An Interview with Barry Strauss, Esteemed Classicist, Military and Naval Historian, and Best-selling Author Different civilizations, cultures and countries have experienced the rise of remarkable leaders. While these leaders may have ruled under vastly different circumstances, they often share similar characteristics. Many too, have made the same costly mistakes. Our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom is Barry Strauss, a leading historian who has explored many fascinating leaders, particularly from ancient classical times. He deepens our understanding about the universal qualities of leadership and shares lessons of the ancient world that remain applicable today. Topics Discussed on this Episode: What drew Barry to the study of the ancient world and the leaders who shaped it Universal qualities of a capable and effective leader Common mistakes that great leaders have made and what can be learned from them The ancient leader that fascinates Barry the most Barry’s experiences in promoting free speech within the academy Why free speech has been restricted within higher education What previous civilizations tell us about free speech, including who had the privilege or right to practice it The history of disinformation and how it was used in the ancient world Barry’s process of bringing ancient leaders to life through his writing How to get young people to engage with the classical world Whether the ideals of the Western tradition are at threat of being lost Reaction to winning a Bradley Prize About Barry Strauss Barry Strauss is a bestselling author, and an esteemed military and naval historian. He is currently the Corliss Page Dean Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and Series Editor of Princeton’s Turning Points in Ancient History. Barry is also the Bryce and Edith M. Bowmar Professor in Humanistic Studies Emeritus at Cornell University, where he was the Chair of the Department of History as well as Professor of History and Classics. In addition, he is a 2025 Bradley Prize winner. :
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Interview wth James Piereson
An Interview with James Piereson, Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute, and Trustee, Thomas W. Smith Foundation The vigorous forces shaping American society, politics, and the economy today could have a transformative impact on the country’s future. Even amidst a sea of change and political realignments, our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom, says that the Constitution will be an enduring structure that continues to guide us. James Piereson has dedicated his career to American history, Constitutional thought, and philanthropy. He shares his thoughts on the current environment in the US, the role of ideas in politics today, the state of the Constitution, and more. Topics Discussed on this Episode: Jim’s path to the study of American history and constitutional thought The current political and ideological realignment in the U.S. Whether the center right needs a “new fusionism” Areas around which conservatives can coalesce today The state of the Constitution How universities should be responding to the realities of today’s environment Philanthropy’s role in a polarized climate Ways in which philanthropy can address societal problems Reaction to receiving a Bradley Prize About James Piereson: James Piereson is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Public Policy, where he writes on philanthropy, higher education, and general political subjects. Previously, he was president and trustee of the William E. Simon Foundation, which was a private grant-making foundation with interests in education and religion. Before that, Jim was the executive director of the John M. Olin Foundation, also a private grant-making foundation, which worked to advance conservative ideals. He has served on the political science faculties of several prominent universities, serves on the board of many non-profit organizations, and is a distinguished published author. He is also a 2025 Bradley Prize winner.
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Interview with Mark Klug
An Interview with Mark Klug, Chief Executive Officer, Christian Family Solutions Public awareness about mental health has never been greater, but barriers to treatment remain. According to our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom, integrating faith with proven therapeutic treatment can have a transformational impact on those who are dealing with anxiety, depression or who are healing from trauma. Mark Klug, CEO of Christian Family Solutions (CFS), says that a faith-based approach to addressing mental health can build a level of hope and sense of inherent worth in every individual. He shares these insights and more. Topics Discussed on this Episode: · Mark’s background in the behavioral health field and what drives him to serve people · The impact of Christian-based counseling on those who use it · The underlying issues contributing to the rise in mental health issues among youth. · Redefinitions of mental health and how Social and Emotional Learning can undermine a child’s resilience · CFS’s onsite counseling services and how it works in schools · CFS’s new day treatment program, one of the first of its kind in the nation · Community Counseling Care Partnership, which works with congregations to identify and serve people in the community who are experiencing challenging personal issues · The key ingredients to leading a fulfilling life About Mark Klug: Mark Klug is the CEO of CFS, a position he’s held for ten years. Founded in 1965, CFS offers a range of counseling services from a Christian perspective to people of all ages. Specifically, CFS has developed a robust school-based counseling program to reach children who would otherwise have difficulty accessing mental health services.
