Ep 324: Criminal Justice & Finding Freedom, with John Odermatt

In this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, host Doug Stuart interviews John Odermatt, co-founder of the Lions of Liberty Network. John opens up about his journey towards becoming a leading advocate within the criminal justice reform movement, rooted in both personal experience and his Christian faith. His passion for the subject has been fueled by firsthand encounters with the injustices of the system, leading him to create and host the Felony Friday podcast, a platform that raises awareness about the issue and brings powerful stories of redemption from those affected. Odermatt's dedication towards reforming a broken system is a testament to the importance of addressing the consequences of crime in a restorative, compassionate manner. A major aspect of the conversation about criminal justice reform revolves around the necessity for compassion and grace. Whether discussing rehabilitation, reintegration, or individual struggles, understanding the importance of mercy and forgiveness is an integral part of any lasting solution. As Christians, this approach aligns with the core teachings of Jesus and underscores the value of treating others with respect, regardless of their past mistakes. For John Odermatt, compassion plays a significant role in his advocacy efforts. Through his podcast and personal interactions, he emphasizes that providing second chances and acknowledging the humanity of those who have been through the criminal justice system can open doors for healing and reintegration. Odermatt highlights that one's past should not dictate their future, and a system that embraces restorative justice can foster genuine growth and change. John Odermatt is a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform and libertarianism. He began his journey in the world of podcasting nearly a decade ago, and has since become a co-founder of the Lions of Liberty Network. With years of experience under his belt, John now hosts the popular Finding Freedom Podcast, where he interviews individuals who have faced the injustices of the criminal justice system, as well as those who have overcome adversity and found success after incarceration. Raised in a conservative Christian household, John's personal experiences and background in law have shaped his compassionate approach to reform and liberty. Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction     05:57    Pivoting to Finding Freedom     06:26    Criminal Justice Reform     12:28    Compassion and Responsibility     13:18    Growing in Faith     15:13    Taking Command of Our Liberty     19:10    Choosing Your Suffering     22:20    Overcoming Hurdles     23:43    Education in America     28:47    Libertarians during COVID     32:53    Technology and Tyranny     36:10    Resisting Sin and Oppression     39:42    Lions of Liberty Network     40:52    Conclusion Additional Resources: - Lions of Liberty Network: https://lionsofliberty.com/  - Finding Freedom Podcast: https://www.lionsofliberty.com/episodes  - Interview with Jacob Winograd: https://www.lionsofliberty.com/episodes/christianity-and-liberty-with-jacob-winograd  - Connect with John Odermatt on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnOdermatt  - Lions of Liberty on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LionsofLiberty  Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com