Are America’s public schools failing students—or working exactly as designed?

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations and co-author of Woke and Weaponized, to explore the growing debate over public education, homeschooling, and school choice in America.

They discuss the rapid rise of homeschooling—from just thousands of students decades ago to millions today—and why more parents are questioning traditional public school systems. Bortins shares the origins of Classical Conversations, how classical education differs from modern schooling, and why many families are turning to alternative education models after COVID-era classroom disruptions.

Are America&rsquo;s public schools failing students&mdash;or working exactly as designed?
In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Robert Bortins, CEO of <a href="https://classicalconversations.com/">Classical Conversations </a>and co-author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Woke-Weaponized-Battle-American-Education/dp/1966467176">Woke and Weaponized</a>, to explore the growing debate over public education, homeschooling, and school choice in America.
They discuss the rapid rise of homeschooling&mdash;from just thousands of students decades ago to millions today&mdash;and why more parents are questioning traditional public school systems. Bortins shares the origins of Classical Conversations, how classical education differs from modern schooling, and why many families are turning to alternative education models after COVID-era classroom disruptions.

Main Street Matters with Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz explores the intersection of small business and government policy. With more than 90 million Americans either owning or depending on small business for their household income, policies like taxes, regulations, and access to credit have a huge effect on the American Dream. Elaine and Alfredo talk with small business owners, government officials and office holders, and experts about everything from education to the labor market on this interesting and entertaining podcast.

Main Street Matters with Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz explores the intersection of small business and government policy. With more than 90 million Americans either owning or depending on small business for their household income, policies like taxes, regulations, and access to credit have a huge effect on the American Dream. Elaine and Alfredo talk with small business owners, government officials and office holders, and experts about everything from education to the labor market on this interesting and entertaining podcast.

Main Street Matters

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations and co-author of Woke and Weaponized, to explore the growing debate over public education, homeschooling, and school choice in America.

From Public Schools to Homeschooling: Why Millions of Parents Are Choosing a New Path

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/72638235-ddab-40c0-8d9f-b41100f3a471/transcript

The United States just recorded its largest improvement in economic freedom in more than two decades, according to the 2026 Index of Economic Freedom. What’s driving the turnaround—and what does it mean for small businesses and economic growth?

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Heritage Foundation Chief Economist EJ Antoni to break down the key factors behind the U.S. rebound. They discuss the role of deregulation, tax policy, and investment incentives, why excessive government regulation disproportionately harms small businesses, and how America compares to other economies around the world.

They also dive into the latest jobs data, productivity gains driven by AI, and the long-term risks posed by federal debt and deficits. Plus, Antoni explains why policies that expand economic freedom are essential for higher wages, stronger growth, and improved living standards.

Check out the Economic Report for yourself - https://economicfreedom.heritage.org/

The United States just recorded its largest improvement in economic freedom in more than two decades, according to the 2026 Index of Economic Freedom. What&rsquo;s driving the turnaround&mdash;and what does it mean for small businesses and economic growth?
On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Heritage Foundation Chief Economist EJ Antoni to break down the key factors behind the U.S. rebound. They discuss the role of deregulation, tax policy, and investment incentives, why excessive government regulation disproportionately harms small businesses, and how America compares to other economies around the world.
They also dive into the latest jobs data, productivity gains driven by AI, and the long-term risks posed by federal debt and deficits. Plus, Antoni explains why policies that expand economic freedom are essential for higher wages, stronger growth, and improved living standards.
Check out the Economic Report for yourself - https://economicfreedom.heritage.org/

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Heritage Foundation Chief Economist EJ Antoni to break down the key factors behind the U.S. rebound. They discuss the role of deregulation, tax policy, and investment incentives, why excessive government regulation disproportionately harms small businesses, and how America compares to other economies around the world.

America’s Economic Freedom Rebound: Deregulation, Small Business  Growth & What the 2026 Index Reveals

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/ba709931-a0ce-4293-bfee-b40c00c06b86/transcript

Is the U.S. economy slowing down—or just going through a volatile transition? On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Breitbart economics editor John Carney to break down the latest economic headlines affecting small businesses and American workers.

Carney analyzes the shocking 92,000-job loss in the latest jobs report, why the numbers may be worse than they appear, and what it means for the Federal Reserve, interest rates, and the broader labor market. They also discuss why wage growth and productivity are still rising, how AI is transforming both large corporations and small businesses, and why innovation historically creates more jobs than it destroys.

The conversation also tackles the sudden spike in oil and gas prices, the impact of the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz tensions, and what global markets are signaling about energy prices in the months ahead. Plus, Carney explains the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling, what it means for the Trump administration’s trade strategy, and whether companies could receive refunds for past tariffs.

Is the U.S. economy slowing down&mdash;or just going through a volatile transition? On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Breitbart economics editor&nbsp;John Carney to break down the latest economic headlines affecting small businesses and American workers.
Carney analyzes the shocking 92,000-job loss in the latest jobs report, why the numbers may be worse than they appear, and what it means for the Federal Reserve, interest rates, and the broader labor market. They also discuss why wage growth and productivity are still rising, how AI is transforming both large corporations and small businesses, and why innovation historically creates more jobs than it destroys.
The conversation also tackles the sudden spike in oil and gas prices, the impact of the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz tensions, and what global markets are signaling about energy prices in the months ahead. Plus, Carney explains the Supreme Court&rsquo;s tariff ruling, what it means for the Trump administration&rsquo;s trade strategy, and whether companies could receive refunds for past tariffs.

Is the U.S. economy slowing down—or just going through a volatile transition? On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Breitbart economics editor John Carney to break down the latest economic headlines affecting small businesses and American workers.

Bad Jobs Report, AI Disruption & Rising Oil Prices: John Carney Breaks Down the Economy

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/069b88ce-ff21-4875-ad65-b40a001fe1cf/transcript

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker of the Job Creators Network sits down with Bruce De Torres, communications director for the American Small Business League and host of the podcast Reality with Bruce De Torres, to discuss the real challenges facing America’s small businesses.

With 99.9% of U.S. businesses classified as small businesses, Bruce explains why many Main Street entrepreneurs still feel locked out of opportunity—especially when it comes to federal contracts that are supposed to support small firms. The conversation dives into the hidden barriers small business owners face, including regulatory burdens, complex federal paperwork, rising costs, and a contracting system critics say disproportionately benefits large corporations.

Elaine and Bruce also explore the broader economic landscape, including the state of the U.S. economy, consumer confidence, hiring trends, and how global tensions—such as the growing conflict involving Iran—could impact energy prices, supply chains, and small businesses across the country.

Plus, Bruce outlines what policymakers could do right now to unleash a major economic boost for Main Street by ensuring federal contracting rules truly benefit small businesses. 

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker of the Job Creators Network sits down with Bruce De Torres, communications director for the American Small Business League and host of the podcast Reality with Bruce De Torres, to discuss the real challenges facing America&rsquo;s small businesses.
With 99.9% of U.S. businesses classified as small businesses, Bruce explains why many Main Street entrepreneurs still feel locked out of opportunity&mdash;especially when it comes to federal contracts that are supposed to support small firms. The conversation dives into the hidden barriers small business owners face, including regulatory burdens, complex federal paperwork, rising costs, and a contracting system critics say disproportionately benefits large corporations.
Elaine and Bruce also explore the broader economic landscape, including the state of the U.S. economy, consumer confidence, hiring trends, and how global tensions&mdash;such as the growing conflict involving Iran&mdash;could impact energy prices, supply chains, and small businesses across the country.
Plus, Bruce outlines what policymakers could do right now to unleash a major economic boost for Main Street by ensuring federal contracting rules truly benefit small businesses.&nbsp;

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker of the Job Creators Network sits down with Bruce De Torres, communications director for the American Small Business League and host of the podcast Reality with Bruce De Torres, to discuss the real challenges facing America’s small businesses.

Bruce De Torres on Small Business Struggles, Federal Contracts & the U.S. Economy

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/e45759cf-eab8-4c0d-adb7-b405004ff89e/transcript

From Public Schools to Homeschooling: Why Millions of Parents Are Choosing a New Path

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