The LCI Greenroom: Open & Unscripted

Reflecting on Trump's First Year: A Retrospective Analysis

In this live episode from the LCI Greenroom, hosts Jacob Winograd and Cody Cook dissect the political landscape a year into Trump’s latest term. They revisit predictions made about Trump’s presidency, covering key areas such as foreign policy, immigration, economic policies, and the turbulent political atmosphere. They reflect on their own expectations and what has transpired, including discussions on Venezuela, Iran, and issues like tariffs and government spending. The conversation also navigates the personal impacts of their political journeys, the importance of maintaining hope and integrity, and the broader implications for libertarians and Christians engaging in politics.

In this episode of the LCI Greenroom, Doug Stuart and Jacob Winograd sit down with James Lindsay to explore whether the West — and Israel by extension — can escape what Lindsay calls the “trap of catharsis.” Drawing from his recent essay Civilization vs. Catharsis, James explains how our culture has replaced reason and moral responsibility with emotional release — a worldview that seeks justice through outrage and purification rather than truth and reconciliation. Together, the discussion unpacks how this mindset, rooted in critical theory and postmodern thought, shapes everything from social movements to the global narratives surrounding Israel, the West, and the meaning of civilization itself.

But this wasn’t a debate — it was an attempt to understand. Doug and Jacob press James on the taboos surrounding foreign policy discussion, the tendency to frame every disagreement as friend versus enemy, and whether defending the West from ideological decay risks mirroring the same tribalism it seeks to resist. The conversation wrestles with the spiritual and moral foundations of truth, liberty, and civilization — and asks whether any of them can survive without humility, repentance, and the courage to confront our own moral blindness.

How do we know what’s true in the age of digital media warfare? Tonight on the LCI Greenroom, we’re diving deep into the world of propaganda, psyops, and narrative control — and how easily our confirmation bias can be manipulated.

I’ll be joined by two guests for this important conversation: returning guest Mark Puls of the Knocked Conscious Podcast and Jason of the Drop the Mask Podcast. Together, we’ll explore how propaganda works in real time, how to separate truth from spin, and why critical thinking has never been more essential. We'll talk about the latest we know about the Charlie Kirk shooting, and also have a segment where we react to reels and headlines. 

Tonight, I’m joined by my friend Jeremiah Harding to respond to a recent smear from a self-proclaimed “libertarian nationalist” who openly flirts with Nazi symbolism and rhetoric. This individual accused me and Dave Smith of being “leftists” and “anti-West” — and we’re going to break down exactly why that claim is ridiculous.

We’ll examine the arguments, the political philosophy behind them, and the disturbing overlap between authoritarian nationalism and certain segments of the so-called “liberty” movement. Expect receipts, sharp analysis, and no punches pulled.

In this special Libertarian Christian Institute livestream, Jacob Winograd moderates a spirited discussion between Cody Cook (cohost of the Libertarian Christian Podcast) and Alex Bernardo (host of the Protestant Libertarian Podcast). The question: Is libertarianism fundamentally left-wing or right-wing? Cody makes the case that libertarianism’s philosophical and historical roots are on the left, but with sharper distinctions than most leftists draw. Alex defends the position that libertarianism is right-wing, drawing on Murray Rothbard’s Egalitarianism as a Revolt Against Nature and arguing for a fundamentally hierarchical view of society. Join us as we debate the true nature of liberty and its place in the political spectrum.

In this episode of the LCI Green Room, host Jacob Winograd converses with Alex Bernardo of the Protestant Libertarian Podcast on the nuanced approaches to reading and interpreting the Bible. They examine the balance between historical-critical methods and systematic theology, discussing how Christians can navigate scripture across various traditions. Specific examples like Romans 13 and the parable of the workers in the vineyard highlight the ongoing debate over these perspectives, stressing the need for humility and open-mindedness in theological interpretation. The episode underscores the significance of considering both historical context and theological principles to fully understand scriptural teachings.

In this episode of the Biblical Anarchy Podcast, Jacob Winograd delves into the complex interplay between Christian cultural engagement and political theory within a reformed theological framework. Joined by Gregory Baus from the Reformed Libertarians podcast, they tackle the intricate doctrines of common and special grace, eschatology, and the two kingdoms' perspective, while challenging the misuse of these ideas in modern political discourse, particularly in relation to Christian Nationalism. Jacob and Greg discuss the distinctions between personal and national ethics, the pitfalls of radical retreatism, and the importance of a coherent, biblically grounded approach to cultural transformation.

Is the real power within us—or above us? Can we fight for liberty while also surrendering to the true King?

In this raw, deeply personal conversation, Spike Cohen returns to the LCI Greenroom to explore the question behind the movement he helped create: Are we the power… or is Christ the King?

Since publicly sharing his return to the Christian faith, Spike has been reflecting on how liberty, activism, and spiritual truth intersect—and sometimes collide. We’ll dive into the heart of You Are the Power, how his mission has changed, and whether the Christian calling complements or confronts the ethos of decentralized politics.

Can Christ be King if we’re still trying to be the power?

In this episode of the LCI Greenroom, host Jacob Winnegrad engages in a deep discussion with Steven Michaela, the recently appointed chair of the Libertarian National Committee. They delve into the frustrations of the America First Coalition and MAGA supporters as they observe unexpected military engagements under the Trump administration, despite his initial mandate for a more isolationist approach. The conversation spans the role of the Libertarian Party in modern American politics, emphasizing its commitment to limited government, personal freedom, and the principles of the founding fathers. 

Steven shares his journey into libertarianism, inspired by various documentaries and readings, and elaborates on the strategic goals of the Libertarian Party, focusing on local elections, decentralized political power, and effective fundraising and membership drives. Additionally, they discuss Machiavellian principles and their application in political strategy, highlighting the importance of understanding power dynamics while staying true to libertarian ideals. The episode concludes with a call to action for libertarians to engage locally and support the party's efforts in becoming a more effective third force against the two-party system.

Additional Resources

• “We Were Early, Not Wrong” – Trump, Elon & the Coming Debt Bomb: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/we-were-early-not-wrong-trump-elon-the-coming-debt-bomb/

Jacob Winograd sits down live in the LCI Greenroom with Dr. Norman Horn to unpack the recent social-media showdown between Elon Musk and former President Trump—and what it reveals about the looming national debt crisis. They trace Elon’s frustrations over the “big beautiful bill,” discuss Trump’s role in keeping the Epstein client list under wraps, and explore how both figures illustrate the broken promises of modern politicians. Drawing on public-choice insights and libertarian principles, Jacob and Norman highlight the ticking “debt bomb,” where 25 percent of federal tax receipts now service existing obligations and threaten future hyperinflation or forced austerity. Along the way, they riff on compound interest as both personal finance boon and national debt curse, underscore the dangers of political idolatry, and stress the need for sober awareness over party-line cheerleading .

Beyond the critique of political theater, Jacob and Norman challenge both conservatives and progressives to ground their civic engagement in a consistent ethical framework informed by Scripture and natural-law reasoning. They confront the pitfalls of Christian nationalism and remind listeners that true self-governance demands more than electing “strongmen” to wield power. The episode closes with a celebration of LCI’s tenth anniversary, invites supporters to join them at Freedom Fest in Palm Springs, and spotlights two new releases—Cody Cook’s The Anarchist Anabaptist and Benj Giffone’s A House Divided—along with a dollar-for-dollar matching drive to fuel the ministry’s work.

Additional Resources

• Unscripted Conversations on Liberty, Pacifism, and the Gospel with Cody Cook: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/unscripted-conversations-on-liberty-pacifism-and-the-gospel-with-cody-cook/