The Porcupine Report with Eric Brakey

Aaron Day joins the show to share his journey into the liberty movement, including his early business ventures, his political activism in New Hampshire, and how federal overreach radicalized him. He focuses on the threats posed by central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and how current stablecoin regulations are paving the way for digital financial control. Aaron also discusses the persecution of crypto advocates like Roger Ver and Ian Freeman as part of a broader crackdown on financial freedom. He emphasizes the urgency of adopting privacy-preserving crypto tools and previews his upcoming programming at PorcFest, aimed at reigniting grassroots energy in the crypto-liberty space.

Executive Director of Citizens for Sound Money, Daniel Diaz, joins the program to discuss the nationwide push to restore gold and silver as legal tender. Daniel shares major legislative victories in states like Florida and Missouri, the role of sound money in protecting economic freedom, and the legacy of the late Jim Forsythe. He also explains the practical benefits of legal tender laws and the future of gold- and silver-backed digital currencies. Don’t miss this deep dive into the growing sound money movement with one of its leading voices.

Eric shares the stage with Jack Hunter and Jp Cortez at YALCON Atlanta to discuss the legacy of Dr. Ron Paul. They emphasize how Ron Paul’s campaigns significantly reshaped American political discourse—especially within the Republican Party—by introducing anti-war, pro-liberty, and sound money ideas. They marvel at the way his presence was disruptive but transformative, catalyzing a new generation of liberty-minded activists, many of whom now hold leadership positions. They also discuss how Dr. Paul’s unwavering commitment to principle—especially when unpopular—earned him respect across ideological lines.

Eric Brakey speaks with Young Americans for Liberty student activists at Westfield State University in Massachusetts, sharing powerful insights on how to effectively fight for liberty—and why New Hampshire is the best place to do it. The conversation included engaging questions from the audience, sparking thoughtful discussion and deeper exploration of the liberty movement.

Seasoned Porcupine Report guest Jack Hunter joins Eric to share in the excitement for the upcoming Porcupine Freedom Festival, where he’ll return as a featured speaker. Together, they dig into current hot topics, including Cory Booker’s 25-hour performative Senate speech—which pales in comparison to past substantive filibusters like Rand Paul’s 2013 stand against John Brennan’s CIA nomination and drone policy, or Ted Cruz’s filibuster on Obamacare. They also reflect on Ron Paul's enduring legacy as he turns 90, highlighting how his influence sparked a new generation of activists and fueled movements in homeschooling, Bitcoin, and grassroots liberty. Finally, Eric and Jack weigh in on the recent leak involving national security discussions about bombing Yemen—and the disappointing lack of pushback from supposed anti-interventionist voices.

Amy Norris joins the program to talk about all things PorcFest! She discusses her experiences at the event, the diverse groups people who attend, and the key themes explored there, such as personal freedom, voluntary exchange, and self-sufficiency. She shares memorable moments and interactions from the festival, illustrating the community-driven atmosphere and how PorcFest provides a space for people to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on projects.

Corey DeAngelis is a prominent advocate for school choice. He joins the Porcupine Report to discuss the growing momentum of education freedom policies across the U.S., particularly in New Hampshire. Corey notes the rapid expansion of school choice in the last few years, with 15 states adopting universal programs as well as how pandemic school closures awakened parents to problems in public education, fueling the push for school choice. He emphasizes the need for continued activism to dismantle bureaucratic control over education. 

Corey’s book, “The Parent Revolution” can be found here: https://a.co/d/gogx8IA

Our latest guest on the Porcupine Report, Jody Underwood, is an advocate for education freedom and founder of Ed Opt. She shares her journey within the Free State movement and her experience serving on the Croydon School Board. She explains the variety of educational options available in New Hampshire, including homeschooling, learning centers, charter schools, private schools, and the Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) program. Jody and Eric discuss systemic issues in public schooling, such as its monopoly structure, funding mechanisms, and the lack of academic accountability.

Jody emphasizes her mission to educate parents about alternatives and support the creation of more education options, including through expos and AI-driven consultation tools. The conversation concludes with a call for engagement in upcoming liberty events and continued activism in education choice.

