The Republican Legacy Podcast

Our Republican Legacy
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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.

  1. 6d ago

    Ep. 15 - Rep. Dave Trott

    Ep. 15 - Rep. Dave Trott In this episode of The Republican Legacy Podcast, Chris Vance, Lynn Schmidt, and Merrill Matthews are joined by R.J. Lyman, Our Republican Legacy’s Massachusetts State Chair and president of the Niskanen Center, for a wide-ranging discussion about the Republican Party, the midterm elections, and the future of the conservative movement. Lyman discusses the tradition of moderate Republicanism in New England, what it means to view America as a creedal nation, and why Republicans from very different ideological traditions can still find common ground around shared principles. The panel also surveys key races across the country, including contests in New Hampshire, Missouri, Texas, Iowa, and Ohio, as Election Day approaches. Then, Chris, Merrill, and ORL Michigan State Chair Chuck Brown sit down with former Michigan Congressman and ORL founding member Dave Trott. Trott reflects on how the Republican Party has changed during the Trump era, his experiences serving in Congress during Trump’s first term, the state of the Republican Party in Michigan, tariffs and trade, and what he expects from the midterms. The conversation also turns to 2028, Congressman Don Bacon’s potential presidential run, and the coming debate over the future direction of the Republican Party. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Election Night Preview 02:10 – Meet R.J. Lyman: Massachusetts Chair & Niskanen Center President 03:08 – The New England Republican Tradition 04:46 – What Could Win New Hampshire in 2028? 07:31 – Missouri Politics and the Midterm Environment 09:24 – New Hampshire’s Senate Race & America as a Creed 11:44 – Finding Common Ground Across the Republican Party 13:06 – The Expanding Midterm Battleground 13:22 – Texas and the Senate Map 15:59 – Could Split-Ticket Voting Make a Comeback? 17:00 – Are the Polls Pointing to a Wave Election? 18:24 – Iowa, Ohio & Other Races to Watch 20:13 – Why ORL Is Focused on 2028 21:17 – Former Congressman Dave Trott Joins the Podcast 23:14 – ORL’s Five Core Principles & the Republican Party 24:37 – Congress, Trump & Standing Up to the President 27:27 – What Happened to the Michigan Republican Party? 31:18 – 2028 and Don Bacon’s Potential Presidential Run 33:11 – Republican Enthusiasm & Michigan’s Senate Race 36:16 – Tariffs, Canada & the Michigan Economy 38:35 – Is a Blue Wave Coming? 39:57 – Michigan’s Battleground House Races 43:06 – The Coming Fight for the Republican Party in 2028 Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyMerrill Matthews’ Latest ArticlesLynn Schmidt's Latest Articles

  2. Sep 26

    Ep. 14 - Captain Mark Dreiling

    Ep. 14 - Captain Mark Dreiling In this episode of The Republican Legacy Podcast, Chris Vance, Lynn Schmidt, and Greg Wilson are joined by Captain Mark Dreiling, Congressman Don Bacon’s Chief of Staff and a Legacy Guardian of the United States Space Force. Drawing on his background in missile warning and space operations, Dreiling discusses the creation and evolution of the Space Force, the role of space-based missile warning systems, and what he describes as a new “space race” with China. Unlike the Cold War-era race for prestige, Dreiling argues that today’s competition has direct implications for national security, economic power, GPS and navigation systems, communications, and the infrastructure Americans rely on every day. The conversation also explores what “peace through strength” means in the space domain and the importance of deterrence as the United States confronts emerging threats. Later, Merrill Matthews joins the discussion as the panel turns to Ukraine, recent sanctions legislation, continued congressional support for Ukraine, and Congressman Bacon’s role in those debates. Dreiling also reflects on the reaction to Bacon’s recent comments on this podcast about considering a run for President in 2028, the interest those remarks generated, and his view that many younger voters are looking for political leadership focused less on acrimony and more on service, seriousness, and working across party lines. Chapter List 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 02:34 Legacy Guardian Recognition 04:39 Why the Space Force Matters 08:08 Missile Warning: A No-Fail Mission 10:06 Space Force Progress and Growing Pains 15:03 Space-Based Missile Warning 18:41 Deterrence and the New Space Race 23:17 Ukraine: The War and Sanctions 27:49 Ukraine Policy and Congressional Action 31:25 Congressman Bacon’s Leadership 34:05 A More Constructive Political Future 36:20 The Future of the Republican Party Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyMerrill Matthews’ Latest ArticlesLynn Schmidt's Latest ArticlesU.S. Space ForceLegacy Guardian Act

