The Junto Podcast

E47: Shoresy, Grit, and Glory - Hockey Lessons in Leadership

Edgar Mills welcomes listeners reflect on Team USA's recent Olympic hockey triumphs and the surge of national pride they inspired.
He then dives into the Canadian series "Shoresy," showing how its crude humor conceals deep themes of loyalty, accountability, mentorship, and authentic masculinity that build strong teams.
Mills pulls leadership lessons from the show, strongly recommends Season 5, Episode 1 (“Keep It Simple”), and invites listeners to visit thejuntopodcast.com for more on leadership. 

E46: 'The Law' vs. Big Government - Legal Plunder

Host Edgar Mills compares Frederick Bastiat’s 1850 pamphlet 'The Law' to modern U.S. politics, arguing that government coercion and endless spending have turned modern law into "legal plunder." He explains Bastiat’s principles on natural rights, critiques federal overreach (taxes, the Fed, Social Security, public schooling), and proposes "clean bill" reforms like voluntary taxation, audits, and restoring enumerated powers. He encourages every listener to read 'The Law'. Find it here 'The Law' website or purchase your own copy.

E45: When Booze Breaks the Family - Confronting Alcohol’s Damage

Edgar Mills tackles the realities of alcoholism—its causes, its effects on young families and first responders, and his own experiences with alcohol-related harm.He outlines how to spot problems, practical steps for intervention, and why honesty, empathy, and asking for help are essential to recovery.The episode urges listeners to protect their families, set boundaries, and pursue freedom from addiction through support and commitment.

E44: Art and Rebellion - Guarding Creativity in a Modern Dystopia

In episode 44, Edgar Mills examines classic dystopian stories and their parallels with today’s surveillance culture and social media, arguing that suppressing creativity crushes individuality and the soul.He explains how literature, music, and fine art stir personal emotion and free thought, contrasts authentic creation with AI and disposable digital content, and warns that conformity—whether by a regime or by screens—threatens our liberties.Edgar urges listeners to reclaim time for real art, nature, and personal creativity as practical ways to protect freedom, deepen meaning, and nurture the spirit.

E43: Non‑Aggression Principle - From Philosophy to Practice

Edgar Mills breaks down the non-aggression principle—its historical roots, connections to libertarian thought, and how it shapes views on taxes, law enforcement, privatized policing, and protests.He emphasizes individual responsibility, consistent ethical standards for both citizens and authorities, and practical examples of applying non-aggression in business, community, and personal defense.

E42: Harmonious Dissent - De-escalation, ICE, and the Cost of Extremes

Host Edgar Mills examines today’s polarized public discourse and urges a return to critical thinking, empathy, and de‑escalation.
He analyzes recent ICE operations in Minneapolis and two shootings (Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti), discusses legal and tactical complexities, and evaluates unintended consequences of extreme tactics.
The episode argues for enforcing immigration law with accountability, engaging in civil debate using facts and active listening, and rebuilding local civic responsibility and community solutions.

E41: Liberals With Guns? Why the Left Is Arming Up

Edgar Mills explores the rising trend of gun ownership among liberals and what it reveals about universal needs for safety, autonomy, and self-defense. He examines NPR interviews, personal anecdotes, and a libertarian perspective to argue the Second Amendment transcends partisan lines as a backstop against tyranny and individual threats.The episode also touches on training, responsible ownership, hypocrisy in political reactions to violence, and local Libertarian Party activities and outreach in Georgia.

E40: Don't Expect Hard Things Not To Be Hard

Edgar Mills explores the idea "don't expect hard things not to be hard," sharing personal stories from Special Forces Selection, Stoic wisdom, and the difference between motivation and discipline.
He applies those lessons to entrepreneurship—planning a firearms training range—covering realistic expectations, contingency (PACE) planning, compromise, and the need to persevere; the episode ends with practical calls to support and a Floyd County hearing, to approve or deny the range plan, on January 27.

E39: 'The Rape of the Mind' A Look at Psychological Control

In episode 39 Edgar Mills examines the book by Joost Meerloo, The Rape of the Mind, explaining menticide, interrogation and re‑education techniques, and how they scale from individual torture to mass propaganda.
He connects historical brainwashing methods to modern tools like media, technology, and institutional conditioning, and offers practical advice on building mental resilience, critical thinking, and guarding individual liberty.
'Rape of the Mind: The Psychology of Thought Control, Menticide, and Brainwashing'

E38: All In - A Conversation with Nathan Hicks

Edgar Mills and Nathan Hicks sit down for an unscripted conversation about what it means to be "all in." They explore commitment, family priorities, career demands, faith, and the myths of social-media success.
The episode ends with practical guidance — four simple questions to test big decisions — and honest stories about balance, sacrifice, and pursuing purpose in real life.
Everyday Grit Podcast
Nathan on IG
Higher Ground on IG 
Higher Ground Website