The Iowa legislative session is about to begin, and this conversation is about what’s coming next.In this special session briefing, I’m joined by State Representative Steven Holt — a Marine Corps veteran who has served in the Iowa House for over a decade and currently chairs the House Judiciary Committee.We talk about legislative priorities, pressure points, and the issues that will matter most as lawmakers head back into the Capitol — including property rights, eminent domain, budget narratives, education policy, and the broader political landscape heading into this session.This is part of an ongoing effort to bring clear, grounded conversations to the forefront as the legislature convenes.Chapters 00:00 — The Iowa Legislature at the Starting LineSession structure, timelines, and what to expect as lawmakers convene02:31 — The Governor’s Race and the Political LandscapeContext around the race and its implications for the session05:41 — Eminent Domain and Property RightsWhy carbon pipeline policy remains a defining issue08:27 — Budget Management and Tax PolicyDebunking “budget crisis” narratives and discussing fiscal priorities11:04 — Education Policy and Curriculum DisputesParental rights, transparency, and unresolved school controversies13:42 — Social Issues and Community EngagementWhy local involvement matters more than ever16:44 — National Security and the Role of the StatesMilitary readiness, global instability, and state-level responsibility19:23 — What Comes NextUpcoming events, priorities, and where citizens can engageIf you find this conversation valuable, please like, subscribe, and share it with others who care about these issues. We’re grassroots, we’re independent, and we’re committed to moving the needle of freedom forward — not from the sidelines, but from where decisions are actually being made.You can support this work and help keep these conversations going at Patreon.com/OliverBardwell.

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Unedited. Uncut. Pure Jeff Shipley.In this rare, open-flow conversation, Jeff and I sit down for a deep, unscripted journey through culture, comedy, politics, and the future of freedom in Iowa.Jeff shares how stand-up comedy shaped his early voice, why humor is one of the greatest tools for truth-telling, and how those skills led him straight into political activism during the COVID years. Now on the cusp of fatherhood, he reflects on the personal growth, conviction, and spiritual grounding that guide his leadership.Sponsor: https://thegorillacover.com because they are awesome. Episode Chapters 00:00 — Jeff Shipley: Personal Growth, Fatherhood & Change01:30 — Stand-Up Comedy: The Unexpected Training Ground05:18 — From Comedy to Politics07:15 — COVID-19: Activism, Fear & Leadership10:39 — Civil Discourse as a Superpower13:27 — MLK Jr. and the Spirit of Non-Violence16:30 — Inside the Iowa Legislature19:15 — Rights, Power & the Post-COVID Landscape22:29 — Truth-Telling in Today’s Political Climate25:11 — Conspiracy Theories & Public Imagination28:52 — Mental Health and Activism32:31 — Technology, EMFs & Health Concerns35:51 — Breathwork & Embodiment39:41 — Education, DEI & Academic Freedom46:15 — Higher Ed: Standards, Decline & the Identity Crisis49:30 — America's Ideological Divide52:11 — Social Cohesion & the Urgency for Shared Values54:59 — Youth Radicalization01:00:00 — Transhumanism, Gender Theory & Human Identity01:11:04 — Psilocybin: Medical Possibilities01:22:49 — Property Tax Reform & Government Efficiency01:29:31 — Community vs. Government: Who Serves Better?01:34:48 — Political Dynamics & Legislative Realities01:39:02 — Conspiracy Theories & Citizen Perception01:41:54 — Environmental Legislation & Pesticide Concerns01:45:54 — Values, Integrity & Governance01:52:19 — Currency, Economics & the Future of Value02:06:39 — Final Reflections: Upholding Freedomwww.oliverbardwell.com - check us out... Love you all - Oliver Bardwell