In this classic episode: A principled libertarian breakdown of the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), Elon Musk’s role, and why court challenges and budget math suggest savings claims aren’t enough. Big John and Mike ter Maat argue for spending caps and entitlement reform over executive-order theatrics. – Case for a nominal spending cap over time– […]

In this Liberty Lens classic, Big John and Mike ter Maat break down the Ukraine war through a libertarian lens—how it started, what’s at stake, and why America’s foreign aid policy deserves scrutiny. They explore Putin’s motives, U.S. involvement, and the ethical divide among libertarians. – European defense spending and free speech concerns– Origins and […]

The Free for All panel breaks down the recent debate between activist David Hogg and libertarian Spike Cohen, exploring how emotion, data, and constitutional principles collided over gun rights. Featuring Chase Oliver, Mike ter Maat, and attorney Daniel Schmutter. – Why gun-free zones may create unintended risks– The team analyzes Hogg’s emotional approach vs. Cohen’s […]

Big John and Mike ter Maat break down President Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Israel and Gaza — its progress, pitfalls, and what libertarians think it means for U.S. foreign policy. * Whether real peace is possible — or just temporary optics* Ceasefire and hostage exchanges under Trump’s peace plan* The role of the U.S. […]

Big John and Mike ter Maat take a hard look at America’s exploding debt and what Trump’s latest budget reveals about Washington’s spending addiction. From entitlements to defense to deficits, they explain why both parties keep kicking the can—and what it will take to avoid a fiscal collapse. – Why rising U.S. debt threatens long-term […]

Big John and Mike ter Maat explore global government efforts to regulate online speech, from China’s national ID system to the UK’s Online Safety Act, and debate the U.S. history of Section 230. The episode examines whether social platforms are neutral platforms or biased publishers. – Libertarian perspective on free expression– China’s new single sign-on […]

In this Liberty Lens Classic, Big John and Mike ter Maat examine government intervention in markets—from Intel’s ownership stake and housing “emergency” proposals to tariffs and Fed independence—asking whether central planning threatens liberty. – Intel stake and AI chip supply concerns– Housing emergency powers and tariffs– Court challenges on presidential tariff authority– Risks to Federal […]

Attorney General Pam Bondi’s explosive Senate testimony sparks bipartisan controversy as senators press her on Epstein files, DOJ politicization, and the Trump administration’s deployment of the National Guard. Big John and Mike ter Maat unpack what this means for liberty, law, and limits of power. – Senate Democrats grill AG Bondi on Epstein investigation– Refusals […]

Big John and Mike ter Maat explore the fine line between dissent and domestic terrorism, the dangers of politicized prosecutions, and the risks of eroding constitutional guardrails. – When dissent becomes labeled as “terrorism” – The history of political “enemies lists” – Presidential influence on prosecutions – Guardrails and the independence of DOJ/FBI – Political […]