Tom Woods and Eric recap the recent Tom Woods Cruise, which included stops in places like Prospera, Honduras, a hub for libertarian free cities. The cruise featured discussions on liberty, a pitch contest, and a concert by Broadway performer Clifton Duncan. Tom also discusses the rise of populist sentiment and how libertarians can use it to push their ideas forward. He emphasizes that while education and persuasion matter, emotional and cultural alignment with broader movements is also necessary. Tom reaffirms his long-term plan to relocate to New Hampshire in 2032, for cultural alignment and a desire to support the Free State Project.

Eric joins Matt Kibbe to discuss New Hampshire's emergence as a hub for libertarian policies and highlights the Free State Project's success in attracting thousands of libertarians to the state, resulting in legislative wins like abolishing income taxes and expanding school choice. Eric emphasizes the importance of community-building, which helped residents resist government overreach during COVID-19, demonstrating how concentrated efforts can transform local governance and inspire broader political change.

Eric joins The Way Forward Podcast to discuss the Free State Project’s goal of concentrating libertarians in New Hampshire to create a politically influential community, emphasizing localism over federal engagement. He critiques the challenges of libertarian success in federal politics, highlights New Hampshire’s relative freedom during COVID-19, and distinguishes libertarianism from conservatism. Eric also addresses policies like Defend the Guard to curb federal overreach and discusses decentralization in health care and governance. He underscores that real change happens through strong, liberty-minded communities rather than relying on federal reform.

Partner Relations Director for Emergent Order Foundation, Ivy Karns, joins the program to tell the true crime story of P’Nut the squirrel, killed by government thugs in New York. P’Nut was rescued by Mark Long and became an internet sensation, amassing over 500,000 followers. His fame helped fund an animal sanctuary, P’nuts Freedom Farm, which Mark and his wife founded in 2023 in Pine City, New York. In October 2024, government agents raided their farm, citing illegal possession of wildlife. Peanut allegedly bit an officer during the raid, leading to his immediate euthanasia under rabies protocols—later proven unnecessary as Peanut tested negative. The case sparked a broader debate on pet ownership laws and wildlife regulations, with some states, like New Hampshire, introducing legislation to legalize squirrel ownership.

Eric is joined by Representative Michael Granger to give an update on the latest liberty-driven initiatives in New Hampshire including Defend the Guard, Right to Work Legislation, Education Freedom Accounts, and State Budget Cuts. Michael’s outlook for this year in the State House is determined and mission-driven, with a focus on long-term, incremental victories for the liberty movement.

Jay Noone is a homesteader who runs a homeschool co-op for kids to learn farming in the Free State. Jay moved to New Hampshire as part of the Free State Project in 2016. A proud father of two, Jay started raising cows, pigs, and chickens while starting his kids program to prepare the next generation to live a self sufficient lifestlye. Part of Jay’s vision is to build confidence in children by teaching them real life skills like welding, blacksmithing, farming, ranching, problem solving, patience, tolerance, and, most importantly, encouraging them to earn dopamine hits through farm work.

Carla Gericke joins the program once again to celebrate the pardoning of Ross Ulbricht by Donald Trump, emphasizing the relentless activism of his mother, Lyn Ulbricht. She recalls how the Free State Project and many libertarians have supported Ross’s cause for over a decade, organizing events, spreading awareness, and pressuring politicians to act. Carla and Eric renew their hopes for similar outcomes for political prisoners like Edward Snowden, Julian Assange, and Ian Freeman. They also look forward to the upcoming Free State event, Porcupine Day, which commemorates the announcement in 2016 that 20,000 liberty-loving individuals had pledged to relocate to New Hampshire over the following five years.

Eric joins The Black Powder Podcast to share the vision of the Free State Project as well as its many goals and successes. Thousands have come to New Hampshire to influence the state towards greater liberty and individual freedom, greatly influencing local politics in areas like school choice, tax abolition, and Second Amendment rights. He boasts the many groups in the Free State, many of which convene at "Liberty Clubhouses" (like The Quill and The Shell), where the community hosts events, connects, and supports new movers.

