Voices of Freedom

An Interview with Adam Josefczyk, Co-founder and President, Forge Leadership Network Many young conservatives have genuine conviction and real potential — but without personal formation, a trusted network, and professional mentoring, they never find their footing in the public arena. Forge Leadership Network was created to change that. Our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom is Adam Josefczyk, co-founder and President of Forge Leadership Network. Since founding Forge in 2014, Adam has built a pathway for emerging Christian conservative leaders through formation, friendship, and preparation for influence in politics, culture, and business. Through its Leadership Summit, Mentorship Academy, and a growing national network of Forge Fellows, Forge is turning a sense of calling into enduring impact in the public arena. Before Forge, Adam worked in public policy in Ohio and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Dayton. Topics Discussed on this Episode: • What Adam observed working in Ohio policy and politics — and the gap it revealed for young conservatives entering the public arena • Why formation, friendship, and preparation must work together, and how the Forge Summit, Academy, and Network deliver all three • How Forge measures success — and why placement in roles of real responsibility is the right standard • The relationship between faith and political engagement, and the principles that guide how Forge navigates that tension • What gives Adam hope about the next generation, where Forge is headed, and what it can offer young people who want to make a difference

An Interview with Christopher Rufo, Writer, Filmmaker and Commentator For more than half a century, many of America's most revered institutions have been infiltrated with ideas that run counter to the country's founding principles. This ideological capture has been acute within prestigious universities, to the point where the opportunity for viewpoint diversity continues to be under severe threat. Yet, according to our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom, all is not lost. In fact, he believes that there has been an ideological shift not only within higher education, but in society, politics, culture and in civic institutions. And, he says, it's only beginning. Christ Rufo discusses how his unique background, which is rooted in both scholarship and filmmaking, has led him to believe that it's possible and vital to restore the principles of American exceptionalism. Topics Discussed on this Episode Why Chris went into documentary filmmaking upon graduation from Georgetown University. What Chris learned directing documentaries and why he focused on urban areas How Chris' filmmaking experience turned him into an advocate for solutions to the problems he was seeing Reversing the ideological capture of higher universities and how to turn ideas rooted in scholarship into reality. Opportunities to change the culture in institutions that seem permanently captured, such as government, higher education, and entertainment Why the younger generation is gravitating towards values and ideals traditionally tied to free enterprise, liberty and free speech The rise of independent media and how it has contributed to the cultural shift What it means to receive a Bradley Prize About Christopher Rufo Rufo is a bestselling author, filmmaker and commentator, whose work has significantly influenced contemporary American culture and policies. He's also a senior fellow and director of the initiative on critical race theory at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor of City Journal. Rufo is a 2025 Bradley Prize winner.

An Interview with James Piereson, Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute, and Trustee, Thomas W. Smith Foundation The vigorous forces shaping American society, politics, and the economy today could have a transformative impact on the country's future. Even amidst a sea of change and political realignments, our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom, says that the Constitution will be an enduring structure that continues to guide us. James Piereson has dedicated his career to American history, Constitutional thought, and philanthropy. He shares his thoughts on the current environment in the US, the role of ideas in politics today, the state of the Constitution, and more. Topics Discussed on this Episode: Jim's path to the study of American history and constitutional thought The current political and ideological realignment in the U.S. Whether the center right needs a "new fusionism" Areas around which conservatives can coalesce today The state of the Constitution How universities should be responding to the realities of today's environment Philanthropy's role in a polarized climate Ways in which philanthropy can address societal problems Reaction to receiving a Bradley Prize About James Piereson: James Piereson is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Public Policy, where he writes on philanthropy, higher education, and general political subjects. Previously, he was president and trustee of the William E. Simon Foundation, which was a private grant-making foundation with interests in education and religion. Before that, Jim was the executive director of the John M. Olin Foundation, also a private grant-making foundation, which worked to advance conservative ideals. He has served on the political science faculties of several prominent universities, serves on the board of many non-profit organizations, and is a distinguished published author. He is also a 2025 Bradley Prize winner.

An Interview with Victor and Dawn Barnett, Leaders of Running Rebels It's a magical sight when a once lifeless plant begins to blossom because of the right conditions. According to one of our guests on this episode of Voices of Freedom, working with young people from challenging circumstances is analogous to tending a garden. When someone is struggling or hopeless, it can be hard to see the possibilities ahead for them. Yet with nurturing, understanding and patience, change can take root that allows them to bloom. For four decades, Running Rebels has intervened in the lives of thousands of young people, helping them become thriving, engaged, contributing citizens. Victor and Dawn Barnett lead Running Rebels together. They share what youth need to thrive and why they're optimistic about the next generation. Topics Discussed on this Episode: What led Victor and Dawn to dedicate their lives to working with young people How Running Rebels filled a void in the Milwaukee area The challenges kids face today versus in the 1980s and 90s The qualities that make someone a good mentor and how to find mentors Organizations across the country that mentor young people How to connect with kids who are tough to reach and how to deal with kids who fall back into destructive behaviors Running Rebels' program to help kids succeed while in college The biggest misconception about the kids Running Rebels helps What gives Dawn and Victor hope for the future About Victor and Dawn Barnett: At the age of 19, Victor Barnett saw many of the young people of Milwaukee being pulled into the street life of gangs, crime, and violence. He used basketball as the tool to engage, mentor, and guide youth towards an alternative path that would ensure their future success. From this vision and action, Running Rebels Community Organization was born. Dawn Barnett's career began over 20 years ago when she saw a boy playing with a basketball in front of her house. Impressed by his skills, she learned that he was a member of the Running Rebels basketball team. She soon met Victor and was inspired to become involved. Since that time, she has helped turn Running Rebels into an organization that now serves 2,500 youth annually in Milwaukee.

