Upstream Ideas - podcast cover

Upstream Ideas

Upstream Ideas
"He who seeks to improve conditions must propagate a new mentality, not merely a new institution." — Ludwig von Mises Our aim at Upstream Ideas is to do just as Mises suggested by turning the dial on how you look at the political and policy issues facing Illinois, Chicago and our nation. We present new ideas that inform salient policy decisions, start new conversations and move beyond partisan politics all while challenging the status quo. Dan Proft along with distinguished guests and contributors lay out in-depth issues in a digestible way to better understand why conditions are what they are and how they could be improved. We produce content in a variety of formats including long-form interviews, multiple segment radio shows and mini-monologues. We arm you with new information and fresh perspectives with the goal of making Illinois and the United States of America a bit more free, a bit more just and a bit more civilized.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

WIND: No Adults Allowed

How can New York and Illinois bring people back? Lower their taxes. Why are “pro-business groups” in Chicago advocating for more taxes? Where are the “adults” in the room telling Democrats the catastrophic effects of eliminating all fossil fuels? Chief Economist for CNN, Steve Moore joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Feb 07, 2019

WIND: Out Of Touch

What is the Democrats’ message heading into 2020? Is the field of candidates who aren’t parents show how out of touch they are with reality? Is Trump willing to shut down government again to move forward with border security talks? Senior Contributor at American Greatness, Julie Kelly joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Feb 07, 2019

WIND: My Facebook Fast

Could you give up the big five? Which one of the social networks would you miss most? Would you feel disconnected from your friends and family? Does it actually change the way you interact with your spouse or children? Is there the beginnings of a backlash against the internet? Journalist at Gizmodo, Kashmir Hill joins Dan and Amy to discuss her experience in giving up the big five social networking platforms.

Feb 07, 2019

WIND: Big Government As A Moral Issue

What has been the impact of Illinois’ economic death spiral on churches? Does the clergy have an obligation to educate their parishioners on what the political ruling class is doing or would they rather throw in with them? Senior pastor at Christ Church, Mike Woodruff joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Feb 06, 2019

WIND: Americans Approve Of Trump’s SOTU

Is the SOTU the political equivalent of the Oscars? Was Trump wise to not get as heated as he does in his rally speeches? Should we be optimistic about another meeting with Kim Jong Un? Is infanticide no longer a fringe topic amongst mainstream Democrats? Can Biden resist a presidential run? Weekend editor at Hotair.com, Jazz Shaw joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Feb 06, 2019

WIND: Class Divide On Immigration

Did President Trump correctly highlight the class divide on illegal immigration between cheap labor for the elites and votes for the “open borders” left? Is it too hard to for anyone in the political class to give credit when due to the other side? Washington Examiner reporter, Salena Zito joins Dan and Amy to recap President Trump’s SOTU.

Feb 06, 2019

WIND: Cultural Marxists’ Takeover Of Black History Month

How are schools celebrating Black History Month? Are students learning the inspirational stories of Frederick Douglass, Dr. Martin Luther King, or Bob Woodson? No. Instead, administrators are espousing the intellectually dishonest ideas from black lives matter groups. Are any parents willing to suggest alternative viewpoints to the cultural marxists running their children’s curriculum? Dan and Amy discuss.

Feb 05, 2019

WIND: The Intersection Of Law And Politics

What is the importance of the subpoenas to Trump’s inauguration committee? Was the arrest of Roger Stone excessive? Would it be wise for Trump to use the SOTU to declare a national emergency or should he simply restate his proposed compromise and let the Feb. 15 clock run? Contributing editor at National Review, Andy McCarthy joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Feb 05, 2019

WIND:Closer To A Cure To Cancer?

How close are Israeli scientists to a cure for cancer? Does it sound too good to be true? Where has technology and innovation taken us thus far in treating cancer? Northwestern University Hospital oncologist, Dr. Eric Donnelly joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Feb 05, 2019

WIND: The Policing Of Art

Is coal miners’ “blackface” consistent with the racially offensive blackface? Should the restaurant owner in question clarify the meaning of a photo with coal miners with soot on their face so people don’t get offended? Should the greater good be the standard for acceptable artistic expression? U.S. Air Force veteran turned poet and essayist, Rashaad Thomas joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Feb 05, 2019

WIND: The Soft Bigotry Of Low Expectations

Are conservative judges having trouble surpassing the new thresholds regarding their faith to get their Senate confirmations? How long will Gov. Northam last and how did the racially offensive yearbook photos not get found during the campaign? Are there second chances for some but not for all? Should the President invoke emergency powers to fund the wall? Georgetown Law professor, Randy Barnett joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Feb 04, 2019

WIND: Disingenuous Claims Against Border Wall

Is building a border wall driven from common sense policy rather than political ideology? Are the only people claiming the border wall will be ineffective are the political pundits and politicians who have never visited the border? Is the humanitarian crisis caused by America’s bad asylum laws filled with loopholes? Former Customs and Borders Protection Chief, Mark Morgan joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Feb 04, 2019

WIND: 2 Million Pounds

Operation Support Our Troops is sending out their 2 millionth pound box of care packages to troops serving overseas. It started as a small operation and 16 years later they are still providing troops with the support and resources they deserve. Executive Director of Operation Support Our Troops America, Bill Rickert joins Dan and Amy to discuss the organization’s milestone and how you can get involved.

Feb 04, 2019

WIND: The Party Of Infanticide

Is removing any impediments to kill a child born alive the newest push on the Liberal policy agenda? Does anyone still believe Democrats preaching “safe, legal and rare?” Is a bioethics professor at Princeton being the only honest one from the infanticide left saying that the world would be a better place if we killed infants with disabilities in hopes of gaining a healthier infant in society? Dan and Amy discuss the latest push for not only abortion on demand but infanticide.

Feb 01, 2019

WIND: Race To Be The Biggest Government Spender

Is Howard Schultz derailing the enthusiasm from far left candidates entering the race? What’s the over/under on 20 candidates in the primary? Is it a race to see who can make the government the biggest and most expensive? Is a border wall/barrier/fencing deal still possible before Tuesday's SOTU? Anchor of Special Report on Fox News, Bret Baier joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Feb 01, 2019

WIND:Jobs’ Report Surpasses Expectations

Is there reason to be optimistic about economic growth in 2019? Do the January numbers prove how “non-essential” federal employees really didn’t matter to the economy? Is Brexit important to America’s growth? How much will the UK save if they leave the European Union? Is there anything more important for the economy than the trade deal with China? Fox Business Contributor, Scott "The Cow Guy" Shellady joins Dan and Amy to discuss the January jobs report.

Feb 01, 2019

WIND: More Legal Troubles For Madigan

13th Ward Alderman Candidate, David Krupa officially filed a federal civil suit against Madigan and mini-me Marty Quinn. Where are law enforcement agencies at with the case? What is Krupa hoping to gain from the suit? Are ward residents aware of what’s going on? Krupa joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Jan 31, 2019

WIND: The Burke Four

Are the Burke Four (Chico, Daley, Mendoza, Preckwinkle) just status quo opportunists who joined the race after Rahm announced he wasn’t running? How can we expect change from a corrupt system? Is the Chicago media to blame for covering up corruption in City Hall and impeding entrepreneurs? Are things put in affidavits not there by accident? Chicago Tribune columnist, John Kass joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Jan 31, 2019

WIND: A Twisted Publicity Stunt?

Have the Chicago Police gathered any meaningful evidence that corroborates “Empire” star’s Jussie Smollett’s alleged homophobic and racially targeted attack? Why did the mainstream dive head first into the story without any clear evidence? Did something happen to Smolett but maybe not what he alleges? Former CPD and licensed PI, Paul Huebl joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Jan 31, 2019

WIND: Where Criminals Get Their Guns

Would more background checks limit the number of guns on the streets in the first place? Is disarming officers in schools in Baltimore a productive idea? Should there be less focus on rare mass shootings and more on the vast majority of gun violence that we have good data on how to prevent? Deputy Managing Editor at National Review, Robert VerBruggen joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Jan 31, 2019

WIND: Dems Ready To Eliminate Private Insurance Market

Will Trump get a deal on border security funding before next week's SOTU? Are Democrats going to Pelosi pushing for a deal? Has Trump been given the green light from Republicans to invoke emergency powers to fund the wall? Are other Democrats coming out against Kamala Harris’ plan to eliminate the private insurance market? Does the conclusion of the Vegas shooting that provided no answers show that government doesn’t have the power to control evil acts? Senior editor at HotAir.com , Ed Morrissey...