On the 50th episode of the Porcupine Report, chef and food advocate, Stephen Nass, joins the program to share his activism in the Free State, including the Free State Food Network, which promotes local food producers and advocates for food freedom by networking and supporting businesses, while also addressing political issues like unnecessary regulations. He also advocates for decentralizing food systems to prepare New Hampshire for long-term liberty goals, including potential secession.

Freshly elected to a second term in the NH House, Assistant Majority Whip Tom Mannion joins the program once again to discuss the upcoming battles in the NH Legislature, including universal school choice, building more housing, Right to Work, legalizing cannabis, and bringing our troops home with Defend the Guard.

Carla and Eric join to rejoice in the many wins for the FSP in 2024, including successfully meeting the end of the year fundraising goal and the significant election victories for freedom friendly candidates in New Hampshire - securing legislative dominance and advancing libertarian priorities, such as eliminating the state's interest and dividends tax. They also look towards the year ahead and discuss some goals like strengthening the Free State community and its outreach to new movers and get excited for big upcoming events like Porcupine Day, Freedom Fest, and PorcFest.

Merry Christmas from The Porcupine Report! Eric is joined by a panel of regulars to the show to talk about Christmas spirit in New Hampshire. They celebrate New Hampshire's rank as the state with the most Christmas spirit, due to the many holiday events that happen annually as well as activities such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, skiing, and ice skating. The guests also share unique ways they celebrate, from cooking special meals to organizing community events. They bask in the joy of celebrating the holidays in the Free State, without the burden of overregulation and high taxes.

Learn more about the Free State Project at https://www.fsp.org Get your tickets to Liberty Forum today at https://www.nhlibertyforum.com Get your tickets to Porcfest early at https://www.porcfest.com #Libertarian #freestateproject #newhampshire

Matt Barney is a long-time supporter of and recent mover to the Free State. His book, Growing Liberty: Nurturing Personal and Economic Freedom in an Unfree World, highlights stories of Free State Project participants and provides psychological insights to help libertarians thrive in New Hampshire. Matt discusses his work as an industrial-organizational psychologist and his development of an AI tool to enhance persuasion. The AI, rooted in ethical principles, can help Free State advocates refine their messaging, bolster political campaigns, and measure public discourse for freedom-oriented values. Learn more about the Free State Project at https://www.fsp.org Get your tickets to Liberty Forum today at https://www.nhlibertyforum.com Get your tickets to Porcfest early at https://www.porcfest.com #Libertarian #freestateproject #newhampshire

*REBROADCAST FROM 2/14/24

Not all great social movements start with a dream, some start with a term paper. Jason Sorens, Founder of the Free State Project, joins the show to discuss the nature of freedom, liberty, and his vision for a Free State in New Hampshire, with Liberty in our Lifetimes. Learn more about the Free State Project at https://www.fsp.org Get your tickets to Liberty Forum today at https://www.nhlibertyforum.com Get your tickets to Porcfest early at https://www.porcfest.com #Libertarian #freestateproject #newhampshire

Sean Themea is the Chief Operating Officer of Young Americans for Liberty (YAL). He joins the program to discuss YAL's significant impact on the 2024 election cycle, including defeating "RINOs" (Republicans in Name Only) and advancing liberty-oriented policies such as universal school choice and constitutional carry. He stresses the importance of grassroots engagement, encouraging citizens to hold their state representatives accountable and actively participate in the legislative process.

Bonnie Freeman joins the Porcupine Report to spread awareness about the movement to bring home her husband, Ian Freeman. She dispels of misinformation brought about by the state during his trial as well as shares her own personal story of being led to the Free State in a quest for more freedom and a likeminded community. 

On heels of yet another win for state rep, Michael Granger joins the program to discuss the November 5th election results and how they will effect New Hampshire politics not just for the next two years, but generations going forward. 

Jack Hunter joins us once again the recap the momentous 2024 general election results and discuss this they will mean for libertarians moving forward.

