Forge of Freedom

04/08/2026

Just a quick note, y'all!

RSWC and Forge of Freedom have moved!

But we're obit going to be at the next booth!

We'll be at Booth 3554!

Please come visit us at Voices of the 2A at NRA AM!

03/30/2026

03/30/2026

Episode 201. The Conservative War Creed

This episode explores the contradictions in conservative principles supporting expansive military intervention, drawing parallels with the conservative drug war framework. It questions how support for war conflicts with limited government ideals and examines the historical and philosophical implications of perpetual warfare.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Current Conflict
02:55 The Conservative War Creed
10:44 War and Liberty: A Dangerous Relationship

Resources

Laurence Vance's Conservative Drug War Creed
https://www.lewrockwell.com/2018/06/laurence-m-vance/the-conservative-drug-war-creed/

Laurence Vance
https://www.fff.org/author/laurence-m-vance/ ()
https://mises.org/profile/laurence-m-vance (.institute)

https://libertarianchristians.com/author/laurence/ ()

Ludwig von Mises
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Ludwig+von+Mises

Murray Rothbard
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Murray+Rothbard

Choice by
https://www.amazon.com/Choice-Cooperation-Enterprise-Human-Action/dp/1598132180

The Forge of Freedom Podcast
https://theforgeoffreedom.com

Keywords
war, liberty, conservative principles, foreign policy, interventionism, Mises, Rothbard, military-industrial complex, American empire, constitutional government

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

03/03/2026

Save the date and get your free tickets to TEDxWake. I will be bringing light over heat to The Gun Debate.

02/23/2026

Alex was a guest on The Reasonable Person Podcast to discuss the 4th Amendment and civil asset forfeiture. Check out he conversation here.

Join Paul, Kat, Brian, and special guest Alex Ooley as we talk about the 4th Amendment to the US Constitution.

02/11/2026

Check out my latest article for : "The Origins of American Gun Culture" where I dive into the historical realities of armed citizenship and why the record shows an armed population was the norm, not the exception.

Colonial lawmakers didn't fear an armed people. They feared an unarmed one.

Read it here: https://gundigest.com/article/origins-of-american-gun-culture

We take a look back at early American history when guns weren't just a part of everyday life, but when ownership was sometimes mandatory.

02/05/2026

Handgun Training Opportunity – April 10–12, 2026

We’re excited to share that fi****ms instructor Adam Winch of Defenders USA will be teaching Defenders Series: Handgun Proficiency Into Speed & Accuracy at the Riley Conservation Club near Terre Haute, IN this spring.

This 2.5-day defensive handgun course is perfect for both brand-new shooters and experienced carriers who want to sharpen their fundamentals, build confidence, and grow speed without sacrificing accuracy. Over the weekend, students will work through:

• A Friday evening dry-fire fundamentals clinic
• Saturday sessions focused on safe handling and precision
• Sunday training blending accuracy with movement and speed under stress (Defenders USA)

Adam Winch is the owner and lead instructor of Defenders USA, with a strong background in military police, SWAT, and over ten years as a law enforcement officer — and he’s taught thousands of students across the country. (Defenders USA)

📍 Where: Riley Conservation Club – Riley, IN (https://rileycc.com/)
📅 When: April 10–12, 2026
🔗 Learn more & register: https://www.defenders-usa.com/course/defenders-series-handgun-proficiency-into-speed-accuracy-terra-haute-in-april-10-12th-2026/
👤 About the instructor: https://www.defenders-usa.com/instructors/adam-winch/

Defenders USA

Whether you’re looking to refine your defensive skills or take them to the next level, this is a great opportunity to train with one of the best.

01/02/2026

Waiting is a decision, and it’s often a deadly one.

Active shooter attacks aren’t stopped by plans, drills, slogans, policy manuals, or hope. They’re stopped by early resistance, sometimes by one person acting decisively.

This piece breaks down why the first 30 seconds matter more than anything else.

I've linked to the referenced book by Ed Monk in the comments.

👉 https://gundigest.com/handguns/concealed-carry/active-shooter-first-30-seconds

Gun Digest

When it comes to stopping an active shooter situation, the first 30 seconds are the most important. Here we look at why you need to act.

