Explore every episode of the podcast Beyond the Bench

We know that liberty must be defended in the courtroom, and in the culture. That’s why we’re excited to share a brand-new episode of Beyond the Bench, featuring our own Senior Counsel and First Amendment Attorney, Jim Kerwin. In this conversation, Jim takes you behind the scenes of two pivotal cases: Young America’s Foundation v. UCLA — a fight to protect student expression on campus. Danielle Johnson v. Oregon Department of Environmental Quality — a stand against government retaliation when citizens speak out. Both cases underscore a timeless truth: the First Amendment exists to protect speech that challenges authority. These battles are about more than individual lawsuits, they are about preserving the freedoms that define America.

In the inaugural episode of Beyond the Bench, I sit down with Kristin, President and CEO of Mountain States Legal Foundation. Kristin shares her journey from a small-town upbringing in Texas to leading a nonprofit dedicated to defending constitutional liberties. We delve into the mission of the foundation, which focuses on protecting individual rights, advocating for limited government, and promoting responsible natural resource usage. Kristin discusses the importance of civil discourse and coalition-building in effecting change, as well as the foundation's initiatives to inspire the next generation of legal advocates. Join us as we explore the vital role of law in preserving freedoms and the exciting future of Mountain States Legal Foundation.