Description: In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by Bob Robb, Henry Thompson, and Elliot Pollack for a deep dive into the rising momentum behind third-party politics in America. With Elon Musk proposing a new “America Party,” the panel discusses the feasibility of such a movement, the entrenched resistance from both major parties, and the massive opportunity among independent voters—now nearly 40% of the electorate. They examine the role of open primaries in improving v...
Jul 18, 2025•1 hr 18 min
President Donald Trump’s decision to support Israel in bombing Iran’s nuclear facilities shocked the world. In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson and columnist Bob Robb break down the legal, political, and moral dimensions of the strike – and its implications for America’s role in the Middle East. With thoughtful, candid analysis, they challenge the narratives from both ends of the political spectrum. Topics Discussed in This Video: Trump’s Strike on Iran: Did President Trump have the l...
Jul 04, 2025•1 hr 22 min
In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by panelists Henry Thompson, Bob Robb, and Elliott Pollack to unpack one of the most pressing questions in American politics today: Is the U.S. slipping into authoritarianism? Topics Discussed in This Video: What Makes a Leader Authoritarian?: Henry Thompson explains how free and fair elections distinguish democracies from autocracies, with examples from Hungary and Germany. Trump and the Limits of Power: Bob Robb argues that Trump ha...
Jun 21, 2025•1 hr 25 min
In this episode of New Frontiers Paul Johnson and Larry Aldrich are joined by Neil Ghosh, author of Do More Good, for a deep and moving conversation about the power of individuals to shape society. Ghosh shares his journey from a young immigrant to a global humanitarian, offering personal stories and hard-won lessons from icons like Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, and John Glenn. Together, they explore the unifying values that define America – and what it takes to bridge our political and cultura...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 13 min
In this episode of New Frontiers , host Paul Johnson is joined by expert panelists Bob Robb, Henry Thompson, and Elliott Pollack to dissect what may be the most dangerous budget proposal in recent U.S. history – President Trump’s 2025 budget plan, the “big beautiful bill.” As deficit projections surge by as much as $5 trillion, the panel explores the roots of America’s fiscal recklessness, the partisan paralysis that enables it, and the populist narratives masking the hard economic truths. This ...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 26 min
In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson sits down with environmental educator and NAU professor Dr. Stefan Sommer for a compelling discussion on climate change and its multifaceted challenges. With deep expertise in sustainability, biodiversity, and public outreach, Dr. Sommer unpacks the science behind global warming, while Paul presents a pro-growth, free-market perspective. Together, they explore where environmental urgency meets economic practicality—striving for a balance that d...
Jun 01, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson welcomes Nick Ponder, a lobbyist with the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, for an intense and illuminating debate on Arizona’s housing woes. With insights from economist Elliot Pollack and real-world developer experience, Paul exposes how excessive city regulations, permitting delays, and zoning bottlenecks are inflating home prices and driving supply shortages. Nick pushes back, highlighting legislative trends, land constraints, and the rol...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 36 min
In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by columnist Bob Robb and scholar Henry Tomson to unpack a high-stakes question: Can an independent candidate win the Arizona governor’s race? With Trump’s influence looming over the Republican primary and growing dissatisfaction among voters, the conversation explores whether Karen Taylor Robson—or someone like her—can carve a viable path outside the traditional party lines. Topics Discussed in This Video: The Viability of an Indepen...
May 08, 2025•1 hr 22 min
In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson brings together top-tier minds – Elliot Pollack, Bob Robb, and Henry Thompson – for an in-depth conversation on America’s most pressing economic questions. As inflation continues to bite, interest rates remain high, and uncertainty grows, the panel explores how Donald Trump’s political maneuvers – from pressuring the Federal Reserve to imposing erratic tariffs – are impacting the global and domestic economy. Together, they offer insight into th...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 16 min
In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by Bob Robb and Elliott Pollack for a gripping conversation on one of today’s most pressing policy debates: tariffs and their growing impact on the American economy. As Trump’s new tariff proposals ripple through the markets, Paul and the panel explore whether this is a bold strategy to restore economic fairness – or a perilous leap into protectionist chaos. Together, they confront the conflicting ideologies driving U.S. policy, discu...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 22 min
In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by economist Elliott Pollack, columnist Bob Robb, and professor Henry Thompson to explore one of America’s most urgent issues: housing affordability. Together, they dig into how city zoning laws, regulatory delays, and supply constraints have fueled a housing crisis – and why homelessness, economic stagnation, and unaffordability are all symptoms of a deeper policy failure. Through compelling analysis, real-world examples, and expert ...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 33 min
Join Paul Johnson, Henry Thompson, and Bob Robb for a deep dive into today’s most pressing political and economic issues. From the controversy at Columbia University over free speech to the latest Senate budget resolution and the shifting global power dynamics, this episode explores the policies, ideologies, and leadership decisions that are shaping America’s future. Topics Discussed in This Video: - Columbia University Protests & The Free Speech Debate: Paul Johnson and his panel discuss th...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 15 min
The world is changing fast — is America still leading the way? In this powerful discussion, Paul Johnson sits down with Elliott Pollack, Henry Thompson, and Bob Robb to analyze the Ukraine war, U.S. foreign policy, and the shifting balance of power. With tensions rising between Trump and Zelensky, NATO reassessing its defense strategy, and Putin making bold moves, this episode asks the tough questions: Is the U.S. stepping back from its role as leader of the free world? How will Europe and NATO ...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 16 min
America is at a turning point. From Trump’s dramatic shifts in foreign policy to Elon Musk’s radical plan to slash federal spending, the future of the United States is being reshaped before our eyes. In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson and his expert panel break down the biggest issues facing the nation. Trump’s foreign policy continues to shake the global order—his negotiations with Russia over Ukraine, his proposal for the U.S. to take over Gaza, and his push to make European allies...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 20 min
In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson welcomes Mark Meckler, co-founder of the Tea Party Movement and leader of the Convention of States initiative. Joined by Professor Henry Thompson, the discussion dives deep into the push for an Article V Convention, a process that could lead to constitutional amendments aimed at reshaping the federal government. Meckler, a key figure in conservative grassroots activism, explains why he believes Washington is broken and how state-led initiatives...
Feb 19, 2025•59 min
This week has been packed with major political and economic developments, and in this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by Bob Robb and Henry Thompson to break down the biggest stories shaping America. Trump’s surprise tariff announcement on Canada, Mexico, and China sent shockwaves through the stock market, reigniting fears of a trade war and economic instability. Meanwhile, the growing DEI backlash has led corporations and universities to rethink diversity policies, as Trum...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 2 min
In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by Bob Robb and Henry Thompson for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and government policy. The discussion explores China’s new AI model, DeepSeek, and how it’s shaking up the AI race, putting pressure on OpenAI, Google’s Gemini, and Elon Musk’s AI projects. The panel also breaks down Trump’s latest executive orders, including his involvement in AI development, the Doge Committee, and the most popu...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 23 min
Join host Paul Johnson on The Optimistic American as he engages in an inspiring discussion with Jake Harriman and Garrett Cathcart, co-founders of More Perfect Union. This veteran-led organization works tirelessly to bridge political divides, empower communities, and restore civic unity across the United States. Harriman and Cathcart share their remarkable journeys from military service to building a movement that fosters trust, collaboration, and the shared American identity. Topics Discussed i...
Jan 22, 2025•56 min•Season 5Ep. 38
Join host Paul Johnson as he welcomes panelists Bob Robb, a syndicated columnist, and Elliot Pollack, an esteemed economist, to New Frontiers. In this engaging episode, the trio dives into key issues impacting the American economy, politics, and society. From exploring the complexities of the bond market and inflation to dissecting the ramifications of California’s devastating wildfires and the nation’s immigration policies, this discussion promises a nuanced analysis of pressing current events....
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 21 min
Join host Paul Johnson and panelists Elliot Pollack, Bob Robb, and Henry Thompson in this episode of New Frontiers. The panel dives into predictions for 2025, covering Trump’s tariff policies, the evolving MAGA coalition, and Elon Musk’s involvement in Trump’s administration. They also discuss critical national and foreign policy issues, including U.S.-China relations, the Middle East, and Ukraine. To wrap it up, the group shares Super Bowl picks and their inspiring New Year resolutions. Topics ...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Join Paul Johnson and Henry Thompson as they welcome renowned political analyst and author Henry Olsen to explore the transformative shifts in U.S. politics. In this episode of New Frontiers, the panel dives into the ideological evolution from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump, exploring the intersections of populism, nationalism, and working-class politics. This thought-provoking discussion touches on pivotal topics that are reshaping America’s political landscape and the implications for its futur...