Andrew Heaton, author of Tribalism is Dumb, joins the program to share his views on tribalism and its evolutionary roots, how it impacts modern society, and ways to navigate its effects. Eric and Andrew explore how liberty-minded individuals can engage in politics without succumbing to negative tribal impulses, focusing instead on shared values and community building.

Edra Toth shares her personal story of fleeing Hungary with her family during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. Edra was introduced to ballet almost by chance when she accompanied a friend to dance lessons. This led to a passion for ballet, eventually becoming a principal dancer with the Boston Ballet by age 16. She taught for many years in the Greater Boston Area, but had an opportunity to open a studio in Wolfeboro, NH in 2003. She enjoyed teaching New Hampshire students so much that she eventually phased out of her school in Massachusetts to bring her classical style of ballet training to the “Live Free or Die” State.

Carla Gericke takes over as host for the Porcupine Report and interviews the Renegade Statesman on his history in politics, how he broke free from cable news brainwashing, and his experiences with the Free State Project over the last 10 months.

Chris Lopez is an early mover to the Free State and a passionately dedicated worker for the FSP of over ten years, coordinating many visits and moves for freedom lovers to come to New Hampshire. Coming up on her 20 year anniversary in the Free State, she joins the program to share her story and her love of the great community here.

Eric sits down to chat about the transition from summer to fall the free state — and so many past and future events — while taking questions from the live audience.

Dan McKnight joins the program and shares his story of military service and the events that drove him to found Bring Our Troops Home, the organization coordinating the Defend the Guard effort in state legislatures across America. He is once again presenting at the upcoming Rage Against the War Machine rally and shares his vision for defeating the Military Industrial Complex.

Dennis Pratt joins the Porcupine Report for his third appearance to discuss progress on next year’s Liberty Forum and why, when it comes to building a free state, we should #BuildDontBitch.

Kitty Michelotti, President and Co-Founder of Latitude Learning, joins a LIVE episode of the Porcupine Report for a conversation with Eric Brakey on alternatives to government schooling in New Hampshire and how Education Freedom Accounts are empowering more parents to take active roles in their children's education.

Jack Hunter joins the show to talk with Eric about his experience at PorcFest this year and the dynamics of populism in the current political landscape.

Mike ter Maat joins the Porcupine Report to talk with Eric Brakey about his history in the Libertarian Party and his candidacy for Vice President of the United States.

On Episode 28, Dennis Pratt joins the show for a special live episode to discuss plans for next year’s NH Liberty Forum — tackling real challenges and real solutions to building “Liberty-For-Real” societies.

Skot Sheller is a co-founder of The Shell, a libertarian social club on the New Hampshire Freecoast — and the Free State’s resident expert on Javier Milei and his breakthrough on the Argentinian political stage. Skot shares his knowledge of Milei’s rise and current state as leader of a once failing country, now on an upward trajectory thanks to libertarian policies.

Chris Maidment is a prominent political director and politics junkie who knows the ins and outs of the intricate and often tumultuous political landscape in the Granite State and nationwide. Fresh off the heals of a momentous Republican National Convention, Chris and Eric discuss the highlights.

Eric sits down with Nick Gillespie to discuss the current state of the Free State and how libertarians can be politically effective.

Thomas Quiter is a libertarian and longtime crusader for issues affecting people with disabilities. On the subject of socialized medicine, he explains how the solutions to many problems are easier and simpler than often thought, if only the people can be empowered to make better choices than the government.

The legendary Mark Skousen joins the program to discuss the upcoming Freedom Fest in Las Vegas, the history of the annual event (including how they overcame the COVID lockdowns), and his own personal journey to finding freedom.

This week, Eric Brakey shares his remarks at PorcFest on how he broke free from propaganda narratives, joined the Ron Paul Revolution, took over the Maine GOP, and fought the Mitt Romney establishment at the 2012 National GOP Convention.

Antiwar author, Scott Horton, joins the program to give the rundown on current events concerning the Russia/Ukraine conflict and the problems with U.S. intervention. He also gives an update on his forthcoming book, “Provoked: USA Started the New Cold & Ukraine Wars”.