Beyond Policy

Welcome to another episode of The Beyond Policy Podcast with your host, Oran Smith. In this episode, we are joined by a special guest, Josh Archambault, as we dive deep into the topic of healthcare reform and explore solutions beyond policy.

During the episode, we discuss various aspects of the broken healthcare system, acknowledging that Medicaid is just one piece of the puzzle. We question whether healthcare systems are losing money due to inefficiency or ineffective care delivery. Drawing comparisons to other industries, we explore the need for a rethinking of delivery methods to address these inefficiencies.

Josh Archambault shares his insights on the growing interest in direct primary care. We delve into the benefits of direct primary care, where physicians sell memberships to their practice, providing unlimited access to care for a flat monthly rate. We also explore Christian healthcare sharing, which is not insurance but a practice where people with the same faith and beliefs share their healthcare bills with one another.

In our conversation with Josh Archambault, we delve into the importance of transparency in healthcare costs and the Patient's Right to Save initiative. We discuss the potential benefits of incentivizing patients to choose cash rate providers over insurance, leading to cost savings. We envision the use of a third-party app to help patients find and book appointments, transforming healthcare into a marketplace that benefits patients.

Along the way, we explore case studies and examples to illustrate the growing cost of hospital services and the impact of government involvement. We examine the effects of Medicaid expansion under Obamacare and the need for prioritizing access to healthcare over mere insurance coverage. We discuss alternative avenues to provide access to care, such as federally qualified health centers and supplemental payments.

Finally, we highlight the healthcare reforms implemented in Tennessee, Maine, and Arizona, allowing patients to shop for healthcare options and receive deductible credits. We emphasize the importance of the patient's right to save, which aligns incentives and supports motivated patients and independent providers offering cost-effective services with good outcomes.

Tune in to this thought-provoking episode of The Beyond Policy Podcast as we go beyond policy and explore innovative solutions for a better healthcare system.

This week, we are thrilled to have Patrick Gleason, a prominent figure from the organization Americans for Tax Reform and a distinguished contributor to Forbes. As one of the nation's leading voices on tax policy, Patrick will be diving deep into the vast and complicated subject of tax reform.

We are entering a new era in the United States, where significant policy reform is increasingly shifting to the state level. With DC's political climate more divided than ever, states are stepping up and becoming the new powerhouses of policy change. Patrick and Oran will discuss these developments, exploring the unique challenges and opportunities that come with such transformations.

They will delve into the history of ATR and the evolution of state-level policy, with insights drawn from states that are leading the charge in policy reform. These narratives shed light on the changing dynamics of American policy-making, providing valuable perspectives for policy enthusiasts, lawmakers, and anyone keen to understand the shifting landscape.

Whether you're a policy novice or a seasoned analyst, the Beyond Policy Podcast provides a comprehensive view of the forces shaping American policy today.

In this week's episode, we have a captivating conversation with a special guest, Dr. Shaunette Parker, from the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, Inc. Dr. Parker is a remarkable advocate for the newly passed Education Savings Account (ESA) bill in South Carolina. Her unwavering dedication and influential voice played a pivotal role in the bill's successful passage.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of ESA's and explore the concept of school choice in today's educational landscape. Dr. Parker shares her invaluable insights on the benefits and potential impact of ESAs, shedding light on how they empower parents and students to make informed decisions about their education. We discuss the broader implications of school choice, examining how it can foster innovation, improve academic outcomes, and enhance overall educational equity.

Whether you're an education enthusiast, a policy wonk, or simply curious about the evolving landscape of education, this episode is a must-listen. Gain a deeper understanding of the ESA bill's significance, hear inspiring stories of positive change, and gain insights into how school choice can transform the educational experiences of students and families.

Tune in to the Beyond Policy Podcast with Dr. Oran P. Smith and special guest Dr. Shaunette Parker of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, Inc. This enlightening conversation will leave you inspired and informed about the power of ESAs, school choice, and more.

Welcome to the Beyond Policy Podcast! In this week's episode, we are thrilled to have Diane Hardy, a remarkable guest and symbol of the Palmetto Promise. Diane's journey from a dual degree holder in psychology and nursing to becoming an entrepreneur and advocate for small businesses is truly inspiring.

Diane opened the Nothing Bunt Cakes Bakery in Greenville seven years ago, and she has experienced both the challenges and triumphs of starting a small business firsthand. Join us as she shares her entrepreneurial journey, including the obstacles she faced and the strategies she employed to overcome them.

