The Forge of Freedom

Show Notes:   Episode 108. Prosecutors Challenge 2nd Amendment in Rajon Rondo Case (Part 2) This episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast discusses the prosecution of Rajon Rondo for unlawful possession of a handgun. The host examines the charges, the motion to dismiss, and the response from the prosecutor. The prosecutor argues that domestic violence restraining orders can justify the deprivation...

Show Notes: Episode 107. Liberty and Responsibility   In this episode, Alex Ooley discusses an article titled 'Liberty is Meaningless Without Responsibility' by Tyler Brandt. The article explores the inseparable relationship between liberty and responsibility. Alex emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in a free society and how it contributes to human flourishing. He also hi...

Show Notes:   Episode 106. Rajon Rondo's Arrest: Bruen, the 2nd Amendment, and Gun Control on Trial   In this episode, host Alex Ooley discusses the arrest of NBA player Rajon Rondo in Indiana. Rondo was stopped for not having a license plate and was subsequently found to be in possession of marijuana and a firearm. The focus of the discussion is on the charge of unlawful carrying of a handgun...

Show Notes:   Episode 105. From Beat Cop to Ballot Box: Mike ter Maat’s Libertarian Campaign for President In this episode, Mike ter Maat, a Libertarian candidate for president of the United States, discusses his campaign and his ideas for police reform and criminal justice reform. He emphasizes the need for a principles-forward and professional campaign that differentiates the Libertarian party f...

Show Notes:   Episode 104. NRA Jury Verdict in New York Corruption Case   In this episode, Alex Ooley provides an update on the trial against the NRA in New York. He shares quotes on freedom and discusses the power of thoughts and the consequences of absurd beliefs. Alex questions the authority and effectiveness of lockdowns during the pandemic. He delves into the details of the NRA lawsuit, bankr...

Show Notes:   Episode 103. Problem-Solving Courts: A Critical Examination with Judge Houchin   In this episode, Judge Dustin Houchin discusses problem solving courts. He highlights the lack of empirical evidence supporting these courts. Judge Houchin also raises concerns about the separation of powers, as problem solving courts blur the lines between the judiciary and other branches of government....

Show Notes:   Episode 102. Test Your Knowledge of U.S. Gun Laws   In this episode, Alex Ooley discusses a quiz on US gun laws published by The Trace, an organization that promotes gun control. The host acknowledges the bias in the quiz but finds it instructive. The quiz covers topics such as background checks, private sellers, failing a background check, psychological evaluations, timeframes for b...

Show Notes:   Episode 101. After Covid: Twelve Challenges for a Shattered World by Jeffrey Tucker In this episode, host Alex Ooley shares an article by Jeffrey Tucker titled 'After COVID: 12 Challenges for a Shattered World.' The article highlights the need for a new citizen movement that rejects the authoritarianism and compulsion of the pandemic response. It discusses the successes and f...

Show Notes:   Episode 46. America’s Rifle: The Case for the AR-15 by Stephen P. Halbrook   Alex Ooley is joined by Stephen Halbrook to discuss his book, America’s Rifle: The Case for the AR-15.   Stephen P. Halbrook is a Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute. He has taught legal and political philosophy at George Mason University, Howard University, and Tuskegee Institute, and he received his...

Show Notes:   Episode 100. Involuntary Manslaughter: The Conviction of Jennifer Crumbley, Safe Storage Laws, and the Right to Keep and Bear Arms   In this episode, host Alex Ooley, discusses the case of Jennifer Crumbley, who was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for the actions of her son, who killed four people at Oxford High School in Michigan. The case raises questions about the crimina...

Show Notes: Episode 99. Capitalism versus Socialism: The Great Seligman-Nearing Debate of 1921 with Rob Weir In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley interviews Rob Weir about his book, 'Capitalism versus Socialism: The Great Seligman-Nearing Debate of 1921.' The debate, which took place in New York City, featured Edwin Robert Anderson Seligman arguing for capitalis...

Show Notes:   Episode 98. Handgun Training Terms You Should Know   In this episode, Alex Ooley discusses useful vocabulary for firearms courses. He covers terms such as ceasefire command, load and make ready, sight alignment, sight picture, out of battery, stovepipe, reloading techniques, press check, running the gun, and unload and show clear. The host emphasizes the importance of understanding t...

