Dr. Chase Spears welcomes Marine veteran and scholar Josiah Lippincott to discuss courage, intellectual independence, and the need to challenge institutional orthodoxies. Lippincott shares his journey from questioning U.S. presence in Okinawa to pursuing a PhD at Hillsdale College while openly critiquing leftist dominance in academia and moralistic foreign policy.

The conversation explores the progressive shift in American warfare from defensive necessity to crusading interventions, the true costs of endless conflicts, and why the last genuine existential foreign threat was the War of 1812.

They examine trade-offs in foreign policy, the domestic price of overseas engagements, the failures in Afghanistan, and the importance of prioritizing threats at home over nation-building abroad. Lippincott emphasizes connecting scholarship to real life, the value of popular writing, and maintaining principled consistency over partisan loyalty. This episode offers thoughtful reflections on military service, legitimate authority in war, and reorienting national focus toward American prosperity and security.

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:00:39 – Standing Against the Tide

00:01:58 – Courage in Academia

00:05:06 – Okinawa Questions

00:06:47 – Popular Writing Discipline

00:12:03 – Folly in the Pacific

00:16:49 – Existential Threats

00:18:30 – Costs of Crusading Wars

00:24:58 – Afghanistan Reflections

00:31:14 – Domestic Priorities First

00:38:23 – Reclaiming Sovereignty

You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going.

To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

#Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

Dr. Chase Spears sits down with Navy Chaplain Jonathan Shour to discuss his courageous stand against the military’s COVID vaccine mandate. Shour shares the intense pressure he faced during chaplain training, the personal toll on his family—including months of technical homelessness while his wife was pregnant—and the moral challenges within the Chaplain Corps.

They explore the film Duty to Disobey, in which Shour appears, and what it reveals about institutional failures, unlawful orders, and the duty to resist when conscience and constitutional rights are at stake. The conversation covers religious accommodations, the role of chaplains under pressure, the balance between faith and military duty, and the lasting impact on trust in institutions. Shour also discusses the Alvarado v. Austin lawsuit filed by dozens of chaplains and reflects on legitimate versus illegitimate authority.

This episode highlights stories of moral courage, the importance of medical freedom in the military, and why chaplains must prioritize their calling to support service members’ constitutional rights. Viewers will gain insight into a pivotal chapter in recent military history and the personal costs of standing firm.

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:00:33 – Standing Against the Mandate

00:02:03 – Duty to Disobey Trailer

00:03:12 – Seeing Himself in the Film

00:04:19 – Jonathan’s Military Background

00:05:37 – Children’s Health Defense Role

00:07:46 – Moral Failure in the Military

00:13:53 – Pressure on Chaplains

00:18:07 – Religious Accommodation Concerns

00:24:35 – Family Homelessness Experience

00:35:34 – Alvarado v Austin Lawsuit

00:39:53 – Legitimate vs Illegitimate Authority

You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going.

To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

#Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

In this episode of Finding Your Spine, Dr. Chase Spears welcomes public school teacher William Loggans, author of Quiet Courage in the Classroom. William shares how he placed an inspirational poster featuring Charlie Kirk in his classroom — only to face swift backlash from administrators who demanded its removal. What followed was a battle over First Amendment rights, district investigations, union inaction, and attempts to intimidate a teacher simply for encouraging students to think independently and reject groupthink.

William details the emotional rollercoaster of national media attention, behind-the-scenes district tactics, and the contrast between what schools celebrate versus what they punish. He also discusses modeling Christian character in the classroom, the failures of teachers’ unions, and his new nonprofit, the Freedom to Think Project, which equips parents, supports teachers, and runs scholarship contests on the First Amendment. A powerful story of quiet courage, parental awareness, and standing firm when institutions push back.

