As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Jared Taylor welcomes returning guest Shane Krauser for a thoughtful discussion about the ideas that shaped the nation and why they still matter today. Drawing from his travels across North America and South America, Shane shares how young people are rediscovering the principles of liberty, personal responsibility, and constitutional government. Together they explore the Declaration of Independence, the meaning of self-evident truths, and John Adams' belief that the American Revolution first occurred in the hearts and minds of the people. The conversation also examines the role of education in preserving freedom, the importance of virtue, and how understanding timeless principles helps citizens evaluate modern issues with greater wisdom and confidence.

Show Notes:

1. Learn more about Freedom Square USA, an online community where people can learn, apply, and advocate for the principles of liberty through weekly teaching sessions, discussions, and symposiums: https://freedomsquareusa.com/

2. Learn more about the American Classroom podcast: https://americanclassroom.show/

3. Learn more about or schedule a tour of the schools mentioned in this episode: Heritage Academy: https://heritageacademyaz.com/ & Paul Revere Academy: https://paulrevere.tech/

4. Sponsored by Heritage Academy, Downtown Mesa Campus: https://www.hamesa.com/

Heather Thomas joins American Classroom to share an extraordinary story of perseverance, family, and the power of education to change a life. After a childhood marked by loss and instability, Heather became a mother at 16 and left high school while working long hours to survive. Years later, after taking in four young relatives and raising six children, she realized education was the key to changing her family’s future. Heather describes how community college gave her a fresh start, how Phi Theta Kappa and mentors helped her find confidence, and how internships opened the door to a career at NASA. Her story offers encouragement for students, parents, educators, and anyone who wonders whether it is too late to begin again.

Show Notes:

1. If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show https://americanclassroom.show/

2. To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/

3. Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com

Host Jared Taylor welcomes Dr. Wayne Denton of Heritage Academy Mesa for a thoughtful America 250 conversation about the ideas, people, and writings that shaped 1776. Dr. Denton traces the intellectual road to the Declaration of Independence, beginning with Baruch Spinoza and moving through Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu, Thomas Paine, and Jefferson. The episode explores how Common Sense helped ordinary colonists understand complex Enlightenment arguments, why life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness still matters, and how the Declaration united a risky, divided people around the cause of independence. Along the way, Jared and Dr. Denton reflect on reading, courage, civil society, and why students today can find confidence in the American story of overcoming.

Show Notes:

Episode Follow-Up: When Were the Declaration Signers’ Names Made Public?

During the conversation, Jared and Dr. Denton discussed the risk taken by the signers of the Declaration of Independence and noted that signing the document could be seen as a “death warrant.” Jared mentioned that the podcast team would check when the signers’ names were publicly released.

Most delegates signed the engrossed Declaration on August 2, 1776, but their names were not broadly published right away. Congress later ordered an official printing on January 18, 1777, and the Mary Katherine Goddard broadside became the first official public version to list the signers’ names.

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-history

1. If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show https://americanclassroom.show/

2. To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/

3. Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com

What does meaningful student leadership look like in a school community? In this episode, Jared Taylor visits with the Scholar Council at Heritage Academy’s downtown Mesa campus to hear directly from students about service, teamwork, and civic formation. The scholars describe planning dances, fundraising through Dollars for Duds, producing school announcement videos, and supporting campus traditions that bring students together. They also discuss the school’s distinctive electoral college style process, which helps connect student government to America’s founding ideals. Beyond the events and responsibilities, this conversation highlights personal growth. Students share how Scholar Council helped them gain confidence, accept feedback, practice humility, and learn to listen. For school leaders, parents, and students, this episode offers practical inspiration for building a stronger student government program.

Show Notes:

1. If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show https://americanclassroom.show/
2. To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/
3. Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com
4. National Association of Student Councils Adviser Resource Center https://www.natstuco.org/adviser-resource-center/
5. Hillsdale K-12 American History and Civics Curriculum https://k12historyandcivics.hillsdale.edu/
6. Bill of Rights Institute High School Government Resources https://billofrightsinstitute.org/high-school-government- resources/

What happens when parents are truly in control of their child’s education? In this episode, Jenny Clark breaks down the realities of school choice through her experience as a homeschool mom, advocate, and founder launching a new classical school model. She unpacks how ESAs work, why Arizona has become a national leader, and what misconceptions still dominate the conversation around funding and accountability. The discussion also tackles controversial questions about government involvement, regulation, and whether public systems are being forced to evolve through competition. Jenny offers insight into emerging education models like hybrid and classical schools, and why they may better prepare students for a rapidly changing world shaped by technology and AI. This is a grounded, real world look at the opportunities and challenges redefining K-12 education.

Show Notes:

1. If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show https://americanclassroom.show/
2. To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/
3. Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com

Workforce development starts long before a first job, and this episode explores how communities can better connect students to real opportunities. Mesa Chamber President Sally Harrison shares how businesses, schools, and families can work together to expose young people to meaningful career paths. From internships and mentorships to simple job shadowing, she explains why early exposure is key to helping students discover their interests and strengths.

The conversation highlights the role of chambers as connectors, bridging the gap between education and industry. With real examples from local companies and programs, this episode offers practical insight for educators, parents, and business leaders who want to build a stronger, more prepared workforce.

Show Notes

Mesa Chamber of Commerce https://www.mesachamber.org/

What Color Is Your Parachute? Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success https://amzn.to/4bZFsTn

Your Parachute for Teens https://amzn.to/4btKFms

Your Parachute Workbook https://amzn.to/4rLyBl9

East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) https://www.evit.edu/

If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show https://americanclassroom.show/

To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/

Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com

Many parents assume online exploitation could never happen in their home. But according to former child exploitation investigator Art Schmeiser, today’s predators are patient, strategic, and often build trust with children long before a crime occurs. In this episode, Art shares real cases from his time working alongside federal and state law enforcement to expose how grooming begins in gaming platforms, social media, and private chats. He explains common red flags, including sudden secrecy around devices, unexplained gifts or money, and emotional withdrawal from family. The discussion also addresses the risks created by AI generated images and online harassment. Most importantly, the hosts explore how parents and schools can respond with calm guidance, clear boundaries, and strong relationships that help children navigate a digital world filled with both opportunity and danger.

• If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show https://americanclassroom.show/
• To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/
• Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com

In honor of America’s 250th birthday, this episode dives into how educators, students, and families can take part in a once-in-a-generation celebration of the country’s founding. Hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Lundeen Crosland speak with Lynn Young from America250, the national commission tasked with organizing the Semiquincentennial. Lynn shares the bold goals behind the initiative: to unite 350 million Americans through service, education, and remembrance. From spotlighting unsung heroes of 1776 to launching nationwide student contests and mobile history exhibits, America250 invites everyone to get involved. Hear how schools can access classroom-ready resources, how students can share what America means to them—and why a national culture of service can shape the next 250 years. It's a powerful message of civic hope and historical reflection.

Show Notes:

1. Explore America250 and get involved at https://america250.org/

2. Learn about America Gives and log your service hours at https://america250.org/america-gives/

3. Learn more or enter the student contest at America’s Field Trip https://america250.org/fieldtrip/

4. If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show https://americanclassroom.show/

5. To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/ Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- http://www.hamesa.com