Voices of Liberty

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty. Today’s guest is Lyn Ulbricht, the mother of Ross Ulbricht and one of the most determined advocates for mercy, justice, and human dignity in the liberty movement. What began as a mother’s fight to save her son from dying in federal prison became a much larger mission to expose cruel sentencing, defend the Bill of Rights, and remind Americans that government power must always have limits. Lyn shares the devastating story of Ross’s arrest, trial, and double life sentence plus forty years, the deep disillusionment she felt watching the justice system fail her son, and the nearly twelve year grassroots campaign that ultimately led to his freedom. She explains what it was like to keep going through crushing setbacks, how a movement formed around Ross, and why President Trump’s pardon was nothing short of life changing. But this conversation goes far beyond one family’s story. Lyn makes the case that America’s prison and sentencing system has grown far too cruel, especially for nonviolent offenders. She speaks about the human cost of excessive punishment, the families destroyed by decades long sentences, the children left behind, and why life without parole and extreme federal sentencing should alarm anyone who cares about liberty. This is a conversation about justice, mercy, perseverance, and the kind of courage it takes to keep fighting when the system tells you there is no hope. If you care about the Bill of Rights, free speech, criminal justice reform, and protecting people from unchecked government cruelty, you will not want to miss this conversation with Lyn Ulbricht.  

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty, hosted by Sean Themea and powered by Young Americans for Liberty. Today’s guest is Glenn Jacobs, mayor of Knox County, known to millions around the world for his legendary career in professional wrestling as Kane. Behind the public persona is a leader whose convictions were shaped through years of studying liberty, economics, and the role of government. In this conversation, Glenn shares how he went from feeling politically homeless to discovering libertarian thought, why Ron Paul had such a profound influence on his thinking, and how reading Austrian economic thinkers helped him understand the deeper connection between freedom, human action, and responsibility. Sean and Glenn also discuss what it looked like to govern during one of the most politically charged periods in recent American history, when many elected officials accepted sweeping government control during the pandemic. Glenn explains why he chose a different path, how liberty shaped his leadership decisions, and why local government still matters when defending freedom in everyday life. The conversation also touches on Austrian economics, political courage, the long term impact of the liberty movement, and why principle matters most when pressure is highest. If you care about limited government, strong leadership, and the future of freedom in America, this is a conversation worth hearing. 🎙️🇺🇸🔥  

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty. Today’s guest is Ty Hicks, founder and chief executive officer of mentalhealthcoaching.com and former executive vice president of Young Americans for Liberty. For years, Ty has helped people break through the invisible barriers that keep them stuck, whether in leadership, activism, or life itself. In this conversation, Ty shares how his early search for meaning, purpose, and service led him to the ideas of liberty, why he ultimately embraced a radical belief in voluntary human cooperation, and how his time helping lead Young Americans for Liberty shaped his understanding of persuasion, leadership, and personal growth. Sean and Ty also dive into a deeper question that does not get asked enough in politics or in life. What if the greatest barriers to freedom are not only external, but internal? What if the stakes holding people back are often the beliefs they have accepted about themselves? Ty explains how leadership starts with compassion and standards, why persuasion is really about helping people see a better path for themselves, and how mental and emotional freedom unlocks the energy people need to make a real difference in the world. He also shares powerful stories from his work helping people overcome anxiety, depression, addiction, and self limiting beliefs, and why he believes the liberty movement needs more people who are willing to step up, choose their arena, and fight to raise the standard. This is a conversation about freedom at every level, political, personal, and psychological. If you care about leadership, liberty, self mastery, and building a freer future, you will not want to miss it.  

What if your first lesson in economics wasn’t a textbook — but a shower? In this powerful episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with entrepreneur and global freedom advocate Magatte Wade to explore how her childhood journey from Senegal to Germany sparked a lifelong mission to understand why some nations are rich while others remain poor. Magatte doesn’t speak in theory — she speaks from lived experience. From waiting an hour for heated water in Senegal to discovering instant hot showers in Europe, her question became an obsession: Why do some countries flourish while others struggle? The answer she discovered changed her life — and could change the world. In this deeply moving and intellectually sharp conversation, Magatte explains: Why Africa’s poverty is rooted in overregulation — not colonialism or culture How economic freedom restores human dignity Why aid often undermines the very people it claims to help How she went from self-described communist to classical liberal The dangerous ideological shift happening on American college campuses Why entrepreneurship — not government — is the true engine of prosperity How startup cities and economic freedom zones could transform nations Magatte shares heartbreaking stories of migration, slavery, and systemic barriers — but also stories of awakening, empowerment, and hope. This is not a debate about left vs. right. It’s a conversation about freedom vs. control — and what that means for billions of people. If you care about human dignity, entrepreneurship, global prosperity, or the future of America and Africa, this is an episode you cannot miss. 🎙️ Subscribe to Voices of Liberty and find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.  

