The Optimistic American

In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson welcomes Mark Meckler, co-founder of the Tea Party Movement and leader of the Convention of States initiative. Joined by Professor Henry Thompson, the discussion dives deep into the push for an Article V Convention, a process that could lead to constitutional amendments aimed at reshaping the federal government. Meckler, a key figure in conservat...

This week has been packed with major political and economic developments, and in this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by Bob Robb and Henry Thompson to break down the biggest stories shaping America. Trump’s surprise tariff announcement on Canada, Mexico, and China sent shockwaves through the stock market, reigniting fears of a trade war and economic instability. Meanwhile, t...

In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by Bob Robb and Henry Thompson for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and government policy. The discussion explores China’s new AI model, DeepSeek, and how it’s shaking up the AI race, putting pressure on OpenAI, Google’s Gemini, and Elon Musk’s AI projects. The panel also breaks down Trump’s latest...

Join host Paul Johnson on The Optimistic American as he engages in an inspiring discussion with Jake Harriman and Garrett Cathcart, co-founders of More Perfect Union. This veteran-led organization works tirelessly to bridge political divides, empower communities, and restore civic unity across the United States. Harriman and Cathcart share their remarkable journeys from military service to buildin...

Join host Paul Johnson as he welcomes panelists Bob Robb, a syndicated columnist, and Elliot Pollack, an esteemed economist, to New Frontiers. In this engaging episode, the trio dives into key issues impacting the American economy, politics, and society. From exploring the complexities of the bond market and inflation to dissecting the ramifications of California’s devastating wildfires and the na...

Join host Paul Johnson and panelists Elliot Pollack, Bob Robb, and Henry Thompson in this episode of New Frontiers. The panel dives into predictions for 2025, covering Trump’s tariff policies, the evolving MAGA coalition, and Elon Musk’s involvement in Trump’s administration. They also discuss critical national and foreign policy issues, including U.S.-China relations, the Middle East, and Ukraine...

Join Paul Johnson and Henry Thompson as they welcome renowned political analyst and author Henry Olsen to explore the transformative shifts in U.S. politics. In this episode of New Frontiers, the panel dives into the ideological evolution from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump, exploring the intersections of populism, nationalism, and working-class politics. This thought-provoking discussion touches o...

Join Paul Johnson on New Frontiers as he hosts a dynamic panel discussion with Henry Thompson, Bob Robb, and Eliott Pollack. Together, they explore the challenges of America’s political divisiveness, the potential of reform through open primaries, and the shifting dynamics in global conflicts, including the situations in Ukraine, Israel, and Syria. The episode wraps up with a forward-looking conve...

Join host Paul Johnson alongside expert panelists Bob Robb, Elliot Pollack, and Henry Thompson in this thought-provoking episode of New Frontiers . The conversation dives deep into the complexities surrounding Trump’s recent cabinet picks, the role of Elon Musk, Hunter Biden’s pardon, and economic policies like tariffs and deregulation. This dynamic discussion sheds light on political strategies,...

In this episode of New Frontiers host Paul Johnson sits down with Tricia Caldwell from Medical Teams International to discuss their incredible humanitarian work across the globe. From the war-torn regions of Ukraine and Sudan to disaster-stricken areas worldwide, Medical Teams International is dedicated to providing life-saving healthcare, psychological support, and hope to those in crisis.

In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson sits down with Tom Fishman, CEO of The Builders Program, to discuss the challenges of modern politics and the innovative solutions aimed at bridging the deep divides in Congress. With polarization at an all-time high, The Builders Program leverages groundbreaking tools like the Builders Power Rankings to promote bipartisan collaboration...

In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by panelists Eliott Pollack and Henry Thompson to dissect the key issues shaping the political landscape in the wake of the recent election. The discussion centers on Donald Trump’s policy proposals, from economic reforms to the "America First" agenda, and their potential effects on the nation and beyond. The panel dives into the odds o...

Join Paul Johnson and panelists Elliott Pollack, Henry Thompson, and Bob Robb in this episode of New Frontiers , where they discuss the high-stakes, anxiety-inducing upcoming U.S. election. As polling shows a close race between Trump and Harris, the panel explores why this election feels existential for many voters and how economic uncertainty and inflation fears add to the stress. Topics Discusse...

In this episode of The Optimistic American , host Paul Johnson sits down with McKay Coppins , an acclaimed journalist and staff writer at The Atlantic , to explore the intersection of politics, religion, and media. As the author of the book Romney: A Reckoning , McKay brings unparalleled insights into the political transformation of the Republican Party, from the Romney era to the Trump movement....

Join host Paul Johnson on New Frontiers for an in-depth conversation with Nobel Prize winner and acclaimed economist Professor James Robinson . In this episode, Paul and James explore themes from Robinson’s transformative book, Why Nations Fail . They discuss the critical role of inclusive versus extractive institutions and how these structures influence the prosperity of nations . With insightful...

In this episode of New Frontiers , Paul Johnson and panelists Elliot Pollack, Robert Robb, and Henry Thompson engage in a compelling discussion on America’s future. They explore key political, economic, and cultural issues — from the legacy of Donald Trump and his ties to Roy Cohn, to Elon Musk's SpaceX innovations, and the vital role that regulations play in shaping U.S. competitiveness. Topics D...

In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson is joined by Josh Abrams and Matt Burgess to explore how citizen assemblies are providing innovative solutions to local challenges like youth homelessness and political division. Through random selection, these assemblies give ordinary citizens a direct voice in tackling complex issues, fostering civic participation and community trust....

In this episode of New Frontiers , host Paul Johnson is joined by columnist Bob Robb and professor Henry Thompson. Join them as they unpack some of the most pressing issues facing the U.S. and the world today. From political showdowns to the potential of World War III to groundbreaking technology, the episode delves into topics that will shape our future, offering both hard-hitting analysis and a...

In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson sits down with Alan Fahringer, a man whose life story exemplifies the power of personal transformation. Once caught in the destructive cycle of addiction and crime, Alan now advocates for integrity, accountability, and the life-changing impact of therapeutic communities. Join us as we dive into Alan’s past struggles, the pivotal moments...

In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by columnist Bob Robb, professor Henry Thompson, economist Elliot Pollack, and special guest Paul Bentz, a political pollster expert. Join them as they break down how polling works and the impact the Trump vs Harris debate will have on polls and election forecasts. Together they explore key debate moments, the candidates' successes...

In this episode of New Frontiers , hosts Paul Johnson & Henry Thompson sit down with General H.R. McMaster, former National Security Advisor under President Trump, to explore the complexities of U.S. foreign policy and national security. Drawing from his book At War With Ourselves , McMaster offers a balanced look at Trump’s leadership – highlighting both the good and the bad. The discussion d...

In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson sits down with Shannon Wright, a passionate advocate for community service and the representative of JustServe, a free online platform connecting volunteers with meaningful service opportunities. Together, they explore the transformative power of volunteerism and how it can enrich communities, bridge divides, and create a sense of belon...

In this episode of New Frontiers , host Paul Johnson is joined by economist Elliott Pollack, syndicated columnist Bob Robb, and Professor Henry Tompson to dive deep into the economic policies of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. The conversation kicks off with an analysis of Kamala Harris' Democratic Convention speech and spans topics like the housing market crisis, the impact of tariffs, and wh...

In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson sits down with James Phillips, a law professor at BYU and the Constitutional Government Initiative Director at the Wheatley Institute. The conversation dives into Phillips' thought-provoking theory on “juristocracy”—the idea that the Supreme Court has assumed an overactive role in shaping American policy, thereby undermining the rol...

Join host Paul Johnson and his panel of experts – Bob Robb, Eliott Pollack, and Henry Thomson – as they dive into the major topics surrounding the Democratic Convention and the 2024 election. In this episode of New Frontiers, the discussion centers on the dynamics of the Democratic Convention, the unfolding situation in the Middle East, the contentious abortion debate, the ongoing push for changes...