The Lunch Hour with Federal Newswire

Why does religion remain at the center of so many global conflicts — and why do policymakers often ignore it? On this episode of the Federal Newswire Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer is joined by Sarah Makin, religious freedom advocate and producer of Faith Under Siege, to explore the role of faith in global conflict, diplomacy, and human rights. Drawing on her experience in government and international advocacy, Makin argues that one of the biggest blind spots in U.S. foreign policy is a failure to understand religion as a core driver of identity, motivation, and conflict. A major theme of the conversation is how authoritarian regimes view faith as a threat — because it represents a source of authority beyond the state. The discussion covers: • Why religion plays a central role in global conflicts • How U.S. diplomacy often misunderstands religious dynamics • Why authoritarian regimes fear people of faith • Religious persecution in China (Uyghurs, Christians, others) • The crisis in Nigeria and the role of extremist ideology • Why religious persecution is a “canary in the coal mine” for genocide • Lessons from Iraq and the Yazidi genocide • The role of faith-based organizations in humanitarian work • Why smaller NGOs often outperform large aid institutions • The importance of religious literacy in foreign policy The conversation also takes a deep look at the war in Ukraine — particularly the often-overlooked issue of religious persecution. Additional topics include: • Russia’s use of the Orthodox Church as a political tool • The myth of Ukrainian religious persecution • Documented attacks on churches, clergy, and faith communities • The targeting of evangelical, Catholic, Jewish, and Orthodox groups • The broader role of faith in Ukrainian society Makin also discusses her film project, Faith Under Siege, a documentary series highlighting the persecution of religious communities in Ukraine under Russian occupation. The project includes both a full-length film and shorter features focused on specific faith groups and stories. The episode closes with a broader reflection: ignoring religion in policy discussions doesn’t eliminate its influence — it simply makes decision-makers less equipped to understand the world. 00:00 — Intro + Sarah Makin joins 01:06 — Why religion drives global conflict 03:13 — U.S. foreign policy blind spots on faith 05:42 — Authoritarian regimes vs people of faith 07:19 — Religious persecution in China and beyond 10:01 — Nigeria crisis and extremist ideology 12:40 — “Canary in the coal mine” for genocide 13:58 — Iraq, Yazidis, and humanitarian work 16:08 — Faith-based NGOs vs large aid systems 23:50 — Ukraine: churches, war, and persecution 26:18 — Russia, the Orthodox Church, and propaganda 33:58 — Faith Under Siege documentary 37:49 — Personal interests + closing

As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, so does the debate over how — and whether — it should be regulated. On this episode of the Federal Newswire Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer is joined by Zach Lilly, Director of Government Affairs at NetChoice, to break down the growing policy battle over AI, free markets, and government oversight. Lilly explains why public fear around AI has surged in recent years — driven in part by decades of pop culture narratives and amplified by ongoing debates over social media and technology policy. He argues that much of today’s AI conversation didn’t start fresh, but instead picked up where earlier tech debates left off. A major focus of the episode is the challenge of regulating a rapidly evolving technology. Lilly warns that traditional legislative approaches struggle to keep pace with AI’s speed of innovation — where tools and capabilities can change week to week. The discussion also covers: • Why AI debates are shaped by pop culture and public perception • The difference between “permissionless innovation” and the precautionary principle • Why free market voices have become less dominant in tech policy debates • How state-level AI regulations are being crafted and marketed • Why some AI laws are framed as “child safety” measures • The risks of one-size-fits-all regulatory approaches • How AI is already improving fields like healthcare and diagnostics • Why rapid innovation makes static regulation difficult • The role of federal vs state governments in AI policy A key part of the conversation focuses on the Guard Act, a proposed federal bill that Lilly describes as a sweeping age verification system disguised as chatbot regulation. He explains how such policies could effectively require identity verification across large portions of the internet, raising concerns about privacy, surveillance, and constitutional rights. Additional topics include: • How AI integration across platforms could expand data collection requirements • The risk of treating all users as potential bad actors • Why government-led AI design could slow innovation • The balance between safety, privacy, and technological progress • Concerns about AI being used as a regulatory enforcement tool • The importance of intellectual and ideological consistency in policymaking The episode also highlights a broader philosophical divide: whether emerging technologies should be allowed to develop freely — with limited intervention — or shaped early through government regulation. At its core, the conversation makes the case that how the U.S. approaches AI policy now will have long-term consequences for innovation, economic growth, and individual liberty. 00:00 — Intro + Zach Lilly joins the podcast 00:54 — Why people are suddenly afraid of AI 02:27 — Pop culture and the fear of AI 04:16 — AI vs social media policy debates 05:02 — Why regulating AI is uniquely difficult 06:34 — Rapid innovation and legislative challenges 07:25 — Permissionless innovation vs precautionary principle 08:03 — Why free market voices are quieter today 10:01 — Public perception and political messaging 11:20 — AI in music, creativity, and real-world use 14:03 — Translation tools and everyday AI benefits 14:45 — State-level AI regulation trends 15:10 — How AI laws are framed politically 16:17 — Federal vs state regulatory approaches 17:06 — Colorado AI law controversy 18:36 — Government control vs private innovation 20:16 — Using AI to reduce regulatory burdens 22:22 — AI as a government enforcement tool 23:08 — Why regulation should constrain government use 24:04 — The Guard Act explained 25:01 — Age verification and data collection concerns 26:24 — AI integration across the internet 27:34 — Privacy risks and identity verification 28:03 — Government vs individual choice 29:35 — “Empowering parents” vs real control 30:23 — Intellectual consistency in policymaking 32:07 — NetChoice legal strategy and court wins 33:09 — Where the Guard Act stands today 34:20 — Federal framework concerns 35:36 — Outside interests: gaming, travel, and hobbies 39:08 — Closing

Why does healthcare keep getting more expensive — and are policymakers making the problem worse? On this episode of the Federal Newswire Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with Isabelle Marchese, Director of Health Policy at Americans for Tax Reform, to break down the real drivers behind rising healthcare costs and the policy decisions shaping the system. Marchese explains how government intervention has distorted basic supply-and-demand dynamics in healthcare — increasing demand without expanding supply — and why that imbalance continues to push costs higher for patients. A major focus of the conversation is the growing push for pharmaceutical price controls, including policies like “most favored nation” pricing and provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. Marchese outlines the unintended consequences of these approaches, particularly their impact on innovation and long-term drug development. The discussion also covers: • Why healthcare should be viewed as a resource economics problem • How supply and demand imbalances drive rising costs • The real impact of pharmaceutical price controls on innovation • Why fewer new drugs could result from current policies • The long-term value of innovation and generic drug development • How intellectual property protections shape medical breakthroughs • The economic realities of drug development (cost, time, and risk) • Why Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) reduce costs for consumers • How HSAs reconnect patients to healthcare spending decisions • Recent policy changes expanding HSAs — and what’s still needed • The role of tariffs in pharmaceutical policy and supply chains • The risks of overregulation and government “tinkering” • Why ideological consistency matters in healthcare policy debates The conversation also explores a broader theme: how political incentives and short-term thinking often lead to policies that feel popular in the moment but create long-term challenges for innovation, affordability, and access. At its core, the episode makes the case that sustainable healthcare reform requires aligning incentives, expanding supply, and allowing market forces to work — rather than relying on heavy-handed policy interventions. 00:00 — Intro + Isabelle Marchese joins 00:35 — Early interest in politics and healthcare 02:18 — Healthcare as a supply and demand problem 03:28 — Why costs rise when supply doesn’t increase 04:23 — Americans for Tax Reform’s healthcare focus 05:02 — Pharmaceutical policy and price control debates 06:17 — Inflation Reduction Act and drug pricing impacts 07:19 — How price controls affect innovation 08:29 — Why fewer drugs could be developed 09:18 — Generic drugs and long-term cost reductions 10:59 — Economics of drug development explained 12:24 — Why investment depends on recouping costs 13:33 — Ideological consistency in policy debates 15:00 — Political incentives and policy contradictions 17:15 — Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) explained 18:26 — How HSAs lower healthcare costs 19:14 — Vision for expanding HSAs 20:22 — Healthcare vs insurance: key differences 21:57 — Market forces and consumer behavior 22:22 — Recent HSA policy changes 23:22 — Why reform efforts stall 25:21 — Tariffs and pharmaceutical supply chains 26:19 — National security vs economic tradeoffs 27:33 — Free rider problem and global pricing 29:45 — Final thoughts on healthcare reform 31:00 — Outside interests: cooking and food prep 34:59 — Closing