Welcome back to Voices of Liberty with host Sean Themea, powered by Young Americans for Liberty. Today’s guest is Ohio State Representative Ron Ferguson, a leader who has taken the fight for liberty from the grassroots to the Ohio Statehouse. Before serving in office, Ron worked as a television news reporter and later as a grassroots trainer, helping everyday Americans learn how to make a political impact. Then he stepped into the arena himself and won election in a district that had not sent a Republican to the legislature in nearly fifty years. In this conversation, State Representative Ron Ferguson shares how the attacks of September 11 first awakened his understanding of freedom, how his work in journalism and grassroots organizing deepened his commitment to limited government, and why he believes most people simply want to be left alone to live their lives. Sean and Ron also dive into the real policy fights shaping Ohio today, including hospital price transparency, school choice, property tax abolition, and the battle against establishment politicians who put power ahead of principle. Ron explains what happened with the Blue 22, why grassroots pressure matters, and why the liberty movement can only grow if every person in it takes responsibility for bringing others in. This is a conversation about conviction, service, and what it looks like when an elected official refuses to go along to get along. If you care about defending constitutional rights, reducing the size and scope of government, and advancing liberty in our lifetime, you will not want to miss this conversation with Ohio State Representative Ron Ferguson.  

Building Liberty Through Business: Alexander McCobin on Capitalism, Entrepreneurship, and the Future of Freedom In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with Alexander McCobin, CEO and founder of Liberty Ventures Network, former CEO of Conscious Capitalism, and founder of Students for Liberty. Alexander shares the story of his “liberty light bulb” moment, sparked at age 14 after reading Atlas Shrugged. What began as a fascination with philosophy evolved into a lifelong mission to turn ideas into action. From launching student movements to leading boardrooms filled with seasoned CEOs, Alexander has dedicated his career to advancing liberty. The conversation explores: How entrepreneurship and capitalism connect to human flourishing The challenges of leading mission-driven organizations under pressure Why building the right team matters more than having the perfect plan How to defend capitalism from attacks on both the political left and right Why business leaders must play a central role in preserving liberty Alexander argues that the future of liberty will not be predicted; it will be built. And the builders are entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders willing to take responsibility for shaping the culture and economy. If you care about capitalism, leadership, and advancing liberty in our lifetime, this episode delivers both inspiration and practical insight. Subscribe to Voices of Liberty on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode, Sean sits down with former Indiana State Representative Curt Nisly, a man who learned firsthand what happens when you refuse to bend, even when leadership, lobbyists, and your own party push back. Curt did not grow up in politics. Raised Mennonite and discouraged from civic involvement, he didn’t even vote until he was nearly 30. But the Tea Party movement awakened something in him. What began as studying the Constitution with his son turned into eight years in the Indiana Statehouse, where he stood for life, gun rights, and state sovereignty, no matter the personal cost. Inside the legislature, Curt encountered something few voters ever see: peer group shift, political threats, bills buried in committee, and leadership pressure designed to make principled lawmakers fall in line. He refused. When he pushed for Constitutional Carry, he was sidelined, downgraded, threatened, and nearly isolated. Yet he kept pressing. And because he did, Indiana ultimately passed Constitutional Carry into law in 2022. Just 17 days later, that law helped save lives when a legally armed citizen stopped a mass shooter in a mall near Indianapolis. Curt’s story is one of conviction. He lost a primary after redistricting and heavy establishment spending. But he did not lose the mission. Today, alongside his wife Mary, he trains the next generation of liberty candidates through Liberty Candidate Academies, ensuring others are prepared to stand firm when the pressure comes. This conversation is about remembering who sent you. It’s about standing when it costs you. And it’s proof that principled leadership can change the course of a state. This is an episode you don’t want to miss. Check us out here: https://act.libertyaction.us/lca/ https://libertyaction.us/survey  

What does it look like to carry the torch of liberty from the battlefield to the statehouse? In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with Ohio State Representative Jennifer Gross, a combat veteran and nurse practitioner who stepped into public office during one of the most turbulent periods in modern American history. Representative Gross shares how her lifelong love of liberty, shaped from childhood and strengthened through military service, led her to stand against government overreach during the COVID era. She discusses the challenges of running against the political establishment, the pressure to “go along to get along,” and what happens behind the scenes in a state legislature. The conversation dives into her work advancing medical freedom in Ohio, including the Right to Try Act and the Conscientious Right to Refuse Act, and why she believes the government must stop at the skin when it comes to personal medical decisions. From grassroots organizing to reading every bill before casting a vote, Jennifer Gross makes the case that liberty is not abstract. It is personal, constitutional, and worth fighting for.  

