Main Street Matters

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Jordan and Toni talk with Mark Weinstein, a tech entrepreneur and privacy expert, discussing the evolution of social media, the rise of surveillance capitalism, and its implications for democracy and small businesses. Mark emphasizes the need for civil discourse and the importance of user privacy while outlining actionable steps for individuals and businesses to navigate the current digital landscape. The conversation also touches on the role of social media in elections and the challenges posed by misinformation and data manipulation. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Alfredo Ortiz and economist Steve Moore discuss the current economic landscape, focusing on the impact of Trump's policies, the importance of small businesses, and the need for government reform. They emphasize the significance of tax cuts, deregulation, and the role of tariffs in international trade negotiations. The conversation also highlights the lack of business experience among current political leaders and the importance of voting in the upcoming elections. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Alfredo Ortiz speaks with Georgia State Senator John Albers about his personal journey as a kidney donor and his legislative efforts to promote organ donation. They discuss the importance of election integrity in Georgia, highlighting record voter turnout and the impact of recent laws. The conversation also covers the need for school choice and educational reform, emphasizing the importance of providing parents with options for their children's education. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Jordan Bruneau speaks with David Bahnsen about his book, 'Full-Time Work and the Meaning of Life.' They discuss the dignity of work, the cultural shifts that have led to a decline in the perception of work, and the impact of COVID-19 on the workforce. Bahnsen emphasizes the importance of purpose in work, the generational differences in attitudes towards work, and the need to address the failure to launch phenomenon among young adults. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

In this episode, Elaine & Toni welcome Gary James to discuss the challenges small businesses face due to the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The CTA requires small businesses to disclose personal information about their owners, posing significant compliance burdens and risks of data breaches. Gary James, president of DNA Lab, shares his concerns about the act's impact on small businesses and his communication with Senator Sherrod Brown. The episode emphasizes the need for balanced policies that support small businesses while promoting transparency, urging listeners to stay informed and advocate for their interests. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine and Jordan speak with Carlos Ruiz, the owner of HT Metals, about his journey in small business, the positive impact of conservative policies on the Hispanic community, and the challenges faced under the current administration. Carlos shares insights on immigration, border control, and the importance of engaging employees in political discussions. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding how policies affect daily lives and the potential for small businesses to influence the political landscape. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Jamey, Toni, and Erika Donalds of the Leadership Institute to discuss the current state of education in America, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore the failures of the Democratic education policies, the impact of teachers unions, and the innovative approaches being taken by Optima Academy. The conversation also touches on the need for education freedom and the potential consequences of a Harris administration on education policy. Finally, they discuss the role of the Department of Education and the argument for its elimination in favor of state control. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine and Jordan interview Nick Begich, a Republican candidate for Congress in Alaska. They discuss Begich's background as a small business owner, the challenges facing Alaskans, and the importance of energy independence. The conversation also covers policies that can support small business growth, the impact of electric vehicle mandates, and the implications of ranked choice voting in Alaska. Begich emphasizes the need for a favorable tax climate and the importance of consumer choice in the market. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit SalemPodcastNetwork.com