As a small business owner, Diane also navigated the complex landscape of government regulations. She will shed light on the intricacies of dealing with regulatory frameworks and provide valuable insights on how small business owners can effectively navigate these challenges.

Diane's background as a nurse adds a unique perspective to her entrepreneurial story. She will discuss her transition from the medical field to entrepreneurship, highlighting the skills and mindset that proved invaluable in her journey.

Furthermore, we delve into Diane's involvement with the Mom and Pop Alliance, an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and needs of small business owners. Discover the important work of this alliance and gain a deeper understanding of the issues faced by small businesses in today's economic landscape.

Finally, Diane will share her experiences and struggles with remodeling her bakery and obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy. She will discuss the bureaucratic hurdles she encountered and provide advice for other small business owners who may face similar challenges.

Tune in to this episode of the Beyond Policy Podcast for an insightful conversation with Diane Hardy. Gain valuable knowledge about the challenges and triumphs of starting a small business, navigating government regulations, transitioning from nursing to entrepreneurship, and the important advocacy work of the Mom and Pop Alliance. Don't miss out on this empowering and informative discussion!

Join us for an enlightening episode of Beyond Policy as we welcome Wendy Damron, the trailblazing President and CEO of Palmetto Promise Institute, a non-profit organization devoted to crafting policies that foster freedom, opportunity, and prosperity for real people in the Palmetto State.

In this compelling conversation, Damron and our host, Dr. Oran Smith, delve into two transformational wins for Palmetto Promise Institute: Education Savings Accounts (ESA) and Certificates of Need (CON). They explore the years-long journey of these efforts, from inception to implementation, in a collaborative effort between Palmetto Promise Institute and allied groups from all over South Carolina.

Damron provides insightful commentary on the transformative potential of ESAs, a policy designed to give families more control over their children's education. She also discusses the coming phasehout of the CON program, and the exciting prospects for the health sector and the people of South Carolina without it.

This episode celebrates policy success, demonstrating the positive impact of carefully crafted, people-focused policies on a community. Get ready for an inspiring look at policy-making in action, its triumphs, challenges, and its profound effect on the lives of individuals and families in South Carolina.

Take this engaging episode of Beyond Policy, where policy is not just about rules but about people. Please tune in to Episode 8, and join us as we go beyond the policy to understand its real-world implications and the joy that comes with success.

This week, we are excited to have C. Bradley Thompson, the Executive Director of the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism and Professor in the Department of Political Science, as our guest.

In this episode, we discuss the Lyceum program at Clemson University and how it’s helping students become more informed citizens. We also explore the effects of socialism and communism, and how capitalism played a crucial role in the American Revolution.

Additionally, we will discuss C. Bradley Thompson's book, "America's Revolutionary Mind: A Moral History of the American Revolution and the Declaration That Defined It". Thompson breaks down the principles and values that drove the American Revolution and Declaration of Independence, and how these ideas shaped the course of history.

Join us for a fascinating conversation that explores the roots of American values, the importance of understanding the past, and how we can use this knowledge to build a better future.

In this episode, we dive into the world of thoughtful conservatism and its intersection with religion and liberty with our guest, Mark David Hall, PhD.

Mark David Hall is Herbert Hoover Distinguished Professor of Politics and Faculty Fellow in the William Penn Honors Program at George Fox University. He is a leading scholar on the relationship between religion and American politics, and has authored numerous books on the subject, including "Roger Sherman and the Creation of the American Republic" and "Did America Have a Christian Founding? Separating Modern Myth from Historical Truth."

In this episode, Dr. Smith and Dr. Hall discuss the concept of thoughtful conservatism and its role in shaping American politics. They explore how thoughtful conservatism, with its emphasis on limited government and individual liberty, can coexist with religious beliefs and values. The conversation delves into the founding fathers and their views on religion, the Constitution, and the role of government in American society.

Dr. Hall also gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming book, "Proclaim Liberty Throughout all the Land," which explores the history of religious liberty in America and how it has shaped our nation.

Join us for a thought-provoking and informative discussion on the intersection of conservatism, religion, and liberty in America on this episode of the Beyond Policy Podcast with Dr. Oran P. Smith and guest Mark David Hall, PhD.

In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Damron, President and CEO of the Palmetto Promise Institute.

Wendy shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Detroit to starting her career. She also discusses the first time she heard Nikki Haley speak and how that experience led her to fall in love with South Carolina and eventually become a part of the Palmetto Promise Institute.

Through her work with the institute, Wendy has focused on advocating for policies that promote economic growth and opportunity in South Carolina. She discusses the institute's current initiatives and its plans for the future.

