An Interview with Mark L. Clifford, Author and Editor For more than four years, one of the greatest entrepreneurs in Hong Kong’s history has been in solitary confinement on sham charges that could lead to imprisonment for life. Despite being held in a small cell, 77-year-old Jimmy Lai has become one of Beijing’s greatest threats and one of the world’s most courageous leaders in the fight for freedom. Our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom is Mark L. Clifford, Lai’s close friend and an advocate for freedom in Hong Kong. He shares Lai’s remarkable story, from his childhood in poverty, to his rise as a successful business owner and newspaper publisher, to his stand against tyranny. This year, The Bradley Foundation has awarded Lai with an Honorary Bradley Prize for his unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom. Topics Discussed on this Episode: Lai’s childhood on mainland China and why he fled to Hong Kong How Lai was able to quickly rise above his circumstances The influence of free market ideas on Lai’s career and life The impact of Tiananmen Square and the massacre of 1989 Lai’s introduction to Catholicism and how religion shaped his belief system Lai’s decision to stay in Hong Kong and take a stand for freedom Lai’s state of mind after more than four years in prison Why the Chinese Communist Party fears Lai Whether there’s hope for Hong Kong’s democratic movement About Mark L. Clifford: Clifford is president of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong, the former executive director of the Asia Business Council, and a former board member at Next Digital. He is editorial chair of the Asian Review of Books and served as editor in chief of both English-language papers in Hong Kong, The Standard and the South China Morning Post.
--------
32:37
--------
32:37
Interview with Christopher Rufo
An Interview with Christopher Rufo, Writer, Filmmaker and Commentator For more than half a century, many of America’s most revered institutions have been infiltrated with ideas that run counter to the country’s founding principles. This ideological capture has been acute within prestigious universities, to the point where the opportunity for viewpoint diversity continues to be under severe threat. Yet, according to our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom, all is not lost. In fact, he believes that there has been an ideological shift not only within higher education, but in society, politics, culture and in civic institutions. And, he says, it’s only beginning. Christ Rufo discusses how his unique background, which is rooted in both scholarship and filmmaking, has led him to believe that it’s possible and vital to restore the principles of American exceptionalism. Topics Discussed on this Episode Why Chris went into documentary filmmaking upon graduation from Georgetown University. What Chris learned directing documentaries and why he focused on urban areas How Chris’ filmmaking experience turned him into an advocate for solutions to the problems he was seeing Reversing the ideological capture of higher universities and how to turn ideas rooted in scholarship into reality. Opportunities to change the culture in institutions that seem permanently captured, such as government, higher education, and entertainment Why the younger generation is gravitating towards values and ideals traditionally tied to free enterprise, liberty and free speech The rise of independent media and how it has contributed to the cultural shift What it means to receive a Bradley Prize About Christopher Rufo Rufo is a bestselling author, filmmaker and commentator, whose work has significantly influenced contemporary American culture and policies. He’s also a senior fellow and director of the initiative on critical race theory at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor of City Journal. Rufo is a 2025 Bradley Prize winner.
