• Ep. 4 - Gov. Marc Racicot
    Jun 27 2026

    In this episode, Our Republican Legacy’s Co-Chair, former Montana Governor and former RNC Chair Marc Racicot, joins Senior Advisor Chris Vance and Missouri State Chair Lynn Schmidt to discuss why he joined Our Republican Legacy (ORL), expressing concerns about the current political culture and the importance of adhering to constitutional values. He reflects on his extensive political career, emphasizing the need for humility and collaboration in governance. Racicot highlights the unique challenges faced by rural communities, the shifting political landscape, and the implications of military actions on domestic and international law. He concludes with a hopeful outlook for future elections and the potential for restoring sanity in politics.

    In our week-in-review segment, our panel discusses the rise of Democratic Socialism within the Democratic Party and its implications for the Republican Party. They explore regional perspectives on Democratic Socialism, the appeal of new leadership, and reflect on patriotism and the qualities needed in political leaders.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to The Republican Legacy Podcast

    01:01 The Rise of Democratic Socialism

    04:17 Regional Perspectives on the Democratic Party

    06:12 The Appeal of New Leadership

    11:24 Preview of Interview with Governor Marc Racicot

    13:44 Reflections on Patriotism and Leadership

    18:55 Looking Ahead: The Future of the Republican Party

    20:53 Introduction of Gov. Marc Racicot

    23:47 Concerns about Political Culture

    26:30 Lessons from a Political Career

    29:10 Challenges in Rural America

    31:50 Voter Sentiment and Political Change

    34:46 Military Use and Constitutional Concerns

    37:32 Looking Ahead: Hope for the Future

    Links

    • Our Republican Legacy Website
    • The Latest ORL Media Hits
    • ORL’s Policy Statements
    • Make a Contribution to Our Republican Legacy
    • Lynn Schmidt’s Latest Articles
    • Merrill Matthews’ Latest Articles
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    40 mins
  • Ep. 3 - Rep. Charlie Dent
    Jun 20 2026

    In this episode, Our Republican Legacy’s Co-Chair, former Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA), joins Senior Advisor Chris Vance and Missouri State Chair Lynn Schmidt to discuss why he joined Our Republican Legacy (ORL), emphasizing the need to refocus the Republican Party on its core principles. He expresses concerns about the current state of the party, particularly the shift towards loyalty to individual leaders rather than adherence to foundational values. Dent highlights the challenges of bipartisan cooperation in Congress and the importance of building a grassroots movement to support principled center-right Republicans. He also shares insights from his work at the Aspen Institute, where he fosters relationships among members of Congress to promote effective governance amidst increasing polarization.

    In our week-in-review segment, our panel discusses economic concerns, the implications of the Iran deal, and the importance of bipartisanship. They reflect on the role of moderate Republicans, the impact of Trump's presidency on foreign policy, and the challenges facing the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. The conversation also touches on generational perspectives on free enterprise and conservation issues and concludes by focusing on core Republican principles.

    Chapters

    00:54 Economic Concerns and Federal Reserve Decisions

    01:48 Iran: A Disastrous Memorandum of Understanding

    03:07 Interview Insights with Congressman Charlie Dent

    04:16 The Role of Moderate Republicans

    05:59 Bipartisanship in American Politics

    07:20 The Impact of Iran on U.S. Foreign Policy

    10:55 Republican National Security Policy in Question

    13:02 Generational Perspectives on Foreign Policy

    15:35 The Importance of Deterrence in Foreign Policy

    17:11 Trump's Birthday Spectacle and Political Branding

    21:22 Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industry Challenges

    23:59 Free Enterprise and Young Voter Perspectives

    26:23 Positive Developments in Global Affairs

    28:02 Conservation and Public Land Issues

    29:35 Closing Thoughts on Republican Principles

    30:40 Why Dent Joined Our Republican Legacy

    32:51 Concerns Within the Republican Party

    35:12 The Future of Center-Right Politics

    39:17 Challenges in Congressional Deal-Making

    46:11 Understanding Congress and Its Members

    53:35 The Role of the Aspen Institute

    Links

    • Our Republican Legacy Website
    • The Latest ORL Media Hits
    • ORL’s Policy Statements
    • Make a Contribution to Our Republican Legacy
    • Lynn Schmidt’s Latest Articles
    • Merrill Matthews’ Latest Articles
    • Aspen Institute
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    58 mins
  • Ep. 2 – Sen. John Danforth
    Jun 13 2026

    In this episode, Our Republican Legacy’s founder Senator John Danforth joins Senior Advisor Chris Vance, and Missouri State Chair Lynn Schmidt to discuss the origins of Our Republican Legacy, its core principles, and the importance of restoring responsible conservatism in America. He discusses the party's history, current challenges, and the need for civility and faith in politics.

    In our week-in-review segment, the panel is joined by Steven Willing, Our Republican Legacy’s California State Chair, to discuss the top stories of the week with a special focus on the results of the Primary Elections in California.

    They discuss the current state of the Republican Party, focusing on the recent California primary results, the ongoing claims of voter fraud, and the implications for the party's future. The conversation highlights the fragmentation within the party, the challenges posed by extremist candidates, and the need for a return to traditional Republican values. The panel emphasizes the importance of leadership and integrity, and the need for fresh ideas to move the party forward.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to The Republican Legacy Podcast

    02:06 The Need for a Responsible Conservative Party

    09:44 Core Principles of Our Republican Legacy

    15:37 Fiscal Responsibility and National Debt

    17:37 The Importance of Free Enterprise

    19:45 Peace Through Strength: A Republican Principle

    24:47 Advice for Young Republicans

    26:45 Faith, Civility, and Politics

    29:50 Week-in-Review Introduction

    30:22 Introduction of California State Chair Steve Willing

    31:10 California Primary Insights

    32:38 Voter Fraud Claims and Their Impact

    40:58 Bill Pulte DNI Fiasco

    43:14 Primary Elections Check-in

    44:15 Moderation vs. Extremism in Candidates

    47:23 Sen. Danforth Conversation Review

    49:43 Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

    Links

    • Our Republican Legacy Website
    • The Latest ORL Media Hits
    • ORL’s Policy Statements
    • Make a Contribution to Our Republican Legacy
    • Lynn Schmidt’s Latest Articles
    • Merrill Matthews’ Latest Articles
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    58 mins
  • Introducing The Republican Legacy Podcast
    Jun 7 2026

    In the inaugural episode of The Republican Legacy podcast, the official podcast of Our Republican Legacy (OurRepublicanLegacy.com), hosts Chris Vance, Lynn Schmidt, Merrill Matthews, and Tommy Whiteley introduce the organization and its mission to restore the Republican Party to its core values.

    The conversation explores their personal journeys to the organization, the impact of Donald Trump on the party, and the importance of accountability and messaging. The group discusses the need to return to core principles, the role of opinion writing in shaping public discourse, and the challenges facing the Republican Party, particularly in engaging younger voters and addressing contemporary issues such as AI regulation.

    In this conversation, the speakers discuss the shifting political landscape, with a particular focus on young voters' engagement and the authenticity they seek in political figures. They explore the economic concerns that dominate the minds of younger generations, such as housing and affordability, while contrasting these with the identity politics that seem to resonate less with them.

    The discussion also touches on the future of the Republican Party, the importance of returning to traditional values, and the potential for a new generation of leaders to emerge. Ultimately, the hosts express both optimism and concern for the future of American politics, emphasizing the need for genuine engagement and fiscal responsibility.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to The Republican Legacy Podcast

    03:07 The Call for Traditional Republican Values

    06:03 Personal Journeys to Our Republican Legacy

    08:48 Moments of Realization and Commitment

    12:04 The Role of Messaging and Mobilization

    14:47 Addressing Corruption and Accountability

    17:51 The Importance of Opinion Writing

    20:47 The Future of the Republican Party and Young Leaders

    27:23 The Authenticity Factor in Politics

    30:18 Economic Concerns of Young Voters

    33:24 Identity Politics vs. Economic Issues

    35:06 Engaging Young Voters with Traditional Republicanism

    39:03 The Future of the Republican Party

    45:46 Optimism and Concerns for America's Future

    Links

    • Our Republican Legacy Website
    • The Latest ORL Media Hits
    • ORL’s Policy Statements
    • Make a Contribution to Our Republican Legacy
    • Lynn Schmidt’s Latest Articles
    • Merrill Matthews’ Latest Articles
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins