Main Street Matters

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Campus Reform's Emily Sturge break down the changing landscape of higher education and what it means for students and families. They discuss how to evaluate college options, the real cost of student debt, and whether today’s degree programs deliver long-term value. The conversation also explores affordable alternatives to traditional...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with financial expert and author Erik Weir to break down the growing challenges facing American workers as they try to save for retirement. From inflation eroding purchasing power to the widening gap between high earners and middle- and lower-income households, they unpack the economic forces making financial security harder to achiev...

In this episode of  Main Street Matters , Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz sit down with former Congressman Dr. Tom Price to break down the growing healthcare crisis facing small businesses. They discuss skyrocketing health insurance premiums, the promise of association health plans, the powerful role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and why Congress must shift its focus from political gam...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and National Taxpayers Union EVP, Brandon Arnold, break down the major migration shift happening across America as taxpayers leave high-tax states for lower-tax Southern destinations. They examine the economic forces driving this trend, from costly tax burdens and strained housing markets to the impact of the SALT deduction and how businesses r...

In this episode, Elaine Parker and Eric Eggers break down the real causes behind America’s worsening housing crisis and debate the controversial push for 50-year mortgages as a solution. They explore the historical roots of the affordability problem, how environmental and zoning regulations restrict new housing supply, and why a growing number of Americans now view long-term debt and delayed...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Julio Gonzalez to discuss how IRS reform could fix a broken system, reduce audit fear, and restore fairness to Main Street. They also explore: The real impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, How Engineered Tax Services supports small business owners, & What bipartisan reforms could rebuild trust in the tax code.  Text "Why...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and EJ Antoni deliver a deep dive into America’s economic outlook—breaking down the latest job numbers, shifting inflation metrics, and the growing affordability crisis impacting families nationwide. They examine how Federal Reserve policy continues to influence interest rates, long-term mortgages, and overall market stability, whil...

In this episode, Bruce De Torres breaks down the myths surrounding federal support for small businesses and the real impact of the Small Business Administration. He reveals how only a tiny fraction of small businesses ever receive SBA-backed loans—despite the narrative pushed in politics and the media. De Torres calls for a closer look at the numbers and a serious rethink of how government p...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Patrick Hedger to break down the escalating AI competition between the United States and China—and what it means for America’s economic future. They explore how AI is reshaping industries, why workforce training is essential for maintaining a competitive edge, and how public-private partnerships can accelerate innovat...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Jordan Bruneau sits down with economist David Bahnsen to break down the real economic impact of the recent government shutdown and what the latest off-year election results signal for the country. They explore the growing healthcare crisis, persistent labor shortages, and the cultural shifts influencing workforce participation—particularly among men. B...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Jordan Bruneau sits down with America First Policy Institute's Jill Homan to unpack the Supreme Court case over President Trump’s tariffs—and what its outcome could mean for American workers, small businesses, and the broader economy. They explore the connection between trade policy, the opioid crisis, and America’s reliance on foreign manu...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Breitbart’s John Carney break down the ongoing government shutdown and what it means for everyday Americans. They examine how stalled funding affects healthcare subsidies, inflation, and consumer spending—and how voters are judging both parties’ handling of the economy. The conversation also explores the growing link betwe...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and the Washington Examiner's Rachel Schilke break down the real-world impact of the government shutdown on small businesses nationwide. They discuss how delayed federal loans, halted contracts, and economic uncertainty are straining local communities and entrepreneurs. The conversation also explores the political gridlock in Washington, its ri...

In this episode of Main Street Matters , host Elaine Parker sits down with Rich Gandhi , a New Jersey hotel owner and small business advocate, to discuss how the federal government shutdown is devastating small businesses across the state. Gandhi reveals how his hospitality business has suffered a 30% drop in revenue , forcing difficult decisions like layoffs and cost cuts. The conversation explor...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Tommy Aiello dive into the biggest economic challenges facing America’s small businesses. They break down how the government shutdown, rising healthcare costs, and new tariffs on medical products are impacting Main Street. The conversation also covers inflation, trade policy, and the Federal Reserve’s decisions—and what th...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker discusses the implications of the EPA's endangerment finding on greenhouse gases with Diana Furchtgott-Roth. They explore the global net zero movement, the impact of regulatory changes on small businesses and everyday Americans, the challenges posed by electric vehicles, and the reliability of the power grid. The conversation also touches on th...

In this conversation, Elaine Parker and Sam Caucci discuss the innovative workforce training platform 1Huddle and its connection to Sam's new book, Wasted Talent. They explore the challenges of talent development in today's economy, emphasizing the importance of addressing the experience gap versus the skills gap. Sam shares insights on how organizations can better engage their employees, the impa...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Julio Gonzalez to discuss how IRS reform could fix a broken system, reduce audit fear, and restore fairness to Main Street. They also explore: The real impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, How Engineered Tax Services supports small business owners, & What bipartisan reforms could rebuild trust in the tax code.  Text "Why...

In this special episode, leading voices—including the SBA Administrator, Kelly Loeffler, Trish Regan, Grover Norquist, and more—discuss the vital role of tax cuts and small businesses in driving U.S. economic growth. They explore how lower taxes, reduced regulation, and clear policies empower entrepreneurs, create jobs, and foster innovation. The panel addresses challenges like tariffs...

In this episode, you'll hear from Senator Joni Ernst & our special panel made up of Karen Harned, Former Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, EJ Antoni, Rep. Mike Collins, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.  The panel discussion focuses on the significant impact of federal regulations on small businesses and the economy. It highlights the burden of overregulation, the legislative efforts to reform...

In this episode of Main Street Matters , Elaine Parker sits down with Greg Workmon, founder and CEO of LoadUp , the innovative, tech-powered junk removal platform disrupting an outdated industry. Workmon shares how AI, real-time pricing, and data transparency are revolutionizing operations while empowering independent contractors and fueling small business growth across America. From tackling indu...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Breitbart’s John Carney break down the ongoing government shutdown and what it means for everyday Americans. They examine how stalled funding affects healthcare subsidies, inflation, and consumer spending—and how voters are judging both parties’ handling of the economy. The conversation also explores the growing link betwe...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and National Taxpayers Union's Brandon Arnold discuss the current government shutdown and the implications of the clean continuing resolution. They delve into the complexities of Obamacare credits, the flaws in the healthcare system, and the need for a consumer-driven approach to healthcare. The conversation also touches on political dynamics s...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and the Heritage Foundation's Rachel Greszler discuss the pressing issues surrounding vocational education and the workforce crisis in the U.S. They explore the demographic and fiscal challenges, the importance of apprenticeships, the impact of regulations, and the need for policy changes to attract industry experts into teaching roles. The con...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with Michele Steeb, founder of the Free Up Foundation, about the ongoing homeless crisis in America. They discuss the impact of homelessness on communities, the failures of past policies, and the importance of a human-first approach to addressing the issue. Michele shares insights from her experience running a shelter for homeless women...