00:02:33 – The Poster Incident

00:04:38 – Student Complaint

00:05:36 – Grievance and Attorney

00:06:23 – Media Attention Begins

00:07:50 – Investigation for Teaching Communism

00:13:48 – Unions and District Tactics

00:24:59 – Modeling Faith in Class

00:30:47 – Student Reactions and Atmosphere Shift

00:45:33 – Freedom to Think Project

You can find William Loggans's work at https://freedomtothinkproject.com/ or by following him on X @LibertyGrad1982

You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going.

To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

#Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

In this episode of Finding Your Spine, Dr. Chase Spears is joined by Eric Teetsel, Fellow at the Center for Renewing America and Chronicles magazine. They discuss the vital role of Christians in public life and how faith should inform policy without becoming partisan idolatry.

Eric shares his journey from a military family background to nearly two decades at the intersection of faith, policy, and politics — including work on life, marriage, religious liberty, and his willingness to take unpopular stands. The conversation explores the church’s calling to proactively advance the Kingdom, the dangers of cultural Marxism and disordered loves, and why public policy must reflect God’s created order to help people flourish.

They address courage under pressure, the long-term impact of seemingly small acts of obedience, parenting and formation of the next generation, and the hope of stewarding institutions during turbulent times. A compelling call to bold, faithful engagement in culture and politics.

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:00:37 – Rebuilding from Ruins

00:01:25 – Teetsel's Background

00:04:05 – Faith and Public Policy

00:12:19 – Church as Proactive Force

00:19:04 – Public Policy and Created Order

00:26:13 – Forming the Next Generation

00:32:29 – Long-Term Impact

00:36:14 – Military Upbringing

You can follow Eric's work at https://americarenewing.com/ or on X at @EricTeetsel.

You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going.

To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

#Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

In this episode of Finding Your Spine, Dr. Chase Spears sits down with David Goodwin, co-author of Battle for the American Mind and a leader in the classical Christian education movement.

They explore how education shapes the soul and why the West has shifted from a Christian paideia to a modern servile one. David shares his journey from homeschooling and military service to embracing classical Christian education, while Chase unpacks the concept of paideia as deep soul formation rather than mere academics. The conversation covers the historical roots of liberal arts, the progressive replacement of Christian formation with an “American paideia,” and the long-term cultural consequences visible today.

They discuss how stories, cosmologies, and early formation influence what people love and value, and why rebuilding a liberated paideia rooted in wisdom and virtue is essential for raising courageous generations. A thoughtful discussion on education, culture, faith, and moral courage.

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:01:05 – Goodwin's Background

00:02:55 – Classical Christian Education

00:04:44 – Defining Paideia

00:07:36 – Western Christian Roots

00:11:56 – Progressive Shift

00:16:55 – American Paideia

00:22:03 – Military and Worldview

00:35:18 – Colonization and Courage

00:42:54 – Hope for the Future

You can find "Battle for the American Mind" here on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0abRX2Ge

Read more of David’s work here: https://davidgoodwin.substack.com/

You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going.

To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

#Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

Dr. Chase Spears chats with Kristian Garic, a Marine veteran, ex-sheriff's deputy, and New Orleans radio veteran, about standing firm amid cultural pressures. Kristian recounts his Army brat upbringing, Marine service, law enforcement stint, and radio rise—from sports coverage and Saints Super Bowl sideline reporting to facing pandemic-era censorship in corporate media. He details pushback on COVID warnings, mask hypocrisy, social media demands, and a suspension over a July 4th post criticizing colleagues' social justice focus. Choosing independence in 2022, he reflects on building his own show for uncensored truth. The discussion explores strong parental influences, the assault on fatherhood and masculinity, biblical family roles, absent fathers' societal costs, and Charlie Kirk's legacy of courage—emphasizing his impact on youth, Gen Z conservatism, and rejecting political violence. Amid threats and rhetoric-fueled chaos, they call for ordered liberty, generational resolve, and returning to Judeo-Christian values for a virtuous future.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:04:02 - Corporate Radio Frictions in 2020

00:06:27 - Experiences in Radio Media

00:13:06 - Buildup to Leaving Corporate Radio

00:13:53 - Working in Radio During COVID-19

00:20:03 - July 4th Post and Suspension

00:33:06 - Charlie Kirk's Courage as Choice

00:39:52 - Left Wing Violent Rhetoric

00:46:18 - Christ or Chaos in Society

00:50:14 - Encouragement from Memorial Service Turnout

You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going.