Show Notes: Episode 97. My Passion for Liberty with Jacob Hornberger, Libertarian Candidate for President Jacob Hornberger, author of My Passion for Liberty , discusses his journey to libertarianism and the founding of the Future of Freedom Foundation. He emphasizes the importance of principled libertarianism and the need to dismantle infringements on freedom. Hornberger also advocates for open im...

Show Notes:     Episode 96. What You Need to Know About Suppressors/Silencers     In this episode, Alex Ooley and Mike Ooley discuss suppressors, also known as silencers, and their benefits and misconceptions about them. The hosts also delve into the history and regulations surrounding suppressors, including the National Firearms Act of 1934. They discuss the constitutional implications of the NFA...

Show Notes:   Episode 95. Dog Training and Eight Faces of Aggressive Behavior: A Master's Solution to Barkers, Growlers and Biters with Guests, Matthew Duffy & Grant Foster (Part 2) In this episode, host Alex Ooley continues the discussion with Matthew Duffy and Grant Foster about dog training and the eight faces of aggressive behavior. The conversation focuses on the importance of buildin...

Show Notes:     Episode 94. What You Need to Know About Body Armor   In this episode, the hosts discuss the sensitive places ban in California and the legality of body armor. They explore whether body armor is protected by the Second Amendment and provide an overview of the laws and regulations surrounding its use. The hosts also explain the different types of body armor, including soft and hard a...

Show Notes:   Episode 93. Dog Training and Eight Faces of Aggressive Behavior: A Master's Solution to Barkers, Growlers and Biters with Guests, Matthew Duffy & Grant Foster (Part 1) In this episode, Alex Ooley interviews Matthew Duffy and Grant Foster about Duffy's book, Dog Training and Eight Faces of Aggressive Behavior . They discuss the importance of understanding and managing aggr...

Show Notes: Episode 92. Unpacking the Legacy of Gaston Glock and the Glock Pistol In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, Alex Ooley and Mike Ooley discuss the legacy of Gaston Glock and the impact of his Glock pistol on the firearms industry. They also provide updates on the NRA's recent turmoil and the upcoming trial against the organization. The conversation covers topics such as G...

Show Notes: Episode 91. What Are Individual Rights? This episode explores the concept of individual rights and its distinction from welfare rights and collectivistic identity-based rights. Alex Ooley shares an article by Patrick Carroll and Dan Sanchez called, “What are Individual Rights?”  It discusses the philosophy of individual rights, drawing from John Locke's views on ownership rights. T...

Show Notes:   Episode 90. Gun Safety 101: Mastering Safe Gun Handling In this episode, attorneys and firearms instructors, Mike and Alex Ooley, discuss the rules for safe gun handling from both the universal rules and the NRA's perspective. They emphasize the importance of internalizing these rules and achieving unconscious competence in gun handling. The hosts also highlight the need for safe...

Show Notes:   Episode 89. Homeschooling and Entrepreneurship: Building Skills, Independence, and a Legacy Jonathan and Adriana Prescott discuss the connection between homeschooling and entrepreneurship. They emphasize the importance of independence and creativity in homeschooling, as traditional schooling often stifles these qualities. They highlight the need to foster an entrepreneurial mindset i...

Show Notes:   Episode 88. Rahimi, Bump Stocks, and Beyond: Your 2024 Guide to Gun Rights   Summary   In this episode, the hosts provide updates on the news and discuss the current state of Second Amendment cases. They cover the Rahimi case, the bump stock ban, and the assault weapons ban in Illinois. They also highlight the importance of local elections in protecting individual rights. The episode...

Show Notes: Episode 87. Choose Adventure: Safe Travel in Dangerous Places by Greg Ellifritz Greg Ellifritz, the author of Choose Adventure: Safe Travel in Dangerous Places , discusses his motivation for writing the book and how it differs from other travel books. He shares his background in law enforcement and self-defense, emphasizing the importance of non-firearm self-defense skills. Greg also t...

Show Notes: Episode 86. Lock, Stock, and Barrel: The Origins of American Gun Culture by Clayton Cramer Alex Ooley interviews Clayton Cramer, author and professor of history, about his work on American gun culture and the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions. They discuss the implications of the Bruen decision and the constitutional standards for gun laws. They also explore historical analogues...

Show Notes:    Episode 85. “Why We Love the Nutcracker” by Jeffrey Tucker     In this episode, Alex Ooley shares an article by Jeffrey Tucker titled 'Why We Love the Nutcracker.' The article explores the significance of the Nutcracker Ballet and its depiction of a prosperous world that emerged in the late 19th century. Tucker highlights the themes of abundance, prosperity, cross-cultural e...