Finding Your Spine

Herzog Foundation
  • 2.7 (7)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 2D AGO

    Defending Religious Liberty for Those in Uniform

    Dr. Chase Spears sits down with Mike Berry, senior counsel and executive director of external affairs at First Liberty Institute, for a powerful conversation on living out faith boldly—especially in the military. A fellow Marine Corps veteran, Mike shares how a book on America's founding fathers ignited his passion for religious liberty, leading him to sue his own law school as a student and later represent high-profile cases like Coach Joe Kennedy's Supreme Court victory and Navy SEALs during the COVID mandate battles. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:03:17 - Path to Religious Liberty 00:05:49 - Suing Law School 00:12:25 - Law School Lawsuit Resolution 00:18:20 - Coach Kennedy Case 00:20:07 - Army Chaplain Case 00:23:57 - Commanders' Fear of Offense 00:33:16 - Military Recruiting Crisis 00:39:34 - Personal COVID Impact 00:42:39 - JAG Training Shortfalls 00:49:08 - Restoring Military Culture 00:55:34 - Advice to Law Students 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

    1h 1m

  2. FEB 2

    Courage in the Ranks

    Dr. Chase Spears welcomes Army veteran Sam Shoemate—creator of Terminal CWO, whistleblower who exposed military misconduct, and Chief of Staff for Pete Chambers' Texas Governor campaign. Sam shares how his page started as humor but became a platform for truth during Covid, the 8-month reprisal investigation, refusing unlawful orders, the culture of shadow policy, and why fathers must model courage for their kids. A raw look at accountability in the ranks and refusing to back down. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:47 - Terminal CWO Origins 00:05:05 - Breaking Military News 00:07:11 - Building Trusted Sources 00:09:27 - Shadow Policy Explained 00:12:09 - Protecting the Institution 00:17:03 - General Officer Hypocrisy 00:20:41 - Why Reform Stalls 00:24:14 - COVID Reinstatement Failures 00:30:17 - Apathy as National Threat 00:34:40 - Defending the Constitution 00:36:46 - Starting Terminal CWO 00:42:49 - Exposing COVID Violations 00:46:18 - Doxed and Investigated 00:58:51 - Service Member Abuse Stories 01:03:13 - 2025 Manifesto Incident 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

    1h 13m

  3. JAN 26

    Standing in Honor Against Tyranny

    Dr. Chase Spears welcomes Air Force Reserve Major Kim Bitter, a 20-year veteran flight nurse, mother, and midwife, to share her ongoing battle with the military over vaccine policies. Kim details her distinguished service, including a 2016 deployment to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar as officer in charge of an aeromedical evacuation crew, where her team evacuated critically injured personnel from battlefields to advanced care facilities. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:29 - Board of Inquiry Explained 00:03:16 - Ongoing Discharge Push 00:04:50 - Contradictory Honorable Finding 00:06:41 - Cognitive Dissonance in Commanders 00:12:47 - Entry into Military Service 00:15:04 - Becoming a Flight Nurse 00:19:29 - Deployment Experiences 00:27:36 - COVID Mandate Onset 00:30:39 - Unlawful Order Recognition 00:37:58 - Rights in Uniform 00:45:01 - No Pay/No Points Status 00:50:06 - Flu Shot Refusal 00:54:12 - Board Findings on Other Allegations The views expressed by the guest are her own, and do not reflect the position of the Herzog Foundation, the U.S. Air Force or the Department of War. 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

    1h 4m

  4. JAN 19

    Fired Professor Exposes DEI Fraud in Florida

    Dr. Chase Spears welcomes Dr. Rick Addante—former NASA scientist, astronaut finalist, tenured professor, and whistleblower fired from Florida Tech after exposing the university president’s plan to secretly continue DEI programs despite state bans. Rick shares his journey from rough Chicago roots to groundbreaking neuroscience, starting a classical Christian farm school, refusing the Covid vaccine, and now fighting back in court. A raw conversation on moral courage, the cost of truth, and why fathers must model integrity for the next generation. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:47 - Rough Childhood & Moral Compass 00:04:18 - Wrestling & Tenacity 00:07:05 - Classical Christian Farm School 00:09:58 - Parental Involvement Model 00:12:36 - Outdoor Farm Curriculum 00:15:47 - Florida Tech DEI Fraud Exposure 00:20:10 - Whistleblower Reprisal & Lawsuit 00:24:54 - Vaccine Refusal Stand 00:28:29 - Courage for Children 00:33:18 - Scripture & Early Martyrs 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

    1h 27m

  5. JAN 12

    What's a Classical Farm School?

