EmpowerU America Podcast

Peter Bronson’s new book, Magical History Tour, offers readers a captivating journey through some of the most fascinating and lesser-known stories from history.Among these are the tale of the graverobbers who stole the remains of the son of former President William Henry Harrison, an incident that gripped the nation. The book also explores the story of a young man from Wilmington, who played a pivotal role in naming both the city of Denver and the state of Montana. Another intriguing topic covered is the fate of Whitewater Shaker Village. Once a thriving community, it mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind questions about its sudden vanishing. Bronson investigates the story of the first woman in Ohio to be executed in the electric chair, known as the ‘Black Widow.’ He examines why she earned this ominous nickname and the circumstances surrounding her execution. Known as “The Master of Disaster,” this Cincinnati attorney was recognized both locally and nationwide for his remarkable reputation in the field of law. His career was marked by a series of high-profile cases, making him one of the most prominent lawyers in the country.In addition to these stories, Peter will introduce ten notable places where one can discover the rich history of Cincinnati. This includes a visit to a Civil War camp, as well as several small, unique museums and other significant sites. Each location offers a glimpse into the city’s diverse and fascinating past.All of Bronson’s books will be available for purchase at $20 each.

THE FUTURE OF CINCINNATI | CHRISTOPHER SMITHERMANLearn first-hand tonight about what Christopher Smitherman thinks needs to be done with the City of Cincinnati for it to be successful and moving forward. Christopher’s experience with the City is unmatched and you will hear from him on many subjects. Learn about his thoughts on the current “Anti-Police”, “Anti-Cop” policies in the City. What about the current mayor, Aftab Pureval?What about Immigration? Will the City’s position as a Sanctuary City cause it to lose important funding from the Federal Government? How about the current form of Government—does it work? Has the City Manager been successful with all the controversies involved with the Fire Department leader being fired, and now the Police Chief being shown the door. Christopher will discuss with us a new petition initiative he is advancing to take away from the City Manager the ability to Fire Police and Fire Department Employees.After several violent attacks in downtown Cincinnati, find out about Smitherman’s Town Hall meeting with Governor candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. What were the results of the meeting? Should citizens be scared to visit downtown Cincinnati? What practical steps need to be taken to curb crime? How bad is the crime in downtown? Will the City and County ever be able to elect more conservative leaders? Tonight is your chance to meet Christopher Smitherman at EmpowerU.------------------OHIO PROPERTY TAXES AND YOU | GREG LAWSONGreg Lawson from the Buckeye Institute will join us tonight from 7:45-8:30 PM. He will be discussing Ohio property taxes which is a very hot issue right now given that the General Assembly has passed various pieces of legislation. The passed legislation will be discussed and what the expected outcome of that legislation is. Also, we will discuss what would happen if the potential constitutional amendment to end property taxes in Ohio would pass in the November election.Data Centers are also a very important issue in Ohio right now. There are a lot of issues associated with Data Centers, including energy, energy price spikes, local opposition, and national security implications. Greg Lawson has been a frequent guest at EmpowerU and is always ready to share with us important information about the State of Ohio.

It's time to take a hard look at the current technology surrounding nuclear energy. To better understand Ohio's clean energy future, we'll dive into Conley's research into the safety and efficacy of nuclear energy, including small modular reactors (SMRs).We'll explore in plain, non-technical language a simple solution that resolves the bottleneck to the future of nuclear energy in Ohio and nationwide. Conley will quell concerns about low-dose radiation and dispel bad science that has slowed the progress and increased the cost of nuclear programs in the United States.ABOUT MIKE CONLEYMike Conley is a writer living in the hills of Echo Park, a mile from downtown Los Angeles.Fascinated by science since he was a child, Mike was drawn to the ingenuity, simplicity and safety of the Molten Salt Reactor. To learn more, he became a member of the Thorium Energy Alliance, a close-knit community of MSR advocates. His approach to the brainiacs he’s met through the TEA is simple: If they explain their technology to him, he’ll explain it to the world. His latest book, The LNT Report, is part of that ongoing project.

Hamilton County recently has experienced a rise in incidents that have captured the community’s attention.These include large downtown brawls, murders, and disruptive street takeovers, as well as significant disturbances affecting July 4 family events in the typically tranquil city of Blue Ash. As a result, crime and public safety have become prominent topics of discussion among residents.In response to these growing concerns, the Hamilton County Association of Police Chiefs launched an initiative last year aimed at addressing the community’s needs. This effort is designed to foster open communication and collaboration among law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and the public.Evendale Police Chief Tim Holloway, who chairs the committee leading this initiative, will discuss the important work being undertaken. He will answer audience questions, ensuring an open dialogue on issues of crime and public safety in Hamilton County.--------------Kim Georgeton is officially a candidate in the upcoming election for Lieutenant Governor of Ohio. She is running alongside Casey Putsch, who is seeking the office of Governor. Both candidates are participating in the Republican primary scheduled for May 5, 2026

