Why Millennials and Gen Z Struggle to Build Wealth and Own Homes

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Jeremiah Poff of the Washington Examiner discuss the challenges faced by millennials and Gen Z in achieving home ownership and building wealth. They explore the economic shifts from a production-driven economy to a consumption-driven one, th…

Solving America’s Homelessness Crisis: Policy Failures, Mental Health, and Community Solutions

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with Michele Steeb, founder of the Free Up Foundation, about the ongoing homeless crisis in America. They discuss the impact of homelessness on communities, the failures of past policies, and the importance of a human-first approach to ad…

How AI Is Transforming Education and Closing Learning Gaps

In this episode of Main Street Matters, host Elaine Parker sits down with Erika Donalds of the America First Policy Institute to examine the future of education in America. The conversation explores how artificial intelligence in education can personalize learning, support teachers, and help studen…

College Choices, Student Debt, and Smarter Paths to Higher Education

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Campus Reform's Emily Sturge break down the changing landscape of higher education and what it means for students and families. They discuss how to evaluate college options, the real cost of student debt, and whether today’s degree programs …

Retirement Crisis on Main Street: Inflation, 401k Mistakes, and Smart Planning with Erik Weir

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with financial expert and author Erik Weir to break down the growing challenges facing American workers as they try to save for retirement. From inflation eroding purchasing power to the widening gap between high earners and middle- an…

Small Business Healthcare Crisis: Dr. Tom Price on Rising Premiums, PBMs, and Market-Driven Solutions

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz sit down with former Congressman Dr. Tom Price to break down the growing healthcare crisis facing small businesses. They discuss skyrocketing health insurance premiums, the promise of association health plans, the powerful role…

Why Americans Are Fleeing High-Tax States for the South

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and National Taxpayers Union EVP, Brandon Arnold, break down the major migration shift happening across America as taxpayers leave high-tax states for lower-tax Southern destinations. They examine the economic forces driving this trend, from cos…

America’s Housing Crisis Explained: 50-Year Mortgages, Regulation Overload & the Fight for Affordability

In this episode, Elaine Parker and Eric Eggers break down the real causes behind America’s worsening housing crisis and debate the controversial push for 50-year mortgages as a solution. They explore the historical roots of the affordability problem, how environmental and zoning regulations restric…

The IRS Is Broken: Julio Gonzalez on How to Protect America’s Small Businesses

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Julio Gonzalez to discuss how IRS reform could fix a broken system, reduce audit fear, and restore fairness to Main Street. They also explore: The real impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, How Engineered Tax Services supports smal…

Jobs, Inflation, and the Affordability Crisis: EJ Antoni Break Down the U.S. Economy

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and EJ Antoni deliver a deep dive into America’s economic outlook—breaking down the latest job numbers, shifting inflation metrics, and the growing affordability crisis impacting families nationwide. They examine how Federal Reserve policy conti…