01/01/2026

Episode 199. City of Gary v. Smith & Wesson: Ending 26 Years of Lawfare

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley discusses the recent dismissal of the City of Gary versus Smith and Wesson lawsuit, a case that has lasted over 26 years. The conversation delves into the concept of lawfare, where the legal system is used as a weapon to impose costs and achieve policy outcomes without legislative action. Ooley explains the implications of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) and the Indiana General Assembly's recent legislation that limits the ability of cities to sue firearm manufacturers. The episode concludes with reflections on the broader implications of this case for the legal system and democratic accountability.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings
00:30 The Dismissal of City of Gary vs. Smith and Wesson
01:10 Understanding Lawfare and Its Implications
06:07 The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act
08:55 The Role of Indiana's Legislation in the Case
10:32 Broader Implications of the Case on Law and Policy

Resources

Smith & Wesson Corp. v. City of Gary (Ind.App., 2025)
https://public.courts.in.gov/Decisions/api/Document/Opinion?Id=gGTF-6-ACU7XYO2CNCjB7ZhYnzf0SvNDQ4wFQBfGLJhtN15JdMI2r-U_SAoZIlYD0

Guy Relford
https://omny.fm/shows/the-gun-guy-podcast/gun-guy-full-show-12-27-2025
Facebook: .relford.2025
X:

AG Todd Rokita
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1289904319820449&set=a.230626505748241


The Reload
https://thereload.com/indiana-appeals-court-tosses-26-year-old-liability-lawsuit-against-smith-and-wesson/
X:



Morningstar
https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20251230dc54832/nssf-praises-indiana-court-decision-to-end-city-of-gary-lawsuit

Indy Star
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2025/12/29/indiana-court-of-appeals-upholds-indiana-law-to-kill-garys-gun-lawsuit/87948004007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z115150p116250c116250d00----v115150d--44--b--44--&gca-ft=165&gca-ds=sophi


Reason.com
https://reason.com/volokh/2025/12/29/26-year-old-case-against-smith-wesson-et-al-by-gary-indiana-finally-over/



The Indiana Lawyer
https://www.theindianalawyer.com/articles/in-court-of-appeals-rules-lower-court-must-dismiss-gary-lawsuit-against-gun-industry


PLCAA
prelim@title15/chapter105&edition=prelim" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title15/chapter105&edition=prelim

Duke Center for Fi****ms Law
https://fi****mslaw.duke.edu/2019/12/new-decision-in-a-very-old-case-city-of-gary-v-smith-wesson-corp
****msLaw

Keywords
lawfare, City of Gary, Smith and Wesson, fi****ms litigation, legal system, public nuisance, PLCAA, Indiana General Assembly, separation of powers, democratic accountability

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

12/23/2025

Episode 198. Religious Freedom: History, Law, and the Spirit of Christmas

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley explores the foundational concept of religious freedom in America, tracing its historical roots, legal interpretations, and its significance today. He discusses the First Amendment's intent, the impact of the 1947 Supreme Court case Everson v. Board of Education, and how religious liberty is essential for a free society. The conversation culminates in a reflection on Christmas as a representation of voluntary faith and the importance of keeping government out of personal belief systems.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Religious Freedom
00:58 Understanding the First Amendment
05:12 Historical Context of Religious Liberty
09:01 The Impact of the 1947 Supreme Court Case
13:33 The Importance of Religious Liberty Today
16:26 Christmas as a Reflection of Religious Freedom

Resources

https://mises.org/mises-wire/how-religious-freedom-america-was-founded-privatization-and-decentralization

https://scholarship.law.missouri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1988&context=facpubs

https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/

https://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTrials/conlaw/everson.html

https://www.oyez.org/cases/1940-1955/330us1

https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/330/1/ -opinion-1939031

Keywords
religious freedom, First Amendment, church and state, Supreme Court, American liberty, historical context, Christmas, separation of church and state, Bill of Rights, freedom of conscience

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

12/12/2025

Indiana could get an "F" as well if we got rid of our horrendous Red Flag law.

The "F" stands for "Freedom."

11/27/2025

Episode 197. Families Are the Key to Building Alternatives to the State

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley reflects on the significance of family during Thanksgiving, emphasizing its role as a foundational institution for civil society. He discusses how strong families can counteract state power and contribute to community engagement, civic participation, and religious involvement. The conversation highlights the decline of family structures and its implications for society, urging listeners to recognize the importance of familial bonds in preserving freedom and cultural strength.

Chapters
00:00 Thanksgiving Reflections on Family and Freedom
01:39 The Role of Families in Civil Society
04:45 The Impact of Family Structure on Community Engagement
07:49 Marriage, Religion, and Civic Participation
10:36 The State's Influence on Family Dynamics
13:26 Cultural Strength and Independence through Family

Resources

https://mises.org/mises-wire/families-are-key-building-alternatives-state

https://mises.org/mises-daily/what-has-government-done-our-families

https://mises.org/mises-wire/leftists-still-want-abolish-family

https://c4ss.org/content/16141

https://www.cato.org/policy-report/september/october-2015/hayekian-theory-parental-rights #

https://ifstudies.org/blog/is-limited-government-the-best-pro-family-policy

Mises Institute:
Facebook: Mises Institute
X:
YouTube:

Ryan McMaken on X:


Keywords
Thanksgiving, family, freedom, civil society, community engagement, marriage, religion, political implications, cultural strength

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.