To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

#Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

Dr. Chase Spears sits down with Caleb Byrd, partner at Younts Law and fellow veteran, for a wide-ranging discussion on integrity, faith, and resistance in institutions. They reflect on their friendship origins in Fort Knox, shared military experiences, and Caleb's transition from Army JAG to civilian advocacy. They explore international law myths, self-defense rights against drug smuggling, Monroe Doctrine revival, foreign policy betrayals, and the entrenched Pentagon bureaucracy resisting reform. Emphasizing Romans 13 duties, moral courage over physical bravery, and refusing to tolerate evil, they call for ruthless stewardship, generational resolve, and reclaiming ordered liberty under Christ.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:21 - Guest Welcome and Friendship Origins

00:01:22 - Back Porch Beginnings in Fort Knox

00:02:15 - Military Career Parallels and Connections

00:04:04 - JAG Corps Experience and Fast Track

00:05:21 - Vaccine Accommodations and Early Red Flags

00:07:18 - Promotion Issues and Talent Exodus

00:08:42 - Transition to Younts Law and God Connection

00:11:53 - JAG Advice Failures and DEI Impact

00:14:22 - Stewardship Abandonment in Profession

00:18:28 - Noble JAG History and Truth to Power

00:20:28 - Moral Courage Deficit in Leaders

00:20:59 - International Law Myths and Norms

00:23:35 - Self-Defense Against Drug Smugglers

00:26:39 - Government Purpose and Romans 13

00:28:00 - Foreign Policy Failures and Betrayals

00:30:56 - Monroe Doctrine Revival and Influence

00:34:48 - Surrender Theology Critique

00:37:17 - Christ's Kingdom as Conquest

00:40:29 - Magistrate Duty to Honor God

00:44:57 - Military Bureaucracy Resistance

00:48:24 - Need for Ruthless Reformers

00:53:24 - Inspect What You Expect

00:55:25 - Stop Tolerating Evil

You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going.

To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

#Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

Dr. Chase Spears sits down with Chandler Langevin, a Navy veteran and Palm Bay City Councilman, to explore a journey shaped by real-world experiences. Chandler shares his eye-opening deployment to Afghanistan, where restrictive rules and political priorities cost American lives, sparking his disillusionment with government institutions. From there, he recounts travels studying the devastating impacts of Marxist revolutions in places like Cambodia's Killing Fields, witnessing firsthand the horrors of ideologies that claim millions.

Back home, COVID lockdowns, election concerns, and vaccine mandates pushed him into activism—fighting for medical freedom, parental rights, Second Amendment protections, and ultimately winning a city council seat to flip a poorly run local government. The conversation dives deep into the need for virtuous Christian leadership at the local level, the dangers of bureaucratic capture, the merchant-class influence in modern politics, and why men must reclaim masculinity, involvement, and purpose to restore America.

A powerful call to bold, principled action.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:58 - Navy Enlistment and Afghanistan Path

00:02:44 - 2016 Deployment ROE Disillusionment

00:04:19 - Base Security and Suicide Bombing Impact

00:05:37 - Travel to Study Marxist Revolutions

00:07:20 - Cambodia Killing Fields Horrors

00:10:33 - Marxist Formula in Today's West

00:11:40 - COVID-Era Deployment and Lockdowns

00:13:29 - Vaccine Fight, Discharge, and Activism

00:32:52 - Luciferian Left and Demonic Influences

00:34:06 - Merchant Class Takeover of the Right

00:37:20 - Civil War Destruction of Southern Nobility

00:39:01 - Post-WWII Shift to Profit-Driven GOP

00:48:44 - Reclaiming Masculinity and Call to Action

You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going.

To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

#Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen