Merry Christmas from The Porcupine Report! Please enjoy our Christmas special from 2024. Eric is joined by a panel of regulars to the show to talk about Christmas spirit in New Hampshire. They celebrate New Hampshire's rank as the state with the most Christmas spirit, due to the many holiday events that happen annually as well as activities such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, skiing, and ice skating. The guests also share unique ways they celebrate, from cooking special meals to organizing community events. They bask in the joy of celebrating the holidays in the Free State, without the burden of overregulation and high taxes.
Eric talks with Tyler and Sarah, the new innkeepers of the Independence Inn in Strafford, New Hampshire, to talk about their journey from California and New York to the Free State. They share how a simple vacation turned into taking over the historic inn and opening The Jefferson restaurant, built around scratch-made food, local sourcing, and personal responsibility. They share how their business has been embraced by the local community and why New Hampshire’s culture of freedom, trust, and neighborliness feels fundamentally different from other states. Tyler and Sarah explain how the inn has become a hub for Free Staters, visitors, and future movers looking to experience New Hampshire before relocating. The episode highlights how building businesses, community, and culture on the ground is central to keeping the “Live Free or Die” spirit alive.
Matt Whitlock shares his journey from discovering libertarian ideas during the Ron Paul Revolution to ultimately moving to New Hampshire in 2010. He describes how the Free State community helped cultivate one of the earliest and most active Bitcoin ecosystems in the world, including the weekly Bitcoin meetups and his role in building one of the first prototype Bitcoin ATMs. Matt explains his involvement in the Save the Quill effort, where he helped secure the purchase of the original liberty clubhouse to keep it in community hands. He then introduces his latest project, Porcupine Properties, a tokenized real-estate investment company that uses blockchain technology to let people collectively invest in rental properties. Matt closes by emphasizing the importance of building parallel institutions so they’re ready when legacy systems inevitably fail.
Matt's talk "Elliptic Curve Cryptography, the Foundation of Bitcoin" can be found here: https://youtu.be/JszfLU4ysEM?si=K6l2tB2TZjCFvGgl
Eric catches up with Carla Gericke—President Emeritus and current Board Chair of the Free State Project—to talk about the movement’s growth and direction. They dive into why Free Staters are increasingly recognized as the best neighbors in New Hampshire, despite critics’ attempts to paint them otherwise. Carla shares insights on building local resilience, expanding liberty culture, and strengthening community networks across the state. They also discuss upcoming events, new initiatives, and the importance of mobilizing independent-minded Granite Staters. If you’re curious about life in the Free State or how liberty is being built on the ground, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
This episode dives into the spirit of gratitude at the heart of the Free State community, highlighting the relationships, support, and shared purpose that make New Hampshire feel like home for liberty lovers. Eric and Chris reflect on the unique strength of this movement—one built not just on political wins, but on real human connection and a culture of showing up for one another. They explore how engagement, volunteerism, and friendship continue to fuel the momentum that draws people from across the country. It’s a warm, reflective conversation about why building freedom starts with building community, and a celebration of the people who make the Free State Project thrive.
Eric unveils major updates for the Free State movement, including the official launch of ticket sales for the 2026 New Hampshire Liberty Forum. He’s joined by Free State Project founder Jason Sorens to explore the event’s history, new dialog series, and the “Build Freedom” theme shaping this year’s programming. Together, they break down what attendees can expect—from main-stage speakers like economist Bob Murphy to intimate Liberty-in-Practice discussions capped at 25 participants. Eric also highlights recent growth in Porcupine Patrons, shares a fiery “love letter” from a legislative adversary, and recaps ongoing outreach across New England. If you want an inside look at the most effective liberty movement in America, this episode lays out why New Hampshire is leading the way. Tickets and details are available now at NHLibertyForum.com.
