In this episode of The Porcupine Report, Eric is joined by Dan McKnight to break down the latest showdown over Defend the Guard in New Hampshire—and what it means for the future of the movement nationwide. They unpack a tense Senate hearing, a lightning-fast committee vote, and why critics say the process revealed more about power and politics than constitutional duty. The conversation dives into war powers, state sovereignty, and why Defend the Guard continues to gain momentum across the country despite entrenched opposition. Dan also explains what comes next and why one state taking a stand could trigger a national shift.

Watch Dan’s breakdown of the New Hampshire Senate hearing and committee vote here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W11jlEEs7t8

On this special 100th episode of the Porcupine Report, Eric welcomes back libertarian thinker and bestselling author Tom Woods for a wide-ranging, heartfelt conversation. Woods reflects on fatherhood, New England roots, and why there’s truly “no place like home”—especially when that home might be New Hampshire. The two dive into the cultural and political momentum building in state legislatures, the legacy of the Ron Paul movement, and why Woods believes Ron Paul was “right about basically everything.” From tax havens in the U.S. Virgin Islands to the beauty of four seasons and the Free State Project’s growing influence, this episode blends personal stories with big-picture liberty talk. It’s a thoughtful, funny, and surprisingly moving milestone conversation you won’t want to miss.

Scott Horton joins the show to share insights from decades of reporting on U.S. foreign policy, the War on Terror, and America’s global military footprint. He explains how his books, interviews, and new Horton Academy are helping people better understand the true costs of endless war. Scott discusses his growing reach with mainstream audiences and why more Americans are questioning interventionism and media narratives. He and Eric explore New Hampshire’s Defend the Guard movement and the effort to restore constitutional limits on undeclared wars. Scott reflects on how antiwar principles shape a deeper understanding of liberty and the state. He closes by encouraging listeners to stay informed, support grassroots efforts, and help build real alternatives to the war machine.

Eric opens the show by sharing highlights from Porcupine Day, reflecting on the growth of the Free State movement, and previewing the upcoming New Hampshire Liberty Forum. He also delivers a thoughtful message about unity, personal responsibility, and focusing on building strong communities instead of getting lost in internal conflicts. This week’s episode features a special appearance by Eric on the Black Powder Podcast, where he discusses his new book on door-knocking and winning grassroots campaigns. He breaks down how authentic conversations, listening skills, and neighborly connections can turn long-shot candidates into real contenders. Together, these segments offer a powerful look at how liberty advances through both community-building and practical action.

Representative Michael Granger joins the show to give an inside look at what’s really happening at the New Hampshire State House as the legislative session heats up. He breaks down key fights over vehicle inspections, campus carry, Defend the Guard, and ongoing efforts to push back against cronyism and federal overreach. Granger shares firsthand insight into committee battles, surprising political alliances, and how liberty bills actually move or stall in Concord. The conversation dives into labor policy, union power, and why some reforms terrify entrenched interests.

For updates, follow Rep. Granger on X at: https://x.com/Granger4NH

Retired U.S. Marine and state legislator Tom Mannion joins the show to explore the growing momentum for liberty in the New Hampshire State House, centered on the renewed push for Defend the Guard and the effort to bring troops home from undeclared wars. He offers sharp, firsthand insight into how the bill passed the House once again and the institutional resistance it continues to face. The conversation also ranges across campus carry, food freedom, and the unexpected alliances forming around these fights. Along the way, listeners get an unfiltered look at how real change takes shape inside the legislature, and why this moment feels different.

Stay tuned after the show for powerful firsthand testimony from Tom Mannion and Eric Brakey on Defend the Guard.

For updates, follow Rep. Mannion on X at: https://x.com/mannion4nh

Eric is joined by Carla Gericke to mark the 10th anniversary of Porcupine Day and reflect on the moment the Free State Project officially triggered the move to New Hampshire. Carla shares behind-the-scenes stories about reaching 20,000 signers and the early decisions that helped accelerate the movement. The conversation explores how the Free State Project evolved from an ambitious idea into a real, growing community with lasting cultural and political impact. They also discuss why Porcupine Day remains an important milestone for the movement today. The episode wraps with a preview of this year’s Porcupine Day celebration and an invitation for viewers to experience it firsthand.

Get your tickets for the 10th annual Porcupine Day at: https://fsp.org/PorcDay

Eric talks with Tyler and Sarah, the new innkeepers of the Independence Inn in Strafford, New Hampshire, to talk about their journey from California and New York to the Free State. They share how a simple vacation turned into taking over the historic inn and opening The Jefferson restaurant, built around scratch-made food, local sourcing, and personal responsibility. They share how their business has been embraced by the local community and why New Hampshire’s culture of freedom, trust, and neighborliness feels fundamentally different from other states. Tyler and Sarah explain how the inn has become a hub for Free Staters, visitors, and future movers looking to experience New Hampshire before relocating. The episode highlights how building businesses, community, and culture on the ground is central to keeping the “Live Free or Die” spirit alive.

Eric sits down with documentary filmmaker Reinita Susman to talk about her path to New Hampshire and the spark behind her documentary, FREE STATE. She shares how living in California during the COVID era pushed her to start capturing the real stories of people impacted by lockdowns. The conversation centers on her multi-episode project exploring the Free State movement through the lives of homesteaders, entrepreneurs, homeschoolers, and liberty-minded activists. Through featured clips, they dig into ideas like alternative money, decentralization, and the strength that comes from building community with people who share your values. They show how New Hampshire’s culture of freedom and fellowship became a refuge during a time of crisis—and why it continues to draw people looking for a freer, more intentional way of life.

Merry Christmas from The Porcupine Report! Please enjoy our Christmas special from 2024. Eric is joined by a panel of regulars to the show to talk about Christmas spirit in New Hampshire. They celebrate New Hampshire's rank as the state with the most Christmas spirit, due to the many holiday events that happen annually as well as activities such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, skiing, and ice skating. The guests also share unique ways they celebrate, from cooking special meals to organizing community events. They bask in the joy of celebrating the holidays in the Free State, without the burden of overregulation and high taxes.