Top Priority | Ideas for Human Flourishing

Welcome to Top Priority, the podcast where we discuss the most pressing issues facing our nation today. In this episode, our host Duane Lester sits down with Kurt Couchman, Senior Fellow on Fiscal Policy with Americans for Prosperity Foundation, to talk about one of the most critical issues of our time: inflation. Inflation is a topic that affects every American, yet it's often misunderstood and overlooked. With the recent surge in prices, it's more important than ever to understand what inflation is, how it works, and what can be done to address it. In this 30-minute episode, recorded on January 3, 2023, Duane and Kurt dive deep into the causes and consequences of inflation, and discuss the policies that can help mitigate its impact on American families and businesses. They'll explore the role of the Federal Reserve, the impact of government spending and taxation, and the importance of free markets in promoting long-term economic growth and stability. Join us for this informative and thought-provoking conversation on inflation, and learn how you can be a part of the solution. Don't miss this episode of Top Priority with Duane Lester and Kurt Couchman, available now on all major podcast platforms. Subscribe today and stay informed on the issues that matter most to our nation's prosperity.

Show: 045 Top Priority Podcast | Book: Get Out of Control Host: Duane Lester, Director of Issue Education, Grassroots Leadership Academy Guests: Neil Chilson, Senior Research Fellow, Technology and Innovation at Stand Together Neil Chilson, the senior research fellow for technology and innovation at Stand Together, launched his book, Getting Out of Control: Emergent Leadership in a Complex World, on September 23rd. A frequent guest on Top Priority, he joins us again to discuss his book. Our Vision: We break barriers that stand in the way of people realizing their potential. This moves our society toward one of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping others improve their lives. History demonstrates people are capable of extraordinary things when they have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and succeed. We can transform society by breaking the internal and external barriers that prevent people from realizing their potential, enabling all people to improve their lives and find fulfillment by helping others do the same. This vision is guided by the following mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights Mutual Benefit Openness Self-Actualization To realize this vision, we strive to build movements of millions by inspiring and equipping principled social-change entrepreneurs to bring us closer to a society of mutual benefit by eliminating injustice of all kinds. We stand by our principles at whatever cost, with a commitment to unite with anybody willing to dedicate themselves to any of these goals. Recognizing the magnitude of the task, our efforts are guided by a heightened sense of urgency. We are committed to continually transforming ourselves and our organizations, constantly experimenting, learning and innovating. As we improve and add to our capabilities, new opportunities open, which point to the need for additional capabilities, and so on, in never-ending cycles of improvement and human betterment. Stand Together Website

Show: 044 Top Priority Podcast | AFPF v. Bonta Host: Duane Lester, Director of Issue Education, Grassroots Leadership Academy Guests: Casey Mattox, Vice President, Legal and Judicial Strategy at Americans for Prosperity Foundation, Senior Fellow, Free Speech and Peace at Charles Koch Institute Today’s top priority is free expression. Specifically, the Supreme Court case AFPF vs. Bonta. Our guest today is Casey Mattox. He’s the Vice President, Legal and Judicial Strategy at Americans for Prosperity Senior Fellow, Free Speech and Peace at Charles Koch Institute. Our Vision: We break barriers that stand in the way of people realizing their potential. This moves our society toward one of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping others improve their lives. History demonstrates people are capable of extraordinary things when they have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and succeed. We can transform society by breaking the internal and external barriers that prevent people from realizing their potential, enabling all people to improve their lives and find fulfillment by helping others do the same. This vision is guided by the following mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights Mutual Benefit Openness Self-Actualization To realize this vision, we strive to build movements of millions by inspiring and equipping principled social-change entrepreneurs to bring us closer to a society of mutual benefit by eliminating injustice of all kinds. We stand by our principles at whatever cost, with a commitment to unite with anybody willing to dedicate themselves to any of these goals. Recognizing the magnitude of the task, our efforts are guided by a heightened sense of urgency. We are committed to continually transforming ourselves and our organizations, constantly experimenting, learning and innovating. As we improve and add to our capabilities, new opportunities open, which point to the need for additional capabilities, and so on, in never-ending cycles of improvement and human betterment. Stand Together Website

Show: 043 Top Priority Podcast | Protests and Riots Host: Duane Lester, Director of Issue Education, Grassroots Leadership Academy Guests: David Voorman, Senior Policy Analyst, Americans for Prosperity Foundation Today’s top priority is free expression. Specifically, we’re talking about the difference between protests and riots, and some troubling legislation being proposed that can impact your free speech rights. Our guest today is David Voorman. He’s a senior policy analyst with Americans for Prosperity Foundation. Our Vision: We break barriers that stand in the way of people realizing their potential. This moves our society toward one of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping others improve their lives. History demonstrates people are capable of extraordinary things when they have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and succeed. We can transform society by breaking the internal and external barriers that prevent people from realizing their potential, enabling all people to improve their lives and find fulfillment by helping others do the same. This vision is guided by the following mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights Mutual Benefit Openness Self-Actualization To realize this vision, we strive to build movements of millions by inspiring and equipping principled social-change entrepreneurs to bring us closer to a society of mutual benefit by eliminating injustice of all kinds. We stand by our principles at whatever cost, with a commitment to unite with anybody willing to dedicate themselves to any of these goals. Recognizing the magnitude of the task, our efforts are guided by a heightened sense of urgency. We are committed to continually transforming ourselves and our organizations, constantly experimenting, learning and innovating. As we improve and add to our capabilities, new opportunities open, which point to the need for additional capabilities, and so on, in never-ending cycles of improvement and human betterment. Stand Together Website

Show: 042 Top Priority | Housing Regulations with Jason Sorens Host: Duane Lester, Director of Issue Education, Grassroots Leadership Academy Guests: Jason Sorens, Director for the Center for Ethics in Society Today’s top priority is Economic Opportunity, specifically housing regulations. Our guest today is Jason Sorens. He’s the Director for the Center for Ethics in Society from Saint Anslem College. Our Vision: We break barriers that stand in the way of people realizing their potential. This moves our society toward one of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping others improve their lives. History demonstrates people are capable of extraordinary things when they have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and succeed. We can transform society by breaking the internal and external barriers that prevent people from realizing their potential, enabling all people to improve their lives and find fulfillment by helping others do the same. This vision is guided by the following mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights Mutual Benefit Openness Self-Actualization To realize this vision, we strive to build movements of millions by inspiring and equipping principled social-change entrepreneurs to bring us closer to a society of mutual benefit by eliminating injustice of all kinds. We stand by our principles at whatever cost, with a commitment to unite with anybody willing to dedicate themselves to any of these goals. Recognizing the magnitude of the task, our efforts are guided by a heightened sense of urgency. We are committed to continually transforming ourselves and our organizations, constantly experimenting, learning and innovating. As we improve and add to our capabilities, new opportunities open, which point to the need for additional capabilities, and so on, in never-ending cycles of improvement and human betterment. Stand Together Website

Show: 041 Top Priority | Drug Policy in a Society of Mutual Benefit Host: Duane Lester, Director of Issue Education, Grassroots Leadership Academy Guests: Brianna Nuhfer, Director of Criminal Justice at Stand Together, Jeremiah Mosteller, Senior Policy Analyst at Americans for Prosperity Foundation What should we do about the use of drugs in a free society? If we apply the principles of equal rights, mutual benefit, openness, and self-actualization, what does the policy look like? That's what we discuss in this episode. See also: Billionaire Charles Koch On Why Cannabis Should Be Legal Our Vision: We break barriers that stand in the way of people realizing their potential. This moves our society toward one of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping others improve their lives. History demonstrates people are capable of extraordinary things when they have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and succeed. We can transform society by breaking the internal and external barriers that prevent people from realizing their potential, enabling all people to improve their lives and find fulfillment by helping others do the same. This vision is guided by the following mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights Mutual Benefit Openness Self-Actualization To realize this vision, we strive to build movements of millions by inspiring and equipping principled social-change entrepreneurs to bring us closer to a society of mutual benefit by eliminating injustice of all kinds. We stand by our principles at whatever cost, with a commitment to unite with anybody willing to dedicate themselves to any of these goals. Recognizing the magnitude of the task, our efforts are guided by a heightened sense of urgency. We are committed to continually transforming ourselves and our organizations, constantly experimenting, learning and innovating. As we improve and add to our capabilities, new opportunities open, which point to the need for additional capabilities, and so on, in never-ending cycles of improvement and human betterment. Stand Together Website

In this Top Priority, we explore the topic of second chance hiring, meaning the hiring of ex-cons. Jeremiah Mosteller joins the podcast again and explains why hiring ex-cons has benefits not just for the employee, but for the employer and society as a whole. Our Vision: We break barriers that stand in the way of people realizing their potential. This moves our society toward one of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping others improve their lives. History demonstrates people are capable of extraordinary things when they have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and succeed. We can transform society by breaking the internal and external barriers that prevent people from realizing their potential, enabling all people to improve their lives and find fulfillment by helping others do the same. This vision is guided by the following mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights Mutual Benefit Openness Self-Actualization To realize this vision, we strive to build movements of millions by inspiring and equipping principled social-change entrepreneurs to bring us closer to a society of mutual benefit by eliminating injustice of all kinds. We stand by our principles at whatever cost, with a commitment to unite with anybody willing to dedicate themselves to any of these goals. Recognizing the magnitude of the task, our efforts are guided by a heightened sense of urgency. We are committed to continually transforming ourselves and our organizations, constantly experimenting, learning and innovating. As we improve and add to our capabilities, new opportunities open, which point to the need for additional capabilities, and so on, in never-ending cycles of improvement and human betterment. Stand Together Website

It's possible you've never heard of a Certificate of Need. It's a policy so awful, even the Federal Government repealed it. Yet many states still enforce it and the negative consequences of it impact access to quality health care across America. In this episode, Charlie Katabi, Health Policy Analyst with Americans for Prosperity, and Jason Edson, trainer with the Americans for Prosperity Education and Training Department and paramedic, explain the damaging effects Certificates of Need policies have on Americans.

Show: 034 Top Priority | Understanding Stakeholder Capitalism Date Recorded: March 10, 2021 Host: Duane Lester, Director of Issue Education, Grassroots Leadership Academy Guests: Bill Easley, Americans for Prosperity Foundation, Neil Chilson, Charles Koch Institute Today’s top priority is technology and innovation. Specifically, we’re going to be talking about government surveillance. This podcast was recorded on March 10th, 2021. Joining me to discuss this subject is Neil Chilson of the Charles Koch Institute and Billy Easley from Americans for Prosperity Foundations Policy Department. Our Vision: We break barriers that stand in the way of people realizing their potential. This moves our society toward one of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping others improve their lives. History demonstrates people are capable of extraordinary things when they have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and succeed. We can transform society by breaking the internal and external barriers that prevent people from realizing their potential, enabling all people to improve their lives and find fulfillment by helping others do the same. This vision is guided by the following mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights Mutual BenefitOpenness Self-Actualization To realize this vision, we strive to build movements of millions by inspiring and equipping principled social-change entrepreneurs to bring us closer to a society of mutual benefit by eliminating injustice of all kinds. We stand by our principles at whatever cost, with a commitment to unite with anybody willing to dedicate themselves to any of these goals. Recognizing the magnitude of the task, our efforts are guided by a heightened sense of urgency. We are committed to continually transforming ourselves and our organizations, constantly experimenting, learning and innovating. As we improve and add to our capabilities, new opportunities open, which point to the need for additional capabilities, and so on, in never-ending cycles of improvement and human betterment. Stand Together Website

Melony Armstrong just wanted to braid hair. The state of Mississippi tried to stop her. This is her story of fighting one barrier after another for more than ten years. Stand Together Community Vision We break barriers that stand in the way of people realizing their potential. This moves our society toward one of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping others improve their lives. History demonstrates people are capable of extraordinary things when they have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and succeed. We can transform society by breaking the internal and external barriers that prevent people from realizing their potential, enabling all people to improve their lives and find fulfillment by helping others do the same. This vision is guided by the following mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights Mutual BenefitOpenness Self-Actualization To realize this vision, we strive to build movements of millions by inspiring and equipping principled social-change entrepreneurs to bring us closer to a society of mutual benefit by eliminating injustice of all kinds. We stand by our principles at whatever cost, with a commitment to unite with anybody willing to dedicate themselves to any of these goals. Recognizing the magnitude of the task, our efforts are guided by a heightened sense of urgency. We are committed to continually transforming ourselves and our organizations, constantly experimenting, learning and innovating. As we improve and add to our capabilities, new opportunities open, which point to the need for additional capabilities, and so on, in never-ending cycles of improvement and human betterment.

