The Forge of Freedom

Alex Ooley
  • 4.0 (8)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Firearms, Personal Responsibility, and All Things Freedom

  1. OCT 20

    Episode 194. Perdomo: The Erosion of Individualized Suspicion and the Peril of Probabilistic Policing

    Show Notes Episode 194. Perdomo: The Erosion of Individualized Suspicion and the Peril of Probabilistic Policing In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley discusses the Supreme Court case Noem v. Perdomo, which has significant implications for immigration policies and individual liberties. The case revolves around the legality of detaining individuals based on generalized factors such as race and language, raising concerns about probabilistic policing and its potential to erode constitutional protections. Ooley explores the legal proceedings, the shadow docket's role, and the differing speeds of court decisions regarding executive power versus individual rights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Case and Its Implications 05:03 The Legal Proceedings and Court Decisions 10:23 The Shift to Probabilistic Policing 15:33 Comparative Analysis of Court Decisions Resources The Reload w/ Professor Rory Little https://thereload.com/podcast-how-a-scotus-immigration-case-could-implicate-gun-owners-ft-uc-law-professor-rory-little/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYsCbjyQ_ww Professor Rory Little on SCOTUSblog https://www.scotusblog.com/2025/09/roving-patrols-reasonable-suspicion-and-perdomo/ Perdomo https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/25a169_5h25.pdf https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/case-files/noem-v-perdomo/ Rory Little https://www.uclawsf.edu/people/rory-little/ https://www.scotusblog.com/author/rory-little/ The Reload https://thereload.com/ https://thereload.substack.com/ https://thereload.fireside.fm/hosts/stephengutowski YouTube: @TheReloadSite X: @StephenGutowski Takeaways The Perdomo case could reshape immigration policies. Probabilistic policing may lead to unjust detentions. The shadow docket allows the Supreme Court to make swift decisions without full transparency. Justice Kavanaugh's concurrence raises concerns about expanding executive power. Justice Sotomayor's dissent highlights the risks of racial profiling. The disparity in court speed suggests a bias towards executive authority. Probabilistic reasoning could justify invasive government actions. The Fourth Amendment's protections are at risk with generalized suspicion. The case serves as a warning for all individual liberties, not just immigration. Future court decisions will be critical in defining the limits of executive power. Keywords Supreme Court, immigration case, Nome vs. Perdomo, shadow docket, probabilistic policing, individual liberty, Fourth Amendment, executive power, Justice Kavanaugh, Justice Sotomayor DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

    28 min

  2. OCT 6

    Episode 193. Making Bail: The Eternal Struggle Between Order and Chaos (with Judge Houchin)

    Show Notes Episode 193. Making Bail: The Eternal Struggle Between Order and Chaos (with Judge Houchin) In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley welcomes back Judge Dustin Houchin to discuss his recent series on bail. The conversation explores the historical context of bail, the balance between order and chaos, and the evolution of bail laws in relation to individual rights and the U.S. Constitution. They delve into the impact of the 1966 Bail Reform Act, modern bail reform movements, and the contentious role of dangerousness in bail decisions. The discussion also touches on the political influences shaping bail reform and the uncertain future of these laws. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Forge of Freedom Podcast 02:57 The Historical Context of Bail 10:36 Understanding Bail: Definitions and Evolution 18:45 The Rise of Individual Rights and Its Impact on Bail 29:19 Modern Bail Reform Movements and Their Consequences 30:36 The Evolution of Bail Laws in the U.S. 32:54 Arguments for Pretrial Release vs. Detention 34:19 Legal Frameworks and Constitutional Considerations 39:20 The Debate on Dangerousness in Bail Decisions 46:17 The Impact of Political Movements on Bail Reform 51:18 The Role of the Obama Administration in Bail Reform 54:25 Backlash Against Pretrial Release Reforms 57:40 The Future of Bail Laws and Public Safety Resources Judex Substack by Judge Dustin Houchin https://judex.substack.com/ Making Bail (complete series) https://judex.substack.com/p/making-bail-f72 Making Bail (individual installations) https://judex.substack.com/p/making-bail https://judex.substack.com/p/making-bail-440?utm_source=publication-search https://judex.substack.com/p/making-bail-c22 https://judex.substack.com/p/making-bail-0a1 https://judex.substack.com/p/making-bail-dd9?utm_source=publication-search https://judex.substack.com/p/making-bail-2a1 https://judex.substack.com/p/making-bail-6b3?utm_source=publication-search https://judex.substack.com/p/making-bail-25f https://judex.substack.com/p/making-bail-1e8?publication_id=1153073&post_id=163630688&isFreemail=true&r=26b9h6&triedRedirect=true Episode 27. Crime and Punishment – A Retributive Theory of Justice with Judge Dustin Houchin https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-27-crime-and-punishment-a-retributive-theory-of-justice-with-judge-dustin-houchin/ Episode 103. Problem-Solving Courts: A Critical Examination with Judge Houchin https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-103-problem-solving-courts-a-critical-examination-with-judge-houchin/ Takeaways Bail is a historical attempt to balance order and chaos. The concept of bail has evolved significantly over time. Individual rights have played a crucial role in shaping bail laws. The U.S. Constitution does not guarantee a right to bail. The 1966 Bail Reform Act limited judges' ability to consider dangerousness. Modern bail reform movements often emphasize pretrial release. Arguments against pretrial release often cite public safety concerns. The role of dangerousness in bail decisions is contentious. Political influences have shaped the current bail reform landscape. The future of bail reform is uncertain and politically charged. Keywords bail, justice system, order and chaos, individual rights, U.S. Constitution, bail reform, dangerousness, pretrial release, political influence, judicial philosophy DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

