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 t...

Chris Spangle, Harry and Reinhold talk about when news breaks fast, like the U.S. bombing Iran, forcing them to toss their planned topics and react in real time. From there, they talk about news fatigue and attention whiplash, including how major developments can disappear from the public conversation and how hard it is to verify what is real online. They compare national coverage to alternative s...

Chris steps back from the daily outrage cycle to tackle a bigger question: Is there a difference between caring for someone personally and how the law should be written or enforced? Using a recent ICE shooting story as a case study, he explores how government power shapes human behavior, why politics is an extension of morality, and why treating people as image-bearers of God matters in public lif...

Chris, Harry, and Rhinehold discuss the coming snowpocolypse and what motivates people to buy 8 gallons of milk as a response. While shooting the show, news breaks about a second killing by ICE in Minneapolis. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.chrisspangle.com/subscribe

Chris Spangle is joined by Harry Price and Rhinehold for the final We Are Libertarians roundtable of 2025, recorded on the Saturday between Christmas and New Year’s. They trade Festivus-style grievances, talk life and workload, and debate Indianapolis development, public transit, and downtown design, including “no turn on red” frustrations and light rail. The conversation moves into NPR and PBS fu...

In the final 2025 episode of The Chris Spangle Show, Spike Cohen shares how he became a Christian and what his first Christmas season in the faith has meant to him. Cohen explains the mission of You Are the Power, an advocacy group that pressures local and state officials to back off when families say they are being railroaded by government systems. The conversation focuses on the Hernandez family...

Chris Spangle and Matt Wittlief reunite to bring back History of Modern Politics after a long hiatus. In this episode, they explain why the show is returning, how seasons two and three are already underway, and what listeners can expect as they continue tracing political thought from the Roman Republic to the American founding. Chris and Matt share behind-the-scenes updates on research, writing, e...

Join Chris Spangle, Harry Price, and Rhinehold for an unfiltered conversation exploring everything from tech “enshittification” and the work-from-home debate to the dangers of centralized government power. The trio examines how political and cultural tension mirror the post-COVID era, why Gen Z’s values echo past generations, and what the “success sequence” reveals about personal responsibility. C...

Chris Spangle is interviewed by Chuck Pullen and Bob Starkey on “The Fall of Chuck And Bob” on WJOB 1230 AM for an in-depth discussion about libertarian views on Republicans and Democrats, the White House demolition, and the No Kings rallies. The conversation touches on hypocrisy in American politics, the role of power, and the increasing centralization of executive power. Key topics include Rand...

Chris Spangle, Harry Price, and Reinhold reunite for a new episode of We Are Libertarians. The hosts reintroduce themselves and reflect on the history of the show before diving into today’s big issues. They discuss the speed of the news cycle, public trust in media, right- and left-wing biases, and why local journalism still matters. The conversation also explores libertarian principles, cultural...

In 1633, Galileo Galilei was condemned by the Roman Inquisition for teaching that the Earth revolves around the Sun. His defiance became a symbol of individual conscience against powerful institutions. On this episode of The Chris Spangle Show, we explore the history of individualism versus collectivism — from Socrates to the Stoics, from Christianity and the Reformation to Enlightenment thinkers...

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...

Chris Spangle sits down with Carmel City Councilor Jeff Worrell to discuss Project Civility and why disagreement is not something to avoid but a path toward stronger communities. They explore how civility is not about silence or politeness but about creating the groundwork for meaningful conversations on politics, religion, and tough issues. Worrell shares the core principles behind managing confl...

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...

What are natural rights, and how do they differ from legal rights? In this episode of Foundations of Liberty on The Chris Spangle Show, Chris breaks down core Libertarian principles on rights, freedom, and government power. Learn about natural rights, legal rights, negative vs. positive rights, property rights, and why Libertarians argue that rights come from our nature—not the state. This deep di...

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...

Chris Spangle launches a new series exploring the foundational ideas behind libertarianism. In this episode, he outlines eight core principles—individualism, individual rights, spontaneous order, limited government, free markets, the virtue of production, the natural harmony of interests, and peace. Chris reflects on how these ideas shape a free society and wrestles with the tensions between liber...

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. 00:00 Show Returns & Life Update 02:00 Coping with Change & New Beginnin...

I was honored to (and surprised) to be asked as a guest on Jacob Winograd's show The LCI Green Room over at the Libertarian Christian Institute to talk about the “Grill Pill”—a mindset that’s all about stepping back from the chaos of national politics to focus on what really matters: faith, family, community, and yes, sometimes literally grilling. He and I unpack the emotional toll of constant pol...

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. ⁠ This is a pub...

Join Chris Spangle and Alejandro Ramos as they discuss why civics education is crucial for America's future. Alejandro outlines his Citizenship Empowerment Framework, emphasizing foundational documents, media literacy, courageous dialogue, and community engagement to combat polarization and misinformation. Ramos, a second-generation immigrant, shares personal insights on immigration, birthright ci...

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...

I was honored to give the commencement address at a homeschool high school graduation. In this speech, I encouraged graduates to resist the pull of shallow success and instead pursue lives rooted in faith, service, and meaningful relationships. Drawing inspiration from Jane Addams and Abraham Kuyper, I highlighted how small, faithful choices—made consistently—can transform communities and leave a...

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 a...

Michigan expanded its state-funded pre-K program by 20,000 seats—but only 6,000 children enrolled. Why are parents opting out of free preschool programs like Head Start and the Great Start Readiness Program? In this episode, Chris Spangle talks with Susanna Barnes Pettit, a social mobility fellow with Young Voices, about parental choice, preschool funding, and why families still prefer community-b...