The Americans for Prosperity team in New Hampshire worked to decriminalize marijuana in the Granite State. How did the Stand Together Vision guide them to that action? How does decriminalization break barriers? Deputy State Director Ross Connelly explains what happened and the principles that guided their actions.

Show: 035 Top Priority Podcast | No-Knock Raids Date Recorded: January 14, 2021 Host: Duane Lester, Director of Issue Education, Americans for Prosperity Foundation Guests: Jeremiah Mosteller, Senior Policy Analyst of Criminal Justice Reform, Americans for Prosperity Show Notes & Timestamps min [5:01]min [5:20]min [6:29] min [8:30]min [11:51]min [13:35]min [15:20] min [16:33]Equal Rightsmin [20:19]Mutual Benefitmin [23:17]Opennessmin [25:27]Self-Actualizationmin [27:21] Guest Bio: Jeremiah Mosteller serves as the senior policy analyst for criminal justice at Americans for Prosperity, where he works alongside our millions of activists and a diverse coalition partners to advance criminal justice reform in 38 states and Congress. Before joining AFP, Jeremiah served on the criminal justice teams at the Due Process Institute, the Charles Koch Institute, and Prison Fellowship. Over his many years in this policy space, he has sought to make the criminal justice system more restorative, effective, and constructive while also upholding the rule of law and proper due process protections. Jeremiah is a graduate of Liberty University School of Law, where he also earned his Master’s in Business Administration. He received his B.S. from Western Carolina University. Our Vision: We break barriers that stand in the way of people realizing their potential. This moves our society toward one of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping others improve their lives. History demonstrates people are capable of extraordinary things when they have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and succeed. We can transform society by breaking the internal and external barriers that prevent people from realizing their potential, enabling all people to improve their lives and find fulfillment by helping others do the same. This vision is guided by the following mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights Mutual BenefitOpenness Self-Actualization To realize this vision, we strive to build movements of millions by inspiring and equipping principled social-change entrepreneurs to bring us closer to a society of mutual benefit by eliminating injustice of all kinds. We stand by our principles at whatever cost, with a commitment to unite with anybody willing to dedicate themselves to any of these goals. Recognizing the magnitude of the task, our efforts are guided by a heightened sense of urgency. We are committed to continually transforming ourselves and our organizations, constantly experimenting, learning and innovating. As we improve and add to our capabilities, new opportunities open, which point to the need for additional capabilities, and so on, in never-ending cycles of improvement and human betterment. Stand Together Website

Show: 034 Top Priority | Understanding Stakeholder Capitalism Date Recorded: January 21, 2021 Host: Duane Lester, Director of Issue Education, Grassroots Leadership Academy Guests: Russell Greene, Associate Director, Institution of Business at Stand Together

Show: 033 Top Priority Podcast | "Reclaiming the American Dream" with Evan Feinberg Date Recorded: February 18, 2020 Host: Duane Lester, Director of Issue Education, Grassroots Leadership Academy Guests: Evan Feinberg, Executive Director at Stand Together Foundation Additional Links: Reclaiming the American Dream

Show: 032 Top Priority Podcast | Does "Big Tech" Need Its Own Regulator Date Recorded: February 4, 2020 Host: Duane Lester, Director of Issue Education, Grassroots Leadership Academy Guests: Neil Chilson, Senior Research Fellow for technology and innovation at the Charles Koch Institute Additional Links: Does Big Tech Need Its Own Regulator? Guest Bio: Neil Chilson is a senior research fellow for technology and innovation at the Charles Koch Institute where he spearheads the Institute’s efforts to foster an environment that encourages innovation and the individual and societal progress it makes possible. Prior to joining CKI, Chilson was the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) chief technologist. In this capacity, he focused on understanding the economics of privacy, convening a workshop on informational injury, and establishing the FTC’s Blockchain Working Group, among other things. Prior to his appointment, Chilson was an adviser to then-Acting FTC Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen. In both roles he advised Chairman Ohlhausen and worked with commission staff on nearly every major technology-related case, report, workshop, and proceeding. Chilson practiced telecommunications law at Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP before joining the FTC in January 2014. Chilson is a regular contributor to multiple news outlets, including the Washington Post, USA Today, Seattle Times, and Morning Consult. Chilson holds a law degree from the George Washington University Law School and a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He received his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Harding University.

Show: 031 Top Priority Podcast | How Altering Section 230 Threatens the Free Speech of Marginalized Communities Date Recorded: November 13, 2020 Host: Duane Lester, Director of Issue Education, Grassroots Leadership Academy Guests: Billy Easley, Sr. Policy Analyst, Americans for Prosperity Foundation Additional Resources SlateEp 005 Top Priority | Section 230 of Communications Decency ActThe Stand Together Community Our Vision We break barriers that stand in the way of people realizing their potential. This moves our society toward one of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping others improve their lives. History demonstrates people are capable of extraordinary things when they have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and succeed. We can transform society by breaking the internal and external barriers that prevent people from realizing their potential, enabling all people to improve their lives and find fulfillment by helping others do the same. This vision is guided by the following mutually reinforcing principles: Equal Rights A system of equal rights—articulated in the Declaration of Independence—requires respect for the dignity of all people and equality under the law. Mutual Benefit When the values and laws of society respect the dignity of individuals and uphold their rights, people succeed by creating value for others, motivating them to assist rather than harm one another. Openness Equal rights and mutual benefit foster openness by allowing the free movement of ideas, resources, and people that generate knowledge, innovation, and opportunity, fueling progress throughout society. Self-Actualization For such a society to exist, its key institutions— education, communities, business, government— remove rather than erect barriers to people realizing their potential and finding fulfillment. As more people have the opportunity to use their unique talents to succeed by helping others improve their lives, society flourishes. To realize this vision, we strive to build movements of millions by inspiring and equipping principled social-change entrepreneurs to bring us closer to a society of mutual benefit by eliminating injustice of all kinds. We stand by our principles at whatever cost, with a commitment to unite with anybody willing to dedicate themselves to any of these goals. Recognizing the magnitude of the task, our efforts are guided by a heightened sense of urgency. We are committed to continually transforming ourselves and our organizations, constantly experimenting, learning, and innovating. As we improve and add to our capabilities, new opportunities open, which point to the need for additional capabilities, and so on, in never-ending cycles of improvement and human betterment.

In this podcast, we talk about the role regulations have in keeping people safe and rigging the game. We talk with Clint Woods, recovering regulator and Policy Fellow with Americans for Prosperity Foundation, and Erica Jedynak, Director of Economic Opportunity for Stand Together.

In this installment, we talk about the importance of free expression and how it relates to our vision of a society of mutual benefit. Our guest, Sarah Ruger, leads the Free Expression Priority Initiative for the Stand Together Community.

Show: 028 Top Priority Podcast | **Just in Time** Facebook, Twitter, and THAT Hunter Biden Story Date Recorded: October 21, 2020 Host: Duane Lester, Manager of Issue Education, Grassroots Leadership Academy Guests: Jesse Blumenthal, VP of Tech & Innovation, Stand Together New York Postthe corruption of Hunter Bidenmin [1:30]Stand Together Principles for Continued Tech Leadershipmin [17:28]Tech Giants need to shape up on data and speechAdditional Resources 7 Principles for Reforming Section 230 (and none include policing internet speech)What 20 Years of Internet Law Teaches Us about Innovation Policy **Just in Time** Section 230 of Communications Decency Act

Show: 027 Top Priority Podcast | Talking Civil Asset Forfeiture with Captain Leigh Mattox Date Recorded: October 12, 2020 Host: Duane Lester, Manager of Issue Education, Grassroots Leadership Academy Guests: Captain Leigh Mattox Captain Leigh Mattox explains the two types of asset forfeiture, including civil asset forfeiture min [7:44] Additional Resources Ep 026 Top Priority | Civil Asset Forfeiture and Criminal Justice ReformTEDx Talk on Civil Asset ForfeitureThe Supreme Court Strikes a Blow Issues Unanimous Ruling in Favor of 8th Amendment Rights Remove bad incentives such as civil asset forfeiture and qualified immunityEp 002 Top Priority | Overcriminalization & Criminal Justice ReformThe Stand Together Community