Eric welcomes Jaime Hussey, a new mover to New Hampshire and a passionate Free Stater from Maine. Jaime shares how her frustration with Maine’s increasing government control—from the loss of vaccine exemptions to red flag gun laws—led her family to join the Free State movement. Now deeply involved in New Hampshire’s liberty community, she helps lead the “Pal” welcome program and supports outreach to Mainers ready to make the move. Together, she and Eric discuss Maine’s political decline, the strength of New Hampshire’s free society, and the vibrant liberty communities forming across the state, including the new “Pine” clubhouse in the North Country. This episode is a heartfelt call to action for freedom-lovers everywhere: vote with your feet and help build liberty in our lifetimes.
Eric celebrates November 5th with big news for the Free State Project — the launch of its brand-new website, FSP.org, and companion community hub, community.fsp.org. Joined by IT Director Brian Becker and design strategist Miranda Animus, Eric dives into how these new platforms make it easier for liberty lovers to learn, connect, and get involved in New Hampshire’s growing Free State movement. Miranda shares her inspiring journey from discovering the project as a teenager to helping design its digital future, while Brian details the tech powering the new online community and event calendar. The episode also highlights upcoming events like the Political Leadership Workshop and the 2026 Liberty Forum. This is an exciting look at how the Free State Project is modernizing its mission to build liberty in our lifetimes.
Eric welcomes back Free Stater and Argentina expert Skot Sheller to discuss Javier Milei’s stunning midterm election victory. Schiller explains how Milei’s libertarian party defied expectations, gaining seats and momentum after previous setbacks. They dive into the economic impact of the win, the surge in Argentina’s markets, and what it means for liberty movements worldwide. Skot also breaks down Milei’s debt strategy, reforms, and populist campaign style that energized young voters. He also explains the broader inspiration Argentina’s success offers to freedom advocates everywhere.
Eric welcomes back political commentator Jack Hunter for a wide-ranging discussion on liberty and current national events. They begin by celebrating the potential downfall of former national security advisor John Bolton, calling it long-overdue justice for his role in past foreign policy disasters. The two dive into Donald Trump’s recent attacks on liberty-minded figures like Rand Paul and Thomas Massie, questioning Trump’s priorities and the direction of the MAGA movement. They also explore the fragile Israel-Palestine ceasefire and Trump’s role in it, debating whether it reflects genuine progress or political theater. Despite frustrations with national politics, both emphasize the ongoing importance of the Free State Project in building real liberty on the local level.
Eric welcomes longtime Free Stater and author Ian Underwood to discuss his journey of building a self-sufficient life in New Hampshire. Ian shares how he and his friends founded Bardo Farm, living off the grid and fostering a culture of independence and community. He also dives into his series of books challenging conventional ideas about fairness, funding, and fun in education—arguing that schools should focus on actual learning, not bureaucracy. The two reflect on how the Free State movement has advanced homeschooling, liberty activism, and local resilience. Their conversation ranges from educational reform to lessons from COVID-19, offering a vision of practical freedom in everyday life.
New mover Pedro Serra joins Eric to share his journey from Puerto Rico to New Hampshire and why he believes the Free State Project is one of the most important liberty movements in the world. Pedro reflects on his years as a business owner facing endless government red tape and how that inspired his passion for economic freedom. He and Eric discuss how the Free State Project serves as a real-world example of liberty in action—building a free community from the ground up. Pedro also highlights his new role as outreach director, organizing events across New England to connect with more freedom-minded people. Together they invite listeners to upcoming Free State events, including Fall Fest and a political leadership training in November.
(Originally aired 8/27/25) On this episode of The Porcupine Report, Eric sits down with Constance Spencer to dive into the magic of Fall Fest, one of the Free State community’s beloved traditions. What started as a simple corn maze hangout has grown into a full weekend of apple picking, ax throwing, hikes, and even the world’s largest arcade—all set against New Hampshire’s breathtaking autumn colors. Constance shares heartwarming stories and laughs from past years, painting a picture of freedom, family, and fun all rolled into one. Together, they discuss fond memories from past events, the importance of building connections, and why New Hampshire offers both freedom and the charm of New England living.
