free 2 think

What does our art and architecture say about our culture?

There was a time when great art and architecture required extraordinary investments of time, money, and craftsmanship. Today, a banana taped to a wall can sell for millions. Is that progress, or have our values changed?

In Episode 29, Cody and Jacob explore how art and architecture reflect society. Have we traded beauty and lasting achievement for convenience, efficiency, and affordability? And is that necessarily a bad thing?

Are we building a culture that values what lasts, or just what's easy?

The Three-Fifths Compromise is one of the most controversial provisions in American history. But what was its purpose, and what did it actually accomplish?

In Episode 28, Cody and Jacob briefly explore the history of slavery, the slave trade, and racism in America before diving into the Three-Fifths Compromise.

Was it a necessary political compromise to establish the Constitution, a concession that strengthened slavery, or both?

We examine the historical context, competing perspectives, and the good, the bad, and the ugly of a compromise that helped shape the American experiment.

Understanding history means being willing to wrestle with all of it.

Welcome to free 2 think.

Does demoralization pave the way for tyranny? And is the process intentional, or simply a natural consequence of modern society?

In Episode 27, Cody and Jacob explore two different meanings of demoralization: the erosion of morals and the loss of morale. One weakens our understanding of right and wrong, while the other produces apathy, hopelessness, and disengagement. Different paths, but potentially the same destination.

We discuss how demoralization can happen naturally through cultural and societal changes, but also how it can be intentionally used to influence and control people.

More importantly, what can we do about it?

We explore the importance of engaging with real, meaningful content rather than relying on AI to do our thinking, pursuing the art of discipline, establishing healthy boundaries, and taking personal responsibility for our lives.

Can a society remain free when its people lose both their moral compass and the will to defend their freedom?

Another thought-provoking conversation on free 2 think.

Colorado voters have a lot to consider this election, and we're making it simple.

In Episode 26, Cody and Jacob tackle every statewide ballot issue in just 30 minutes! (and some local ones too)

From taxes and government spending to individual rights and constitutional amendments, we give you a quick breakdown of what's on the ballot, what each measure would do, and how we're voting.

Grab your ballot, take a listen, and vote!

We're wrapping up more of Colorado's 2026 ballot issues, this time bringing the conversation closer to home.

In Episode 25 of free 2 think, we break down Proposition NN, Proposition 137, and local ballot issues, including Mesa County Valley School District 51's 4A mill levy override.

We discuss what these measures would do, the arguments for and against them, and how they could affect taxpayers, schools, and our communities.

As always, we're digging past the ballot language to understand what we're actually voting on.

The episode covers three distinct funding questions: state education revenue under NN, conservation funding under 137, and a proposed local school property-tax increase under 4A.

What drives the price of gas at the pump? How does conflict in Iran affect global oil markets? And how much debt is too much?

In Episode 24 of free 2 think, we cover a little bit of everything—from how oil is produced, refined, and priced to the impact of international conflicts on our economy. We also dig into America's growing consumer debt, personal financial responsibility, and what it means to be financially healthy.

Different topics, but one common thread: understanding the forces that shape our economy and our everyday lives.

We’re back with another round of Colorado’s 2026 ballot measures. This week we break down Propositions 134, 135, and 136—covering sex-based eligibility in school sports, gender-related surgeries for minors, and a cap on Colorado’s income-tax rate. We look at what each measure would actually change, the arguments surrounding them, and what voters should understand before filling out their ballots. 

Family can be messy, exhausting, hilarious—and one of the greatest joys in life.

In Episode 22 of free 2 think, we lighten things up and talk about the value of family: what our families mean to us personally, the joy and purpose that come with raising kids and building a life together, and why strong families matter beyond our own homes.

We also discuss the nuclear family and its value to society—how stable families help shape children, communities, and ultimately the culture around us.

No ballot measures. No data centers. Just a conversation about something that matters a whole lot more than either one.

We’re continuing our look at Colorado’s 2026 statewide ballot. In Episode 21 of free 2 think, we break down three more measures and discuss what they actually do, the arguments surrounding them, and how we’re thinking about them.

Amendment 87 – Graduated Income Tax: Would replace Colorado’s uniform income-tax rate with a graduated structure and authorize an estimated $2.7 billion annually in additional state taxes for K-12 education, health care, and early childhood programs. Colorado Secretary of State

Proposition 132 – Penalties for Fentanyl Crimes: Would increase penalties for certain fentanyl and synthetic-opioid crimes, require treatment for certain possession offenses, and change some sentencing provisions. Colorado Secretary of State

Proposition 133 – Penalties for Human Trafficking of a Minor: Would expand the law concerning trafficking minors for sexual servitude and increase the penalty for the covered offense to life in prison without parole or release. Colorado Secretary of State

Three very different issues—taxes, fentanyl, and human trafficking—and plenty to unpack.

Data centers are becoming a political flashpoint—but how much of the concern is grounded in reality?

In Episode 20 of free 2 think, we dig into the debate over data centers: water and energy use, environmental concerns, the rapid growth of AI, and fears about where the technology is taking us. We separate some of the realities from the rhetoric and ask whether there’s a reasonable middle ground between embracing data centers without limits and trying to keep them out altogether.

And with an election underway, we ask another question: Is the election cycle turning legitimate concerns into unnecessary chaos?