    1h 3m

  3. SEP 29

    Episode 192. The Danger of “Hate Speech”: A Threat to Free Speech and Natural Rights

    Show Notes Episode 192. The Danger of “Hate Speech”: A Threat to Free Speech and Natural Rights In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley discusses the implications of hate speech and the recent comments made by Attorney General Pam Bondi. He emphasizes the importance of understanding free speech as a natural right and warns against the dangers of government censorship. Ooley argues that the concept of hate speech is a tool for censorship that undermines fundamental rights and advocates for a clear distinction between free speech and legitimate threats. The conversation also touches on the backlash against Bondi's comments and the need to protect civil liberties in the face of political pressures. Chapters 00:00 The Controversy of Hate Speech 02:53 Understanding Free Speech and Its Foundations 06:50 The Dangers of Censorship and Government Overreach 08:48 Looking Ahead: The Next Episode on Bail Resources Mises Institute https://mises.org/mises-wire/hate- speech-isnt-real-and-pam-bondi-enemy-freedom https://mises.org/podcasts/audio-mises-wire/hate-speech-isnt-real-and-pam-bondi-enemy-freedom Rumeysa Ozturk https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/tufts-student-rumeysa-ozturk-back-in-boston-after-release-from-louisiana-detention-center  Forge of Freedom re Rights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayzbOyOlMnw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmvJCEYPa6Y&t=38s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkPhL_mZeA4&t=1142s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUWE3xYJhHc https://forgeoffreedom.com/ Takeaways The concept of hate speech is a Trojan horse for censorship. Freedom of speech is a property right derived from self-ownership. Government has no legitimate role in regulating speech unless it incites imminent lawless action. Hate speech is vague and open to abuse by authorities. Censorship tools can be turned against any political side. We must advocate for rolling back state power, not just wielding it. The backlash against Bondi shows a collective defense of free speech. Understanding the foundations of rights is crucial in political discourse. The dangers of government overreach affect all citizens, regardless of political affiliation. We must resist using government power to silence opponents. Keywords freedom of speech, hate speech, censorship, Pam Bondi, natural rights, government overreach, property rights, political discourse, First Amendment, civil liberties DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

