Voices of Liberty

Howie Rich on Term Limits, Career Politicians, and Restoring Citizen Government

Why do so many good people refuse to run for Congress—and what would it take to change that?
In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with longtime libertarian leader and U.S. Term Limits Chairman Howie Rich to discuss why he believes term limits are the key to restoring representative government. Drawing from decades of experience in the liberty movement, Howie explains how career politicians have transformed Congress, why the current seniority system discourages accomplished citizens from serving, and how term limits could bring entrepreneurs, business leaders, educators, and everyday Americans back into public office.
The conversation also explores the constitutional path to congressional term limits, common objections to the movement, and why Howie believes this is one of the most important liberty reforms of our time.
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James Spillane on Why Your Data Deserves the Same Rights as Your Property

Is your data really yours?
New Hampshire State Representative James Spillane joins Sean Themea to explain why one of the biggest threats to liberty today isn't happening in Washington—it's happening in the cloud. From the Fourth Amendment and digital property rights to the dangers of the third-party doctrine, Spillane breaks down how outdated laws are leaving Americans vulnerable to government overreach in the digital age.
He also shares why New Hampshire is leading the fight to protect personal data, what citizens can do today to better safeguard their privacy, and why defending property rights must now include protecting the information we store online.
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Jerry Rawls on Building a Billion-Dollar Company, Taking Risks, and Why Free Markets Still Win

What does it take to build a company from a small startup into a global technology leader with 14,000 employees?
In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with entrepreneur, engineer, and philanthropist Jerry Rawls, founder of Finisar, to explore the journey behind one of America's greatest business success stories.
Jerry shares how taking a risk, embracing innovation, building a culture of integrity, and solving real problems helped transform a startup into a company that revolutionized fiber-optic communications. He also discusses capitalism, entrepreneurship, higher education, energy policy, and why he believes America's greatest opportunities are still ahead for those willing to work hard and think differently.
If you're interested in entrepreneurship, free markets, leadership, and the principles that drive innovation, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
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Douglas La Rose on Why Kava, Consumer Freedom, and Common Sense Matter

What happens when government regulators target a product that millions of people safely enjoy around the world?
In this conversation, Sean Themea sits down with Douglas La Rose, Executive Director of the Kava Coalition, to explore the growing fight over kava—a traditional South Pacific beverage that many people use as an alternative to alcohol. 
Douglas explains what kava is, why it has become a target for regulators, how government policies impact small businesses and farmers, and why consumer choice should matter when it comes to personal health decisions.
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Clark Neily on Defending Liberty, Limiting Government, and Reforming America’s Justice System

What happens when government power goes unchecked?
In this episode of Voices of Liberty, Sean Themea sits down with constitutional attorney and Cato Institute Senior Vice President Clark Neily to discuss the principles that first drew him to the liberty movement, his role in the landmark D.C. v. Heller Supreme Court case, and why he believes protecting individual rights starts with limiting government power.
Neily explains the constitutional foundations of self-defense, the dangers of over criminalization, civil forfeiture, qualified immunity, and the growing threat posed by government surveillance and facial recognition technology. He also shares why criminal justice reform should be a priority for anyone who cares about freedom and accountability.
The conversation closes with a powerful message on persuasion, courage, humility, and how advocates for liberty can effectively create lasting change in their communities.
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Spike Cohen on Fighting Government Abuse and Empowering Everyday Americans

What happens when ordinary people stand up to government overreach?
In this episode of Voices of Liberty, Sean Themea sits down with Spike Cohen to discuss his journey from entrepreneur to liberty activist and the mission behind You Are The Power.
Spike shares how a health crisis changed the direction of his life, why he believes liberty starts with respecting individual rights, and how his organization is helping families, homeowners, and communities push back against government abuse at the local and state level.
The conversation explores eminent domain, child welfare investigations, constitutional government, grassroots activism, and the practical ways citizens can hold powerful institutions accountable. Spike also explains why reconciliation, persistence, and community action have helped his organization achieve an extraordinary track record of success.
If you've ever wondered how everyday people can make a real difference in protecting freedom, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
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John Stossel: Why Government Fails and Free People Succeed

What happens when an award-winning journalist starts questioning everything he was taught about government?
In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with legendary journalist and 19-time Emmy Award winner John Stossel. Stossel shares how his career as a consumer reporter transformed him from a self-described leftist into one of America’s most influential advocates for free markets and limited government.
They discuss why government programs often fail despite good intentions, how regulations drive up costs and limit opportunity, the rise of school choice, inflation, media bias, entrepreneurship, and what young people can do to become effective communicators for liberty.
Stossel also reflects on his years at ABC News and Fox Business, the launch of Stossel TV, his battle against censorship, and why the future of freedom depends on people willing to do the hard work of finding and telling the truth.
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Serena Barker on Fighting for Liberty and Defending Self-Defense Rights on Campus

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with Serena Barker, a Young Americans for Liberty activist whose journey into the liberty movement began during the COVID era while attending Florida State University. What started as frustration with government mandates quickly evolved into a mission to defend individual freedom and challenge restrictions on campus and beyond.
Serena shares how she helped lead the successful effort to overturn Florida State University's pepper spray ban, organized students around constitutional carry legislation, and learned firsthand how grassroots activism can influence public policy. She reflects on the challenges of standing up for unpopular ideas, the importance of building relationships with lawmakers, and the lessons she learned through her work with Young Americans for Liberty.
The conversation also explores the future of the liberty movement, the importance of engaging young people in the fight for freedom, and why Serena believes ordinary citizens can have an extraordinary impact when they choose to get involved.
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Brendan Steinhauser on the Future of AI and the Survival of Liberty

Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than almost anyone imagined. But what does that mean for freedom, innovation, and the future of humanity?
In this episode of Voices of Liberty, Sean Themea sits down with Brendan Steinhauser, CEO of the Alliance for Secure AI, for a wide-ranging conversation about the opportunities and risks created by rapidly evolving AI technology.
Brendan discusses the growing influence of artificial intelligence, the challenges of keeping powerful systems aligned with human values, the potential impact on jobs and the economy, and the dangers posed by government surveillance and centralized control. He also explores whether AI could become more intelligent than humans, what that might mean for society, and why the decisions being made today could shape the future of liberty for generations to come.
As artificial intelligence continues to transform the world, this conversation examines one of the most important questions of our time: can technological progress and human freedom advance together?
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Larry Reed: Why Liberty Must Be Defended Before It’s Too Late

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, Sean Themea sits down with Lawrence W. “Larry” Reed — President Emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education — to discuss the real-world consequences of unchecked government power.
From hearing about the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia at age 13 to traveling to 96 countries, Larry shares firsthand stories of underground resistance in communist Poland, black markets under authoritarian regimes, and the sobering lessons of visiting Auschwitz.
He also explains why the Great Depression wasn’t caused by capitalism, whether America risks repeating Rome’s decline, and why character is essential to advancing liberty.
This is a powerful reminder that freedom is never automatic — and must be defended before it’s too late.
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