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Episode 291 – Featuring Joni Bryan of The 917 Society

In this episode, Wilk sits down with Joni Bryan, Founder & Executive Director of The 917 Society, an organization dedicated to inspiring the next generation with a personal connection to the U.S. Constitution.

Joni shares how a simple question — “Have you ever read the Constitution?” — evolved into a nationwide effort to provide every 8th-grade student with a free pocket Constitution and the Declaration of Independence in honor of Constitution Day.

Topics include:

• Why constitutional literacy is declining
• Originalism vs. modern interpretations
• Limited government and the balance between federal and state power
• The role of bureaucracy in shaping today’s political divides
• Pushback The 917 Society receives — and why
• The importance of the Constitution for all Americans, regardless of political beliefs
• The 2026 goal: 2.5 million pocket Constitutions for America’s 250th anniversary

Learn more about Joni & The 917 Society in the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com or visiting 917society.org.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

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*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.