    12 min

  4. AUG 8

    Episode 191. Rethinking Our Approach to Drugs and Addiction with Christina Dent

    Show Notes Episode 191. Curious: Rethinking Our Approach to Drugs and Addiction with Christina Dent In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley speaks with Christina Dent, an author and advocate for health-centered drug policies. Christina shares her transformative journey from a conservative Christian perspective on addiction to a more compassionate understanding through her experiences as a foster parent. The conversation explores the impact of trauma on addiction, the failures of the war on drugs, and the importance of family-centered treatment approaches. Christina emphasizes the need for a shift in how society views and addresses addiction, advocating for policies that prioritize human dignity and community support. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Christina Dent and Her Journey 02:54 The Shift in Perspective on Addiction 09:15 Understanding Addiction Through Personal Stories 15:52 The Flaws in Current Drug Policies 20:04 The Role of Trauma in Addiction 23:33 The Rat Park Experiment and Its Implications 27:42 Influence of 'Chasing the Scream' on Christina's Views 32:46 Rethinking Drug Policies 35:01 The Global Impact of Drug Trafficking 37:05 The Consequences of Incarceration 39:57 The Role of Black Markets 43:20 Addressing Addiction and Accountability 46:39 Legalization vs. Morality 52:58 Victimless Crimes and Trust in Society 01:00:00 Supporting Loved Ones with Addiction Resources: Christina Dent's book (Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction) https://www.amazon.com/Curious-Discovery-Unexpected-Solution-Addiction/dp/B0CMCDV8VP End It For Good: https://enditforgood.com/ https://www.facebook.com/EndItForGoodMS/ https://x.com/EndItForGoodMS https://www.instagram.com/enditforgoodms/ Christina Dent's TEDx Talk https://www.ted.com/talks/christina_dent_end_the_war_on_drugs_for_good https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V263dVJZlqs Johann Hari's book (Chasing the Scream) https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Scream-Opposite-Addiction-Connection/dp/1620408910/ref=pd_lpo_d_sccl_1/141-6574860-1354435?pd_rd_w=259po&content-id=amzn1.sym.4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_p=4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_r=APDWJM0TS72WSPAA7ATR&pd_rd_wg=I33Xs&pd_rd_r=09afa0b1-369b-45ab-9358-9693901aacc6&pd_rd_i=1620408910&psc=1 Johann Hari's TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY9DcIMGxMs The evangelical Christian fighting to end the drug war | Christina Dent | The Reason Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI9R8rwINUY Why a Married Conservative Christian Changed Her Mind on the Drug War  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ5ij9Smuhg Book recommendation (Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Heal) https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Addiction-Science-Kindness-People/dp/1494554380 Program: Invitation to Change https://invitationtochange.com/ Program: CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) https://www.verywellmind.com/the-craft-approach-to-substance-abuse-intervention-5191125 The Conservative Drug War Creed https://www.lewrockwell.com/2018/06/laurence-m-vance/the-conservative-drug-war-creed/ Previous Forge of Freedom Episodes Related to the War on Drugs https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-58-the-war-on-drugs-is-a-war-on-freedom/ https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-163-the-war-on-drugs-revisited-a-catastrophic-failure-of-policy-and-morality/ https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-103-problem-solving-courts-a-critical-examination-with-judge-houchin/ https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-145-restitution-a-just-approach-to-address DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

    1h 10m

  5. JUL 21

    Episode 190. The One Big Beautiful Bill and Its Impact on the National Firearms Act

    Show Notes Episode 190. The One Big Beautiful Bill and Its Impact on the National Firearms Act In this episode, Alex Ooley discusses the implications of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” on the National Firearms Act (NFA), focusing on the removal of the $200 tax on certain firearms and the ongoing registration requirements. He explores the historical context of the NFA, the potential for legal challenges, and the community's response to these changes. Ooley emphasizes the importance of supporting legal actions against the NFA and encourages listeners to engage with their local gun rights organizations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the One Big Beautiful Bill 02:47 Impact on the National Firearms Act 05:35 Legislative Changes and Community Reactions 07:56 Legal Implications and Future Outlook 11:02 Support for Legal Challenges Against the NFA 13:30 Conclusion and Call to Action Resources Episode 96. What You Need to Know About Suppressors/Silencers – The Forge of Freedom https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-96-what-you-need-to-know-about-suppressors-silencers/ NFA (26 U.S. Code Subtitle E Chapter 53 Subchapter B Part I) https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/subtitle-E/chapter-53/subchapter-B/part-I https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/laws-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives/national-firearms-act Gun Digest Article https://gundigest.com/article/second-amendment-origins-to-today Palmetto State Armory https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQEz7xj0dUY H.R.1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text US Constitution https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/ Takeaways The One Big Beautiful Bill impacts the National Firearms Act significantly. The $200 tax on suppressors and short-barreled rifles has been removed. Registration requirements for these items remain a concern. The NFA was originally adopted as a tax to circumvent the Second Amendment. There is optimism about litigating the NFA's constitutionality in court. The Supreme Court's stance on Second Amendment issues is unpredictable. The removal of the tax will not take effect until January 1, 2026. Community support is crucial for legal challenges against the NFA. Gun Owners of America is leading a lawsuit against the NFA. Engagement with local gun rights organizations is encouraged. Keywords One Big Beautiful Bill, National Firearms Act, suppressors, short-barreled rifles, gun rights, taxation, registration, legal implications, community support, Second Amendment DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

    17 min

  6. JUL 1

    Episode 189. Fighting for Freedom:  Mayor Daniel Francisco on Gun Rights and Local Activism in New Jersey

    Show Notes Episode 189. Fighting for Freedom:  Mayor Daniel Francisco on Gun Rights and Local Activism in New Jersey In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley speaks with Daniel Francisco, the mayor of Englishtown, New Jersey, and a passionate advocate for gun rights. They discuss Daniel's journey from political agnosticism to activism, his efforts to challenge restrictive firearm laws in New Jersey, and the impact of the Supreme Court's Bruin decision on gun rights. Daniel shares insights into the challenges of obtaining a carry permit in New Jersey, the importance of local activism, and his collaboration with the Firearms Policy Coalition. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement and the power of local initiatives in promoting individual liberties. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Firearm Rights Advocacy 07:04 Daniel Francisco's Political Journey 11:51 Challenging New Jersey's Gun Laws 17:54 The Impact of Bruin on New Jersey's Gun Laws 23:53 Navigating the New Legal Landscape 29:38 Sensitive Places and Their Implications 30:07 Navigating Legal Complexities of Firearm Rights 32:18 The Emotional Connection to New Jersey 35:44 Finding Purpose in Activism 40:24 Local Change as a Catalyst for Broader Reform 46:23 Challenging New Jersey's Firearm Regulations 50:51 Collaboration with Firearms Policy Coalition 57:40 The Importance of Local Community Engagement Resources N.J. Town Resolves That Excessive Permitting Fees are Unconstitutional https://bearingarms.com/john-petrolino/2025/06/12/nj-town-resolves-that-excessive-permitting-fees-are-unconstitutional-n1228911 Daniel Francisco https://x.com/DFrancisco7/status/1932474129082405088 Struck v. Platkin https://www.firearmspolicy.org/struck https://assets.nationbuilder.com/firearmspolicycoalition/pages/8901/attachments/original/1727445403/Struck_v_Platkin_Complaint.pdf?1727445403 https://www.news2a.com/new-jersey/another-strong-2a-organization-files-suit-against-new-jerseys-failing-gun-control-laws/ Firearms Policy Coalition https://www.firearmspolicy.org/about https://www.firearmspolicy.org/act John Petrolino https://johnpetrolino.com/ https://x.com/johnpetrolino https://www.facebook.com/thepenpatriot/ https://www.instagram.com/jpetrolinoiii/ 2A and Bruen Methodology https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-138-rahimi-politics-and-originalism/ https://gundigest.com/article/second-amendment-origins-to-today Project Veritas https://www.projectveritas.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ProjectVeritas https://x.com/Project_Veritas https://www.youtube.com/@veritasvisuals Takeaways Daniel Francisco's journey from political agnosticism to activism began in university. He became mayor of Englishtown, New Jersey, to advocate for gun rights. The resolution to refund carry permit fees is a significant step in challenging state laws. Bruen's decision has opened doors for gun rights advocates in New Jersey. Obtaining a carry permit in New Jersey involves multiple bureaucratic hurdles. Local activism is crucial for effecting change in restrictive environments. Daniel enjoys the challenge of being a minority in a politically hostile state. Firearms Policy Coalition aligns with Daniel's philosophy on liberty and advocacy. Community engagement is essential for promoting individual rights. Daniel believes in the importance of local initiatives over national politics. Keywords Daniel Francisco, gun rights, New Jersey, Bruin decision, local activism, Firearms Policy Coalition, carry permit, firearm laws, Second Amendment, community engagement DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

