Talking Freedom Podcast

In this presentation, the Society’s founder describes the motivation behind the Society’s formation and its role as both defender of freedom and opponent to collectivism. Throughout the years, Mr. Welch constantly updates this lecture. Filmed circa 1965.

In the first part of The Life of John Birch, G. Edward Griffin narrates an illustrated condensed version of Robert Welch’s classic 1954 book that carries the same name. That story is followed by an introductory training presentation for members and prospective members of The John Birch Society. Concluding remarks are given by Mr. Welch.

Mr. Welch outlines the Communist gains and Insider betrayals since the end of the Second World War. This is primarily an update of “Look at the Score…,” the opening chapter of, “The Blue Book of The John Birch Society (the Society’s founding presentation). Filmed October 3, 1959.

In this two-part presentation, subtitles “15 Years Ago” and “15 Years Ahead, Mr. Welch discussed the Society’s past and its future as the leading opponent of collectivism. Delivered March 9, 1974 at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles before a crowd of more that 2,000 members of The John Birch Society.

In this two-part presentation, subtitles “15 Years Ago” and “15 Years Ahead, Mr. Welch discussed the Society’s past and its future as the leading opponent of collectivism. Delivered March 9, 1974 at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles before a crowd of more that 2,000 members of The John Birch Society.

In this presentation, the founder of The John Birch Society makes the case for all patriotic Americans to become active members. Along the way, Mr. Welch examines the futility of unproductive debating groups and tangents. He also provides timeless counsel to members on the need to stay focused on the Society’s goals and mission. Filmed in 1959.

In this class, we finish tackling the most abused clauses in the Constitution: the Necessary and Proper Clause, Commerce Clause, and treaty powers. Politicians and judges wield them as a hammer to crush liberty, but the Founders insisted they were tightly confined tools, not blank checks. We expose the modern frauds and highlight Jefferson’s “rightful remedy” — nullification.

Liberty cannot survive without self-government and moral restraint. Here we examine how Madison, Jefferson, and even Wisconsin legislators used nullification and interposition to resist federal overreach — including slavery laws. This class shows why true patriots must once again revive these forgotten checks, using state and local authority to block unconstitutional edicts.

Sound money is liberty’s lifeblood. The Founders prescribed gold and silver coin — not fiat paper from the Federal Reserve. This class reveals how abandoning constitutional money has fueled war, debt, and tyranny. Jefferson warned that paper money is “the ghost of money”; Madison called it “pestilent.” We will chart the path back to honest money and financial sovereignty.

This class defines and explores protectionism. Washington, Hamilton, and Jefferson all endorsed tariffs to secure independence and shield our economy from foreign manipulation. This class traces the history of tariffs as a constitutional, moral, and effective alternative to direct income taxes. We expose the betrayal of the forgotten (yet highly consequential) Trade Agreements Act of 1934 and revive the Founders’ vision for economic independence.