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine and Jordan interview Phillip Toppino, founder of WOFT, a self-defense training center. They discuss the importance of scenario safety, de-escalation techniques, and how to prepare families and children for real-life situations. Phillip shares insights on addressing safety concerns in communities, the significance of training in corporate settings, and the costs associated with such training. The conversation emphasizes the need for proactive safety measures and the value of personalized training experiences. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine and Jordan discuss the pressing issues surrounding prescription drug pricing with Rob Burgess, the executive director of Americans for Pharma Reform. The conversation covers the ongoing Big Pharma Bus Tour aimed at educating the public about high drug costs, the complexities of prescription drug pricing, the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and the legislative efforts needed to reform the pharmaceutical industry. Mian Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Toni Angelini discuss the current challenges in healthcare, particularly focusing on the impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act on Medicare and drug pricing. Joel White, president of the Council for Affordable Health Coverage, shares insights on how recent legislation has affected seniors' access to affordable healthcare, the complexities of Medicare premiums, and the consequences of price controls on drug availability. The conversation emphasizes the need for bipartisan solutions and the importance of engaging the public in advocating for necessary changes in healthcare policy. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine and Jordan speak with Michelle Leopold, a small business owner and activist, about the tragic loss of her son to fentanyl overdose and her subsequent efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of education. Michelle shares her personal story, the impact of drug policies on small businesses in California, and the challenges faced by business owners due to crime. She emphasizes the need for community engagement, education on drug use, and policy changes to address the ongoing drug crisis. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Toni Angelini talk with Erec Smith, a research fellow at the Cato Institute and co-founder of Free Black Thought. They discuss the mission of Free Black Thought, the rapid rise of DEI and CRT in education, and the conflation of privilege with accomplishment. Erec emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship in overcoming societal barriers and the need for effective messaging to promote these ideas. The conversation also touches on cultural sensitivity, challenges in academia, and the future of education and advocacy. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine and Jordan discuss the role of the Business Coalition for Fair Competition with John Palatiello. The conversation covers the impact of government competition on small businesses, the importance of privatization, and potential solutions to streamline government functions. They also explore the implications of federal land ownership and government policies on the housing market, emphasizing the need for collaboration to foster job creation and economic growth. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

In this episode of "Main Street Matters," Elaine & Toni discuss the growing acceptance of socialism among younger Americans with Professor Nick Giordano. They explore how education shapes economic views, the challenges small businesses face due to government policies, and the implications for capitalism's future. Giordano critiques the education system for romanticizing socialism and downplaying capitalism's benefits. The episode underscores the need for advocating economic freedom and supporting small businesses to ensure America's continued prosperity. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

Bryan Riley, Director of National Taxpayers Union Foundation's Free Trade Initiative, joins Main Street Matters to discuss former President Donald Trump's tariff proposal. They explore the impact of tariffs on everyday Americans, who ultimately pay the higher costs. They also discuss the difference between targeted tariffs and across-the-board tariffs, and the potential consequences of a 10% tariff on all imports. The conversation delves into the case for free trade, the need for good trade agreements, and the importance of reducing regulations and taxes to make American businesses more competitive globally. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

E.J. Antoni, a research fellow at the Heritage Foundation's Grover M. Herman Center for the Federal Budget, joins Elaine and Jordan to discuss the impact of government spending on inflation and the economy. Antoni explains that runaway inflation is caused by government spending and the devaluation of the dollar due to printing money to finance the spending. He also highlights the negative effects of anti-energy policies and the potential economic impact of Kamala Harris' proposed tax policies.  E.J. criticizes the Bureau of Labor Statistics for its inaccurate job and inflation data and discusses the limitations of the Federal Reserve's ability to stimulate the economy. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

In this episode we discuss the importance of education and mentorship with Anthony Brock, Head of School at Valiant Cross Academy in Alabama. Brock shares his journey from being a public school educator to founding Valiant Cross Academy, which focuses on mentoring young African American males in Montgomery, Alabama. The conversation highlights the critical role of education in shaping life choices, the need for school choice, and the impact of community engagement. Brock emphasizes that education is essential for success and shares the academy's daily practices and future plans for expansion. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

Jill Homan joins Main Street Matters to discuss the benefits of opportunity zones, which were included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Opportunity zones are designated low-income and moderate-income communities that attract capital through tax incentives. Homan explains that investors can defer paying capital gains taxes until 2026 by investing in qualified opportunity funds. If the investment is held for 10 years, all appreciation on the investment is tax-free. Homan also addresses criticisms of opportunity zones, such as concerns about gentrification and the designation of certain zones. She suggests potential improvements for Opportunity Zones 2.0, including expanding eligibility for tax benefits and redesignating zones. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com

James Burling, author of 'Nowhere to Live, the Hidden Story of America's Housing Crisis,' discusses the failures of both Republicans and Democrats in solving the housing crisis. He highlights the government barriers to building more affordable housing, such as excessive zoning regulations and rent control. Burling emphasizes the need to reform zoning laws to allow for more density and the construction of duplexes, triplexes, and small apartment buildings. He also discusses the negative impact of rent control on cities and the importance of addressing mental health and drug issues in addressing homelessness. Burling argues against government involvement in building housing and suggests that private entrepreneurs can meet the demand if government barriers are removed. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com