Join us as we dive into Wendy's personal and professional journey, the impact of policy on economic growth, and the future of the Palmetto Promise Institute. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Welcome to another episode of Beyond Policy, the podcast that explores ideas and issues shaping the world of public policy and the people that are affected. In this episode, we are joined by Daniel Suhr, senior attorney at the Liberty Justice Center. This nonprofit, public-interest litigation center fights for individual liberties and free-market principles.

Today's discussion will focus on some of the most pressing issues in American society, including the woke agenda, cancel culture, American values, and education. We will dive deep into these topics, exploring how they impact our country and citizens.

We explore the woke agenda, a cultural movement that has gained significant momentum in recent years. Daniel will share his thoughts on the woke agenda, how it manifests itself in society, and why we must understand its implications.

We also dive into the world of cancel culture, a phenomenon that has been closely associated with the woke agenda. We will explore how cancel culture affects free speech, intellectual diversity, and the ability to have constructive dialogues about important issues.

How do these ideas and cultural phenomena affect our American values? Tune in to find out.

As always, this podcast aims to move beyond the headlines and explore the ideas and issues shaping our world. So join us for an insightful and thought-provoking conversation with Daniel Suhr on Beyond Policy.

In this episode of Beyond Policy, Sal Nuzzo and Lindsey Killen of the James Madison Institute (Florida) join Dr. Smith for a deep dive into the effects of Florida's recent innovation in healthcare: repealing its ancient "Certificate of Need" (CON) law.

After a brief digression into the advantages of Darlington over Daytona, they discuss how South Carolina's CON statute hurts patients by limiting competition and innovation in healthcare in the Palmetto State.

Learn how continuing to require a Certificate of Need from the state in healthcare means less access and higher costs for rural residents and vulnerable populations. They also touch on how CON forces healthcare providers to litigate against each other, enriching only lawyers.

Jonathan Butcher is the Will Skillman Fellow in Education at The Heritage Foundation. He is the author of Splintered: Critical Race Theory and the Progressive War on Truth (Bombardier Books, April 2022). He co-edited and wrote chapters in The Critical Classroom (The Heritage Foundation, 2022), discussing the racial prejudice that comes from the application of critical race theory in K-12 schools. In 2021, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster nominated Jonathan to serve on the board of the South Carolina Public Charter School District, a statewide charter school authorizer. He has researched and testified on education policy around the U.S.

Jonathan co-edited and wrote chapters in the book The Not-So-Great Society, which provides conservative solutions to the problems created by the ever-expanding federal footprint in preschool, K-12, and higher education.

In 2018 the Federal Commission on School Safety cited comments from his testimony in the commission’s final report. He has appeared on local and national TV outlets, including C-SPAN, Fox News, and HBO’s Vice News Tonight, and he has been a guest on many radio programs. His commentary has appeared nationally in places such as the Wall Street Journal, Education Week, National Review Online, Newsweek.com, and Forbes.com, along with newspapers around the country.

In 2017 he was a co-recipient of the State Policy Network’s Bob Williams Award for Most Influential Research for a proposal to protect free speech on campus, alongside Stanley Kurtz of the Ethics and Public Policy Center and Jim Manley of the Goldwater Institute.

Jonathan previously served as the education director at the Goldwater Institute, where he remains a senior fellow. He was a member of the Arizona Department of Education’s first Steering Committee for Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, the nation’s first education savings account program. He is also a Senior Fellow with The Beacon Center of Tennessee, a nonpartisan research organization, and a contributing scholar for the Georgia Center for Opportunity.

Prior to joining Goldwater, Jonathan was the director of accountability for the South Carolina Public Charter School District. Jonathan previously studied education policy at the Department of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas and worked with the School Choice Demonstration Project, the research team that evaluated voucher programs in Washington, D.C. and Milwaukee, Wisc.

We had the chance to sit down with our former President & CEO Ellen Weaver after her successful campaign for South Carolina Superintendent of Education. We reminisce on a decade working together at Palmetto Promise Institute and look ahead to the future of the organization and South Carolina.

Beyond Policy is a podcast presented by the Palmetto Promise Institute. Your host is Dr. Oran Smith, Senior Fellow of the Palmetto Promise Institute. 

Policy talk can often be cold, dead, and boring. On this podcast, we've banned boring. Our object on this podcast is to look Beyond Policy. We look beyond statehouse rumors and backroom politics to real communities and people in South Carolina. We explore how actions at the South Carolina Statehouse impact people in South Carolina like you.