Main Street Matters

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with financial expert and author Erik Weir to break down the growing challenges facing American workers as they try to save for retirement. From inflation eroding purchasing power to the widening gap between high earners and middle- and lower-income households, they unpack the economic forces making financial security harder to achieve. Erik explains the most common 401k mistakes, how Federal Reserve policies are shaping retirement outcomes, and what workers can do now to strengthen their long-term financial position. He also outlines retirement plan options for small businesses, offers his economic outlook heading into 2026, and shares actionable insights from his new book, Who’s Eating Your Pie? Whether you're a business owner, a saver, or someone feeling the pressure of today’s economy, this episode delivers practical strategies to help you protect—and grow—your financial future.

Purchase Erik's Book HERE | https://www.amazon.com/Whos-Eating-Your-Pie-Essential/dp/1637630557

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz sit down with former Congressman Dr. Tom Price to break down the growing healthcare crisis facing small businesses. They discuss skyrocketing health insurance premiums, the promise of association health plans, the powerful role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and why Congress must shift its focus from political gamesmanship to real solutions. Dr. Price shares his insider perspective on how market-driven healthcare reforms can lower costs, expand access, and give small business owners the relief they need.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and National Taxpayers Union EVP, Brandon Arnold, break down the major migration shift happening across America as taxpayers leave high-tax states for lower-tax Southern destinations. They examine the economic forces driving this trend, from costly tax burdens and strained housing markets to the impact of the SALT deduction and how businesses respond with strategic relocations. The conversation also explores what these patterns mean for the future of blue states, competitiveness, and the national economic landscape.

Learn more HERE | https://www.ntu.org/foundation/detail/report-high-tax-states-losing-residents-at-the-fastest-rates

In this episode, Elaine Parker and Eric Eggers break down the real causes behind America’s worsening housing crisis and debate the controversial push for 50-year mortgages as a solution. They explore the historical roots of the affordability problem, how environmental and zoning regulations restrict new housing supply, and why a growing number of Americans now view long-term debt and delayed homeownership as normal.

The discussion also tackles the impact of immigration, regulatory barriers, and entrenched special interests on rising home prices. Elaine and Eric go deeper into the economic consequences of sky-high housing costs and highlight innovative policy ideas that could expand access to homeownership for working families.

If you’re looking to understand the future of the housing market, the debate over mortgage reform, or how the U.S. can rebuild a path to the American Dream, this episode offers a clear and compelling breakdown.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Julio Gonzalez to discuss how IRS reform could fix a broken system, reduce audit fear, and restore fairness to Main Street. They also explore: The real impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, How Engineered Tax Services supports small business owners, & What bipartisan reforms could rebuild trust in the tax code. 

Text "Why" to 26786 to get a FREE copy of Julio's NEW Book "Why Billionaires Love The Tax Code: Follow the IRS's Lead to Build Wealth"

#IRSReform #SmallBusiness #TaxCode #MainStreetMatters

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and EJ Antoni deliver a deep dive into America’s economic outlook—breaking down the latest job numbers, shifting inflation metrics, and the growing affordability crisis impacting families nationwide. They examine how Federal Reserve policy continues to influence interest rates, long-term mortgages, and overall market stability, while highlighting the urgent need to expand the nation’s housing supply. The discussion also covers falling consumer sentiment, expectations for holiday spending, and what these trends signal for the economy in 2025.

In this episode, Bruce De Torres breaks down the myths surrounding federal support for small businesses and the real impact of the Small Business Administration. He reveals how only a tiny fraction of small businesses ever receive SBA-backed loans—despite the narrative pushed in politics and the media. De Torres calls for a closer look at the numbers and a serious rethink of how government programs are evaluated when it comes to helping America’s entrepreneurs.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Patrick Hedger to break down the escalating AI competition between the United States and China—and what it means for America’s economic future. They explore how AI is reshaping industries, why workforce training is essential for maintaining a competitive edge, and how public-private partnerships can accelerate innovation. Hedger also clears up common misconceptions in Congress about tech policy and emphasizes the importance of protecting parental controls as technology rapidly evolves.

Learn more HERE | https://netchoice.org/

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Jordan Bruneau sits down with economist David Bahnsen to break down the real economic impact of the recent government shutdown and what the latest off-year election results signal for the country. They explore the growing healthcare crisis, persistent labor shortages, and the cultural shifts influencing workforce participation—particularly among men. Bahnsen outlines the biggest priorities for conservatives in the year ahead, emphasizing the need to restore economic mobility, strengthen personal responsibility, and confront the deeper societal issues driving America’s long-term challenges.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Jordan Bruneau sits down with America First Policy Institute's Jill Homan to unpack the Supreme Court case over President Trump’s tariffs—and what its outcome could mean for American workers, small businesses, and the broader economy. They explore the connection between trade policy, the opioid crisis, and America’s reliance on foreign manufacturing. Jill highlights how restoring a production-based economy and investing in workforce development can drive job creation, while also addressing small business concerns over rising input costs. The discussion also examines the legal implications of presidential emergency powers and their lasting impact on U.S. trade negotiations.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Breitbart’s John Carney break down the ongoing government shutdown and what it means for everyday Americans. They examine how stalled funding affects healthcare subsidies, inflation, and consumer spending—and how voters are judging both parties’ handling of the economy. The conversation also explores the growing link between pop culture and economic messaging, revealing why communication and perception matter as much as policy in today’s political climate. 