  3. Sep 19

    Ep. 13 - Michael Steele

    Ep. 13 - Michael Steele In Episode 13 of The Republican Legacy Podcast, Chris Vance is joined by Merrill Matthews and ORL Michigan Chair Chuck Brown for the Week in Review. They discuss the political landscape in Michigan, the impact of tariffs and the trade war with Canada on the state’s economy, recent polling among swing voters, Republican divisions over Ukraine and foreign policy, and the increasingly competitive midterm environment in Michigan, Texas, and other states. The panel also reacts to Congressman Don Bacon making national news on last week’s podcast by acknowledging that he is considering a run for President in 2028. Later, Chris and Lynn Schmidt are joined by former Lt. Governor of Maryland and Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, a founding member of Our Republican Legacy. Steele discusses what connects the Republicans involved in ORL, his belief in the party’s Lincoln tradition, and what a post-Trump Republican Party could look like. The conversation turns to Don Bacon’s potential 2028 candidacy, what Steele believes the next generation of Republican leaders must do to distinguish themselves, the role of the primary system in shaping the party, and the political courage it will take to compete for the future of the GOP. Chapters 00:00 – Week in Review with Merrill Matthews & Chuck Brown 01:29 – Meet ORL Michigan Chair Chuck Brown 03:38 – Michigan Politics & Former Congressman Dave Trott 04:57 – Don Bacon’s 2028 Comments Make News 05:45 – Tariffs, Canada & Michigan’s Economy 06:56 – Swing Voters, Inflation & the Economy 08:57 – Ukraine, Russia & Peace Through Strength 10:05 – Michigan’s Senate & Congressional Races 12:07 – Texas Politics & the Midterm Landscape 14:57 – Former RNC Chairman Michael Steele Joins the Podcast 15:39 – What Connects the Republicans of ORL? 19:25 – The Fight for the GOP in 2028 20:20 – Michael Steele Reacts to Don Bacon’s 2028 Interest 23:50 – What Should a 2028 Republican Candidate Do Now? 27:08 – The Coming Fight for the Republican Party 28:33 – Can Republicans Stand Up to MAGA in a Primary? 32:08 – Lessons from Missouri’s Republican Primaries 34:24 – Michael Steele on MS Now 36:33 – Closing Thoughts & the Growth of ORL Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyMerrill Matthews’ Latest ArticlesLynn Schmidt's Latest ArticlesMS NOW’s The WeeknightMS NOW Membership

  4. Sep 12

    Ep. 12 - Rep. Don Bacon

    In this special edition of The Republican Legacy Podcast, Chris Vance and Lynn Schmidt are joined by Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE), retired Air Force Brigadier General and one of Congress’s leading bipartisan voices, along with Courage Can Save Us author and With Honor CEO Rye Barcott and Bacon’s longtime Chief of Staff Mark Dreiling. They discuss the role courage has played throughout Bacon’s life and career, how military service shaped his approach to leadership, the political cost of putting principle ahead of party, and why relationships, civility, and bipartisanship still matter in Congress. The conversation also explores what it means to be a “legacy Republican,” the future of traditional Republican principles, America’s role in the world, and what the next generation can learn from leaders willing to stand against political pressure. Then, Bacon answers the question many within Our Republican Legacy have been asking: Would he consider running for President in 2028? He discusses what he believes the country needs from its next president and his desire to help build a Republican Party grounded in decency, free enterprise, peace through strength, fiscal responsibility, and constitutional leadership. Chapters 0:00 Introduction and guest overview 4:00 Personal reflections and the story behind the book 6:37 Military service shaping congressional approach 7:58 Service before self in modern politics 9:38 Respect for election results and political integrity 10:41 Dealing with social-media pressure and public backlash 12:59 Trust and relationships across party lines 14:46 The bipartisan veterans caucus and its significance 17:22 Decisions, character, and leadership in Congress 19:13 Congressman Bacon’s approach to difficult choices 21:08 Principled stands and political risks 23:01 Legacy Republican values and the party’s direction 24:59 Civility and respect in politics 27:27 Bipartisanship among congressional staff 31:03 Future service and the next generation of leaders 34:53 Congressman Bacon’s plans after Congress 37:47 Courage in public life today 41:33 Historical examples of courage 42:58 What true courage looks like 44:25 Closing remarks and call to action Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyDon Bacon’s WebsiteCourage Can Save UsLearn more about With Honor

  5. Aug 22

    Ep. 11 - Juan Willams

    Ep. 11 - Juan Williams In Episode 11 of The Republican Legacy Podcast, hosts Chris Vance and Merrill Matthews welcome back ORL Connecticut Chair Tommy Whiteley for a Week in Review discussion about the state of the Republican Party heading into the 2026 midterm elections. The panel examines whether Donald Trump’s influence over Republican voters may be weakening, the national debt surpassing $40 trillion, the GOP’s retreat from fiscal responsibility, tariffs and inflation, the looming Social Security funding crisis, turmoil inside the White House, and signs that Republicans could face a significant backlash in November. Later, the panel is joined by veteran journalist and Fox News political analyst Juan Williams, author of New Prize for These Eyes: The Rise of America’s Second Civil Rights Movement. Williams discusses America’s progress on civil rights and the challenges that remain, the Republican Party’s historic role as the party of civil rights, the politics of division and grievance, and the rise of political extremes on both sides. The conversation also explores election integrity, education and opportunity, and whether a new generation of Republicans can build a winning movement centered on unity, patriotism, and the party’s traditional principles. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Is Trump’s Hold on the GOP Weakening? 04:02 – $40 Trillion Debt & the GOP’s Fiscal Responsibility Problem 08:07 – MAGA & Big-Government Republicanism 10:08 – Tariffs, Inflation & Social Security 13:27 – Turmoil Inside the Trump White House 16:40 – White House Credibility & the Political “Blood Sport” 21:34 – Midterms: Is a Blue Wave Coming? 24:08 – Warning Signs for Republicans Across the Country 25:43 – Juan Williams Joins the Podcast 26:06 – New Prize for These Eyes & America’s Civil Rights Story 28:44 – Today’s Civil Rights Challenges 33:17 – Civil Rights & the Next Generation 37:10 – The Republican Party’s Civil Rights Legacy 40:16 – Political Extremes & the Democratic Party 44:40 – Can Republicans Take Back the Party in 2028? 47:09 – Election Integrity & Reform 48:24 – Education, Opportunity & America’s Future Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyMerrill Matthews’ Latest ArticlesJuan Williams on Facebook and XJuan Williams’ Books

  6. Aug 16

    Ep. 10 - Rep. Steve Bartlett

    In Episode 10 of The Republican Legacy Podcast, hosts Merrill Matthews, Lynn Schmidt, and Greg Wilson are joined by certified financial planner Paul Auslander, President of Seabridge Private Wealth, for a wide-ranging discussion about the economy, financial markets, and the importance of separating political noise from economic reality. Auslander discusses the independence of the Federal Reserve, inflation and interest rates, the national debt, the stock market's resilience, artificial intelligence, the growing dominance of major technology companies, and the balance between free enterprise and government intervention. The conversation also explores Americans moving from blue states to red states and what those demographic shifts could mean for future elections. Later, Merrill and Greg are joined by former Congressman and Dallas Mayor Steve Bartlett, a founding member of Our Republican Legacy and author of AH HA! The Power and Purpose: Family, Faith and a Life Well Lived. Bartlett reflects on his career in local government, Congress, and the financial services industry, and shares lessons about leadership, purpose, persistence, and public service. The conversation turns to the decline of bipartisanship in Congress, the importance of character and constitutional principles in public life, and the challenges facing Republicans who put governing and principle ahead of partisan loyalty. Bartlett also discusses why he became involved with Our Republican Legacy and what it will take to rebuild a Republican Party grounded in the rule of law, fiscal responsibility, free enterprise, and effective governing. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and introduction of Paul Auslander 02:29 Investing through political and economic uncertainty 04:53 Lessons from Senators Moynihan and Danforth 06:31 Federal Reserve independence, inflation, and interest rates 09:48 What investors are watching in today’s market 12:01 AI, the Magnificent Seven, and market concentration 14:45 Free markets, industrial policy, and national security 17:11 Migration from blue states to red states 20:06 Florida, Texas, and the next elections 24:03 The biggest economic and geopolitical risks ahead 26:19 Introducing Steve Bartlett and The Power and Purpose 31:30 City politics and the changing political landscape 35:37 Why bipartisan governing has become so difficult 37:57 Rebuilding constitutional conservatism 43:52 Advice for future members of Congress 46:17 Banking regulation and the importance of enforcement 51:20 Is there reason for optimism about the country? Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyMerrill Matthews’ Latest ArticlesLynn Schmidt's Latest ArticlesSteve Bartlett’s Book: AH HA! The Power and Purpose: Family, Faith and a Life Well Lived

  7. Aug 8

    Ep. 9 - Amb. Frank Lavin

    Ep. 9 - Amb. Frank Lavin In this episode of The Republican Legacy Podcast, hosts Chris Vance and Merrill Matthews talk with former U.S. Ambassador and Reagan White House official Frank Lavin, author of Inside the Reagan White House, who reflects on Ronald Reagan’s core legacy: market economics, international leadership, and respectful, optimistic communication. Lavin contrasts those principles with today’s grievance-driven politics, warns against protectionism, and weak U.S. leadership abroad. The week in review segment features State Chairs Richard Sansing from New Hampshire and Justin Bingham from Maryland. The conversation covers the fight over tariffs, reactions to recent primary results in Michigan, Washington, Maryland, Texas, and Wisconsin, and a look at the 2028 landscape. Chapters 00:00 Introduction of New Hampshire Chair Richard Sansing and Maryland Chair Justin Bingham 01:48 Reagan's core principles and their relevance today 04:57 The significance of New Hampshire in the 2024 primaries 06:58 Maryland's political landscape and Republican prospects 09:54 The controversy over Todd Blanche and judicial nominations 12:12 The debate over tariffs and trade policies 15:04 Economic impacts of tariffs and protectionism 17:58 The importance of free markets and global leadership 21:58 Primary elections and political trends in Michigan and Washington 23:50 Upcoming political developments and key issues to watch 24:01 Reagan's economic policies and free enterprise 27:29 Reagan's communication style and leadership qualities 29:28 The impact of social media on political discourse 30:00 The shift away from free trade and protectionism 31:18 Economic policies: tariffs and their effects 32:46 The importance of real-world economic experience 33:36 The dangers of government intervention and populism 34:36 Immigration policy and Reagan's legacy 35:13 The importance of border security and legal immigration 36:00 The role of rule of law in economic prosperity 37:14 The need for a balanced immigration system 38:28 The role of economists and populism 39:24 Grievance politics versus aspirational leadership 40:06 Adapting to technological and societal change 41:12 U.S. strategy in Asia and the importance of Singapore 43:34 U.S. policy towards Taiwan and China 44:13 About Frank Lavin's book and Reagan's legacy 45:11 Behind the scenes of the Reagan White House 45:43 The future of American leadership and foreign policy Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyMerrill Matthews’ Latest ArticlesFrank Lavin’s Book: Inside the Reagan White HouseFrank Lavin on LinkedInFrank Lavin on X

  8. Aug 1

    Ep.8 - Rep. Claudine Schneider

    In this episode of The Republican Legacy Podcast, hosts Chris Vance and Lynn Schmidt welcome former Congresswoman Claudine Schneider of Rhode Island. Schneider reflects on her political journey, the founding principles of the Republican Party, and her work on election integrity and campaign finance reform. She discusses the importance of building a broad Republican coalition that includes moderate voices while addressing issues such as women’s rights, climate change, ethical governance, and the rule of law. The conversation also explores the growing challenges posed by misinformation and the importance of active civic and political engagement. In the Week in Review segment, Chris, Lynn, and Dr. Merrill Matthews are joined by ORL Minnesota State Chair Michael Brodkorb to examine the latest political developments. The panel discusses Minnesota’s political landscape, the influence of the MAGA movement, the rise of political violence, fraud allegations involving members of Minnesota’s Somali community, growing concerns surrounding artificial intelligence and data centers, and the continuing erosion of public trust in institutions. They conclude with a look at the latest polling trends as the midterm elections approach and the challenges facing the Republican Party. Chapters 00:00 Introduction of ORL Minnesota Chair Michael Brodkorb 01:24 Minnesota's Political Landscape and MAGA Turmoil 05:05 Political Violence and Its Impact on Minnesota 10:58 Fraud Allegations in the Somali Community 13:23 The Rise of AI and Data Centers in Politics 20:26 Eroding Trust in Institutions 23:02 Polling Trends and Upcoming Elections 31:23 A Journey Through Claudine Schneider’s Political Leadership 36:14 Founding Principles of the Republican Legacy 40:57 Election Integrity and Challenges 46:28 Campaign Finance Reform Efforts 50:52 Rebuilding the Republican Coalition Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyMerrill Matthews’ Latest ArticlesLynn Schmidt's Latest Articles

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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
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Our Republican Legacy

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