Oliver Bardwell Podcast

Oliver Bardwell
  • 5.0 (1)
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A space where compelling stories meet thought-provoking ideas. This podcast explores meaningful conversations that inspire change, with fascinating guests from all walks of life. From tackling big issues to uncovering unique perspectives, each episode challenges, informs, and inspires. Tune in for conversations that spark ideas and create meaningful change—one conversation at a time.

  1. Aug 24

    EP 99 | General Michael Flynn: Faith, Leadership & the Call for Men to Lead

    Lieutenant General Michael T. Flynn joins Oliver Bardwell for a deeply personal conversation about faith, family, military service, leadership—and why American men must answer the call to lead. General Flynn moves beyond the headlines to share the experiences that formed him: growing up in a large working-class family, the influence of his parents, his path into military intelligence, and the leadership lessons he learned during nearly 34 years in the United States Army. Flynn also explains how intelligence and special operations were integrated at Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), what he learned about building elite teams, and why America’s future ultimately depends upon men and women willing to serve their families, communities and country. In this episode: • The family, faith and values that formed General Flynn• His father’s service during World War II and the Korean War• Flynn’s path through ROTC and into military intelligence• Transforming intelligence operations at JSOC• Recognizing leadership potential in others• Why men must step forward and accept responsibility• Education, critical theory, SEL, CASEL and NEOLA• Life, liberty, abortion policy and local action• Why Americans must refuse to be governed by fear If this conversation speaks to you, please leave a comment, subscribe and share it with someone who needs to hear its message. That is how this grassroots podcast grows. EPISODE SPONSORS AND PARTNERS Cap City CigarsA locally owned Des Moines cigar shop and the place where Oliver buys his cigars.1536 Second Avenue, just north of Casey’s Center.https://capcitycigars.com/For adults 21 and older. Myriad Advisor SolutionsDo what you do best. Let Myriad do the rest.https://myriadas.com/ Kairos NexusWhere conviction becomes action. CHAPTERS 0:00 Men Must Stand Up, Step Up and Speak Out0:25 Cap City Cigars1:02 Introduction to General Michael Flynn2:00 What Flynn Saw in Iowa’s Leaders5:11 Why Good Men Must Find Their Voices11:01 Family Roots, World War II and Korea16:27 Growing Up in a Military Family21:58 Sports, Surfing and Early Leadership25:33 Lessons from His Father30:01 Myriad Advisor Solutions31:00 His Mother, Education and Family43:56 Answering the Call to Military Service48:21 Why Flynn Chose Military Intelligence53:12 ROTC, the Marines and a Change of Direction59:56 Recognizing the Kairos Moment1:03:01 How to Recognize Leadership Potential1:06:01 Kairos Nexus1:06:48 Transforming Intelligence Operations at JSOC1:15:30 Teamwork, Problem-Solving and Service1:16:54 Why Men Must Step into Leadership1:19:54 Who Is Shaping America’s Children?1:24:00 Critical Theory, SEL, CASEL and NEOLA1:33:00 The Meaning and Value of Unborn Life1:35:13 Massachusetts Abortion Law and the “First Breath” Debate1:40:40 Life, Liberty and the Power of Local Action1:45:39 Flynn’s Final Message: Be Fearless1:46:24 Closing and How to Support the Podcast FOLLOW AND SUPPORT The Oliver Bardwell Podcast:https://www.oliverbardwell.com/ Support the podcast and receive more content:https://www.patreon.com/OliverBardwell Iowans for Freedom:https://www.iowans4freedom.org/ The opinions expressed during this conversation belong to the individual speakers. #GeneralFlynn #MichaelFlynn #Leadership #JSOC #OliverBardwellPodcast

    EP 99 | General Michael Flynn: Faith, Leadership & the Call for Men to Lead

  2. Aug 7

    EP 98 - At 17 She Led Iowa's Fight to Save Women's Sports | Ainsley Erzen

    At just 17 years old, Ainsley Erzen led Iowa’s fight to save women’s sports—speaking out when doing so came with real pressure and real consequences.In this conversation, Ainsley shares the story behind that fight, the role faith played in giving her courage, the backlash she faced, the battle over women’s sports today, and what she hopes people remember about her years from now.This is a powerful conversation about courage, conviction, leadership, and being willing to stand when others remain silent.If you enjoy the episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it.CHAPTERS00:00 — The Fight to Save Women’s Sports03:52 — How Ainsley Got Involved at 1707:59 — Backlash, Threats & Refusing to Back Down11:56 — Why Courage Is Contagious16:09 — Becoming a National Champion20:04 — Faith, Family & the People Who Shaped Her24:00 — “God Equips the Called”27:49 — Riley Gaines & the National Fight32:09 — Why Voters and Politicians Don’t Always Agree34:10 — Biology, Title IX & Women’s Sports35:52 — A 4.0 Student and Fierce Competitor38:11 — Growing Up in the Erzen Family39:46 — Handling Criticism and Personal Attacks42:04 — What Comes Next for Ainsley?43:52 — Her Advice to Young Women45:59 — Social Media & the Challenges Facing Her Generation47:56 — Stop Overthinking It. Take Action.50:02 — Faith, Confidence & Finding Your People51:57 — How Ainsley Wants to Be Remembered53:58 — A Final Challenge: Stand for What’s RightSPONSORSVara Guard LLCfacebook.com/varagaurdMyriad Advisor Solutionsmyriadas.comOliverBardwell.comPatreon.com/OliverBardwell#AinsleyErzen #WomensSports #SaveWomensSports #Iowa #OliverBardwellPodcast

