Upstream Ideas
Summary: "He who seeks to improve conditions must propagate a new mentality, not merely a new institution." — Ludwig von Mises Our aim at Upstream Ideas is to do just as Mises suggested by turning the dial on how you look at the political and policy issues facing Illinois, Chicago and our nation. We present new ideas that inform salient policy decisions, start new conversations and move beyond partisan politics all while challenging the status quo. Dan Proft along with distinguished guests and contributors lay out in-depth issues in a digestible way to better understand why conditions are what they are and how they could be improved. We produce content in a variety of formats including long-form interviews, multiple segment radio shows and mini-monologues. We arm you with new information and fresh perspectives with the goal of making Illinois and the United States of America a bit more free, a bit more just and a bit more civilized.
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Podcasts:
Will “Beautiful” Ted win out against Beto O’Rourke, “a highly overrated guy?” Is Trump blowing smoke on promising more tax cuts? Are women across the country unhappy with Trump’s bluster but happy with his accomplishments from a policy perspective? Senior political correspondent for the Washington Examiner, David Drucker joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
Should voters consider who should be the mayor rather than who could? How does Amara Enyia differ from the other progressive candidates in the mayoral race? How has celebrity support changed her campaign? Why does she think a public bank run by a bankrupt Chicago government could ever be a good idea? Mayoral candidate, Amara Enyia joins Dan and Amy to discuss her platform and high profile supporters like Chance the Rapper and Kanye West.
What does 21st-century capitalism look like? How did America become the world’s most powerful economy? Should we be optimistic or pessimistic about the future of capitalism in America? Are tariffs always a mistake? Political Editor for The Economist and co-author of the new book “Capitalism In America: A History (https://www.amazon.com/Capitalism-America-History-Alan-Greenspan/dp/0735222444)” with Alan Greenspan, Adrian Wooldridge joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
Congressional candidate, Jitrenda Diganvker, has dealt with the financial hardships of having to close his business, to the tragic loss of his daughters in a car accident. Through that all, he is still proud to be an American and wants to serve the country that has brought him such great opportunities since he became a citizen in 2003. First time, Republican candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 8th District, Jitendra “JD” Diganvker joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
Did John Adams and Thomas Jefferson spend most of their “friendship” hoping the other was dead? Were they together in the fight for independence but divided on everything else? Did they have a unifying hatred for Alexander Hamilton? Brown University Professor, Pulitzer Prize winner and author of “Friends Divided: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson,” (https://www.amazon.com/Friends-Divided-Adams-Thomas-Jefferson/dp/0735224714)Gordon Wood joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
Are sanctions against the Saudis the next move in response to the Khashoggi murder investigation? Why does Lindsey Graham think it’s a good idea to call for regime change? What is Trump going to do about the Honduras caravan headed to the border? Is the GOP having an October comeback? Anchor of Special Report on Fox News, Bret Baier joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
Who’s worse: university professors or administrators? Why are students taught to be fragile and that their ideas should go unchallenged? Are educators teaching the importance of free speech? What colleges and universities actually promote free expression? President of Fund for American Studies Foundation, Roger Ream joins Dan and Amy to discuss in studio.
Why is IL Conservative Party candidate for governor, State Sen. Sam McCann, sending out mailers attacking conservative legislators? Is McCann doing Madigan’s bidding trying to take out suburban Republicans? Does he want another Madigan supermajority? Does he still have a path to victory? Candidate for governor, Sam McCann joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
Is the media ignoring the Gosnell movie because they don’t want to confront the horrors of abortion? How were all the reports and complaints from the clinic ignored? How is identity politics used to drive people apart? What does it mean to be a writer? Gosnell screenwriter, Andrew Klavan joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
How are mayoral candidates supposed to navigate the racial/identity politics of Chicago? Are the Democrats in the City cannibalizing themselves due to identity politics? Is there a chance to shrink city government without raising property taxes? Are Chicagoans paying for the sins for politicians? Is more revenue from dope and gambling the path to prosperity in Chicago? Mayoral candidate, Paul Vallas joins Dan and Amy to discuss his financial plan.
What stands out in Reagan’s life before his presidency? How did Reagan’s dream of becoming a sports broadcaster lead to his acting career? What is his relevance in today’s society? Bob Spitz joins Dan and Amy discuss his new book, “REAGAN: An American Journey.”
Should the Trump administration make policy decisions on rumors or verifiable facts as Trump calls for Turkey's alleged tapes of Khashoggi's torture and murder? Is Trump playing good cop/bad cop on foreign policy matters? Should Congress get involved? What is there to anticipate from the Mueller report? What’s the appropriate role for a special counsel? Heritage Foundation's Lt. Col. Jim Carafano joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
Would cutting off arms sales to Saudi Arabia hurt the U.S.? Is there more at play in the Khashoggi murder than him writing unfavorable pieces on the Saudi royal family? How does the resistance feel about their funds going into Trump’s pockets? Why are some media outlets letting Warren win the news cycle? Are Senate Republican nominees benefitting from the Democrats’ mishaps? Associate editor at Commentary Magazine, Noah Rothman joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
How does Northridge Prep prepare young men to not only be sound academically but build their character to be good husbands and friends? Do they use any Ipads or laptops in the classroom? How involved is the whole family? How does the all male staff serve as role models for the students? Headmaster for Northridge Preparatory School, Niall Fagan joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
What was once seen as a retail giant, is now filing for bankruptcy. Did Sears try to adapt to the modern market or did their decline happen too quickly? What about the future of malls? Should the Fed continue raising rates? CNBC Contributor, Jim Iuorio joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
