Explore every episode of the podcast The New Frontline

Many public employees are unaware of just how much power they have to break free from unions and control their own futures. Allison Beattie, Freedom Foundation's director of labor relations, sits down with Siena Rose to dive into a new website called "Empowered-Employees.com." 

If you're feeling stuck in a union that doesn’t serve your interests, this episode is your essential guide to reclaiming your rights and taking control of your workplace representation. 

Teachers' unions have long been among the most influential forces shaping education policy, but new research suggests their grip is weakening across the country. In this episode, Siena Rose uses an article from The Lion to help break down what the decline of union influence means for teachers, parents, and public employees—and why growing worker freedom is reshaping the education landscape.

Kelley LaBedz has worked as a senior litigator, civil court director, HR director, and history teacher—so if there's anything she knows, it's America's law and culture. In this episode of The New Frontline podcast, LaBedz shares eye-opening stories from her eight years in the classroom and explains how she helped advocate for Florida's SB 1296—an essential reform for union accountability. Kelley and Siena discuss how union priorities can compromise your rights and your voice at the bargaining table, and why it's important to fight back.

Writer, speaker, and parental advocate Sara Huff joins The New Frontline with Siena Rose to discuss her journey from radical left-wing activism in Brazil to becoming a vocal advocate for family values and parental rights.Sara shares how she was drawn into feminist and activist circles, what made her walk away, and why she sees alarming similarities between the ideological movements she witnessed in Brazil and those influencing American schools and teachers unions today. Her story offers a powerful perspective on the culture war and the fight over the future of education.

Randi Weingarten is furious that we're telling the world about the unethical use of her union's funding to subsidize her new anti-American book. Siena dives into a recent Freedom Foundation report that uncovered that the AFT spent over $1.4 million in member dues to write, edit, and promote Weingarten's personal vanity project — and her only response was a press release full of personal attacks. Even worse, the very next day she demanded an investigation into a CEO for doing exactly what she just did with her members' money.  

California teacher and lawsuit plaintiff Barry Blisten sits down with Siena Rose to share his firsthand experience watching the United Teachers of Los Angeles' shift from protecting teachers to pushing divisive political agendas funded by mandatory dues. He breaks down what exclusive union representation means for teachers' rights, why he chose to fight back, and what he hopes the public takes away from his battle for fair representation.

Siena Rose sits down with Natalya Murakhver to talk about her nonprofit Restore Childhood, their new "15 Days" film and her goal to educate others on the dangers that far-left activists and union leaders present. 
   
Murakhver shares how her experience navigating school shutdowns led her to launch parent-focused initiatives and challenge what she sees as growing political influence within education systems. The conversation explores themes of parental rights, free speech, and the competing visions for the future of public education in the United States. 

Siena went to Chicago undercover to cover the May Day protests, capturing unfiltered footage and interviews with attendees to document what was actually happening on the ground.
    
What she found raises serious questions about the role of unions, the presence of students at these events, and how radical ideology gets packaged in spaces deceptively framed as educational. 
   
Unions like the Chicago Teachers Union aren't representing workers — they're indoctrination pipelines that have no problem using America's children to advance a political agenda.

*The New Frontline with Siena Rose – a podcast and variety show from the Freedom Foundation.* Are teachers unions still focused on students—or have they shifted toward politics? Siena Rose sits down with Heritage Foundation researcher Madison Doan to break down new polling, union activism, classroom influence, and the growing disconnect between what parents want and what unions are prioritizing.

Siena Rose breaks down how teachers’ unions are using May Day to push political activism into elementary classrooms, training even young students to adopt an “us vs. them” worldview. From curated lesson plans that break down labor issues for third graders to protest messaging meant to highlight the “beauty and humanity,” it exposes how education is being reshaped to prioritize ideology over actual learning—and why that should concern every parent.

Democrats in Oregon passed the "Worker Fraud Protection Act," a union-backed law that targets the Freedom Foundation by imposing ridiculous fine on outreach efforts. Now, similar bills have surfaced in Hawaii and New York that take these unconstitutional attacks to the next level. In this episode, Siena dives into a Wall Street Journal article by the Editorial Board, and CEO Aaron Withe's recent op-ed in RealCleaPolicy.

Litigation counsel Shella Alcabes joins host Siena Rose to break down some of Freedom Foundation's most significant legal battles, and explains why First Amendment rights are at the heart of the fight for workers' freedom.

Hear about two explosive cases involving Jewish teachers in Los Angeles and Portland who are suing their unions over antisemitic rhetoric, hostile work environments, and curriculum that conflicts with their deeply held religious beliefs, plus a slew of "consumer protection cases" in California.

Podcast host Siena sits down with Robbye Kirkpatrick, former public school teacher, real estate professional, and founder of Texas TransformED, to explore the deep systemic failures of Texas' public education system. Robbye shares her uniquely personal and comprehensive lens on why a state ranked #1 in business sits at #44 in education, and more importantly—what it will take to change that.