Naval power has shaped global dominance for centuries — and today, it may determine the outcome of America’s strategic competition with China. On this episode of the Federal Newswire Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with Brent Sadler, Senior Research Fellow for Naval Warfare and Advanced Technology at The Heritage Foundation, to examine how maritime strategy, industrial capacity, and global trade are converging into one of the most critical national security challenges facing the United States. Sadler explains why control of the seas is about far more than military force — it is about controlling supply chains, trade routes, and the flow of global commerce. Drawing from both history and modern strategy, he outlines how China has spent decades building a dominant maritime industrial base, including shipbuilding, port ownership, and logistics networks designed to influence — and potentially control — global trade. A major focus of the conversation is America’s declining shipbuilding capacity and why current policy frameworks, including the Jones Act, have not been sufficient to reverse that trend. Sadler argues that the real issue is not a single law, but a lack of coordinated national strategy, incentives, and long-term industrial focus. The discussion also explores: • Why naval power is central to both economic and military dominance • How China built the world’s largest shipbuilding industry • The strategic importance of ports and global shipping lanes • Why supply chains — not just weapons — define modern conflict • The limitations of the Jones Act and what it gets right (and wrong) • The need for a comprehensive U.S. maritime industrial strategy • How government policy, financing, and regulation shape shipbuilding outcomes • The role of tariffs, trade policy, and industrial incentives • Lessons from the Cold War — and where the U.S. miscalculated with China • Why the U.S. is now in a “new Cold War” with fundamentally different dynamics The conversation also shifts to current global conflicts, including the evolving situation with Iran, and how U.S. military and economic actions there tie into a broader strategy for countering China’s global ambitions. Sadler emphasizes that understanding both America’s vulnerabilities and China’s long-term strategy is essential if the U.S. hopes to rebuild its industrial base, strengthen deterrence, and maintain its position in the global order. 00:00 — Intro + Brent Sadler joins the podcast 01:17 — Background: Naval Academy, Navy career, China policy 02:25 — Why naval power still matters today 03:04 — Historical lessons: sea power and trade control 05:10 — Force projection vs control of global commerce 06:10 — China’s global port strategy explained 07:13 — The “Third Taiwan Crisis” and China’s wake-up call 08:12 — How China built a dominant shipbuilding industry 09:42 — Industrial policy, ports, and supply chain control 10:42 — Could China disrupt global trade flows? 12:16 — The Jones Act explained 13:02 — Why U.S. shipbuilding is still declining 14:44 — What’s missing: incentives, leadership, and strategy 16:00 — “Revolution in Shipping” and policy solutions 18:18 — Bipartisan momentum and the Ships for America Act 19:42 — Trump-era maritime push and executive action 21:00 — Industrial policy vs free market concerns 22:30 — Where the U.S. misread China 24:40 — Economic interdependence and strategic vulnerability 26:00 — COVID, supply chains, and wake-up calls 29:10 — Iran conflict and global strategy implications 31:41 — Military objectives and regime pressure in Iran 33:40 — Why conflicts must be viewed through China strategy 35:16 — Understanding adversaries vs projecting U.S. values 37:51 — Sadler’s background: Guam, Japan, and China 41:04 — Personal experiences shaping his worldview 43:01 — Life outside policy: surfing, diving, and family 44:57 — Closing

Prescription drug prices dominate the headlines — but most Americans rely on medicines that rarely get discussed. On this episode of the Federal Newswire Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with John Murphy, President and CEO of the Association for Accessible Medicines, to unpack the critical — and often overlooked — role that generic drugs and biosimilars play in the U.S. healthcare system. Murphy explains why generics make up nearly 90% of prescriptions in the United States while accounting for only a fraction of total drug spending — and why that imbalance reveals deeper structural issues in how medicines are priced, patented, and brought to market. A major focus of the conversation is the growing tension between pharmaceutical innovation and affordability. Murphy breaks down how the current system of patents and exclusivity — originally designed to balance innovation with competition — has evolved in ways that can delay generic entry and extend high prices far beyond what was originally intended. The discussion also explores: • The difference between statutory exclusivity and patent protection • How “follow-on” patents and minor modifications can extend drug monopolies • Why generic competition is less effective today than in the past • The role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and rebate structures • How pricing incentives can sometimes favor higher-cost brand drugs over generics • The growing importance of biosimilars — and why the U.S. lags behind Europe • The legal and regulatory barriers slowing biosimilar adoption • Why patent litigation is significantly more complex in the U.S. than abroad • The impact of global conflicts on supply chains, input costs, and drug availability • How shipping, energy costs, and geopolitics affect the generic drug market Murphy also highlights the national security implications of the generic drug industry, arguing that access to affordable antibiotics, anti-infectives, and essential medicines is just as critical as breakthrough innovation. The conversation ultimately raises a central question: how can the United States preserve medical innovation while ensuring that patients have timely access to affordable treatments? 00:00 — Introduction and John Murphy joins the podcast 00:48 — Why generics are the backbone of U.S. medicine 02:29 — Generics vs brand drugs: volume vs spending 04:11 — Innovation, IP protection, and the “virtuous cycle” 05:22 — Statutory exclusivity vs patent protection explained 07:19 — “Evergreening” and follow-on patents 09:24 — Inhalers, delivery systems, and patent extensions 11:10 — Controlled release drugs and market behavior 13:50 — PBMs, rebates, and pricing distortions 16:10 — Real-world example: generics vs high-priced alternatives 17:20 — Why IP reform is central to lowering costs 20:01 — Legal battles over generic entry and Supreme Court case 22:14 — Biosimilars vs generics: what’s the difference? 24:03 — Why Europe leads in biosimilars adoption 26:11 — Patent barriers and manufacturing challenges in the U.S. 28:38 — Quality concerns and global manufacturing realities 31:25 — Supply chain pressures and rising costs 33:00 — National security and the importance of generics 35:55 — Final thoughts and where to learn more  

Regulation shapes nearly every part of the U.S. economy — but what happens when decades of rules pile up without being revisited? On this episode of the Federal Newswire Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with Patrick McLaughlin, Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution, to examine how regulation, deregulation, and emerging technologies like AI are reshaping the relationship between government and the economy. McLaughlin breaks down the current push to roll back existing regulations and explains why focusing on “old rules” may matter more than stopping new ones. He also outlines how regulatory accumulation impacts productivity, investment, and long-term economic growth — and why even modest changes today can compound into significant economic gains over time. The conversation then shifts to structural issues inside the regulatory system itself, including whether the Administrative Procedure Act is overdue for reform and how recent legal shifts following the end of Chevron deference could reshape the balance of power between Congress and federal agencies. The episode also explores: • Whether AI will make regulatory compliance easier — and what that means for future regulation • The risks of “frictionless regulation” and the growth of the administrative state • Why old regulations should be regularly reexamined instead of endlessly accumulating • The real-world economic impact of regulatory buildup on productivity and growth • How deregulation can create compounding long-term economic gains The discussion also takes a close look at the proposed Railway Safety Act, questioning whether new regulations actually improve safety or simply add cost and complexity. McLaughlin explains how certain mandates — like minimum crew size requirements — may not deliver the intended safety benefits and could instead limit innovation, increase costs, and reduce efficiency across the transportation sector. Drawing on new research, he connects transportation policy to the broader economy, showing how regulatory decisions in one sector can ripple outward — affecting prices, productivity, and economic growth nationwide. This is a data-driven, big-picture conversation about regulation, innovation, and the long-term consequences of policy decisions that often go unquestioned. 00:00 — Intro and Patrick McLaughlin joins the show 01:13 — REINS Act and Trump-era deregulation overview 03:09 — Cutting old regulations vs stopping new ones 04:47 — Are deregulation savings real? 06:23 — How regulation impacts productivity and economic growth 07:43 — AI and the future of regulatory compliance 10:01 — Does easier compliance lead to more regulation? 11:10 — Why process reform matters more than friction 12:26 — Should the Administrative Procedure Act be updated? 14:39 — Reexamining old regulations and regulatory buildup 16:40 — Post-Chevron world and vague statutory authority 19:02 — Scope of regulatory overreach (37% estimate) 23:53 — The Railway Safety Act explained 25:00 — Why more regulation doesn’t always improve safety 27:27 — Deregulation and rail safety improvements since 1980 29:14 — Who actually benefits from new regulation? 30:54 — Innovation, transportation, and economic growth 33:05 — How regulation increases costs and reduces output 37:11 — Unintended consequences of regulation 40:39 — How Patrick McLaughlin got into regulatory economics 43:19 — Closing thoughts and where to follow Patrick

In this episode of the Federal Newswire Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer speaks with Kevin Kong, founder and CEO of Everstar, about why America’s energy future depends on nuclear power — and why the time to move is now. Kong explains Everstar’s mission to use AI to accelerate nuclear deployment by tackling one of the industry’s biggest bottlenecks: the permitting, compliance, and regulatory process. He argues that nuclear is the only energy source that is dense, reliable, and clean enough to power the next great leap in human progress — including the massive electricity demands coming from AI, data centers, advanced industry, and future economic growth. The conversation explores why America has fallen behind in nuclear development, how decades of regulatory buildup have made projects too expensive and too slow, and why China is rapidly pulling ahead by building reactors at scale. Kong makes the case that the United States needs a full national push — across government, industry, and manufacturing — to rebuild domestic nuclear capacity and reclaim leadership in the technologies that will shape the next century. The discussion also covers: • Why AI demand is making grid expansion an urgent national priority • How advanced reactors, small modular reactors, and microreactors could change deployment • Why existing U.S. reactors may be the fastest source of additional nuclear power • The role of permitting reform, NRC reform, DOE pathways, and congressional action • Why nuclear export capability is also a geopolitical competition with China and Russia • How America can return to being a nation of builders, engineers, and energy abundance This is a wide-ranging conversation about nuclear innovation, regulatory reform, energy security, AI infrastructure, and why America cannot afford to keep falling behind. 00:00 — Introduction and Kevin Kong joins the podcast 01:20 — Everstar’s mission and why nuclear matters 02:27 — Energy abundance and the next leap for humanity 03:06 — Why modern nuclear is safer than people think 05:19 — AI, data centers, and exploding electricity demand 08:11 — Small modular reactors and microreactors explained 10:56 — The fastest path: more power from existing reactors 11:51 — How Everstar uses AI to tackle regulatory bottlenecks 13:09 — The paperwork problem and why nuclear takes so long 15:50 — Risk, regulation, and the politics of nuclear power 19:38 — Why younger generations are more pro-nuclear 21:40 — China, Korea, and the global nuclear export race 25:57 — DOE, NRC, and what government needs to fix 29:03 — Why America needs a full national nuclear push 33:22 — Kevin Kong’s background and what drives his work 36:30 — Where to follow Everstar and closing thoughts

Andrew Langer interviews Dr. Brian Blase, President and Founder of Paragon Health Institute, a leading conservative healthcare think tank focused on market-based reforms.  They dive into America’s healthcare crisis: massive fraud in Medicaid ($200B+ annual waste via provider taxes and accounting gimmicks) and Obamacare subsidies ($30B+ in improper payments from zero-premium plans, ghost enrollees, broker incentives). Brian explains how government subsidies inflate demand while price controls and regulations restrict supply—driving hospital prices 3x faster than inflation since 2000 and crowding ERs with non-emergent care.  The conversation covers primary care shortages (Medicare payment distortions favoring specialists), the myth of “free” coverage, prescription drug pricing (retrospective vs. prospective Most Favored Nation), and solutions: deregulate to expand choices (HSAs, catastrophic plans, nurse practitioners, immigration for doctors), end corporate welfare in Medicaid, and prioritize patient-driven innovation over political allocation.  Perfect for policymakers, patients, and anyone frustrated with high costs and bureaucracy. Visit paragoninstitute.org for research and newsletters. Follow @Brian_Blase on X. Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Follow us on X @TheLunchHourPod, TikTok, and more! 00:00:04 - Welcome to Federal Newswire Lunch Hour Podcast 00:00:14 - Host Andrew Langer Opening & Social Plugs 00:01:19 - Guest Intro: Dr. Brian Blase & Paragon Health Institute 00:02:11 - Paragon’s Mission: Free-Market Health Policy Focus 00:03:15 - Healthcare vs. Insurance vs. Health Distinctions 00:04:04 - Supply/Demand Distortions & Hospital Price Inflation 00:06:09 - Primary Care Shortage & Medicare Payment Bias 00:07:17 - Congressional Testimony on Subsidy Enhancements 00:08:32 - Expanding Choices: HSAs, Catastrophic Plans, Deregulation 00:10:05 - ACA Outcomes: Medicaid Expansion & ER Overuse 00:11:04 - Subsidies Drive Higher Prices & Deficits 00:12:22 - Medicaid as Corporate Welfare: Provider Tax Schemes 00:13:33 - Medicaid Fraud Scale: ~$200B Annual Waste 00:15:00 - Obamacare Subsidy Fraud: Zero-Premium Incentives 00:16:00 - Broker Schemes & Automatic Enrollment Abuse 00:17:27 - Non-Utilization Rates & Improper Income Claims 00:19:31 - Prescription Drugs: Generics vs. Brand Pricing 00:20:47 - Most Favored Nation: Retrospective vs. Prospective 00:22:00 - Closing Thoughts on Market Innovation 00:29:38 - How to Follow Paragon & Brian Blase 00:30:16 - Episode Outro & Thanks

Join host Andrew Langer on the Federal Newswire Lunch Hour Podcast for an in-depth discussion with Dr. Paul Teller, President of Teller Strategies and former Executive Director of the House Republican Study Committee. In this episode, recorded shortly after U.S. operations in Iran, they dive into the geopolitical implications, including impacts on Venezuela, China, Russia-Ukraine relations, and combating anti-Semitism. The conversation shifts to domestic policy, covering Medicare and Medicaid fraud, the flawed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI), hospital price transparency, credit card interest rate caps, populist economic trends, the filibuster, tariffs, rebates, capital gains taxes, Planned Parenthood defunding, and Department of Homeland Security funding. They wrap up with lighter talk on upcoming Star Wars films like The Mandalorian & Grogu and the re-release of the original Star Wars. Perfect for fans of politics, economics, and international affairs. Follow us on X @TheLunchHourPod, YouTube, LinkedIn, and our new TikTok channel. Subscribe, like, and share for more insightful episodes! 00:00:04 - Welcome and Podcast Introduction 00:00:14 - Host Andrew Langer's Opening Remarks and Social Media Plugs 00:00:32 - Upcoming Content and Call to Action 00:00:51 - Guest Introduction: Dr. Paul Teller and His Background 00:01:09 - Discussion on U.S. Operations in Iran: Background and Current Events 00:01:52 - Paul Teller's Thoughts on Iran as a Win for America and Regional Impacts 00:02:45 - Iran's Attacks on Neighbors and the End of the Regime 00:03:18 - Ancillary Impacts: Venezuela, China, Russia-Ukraine, and Global Alliances 00:04:42 - Anti-Semitism, Nick Fuentes, and Expelling Anti-Israel Sentiments from the GOP 00:06:00 - Diplomacy vs. Action: Limits of Talking with Enemies Like Iran 00:07:36 - Shift to Domestic Issues: Medicare/Medicaid Fraud and CMMI Overview 00:08:53 - CMMI's Failures, Costs, and Bureaucratic Innovation Myths 00:10:00 - CBO Scoring Issues and Sunk Cost Fallacy in Government Programs 00:11:43 - Hospital Price Transparency and Its Role in Reducing Healthcare Costs 00:13:41 - Financial Services: Credit Card Interest Rate Caps and Their Consequences 00:15:07 - Concerns Over Populist Policies and Polling Among Young People 00:17:00 - Filibuster Debate: Protecting Minority Rights in the Senate 00:19:26 - Tariffs, Rebates, and Avoiding Democrat-Style Giveaways 00:21:47 - Tax Policy: Eliminating Inflation Tax on Capital Gains 00:24:34 - Planned Parenthood Defunding and the Need for a Second Reconciliation Bill 00:27:07 - Department of Homeland Security Funding Lapse and Democrat Tactics 00:28:57 - Lighthearted Star Wars Discussion: Upcoming Films and Favorites 00:30:33 - How to Follow Dr. Paul Teller and Closing Remarks 00:31:26 - Episode Outro and Credits

What is the war in Ukraine really like on the ground—and how much of what Americans hear is shaped by misinformation? In this episode of the Federal Newswire Lunch Hour podcast, Andrew Langer speaks with Steven Moore, founder of the Ukraine Freedom Project, who has been working inside Ukraine since just days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Moore shares firsthand experiences from Kyiv and other regions of the country, describing how Ukrainians resisted the invasion, pushed Russian forces back, and built a resilient wartime society despite constant attacks on infrastructure and cities. Moore recounts evacuating civilians from frontline cities during the first weeks of the invasion, helping deliver medical supplies and humanitarian aid to hospitals under siege, and witnessing the determination of Ukrainian citizens and soldiers who have held off one of the world’s largest militaries. He also discusses how Ukraine’s battlefield success increasingly relies on domestic innovation—from drone warfare to locally manufactured weapons systems. The conversation also explores several controversial topics surrounding the war, including Russian information operations, the role of the Russian Orthodox Church, and how disinformation campaigns have influenced political debates in the United States. Moore argues that many narratives circulating in Western media and politics misrepresent the situation inside Ukraine and fail to account for the unity and resilience of Ukrainian society. Finally, Moore explains the mission of the Ukraine Freedom Project, which works to counter Russian propaganda and provide Americans—especially policymakers, conservatives, and faith communities—with firsthand information about the war and its implications for global security. YouTube Chapters 00:00 — Introduction and Steven Moore joins the podcast 00:59 — Moore’s background in politics and Eastern Europe 02:02 — Advising Boris Yeltsin’s 1996 campaign and the Soviet aftermath 04:49 — Russia, NATO, and the roots of the Ukraine conflict 10:48 — Arriving in Ukraine days after the invasion 12:01 — Evacuating civilians and delivering aid during the first weeks of war 13:26 — Has Russia actually been winning the war? 15:17 — China, geopolitics, and the broader strategic picture 16:18 — Putin’s KGB background and Russian ideology 17:03 — The Russian Orthodox Church and intelligence influence 20:49 — Russia’s demographic crisis and abducted Ukrainian children 21:10 — Founding the Ukraine Freedom Project 23:18 — Russian disinformation and influence in U.S. politics 24:29 — The story of a Ukrainian pastor tortured by Russian forces 29:16 — Will Ukraine become a failed state? 31:19 — Ukraine’s military innovation and drone warfare 33:47 — How Americans can support the Ukraine Freedom Project

What is the war in Ukraine really like on the ground—and how much of what Americans hear is shaped by misinformation? In this episode of the Federal Newswire Lunch Hour podcast, Andrew Langer speaks with Steven Moore, founder of the Ukraine Freedom Project, who has been working inside Ukraine since just days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Moore shares firsthand experiences from Kyiv and other regions of the country, describing how Ukrainians resisted the invasion, pushed Russian forces back, and built a resilient wartime society despite constant attacks on infrastructure and cities. Moore recounts evacuating civilians from frontline cities during the first weeks of the invasion, helping deliver medical supplies and humanitarian aid to hospitals under siege, and witnessing the determination of Ukrainian citizens and soldiers who have held off one of the world’s largest militaries. He also discusses how Ukraine’s battlefield success increasingly relies on domestic innovation—from drone warfare to locally manufactured weapons systems. The conversation also explores several controversial topics surrounding the war, including Russian information operations, the role of the Russian Orthodox Church, and how disinformation campaigns have influenced political debates in the United States. Moore argues that many narratives circulating in Western media and politics misrepresent the situation inside Ukraine and fail to account for the unity and resilience of Ukrainian society. Finally, Moore explains the mission of the Ukraine Freedom Project, which works to counter Russian propaganda and provide Americans—especially policymakers, conservatives, and faith communities—with firsthand information about the war and its implications for global security. 00:00 — Introduction and Steven Moore joins the podcast 00:59 — Moore’s background in politics and Eastern Europe 02:02 — Advising Boris Yeltsin’s 1996 campaign and the Soviet aftermath 04:49 — Russia, NATO, and the roots of the Ukraine conflict 10:48 — Arriving in Ukraine days after the invasion 12:01 — Evacuating civilians and delivering aid during the first weeks of war 13:26 — Has Russia actually been winning the war? 15:17 — China, geopolitics, and the broader strategic picture 16:18 — Putin’s KGB background and Russian ideology 17:03 — The Russian Orthodox Church and intelligence influence 20:49 — Russia’s demographic crisis and abducted Ukrainian children 21:10 — Founding the Ukraine Freedom Project 23:18 — Russian disinformation and influence in U.S. politics 24:29 — The story of a Ukrainian pastor tortured by Russian forces 29:16 — Will Ukraine become a failed state? 31:19 — Ukraine’s military innovation and drone warfare 33:47 — How Americans can support the Ukraine Freedom Project

In this episode, former Ukrainian parliamentarian Pavlo Unguryan joins Andrew Langer from inside Ukraine—where repeated drone and missile attacks have disrupted power, heat, water, and internet access—to describe what daily life looks like nearly four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion. Unguryan explains how strikes on energy infrastructure create cascading challenges for entire cities, and why Ukraine’s resilience has become a defining feature of the war. The conversation traces key turning points from 2014 to the present, including Unguryan’s view of the Budapest Memorandum and what it implied after Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal, as well as how Russia leveraged energy and influence campaigns across Europe. They also dig into Russia’s ideology and information warfare—including the role of the Russian Orthodox Church and allegations of religious persecution—arguing that Ukraine is defending national security against infiltration while still protecting religious freedom. Finally, Unguryan shares what “peace” should mean in practice—warning against deals without justice—and outlines a vision for a postwar Ukraine built on security, investment, rule of law, and values, alongside long-term rebuilding efforts through the Ukraine Rebuilding Alliance. 00:00 — Intro + Pavlo Unguryan joins from Ukraine 00:02 — Power, heat, water, and internet disruptions after strikes 00:04 — Russia’s miscalculation + “David vs. Goliath” framing 00:06 — Odessa, the Black Sea, and “weather as a factor” in war 00:10 — 2014 and the Budapest Memorandum debate 00:14 — Obama-era response, Nord Stream 2, and energy leverage 00:17 — Post-Soviet rebuilding, myths, and Russian interference 00:22 — Putin’s goals, population, and “holy war” rhetoric 00:27 — Russian Orthodox Church, intelligence influence, and religious freedom 00:33 — What peace looks like: “peace through strength” 00:41 — Postwar vision: defense, economy, investment, and anti-corruption 00:46 — Closing + guest bio

What does Section 230 really do — and why does it still shape the future of the internet? In this episode of the Federal Newswire Lunch Hour podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with Jennifer Huddleston, Senior Fellow in Technology Policy at the Cato Institute, to break down the 30-year legacy of Section 230 and its impact on online speech, platform moderation, and innovation. The conversation explores how early internet policy decisions helped enable today’s digital ecosystem, why debates over social media regulation and youth online safety continue to intensify, and how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are reshaping the legal landscape. Huddleston explains the role Section 230 plays in protecting user-generated content, supporting startups and mid-size platforms, and balancing free expression with evolving regulatory pressures.

As the 30th anniversary of Section 230 approaches, Andrew Langer sits down with NetChoice Policy Director Patrick Hedger to break down the law that shaped the modern internet. They discuss free enterprise, innovation, online speech, tort reform, AI training, and the policy battles shaping today’s tech landscape — including debates over platform liability, content moderation, and emerging legislation like KOSA. From intellectual property and AI to startup innovation and litigation risks, this episode explores how Section 230 continues to influence digital platforms, creators, and the future of online communication.

Is the Endangered Species Act protecting wildlife — or expanding federal control over private land?In this special episode of the Federal Newswire Lunch Hour Podcast, host Brad Swail speaks with Margaret Byfield, Executive Director of American Stewards of Liberty, about the real-world consequences of federal conservation policy.They discuss:- The reintroduction of gray wolves in Colorado- The impact of wolf protections under the Endangered Species Act- Ranchers losing livestock with little legal recourse- Federal listing and delisting failures- “Distinct Population Segments” and regulatory loopholes- How species like the bone cave harvestman affect local development- Whether conservation decisions should be made at the federal or state levelMargaret also shares insights from her documentary Thrown to the Wolves, which examines how apex predator protections impact landowners, livestock operations, and property rights across the American West.Are endangered species policies driven by science — or politics? And who bears the cost?Watch now to learn how federal wildlife policy intersects with private property rights, ranching, environmental litigation, and state authority.👉 Visit AmericanStewards.us to learn more.