Jan 30, 2019

WIND: Church In Crisis

What has been going on at mega churches like Harvest Bible Chapel and Willow Creek in the Chicagoland area? How have they been creating cultures of dread and fear? Why are their elders living the lifestyles of the rich and famous on backs of their congruents? Veteran radio host, Julie Roys joins Dan and Amy to discuss her special “Church In Crisis” on Chicago WYLL 1160 AM at 6:00pm.

Jan 30, 2019

WIND: Taxing The American Dream

Are Democrats not even pretending you can keep your healthcare if you like it anymore? Why do they want to restrict people’s choices in healthcare and education? If Howard Schultz runs for president, doe he guarantee Trump a second term? Who needs $50 million anyway? WSJ Columnist and CNN Chief Economist, Steve Moore joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Jan 30, 2019

WIND: Who Won The Shutdown Showdown?

Did Trump not cave but fold temporarily? Are we properly estimating the President? Why is the media ignoring Pelosi’s low approval ratings? Why are Republicans afraid to make their case and instead respond to hysteria? Deputy Editor of The Spectator, Freddy Gray joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Jan 29, 2019

WIND: Will Democratic Presidential Candidates Go Full Maduro?

What has been the response from the far left in regards to what is happening in Venezuela? Are “all options on the table?” Is there any disgust or worry about the rise of anti-semitism amongst the newly elected Democrat-Socialist stars? Is social justice neither social nor just? Associate Editor for Commentary Magazine, Noah Rothman joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Jan 29, 2019

WIND: Will Trump Dwell On The Wall Or Move On?

Are Republicans going to stand with Trump through another shutdown? How do Trump and some Senate Republicans go into 2020 after not delivering on a wall? Has Trump done anything to expand his base? Will Democrats scare voters back into the arms of Trump? Washington Post columnist, George Will joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Jan 29, 2019

WIND: Chicago Receives Another ‘F Grade

How much would each taxpayer in Chicago need to send to city hall to break even? $36,000. That isn’t even including Chicago Public Schools or Park District's costs and debts. Is the city running out of backs to put the city’s pension debt on? Are politicians and mayoral candidates coming up with different schemes to kick the can down the road instead of fixing the problem now? Founder of Truth in Accounting, Sheila Weinberg joins Dan and Amy to discuss their latest "State of the Cities" report....

Jan 29, 2019

WIND: Stockholm Syndrome Plaguing Chicago Voters

Will there finally be a reckoning for those in power in Chicago? Are all of the political lords going to start turning on each other? What will it take to change the political culture in the city and state? Dan and Amy discuss the latest Sun Times' story reporting on FBI tapes of Madigan and Danny Solis’ unique interests and habits while alderman.

Jan 29, 2019

WIND: 10 Year-Old Bringing Tom Brady To Justice

How did a 10 year old prove Tom Brady cheated in deflate gate and win his science fair? Does he not hate Brady but just dislike him? How has he dealt with his new found fame? What are his Super Bowl predictions? Millcreek Elementary science fair winner, Ace Davis joins Dan and Amy to discuss. Visit his website at ace-davis.com

Jan 28, 2019

WIND: Preparing For Government Shutdown Part 2

Should Howard Schultz be taken seriously as an independent candidate for President? Is it a competition to be the biggest identity politics’ candidate amongst the Democrats? Can Trump recover from the partial shutdown? Will his reelection be put in jeopardy if he doesn’t get the wall? Editor of the New Criterion, Roger Kimball joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Jan 28, 2019
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android