Hydraulic fracturing produces large volumes of wastewater, much of which must be disposed of by injecting it into deep, underground disposal wells.Over the past decade, Ohio has become a major center for the underground storage of fracking wastewater from the state’s own fracking operations, as well as from operations in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.Storing fracking wastewater brings with it many risks, including the possibility that injected wastewater could seep from storage wells and contaminate private property and community groundwater aquifers. Indeed, we have seen seepage occurring around the country, including in Marietta, OH, where Bob Wilson contends his oil wells were ruined by seeping fracking wastewater. Mr. Wilson is suing the owners of the nearby wastewater storage wells, while the Marietta community remains concerned that the wastewater could also seep into their drinking water.In this discussion, we bring in experts on both sides of the issue — Roxanne Grof, who has been fighting gas and oil industry abuses for decades, and Mike Chadsey of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association.We’ll examine how the disposal system works, what the science says about the risks, the experiences of those who have seen fracking wastewater contaminate their property, and how the state of Ohio oversees these operations.____________________________________ABOUT ROXANNE GROFFAfter graduating from Ohio University in 1972, Roxanne decided to make Athens County her home. In 1978 she became a founding member of Save Our Rural Environment (S.O.R.E.), a grassroots group protesting the permitting of strip mines in eastern Athens County. Her interest in state law and in the lack of implementation of rules by regulatory agencies led her to run for public office, first for Township Trustee, then for the County Commissioner, a position she then held for 12 years. Believing that people must have a voice in decisions made about protecting our environment, Roxanne has participated in many campaigns to raise communities’ awareness to challenge abuses by industry that affect the health and wellbeing of citizens. Most recently, Roxanne has been working with Athens County Fracking Action Network (ACFAN) to oppose permitting toxic radioactive injection wells in Ohio and the sale of mineral parcels on public lands, especially Ohio’s Wayne National Forest.ABOUT MIKE CHADSEYMike Chadsey serves as Director of External Affairs for the Ohio Oil and Gas Association. In that capacity over the last 12 years, he has led OOGA’s engagement with the media and continues the Association’s great work of creating and building relationships with local elected, community, and business leaders throughout the state. Immediately prior to joining OOGA, Mike served two years as the first state director of Energy In Depth-Ohio (EID), a grassroots advocacy, research and education initiative organized in support of responsible oil and gas development. Mike has served in a variety of roles over the last 20 years at both the local and state level, working for various campaigns and office holders. He was first elected by the voters of Summit County as a Board member of the Summit County Educational Service Center, formally known as the Summit County Board of Education, in 2017 and re-elected in 2021.He is a graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He lives with his wife, Jean Anne, and their daughter Madeline and son Matthew in Northeast Ohio.

Andrew Breitbart famously argued that politics is downstream from culture.That is, he said that the entertainment we consume, the stories we tell, and the celebrities we elevate ultimately shape our politics.In this talk, Breitbart News Entertainment Editor, Jerome Hudson, will bring Andrew Breitbart's idea to life by showing how Hollywood and pop culture actively mold public opinion. From films and award shows to social-media activism and celebrity branding, Hudson will examine how cultural narratives become political outcomes.Drawing on years of investigative experience, Hudson will illustrate how the cultural elite preach one set of values while living by another --- such as the environmental messaging of celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, contrasted with their lavish carbon footprints.Hudson will also discuss why he and his team --- profiled in The New York Times for their impact --- haven’t “given up on the culture,” and how to push back effectively.--------------------------------ABOUT JEROME HUDSONPrior to writing for Breitbart, Jerome Hudson worked at the Government Accountability Institute with author, investigative journalist, and political commentator Peter Schweizer. There, Hudson was heavily involved in uncovering government corruption.In 2013 Hudson began writing for Breitbart, where today he is the Entertainment Editor, specializing in showing the vast disconnect between Hollywood and the everyday American. His team was written up in the New York Times for its effectiveness. He looks for incongruities and full-blown hypocrisy between what celebrities say and do, “like Leonardo DeCaprio, tweeting from his half-a-football-field-sized yacht, or from a private jet, saying we all have to reduce our carbon emissions,” he says.Hudson’s most recent book, 50 Things They Don’t Want You to Know about Trump (Harper Collins, October 2020), chronicles what the establishment media withheld from the public about President Trump’s first term: his accomplishments. This book is the Publishers Weekly and USA Today bestseller that the New York Times refused to include on its book rankings, thus making Hudson’s point that the book is full of facts and analysis the establishment press does not want you to know. It reached #5 on Amazon.com.Hudson hosts Breitbart News Tonight every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on SiriusXM 125 the Patriot channel, 9 p.m. to midnight Eastern. He is a member of the Project 21 Black Leadership Network, serving on the organization’s National Advisory Council. He participated in Candace Owens’ 2019 premiere BLEXIT event where he gave a rousing speech.

Johann Sebastian Bach is perhaps the most revered composer in all of Western music. Max Reger simply stated: “Bach is the beginning and end of all music.” But what makes the music of this one composer, who toiled in relative obscurity in 18th-century Germany, so great?In this lecture, we will explore some components that may have helped Bach’s enduring appeal: his subtle but powerful expression of sacred texts; his complete mastery of the building blocks of music (harmony, melody, rhythm); his breathtaking skill at writing complex counterpoint; and the meditative space that his music creates—always expressive, but never overbearing, allowing each listener to have a personal experience with his music.This talk is designed to be accessible to all, regardless of musical background, and it will include musical samples to illustrate key concepts. It promises to offer both an informative overview and a deeper appreciation of Bach’s enduring artistry.___________________________________________________Dr. Christina Fuhrmann is Chair, Academic Studies Department and Professor of Music History and Literature at Baldwin Wallace University. She also serves as the Bach Editor of the Journal of the Riemenschneider Bach Institute.Dr. Fuhrmann previously taught at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and at Ashland University, where she was the 2015 winner of the Taylor Excellence in Teaching Award. She also has experience as managing editor of the Journal of Musicology.Her research has been published in venues such as The Oxford Handbook of the British Musical, Nineteenth-Century Music Review, The Journal of Musicological Research and The Encyclopedia of Romantic Literature. In 2012, she published an edition of Henry Bishop’s 1819 adaptation of “Le Nozze di Figaro” with A-R Editions. Her book, “Foreign Opera at the London Playhouses, from Mozart to Bellini” (Cambridge University Press, 2015) received the Diana McVeagh Prize for Best Book on British Music, awarded biennially by the North American British Music Studies Association.Dr. Fuhrmann holds a B.A. from Marlboro College and a Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis.