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In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and the Washington Examiner's Rachel Schilke break down the real-world impact of the government shutdown on small businesses nationwide. They discuss how delayed federal loans, halted contracts, and economic uncertainty are straining local communities and entrepreneurs. The conversation also explores the political gridlock in Washington, its ripple effects on Main Street, and why bipartisan action is urgently needed to protect America’s small business economy.

Read Rachel's Work HERE | https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/author/rachel-schilke/

In this episode of Main Street Matters, host Elaine Parker sits down with Rich Gandhi, a New Jersey hotel owner and small business advocate, to discuss how the federal government shutdown is devastating small businesses across the state. Gandhi reveals how his hospitality business has suffered a 30% drop in revenue, forcing difficult decisions like layoffs and cost cuts. The conversation explores the real economic toll of the shutdown, the New Jersey governor’s race, and the urgent need for small business reforms—from lowering taxes to tackling frivolous lawsuits and skyrocketing insurance costs. Tune in to hear how entrepreneurs like Rich Gandhi are fighting to keep Main Street businesses alive amid government inaction.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Tommy Aiello dive into the biggest economic challenges facing America’s small businesses. They break down how the government shutdown, rising healthcare costs, and new tariffs on medical products are impacting Main Street. The conversation also covers inflation, trade policy, and the Federal Reserve’s decisions—and what they mean for entrepreneurs and job creators. Parker and Aiello discuss solutions to strengthen small business growth, reduce healthcare burdens, and restore transparency in Washington.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker discusses the implications of the EPA's endangerment finding on greenhouse gases with Diana Furchtgott-Roth. They explore the global net zero movement, the impact of regulatory changes on small businesses and everyday Americans, the challenges posed by electric vehicles, and the reliability of the power grid. The conversation also touches on the reality of climate change and the potential legal challenges that may arise from these regulatory changes.

In this conversation, Elaine Parker and Sam Caucci discuss the innovative workforce training platform 1Huddle and its connection to Sam's new book, Wasted Talent. They explore the challenges of talent development in today's economy, emphasizing the importance of addressing the experience gap versus the skills gap. Sam shares insights on how organizations can better engage their employees, the impact of technology and remote work on skill development, and the need for business leaders to understand their employees' motivations and interests to unlock their full potential.

Purchase Sam's NEW Book 'Wasted Talent' | https://samcaucci.com/wastedtalent/

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Julio Gonzalez to discuss how IRS reform could fix a broken system, reduce audit fear, and restore fairness to Main Street. They also explore: The real impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, How Engineered Tax Services supports small business owners, & What bipartisan reforms could rebuild trust in the tax code. 

Text "Why" to 26786 to get a FREE copy of Julio's NEW Book "Why Billionaires Love The Tax Code: Follow the IRS's Lead to Build Wealth"

#IRSReform #SmallBusiness #TaxCode #MainStreetMatters

In this special episode, leading voices—including the SBA Administrator, Kelly Loeffler, Trish Regan, Grover Norquist, and more—discuss the vital role of tax cuts and small businesses in driving U.S. economic growth. They explore how lower taxes, reduced regulation, and clear policies empower entrepreneurs, create jobs, and foster innovation. The panel addresses challenges like tariffs, government spending, and political divides, emphasizing the need for pro-growth reforms. Personal stories from business owners highlight the real-world impact of tax policy, concluding with a call to support policies that sustain small businesses and economic prosperity. 

Panelists: Trish Regan, Grover Norquist, Rep. Beth Van Duyne, Jonathan Williams, Nicole Wolter

In this episode, you'll hear from Senator Joni Ernst & our special panel made up of Karen Harned, Former Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, EJ Antoni, Rep. Mike Collins, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. 

The panel discussion focuses on the significant impact of federal regulations on small businesses and the economy. It highlights the burden of overregulation, the legislative efforts to reform these regulations, and the importance of deregulation for economic growth.

Learn more at JobCreatorsNetwork.com

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Greg Workmon, founder and CEO of LoadUp, the innovative, tech-powered junk removal platform disrupting an outdated industry. Workmon shares how AI, real-time pricing, and data transparency are revolutionizing operations while empowering independent contractors and fueling small business growth across America. From tackling industry inefficiencies to fostering entrepreneurship, this conversation reveals how technology and free-market innovation are driving new opportunities and keeping the American dream alive for Main Street business owners.

Learn more about LoadUp