Neighbors in the Network

In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, hosts James Pinedo and Jane McEnaney sit down with Laurie White Adams, Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy at the Pelican Institute, to explore how Louisiana is building a durable freedom infrastructure that empowers local leaders and drives lasting policy change. Laurie shares her inspiring personal journey from small business owner to civic le...

This conversation was recorded as part of a live-streamed zoom conversation on April 8, 2024.In this inspiring episode of SPN's Neighbors in the Network podcast, host James Pinedo sits down with Christina Sandefur, Executive Vice President of the Goldwater Institute, for a deeply personal and principled conversation about liberty, resilience, and the power of everyday people to shape the futur...

This interview was recorded July 18, 2024. In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, host James Pinedo welcomes Audrey Lane, President of the Garden State Initiative, for a powerful and personal conversation on leadership, grit, and the future of New Jersey. Audrey shares how her path from publishing and small business to state policy was shaped by deep-rooted family values and a commitment to...

This conversation was originally recorded on May 1st, 2024.🎙️ In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, James Pinedo sits down with Matt Gagnon, CEO of the Maine Policy Institute, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, grassroots engagement, and building public policy solutions in Maine.📍 From his early days in Washington, D.C. to his current leadership role back home, Matt shares how...

What does it really mean to solve poverty—not just manage it? In this second installment of Neighbors in the Network featuring Nic Dunn of the Sutherland Institute, we go deeper into the philosophy behind effective welfare reform. Nic explains why expanding programs isn't the answer—and how better targeting, smarter policy, and a focus on work-based self-reliance can help families break free f...

What if the key to solving poverty isn’t more programs—but better ones? In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, we sit down with Nic Dunn, Vice President of Strategy and Senior Fellow at the Sutherland Institute, to explore how Utah is becoming a national model for welfare reform that actually works. From addressing "benefits cliffs" to redefining the role of the safety net, Nic shares powerf...

This podcast was originally recorded on Nov. 13, 2024.What inspired Connor Boyack, the author of the Tuttle Twins series and President of the Libertas Institute, to dedicate his life to fighting for freedom and teaching kids about liberty? In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, we dive into Connor’s journey—from his early days in tech to building an organization that empowers families with f...

When the South Carolina Supreme Court unexpectedly stripped away critical scholarship funds mid-school year, thousands of low-income students were left in crisis. Families who had finally secured the right educational fit for their children suddenly faced the heartbreaking reality of being forced back into schools that didn’t meet their needs. Schools, too, were left scrambling—having already welc...

Is the American Dream still a guiding light, or has it been lost in today’s polarized world? In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, hosts James Pinedo and Corey Burres welcome Ray Nothstine, Senior Editor of American Habits and Future of Freedom Fellow at the State Policy Network, for a deep conversation on what the American Dream means today. 🇺🇸💡 Does the American Dream still offer hope an...

In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, hosts James Pinedo and Jane McEnaney dive into a powerful discussion on K-12 education reform with Dr. Will Flanders, Research Director at the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL).📌 Topics Covered:✅ The state of education reform in Wisconsin and across the U.S.✅ The real impact of school choice and education funding reform✅ How Milwaukee...

The recent LA wildfires have once again highlighted the urgent need for smarter forest management and environmental policy. But what if top-down government regulations aren’t the solution? In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, we explore how tribal authorities have mastered sustainable forestry, offering key lessons in local stewardship and free-market environmentalism that could help preve...

In this episode, Matt Paprocki, CEO & President of the Illinois Policy Institute, joins host James Pinedo to discuss how communities can work together to address policy challenges, the role of civic engagement, and why strengthening local institutions is key to long-term success.

Welcome back to Neighbors in the Network! In this episode, host James Pinedo sits down with Tony Woodlief, the State Policy Network's (SPN's) Senior Executive Vice President and the Senior Fellow of SPN's Center for Practical Federalism. They dive into the Federalism Scorecard, state autonomy, and how states can push back against federal overreach.

Welcome to the latest episode of "Neighbors in the Network," where today, we're thrilled to bring you an enlightening conversation with Elizabeth McGuigan, the Senior Vice President at the Philanthropy Roundtable. This episode, titled "Ep. 21: Protecting Philanthropic Freedom - A Conversation with Elizabeth McGuigan," delves into the crucial topics of philanthropy, charitab...

In this groundbreaking episode of Neighbors in the Network, we're thrilled to feature Arianne Craig Jolla, a luminary in the field of education innovation. Arianne opens up about her transformative journey from her own challenging educational experiences to founding Hype Academy, a sanctuary of learning that champions the liberating power of education. Through her story, we uncover the profoun...

Welcome to another captivating episode of Neighbors in the Network podcast where your host, James Pinedo, engages in a profound conversation with Russ Latino, the innovative force behind the Magnolia Tribune Institute. This episode takes you on a journey through Russ's inspiring story, from his modest upbringing in Independence, Louisiana, to his influential role in shaping public policy and m...

Join us on Neighbors in the Network for an enlightening episode where host James Pinedo engages with John Hendrickson, the distinguished policy director at Iowans for Tax Relief Foundation. This special interview navigates the intersection of history and public policy, offering a unique lens through which to view fiscal responsibility and economic strategies. John Hendrickson, renowned for his dee...

Join us on "Neighbors in the Network" as host James Pinedo sits down with Dustin Hurst, the dynamic Senior Director of Development at the People United for Privacy Foundation. In this enlightening episode, we delve into Dustin's multifaceted journey from a committed Boy Scout to a leader in philanthropy. Discover how his early experiences shaped his perspectives on culture, parenting...

Welcome back to Neighbors in the Network! In this episode, we have a special guest, Joanna Holbert, the Director of Outreach at Empower Mississippi. Join us as we delve into Joanna's journey, from her roots on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to her impactful role at Empower.

🌟 Welcome back to Neighbors in the Network! 🌐 In this captivating episode, our host James Pinedo engages in a profound conversation with Corey Burres, the Vice President of Communications at Georgia Center for Opportunity. 🎙️ Together, they unravel Corey's remarkable journey, from his roots as a pastor to becoming a passionate advocate for positive policy changes through the art of storytell...

In this compelling episode of Neighbors in the Network, viewers are treated to an insightful conversation between host James Pinedo and the esteemed Jen Stefano, Executive Vice President of the Commonwealth Foundation. Delving into Jen's remarkable background, the discussion navigates through her early years in Philadelphia, the influences of her Kennedy Democrat upbringing, and the unique per...

🌟 Welcome back to Neighbors in the Network! Join James Pinedo, your host, as he sits down with Andrea Keith, the Executive Director of Let Grow, in this captivating episode. Uncover the remarkable journey of a passionate advocate for empowering kids and gain insights into the transformative moments that defined Andrea's career.

Join us on another exciting episode of "Neighbors in the Network" hosted by James Pinedo. In this episode, we're delighted to have Ann Marie Miller, the Communications and Content Associate at EdChoice, as our special guest. James dives into Ann Marie's background, experiences, and insights, making for a captivating conversation.

🎙️ Welcome back to Neighbors in the Network! 🌐 Hosted by James Pinedo, this episode is a captivating conversation with Derrick Max, the dynamic president and CEO of the Thomas Jefferson Institute. Derrick brings a wealth of experience from his military upbringing to his influential role in the liberty movement.

Welcome to "Neighbors in the Network" with James Pinedo! Dive into the world of insightful discussions as your host, James Pinedo, welcomes Mandi Broadfoot, the esteemed Development Director at the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA). Join us for a captivating journey through Mandi's unique experiences and the impactful policies shaping Oklahoma.