An Interview with Anthony McHenry, Chief Executive Officer, Milwaukee Academy of Science When it comes to urban education, the news is almost always negative. Poor academic performance, abysmal graduation rates and unruly classrooms have become the norm. Students have suffered because of these failures, often falling through the cracks. Yet there are schools in Milwaukee that defy the odds, showing that success is not only possible, but should be the expectation - even for schools that cater to students facing significant obstacles outside the classroom. One of those schools is Milwaukee Academy of Science (MAS). Our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom is Anthony McHenry, CEO of MAS, a STEM-focused, K4-12 charter school whose mission is to graduate urban students prepared to compete at the post-secondary level. McHenry discusses what's behind MAS's success and how to offer more opportunities for students to get ahead. Topics Discussed on this Episode: McHenry's story and how it drives him to be a leader Why society has failed kids, and the opportunities squandered because of it The circumstances causing students to be in volatile situations How MAS addresses the challenges its students face, particularly when it comes to transportation How MAS encourages students to imagine the possibilities for their lives How to get kids excited about and engaged in science MAS's efforts to keep high quality teachers and administrators What MAS's new addition will allow it to do and what will it mean for the families it serves What needs to be done so that there are more opportunities for kids to succeed Anthony McHenry has been CEO of MAS since 2016. Under his leadership, MAS has increased enrollment, entered into new partnerships and improved academic outcomes. MAS has also developed one of the area's top school athletic programs. Prior to joining MAS, McHenry served for nearly 20 years as executive director of the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center in Milwaukee's Westlawn neighborhood.

An Interview with Victor Davis Hanson The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation The principles enshrined in the US Constitution have historically united us as Americans. We may have different customs, backgrounds or religious beliefs from our fellow citizens, but we share the values of freedom and the rule of law that are afforded to us as citizens. Increasingly however, people are gravitating towards tribalism and identity politics, undermining the foundational beliefs that have traditionally brought us together. That division is sowing seeds of discord and preventing us from solving the country's greatest challenges. Can America course correct? Our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom is scholar and author Victor Davis Hanson. He addresses that question and shares his thoughts on the events that will influence the US for decades to come. Topics Discussed on this Episode: · How Victor's experience growing up on a California fruit farm shaped his life · Victor's path from farmer to academic and why he chooses to remain on the farm · The danger of identity politics and the move away from a multiracial single culture · The end game for the clash of cultures · How the revolutionary events of the past few years will impact the US · Whether American society is in the midst of decline · What gives Victor hope for the future of US and Western civilization Victor Davis Hanson is the Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution. He is the author of several books and hundreds of articles, book reviews, and newspaper editorials about classical military history and its many lessons. Victor was awarded the National Humanities Medal in 2007 and a Bradley Prize in 2008. He is also a member of the Bradley Foundation board of directors.

Interview with Roger Kimball Words matter. The right words can advance new ideas, enrich our lives and alter the course of history. Yet in today's technologically driven world, language is often diluted as people think less about word choice and more about quick responses. This has also contributed to a decline in culture. Shorter attention spans and the lure of the screen have made people less inclined to appreciate or understand the works of the great artists, writers and thinkers. It has also contributed to an erosion of the values of the Western tradition and the principles of America's founding. Our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom has dedicated his life's work to preserving culture and contributing to the world of ideas. Roger Kimball, publisher of Encounter Books, shares his thoughts on the power of words and provides an update on a new initiative dedicated to honoring and preserving the traditions of the West and of America. Topics Discussed on this Episode: · Kimball's path toward the publishing industry and Encounter Books · The intriguing history of Encounter Books · The power of words · The impact of technology on culture · The New Criterion's role in upholding the Western tradition · Encounter's Golden Thread Initiative · The future of high culture

An Interview with William Barclay Allen America's founders are revered for creating a structure of governance that values individual rights and promotes human flourishing. Nearly 250 years after they took the first steps toward creating a more perfect union by drafting and adopting the US Constitution, the nation continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity around the world. That the Framers could so eloquently articulate the principles of ordered liberty that guide us today results in part from their own careful examination of the great thinkers of the 17th and 18th century. Our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom is Dr. William Barclay Allen. A 2024 Bradley Prize winner, he has dedicated his life's work to studying the Founders and the philosophers who influenced the Western tradition. He is also committed to instilling an understanding and appreciation of that tradition among the next generation. Allen is the Emeritus Dean of James Madison College and Professor of Political Science at Michigan State University. He is a former member and chairman of the US Commission on Civil Rights and has been a Kellogg National Fellow, Fulbright Fellow, and a member of the National Council on the Humanities. Topics discussed on this episode: How Allen's experience growing up in the segregated south influenced his life's path The story of his intellectual journey Why Allen translated Montesquieu's The Spirit of the Laws His decision to focus on America's founders and the US Constitution Why Allen believes Washington is the most important founder and America's first progressive Teaching history in a way that reflects the words and experiences of those who lived it Advice to young scholars who are just starting out What it means to Allen to win a Bradley Prize