Main Street Matters

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with Michele Steeb, founder of the Free Up Foundation, about the ongoing homeless crisis in America. They discuss the impact of homelessness on communities, the failures of past policies, and the importance of a human-first approach to addressing the issue. Michele shares insights from her experience running a shelter for homeless women and children and emphasizes the need for mental health and addiction treatment as part of a comprehensive solution. The conversation also touches on the economic implications of homelessness and the role of community involvement in creating effective solutions.

Learn more about Michele & Purchase her book HERE | https://www.michelesteeb.com/

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker interviews Tennessee State Representative Jody Barrett, who is running for Congress. They discuss Barrett's journey into politics, the challenges facing small businesses, healthcare solutions, the impact of tax cuts, rural economic challenges, crime in communities, and the importance of education on legislative wins. Barrett emphasizes the need for investment in rural areas and the nonpartisan nature of crime issues, while also addressing the importance of maintaining a Republican majority in Congress.

Learn more about Jody Barrett HERE | https://www.jodybarrettfortennessee.com/

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with Dr. Chloe Carmichael about the significance of free speech, especially in the context of recent events and workplace dynamics. They discuss the challenges of navigating difficult conversations, the role of employers in managing speech, and the impact of victimhood on workplace culture. Dr. Carmichael emphasizes the importance of open dialogue for mental health and societal progress, offering strategies for fostering a culture of free expression in various settings.

Pre-Order Dr. Chloe's NEW Book | https://www.drchloe.com/freespeech

Learn more about Independent Women | https://www.independentwomen.com/

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker interviews Robert Netzly, founder and CEO of Inspire Impact Group, discussing the principles of Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI). Robert shares his journey from a traditional financial planner to advocating for investments aligned with biblical values. The conversation explores the growing awareness among investors about the moral implications of their investments, the impact of corporate decisions on societal values, and the importance of small businesses in promoting conservative principles. Robert emphasizes the need for transparency in investing and the role of the Inspire Impact Score in guiding investors towards companies that align with their values.

Learn more about Robert HERE | https://www.inspireadvisors.com/author/robert-netzly

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Daniel Cochrane of the Heritage Foundation discuss the implications of AI on society, focusing on the balance between federal and state regulation, the dangers of AI in mental health and safety, and the potential benefits of AI in healthcare and small businesses. They emphasize the need for thoughtful regulation that aligns AI with the interests of everyday Americans and the importance of human touch in healthcare. The conversation highlights both the challenges and opportunities presented by AI technology.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Breitbart's John Carney discuss the recent downward revision of job numbers, the implications of Federal Reserve policies, and the overall state of the economy. They explore the challenges faced by small businesses, the impact of high interest rates, and the growing divide between generations regarding housing affordability. The conversation also touches on the political landscape in New York City and the rising support for socialism among younger voters.

Read John's work and Subscribe to Breitbart Business Digest HERE | https://www.breitbart.com/author/john-carney/

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Jeremiah Poff of the Washington Examiner discuss the challenges faced by millennials and Gen Z in achieving home ownership and building wealth. They explore the economic shifts from a production-driven economy to a consumption-driven one, the impact of inflation on housing prices, and the role of student debt in economic mobility. The conversation highlights the importance of local economic drivers and corporate responsibility in creating sustainable communities. They also address the need for effective messaging of economic policies to connect with everyday Americans.

Read Jeremiah's work at the Washington Examiner

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with The Heritage Foundation's Richard Stern about the Federal Reserve's significant influence on the economy, the potential for privatizing the money supply, and the impact of recent legislation on banking. They discuss the rise of FinTech as a solution to gaps left by traditional banks, the importance of transparency in the Fed's decision-making process, and the complexities surrounding inflation and interest rates. The conversation also touches on the role of tariffs in economic negotiations and the challenges faced by small businesses in the current economic climate.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with Sandy Moore, CEO of the Pet Advocacy Network, about the significant impact of government regulations on small businesses in the pet industry. They discuss the economic scale of the pet industry, the challenges posed by overreach in regulations, and the implications of legal changes regarding pet ownership. Sandy highlights the importance of consumer protection and the need for a balanced approach to animal welfare, while also addressing the challenges faced by veterinarians and the effects of state laws on pet ownership and sales.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Campus Reform's Emily Sturge discuss the current state of college education in America, focusing on the indoctrination of students, the impact of DEI initiatives, the burden of student debt, and the importance of preparing students for the workforce. They explore alternative career paths for Gen Z and the need for educational institutions to provide real-world skills and value in degrees.