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Interview with Victor and Dawn Barnett
An Interview with Victor and Dawn Barnett, Leaders of Running Rebels It’s a magical sight when a once lifeless plant begins to blossom because of the right conditions. According to one of our guests on this episode of Voices of Freedom, working with young people from challenging circumstances is analogous to tending a garden. When someone is struggling or hopeless, it can be hard to see the possibilities ahead for them. Yet with nurturing, understanding and patience, change can take root that allows them to bloom. For four decades, Running Rebels has intervened in the lives of thousands of young people, helping them become thriving, engaged, contributing citizens. Victor and Dawn Barnett lead Running Rebels together. They share what youth need to thrive and why they’re optimistic about the next generation. Topics Discussed on this Episode: What led Victor and Dawn to dedicate their lives to working with young people How Running Rebels filled a void in the Milwaukee area The challenges kids face today versus in the 1980s and 90s The qualities that make someone a good mentor and how to find mentors Organizations across the country that mentor young people How to connect with kids who are tough to reach and how to deal with kids who fall back into destructive behaviors Running Rebels’ program to help kids succeed while in college The biggest misconception about the kids Running Rebels helps What gives Dawn and Victor hope for the future About Victor and Dawn Barnett: At the age of 19, Victor Barnett saw many of the young people of Milwaukee being pulled into the street life of gangs, crime, and violence. He used basketball as the tool to engage, mentor, and guide youth towards an alternative path that would ensure their future success. From this vision and action, Running Rebels Community Organization was born. Dawn Barnett’s career began over 20 years ago when she saw a boy playing with a basketball in front of her house. Impressed by his skills, she learned that he was a member of the Running Rebels basketball team. She soon met Victor and was inspired to become involved. Since that time, she has helped turn Running Rebels into an organization that now serves 2,500 youth annually in Milwaukee.
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Interview with Laura Sumner-Coon
An Interview with Laura Sumner-Coon, Executive Director of Racine Literacy Council (RLC) It might seem counterintuitive for leaders of nonprofit organizations to try to work themselves out of their jobs. Yet our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom believes that should in fact be their goal. Laura Sumner-Coon, Executive Director of Racine Literacy Council (RLC), has spent her career starting and leading organizations that are driven to help individuals build better lives. As she shares on this episode, non-profits should not be afraid to work themselves out of existence. It’s an approach Sumner-Coon carries with her at RLC, an organization that supports the literacy needs of residents who seek to reach their full potential and become engaged citizens. Topics Discussed on this Episode: Laura’s experience working with non-profits and in education reform Why she started, and decided to shut down Racine SOAR, an organization that helped parents and schools navigate the area’s first parental choice program RLC’s importance to an industrial community like Racine The circumstances of those who use RLC’s services, how it helps them achieve their goals, and how they become more engaged citizens The extent of RLC’s reach beyond its brick-and-mortar building RLC’s 60th anniversary and its future plans Laura Sumner-Coon started out her career as a reporter and editor for various newspapers, including the former Milwaukee Journal and the Journal Times. She then held communication and development roles with the Racine Dominican Sisters and from there, began a career in education reform, including founding and leading a grassroots effort to establish the first parental choice program in Racine, Wisconsin. She has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in the teacher preparation program.
Every three weeks, join us on Voices of Freedom for thought-provoking conversations on issues impacting our freedom and America’s founding principles, with particular emphasis on free speech, educational freedom, and free enterprise.
Voices of Freedom features Rick Graber, President of The Bradley Foundation, talking to remarkable individuals within the Bradley community, including grantees, Bradley Prize winners, and more. Our focus on these areas reflects the intent of the foundation’s namesakes, Lynde and Harry Bradley, who wanted to preserve the freedoms that were essential to their success for future generations.
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