    EP 98 - At 17 She Led Iowa's Fight to Save Women's Sports | Ainsley Erzen

  3. May 25

    EP 97 Eddie Andrews: Republicans Must Think Through the Eyes of November | Iowa Governor Race

    Governor candidate Eddie Andrews returns to The Oliver Bardwell Podcast for a deep conversation about Iowa’s future, leadership, medical freedom, education, property taxes, clean water, parental rights, and why he can win in November.Chapters00:00 Eddie Andrews on Winning in November01:05 Serving in the House While Running for Governor03:20 Helping Constituents & DHS Challenges05:40 Faith, Service & Life-Changing Moments09:30 Running a Statewide Campaign13:45 Medical Freedom & Parental Rights18:20 Property Tax Reform & Legislative Wins22:00 Clean Water & Iowa’s Cancer Concerns22:40 Restoring the Iowa Education Model27:25 Rob Sand, Electability & Winning Independents31:55 Grassroots Campaigning Across Iowa33:00 Debate Controversy & Fairness Questions37:25 Convention Strategy & The Path to Governor43:05 Eminent Domain, Medical Freedom & Leadership45:15 Veterans, Autism Advocacy & Public Service47:30 Final ThoughtsWe discusses:• Serving in the Iowa House while running for governor• Property tax reform and government accountability• Restoring the “Iowa Model” of education• Clean water and Iowa’s cancer concerns• Medical freedom and parental rights• The Republican primary, Rob Sand, and electability• Debate controversy and the possibility of a convention race• Grassroots campaigning, faith, leadership, and service“You don’t win 49 states without appealing to people in the center.”— Eddie AndrewsIf you found this conversation valuable, please like, subscribe, and share the episode.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Patreon: patreon.com/OliverBardwellFOLLOW:www.oliverbardwell.comwww.oliver4iowa.comX: @OliverBardwellFacebook: Oliver Bardwell Podcast#EddieAndrews #IowaPolitics #IowaGovernor #RobSand #PropertyTaxes #Education #MedicalFreedom #OliverBardwellPodcast

    EP 97 Eddie Andrews: Republicans Must Think Through the Eyes of November | Iowa Governor Race

  4. Apr 20

    EP 96: “Something Is Wrong in Iowa” — Zach Lahn on Cancer, Farming & Education

    This was one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had on the podcast.What started as a one-hour interview turned into a deep, wide-ranging discussion on the biggest issues facing Iowa today — and why they matter for the future of our state.Gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn doesn’t give surface-level answers. He walks through the systems, incentives, and root causes behind what we’re seeing in Iowa.We cover:* The rise in cancer rates and concerns around water quality* The loss of family farms and the future of agriculture* Regenerative farming and restoring soil health* Property rights, land ownership, and corporate consolidation* Parental rights and medical freedom (including SF304)* The future of education and innovative school models* How to bring young people back to IowaThis is Part 1 of a longer conversation — and we’re already planning Part 2.If you care about the future of Iowa, this is a must-listen.Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Why Zach Lahn is Running04:30 The Four Core Issues Facing Iowa06:00 Cancer Rates & Water Quality Concerns10:00 Data Gaps & Public Health Transparency12:00 What’s in Iowa’s Water? Nitrates & Chemicals17:45 Farming Practices & Environmental Impact22:00 Glyphosate, Paraquat & Chemical Exposure26:00 Who Decides “Safe” Levels?30:00 Corporate Influence & Liability Debate33:00 Solutions: Accountability & State Action36:00 Saving Family Farms & Ending Consolidation43:00 Land Ownership & Foreign Influence47:00 Regenerative Farming Explained52:00 Organic Farming Economics & Profitability58:00 Local Food Systems & Iowa Schools1:03:00 Parental Rights & Medical Freedom (SF304)1:10:00 Vaccine Policy & Government Role1:13:00 Education Decline in Iowa1:14:30 Wonder Schools & Education Innovation1:20:00 Socratic Learning & Critical Thinking1:28:00 Building Character & Life Skills in Students1:36:00 Fixing Public Education in Iowa1:41:00 The Future of Education & Workforce Readiness1:49:00 Final Thoughts & Vision for Iowa🎙️ The Oliver Bardwell Podcasthttps://oliverbardwell.com👉 Join the movement:https://patreon.com/OliverBardwell👉 Iowans for Freedom:https://iowansforfreedom.com

