The Chris Spangle Show

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool became the perfect case study in how the Trump administration operates: rushed decisions, ignored experts, a no-bid contract, a failed blue liner, algae blooms, and then arrests without charges. Chris Spangle, Harry Price, and Rhinehold break down the full timeline of the pool's history, from its 1923 completion and Obama-era $34 million structural rebuild to the 2026 polyurea coating job that fell apart within weeks. The conversation covers the narcissistic personality traits that define Trump's decision-making pattern, why bureaucracy exists as a check on executive power, and how the vandalism narrative surrounding the pool follows the same playbook used across every major controversy of his administration. The hosts also examine the no-bid contractor with a criminal history, the claim that a 350-foot razor cut caused the damage, and why the motorcade driving over fresh coating is a more plausible explanation than a coordinated sabotage effort. Beyond the pool, the episode covers competitive yoga, Indiana limestone in Washington monuments, the Greg Ballard Secretary of State petition fight in Indiana, Tucker Carlson's credibility shift, and what the rise of data centers means for Midwestern communities. Chris Spangle, Harry Price, and Rhinehold host the We Are Libertarians podcast, available at wearelibertarians.com. 0:00 Introduction and Show Catchup 3:45 Competitive Yoga and Harry's Morning Routine 8:30 Trump's Narcissism and the Reflecting Pool Preview 12:30 The DSM Nine Traits of Narcissistic Personality 18:30 Reflecting Pool Full History and Timeline 38:00 Matthew Visits the Studio 40:30 Obama's $34 Million Structural Rebuild 46:00 The Blue Liner, the Motorcade, and the Algae Bloom 51:00 The No-Bid Contractor and His Criminal History 53:30 Bureaucracy as a Check on Executive Power 56:30 Biden Era Failures and Mitch McConnell's Role 58:30 Tucker Carlson, MTG, and Candace Owens 1:07:30 Harry's Free Will Test for Trump Supporters 1:09:30 Death of Stalin and CCP Comparisons 1:12:30 Data Centers and Midwestern Communities 1:13:30 Final Thoughts and Indiana Ballot Access Fight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle reflects on the week following Charlie Kirk’s assassination, the surprising impact on churches, and his own faith journey since September 11, 2001. He explores how tragedy shakes feelings of security, why people turn to church in uncertain times, and the role of parasocial relationships in amplifying grief. Spangle also shares practical steps for those seeking deeper faith, including church commitment, accountability, and daily spiritual disciplines. The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel Start with the Gospel of John Then read Romans Afterward, read Genesis or continue through the New Testament ESV Study Bible Life Application Study Bible Zondervan Study Bible Tony Evans Bible Commentary The Bible Project (website and YouTube channel) Renewing Your Mind with R.C. Sproul Tim Keller (Gospel in Life) Matt Chandler – The Village Church Podcast Insight for Living with Chuck Swindoll Unashamed with Phil Robertson 00:00 Introduction & Charlie Kirk Incident 02:00 Surge in Church Attendance & Reflections on Security 06:00 Personal Faith Journey Post-9/11 10:00 Struggles with Lukewarm Faith 13:00 Marriage, Divorce, and Spiritual Drift 17:00 Self-Improvement and Facing Personal Struggles 21:00 Reigniting Active Faith & Practical Steps 25:00 Building Strong Church and Community Connections 30:00 Overcoming Stubborn Sins & Accountability 33:00 Fatherhood, Legacy, and Maturity 37:00 Finding Spiritual Role Models & Daily Routines 41:00 Being Open About Faith & Christian Community Today 44:00 Closing Advice: Commit, Connect, and Pursue Wisdom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Adam Binkerd and Erika Crabtree open season three of Leading Adam with a deeply personal conversation with Chris Spangle—director of digital content at IBJ, former Bob & Tom digital lead, and longtime host of The Chris Spangle Show. Spangle shares his journey from early success in radio and podcasting to a season of loss, depression, and faith that reshaped his life. He talks candidly about therapy, breaking unhealthy cycles, and choosing family over workaholism. A podcast editor, co-host of The Patdown and featured juror on BET’s Ms. Pat Settles It, he shares where he thinks media is heading. This episode sets the tone for a season focused on “leading inward,” exploring grit, resilience, and the quiet work of building an “ordered life” brick by brick. Follow him on YouTube here: @ChrisSpangleShow https://youtu.be/S0LA9jqS7v0 Please support our work now on Patreon or Substack at ⁠Chris-Spangle.com⁠. 