The Porcupine Report with Eric Brakey

Eric sits down with longtime Free State activist and State Representative Dan McGuire to reflect on two decades of the Free State Project, New Hampshire politics, and the movement's growth. They discuss what makes New Hampshire's citizen legislature unique, the impact dedicated individuals can have, and the many ways people contribute to advancing liberty beyond elected office. The convers...

Eric reflects on the 2026 Porcupine Freedom Festival, sharing how this year's decentralized format brought together liberty-minded people from across New Hampshire and around the country. He discusses the growth of community initiatives, the role of philosophy in the Free State movement, and why events like PorkFest continue to strengthen the culture of liberty. The episode also highlights upc...

As PorcFest 2026 approaches, Eric welcomes Brian Becker, Free State Project IT Director and founder of the Warehouse clubhouse in Weare, New Hampshire, for a conversation about the movement’s continued growth and this year’s decentralized festival format. They discuss how Free Staters are building communities, events, and institutions across the state, creating new opportunities for activism, netw...

Eric talks with Kitty Michelotti and Eowyn Osborne from Latitude Learning about this year’s Family Freedom Field Day at PorcFest. They discuss how the event keeps family programming alive in PorcFest’s new decentralized format, with activities for kids, teens, and parents throughout the day. The conversation also highlights Latitude Learning’s child-led, freedom-oriented approach to education, wit...

Eric talks with Paul Dans about the future of the conservative movement, the influence of the administrative state, and the ongoing debate over America's role in the world. They explore the rise of populist politics, tensions within the Republican Party, and the challenges of translating political victories into lasting institutional change. The discussion also examines the relationship betwee...

Eric shares a recent appearance alongside Carla Gericke and Jason Sorens on the political game show “Are You Smarter Than a Politician?”, where the conversation turns into a fast-moving debate about liberty, decentralization, surveillance, gun rights, free speech, and the future of America. Blending humor, audience interaction, and political philosophy, the episode explores why New Hampshire has b...

Eric sits down with William Kostric, co-founder of The Quill, to talk about the early days of the Free State movement and how one underground liberty clubhouse helped shape a growing network of communities across New Hampshire. William also shares stories from the history of The Quill, including its survival through COVID, the “Save the Quill” effort, and the challenges of building decentralized c...

Adam McGuire joins Eric to share how NorthFest, part of PorcFest: Spontaneous Order, is bringing people to New Hampshire’s North Country for three days of community, entrepreneurship, and liberty focused culture. The conversation explores what makes the region unique, from affordable living and strong family oriented values to the growing network of Free Staters and business owners putting down ro...

Austin Petersen joins Eric for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of the liberty movement, challenging old assumptions about foreign policy, nationalism, immigration, and the role of government. Drawing from years in politics, media, and activism, Austin lays out his vision for what he calls “libertarian nationalism,” arguing for a movement rooted not just in freedom, but also in culture...

Niklas Anzinger joins Eric to discuss how biotech innovation and alternative governance models are opening new possibilities for healthcare and entrepreneurship. He shares insights from his work with experimental regulatory environments and efforts to expand patient access to cutting-edge treatments. The conversation highlights New Hampshire’s growing role as a potential biotech hub and a testing...

Eric talks with Free State organizer, Jaime Hussey about the growing momentum behind the Free State movement and what it means to actively build a culture of liberty in New Hampshire. They discuss a new initiative inviting both longtime residents and newcomers to formally declare their commitment to that vision. The conversation highlights how community, shared values, and personal initiative are...

Naomi Brockwell joins Eric to explore how modern technology is transforming the fight for freedom, especially as digital surveillance quietly erodes Fourth Amendment protections and gives governments broad access to personal data. They discuss the debate over surveillance powers like FISA 702, the hidden cost of “free” tech platforms, and how everyday tools feed massive data collection systems. Na...

Eric reflects on the continued growth and evolution of the Free State movement, highlighting the steady influx of new movers and the strong sense of community that continues to draw people in. He also shares a major leadership update as longtime figure Carla Gericke steps back after years of shaping the movement, recognizing her significant contributions to the movement. He discusses the future of...

