PODCAST · business
Main Street Matters
by Main Street Matters
Main Street Matters with Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz explores the intersection of small business and government policy. With more than 90 million Americans either owning or depending on small business for their household income, policies like taxes, regulations, and access to credit have a huge effect on the American Dream. Elaine and Alfredo talk with small business owners, government officials and office holders, and experts about everything from education to the labor market on this interesting and entertaining podcast.
Episodes
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California’s $425 Billion Fraud Scandal? Herb Morgan Exposes Waste, AI Audits & Radical Transparency
Is California wasting billions of taxpayer dollars? In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with California State Controller candidate Herb Morgan to discuss his bold plan to bring "radical transparency" to government spending. Morgan, a longtime investment executive and...
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The Florida Tax Plan Everyone Is Talking About | Property Taxes Could Disappear
Florida is considering one of the most ambitious tax reform proposals in the country—and it could dramatically reduce or even eliminate property taxes for millions of homeowners. On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker of Job Creators Network is joined by acclaimed journalist…
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Harvard's Grade Inflation Problem, AI in Education & The Future of College
Is higher education facing a credibility crisis? In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riano, President of Cornerstone University, to discuss Harvard's controversial decision to cap A grades, the growing problem of grade inflation, declining public...
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Small Business Owner Takes on Lindsey Graham in High-Stakes Senate Battle
Can a lifelong small business owner defeat one of Washington's most powerful incumbents? On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with South Carolina Senate candidate Mark Lynch to discuss his challenge against longtime Senator Lindsey Graham. Lynch shares how he helped…
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New York’s Socialist Shift? The Policies Sparking National Backlash
Is New York becoming the center of America’s next major economic battle? Elaine Parker sits down with Nicole Huyer of the Heritage Foundation to break down the growing debate over taxes, government-run grocery stores, affordability, business regulation, and the broader impact of economic policies...
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Why Homeownership Is Becoming Impossible: The Housing Crisis No One Wants to Fix
Why is homeownership becoming increasingly out of reach for young Americans? In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Heritage Foundation economist John Gibbs to discuss the housing affordability crisis, rising home prices, government-backed mortgages, investor-owned...
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Inflation, Interest Rates & Small Business: What Happens Next?
How do decisions made in Washington impact Main Street America? Elaine Parker sits down with Caroline Melear of the R Street Institute to break down the economic forces shaping the future of small businesses. From banking regulations and lending access to inflation, interest rates, tariffs, and...
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Why Gas Prices, Mortgage Rates & Inflation Could Crush the Economy This Summer
On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Breitbart economics editor John Carney for a deep dive into America’s inflation crisis, rising gas prices, mortgage rates, AI job disruption, and the Federal Reserve’s next move. Carney explains why inflation is spreading beyond...
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How No Tax on Tips & Overtime Changed This Small Business Overnight
On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with Florida-based Caribou Coffee and Subway franchise owner Bill Mathis about how tax reform, no tax on tips, and overtime policy changes are impacting workers, hiring, and small business growth. Bill shares his firsthand experience...
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Reconciliation 3.0: The Budget Battle That Could Change Taxes, Spending & Small Business
On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Daniel Kowalski, Director of the Herman Center for the Federal Budget at The Heritage Foundation, to break down the high-stakes budget reconciliation fight unfolding in Washington. They explain how Republicans are using...
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Andy Ross on American Rebel, Entrepreneurship & Patriotic Branding
Country artist turned entrepreneur Andy Ross joins Main Street Matters to share his journey from bow hunting and television to building American Rebel, one of the fastest-growing patriotic lifestyle brands in America. Elaine Parker sits down with Ross to explore how a passion for music and…
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Florida Redistricting, Trump’s Economic Agenda & Chris Collins’ Return to Congress
On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with former Congressman and businessman Chris Collins to discuss Florida’s major redistricting shake-up and what it could mean for the 2026 midterms, Republican control of the House, and President Donald Trump’s economic agenda....
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Can Business Leaders Fix Washington? Jim Oberweis on Debt, Taxes & Florida’s Future
On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with businessman and Florida congressional candidate Jim Oberweis to discuss why he’s stepping back into politics and what’s at stake for Southwest Florida and the nation. Oberweis shares how his decades of experience building...
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Will AI Kill Jobs or Create Them? The Future of Work, Data Centers & America’s AI Race
On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Patrick Hedger, Director of Policy at NetChoice, to tackle one of the most urgent questions facing the American economy: Will artificial intelligence destroy jobs—or create new opportunities? From rising fears about layoffs to…
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FreeSpoke vs Big Tech: Todd Ricketts on AI Bias, Search Transparency & the Future of Information
On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Todd Ricketts to discuss his latest venture, FreeSpoke—a new search engine designed to challenge Big Tech by prioritizing transparency, privacy, and unbiased information. Ricketts explains how FreeSpoke differs from platforms…
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Inside Michigan’s Governor Race: Taxes, Manufacturing & Economic Revival Explained
On this episode of Main Street Matters, host Elaine Parker sits down with Michigan gubernatorial candidate Perry Johnson to break down his bold plan to reshape the state’s economy. Johnson outlines his proposal to eliminate Michigan’s state income tax—potentially saving the average family $4,747...
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Small Business Tax Secrets: Deduct Everything, IRS Myths & Big New Tax Breaks Explained
On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with financial expert and author Tracy Byrnes to break down the biggest tax strategies every small business owner needs to know right now. From debunking common IRS fears to uncovering overlooked deductions, Tracy shares practical...
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Healthcare Revolution: Direct Primary Care, Obamacare Failures & How to Cut Costs 50%
In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Dr. Lee Gross, president of Docs for Patient Care Foundation, to break down how America’s healthcare system became bloated, expensive, and inefficient—and what can actually fix it. Dr. Gross shares how direct primary care (DPC)…
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Education Freedom Showdown: Tax Credits, School Choice Expansion & State Resistance
Education is one of the top concerns for American families—and a new federal policy could dramatically reshape access to opportunity. On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Chip Rogers to break down the growing momentum behind the Education Freedom Tax Credit and why...
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Education Freedom Explained: School Choice, Tax Credits & Empowering Parents Nationwide
What is education freedom—and why is it becoming one of the most important policy movements in America today? On this episode of Main Street Matters, Jordan Bruneau sits down with Jonathan Williams to break down the rapid expansion of school choice across the country and what it means for…
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AI vs China, Job Loss Fears & the Future of Small Business
Artificial intelligence isn’t just a tool—it’s power. And the race to control it could reshape everything from small businesses to global security. On this episode of Main Street Matters, Jordan Bruneau sits down with Wynton Hall, author of Code Red: The Left, The Right, China and the Race to...
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How Freedom Chamber Is Fighting for Small Businesses & Affordable Healthcare
In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Chuck Barnum, Chief Marketing Officer of Freedom Chamber, to discuss how the organization is empowering America’s small businesses through advocacy, networking, and innovative healthcare solutions. Chuck explains the launch of…
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Government Shutdown Chaos, TSA Pay Crisis & Midterm Warning Signs EXPOSED
On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker breaks down the latest developments in the ongoing government shutdown and the real-world impact on American workers. With TSA agents missing paychecks and airport delays worsening during peak travel season, the political battle in Washington…
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Bridging the Skills Gap: The Role of Vocational Training
In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and the Heritage Foundation's Rachel Greszler discuss the pressing issues surrounding vocational education and the workforce crisis in the U.S. They explore the demographic and fiscal challenges, the importance of apprenticeships, the impact…
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From Public Schools to Homeschooling: Why Millions of Parents Are Choosing a New Path
Are America’s public schools failing students—or working exactly as designed? In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations and co-author of Woke and Weaponized, to explore the growing debate over public education…
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America’s Economic Freedom Rebound: Deregulation, Small Business Growth & What the 2026 Index Reveals
The United States just recorded its largest improvement in economic freedom in more than two decades, according to the 2026 Index of Economic Freedom. What’s driving the turnaround—and what does it mean for small businesses and economic growth? On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine…
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Bad Jobs Report, AI Disruption & Rising Oil Prices: John Carney Breaks Down the Economy
Is the U.S. economy slowing down—or just going through a volatile transition? On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Breitbart economics editor John Carney to break down the latest economic headlines affecting small businesses and American workers. Carney analyzes…
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Bruce De Torres on Small Business Struggles, Federal Contracts & the U.S. Economy
On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker of the Job Creators Network sits down with Bruce De Torres, communications director for the American Small Business League and host of the podcast Reality with Bruce De Torres, to discuss the real challenges facing America’s small businesses....
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Supreme Court Tariff Ruling Explained—What Trump’s Trade Agenda Means for Small Business
What does the Supreme Court’s latest ruling on tariffs mean for America’s small businesses—and for President Trump’s broader trade agenda? On this episode of Main Street Matters: America’s Small Business Megaphone, host Jordan Bruneau, Vice President of the Job Creators Network, sits down with...
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Andy Ross on American Rebel, Entrepreneurship & Patriotic Branding
Country artist turned entrepreneur Andy Ross joins Main Street Matters to share his journey from bow hunting and television to building American Rebel, one of the fastest-growing patriotic lifestyle brands in America. Elaine Parker sits down with Ross to explore how a passion for music and…
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From Startup to $1B Exit—Why America Still Leads for Entrepreneurs
What does it really take to build a billion-dollar business—and why do global entrepreneurs still choose America to do it? In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with serial entrepreneur Chad Zani, whose journey spans continents, industries, and multiple high-growth...
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Direct Primary Care Explained: How Small Businesses Can Cut Healthcare Costs & Improve Employee Care
What if small businesses could offer better healthcare than big corporations—at a fraction of the cost? In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Dr. Chad Savage, founder of Choice Direct Care, to break down the fast-growing Direct Primary Care (DPC) movement and why…
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Crisis Explained—Trump Homes Plan & 5M Home Shortage
Housing affordability is collapsing for America’s middle class—and small businesses are feeling the impact. On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with real estate developer Michael Burkentine to break down the growing U.S. housing crisis and what it means for working...
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Blowout Jobs Report, Tax Cuts & America’s Economic Comeback
January’s jobs report just shattered expectations—and it could signal a major turning point for the U.S. economy. On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker of the Job Creators Network sits down with Mike Palicz, Tax Policy Director at Americans for Tax Reform and former Trump...
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Healthcare Is Broken—A Surgeon Whistleblower Explains How to Fix It
Healthcare was supposed to protect families and small businesses—not bankrupt them. On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Dr. Firouz Daneshgari, a former surgeon-scientist and hospital board member at major health systems including Cleveland Clinic and University...
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How ESG & DEI Captured Corporate America—and How Shareholders Are Taking It Back
Corporate America didn’t “go woke” overnight—it was pushed there through ESG and DEI mandates driven by powerful asset managers, proxy advisors, and activist investors. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker of the Job Creators Network is joined by Allen Mendenhall, Senior Advisor...
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Inflation, Interest Rates & Trump Accounts with Economist Peter St. Onge
In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with economist Peter St. Onge for a clear-eyed look at the economic pressures facing small businesses and working families. They break down how persistent inflation and high interest rates are impacting Main Street, why Federal…
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Trump Tax Cuts & the Buy, Borrow, Die Strategy with Mark J. Quann
In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with financial expert Mark J. Quann to break down how Trump-era tax cuts and the Buy, Borrow, Die strategy can help everyday Americans legally keep more of what they earn. Mark explains the critical difference between good debt and…
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Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer on Pro-Business Leadership & His Run for Congress
In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer for an in-depth conversation on small business, conservative governance, and economic recovery. Mayor Singer shares his journey from entrepreneur to public servant, explaining how a pro-business...
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How to Align Your Investments with Your Values with Robert Netzly
In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker interviews Robert Netzly, founder and CEO of Inspire Impact Group, discussing the principles of Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI). Robert shares his journey from a traditional financial planner to advocating for investments aligned with...
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Deregulation Fueled the Economic Boom | E.J. Antoni on Small Business Growth
In this episode of Main Street Matters, Jordan Bruneau sits down with E.J. Antoni, Chief Economist at the Heritage Foundation, to break down one of the most overlooked drivers of today’s economic growth: deregulation. While tax cuts and energy policy often dominate economic headlines, Antoni...
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Homeschooling After COVID: Parental Empowerment, Mental Health & Education Choice
In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker is joined by Holly Swenson for an in-depth conversation on the rapid rise of homeschooling in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Elaine and Holly explore why more families are rethinking traditional education, highlighting the growing...
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How Freedom Chamber Is Fighting for Small Businesses & Affordable Healthcare
In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Chuck Barnum, Chief Marketing Officer of Freedom Chamber, to discuss how the organization is empowering America’s small businesses through advocacy, networking, and innovative healthcare solutions. Chuck explains the launch of…
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How Progressive Policies Are Driving New York & Oregon Into Crisis
In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker is joined by journalist and author Dennis Kneale for a wide-ranging discussion on the economic and social crises unfolding in New York City and Oregon. They examine how progressive policies, high taxes, and burdensome regulations are impacting...
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How Trade Policy Is Hurting Family Farmers with Brian Reisinger
In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Brian Reisinger to examine how U.S. trade policies are impacting family farmers across the country. They break down the long-term effects of NAFTA, the reality of modern trade barriers, and why many farmers are “land rich, cash...
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Rich States, Poor States with Jonathan Williams
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...
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The Impact of Tax Cuts on Small Business Growth with Guy Berkebile
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...
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Why Millennials and Gen Z Struggle to Build Wealth and Own Homes
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,...
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Solving America’s Homelessness Crisis: Policy Failures, Mental Health, and Community Solutions
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...
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How AI Is Transforming Education and Closing Learning Gaps
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Main Street Matters with Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz explores the intersection of small business and government policy. With more than 90 million Americans either owning or depending on small business for their household income, policies like taxes, regulations, and access to credit have a huge effect on the American Dream. Elaine and Alfredo talk with small business owners, government officials and office holders, and experts about everything from education to the labor market on this interesting and entertaining podcast.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Main Street Matters have?
Main Street Matters currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Main Street Matters about?
Main Street Matters with Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz explores the intersection of small business and government policy. With more than 90 million Americans either owning or depending on small business for their household income, policies like taxes, regulations, and access to credit have a huge...
How often does Main Street Matters release new episodes?
Main Street Matters has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Main Street Matters?
You can listen to Main Street Matters on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Main Street Matters?
Main Street Matters is created and hosted by Main Street Matters.
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