Learn more about Campus Reform and Emily

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Tommy Aiello discuss the implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill, focusing on its tax cuts, economic impact, Medicaid reforms, and student loan accountability. They explore the significance of these policies for small businesses and taxpayers, while addressing concerns about the national debt and government spending.

Learn more about the National Taxpayers Union HERE | ntu.org

Visit TaxCutsNow.com

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with NetChoice's Director of Policy, Patrick Hedger about the implications of the UK's Online Safety Act and its potential impact on free speech and small businesses. They discuss the chilling effects of content moderation laws, the Kids Online Safety Act in the U.S., and the need for parental empowerment and education on online safety. The conversation also touches on the importance of innovation in artificial intelligence and the risks posed by overregulation. Learn more about NetChoice | NetChoice.org

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Tom Sullivan discuss the unique challenges and opportunities faced by small business owners in America. They explore the optimism that drives entrepreneurs, the role of the US Chamber of Commerce in advocating for small businesses, and the significant tax provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. The conversation highlights the importance of R&D expensing, workforce development, and the misconceptions surrounding small business owners' financial realities. Overall, the episode emphasizes the need for continued support and understanding of the small business landscape.

Across America, a quiet revolution is transforming education. For decades, students were confined to schools determined by their zip codes — but now, conservative governors are shifting the power back to parents. Through education savings accounts, state funding follows the student, giving families more choice and control. In this episode, panelists Chip Rogers, Dr. Ralph Alvarado, Erika Donalds, Mesha Mainor, and Christopher Mohrman explore how to champion these victories, win public support, and inspire more states to join the movement.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Dan Furman discuss the definition of small businesses, the impact of interest rates on small business growth, and the challenges posed by national debt and regulations. Dan emphasizes the importance of optimism in entrepreneurship and encourages small business owners to invest in their growth despite fluctuating interest rates. The conversation also touches on the effects of regulations on small businesses and the need for a supportive economic environment.

Learn more about Dan Furman HERE | https://www.clear-writing.com/

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker interviews Jerrod Sessler, a Trump-endorsed congressional candidate and successful entrepreneur. They discuss Jerrod's journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a business owner and his motivations for running for office. The conversation delves into the importance of small businesses in America, the need for deregulation, the role of the Federal Reserve, and the current economic challenges facing the nation. Jerrod emphasizes the importance of sending experienced individuals to Congress who understand the struggles of small business owners and the need for a pro-small business agenda.

Learn more about Jerrod Sessler and purchase his book HERE | https://howwebrokeamerica.com/

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker interviews Todd Sheets, an economist and author, discussing the impact of government policies on small businesses, the role of the Federal Reserve, and the importance of maintaining economic freedom. They explore the founding stories of successful companies like Home Depot, the challenges posed by government control, and the implications of tariffs on the economy. Todd emphasizes the need for reform in the Federal Reserve and the significance of creating an environment conducive to innovation and growth.

Learn more about Todd and Subscribe to his Newsletter HERE | https://toddsheetswriter.com/on-wealth-and-progress-newsletter/

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Preston Brashers of The Heritage Foundation break down how President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” could reshape tax policy and benefit small businesses. They highlight the bill’s potential to lock in lower tax rates for middle-income Americans, examine the flawed CBO scoring process, and explain how the reconciliation process affects fiscal policy. The discussion also covers the urgent need for federal spending cuts and how rising interest rates are impacting small business owners across the country. 

Learn more about Preston HERE | https://www.heritage.org/staff/preston-brashers 

#taxpolicy #smallbusiness #BigBeautifulBill #CBOscoring #budget #gimmicks #reconciliationprocess #spendingcuts #economicstability #interestrates #economicgrowth

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Alfredo Ortiz interviews Michael Whatley, Chairman of the Republican National Committee. They discuss the significance of rescission packages, the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill on small businesses, trade strategies, the role of regulations, and the importance of a balanced budget. Whatley shares insights on his journey to chairmanship and the current economic trends affecting small businesses in America.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Gene Marks discuss the pressing challenges faced by small businesses, including rising costs, cash flow issues, and the impact of high interest rates. They explore the effects of inflation, tariffs, and international trade dynamics on the economy. The conversation also covers the implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for small businesses, the significance of education freedom, and the challenges of college debt. Additionally, they discuss the benefits of health savings accounts for business owners and the need for fiscal responsibility in government spending.