Eric welcomes back Free Stater Skot Sheller, known in the liberty movement for his deep knowledge of Argentina and President Javier Milei. Skot breaks down Milei’s ambitious reforms—slashing inflation, cutting government spending, and pushing back against decades of Peronist control—while also highlighting the resistance he faces in a weak legislature and hostile media. They compare Argentina’s top-down experiment with Milei to New Hampshire’s bottom-up liberty movement, where grassroots activists drive change through the legislature. Skot also shares why young Argentinians overwhelmingly back Milei and how cultural battles are just as important as political ones. The conversation closes with cautious optimism, noting upcoming midterm elections in Argentina could determine whether Milei’s libertarian revolution continues or stalls.
Bitcoin and liberty advocate, Bruce Fenton, joins Eric for a wide-ranging conversation. He reflects on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, warning how political violence endangers free speech and civil discourse. Bruce shares his journey from traditional finance into Bitcoin and how that path led him to New Hampshire’s Free State Project. They discuss the dangers of “team sports” politics, the clash between negative and positive rights, and why open dialog matters even with strong disagreements. Bruce also previews the upcoming Free State Bitcoin Digital Asset Conference, highlighting how crypto can either liberate people from central banks or be co-opted by them. It’s a thoughtful look at liberty, technology, and the future of freedom.
In this episode, Eric talks with Sarah Scott, Deputy State Director of Americans for Prosperity–New Hampshire. They dive into the wave of liberty victories in the state, from expanding Education Freedom Accounts to every child, to eliminating mandatory annual car inspections. Sarah explains how New Hampshire is leading on issues like healthcare choice with expanded “Right to Try,” free market zoning reforms for housing, and even establishing a strategic Bitcoin and gold reserve. Together, they highlight how grassroots activism and liberty-minded legislators are reshaping policy in the Granite State. The conversation ends with a call for more people to get involved, whether as activists or future candidates, to keep the momentum going.
In this episode of The Porcupine Report, Eric welcomes Spike Cohen, founder of You Are The Power, to discuss his organization’s fight against government overreach. Cohen highlights the heartbreaking case of the Hernandez family, who lost their children after doctors misdiagnosed a medical condition as abuse. By mobilizing viral campaigns and public pressure, You Are The Power not only reunited families but also helped pass Georgia’s Ridges Law, reforming CPS practices—and so far, they’ve maintained a 100% success rate. Cohen invites viewers to join the movement at youarethepower.net to push back against government abuse across the nation.
On this episode of The Porcupine Report, Eric sits down with Constance Spencer to dive into the magic of Fall Fest, one of the Free State community’s beloved traditions. What started as a simple corn maze hangout has grown into a full weekend of apple picking, ax throwing, hikes, and even the world’s largest arcade—all set against New Hampshire’s breathtaking autumn colors. Constance shares heartwarming stories and laughs from past years, painting a picture of freedom, family, and fun all rolled into one. Together, they discuss fond memories from past events, the importance of building connections, and why New Hampshire offers both freedom and the charm of New England living.
In this episode of “The Porcupine Report”, Eric broadcasts from Ron Paul’s 90th birthday celebration in Lake Jackson, Texas. He reflects on Ron Paul’s legacy in sparking the modern liberty movement and highlights the success of the Free State Project in New Hampshire. Brakey is joined by Lynn Ulbricht, who discusses her new organization, Mothers Against Cruel Sentencing (MACS), which fights against harsh and disproportionate prison terms. She shares stories of people serving life sentences for minor, nonviolent drug offenses, and explains how mass incarceration devastates families and communities. Together, they emphasize the failure of the drug war, the financial and human costs of long sentences, and the urgent need for reform. The conversation closes with gratitude for the liberty community and a call to continue Ron Paul’s message of freedom.
Mike ter Maat joins Eric to discuss his vision for America’s future, emphasizing liberty, personal responsibility, and principled leadership. As a Libertarian presidential candidate, he critiques the failures of both major parties in protecting individual freedoms and promoting sound economic policies. Ter Maat outlines his stance on issues like ending endless wars, reducing government overreach, and fostering a truly free market. He also shares his background in law enforcement and economics, explaining how these experiences shape his approach to governance. Throughout the conversation, he calls for unity among liberty-minded Americans to build a stronger movement. His message centers on empowering citizens to take control of their own lives without interference from the state.