rtificial intelligence is changing at the speed of light.  Indeed, a speech given today about AI’s impact on our economy, culture, and humanity itself will be outdated the day after it is written.  Instead, Breitbart News Tech Editor Colin Madine will share what he believes are the key concepts to understanding the confusing and often contradictory news about AI, how to manage its impact on your family and career, and the most important ideas for the conservative movement to master as we enter the age of AI.

It was delicious irony when Jesse Owens, a black American track and field sensation from Cleveland, Ohio, collected four gold medals in 1936 at what was ironically called “The Nazi Olympics.”Owens famously dominated the Berlin Olympics which had been used by Hitler to propagate Aryan supremacy. His victories stood out as a bold statement against the prevailing culture of racism in the 1930’s.When EmpowerU’s guest speaker John Kerezy was 15, he met Jesse Owens, launching a lifelong fascination about the Olympic great. Kerezy prepared a speech about Owens and his ties to Cleveland in 2022, in honor of the 100th anniversary of Owens’ family coming to Cleveland. That eventually morphed into a book project, “Jesse Owens: Sensation, Superstar, Survivor, Symbol” which will be published by Kent State University Press later in 2026.Experience the sensational story in-studio with Cleveland author and speaker John Kerezy as he reveals the story of great Ohioan Jesse Owens and his rebuke of racist ideology.ABOUT JOHN KEREZYJohn Kerezy is a writer, former public relations practitioner, and a professor at Cuyahoga Community College in the Cleveland area for the past 23 years. He also writes stories and posts about people and events in Northeast Ohio on his web blog site www.eyeoncleveland.com.He holds a bachelor’s degree from Wabash College, a master’s degree from Ohio State, and an Ed.S. Degree from Kent State. He also writes a web blog www.eyeoncleveland.com.

NEW CONCEALED CARRY LAWS THAT MAY AFFECT YOUA lot has changed since Ohio first enacted concealed carry in 2004. Numerous new laws have been passed, as well as court rulings across the United States that further clarify the right of a law-abiding citizen to use deadly force in self-defense.The landscape is changing even further now that 29 states have adopted constitutional carry. Bob Jewell will provide you with information regarding:* Recent changes to concealed carry laws and how they may affect you* Some important lessons that have been learned over the past twenty years* How to respond to law enforcement if you’ve had to use deadly force* Information associated with concealed carry in places of worship* The two incidents concealed carriers get in the most trouble with Traveling with a handgun* Do you need self-defense insurance coverageFRAUD IN MINNESOTAMinnesota has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent months, ranging from massive Somali fraud scandals to protesters violently clashing with federal immigration officers.Janice Hisle senior reporter for The Epoch Times, will share insights gleaned from several reporting trips to Minnesota. She will offer insights that attempt to answer: Why Minnesota? And could Ohio have similar fraud problems, too.ABOUT BOB JEWELLBob Jewell is a Rangemaster Advanced certified handgun instructor, a graduate of the FBI’s Citizens Academy, and a graduate of the Law of Self Defense Instructor Program. He annually participates in firearms training from top national instructors and has taught over 600 hours of concealed carry and advanced concealed carry classes. He was also influential in writing two Ohio self-defense laws and has authored numerous articles on tactical shooting and self-defense for national publications. Bob is also the leader of his church’s safety team.ABOUT JANICE HISLEJanice Hisle mainly writes in-depth reports based on U.S. political news and cultural trends, following a two-year stint covering President Donald Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign. Before joining The Epoch Times in 2022, she worked more than two decades as a reporter for newspapers in Ohio and authored several books. She is a graduate of Kent State University’s journalism program.

Spencer Tallbridge an assistant prosecutor, makes his debut in the book The Farrier’s Son where the unforeseen realities of life and death for those facing the ultimate penalty collide with his early idealism and country wisdom.The character’s journey continues in the legal thriller Spencer’s Law, which centers on Tallbridge himself.Both books are authored by Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser based on his own experiences as a prosecutor. During this evening’s event, Prosecutor Gmoser will share the story of how he came to author these books and offer a unique perspective on the daily life of a prosecutor. His presentation will provide an inside look into the challenges and realities that define his profession, bridging the gap between fiction and real-world legal practice.Prosecutor Gmoser will define "Prosecutorial Discretion," discuss its use in cases, and explain the timing, purpose, and process of "Plea Bargains."  Attendees will learn the procedural steps involved in taking a case to trial and why cases require substantial time to go through the legal system. Gmoser will clarify the boundaries of what prosecutors are permitted to do and highlight certain limitations within their roles.Prosecutor Gmoser will discuss whether jurors harbor unrealistic expectations of prosecutors, often influenced by portrayals in television shows. He will also address the frustration prosecutors sometimes experience when they are confident in a suspect’s guilt but are unable to bring the case to trial. An example, Gmoser will provide an in-depth look into the criminal case against Jon Carter involving the death of Katelyn Markham.About Mike GmoserMichael Gmoser has dedicated a significant portion of his legal career to public service in Butler County. He served as Chief Trial Counsel and Assistant Butler County Prosecuting Attorney for nearly eight years during the 70's and 80's. In 1981, he served as the Prosecuting Attorney by special appointment of the County Commissioners during the absence of the Prosecutor due to health reasons. For the past 15 years he has been serving as the elected Butler County Prosecutor where he and his staff of assistants present criminal cases against defendants and advocate for victims.Gmoser is a lifelong conservative Republican and maintained a successful trial practice for thirty-seven years. In addition to his legal achievements, he is an accomplished writer and a lifelong musician who currently plays in a band called Reasonable Doubt. His diverse interests also include beekeeping and duck hunting. As the son of an airline captain, Gmoser became an expert aviator who has flown for nearly 50 years.

Sebastian Junger’s Reflection on Death and What Might Follow…Sebastian Junger, author of the blockbuster, "The Perfect Storm," will discuss his latest book, "In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face to Face with the Idea of an Afterlife."This book is Mr. Junger’s powerful reflection on death — and what might follow — inspired by his near-fatal health emergency.  In the summer of 2020, Mr. Junger became crippled by abdominal pain and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Once there, he began slipping away. As blackness encroached, he was visited by his dead father, inviting Mr. Junger to join him. “It’s okay,” his father said. “There’s nothing to be scared of. I’ll take care of you.” That was the last thing he remembered until he came to the next day when he was told he had suffered a ruptured aneurysm that he should not have survived.This experience spurred Junger—a confirmed atheist—to undertake a scientific, philosophical, and deeply personal examination of mortality and what happens after we die. "In My Time of Dying" is part drama, part autobiography, and part scientific inquiry into the mystery of death. We’ll take audience questions.

Larry Elliott will embody Abe Lincoln as he provides Lincoln’s viewpoint of history as he lived it. He will not stray out of character even for questions unless specifically asked to do so. He will recite the Gettysburg Address in his presentation, and he will focus on the Civil War years more than the early years of Lincoln’s life, although he has the knowledge to speak on any period. Make sure the kids join us for this presentation!He will discuss the problems Lincoln encountered with the other branches of government and with his own cabinet. He will also mention his own personal life at that time, giving some insights not well known to us today. It will feel as though Lincoln himself is standing before us, speaking personally to each of us.ABOUT LARRY ELLIOTTLarry Elliott has portrayed Abraham Lincoln at over 1,500 schools during the past 22 years. Larry hails from Hodgenville, KY, where Lincoln was born. Larry’s Great-Great-Great Grandmother, Mary Brooks Larue, was the midwife who helped deliver Lincoln on February 12, 1809, in a 1-room dirt floor log cabin. Larry says that is his link to Lincoln!Larry’s similarities to Lincoln include the following: he’s 6’4″; he’s slim and homely; he has a wife named Mary; he has 4 sons; he’s a strong believer in the Bible; he firmly believes slavery was an evil sin.

Xi Van Fleet warns her fellow Americans of the parallels between the Progressive left’s Marxist ideology and the Cultural Revolution she lived through in China.Xi Van Fleet is the author of "Mao’s America: A Survivor’s Warning." In her book Xi recounts living through Mao’s Cultural Revolution and then moving to America, only to see the emergence of a Marxist ideology that echoes the one from which she fled.Xi sees the following parallels between the Marxist ideology being pushed by the progressive left and China’s Cultural Revolution:- use Marxist tactics of division, indoctrination, deception, coercion, cancelation, subversion and violence- aim to destroy the foundation of the traditional culture to replace it with Marxist ideologies- weaponize youth, using them as their means to an endshare the same goal of achieving absolute power at the expense of the people- lead to the same ending: loss of freedom and totalitarian ruleWe’ll discuss Xi’s experience under Mao and the similarities she sees in America today, and then we’ll take audience questions.ABOUT XI VAN FLEETXi Van Fleet is the author of Mao’s America: A Survivor’s Warning. She was born in China, lived through the Cultural Revolution, and was sent to work in the countryside at age 16 for re-education. After Mao’s death she was able to go to college and eventually come to America for graduate study. She has lived in the United States since 1986. In 2021, she delivered a speech to the Loudoun County, Virginia, school board against Critical Race Theory. The speech went viral and ignited national conservative media attention. Since going public with her message, Xi has appeared on Fox News, TuckerCarlson.com, Newsmax and radio shows and podcasts across the country.

EmpowerU America Founder and Managing Board Member, Dan Regenold, discusses the background and significance of Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address," widely considered one of the greatest political speeches ever given. Dan's comments are followed by a voice artist's recitation of the speech.

Brandon Darby’s “Cartel Chronicles” series, which launched in 2014, made Breitbart News the first media outlet to tell stories from the border.Because the Mexican side of the border is largely controlled by cartels, Mexican journalists face great danger. If they write what the cartel bosses want, they’ll be fine. But if they write the truth, then their body will end up dangling headless and handless from an overpass. It is because of this danger that Mexicans who write for Breitbart’s “Cartel Chronicles” are the only journalists Breitbart allows to use pseudonyms.Brandon will share amazing stories from the “Cartel Chronicles,” including stories about cartel bosses who have whined that Breitbart ruined their lives because it outed their identities and locations.ABOUT BRANDON DARBYBrandon Darby joined Breitbart in 2010, focusing on human trafficking and cartel violence along our southern border. Numerous cartel bosses have been arrested due to the reporting of Breitbart Border / Cartel Chronicles.Responsible for the first reporting and photos depicting the crisis on the U.S.-Mexico border in 2014, Brandon Darby’s work gives voice to the voiceless. He and Ildefonso Ortiz co-founded Breitbart’s “Cartel Chronicles,” a citizen-journalist project that allows people living under cartel control to provide on-the-ground reporting using pseudonyms. The stories are printed in Spanish and English.

Ohio is drowning in local government. Thousands of townships, cities, boards, and commissions—each with their own offices, taxes, and lobbyists—are weighing us down. We’re told this makes government ‘closer to the people,’ but here’s the truth: too much local government just means more bureaucracy, more red tape, and less accountability.In this session, we’ll pull back the curtain on how Ohio’s tangled web of local government keeps us stuck in the middle of the Midwest—and how we can fix it.If we want to make Ohio the best state in the nation, we need to shrink the mess, cut the red tape, and put power back where it belongs—with the people, not the bureaucrats. Donovan O’Neil from Americans for Prosperity will join us for this fascinating discussion.ABOUT DONOVAN O'NEILDonovan O’Neil is the State Director for Americans for Prosperity – Ohio, where he leads a team working to educate, activate, and mobilize individuals toward bold public policy reform. Prior to joining the Stand Together Community in 2016, he worked for Ohio Auditor of State Dave Yost, where he promoted local government innovation and advocated for cost saving initiatives in state and local government. He is a graduate of Youngstown State University.

Eric will join EmpowerU to discuss his time spent at the CIA. In his role as CIAs Directorate of Operations he served as a Case Officer, the agencies most prestigious role—managing cladestine operations in the war ones across Europe.Hear Eric’s story from Elder High School to the CIA. He will share stories with us about his time in the Air Force and CIA and also tell us about his upcoming run for Congress in 2026 against Congressman Greg Landsman.Don’t miss this chance to meet a Cincinnati hero!ABOUT ERIC CONROYEric graduated from Elder High School. After high school Eric Conroy answered the call to serve—attending the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado and serving as an intelligence officer overseas. He also holds and MPA from Columbia University. In the Air Force, Eric rose to the rank of Captain, leading intelligence operations for elite Special Operations forces and shaping long-term strategic planning across multiple commands.During his time overseas, Eric built critical international alliances and briefed top U.S. leaders on national security issues. For over a decade, he led high-risk operations in some of the world’s most dangerous regions—missions that didn’t make headlines, but helped keep Americans safe.Eric’s missions have taken him far from home, but his heart never left Cincinnati. Now, he’s ready to take that mission to Congress—to fight for working families, and help keep our communities safe. Eric plans to run for Congress against Greg Landsman in 2026.

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), under the leadership of CEO Michael Farris, assisted Mississippi legislators in drafting the Gestational Age Act, a law which limits abortions after 15 weeks.To challenge the law, Mississippi’s only abortion clinic at that time, Jackson Women’s Health organization, sued Mississippi’s State Health Officer, Mr. Thomas Dobbs.Michael Farris assisted Mississippi in its defense against this lawsuit.  The case ultimately went to the Supreme Court and led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey.  The result was that the authority to regulate abortion was returned to the states.  Mr. Farris will discuss the Gestational Age Act, including the legal strategy behind it, the fight to defend it, and the outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision.ABOUT MICHAEL FARRISMichael Farris is a Constitutional attorney who is well known for his work with homeschool advocacy and parental rights, having worked state-by-state to preserve the right to home school in all 50 states.Farris is the founding president of both the Home School Legal Defense Association and Patrick Henry College, a premier liberal arts college in Purcellville, Virginia. He is also co-founder of the Convention of States Project. Michael Farris has served as lead counsel in the United States Supreme Court, eight federal circuit courts, and the appellate courts of 13 states.Most recently Michael Farris served five years as the President, CEO, and General Counsel of Alliance Defending Freedom, the world’s foremost defender of religious liberty. Under the leadership of Farris, ADF worked with Mississippi legislators to draft the Gestational Age Act which limits abortions after 15 weeks. ADF helped to defend this law in lower courts and served on Mississippi’s legal team at the Supreme Court, ultimately leading to the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

Curt Hartman has regularly taught EmpowerU students the importance of Ohio’s Sunshine laws, which allow citizens the right to public records and protect access to open meetings.  The ability of Citizens to request records from their Governments is fundamental to helping people understand what their elected officials are doing.Ohio Sunshine laws are currently under attack from Ohio’s Legislature, with many changes being made to the law which make it harder to request information. Curt will update us on changes in the Open Records and Open Meetings Act. and explain our rights in Ohio. Changes to the Sunshine Laws will make Ohio’s vast array of governments less transparent and less accessible than they have been in the past.ABOUT CURT CHAPMANCurt Hartman is an attorney with Finney Law Firm in Cincinnati, OH, where he concentrates on commercial and constitutional litigation, as well as public interest litigation relating to the oversight at all levels of governmental operations.  He holds a J.D. from Vanderbilt Law School, an M.A. from Georgetown University, and a B.S. from United States Naval Academy.

Rocket through space and sail among billions of stars and galaxies, all in the comfort of the EmpowerU studios.! Utilizing some amazing simulation software, one of America’s most renowned lecturers on astronomy will guide you through the mind-boggling scale of the universe.Along the way you’ll stop at the Moon and individual planets. Then you’ll make the jump to light speed and head to interstellar space to see all the galaxies in the universe. We are very fortunate to have landed Dean Regas to give this presentation.Dean has published books on astronomy, authored many articles in national publications, hosted a PBS program and led the Cincinnati Observatory for many years. Rocket through space and sail among billions of stars and galaxies. Utilizing some amazing simulation software, Dean Regas will guide you through the mind-boggling scale of the universe.ABOUT DEAN REGASDean Regas is a renowned public speaker, author, educator, national popularizer of astronomy and an expert in observational astronomy.He served as the astronomer for the Cincinnati Observatory from 2000-2023 and was the Astronomer in Residence at the Grand Canyon in 2021. He is the author of six books including 100 Things to See in the Night Sky and How to Teach Grown-Ups About Pluto.  From 2010-2019 Dean was the co-host of the PBS program Star Gazers.Dean has contributed to Astronomy Magazine, Sky and Telescope Magazine, Farmer’s Almanac, USA Today, Science Friday and Here & Now. He is also the host of a popular astronomy podcast called Looking Up with Dean Regas.Dean brings the complicated field of astronomy down to earth for people of all ages.

Troy McIntosh is Director of CCV’s Ohio Christian Education Network (OCEN). Troy has been a frequent guest at EmpowerU as he has explained Ohio’s changing attitude on School Choice over the past several years. Learn about Ohio’s current offerings for private school choice programs, including the EdChoice Scholarship which has helped transform education choice in Ohio. What program is best for your student?The Ohio Christian Education Network (OCEN) protects the religious liberty of Christian schools and ensures every Ohio family has access to a Gospel-centered education. OCEN, a division of Center for Christian Virtue (CCV), is a coalition of schools and community members who stand for freedom in education and want to support initiatives that prevent the government from intruding on the right of Christian schools to teach Gospel-centered principles.ABOUT TROY MCINTOSHTroy McIntosh came to Ohio Christian Education Network (OCEN) after serving 27 years in Christian education as a teacher, principal and—for his last eight years—as head of school at Worthington Christian School in Worthington, Ohio. Prior to his time in education, he worked in the Ohio House of Representatives in the Legislative Services Commission Fellowship program.During Troy’s time at Worthington Christian, he served the broader Christian school community as an Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Regional Council Member and Accreditation Commission Member, accreditation team chairperson, and conference presenter. For the last 15 years, he has held various roles with the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), including President of the Central District Athletic Board and Vice President of the OHSAA Board of Directors.Troy has a B.A. in Economics from Wheaton College and an M. Ed. from The Ohio State University.  He is a Colson Fellow with the Colson Center for Christian Worldview.

The Fort Thomas Military and Community History Museum has a collection of more than 250 propaganda posters from both World War I and World War II. These posters were published by both government departments and private businesses, and they offer a virtual catalog of propaganda techniques aimed at bolstering friends and discouraging enemies. They reflect the hopes and fears of a country at war and provide valuable historical context.The artists who created these posters had varied backgrounds, but they shared the same goal of getting the desired message to the public. This was a time when television was in its infancy and AI and ChatGPT weren’t even a hint in science fiction stories. Whether the purpose was to encourage conservation, recruiting, patriotism, or civil defense, each poster had one shot at reaching the target audience. We will look at examples from several categories during this class.ABOUT DEANNA BEINEKEDeanna Beineke is Director of the Fort Thomas Military and Community History Museum.  Her father was WW II veteran, and she has had a life-long interest in history.Prior to becoming director, Deanna had collaborated with the museum to curate several exhibits, including a quilt exhibit associated with the Smithsonian “Journey Stories” traveling exhibit in 2011, an exhibit commemorating the Vietnam War, and another showcasing original WWI and WWII propaganda posters.Deanna has grown the museum’s collection to over 4,500 artifacts, letters, pictures and uniforms, and she has written a coffee table history of the Fort Thomas military installation, spanning its existence between 1890 through 1947.  She is currently writing a history of the city of Fort Thomas.Deanna graduated from Highlands High School, University of Kentucky, and earned an MA Ed. and Rank I at Northern Kentucky University.

White House stenographer who documented the daily activities of Vice President Joe Biden, Mike McCormick shares the Deep State actions he witnessed. Mike McCormick’s An Almost Insurmountable Evil provides his eyewitness account of the globalist plots perpetrated by Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Pope Francis, the CIA, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Hunter Biden, Denis McDonough, Anthony Fauci, and many others. Mr. McCormick reveals how the Obama-Biden White House networked the Catholic Church into human trafficking along the Southern Border; how it schemed Ukraine into becoming a biological warfare threat to Russia; and how it collaborated with China to release the Wuhan Plandemic to upend President Trump’s 2020 campaign. We’ll discuss Mr. McCormick’s point-by-point dissection of Obama-Biden Deep State overreach, of what Archbishop Vigano refers to as the Deep Church, and of what Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. refers to as Deep Health, to better understand the betrayal, death, economic destruction, and emotional damage perpetrated on the nation by our government, the Catholic Church, and the globalist elites they serve. ABOUT MIKE MCCORMICK Mike McCormick served as a White House stenographer for fifteen years, covering President Bush, Vice-President Biden, and President Trump. In this role, he transcribed speeches and meetings across the Oval Office and West Wing, and around the world on Air Force One and Air Force Two—often in high-pressure, around-the-clock environments He is the author of numerous books, including Fifteen Years A Deplorable: A White House Memoir (2019), Joe Biden Unauthorized (2020), a children’s book Young Jesus (2021), The Case to Impeach and Imprison Joe Biden (2023), as well as An Almost Insurmountable Evil: How Obama’s Deep State Defiled the Catholic Church and Executed the Wuhan Plandemic. Mike lives with his wife and children in the Washington D.C., metro area.

Michael Mercier — a lifelong autodidact — will explain how to use ChatGPT to teach yourself any subject. Drawing on his own experience integrating chatbots into every stage of self-directed learning, Michael will show how anyone can accelerate and deepen their learning process with the help of AI. In Part 1, he’ll explore how learning works: what it means to learn, how the brain organizes knowledge, the stages of the learning process, and the difference between self-directed and traditional learning. In part 2 he’ll demystify AI chatbots, explaining how large language models work, what built-in project management features chatbots offer, and how to structure conversations to match your learning goals. In Part 3, he’ll synthesize these insights, providing practical ideas for using ChatGPT at every step of the learning process to master any subject independently. Whether you’re a student, professional, or lifelong learner, you’ll leave with actionable tools to optimize your potential in the age of AIBIOMichael Mercier is President of Screen Education, which addresses issues at the intersection of digital technology and human well-being, including smartphone addiction, news media bias, and artificial intelligence, though research, seminars, and consulting.Reflecting his passion for learning, Michael’s first major splurge after starting his career was a used set of World Book Encyclopedias. He then spent a decade as an editor and publisher in the college textbook industry, and another decade in market research.He holds a BA in Psychology from Vassar College, an MBA in Marketing from the University of Michigan, and an MS in MIS from the University of Cincinnati.

Hunter Oswald, a writer for The American Spectator, will share his insights on GenZ conservatives, including what makes GenZ tick and how GenZ conservatives differ from other generations.Take 20 speaker, Monty Lobb, will discuss his work as Executive Director of the Christian Business Partnership. A new effort by the Center for Christian Virtue, the Partnership is Ohio’s only statewide Christian Chamber of Commerce.

Congressman Davidson will discuss his efforts in the House Financial Services Committee/Sound Money Caucus to safeguard the value of the dollar, a recap of border-related executive orders and ICE funding in the President’s One Big Beautiful Bill, as well as his thoughts on efforts to federalize bad state policies that enable election fraud.Also, Ohio Secretary of State candidate, Marcell Strbich, will detail ongoing efforts to eliminate security risks and illegal voting vulnerabilities in Ohio’s elections. He’ll introduce his "One-Day/One Vote" proposal, and he'll explain how he would implement President Trump’s recent call to eliminate “no-excuse” mail-in voting, as well as insecure voting machines, across the country.

In his book "Israel Strikes Iran: Operation Rising Lion," Edwin Black argues that, while Israel's Rising Lion and the US's Midnight Hammer operations obliterated Iran’s nuclear capability in the short erm, that nuclear capability can be reconstructed if the current regime remains in power.Edwin Black is one of the first journalists to understand the gravity of this story and to share its urgency with the world.  Do not miss the opportunity to learn the backstory of Operation Rising Lion from this renowned journalist.ABOUT EDWIN BLACKEdwin Black is the New York Times bestselling investigative author of 200 award-winning editions in 20 languages in 190 countries, as well as scores of newspaper and magazine articles in leading publications in the United States, Europe and Israel.Editors have submitted Black’s work thirteen times for Pulitzer Prize nomination, and in recent years he has received top editorial awards.Black has contributed to numerous anthologies worldwide, and he hosts the weekly Edwin Black Show. Black’s eleven award-winning bestselling books are IBM and the Holocaust (2001 and 2012), Financing the Flames (2013), British Petroleum and the Redline Agreement (2011), The Farhud (2010), Nazi Nexus (2009), The Plan (2008), Internal Combustion (2006), Banking on Baghdad (2004), War Against the Weak (2003 and 2012), The Transfer Agreement (1984 and 2009), and a 1999 novel, Format C:.

Judge Josh Berkowitz has served on the Hamilton County Municipal Court for the past ten years. He currently serves as the court’s Presiding & Administrative Judge. Attorney Scott O’Reilly is a prosecutor and private attorney with more than two decades of experience practicing in courts throughout the region. They will share their unique insights and perspectives on the state of criminal justice in Hamilton County, current Ohio law, and the issues confronting the judiciary and the citizenry concerning public safety.

What would the presidency look like in 2025 if Woodrow Wilson had never been #28?Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President of the United States, serving from 1913 to 1921. He was the only Democrat to serve as president during the Progressive Era. He changed American economic policy and foreign policy, and he greatly expanded the power of the presidency.In the 1912 election, Wilson defeated incumbent Republican William Howard Taft and third-party nominee Theodore Roosevelt, becoming the first Southerner to win the presidency since the 1848 election. During his first year as president, Wilson authorized the widespread imposition of segregation inside the federal bureaucracy and his opposition to women's suffrage drew protests.For one year and five months, Edith Wilson, oversaw her husband's presidential affairs while he recovered from his illness. Woodrow Wilson had suffered a severe stroke in 1919 that left him incapacitated until the end of his presidency. Unofficially, she was called by many as the "First Lady President."Many Americans today believe that the Presidency is the most important office in our constitutional system. In this class we will discuss how Woodrow Wilson – both as an academic and a politician – transformed the office of President from a relatively limited role to being the most powerful office in the land.Christopher Burkett is Associate Professor of Political Science and director of the Ashbrook Scholar program at Ashland University, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on American political thought, including the American Founding and the Progressive Era. He is the author of numerous articles in his area of expertise. Burkett is also the 2011 recipient of the Edward and Louaine Taylor Excellence in Teaching Award at Ashland University.He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Ashland University and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Politics from the University of Dallas.

You think the dissention between the current political parties is bad now?Learn about the conflicts involving the Federalists and Republican parties which caused The War of 1812.  Imagine now if a state refused to send soldiers to a National War and if they did everything they could to impede the prosecution of that war.Thomas Jefferson's Republican Party and Alexander Hamilton's Federalist Party defined and jeopardized--the political life in the young Unites States.  The Federalists, although greatly outnumbered managed to subvert the policies of James Madison, the 4th President of the United States.   At almost every turn it was like we were almost fighting against ourselves.This class will tie together much of our Nation's early history.   The War of 1812 was a local war between Canada (which was under British authority) and the US, as well as Great Britain and many of the Indian Tribes.   The war was a byproduct of the Napoleonic Wars which were fought mainly in Europe.  America had placed their bets on an overwhelming land victory while the British Army was busy fighting Napolean.With Britain competing for control of Europe, both sides understood the importance of disrupting the other's supply sides.    America found itself being stuck right in the middle of important sea routes.   With Britain being the largest naval power of the world, was the new Republic in danger of losing its newfound independence?   What was the role of the Indian Tribes, and important strong was the great warrior and leader Tecumseh?   Much drama to be learned tonight including the background for our National Anthem and the Burning Down of Washington D.C.Join us tonight as Dan will teach us about the political struggles that led to a situation that almost destroyed the Young Republic.ABOUT DAN REGENOLDDan Regenold first became active in Government in 2003 when he became involved fighting Eminent Domain and helping stop it in Evendale and in Norwood, Ohio. In 2006, he was one of the founders of WeDemandAVote.com which successfully fought and stopped, by ballot initiative, a sales tax increase in Hamilton County, Ohio. Later WeDemand stopped Red Light Cameras in Hamilton County.   Regenold spoke at the CPAC Convention in 2008 to discuss major Grassroots initiative actions across the United States.   In 2009, Dan was unsuccessful in his efforts to bring accountability to the Federal Government’s finances with a citizen lead initiative WeDemandABalancedBudget.com (the bill was introduced to the United States Congress).  In 2010 Regenold was one of three leaders of the initiative to End Ohio’s Estate Tax which happened in 2011. The Tax Foundation called the repeal of Ohio's Estate Tax one of the most important Tax accomplishments of 2011. In 2011 Regenold founded EmpowerUAmerica.org (starting it’s 29th semester in Fall 2022), a Free University offered in the Greater Cincinnati area with the goal of “empowering” citizens. In 2014, Regenold was one of the leaders of the effort to separate Music Hall from a County Wide Sales Tax which helped the Museum Center renovation get passed by the voters of Hamilton County.   Dan has recently concentrated recent efforts on the mess of Public Education in Ohio and specifically on topics like School Choice and Critical Race Theory.   Similarly, Dan helped led an EmpowerU initiative InGodWeTrustProject.com to teach students about the history of our National Motto.Dan is a lover of Liberty and enjoys speaking to EmpowerU classes about subjects he is passionate about.  Recently he has discussed:  Milton Friedman, Saul Alinsky, D-Day, The Debt and Deficit,  Public Education, Winston Churchill, President Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Sowell,  Sam Adams and Pearl Harbor at EmpowerU Classes.   Regenold is the retired founder and Chairman of FrameUSA.com, a Made-In-America picture frame manufacturing company.

The image China projects to the world is familiar to most --- that of a technologically advanced nation rapidly ascending to global dominance.But what about the domestic situation in China? Most of us have only small fragments of insight about China's inner workings --- our picture of life within China is incomplete. In this episode of EmpowerU, Breitbart's Frances will complete that picture for us.In her capacity as Breitbart's International Editor, Ms. Martel has deep knowledge of the prevalent social, political, and economic issues China faces internally, and she understands the impact China's internal state might have on its future standing in the world.Specific topics Frances will address include the following: the implications of the fact that young Chinese are not marrying and having children because they have no hope for the future; the shortage of females due to China's since abandoned one-child policy; China's persecution of Christians and other minority groups; the implication of the fact that the way in which Chinese use social media use in China differs from that in the United States. Frances will take audience questions in the final 20 minutes of the hour.Guest BioIt was while working for Mediaite that Martel had her first interaction with Andrew Breitbart. “It was hard to keep up with Andrew’s brain -- he was rapid fire. He hated elitism, hated the idea of an ivory tower of rich, white liberals telling the rest of us what to believe,” she says. “I clicked with that.”It clicked for her so much that in 2013 she joined Breitbart News Network as free-lancer. She proceeded to quickly rise through the ranks, becoming its International Editor. Her expertise includes Latin America, China, Africa and the Middle East, and religious persecution globally.Martel’s writing has been cited across the political spectrum, from Rush Limbaugh to Lawrence O’Donnell. She holds a BA in Government studies from Harvard University, and a JD from Fordham University School of Law.

Breitbart's London Bureau Chief, Oliver Lane, discusses political trends in the UK and EU, and what they portend for the US.