--------
31:54
--------
31:54
Interview with Barry Strauss
An Interview with Barry Strauss, Esteemed Classicist, Military and Naval Historian, and Best-selling Author Different civilizations, cultures and countries have experienced the rise of remarkable leaders. While these leaders may have ruled under vastly different circumstances, they often share similar characteristics. Many too, have made the same costly mistakes. Our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom is Barry Strauss, a leading historian who has explored many fascinating leaders, particularly from ancient classical times. He deepens our understanding about the universal qualities of leadership and shares lessons of the ancient world that remain applicable today. Topics Discussed on this Episode: What drew Barry to the study of the ancient world and the leaders who shaped it Universal qualities of a capable and effective leader Common mistakes that great leaders have made and what can be learned from them The ancient leader that fascinates Barry the most Barry’s experiences in promoting free speech within the academy Why free speech has been restricted within higher education What previous civilizations tell us about free speech, including who had the privilege or right to practice it The history of disinformation and how it was used in the ancient world Barry’s process of bringing ancient leaders to life through his writing How to get young people to engage with the classical world Whether the ideals of the Western tradition are at threat of being lost Reaction to winning a Bradley Prize About Barry Strauss Barry Strauss is a bestselling author, and an esteemed military and naval historian. He is currently the Corliss Page Dean Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and Series Editor of Princeton’s Turning Points in Ancient History. Barry is also the Bryce and Edith M. Bowmar Professor in Humanistic Studies Emeritus at Cornell University, where he was the Chair of the Department of History as well as Professor of History and Classics. In addition, he is a 2025 Bradley Prize winner. :
--------
32:51
--------
32:51
Interview wth James Piereson
An Interview with James Piereson, Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute, and Trustee, Thomas W. Smith Foundation The vigorous forces shaping American society, politics, and the economy today could have a transformative impact on the country’s future. Even amidst a sea of change and political realignments, our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom, says that the Constitution will be an enduring structure that continues to guide us. James Piereson has dedicated his career to American history, Constitutional thought, and philanthropy. He shares his thoughts on the current environment in the US, the role of ideas in politics today, the state of the Constitution, and more. Topics Discussed on this Episode: Jim’s path to the study of American history and constitutional thought The current political and ideological realignment in the U.S. Whether the center right needs a “new fusionism” Areas around which conservatives can coalesce today The state of the Constitution How universities should be responding to the realities of today’s environment Philanthropy’s role in a polarized climate Ways in which philanthropy can address societal problems Reaction to receiving a Bradley Prize About James Piereson: James Piereson is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Public Policy, where he writes on philanthropy, higher education, and general political subjects. Previously, he was president and trustee of the William E. Simon Foundation, which was a private grant-making foundation with interests in education and religion. Before that, Jim was the executive director of the John M. Olin Foundation, also a private grant-making foundation, which worked to advance conservative ideals. He has served on the political science faculties of several prominent universities, serves on the board of many non-profit organizations, and is a distinguished published author. He is also a 2025 Bradley Prize winner.
--------
34:00
--------
34:00
Interview with Mark Klug
An Interview with Mark Klug, Chief Executive Officer, Christian Family Solutions Public awareness about mental health has never been greater, but barriers to treatment remain. According to our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom, integrating faith with proven therapeutic treatment can have a transformational impact on those who are dealing with anxiety, depression or who are healing from trauma. Mark Klug, CEO of Christian Family Solutions (CFS), says that a faith-based approach to addressing mental health can build a level of hope and sense of inherent worth in every individual. He shares these insights and more. Topics Discussed on this Episode: · Mark’s background in the behavioral health field and what drives him to serve people · The impact of Christian-based counseling on those who use it · The underlying issues contributing to the rise in mental health issues among youth. · Redefinitions of mental health and how Social and Emotional Learning can undermine a child’s resilience · CFS’s onsite counseling services and how it works in schools · CFS’s new day treatment program, one of the first of its kind in the nation · Community Counseling Care Partnership, which works with congregations to identify and serve people in the community who are experiencing challenging personal issues · The key ingredients to leading a fulfilling life About Mark Klug: Mark Klug is the CEO of CFS, a position he’s held for ten years. Founded in 1965, CFS offers a range of counseling services from a Christian perspective to people of all ages. Specifically, CFS has developed a robust school-based counseling program to reach children who would otherwise have difficulty accessing mental health services.
Every three weeks, join us on Voices of Freedom for thought-provoking conversations on issues impacting our freedom and America’s founding principles, with particular emphasis on free speech, educational freedom, and free enterprise.
Voices of Freedom features Rick Graber, President of The Bradley Foundation, talking to remarkable individuals within the Bradley community, including grantees, Bradley Prize winners, and more. Our focus on these areas reflects the intent of the foundation’s namesakes, Lynde and Harry Bradley, who wanted to preserve the freedoms that were essential to their success for future generations.
Colombia