    EP 96: “Something Is Wrong in Iowa” — Zach Lahn on Cancer, Farming & Education

  5. Mar 21

    EP 95 | Brad Sherman | Running for Governor, Grassroots vs Establishment, Property Taxes

    In this episode of The Oliver Bardwell Podcast, I sit down with Brad Sherman, candidate for Governor of Iowa, for a wide-ranging conversation about faith, family, grassroots politics, medical freedom, property taxes, energy, and what it really takes to run statewide in Iowa. Brad shares his personal story, what shaped his convictions, how personal loss deepened his sense of calling, and what separates him from the other candidates in this race. We also discuss emergency powers, constitutional guardrails, grassroots activism, and the growing divide between establishment politics and the people on the ground. This was a powerful and honest conversation about leadership, service, freedom, and the future of Iowa. Drill It Inc. – Directional Drilling & Underground Utilities Electric • Water • Sewer • Fiber • Geothermal https://drillitinc.com If you appreciate these conversations and want to support independent media and grassroots efforts in Iowa, join my Patreon: https://patreon.com/oliverbardwell Learn More About Brad Sherman https://www.shermanforiowa.com 0:00 Why Anyone Would Run for Office 0:06 Campaign Update and Signature Collection 3:14 Raising Patriotic Children in a Progressive Environment 6:01 Personal Journey and Leadership Development 9:02 Political Involvement and Running for Office 12:15 Impact of Personal Loss on Political Aspirations 15:03 Running for Governor: Motivations and Timing 18:15 The Role of Primaries in Political Growth 21:12 Foundations of Freedom and Medical Freedom Advocacy 24:18 Constitutional Guardrails and Individual Liberty 27:13 Executive Actions and Long-Term Vision 28:35 Sponsor – Drill It Inc. 30:39 Grassroots Experience and Political Distinction 32:37 Grassroots Activism and Party Dynamics 40:27 Establishment vs. Grassroots: A Candidate’s Perspective 45:23 The Personal Journey: Family and Commitment to Service 52:23 COVID-19 and Emergency Powers: A Legislative Perspective 57:02 Property Taxes and Transparency in Government Spending 1:02:04 International Relations: The Iran Situation and National Security Brad Sherman, Iowa Governor Race, Iowa politics, Oliver Bardwell Podcast, grassroots politics, medical freedom, emergency powers, property taxes, Iowa Republican primary, constitutional rights, Iowa governor candidate interview

    EP 95 | Brad Sherman | Running for Governor, Grassroots vs Establishment, Property Taxes

  6. Mar 13

    EP 94 Jim Carlin: Audit the Fed, Medical Freedom & Saving the Middle Class

    I recently sat down with former Iowa State Senator Jim Carlin for a wide-ranging conversation about the challenges facing our country today - from inflation and government spending to healthcare reform, medical freedom, and the future of the American middle class. Jim shares why he believes America must audit the Federal Reserve, restore fiscal responsibility, and push back against the growing influence of Big Pharma in our healthcare system. We also talk about grassroots campaigning, faith in leadership, and what it will take to rebuild trust in our institutions. Jim has spent years in public service and is now taking his message directly to voters. In this conversation we dig into the economic challenges facing the country, the fight for medical freedom, and what it will take to restore trust in American leadership. Chapters00:00 Introduction and guest background02:15 Concerns about the economy and middle-class wealth04:23 Inflation as a hidden tax and government spending08:48 Why we should audit the Federal Reserve11:50 Healthcare system challenges and Big Pharma17:20 Campaign strategy and grassroots organizing20:18 Running as an underdog candidate23:26 Campaign finance and Citizens United30:41 Medical freedom and vaccine safety38:25 Faith and leadership39:43 Patriotism and the future of AmericaConnect with Jim CarlinWebsitehttps://carlinforussenate.com/Support The Oliver Bardwell PodcastIf you enjoy conversations like this and want to support independent media, consider joining our Patreon community.Join here:https://www.patreon.com/oliverbardwellSponsorThis episode is sponsored by Gorilla Covers — incredibly strong window well covers built right here in Iowa.Learn more at:https://thegorillacover.com/

    EP 94 Jim Carlin: Audit the Fed, Medical Freedom & Saving the Middle Class

  7. Feb 1

    EP 92 - Iowa at a Crossroads: Bridging the Divide with Senator Jesse Green & Rep. Henry Stone

    In this wide-ranging and candid conversation, I sit downwith Senator Jesse Green and State Representative Henry Stone to discuss the issues shaping Iowa’s future — and the growing need to bridge divides withinthe Iowa Legislature.   We cover the real tension between the Iowa House and Senate, the fallout from last session’s eminent domain battle, and why property taxes remain the number one concern I heard while knocking thousands of doors acrossthe state. From public health governance and vaccine legislation to education reform, school choice, and fiscal responsibility, this episode takes listeners inside the legislative process with honesty and depth.   This episode is sponsored by Gorilla Covers 👉https://basementwindowwellcover.com/   The conversation also moves beyond policy into leadership,faith, and character — including how personal journeys, military service, shared values, and experiences abroad (including Israel) shape how these leaders approach public service, democracy, and difficult decisions.   This episode is for anyone who wants a clearer understandingof where Iowa is headed — politically, culturally, and spiritually — and what it will take to govern well in a divided moment.   Chapters 00:00 Opening Remarks and Session Overview 04:59 Property Tax Challenges and Solutions 09:54 Eminent Domain and Pipeline Issues 15:10 Legislative Dynamics and Internal Politics 20:03 Child Protection and Education Initiatives 24:47 Health and Vaccine Legislation 30:11 Public Health Governance and Future Directions 33:11 Faith as a Guiding Principle in Politics 39:40 Personal Journeys: From Military to Politics 43:34 Diverse Backgrounds, Common Faith 48:44 The Impact of Faith on Political Decisions 50:51 Insights from a Trip to Israel 55:27 Support for Israel: A Political Perspective 01:02:43 The Spiritual Element of Democracy 01:03:43 Understanding the Context of Conflict 01:06:29 The Iowa Governor’s Race Dynamics 01:09:43 Authenticity and Competence in Leadership 01:12:03 The Importance of Republican Governance 01:14:44 Budget Surplus and Fiscal Responsibility 01:17:10 Teacher Pay and Education Funding 01:20:49 Innovations in Education and School Choice 01:27:11 Integrity in Politics and Governance 01:30:04 The Power of Language in Politics   ❤️ SUPPORT THE SHOW  If you value conversations like this and want to helpsupport independent, long-form dialogue, you can support the show on Patreonbelow:   👉https://www.patreon.com/OliverBardwell

    EP 92 - Iowa at a Crossroads: Bridging the Divide with Senator Jesse Green & Rep. Henry Stone

  8. Jan 6

    EP 92 - The Iowa Legislature at the Starting Line | Rep. Steven Holt on What Comes Next

    The Iowa legislative session is about to begin, and this conversation is about what’s coming next.In this special session briefing, I’m joined by State Representative Steven Holt — a Marine Corps veteran who has served in the Iowa House for over a decade and currently chairs the House Judiciary Committee.We talk about legislative priorities, pressure points, and the issues that will matter most as lawmakers head back into the Capitol — including property rights, eminent domain, budget narratives, education policy, and the broader political landscape heading into this session.This is part of an ongoing effort to bring clear, grounded conversations to the forefront as the legislature convenes.Chapters 00:00 — The Iowa Legislature at the Starting LineSession structure, timelines, and what to expect as lawmakers convene02:31 — The Governor’s Race and the Political LandscapeContext around the race and its implications for the session05:41 — Eminent Domain and Property RightsWhy carbon pipeline policy remains a defining issue08:27 — Budget Management and Tax PolicyDebunking “budget crisis” narratives and discussing fiscal priorities11:04 — Education Policy and Curriculum DisputesParental rights, transparency, and unresolved school controversies13:42 — Social Issues and Community EngagementWhy local involvement matters more than ever16:44 — National Security and the Role of the StatesMilitary readiness, global instability, and state-level responsibility19:23 — What Comes NextUpcoming events, priorities, and where citizens can engageIf you find this conversation valuable, please like, subscribe, and share it with others who care about these issues. We’re grassroots, we’re independent, and we’re committed to moving the needle of freedom forward — not from the sidelines, but from where decisions are actually being made.You can support this work and help keep these conversations going at Patreon.com/OliverBardwell. oliverbardwell.com

    EP 92 - The Iowa Legislature at the Starting Line | Rep. Steven Holt on What Comes Next
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About

A space where compelling stories meet thought-provoking ideas. This podcast explores meaningful conversations that inspire change, with fascinating guests from all walks of life. From tackling big issues to uncovering unique perspectives, each episode challenges, informs, and inspires. Tune in for conversations that spark ideas and create meaningful change—one conversation at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Oliver Bardwell
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Oliver Bardwell
  • Show Website
    Oliver Bardwell Podcast

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