Eric talks with Ian Huyett, a lobbyist and legal advocate working at the intersection of biotechnology, law, and public policy in New Hampshire. The discussion explores how the state is uniquely positioned to become a national leader in experimental biotech, thanks to its proximity to Boston, its flexible legal environment, and its culture of political innovation. Huyett breaks down the concept of...

Eric shares updates on the continued growth of the Free State Project, from successful outreach efforts to expanding events and media, all aimed at bringing more people into the movement. He frames these developments as part of a broader push to build stronger communities and create real opportunities for people to engage with what’s happening in New Hampshire. The episode then transitions into hi...

Eric welcomes Free State Project communications director Magdalen Rose to discuss her journey from conservative media into libertarian activism and her move to New Hampshire. They explore how her background in podcasting and political commentary led her to value open dialogue and ultimately connect with the Free State Project’s mission of building a liberty-focused community. The conversation high...

Eric discusses the momentum coming out of the New Hampshire Liberty Forum and speaks with FSP board chair Carla Gericke about a major change to this year’s PorcFest. Instead of being held at a single campground, PorcFest will become a statewide “Passport to the Free State” experience, with events hosted at various liberty-focused venues, businesses, and community hubs across New Hampshire. The new...

Eric builds excitement for the 2026 New Hampshire Liberty Forum and sits down with recent mover Adam McGuire to talk about turning liberty dreams into a concrete relocation plan. Adam shares how COVID lockdowns in Maine pushed his family to seek greater freedom in New Hampshire—and why he believes more liberty-minded Americans don’t have 20 years to make the move. The conversation dives into the p...

In this episode of The Porcupine Report , Eric is joined by Dan McKnight to break down the latest showdown over Defend the Guard in New Hampshire—and what it means for the future of the movement nationwide. They unpack a tense Senate hearing, a lightning-fast committee vote, and why critics say the process revealed more about power and politics than constitutional duty. The conversation dives into...

On this special 100th episode of the Porcupine Report, Eric welcomes back libertarian thinker and bestselling author Tom Woods for a wide-ranging, heartfelt conversation. Woods reflects on fatherhood, New England roots, and why there’s truly “no place like home”—especially when that home might be New Hampshire. The two dive into the cultural and political momentum building in state legislatures, t...

Scott Horton joins the show to share insights from decades of reporting on U.S. foreign policy, the War on Terror, and America’s global military footprint. He explains how his books, interviews, and new Horton Academy are helping people better understand the true costs of endless war. Scott discusses his growing reach with mainstream audiences and why more Americans are questioning interventionism...

Eric opens the show by sharing highlights from Porcupine Day, reflecting on the growth of the Free State movement, and previewing the upcoming New Hampshire Liberty Forum. He also delivers a thoughtful message about unity, personal responsibility, and focusing on building strong communities instead of getting lost in internal conflicts. This week’s episode features a special appearance by Eric on...

Representative Michael Granger joins the show to give an inside look at what’s really happening at the New Hampshire State House as the legislative session heats up. He breaks down key fights over vehicle inspections, campus carry, Defend the Guard, and ongoing efforts to push back against cronyism and federal overreach. Granger shares firsthand insight into committee battles, surprising political...

Retired U.S. Marine and state legislator Tom Mannion joins the show to explore the growing momentum for liberty in the New Hampshire State House, centered on the renewed push for Defend the Guard and the effort to bring troops home from undeclared wars. He offers sharp, firsthand insight into how the bill passed the House once again and the institutional resistance it continues to face. The conver...

Eric is joined by Carla Gericke to mark the 10th anniversary of Porcupine Day and reflect on the moment the Free State Project officially triggered the move to New Hampshire. Carla shares behind-the-scenes stories about reaching 20,000 signers and the early decisions that helped accelerate the movement. The conversation explores how the Free State Project evolved from an ambitious idea into a real...