Main Street Matters

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Jonathan Williams discuss the latest Rich States, Poor States report, highlighting the economic successes of states like Utah and the challenges faced by states at the bottom of the rankings. They delve into the importance of fiscal responsibility, the need for pension reform, and the impact of government spending on state economies. The conversation emphasizes the necessity...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with Guy Berkebile, founder of Guy Chemical Company, about the significant impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on small businesses. They discuss Berkebile's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced, and how tax policies have enabled him to invest in his company and community. The conversation also touches on the importance of retaining youth in small towns, the im...

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 o...

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 nee...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, host Elaine Parker sits down with Erika Donalds of the America First Policy Institute to examine the future of education in America. The conversation explores how artificial intelligence in education can personalize learning, support teachers, and help students recover from COVID-era learning loss. They discuss innovative teaching methods, the role of educators in an AI-driven classroom, and ...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Campus Reform's Emily Sturge break down the changing landscape of higher education and what it means for students and families. They discuss how to evaluate college options, the real cost of student debt, and whether today’s degree programs deliver long-term value. The conversation also explores affordable alternatives to traditional four-year colleges—including ...

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 40...

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 game...

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. ...

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

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. 

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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 e...

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...

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 m...

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 priorit...

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 rest...

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 messagi...

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 wh...

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 acr...