    1h 1m

  7. JUN 23

    Episode 188. The Legal Battle for the Second Amendment with Stephen Halbrook

    Show Notes Episode 188. The Legal Battle for the Second Amendment with Stephen Halbrook In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley interviews Stephen Halbrook, a prominent advocate for the Second Amendment. They discuss Holbrook's extensive background in Second Amendment litigation, including his involvement in significant Supreme Court cases such as Heller and Bruen. The conversation delves into the current landscape of Second Amendment rights, the challenges posed by state and federal regulations, and the implications of recent court decisions. Holbrook emphasizes the importance of understanding the text, history, and tradition methodology in interpreting the Second Amendment, and he shares insights on ongoing litigation and future predictions for the Supreme Court's direction regarding gun rights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Stephen Halbrook 07:05 The Impact of Bruin on Second Amendment Rights 22:22 Current Second Amendment Litigation 36:38 Future of Second Amendment Cases Resources Episode 46 https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-46-americas-rifle-the-case-for-the-ar-15-by-stephen-p-halbrook/ Snope denial https://saf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/snope-denial.pdf America's Rifle: The Case for the AR-15 https://stephenhalbrook.com/books/americas-rifle/ https://www.amazon.com/Americas-Rifle-Stephen-P-Halbrook/dp/1637586809 Other resources https://reason.com/search/halbrook/ https://www.independent.org/aboutus/person_detail.asp?id=517 https://stephenhalbrook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Resume-Halbrook.pdf https://fedsoc.org/contributors/stephen-halbrook Keywords Second Amendment, Supreme Court, gun rights, Stephen Halbrook, Bruen case, Heller case, gun control, NRA, litigation, constitutional rights DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

    41 min

  8. JUN 16

    Episode 187. Marty Hayes from ACLDN on Building a Legal Safety Net for Armed Citizens

    Show Notes Episode 187. Marty Hayes from ACLDN on Building a Legal Safety Net for Armed Citizens In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley interviews Marty Hayes, founder of the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network (ACLDN). They discuss the origins of the network, its unique membership structure, and the importance of education in self-defense cases. Marty shares his journey from law enforcement to legal advocacy, emphasizing the cooperative model of support for members involved in self-defense incidents. The conversation also covers the resources available to members, the review process for legal cases, and the role of affiliate attorneys. Throughout the discussion, Marty highlights the significance of being prepared and educated in the realm of self-defense law. Chapters 00:00 The Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network Overview 10:51 The Process of Legal Defense Support for Members 23:23 Review Process and Member Support in Self-Defense Cases 28:36 Membership and Contact Information Resources ACLDN https://armedcitizensnetwork.org/ Journal https://armedcitizensnetwork.org/our-journal Learn https://armedcitizensnetwork.org/learn Join the Network to help guard your legal rights https://armedcitizensnetwork.org/join What Every Gun Owner Needs to Know About Self-Defense Law https://armedcitizensnetwork.org/images/brochures/Hayes_SDLaw.pdf Hickey_Booklet.pdf https://armedcitizensnetwork.org/images/brochures/Hickey_Booklet.pdf Takeaways Marty Hayes transitioned from law enforcement to legal advocacy. The Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network was created to support armed citizens. Membership fees contribute to a legal defense fund for members. Education is crucial for successfully navigating self-defense cases. The network operates as a cooperative rather than an insurance model. Members can choose their own attorneys without restrictions. The review process ensures only legitimate self-defense cases are supported. Marty emphasizes the importance of understanding self-defense law. The network provides extensive educational resources for members. Marty's wife, Gila, plays a vital role in the network's operations. Keywords Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network, self-defense, legal support, membership, educational resources, legal defense fund, attorney network, self-defense law, cooperative model, legal advocacy DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

    31 min
See All (194)

4
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Firearms, Personal Responsibility, and All Things Freedom

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Ooley
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    194
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Alex Ooley
  • Show Website
    The Forge of Freedom

You Might Also Like