Neighbors in the Network

In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, hosts James Pinedo and Jane McEnaney sit down with Laurie White Adams, Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy at the Pelican Institute, to explore how Louisiana is building a durable freedom infrastructure that empowers local leaders and drives lasting policy change. Laurie shares her inspiring personal journey from small business owner to civic leader, how the Pelican Leadership Academy is cultivating the next generation of change-makers, and why long-term relationship-building is critical for sustaining freedom across generations. Discover practical insights on leadership development, grassroots engagement, and how local policy wins can shape the future of liberty.Here are a few key insights from our conversation with Laurie Adams about building durable freedom infrastructure in Louisiana:Key Takeaways:✅ Pelican Leadership Academy builds Louisiana’s future policy leaders.✅ Durable freedom infrastructure means sustaining long-term wins.✅ Mentorship and relationships power civic engagement.✅ Local leadership drives real, lasting state policy change.

This conversation was recorded as part of a live-streamed zoom conversation on April 8, 2024.In this inspiring episode of SPN's Neighbors in the Network podcast, host James Pinedo sits down with Christina Sandefur, Executive Vice President of the Goldwater Institute, for a deeply personal and principled conversation about liberty, resilience, and the power of everyday people to shape the future.From escaping Mussolini’s fascism to pioneering reforms like Right to Try, Christina shares how her family history, personal health journey, and deep admiration for America’s founding ideals shaped her into a leading voice in the freedom movement. Her story is a compelling reminder that in the face of adversity, we can choose to fight—or not.Whether you're passionate about property rights, self-governance, school choice, or health care freedom, this episode will leave you both encouraged and challenged to protect the liberties we too often take for granted.🔑 Key Takeaways:- The sacred nature of property rights and self-ownership- How Christina overcame early health struggles with grit and gratitude- What sparked her first article—and the unexpected backlash- The inside story of passing Right to Try- Why state constitutions are key to protecting individual liberty- The role of optimism, agency, and long-term thinking in effective reform

This interview was recorded July 18, 2024.

In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, host James Pinedo welcomes Audrey Lane, President of the Garden State Initiative, for a powerful and personal conversation on leadership, grit, and the future of New Jersey. Audrey shares how her path from publishing and small business to state policy was shaped by deep-rooted family values and a commitment to making her home state more livable and competitive.From council chambers to corporate tax reform campaigns, Audrey has seen firsthand how policy decisions made in Trenton impact families, businesses, and communities across the Garden State. Her story reflects not just a career pivot, but a mission to rebuild what’s been lost—affordable living and thriving entrepreneurship.This episode dives deep into the policies Audrey and her team are championing—from nuclear energy innovation and regulatory reform to mentorship for young leaders and advocating for fairness in taxation. If you care about practical, state-based solutions and the people driving them, this conversation is not to be missed.🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode:-How Audrey’s background in publishing and entrepreneurship shaped her policy leadership-Why New Jersey’s tax structure and energy mandates are unsustainable—and how GSI is pushing back-The power of intergenerational policy conversations and mentorship-Audrey’s vision for restoring affordability and keeping families rooted in New Jersey

This conversation was originally recorded on May 1st, 2024.🎙️ In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, James Pinedo sits down with Matt Gagnon, CEO of the Maine Policy Institute, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, grassroots engagement, and building public policy solutions in Maine.📍 From his early days in Washington, D.C. to his current leadership role back home, Matt shares how he turned a passion for politics into meaningful policy change. You’ll hear about his career in digital strategy, his return to Maine, and the grassroots victories making headlines today.

What does it really mean to solve poverty—not just manage it?In this second installment of Neighbors in the Network featuring Nic Dunn of the Sutherland Institute, we go deeper into the philosophy behind effective welfare reform. Nic explains why expanding programs isn't the answer—and how better targeting, smarter policy, and a focus on work-based self-reliance can help families break free from cycles of dependency.Joined by co-host Corey Burres, SPN’s James Pinedo guides the conversation through real-life stories, the importance of dignity and work, and how state-level innovation can lead national change. If you care about poverty, opportunity, and policy that puts people first—this episode is for you.🔑 Key Points- Poverty solutions must be rooted in human dignity and work- Families want independence, not permanent assistance- A smaller, smarter safety net serves people better- Utah’s model shows how states can lead national reform- The ultimate goal isn’t just support—it’s self-reliance- Policymakers should focus on outcomes, not just access

What if the key to solving poverty isn’t more programs—but better ones? In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, we sit down with Nic Dunn, Vice President of Strategy and Senior Fellow at the Sutherland Institute, to explore how Utah is becoming a national model for welfare reform that actually works. From addressing "benefits cliffs" to redefining the role of the safety net, Nic shares powerful insights, policy wins, and personal stories that challenge conventional thinking about poverty and upward mobility.Hosted by James Pinedo and Corey Burres, Neighbors in the Network is a podcast from the State Policy Network (SPN), where we highlight bold leaders, grassroots advocates, and policy changemakers working in communities across America. We go beyond theory and into practice—showcasing how real people are building lasting change from the ground up.This is Part 1 of our two-part conversation with Nic. In this episode, we focus on Utah’s innovative "One Door" model, the moral case for welfare reform, and how data-backed stories can inspire better policy outcomes. Whether you're a policymaker, community leader, or someone passionate about solving poverty in a more compassionate, sustainable way—this episode is for you.🔑 Key Points- Utah ranks #1 in upward mobility but still sees families struggling- Benefits cliffs discourage work and upward progress- Welfare should be a launchpad, not a long-term destination- Real families want independence, not indefinite assistance- Policy rooted in data, dignity, and opportunity can transform lives- SPN Affiliates like Sutherland Institute and Georgia Center for Opportunity are leading the charge nationally

This podcast was originally recorded on Nov. 13, 2024.What inspired Connor Boyack, the author of the Tuttle Twins series and President of the Libertas Institute, to dedicate his life to fighting for freedom and teaching kids about liberty? In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, we dive into Connor’s journey—from his early days in tech to building an organization that empowers families with free-market and constitutional principles.Connor shares how his frustration with government overreach and lack of real-world education led him to create a program that reaches families across the nation and empowers them in entrepreneurship, personal responsibility, and civic engagement. With over 6 million Tuttle Twins books sold and laws changed across the country through his policy work, Connor’s impact is shaping the next generation of liberty-minded leaders.Whether you're a parent, educator, entrepreneur, or just someone passionate about freedom, this episode offers powerful insights on how storytelling, grassroots activism, and persistence can change the world. Join us for this inspiring conversation on how we can protect values related to liberty, empower families, and secure a freer future for generations to come.🌟 Topics Covered:✅ How Connor Boyack went from a tech career to founding Libertas Institute✅ The story behind the Tuttle Twins books and their impact on millions of kids✅ The importance of teaching families about free markets, personal freedom, and entrepreneurship✅ Overcoming policy roadblocks and making real legislative change✅ How to inspire the next generation to fight for liberty

When the South Carolina Supreme Court unexpectedly stripped away critical scholarship funds mid-school year, thousands of low-income students were left in crisis. Families who had finally secured the right educational fit for their children suddenly faced the heartbreaking reality of being forced back into schools that didn’t meet their needs. Schools, too, were left scrambling—having already welcomed these students into their classrooms, they now faced the impossible choice of absorbing the financial burden or turning children away.But Wendy Damron, CEO of Palmetto Promise Institute, refused to let that happen. With determination and a deep commitment to the families affected, she launched an ambitious effort to raise $3 million—a rescue fund designed to keep these students in school. Against all odds, she mobilized donors, built a coalition, and worked tirelessly to bridge the funding gap while advocating for a long-term policy fix. Her story is one of bold leadership, swift action, and an unwavering belief that every child deserves access to the best education possible.In this episode of SPN's Neighbors in the Network podcast, Wendy takes us inside this fight for school choice in South Carolina—and why the battle is far from over. We’ll hear the strategy behind the rescue fund and the next steps to ensure universal school choice becomes a reality. If you care about education freedom and giving parents the power to choose, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Is the American Dream still a guiding light, or has it been lost in today’s polarized world?In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, hosts James Pinedo and Corey Burres welcome Ray Nothstine, Senior Editor of American Habits and Future of Freedom Fellow at the State Policy Network, for a deep conversation on what the American Dream means today. 🇺🇸💡 Does the American Dream still offer hope and opportunity?💡 How do faith, federalism, and community shape success?💡 Has academia abandoned the idea of upward mobility and personal responsibility?Ray shares his perspective on how federalism empowers local communities, the importance of cultural optimism, and why economic freedom and personal virtue are essential to the pursuit of happiness. He also reflects on his personal journey—growing up as an Air Force kid, working in Washington, D.C., and ultimately rediscovering the power of local engagement over national politics.This episode is packed with insights on liberty, responsibility, and the forces shaping the next generation’s future. Whether you believe the American Dream is thriving or slipping away, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, hosts James Pinedo and Jane McEnaney dive into a powerful discussion on K-12 education reform with Dr. Will Flanders, Research Director at the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL).📌 Topics Covered:✅ The state of education reform in Wisconsin and across the U.S.✅ The real impact of school choice and education funding reform✅ How Milwaukee became ground zero for the school choice movement✅ Closing the racial achievement gap in public education✅ How local school boards are driving change post-COVID✅ The role of legal action in protecting parental rights & school reformDr. Flanders explains why local action is not just important—but essential—in the fight for better schools. He breaks down how parents, educators, and policymakers can challenge the status quo, advocate for school choice, and push back against failing education policies that have left too many students behind. With the future of American education at stake, he highlights why real reform doesn’t come from bureaucrats in Washington, but from empowered communities, engaged school boards, and parents demanding accountability. If we want to close achievement gaps, expand opportunities, and give every child access to a quality education, the change must start at the grassroots level—where real impact happens.🎧 Listen in as we discuss what’s working, what’s not, and how we can push for real change in education policy.