00:00 Intro & New Season Kickoff 01:07 New Set, New Energy 02:04 Introducing Chris Spangle 05:56 Why Chris? Production & Connection 08:30 Season 3: Leading Inward 13:01 Chris's Journey: Podcasting & Growth 20:53 The Granular Skills That Built a Career 24:53 Getting Personal: Lessons from Childhood 31:31 Finding Grit in Insecurity 38:56 Faith, Recovery, and Second Chances 44:52 Formulas for Values & the Ordered Life 50:59 Balance, Vocational Choices & Family 01:00:10 Building Community & The Future of Relationships 01:13:02 Parenting, Role Models & Generational Growth 01:18:10 Authenticity, Judgment, and Social Barriers 01:21:31 Lessons Learned & Season Wrap-up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Agustina Vergara Cid, a former immigrant from Argentina and now a U.S. citizen, joins host Chris Spangle to share her powerful story of becoming American. She describes her July 3 naturalization ceremony, the emotional oath of allegiance, and why she has dreamed of America since childhood. Agustina explains how growing up in Argentina shaped her views on freedom, individualism, and government, and why she believes America’s founding values are still worth defending. This conversation offers a unique immigrant perspective on citizenship, immigration policy, and what makes the United States different. https://youtu.be/9aaLDBkw6B0 Please support our work now on Patreon or Substack at ⁠Chris-Spangle.com⁠. Despite anti-immigrant narratives, Americans still embrace immigrants - ⁠https://www.ocregister.com/2025/07/28/despite-anti-immigrant-narratives-americans-still-embrace-immigrants/?share=niagim2rshrngirsieop⁠ The Immorality of the U.S. Immigration System - ⁠https://youtu.be/1VOzKYDDkow⁠ Immigration Enforcement and the Betrayal of Due Process - ⁠https://youtu.be/mkOadbwUP5s⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle returns to share why he’s been away and what’s next for the show. He opens up about fatherhood, intellectual shifts since the pandemic, and his desire to rethink libertarianism and faith in public. Chris also introduces two upcoming themes: the Foundations of Liberty series and reflections on personal formation. ⁠https://youtu.be/9OIPaHHnrjU⁠ Please support our work now on Patreon or Substack at Chris-Spangle.com. 00:00 Show Returns & Life Update 02:00 Coping with Change & New Beginnings 04:00 Reflecting on Growth & Regrets 06:30 Speaking Up vs. Staying Quiet 09:00 Political Disillusionment and Evolving Beliefs 11:30 A New Direction for the Show 14:00 Exploring Foundations of Liberty 17:00 Faith, Family, and Personal Growth 19:30 Balancing Ambition and Family 21:00 Two Core Themes: Society & The Individual 22:30 Plans for Future Episodes & Listener Involvement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senior policy analyst James Czerniawski of Americans for Prosperity joins The Chris Spangle Show to break down the Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2025 and why it’s crucial for America’s digital future. From unlicensed spectrum access for startups to restoring FCC auction authority, Czerniawski explains how wireless innovation impacts everyday life—and why keeping pace with China matters. ⁠https://youtu.be/Kujolbpm9W4⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle is joined by Alex Rosado, professional programs assistant at the Alexander Hamilton Society, to unpack the complexities of U.S.-China trade relations. They break down the legacy of Trump’s “Phase One” deal, why China fulfilled only 57% of its commitments, and how tactics like invoice manipulation and transshipment undermine global trade norms. The conversation also explores reshoring U.S. manufacturing, the AI and semiconductor arms race, and China’s internal demographic and economic challenges. Together, they examine how America can balance skepticism with strategy in navigating future trade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Chris Spangle Show, Chris welcomes William Dunstan, a Canadian political commentator and Young Voices contributor, for a wide-ranging discussion about U.S.-Canada relations, Canadian politics, and the impact of Donald Trump’s policies on Canada’s upcoming elections. Chris explains the long-running joke about Canadians on the show and reflects on the serious consequences of anti-American sentiment in Canada today. William outlines how tariffs, the "51st state" comments, and Trump’s rhetoric are reshaping Canadian nationalism and boosting the Liberal Party’s chances. They also explore the challenges young Canadians face, including housing affordability, economic stagnation, and why free tuition and rent control policies are missing the mark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices