Turning Passion into Policy — Matt Gagnon on Rebuilding Maine’s Future

Creating a Durable Freedom Infrastructure in Louisiana: Conversation with Laurie Adams

In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, hosts James Pinedo and Jane McEnaney sit down with Laurie White Adams, Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy at the Pelican Institute, to explore how Louisiana is building a durable freedom infrastructure that empowers local leaders and drives lasting policy change. Laurie shares her inspiring personal journey from small business owner to civic leader, how the Pelican Leadership Academy is cultivating the next generation of change-makers, and why long-term relationship-building is critical for sustaining freedom across generations. Discover practical insights on leadership development, grassroots engagement, and how local policy wins can shape the future of liberty.Here are a few key insights from our conversation with Laurie Adams about building durable freedom infrastructure in Louisiana:Key Takeaways:✅ Pelican Leadership Academy builds Louisiana’s future policy leaders.✅ Durable freedom infrastructure means sustaining long-term wins.✅ Mentorship and relationships power civic engagement.✅ Local leadership drives real, lasting state policy change.

Choose to Fight: Christina Sandefur on Courage, Freedom, and the Future of Liberty

This conversation was recorded as part of a live-streamed zoom conversation on April 8, 2024.In this inspiring episode of SPN's Neighbors in the Network podcast, host James Pinedo sits down with Christina Sandefur, Executive Vice President of the Goldwater Institute, for a deeply personal and principled conversation about liberty, resilience, and the power of everyday people to shape the future.From escaping Mussolini’s fascism to pioneering reforms like Right to Try, Christina shares how her family history, personal health journey, and deep admiration for America’s founding ideals shaped her into a leading voice in the freedom movement. Her story is a compelling reminder that in the face of adversity, we can choose to fight—or not.Whether you're passionate about property rights, self-governance, school choice, or health care freedom, this episode will leave you both encouraged and challenged to protect the liberties we too often take for granted.🔑 Key Takeaways:- The sacred nature of property rights and self-ownership- How Christina overcame early health struggles with grit and gratitude- What sparked her first article—and the unexpected backlash- The inside story of passing Right to Try- Why state constitutions are key to protecting individual liberty- The role of optimism, agency, and long-term thinking in effective reform

Rebuilding New Jersey — Audrey Lane on Taxes, Energy, and the Next Generation

This interview was recorded July 18, 2024. In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, host James Pinedo welcomes Audrey Lane, President of the Garden State Initiative, for a powerful and personal conversation on leadership, grit, and the future of New Jersey. Audrey shares how her path from publishing and small business to state policy was shaped by deep-rooted family values and a commitment to making her home state more livable and competitive.From council chambers to corporate tax reform campaigns, Audrey has seen firsthand how policy decisions made in Trenton impact families, businesses, and communities across the Garden State. Her story reflects not just a career pivot, but a mission to rebuild what’s been lost—affordable living and thriving entrepreneurship.This episode dives deep into the policies Audrey and her team are championing—from nuclear energy innovation and regulatory reform to mentorship for young leaders and advocating for fairness in taxation. If you care about practical, state-based solutions and the people driving them, this conversation is not to be missed.🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode:-How Audrey’s background in publishing and entrepreneurship shaped her policy leadership-Why New Jersey’s tax structure and energy mandates are unsustainable—and how GSI is pushing back-The power of intergenerational policy conversations and mentorship-Audrey’s vision for restoring affordability and keeping families rooted in New Jersey

Turning Passion into Policy — Matt Gagnon on Rebuilding Maine’s Future

This conversation was originally recorded on May 1st, 2024.🎙️ In this episode of Neighbors in the Network, James Pinedo sits down with Matt Gagnon, CEO of the Maine Policy Institute, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, grassroots engagement, and building public policy solutions in Maine.📍 From his early days in Washington, D.C. to his current leadership role back home, Matt shares how he turned a passion for politics into meaningful policy change. You’ll hear about his career in digital strategy, his return to Maine, and the grassroots victories making headlines today.

From Support to Self-Reliance — Building a Better Path Out of Poverty with Nic Dunn

What does it really mean to solve poverty—not just manage it?In this second installment of Neighbors in the Network featuring Nic Dunn of the Sutherland Institute, we go deeper into the philosophy behind effective welfare reform. Nic explains why expanding programs isn't the answer—and how better targeting, smarter policy, and a focus on work-based self-reliance can help families break free from cycles of dependency.Joined by co-host Corey Burres, SPN’s James Pinedo guides the conversation through real-life stories, the importance of dignity and work, and how state-level innovation can lead national change. If you care about poverty, opportunity, and policy that puts people first—this episode is for you.🔑 Key Points- Poverty solutions must be rooted in human dignity and work- Families want independence, not permanent assistance- A smaller, smarter safety net serves people better- Utah’s model shows how states can lead national reform- The ultimate goal isn’t just support—it’s self-reliance- Policymakers should focus on outcomes, not just access