The Forge of Freedom

The Forge of Freedom

Firearms, Personal Responsibility, and All Things Freedom

Episodes

June 16, 2025 30 mins

Show Notes


Episode 187. Marty Hayes from ACLDN on Building a Legal Safety Net for Armed Citizens


In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley interviews Marty Hayes, founder of the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network (ACLDN). They discuss the origins of the network, its unique membership structure, and the importance of education in self-defense cases. Marty shares his journey from law enforcement to lega...

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Episode 186. Hillsdale College: Forging Freedom Through Classical Education


In this conversation, Ben Liebing from Hillsdale College discusses the college's commitment to classical education, its unique position of not accepting federal funding, and the importance of individual liberty. He highlights the various educational resources available to the public, including online courses and podcasts, and emphasizes...

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Episode 185. Navigating Law Enforcement Encounters as an Armed Citizen with Glenn Hoyer


In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, hosts Alex Ooley and Mike Ooley interview Glenn Hoyer, the director of the law enforcement division at the NRA. They discuss the NRA's long-standing commitment to law enforcement training, the importance of responsible armed citizenship, and how armed citizens should interact ...

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Episode 184. Without Privacy, the Second Amendment Fails with Dean Weingarten


In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley engages with Dean Weingarten to discuss the critical relationship between privacy and the Second Amendment. They explore historical contexts, the implications of government registration of firearms, and the cultural attitudes towards gun ownership. The conversation emphasize...

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Episode 183. Liberty and Learning with the Tuttle Twins


In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley speaks with Stephanie Hetherton, the regional director for the Tuttle Twins book series. They discuss the mission of Tuttle Twins, which focuses on teaching children about liberty, personal responsibility, and civics through engaging stories. Stephanie shares her personal connection to the series...

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Episode 182. What Over 1,600 Armed Traffic Stops Reveal About Law Enforcement Interactions (with Jacob Paulsen)


In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley interviews Jacob Paulsen, president of ConcealedCarry.com, about a survey analyzing over 1,600 armed traffic stops and the insights gained from these interactions with law enforcement. The conversation covers the frequency of disarming pract...

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Episode 181. Gun Facts: A Nonpartisan Look at Firearms with Guy Smith


In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley interviews Guy Smith, the founder of gunfacts.info and author of Guns and Control. They discuss the myths surrounding gun violence, particularly focusing on children and guns, the impact of handgun availability, and the role of social media in shaping public perception. Guy emphasiz...

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Episode 180. Taking Back the NRA: Grassroots Reform and Resistance (w/ Ronald Andring, Sr.)

 

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley speaks with Ronald Andring Sr., a dedicated member of the NRA who has been actively involved in efforts to reform the organization. Ronald shares his journey with the NRA, detailing his experiences and the issues he uncovered regarding the leadership and management o...

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Episode 179. NRA Annual Meeting Recap

 

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, hosts Alex and Mike Ooley discuss their experiences at the recent NRA Annual Meeting. They delve into the current state of the NRA, the reform movement within the organization, and the importance of membership and influence in advocating for Second Amendment rights. The conversation also highlights the educational opportunities availab...

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Episode 178. Forging Freedom: NRA's Training Legacy with John Howard


In this conversation, John Howard, the Director of NRA Education and Training, discusses his extensive background with the NRA, the organization's historical roots in training, and the current state of its educational programs. He highlights the upcoming inaugural Trainer's Symposium aimed at engaging instructors and enhancing training...

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Episode 177. Exploring Gun Culture and Executive Power with Professor David Yamane


In this conversation, David Yamane, a sociology professor, discusses his journey through gun culture, his recent experiences with hunting, and his efforts to bridge divides in the gun rights debate through his project 'Light Over Heat.' He reflects on the role of executive power in governance, the importance of due process, a...

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Episode 176. Exploring the NRA-ILA with David Conte


In this conversation, David Conte discusses his extensive experience with the NRA-ILA, detailing its role in legislative action and grassroots activism. He emphasizes the importance of education and community engagement in promoting responsible gun ownership. The discussion also covers the history of the NRA, common misconceptions, and the significance of events l...

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Episode 175. Revitalizing the NRA: A New Era of Advocacy with John Richardson 


In this conversation, Alex Ooley sits down with John Richardson to discuss the recent changes within the NRA, focusing on the importance of restoring trust among members, building value in membership, and collaborating with other gun rights organizations. He emphasizes the need for transparency and a grassroots approach to advocacy, part...

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Episode 174. Live Streaming from the NRA Annual Meeting


In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley discusses the upcoming NRA annual meeting in Atlanta, the internal politics and reform efforts within the NRA, and announces an upcoming episode focused on tariffs and economic insights. The conversation highlights the importance of the NRA in the Second Amendment movement and the need for reform...

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Episode 173. Poland's History of Courage and Its Role in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict (with Lawrence Reed)


In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley speaks with Lawrence (“Larry”) Reed about Poland's historical resilience and its current role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They discuss Poland's courageous legacy, particularly the story of Witold Pilecki, who infiltrated Auschwitz ...

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Episode 172. Federal Firearm Rights and Indiana's Hindsight Ruling

 

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley discusses two main topics: the restoration of firearm rights under federal law and a recent Indiana Supreme Court case, Turner v. State, which addresses self-defense laws. Ooley explains the implications of a recent announcement that could revive the process for individuals with federal ...

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Episode 171. Liberty as a Life Philosophy

 

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley shares insights from Lawrence Reed's essay, 'Liberty as a Life Philosophy.' The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-governance, personal responsibility, and the moral imperative of liberty. Ooley explores how individuals can embody liberty in their lives and advocate for it effectively, while al...

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Episode 170. Being Responsibly Armed: Ethics, Training, and Freedom (with Dr. David Yamane)

 

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley engages with Dr. David Yamane, a sociology professor and author of 'Gun Curious.' They explore the complexities of responsible gun ownership, the evolution of gun culture, and the ethical dimensions of self-defense. Dr. Yamane shares his personal journey into...

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Episode 169. The Difference Between the Private and Public Sector

 

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley discusses the fundamental principles of government, private property, and the free market. He emphasizes the detrimental effects of government on human prosperity and freedom, advocating for a reduction in government size and influence. Ooley contrasts the private and public sectors, highligh...

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Episode 168. Amanda Suffecool and Theresa Inacker: The Fight for Gun Rights and Voices for Change at the NRA

 

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley discusses the current state of the NRA with guests Amanda Suffecool and Theresa Inacker. They delve into the ongoing reform efforts within the NRA, the challenges faced by gun rights advocates, and the importance of grassroots activism. Amanda sh...


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