 – Portnoy’s Reaction Clip09:14 – The Bigger Problem: Gambling’s Impact13:15 – Personal Reflections on Betting15:00 – The Growth of Sports Gambling18:00 – Legalization & Industry Stats21:00 – The Influence on Kids & Families25:00 – Media, ESPN, and Betting Culture30:00 – Emotional Fallout & Infantilization35:00 – Takeaways & Final Thoughts44:00 – Outro & How to Support the Show Links & Resources Fox and Sons Coffee: https://foxnsons.com (Use code JOHN for 15% off $40+) Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lionsofliberty Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LionsOfLiberty Connect with John: john@lionsofliberty.com Instagram & X: @JohnOdermatt Lions of Liberty Network: https://www.lionsofliberty.com Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lionsofliberty Support on Locals: https://lionsofliberty.locals.com If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review! Follow the Lions of Liberty: Twitter - https://x.com/LionsofLiberty Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/LionsofLiberty YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/lionsofliberty Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lionsofliberty/ Telegram - https://t.me/lionsofliberty Get access to all of our bonus audio content, livestreams, behind-the-scenes segments and more for as little as $5 per month by joining the Lions of Liberty Pride on Patreon OR support us on Locals! Check out our merchandise at the Lions of Liberty Store for all of our awesome t-shirts, mugs and hats! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min
5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

We are born free and we will die free..... the time in between, can be complicated. Freedom is constantly under attack, either by governments and institutions, or our own egos. Sometimes when we build our own prison walls around us, escaping can be incredibly difficult. On Finding Freedom we deliver interviews with real people, sharing real stories of overcoming the odds, persevering injustice and unlocking their potential. This show has been created to inspire you. Life is hard. And Finding your Freedom isn't easy.