    Dr. Chase Spears welcomes Air Force reserve officer Jace Yarbrough—combat vet, founder of Saint Francis Academy (a classical Christian farm school), and plaintiff suing the Air Force for free speech rights after a reprimand for his retirement speech. Jace shares the vision behind his school’s unique model (parent-led, outdoor-focused, accessible to all incomes), why tactile farm life forms virtue in kids, his refusal of the Covid vaccine, the reprisals that followed, and how Scripture and stories like Wilberforce inspire bold leadership today. A powerful conversation on education, courage, and raising the next generation. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:46 - Welcoming Jace Yarbrough 00:01:47 - Air Force Service & Law 00:03:07 - Saint Francis Academy Origin 00:07:44 - Classical Christian Farm Model 00:11:01 - Parental Involvement & Accessibility 00:14:11 - Outdoor & Farm Curriculum 00:18:18 - Forming Virtue Through Nature 00:21:39 - Air Force Reprisal Story 00:25:02 - Free Speech Lawsuit 00:29:06 - Vaccine Refusal & Stand 00:35:58 - Theology of Vocation 00:43:18 - Scripture & Wilberforce Inspiration 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

    1h 21m

  6. JAN 5

    Forging the Next Generation of Young Conservatives

    Dr. Chase Spears sits down with Adam Josefczyk, president of Forge Leadership Network, to explore how they're identifying, training, and launching hundreds of young Christian conservatives into public service.From summer intensives in state capitals to year-long academies with national mentors, Adam shares the vision behind Forge's decade-long mission: building a talent pipeline for principled leaders in politics, policy, and culture. They discuss why Gen Z is bolder than ever, the power of mentorship, and how to prepare the next generation to lead with conviction in a challenging landscape. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:00 - Forge Leadership Origin 00:03:34 - Forge Summit Experience 00:04:49 - Forge Academy Selection 00:07:37 - Mentorship & National Exposure 00:09:13 - Gen Z Boldness Rising 00:11:51 - Building Conservative Talent Pipelines 00:13:33 - Theology of Vocation in Politics 00:17:55 - Wilberforce Inspiration 00:20:22 - God’s Calling into Public Arena 00:23:43 - Skills + Army of Friends 00:28:22 - Where Forge Grads Serve Today 00:36:58 - Final Charge & 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

    53 min

  7. 12/29/2025

    A Year of Courage

    In this special year-end episode, Dr. Chase Spears is joined by his wife Lori for an intimate conversation reflecting on 2025—a year of unexpected changes, trials, triumphs, and growth.From the launch of Finding Your Spine to navigating personal challenges, they share how stories of courage from guests inspired them, why meekness isn’t weakness, the power of childlike wonder at Christmas, and what anchors a marriage through it all. A heartfelt look back with gratitude, laughter, and hope for the year ahead. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:53 - Podcast Journey Begins 00:02:01 - 2025: A Year of Massive Change 00:04:46 - Courage Is Contagious 00:08:06 - Favorite Guest Moments 00:11:01 - Standing Firm Together 00:14:11 - C.S. Lewis & Childlike Wonder 00:18:18 - Books That Shaped Us 00:22:11 - Elizabeth Elliot & Doing the Next Thing 00:27:31 - Extend Christmas 12 Days 00:30:05 - Meekness, Strength & Servant Leadership 00:36:19 - 2026 Dreams & Goals 00:49:27 - Final Thanks & New Year Blessing 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

    56 min

  8. 12/22/2025

    SEAL Veteran Takes on Woke Law Firms

    Dr. Chase Spears welcomes retired Navy SEAL Bill Brown—combat veteran, founder of the NYC SEAL Swim, and fearless advocate for veterans’ rights. From war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan to battling “woke” cancel culture inside a major law firm, Bill shares how speaking up against BLM promotion, critical race theory, and reprisals cost him his career—but freed him to fight harder. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:47 - From Cuba to SEAL Teams 00:03:07 - NYC SEAL Swim Origin 00:09:18 - Equine Therapy at Sky River Ranch 00:11:01 - Cancel Culture in the Workplace 00:13:33 - Law School & Woke Professors 00:18:55 - Fired for Free Speech 00:21:39 - Reprisal & Lawfare 00:26:48 - Fighting for Veterans’ Rights 00:31:19 - Ideological Fight at Home 00:36:58 - Moral High Ground & Action 00:43:18 - Heroes: Pete Hegseth & Tim Parlatore 01:04:25 - Final Thanks & Contacts 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

    1h 5m
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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.

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