For more than three decades, Kent Lassman has been on the front lines defending free enterprise and pushing back against government overreach. As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, he has helped lead major battles to protect economic liberty in America. On this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with Kent to explore the moment that lit his liberty torch, the mentors who shaped his convictions, and the real pushback that comes with challenging the regulatory state. Kent reflects on key victories, hard-fought lessons, and why he believes the next decade presents a powerful opportunity to advance freedom in America. If you care about limiting government and strengthening liberty in our lifetime, this is a conversation you will not want to miss.

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with Jennifer A. Grossman—a.k.a., JAG— CEO of the Atlas Society, for an in-depth conversation on leadership, philosophy, and the power of ideas. Jennifer shares her journey into the liberty movement, shaped by early experiences in public education and a transformative encounter with the ideas of Ayn Rand. That discovery sparked a lifelong commitment to reason, individualism, and freedom, guiding a non-linear career that included presidential speechwriting, television production, and policy advocacy. The conversation explores the challenges of staying true to one’s principles in high-pressure environments, the temptation to compromise for success, and the importance of intellectual integrity. Jennifer also discusses her vision for the Atlas Society, including innovative digital programming, global outreach to young people, and ambitious creative projects such as the upcoming feature film adaptation of Anthem. This episode offers a thoughtful look at how philosophical ideas translate into real-world leadership, why young people are central to the future of liberty, and how culture and storytelling play a critical role in formingfree societies. Subscribe to Voices of Liberty on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with New Hampshire state representative Sam Farrington, who was elected at just 22 years old after defeating a long-time incumbent through a grassroots, pro-liberty campaign. Sam explains how government overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic became the catalyst that pushed him into public service. Frustrated by lockdowns, mandates, and the erosion of individual rights, he decided to run for office rather than stay on the sidelines. He shares how knocking on doors, listening to voters, and speaking honestly about freedom helped him win. The conversation explores Sam’s work in the New Hampshire legislature, including his support for campus carry, right-to-work protections, and strong Second Amendment policies. He also discusses balancing college life with serving in elected office, facing opposition on campus, and why he believes government exists to protect life, liberty, and property. This episode highlights how young leaders can translate conviction into action and why state-level leadership remains one of the most effective ways to defend freedom in America. Subscribe to Voices of Liberty on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with Hannah Cox, a leading voice in the liberty movement, to explore her unexpected journey into activism, public policy, and cultural commentary. Hannah shares how dissatisfaction with the music industry led her to question government power, discover the writings of Frédéric Bastiat, and rethink widely accepted assumptions about capitalism and public policy. Reading The Law became a turning point, introducing her to the concept of unintended consequences and influencing how she evaluates government intervention and economic systems. The conversation dives into the challenges of entering the liberty movement, maintaining principles in an evolving political landscape, and navigating the pressures of partisanship, social media, and modern political activism. Hannah also discusses how authenticity, community-building, and new media have allowed her to change minds on controversial issues and foster critical thinking, even when it comes at a personal or professional cost. This episode offers a candid look at how liberty ideas spread today, why capitalism is often misunderstood, and how grassroots voices can impact the future of liberty in America. Subscribe to Voices of Liberty on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Check out Hannah Cox's Substack here: https://hannahcox.substack.com/ Voices of Liberty is powered by Young Americans for Liberty

In this episode of Voices of Liberty, host Sean Themea sits down with Eric Brakey, Executive Director of the Free State Project and former Maine State Senator, for a wide-ranging conversation on how state-level leadership is shaping the future of freedom in America. Eric shares his personal journey into the liberty movement, from being inspired as a college student to serving in elected office, and now leading the Free State Project. The conversation explores why state politics matter more than ever, how reforms like constitutional carry and education freedom accounts are changing lives, and why New Hampshire has become a national proving ground for liberty-minded policy. This episode highlights how grassroots organizing, principled leadership, and focused state-level action can produce real wins that ripple far beyond state borders. Whether you are deeply involved in the liberty movement or just beginning to explore it, this conversation offers a hopeful and practical look at how freedom can advance, one state at a time. Subscribe to Voices of Liberty on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about Young Americans for Liberty at yaliberty.org Learn more about the Free State Project at fsp.org

Voices of Liberty is a podcast powered by Young Americans for Liberty and hosted by Sean Themea. Each week, the show features in-depth conversations with the people shaping the future of freedom in America, including entrepreneurs, elected officials, activists, students, and everyday citizens advancing liberty in real and measurable ways. Through authentic storytelling, Voices of Liberty explores how America’s founding principles are being defended and strengthened today. Listeners hear firsthand accounts of how individuals get involved in the liberty movement, overcome resistance, win support, pass meaningful reforms, and inspire others to take action. This podcast puts a spotlight on the modern liberty movement, highlighting real people, real stories, and real victories happening across the country. Whether the conversation centers on policy, culture, entrepreneurship, grassroots leadership, or the fight for freedom on college campuses, Voices of Liberty proves how freedom is not just an idea, but a movement that continues to grow. Subscribe to Voices of Liberty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we share the stories shaping the future of freedom in America.