Unrestrained Thoughts

Ep.15 Legalizing Medicinal Psychedelics w/ Amy Pomeroy

Some of the biggest challenges our society faces today revolve around mental health and addiction – especially in a post-lockdown world. Fortunately, a psychedelic solution is on the horizon here in Utah. In today's episode, I'm joined by Amy Pomeroy who works as the Criminal Justice Policy Analyst at the Libertas Institute. Amy has spent the last several years prosecuting crime as a Deputy Utah County Attorney, giving her a front-row seat to what is and is not working in our criminal justice system. Prior to that, she worked at the Pacific Legal Foundation doing constitutional litigation and ran a state representative’s office. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Brigham Young University before graduating from J. Reuben Clark Law School cum laude. I invited Amy on to discuss the incredible work she and the rest of the Libertas team are doing to legalize the medicinal and clinical use of psychedelics, such as psilocybin and MDMA, here in Utah. Amy highlights some of the studies and research that's been conducted on this issue and addresses concerns, myths, and common questions from those who are unsure about the legitimacy of the medicinal properties in psychedelics. Where you can follow Amy and her work: https://twitter.com/LibertasPomeroy [https://twitter.com/LibertasPomeroy] https://libertas.org/author/apomeroy/ [https://libertas.org/author/apomeroy/] Additional links for this episode: Amy's policy brief on psychotherapeutic drugs [https://libertas.org/policy-paper/psychotherapy-drugs-for-mental-health/] Report to UT legislature by the Utah Mental Illness Psychotherapy Drug Task Force [https://le.utah.gov/interim/2022/pdf/00004231.pdf] Utah panel on psychotherapeutics hosted by Libertas and Utah Patients Coalition [https://www.abc4.com/news/local-news/panel-explores-legalizing-psychotherapeutics-in-utah/] (Here's the full panel video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GClqzmGhm1A] on YouTube) Find your Senator or Representative here [https://libertas.org/legislator/]

Ep.14 Pioneer Day: Mormons and the State with Connor Boyack

In Utah, the 24th of July (Pioneer Day) is treated almost as a second "4th of July" because it serves as a sort of Independence Day for the pioneers fleeing from the United States territories to the Mexico territory that would later become Utah. It was persecution from both local communities as well as the government itself that drove the pioneers to leave the U.S. Connor Boyack is the founder and president of the Libertas Institute, a Utah based think-tank; author of the Tuttle Twins children's book series; and an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is also a fan of history and loves to learn from the ideas behind historical events — not just the names and dates associated with them. His work is centered on spreading the ideas of liberty and defending individual rights. What I've found unique about Connor however is that his political beliefs and religious beliefs are very much based on the same underlying principles. As he puts it, you won't find that his faith is placed in one bucket and his politics in another. I invited Connor on to the podcast to talk about some of the important ideas and principles that should be highlighted during the 24thof July (Pioneer Day), yet today it seems that the LDS church culture has moved away from being one of distrust of the government to one of worshipping its false idols and utilizing its coercive powers. We also talk about his experience working in Utah politics which has led to instances of standing off against the very religious institution he is a part of. Follow Connor: Twitter [https://twitter.com/cboyack] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/connorboyack/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/cboyack] Check out Connor's work: Connor's website [https://connorboyack.com/] Libertas Institute [https://libertas.org/] Tuttle Twins [https://tuttletwins.com/] Sunday Musings podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sunday-musings/id1607871793] Christ Versus Caesar [https://www.amazon.com/Christ-versus-Caesar-Masters-Choice/dp/1462138888/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1658834529&sr=8-1]

Ep.13 Privacy & The 4th Amendment in the Digital Era with Leslie Corbly

We live in an increasingly digital world. Technological innovation has vastly improved the quality of lives of so many across the world, however, it has also introduced us to new and unimagined challenges — especially when it comes to violations of privacy by way of the government. Leslie Corbly works as a policy analyst for the Libertas Institute [https://libertas.org/], a libertarian think-tank based in Utah. Her work covers issues surrounding the individual's right to privacy. She was recently interviewed for a segment on KUTV [https://kutv.com/news/2news-investigates/layton-police-use-controversial-geo-fence-warrants-to-investigate-property-crimes] which reported on the use of geo-fence warrants by police in Layton, Utah. I invited Leslie on for a conversation about digital privacy, government's use of innovative technology, and why we should be more concerned about a these issues in relation to a domestic "war on terror" in a post 2020 world (lockdowns, riots, January 6th, etc.). Leslie's work can be found here: * The Sovereign Self [https://www.lesliecorbly.com/] (Leslie's website) * Leslie's Libertas Articles [https://libertas.org/author/leslie/] * Twitter [https://twitter.com/CorblyLeslie]

Ep.12 Culture, Politics, and Religion in Utah with Quinn Driggs

Quinn Driggs returns for another episode to discuss Utah's unique cultural and political atmosphere — both of which are heavily influenced by a majority of the population being members of the LDS Church.   Follow Quinn's work:  https://www.instagram.com/quinnrdriggs/  https://twitter.com/QuinnDriggs1  https://www.based-politics.com/author/quinnrdriggs/

Ep.11 Utah Veteran Peter Gilbert on Supporting Defend the Guard Legislation

As the Defend the Guard movement continues to grow in Utah, it is essential that the voices of the men and women who serve in Utah's armed forces are amplified. Peter Gilbert is one of those voices. Being somebody directly impacted by this legislation, Peter shares unique insight on why this bill really matters to him and why it should matter to all Utahns. During our conversation, we cover some of the basic history of the Guard, some of the important distinctions between National Guard and other parts of the military, and personal experiences that changed Peter's overall outlook on how the military is being handled today. Please be sure to check out Defend the Guard - Utah [https://www.facebook.com/DefendUTGuard] as well as defendtheguard.us [//defendtheguard.us] for more information on how you can show your support for this legislation.