Dec 28, 2024•1 hr 9 min
Join Paul Johnson on New Frontiers as he hosts a dynamic panel discussion with Henry Thompson, Bob Robb, and Eliott Pollack. Together, they explore the challenges of America’s political divisiveness, the potential of reform through open primaries, and the shifting dynamics in global conflicts, including the situations in Ukraine, Israel, and Syria. The episode wraps up with a forward-looking conversation on the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and quantum computing, featuring insigh...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 14 min
Join host Paul Johnson alongside expert panelists Bob Robb, Elliot Pollack, and Henry Thompson in this thought-provoking episode of New Frontiers . The conversation dives deep into the complexities surrounding Trump’s recent cabinet picks, the role of Elon Musk, Hunter Biden’s pardon, and economic policies like tariffs and deregulation. This dynamic discussion sheds light on political strategies, economic implications, and potential outcomes of these pivotal decisions.
Dec 05, 2024•1 hr
In this episode of New Frontiers host Paul Johnson sits down with Tricia Caldwell from Medical Teams International to discuss their incredible humanitarian work across the globe. From the war-torn regions of Ukraine and Sudan to disaster-stricken areas worldwide, Medical Teams International is dedicated to providing life-saving healthcare, psychological support, and hope to those in crisis.
Dec 04, 2024•41 min
In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson sits down with Tom Fishman, CEO of The Builders Program, to discuss the challenges of modern politics and the innovative solutions aimed at bridging the deep divides in Congress. With polarization at an all-time high, The Builders Program leverages groundbreaking tools like the Builders Power Rankings to promote bipartisan collaboration and empower citizens to hold their leaders accountable. Tom shares how his team uses advanced resea...
Nov 18, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 37
In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by panelists Eliott Pollack and Henry Thompson to dissect the key issues shaping the political landscape in the wake of the recent election. The discussion centers on Donald Trump’s policy proposals, from economic reforms to the "America First" agenda, and their potential effects on the nation and beyond. The panel dives into the odds of Trump’s campaign promises being enacted, explores the upsides and downsides of each policy, and ex...
Nov 13, 2024•52 min
Join Paul Johnson and panelists Elliott Pollack, Henry Thompson, and Bob Robb in this episode of New Frontiers , where they discuss the high-stakes, anxiety-inducing upcoming U.S. election. As polling shows a close race between Trump and Harris, the panel explores why this election feels existential for many voters and how economic uncertainty and inflation fears add to the stress. Topics Discussed: - Election Anxiety and Political Polarization : The panel opens with a discussion about the heigh...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 15 min
In this episode of The Optimistic American , host Paul Johnson sits down with McKay Coppins , an acclaimed journalist and staff writer at The Atlantic , to explore the intersection of politics, religion, and media. As the author of the book Romney: A Reckoning , McKay brings unparalleled insights into the political transformation of the Republican Party, from the Romney era to the Trump movement. They also address the complex dynamics between faith and politics, the struggle for moral integrity,...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 5Ep. 36
Join host Paul Johnson on New Frontiers for an in-depth conversation with Nobel Prize winner and acclaimed economist Professor James Robinson . In this episode, Paul and James explore themes from Robinson’s transformative book, Why Nations Fail . They discuss the critical role of inclusive versus extractive institutions and how these structures influence the prosperity of nations . With insightful perspectives on the U.S., China, Nigeria , and other countries, the conversation highlights how emp...
Oct 25, 2024•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of New Frontiers , Paul Johnson and panelists Elliot Pollack, Robert Robb, and Henry Thompson engage in a compelling discussion on America’s future. They explore key political, economic, and cultural issues — from the legacy of Donald Trump and his ties to Roy Cohn, to Elon Musk's SpaceX innovations, and the vital role that regulations play in shaping U.S. competitiveness. Topics Discussed in the Video: - The Apprentice Movie: The panel kicks off with a discussion about The Appre...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 30 min
