Forge of Freedom

11/27/2025

Episode 197. Families Are the Key to Building Alternatives to the State

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley reflects on the significance of family during Thanksgiving, emphasizing its role as a foundational institution for civil society. He discusses how strong families can counteract state power and contribute to community engagement, civic participation, and religious involvement. The conversation highlights the decline of family structures and its implications for society, urging listeners to recognize the importance of familial bonds in preserving freedom and cultural strength.

Chapters
00:00 Thanksgiving Reflections on Family and Freedom
01:39 The Role of Families in Civil Society
04:45 The Impact of Family Structure on Community Engagement
07:49 Marriage, Religion, and Civic Participation
10:36 The State's Influence on Family Dynamics
13:26 Cultural Strength and Independence through Family

Resources

https://mises.org/mises-wire/families-are-key-building-alternatives-state

https://mises.org/mises-daily/what-has-government-done-our-families

https://mises.org/mises-wire/leftists-still-want-abolish-family

https://c4ss.org/content/16141

https://www.cato.org/policy-report/september/october-2015/hayekian-theory-parental-rights #

https://ifstudies.org/blog/is-limited-government-the-best-pro-family-policy

Mises Institute:
Facebook: Mises Institute
X:
YouTube:

Ryan McMaken on X:


Keywords
Thanksgiving, family, freedom, civil society, community engagement, marriage, religion, political implications, cultural strength

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

11/26/2025

After spending four days at two academic conferences, Dr. David Yamane sold only one copy of Gun Curious — to a fellow liberal professor.

But rather than discouraging him, he’s still signing and sending books out to people who are listening. And we should be listening.

Dr. Yamane has done something rare:

He approaches America’s gun culture with humility, curiosity, and intellectual honesty even though he comes from a very different background than most gun owners. That makes his work important, bridge-building, and worth supporting.

👉 You can get a personally signed copy for just $25 — sealed and delivered. Support his work. Share it. Buy it. Talk about it.

But don’t just buy the book. Listen to his ideas.

I’ve had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Yamane multiple times, and each conversation was full of insight, research, and thoughtful reflection on what it means to be responsibly armed in America:

🎧 Our Conversations with Dr. Yamane

➡️ Episode 177 — Gun Culture & Executive Power
https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-177-exploring-gun-culture-and-executive-power-with-professor-david-yamane/

➡️ Episode 170 — Ethics, Training & Freedom https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-170-being-responsibly-armed-ethics-training-and-freedom-with-dr-david-yamane/

If we want to shape the future of gun ownership in America, we need more voices like Dr. Yamane — and more people willing to listen.

Let’s show that curiosity still exists.

4 days at 2 academic conferences and sold 1 copy of GUN CURIOUS to a fellow liberal professor. No traction in that community. Oh, well. I hand-sold several to gun people in AZ and am mailing out some personally signed copies today. $25 signed, sealed & delivered. Hit me up.

11/17/2025

🎧 NEW EPISODE 🎧
Ep 196: Tactical First Aid & System Collapse Medicine w/ Greg Ellifritz

My wife and I took Greg's class twice, and I invited him on to share some of the highlights.

- MARCH > ABCs for trauma
- Tourniquets: Types, misconceptions, best practices
- 90 % of Vietnam KIAs would live today with TCCC
- Chest seals, wound packing, Narcan
- Cleaning wounds
- Lawful ways to stockpile for when hospitals go dark

Greg’s site (free weekly content + 2026 classes soon):
https://activeresponsetraining.net

Full episode (YouTube/Facebook/Rumble/Apple/Spotify):
https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-196-tactical-first-aid-and-system-collapse-medicine-with-greg-ellifritz/

11/17/2025

Episode 196. Tactical First Aid and System Collapse Medicine with Greg Ellifritz

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley welcomes Greg Ellifritz, a retired police officer and founder of Active Response Training. They discuss the importance of tactical first aid and the MARCH protocol, which focuses on managing massive bleeding, airway, respiration, circulation, and head injuries. Greg shares his extensive background in law enforcement and training, emphasizing the need for practical skills in emergency situations. The conversation also covers system collapse medicine, preparedness, and the significance of having the right training and resources for various medical emergencies.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tactical Medicine and Training Background
07:00 Understanding Tactical First Aid vs. Standard First Aid
16:13 The MARCH Protocol: A Tactical Approach to Trauma
26:48 Massive Bleeding and Tourniquet Application
33:42 Tourniquet Application and Wound Packing
38:26 Understanding Tourniquet Misconceptions
46:31 Tourniquet Placement Controversies
50:17 Airway and Respiration Essentials
58:39 Addressing Opioid Overdoses with Narcan
01:04:45 Circulation and Wound Care Protocols
01:06:00 Suturing Skills: A Fun Yet Questionable Necessity
01:08:34 Wound Cleaning: The Importance of Proper Techniques
01:12:17 Wound Closure: Risks and Best Practices
01:15:54 Hypothermia and Head Injuries: Essential First Aid
01:17:07 System Collapse Medicine: Preparing for Emergencies
01:23:30 Gear Lists: Training Over Equipment
01:26:34 Beyond Tactical Medicine: Greg's Broader Work

Resources

Active Response Training
https://www.activeresponsetraining.net/instructors
Greg Ellifritz

Pat Rogers Memorial Revolver Round-Up at Gunsite
https://www.gunsite.com/classes/pat-rogers-memorial-revolver-round-up/
Gunsite Academy

Blackwing Shooting Center
https://blackwingsc.com/training/training-courses/tactical-first-aid-system-collapse-medicine-with-greg-ellifritz/
Black Wing Shooting Center

Forge of Freedom (Choose Adventure: Safe Travel In Dangerous Places by Greg Ellifritz)
https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-87-choose-adventure-safe-travel-in-dangerous-places-by-greg-ellifritz/
Choose Adventure

https://www.amazon.com/Choose-Adventure-Travel-Dangerous-Places-ebook/dp/B087BNB647/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&keywords=choose+adventure+greg+ellifritz&link_code=qs&qid=1603676124&sourceid=Mozilla-search&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=actiresptrai-20&linkId=ad30689c10bd209db766d553546c306c&language=en_US

https://www.chooseadventurebook.com/

Forge of Freedom (Tactical First Aid and System Collapse Medicine After Action Report with Whitney Ooley)
https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-130-tactical-first-aid-and-system-collapse-medicine-rerun-of-episode-38/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URWAdmQ_dG4

Tourniquets mentioned
https://www.narescue.com/combat-application-tourniquet-c-a-t.html
North American Rescue

https://tacmedsolutions.com/products/sof-tourniquet?variant=40626596544711
TacMed Solutions

Keywords
tactical medicine, first aid, MARCH protocol, emergency preparedness, Greg Ellifritz, Active Response Training, system collapse medicine, wound care, airway management, CPR



DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

11/10/2025

Episode 195. Rebuilding the NRA: Rob Beckman on Reform, Responsibility, and the Future of Armed Citizenship

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley speaks with Rob Beckman, a candidate for the NRA Board of Directors. They discuss Rob's background in fi****ms training, the importance of mental health awareness in the fi****ms community, and the ongoing reform efforts within the NRA, including the push for greater transparency and engagement with new demographics. Rob shares his motivations for running for the board, his vision for the future of the NRA, and the need for collaboration with other organizations in the gun rights movement. The conversation emphasizes the responsibility of gun owners and the importance of education and training in promoting safe firearm practices.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rob Beckman and the NRA Board Election
02:40 Rob Beckman's Background and the Firearm Trainers Podcast
05:27 Addressing Mental Health in the Fi****ms Community
08:31 The Importance of Responsibility in Gun Ownership
11:03 The NRA's Reform Efforts and Rob's Motivation to Run
13:56 Rob's Vision for the NRA 2.0 and Key Priorities
16:46 Engaging the Membership and the Nomination Process
29:09 Engagement and Leadership in the NRA
35:30 Collaboration with Other Organizations
39:31 Reforming the NRA Board Structure
46:38 Awareness and Communication in NRA's Restructuring

Resources

Firearm Trainer’s Podcast
https://www.firearmtrainerpodcast.com/

Elect a New NRA
https://electanewnra.com/

NRA President’s Forum
https://nrapresident.com/member-login/

Members Take Back Our NRA
https://www.facebook.com/groups/309304408832668

Episode 167 of Forge of Freedom with Rob Beckman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSxfqcPyNSo

Organizational Changes at the NRA (John Richardson)
https://onlygunsandmoney.com/?p=35784

NRA Announces Major Reorganization (John Petrolino)
https://www.news2a.com/national/national-rifle-association-announces-major-reorganization/
The Pen Patriot
News2A

Doug Hamlin Interview with Cam Edwards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=68LrNEURAyY
2nd Amendment

Previous Episodes of the Forge of Freedom re the NRA
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6_liiJJ_k4NgoT5yNSe6subWqvVN9cgo
Theresa Inacker
John Richardson
Amanda Suffecool
Jeff Knox
Ronald Andring

Keywords
NRA, Rob Beckman, fi****ms training, mental health, NRA reform, gun rights, second amendment, fi****ms education, NRA board of directors, gun ownership responsibility

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

11/07/2025

The Responsible Person Podcast does a deep dive into your 4th & 5th Amendment rights with attorney Alex Ooley.

• What to do during a traffic stop
• Should you consent to a search? (No.)
• Police tech & mass surveillance
• Jury nullification
• How to assert your right to remain silent

Every American needs this episode.
🎧 Listen now! (link in the comments)
National Constitution Center
Tenth Amendment Center
Institute for Justice

10/20/2025

Episode 194. Perdomo: The Erosion of Individualized Suspicion and the Peril of Probabilistic Policing

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley discusses the Supreme Court case Noem v. Perdomo, which has significant implications for immigration policies and individual liberties. The case revolves around the legality of detaining individuals based on generalized factors such as race and language, raising concerns about probabilistic policing and its potential to erode constitutional protections. Ooley explores the legal proceedings, the shadow docket's role, and the differing speeds of court decisions regarding executive power versus individual rights.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Case and Its Implications
05:03 The Legal Proceedings and Court Decisions
10:23 The Shift to Probabilistic Policing
15:33 Comparative Analysis of Court Decisions

Resources

The Reload w/ Professor Rory Little
https://thereload.com/podcast-how-a-scotus-immigration-case-could-implicate-gun-owners-ft-uc-law-professor-rory-little/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYsCbjyQ_ww

Professor Rory Little on SCOTUSblog
https://www.scotusblog.com/2025/09/roving-patrols-reasonable-suspicion-and-perdomo/

Perdomo
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/25a169_5h25.pdf

https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/case-files/noem-v-perdomo/

Rory Little
https://www.uclawsf.edu/people/rory-little/

https://www.scotusblog.com/author/rory-little/

The Reload

https://thereload.com/

https://thereload.substack.com/

https://thereload.fireside.fm/hosts/stephengutowski

YouTube:

X:

Facebook: The Reload

Keywords
Supreme Court, immigration case, Nome vs. Perdomo, shadow docket, probabilistic policing, individual liberty, Fourth Amendment, executive power, Justice Kavanaugh, Justice Sotomayor

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

10/06/2025

Episode 193. Making Bail: The Eternal Struggle Between Order and Chaos (with Judge Houchin)

Alex Ooley and Judge Dustin Houchin explore the history and challenges of bail reform. From ancient legal traditions to modern debates, they discuss balancing individual liberty with public safety. Is recent bail reform creating chaos or progress? Tune in to hear insights on this important issue and join the conversation!

08/19/2025

Join the 2025 Alternative Mass Media Conference in Salt Lake City with exciting guest presenters!

08/08/2025

Join host Alex Ooley & guest Christina Dent, author of Curious, as they dive into a discussion on rethinking addiction & drug policy. From foster care to founding End It For Good, Christina shares her journey from moral absolutes to advocating for health-centered solutions. Listen now on YouTube, Rumble, or your favorite podcast platform!

https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-191-rethinking-our-approach-to-drugs-and-addiction-with-christina-dent/



End It For Good

08/08/2025

Episode 191. Rethinking Our Approach to Drugs and Addiction with Christina Dent

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley speaks with Christina Dent, an author and advocate for health-centered drug policies. Christina shares her transformative journey from a conservative Christian perspective on addiction to a more compassionate understanding through her experiences as a foster parent. The conversation explores the impact of trauma on addiction, the failures of the war on drugs, and the importance of family-centered treatment approaches. Christina emphasizes the need for a shift in how society views and addresses addiction, advocating for policies that prioritize human dignity and community support.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Christina Dent and Her Journey
02:54 The Shift in Perspective on Addiction
09:15 Understanding Addiction Through Personal Stories
15:52 The Flaws in Current Drug Policies
20:04 The Role of Trauma in Addiction
23:33 The Rat Park Experiment and Its Implications
27:42 Influence of 'Chasing the Scream' on Christina's Views
32:46 Rethinking Drug Policies
35:01 The Global Impact of Drug Trafficking
37:05 The Consequences of Incarceration
39:57 The Role of Black Markets
43:20 Addressing Addiction and Accountability
46:39 Legalization vs. Morality
52:58 Victimless Crimes and Trust in Society
01:00:00 Supporting Loved Ones with Addiction

Resources:

Christina Dent's book (Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction)
https://www.amazon.com/Curious-Discovery-Unexpected-Solution-Addiction/dp/B0CMCDV8VP

End It For Good:
https://enditforgood.com/
https://www.facebook.com/EndItForGoodMS/
https://x.com/EndItForGoodMS
https://www.instagram.com/enditforgoodms/
End It For Good

Christina Dent's TEDx Talk
https://www.ted.com/talks/christina_dent_end_the_war_on_drugs_for_good
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V263dVJZlqs

Johann Hari's book (Chasing the Scream)
https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Scream-Opposite-Addiction-Connection/dp/1620408910/ref=pd_lpo_d_sccl_1/141-6574860-1354435?pd_rd_w=259po&content-id=amzn1.sym.4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_p=4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_r=APDWJM0TS72WSPAA7ATR&pd_rd_wg=I33Xs&pd_rd_r=09afa0b1-369b-45ab-9358-9693901aacc6&pd_rd_i=1620408910&psc=1

Johann Hari's TED Talk:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY9DcIMGxMs

The evangelical Christian fighting to end the drug war | Christina Dent | The Reason Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI9R8rwINUY

Why a Married Conservative Christian Changed Her Mind on the Drug War
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ5ij9Smuhg

Book recommendation (Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Heal)
https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Addiction-Science-Kindness-People/dp/1494554380

Program: Invitation to Change
https://invitationtochange.com/

Program: CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training)
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-craft-approach-to-substance-abuse-intervention-5191125

The Conservative Drug War Creed
https://www.lewrockwell.com/2018/06/laurence-m-vance/the-conservative-drug-war-creed/

Previous Forge of Freedom Episodes Related to the War on Drugs
https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-58-the-war-on-drugs-is-a-war-on-freedom/
https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-163-the-war-on-drugs-revisited-a-catastrophic-failure-of-policy-and-morality/
https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-103-problem-solving-courts-a-critical-examination-with-judge-houchin/
https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-145-restitution-a-just-approach-to-address

Keywords
addiction, drug policy, foster care, compassion, trauma, Rat Park, legalization, End It For Good, Christina Dent, health-centered approach

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

08/01/2025

If you're serious about self-defense—not just shooting drills or gear—check out my latest article at Gun Digest: "Self-Preservation: Confronting The Unthinkable" by William Aprill. Drawing from the "Unthinkable" course taught by Aprill and Greg Ellifritz, the piece explores the mindset and psychology required to survive violent encounters—not just how to shoot, but how to think like someone determined not to become a victim.

Lessons from William Aprill on criminal violence and the self-preservation mindset required to survive: http://bit.ly/3INMM8L