What happens when union officials forget they're being watched? Through a public records request in Benton County, Oregon, we uncovered an internal email exchange that reveals the true character of union leadership—complete with profanity and schemes to retaliate.

Student ICE protests aren't the grassroots movements they claim to be—they're orchestrated by teacher unions pushing political agendas. In this episode, Siena exposes how and why union leaders are lying straight to your face about all of it.

Utah teacher and State Board of Education member Cole Kelley joins Siena Rose to expose how the Utah Education Association misled members about spending their dues on political activities, despite written claims to the contrary. Now partnering with Freedom Foundation in a lawsuit against the UEA, Kelley encourages teachers nationwide to investigate where their union dues actually go and to speak out for transparency and accountability.

As America's union movement must face it's declining influence, teachers unions are resorting to desperate tactics to maintain their grip on education. In this episode Siena exposes how union leaders are hijacking public schools to advance their political agenda, and as school choice gains momentum national leaders and politicians must question their alliance with a "outdated and rusty" union mechanism.

Siena examines how major government unions have expanded beyond their core mission to engage in political activism and social agitation. She explores how union leaders manufacture outrage over issues unrelated to labor policy, while using their moral authority to mobilize members as pawns in ideological warfare--an important issue to highlight in the ever-changing cultural landscape of 2026.

Siena follows the money to expose how the National Education Association is funneling teachers’ dues into far-left political causes, radical PACs, and private social-justice consulting firms. Financial records reveal millions spent on ballot initiatives, identity-driven nonprofits, and organizations tied directly to NEA leadership itself. Siena dives into why you should care about this, and how union officials are quietly reshaping education and public policy right under our noses.

(00:00:00) New Year, Same Union Drama
(00:00:25) Chicago Teachers Union's Controversial Actions
(00:03:07) CTU's Radical History and Influence
(00:06:30) National Education Association Leadership Race
(00:08:12) Union Corruption and Greed
(00:09:16) California's Union-Backed Tax Proposal
(00:10:46) The Broader Impact of Union Power

This episode exposes the inherent corruption and political overreach of government unions as Siena dives into the latest controversy surrounding the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and their support for a Venezuela protest organized by socialist groups. Along with former NJEA President Sean Spiller's controversial campaign for NEA President and a new California tax proposal targeting billionaires, backed by the SEIU. Stay informed and engaged as we take you straight to the frontlines of the fight against union overreach, bringing you the latest news and insights from the heart of the battle.

The letter from Freedom Foundation CEO Aaron Withe, and a very Grinchy Christmas poem.

Some special deliveries went out to the leaders of the NEA, AFT, AFSCME, the Teamsters, and SEIU! Even Grinches deserve some Christmas treats.

Siena Rose sits down with  Defense of Freedom Institute's  Director of Media Outreach and Spokesperson, Angela Morabito, and Senior Council on Policy and Regulatory, Paul Zimmerman, to break down DFI’s explosive new report, The Fall of Woke. Together, they expose how America’s largest teachers unions are doubling down on radical ideology—from DEI mandates to antisemitism—while students fall further behind and parents are shut out. This episode unpacks the cultural fallout, the unions’ political power plays, and why “woke” may be on the run, but far from gone.

(00:00:00) Rusty's time with the Trump administration & finding FF
(00:03:01) Rusty's take on the Colorado Springs story
(00:08:39) What has changed in the union landscape?
(00:17:04) What's trending across the nation?
(00:20:30) Where do unions have the biggest foothold?
(00:24:08) Decertification efforts
(00:26:27) Rusty's favorite stories & takeaways

Special Projects Director Rusty Brown joins the podcast to reveal the union power grab in Colorado Springs, the NEA’s shocking spending, and decertification efforts that are reshaping public education. A must-watch for every taxpayer and public employee.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:59) NYC's Zohran Mamdani
(00:02:40) Seattle's Katie Wilson
(00:06:27) Coming from rich families and cosplaying as poor
(00:08:08) This national socialist contagion
(00:09:24) Who is endorsing this?

In a country built on capitalism, socialism is suddenly gaining ground. Behind this ideological surge is a network of government unions strategically backing newly elected socialist mayors like Zohran Mamdani in New York City and Katie Wilson in Seattle, fueling a coast-to-coast political shift Americans can’t afford to ignore. Stay informed and engaged as we take you straight to the frontlines of the fight against union overreach, bringing you the latest news and insights from the heart of the battle.

(00:00:00) Ryan Walters' background as a teacher
(00:02:33) Goals and priorities while in Oklahoma
(00:07:05) Leaving Oklahoma to come to TFA
(00:10:07) There needed to be an alternative
(00:13:48) Ryan's vision for the Teacher Freedom Alliance
(00:20:01) Federal changes in education

Education is one of the biggest frontlines in America’s culture war, and the left, teacher unions, and DEI agendas are reshaping classrooms in ways most parents don’t see. Ryan Walters—a former teacher, former Oklahoma State Superintendent and current CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance—came on the podcast to discuss how he’s fighting to restore American values in schools and stop the overreach of unions.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:37) Equal opportunity in the United States
(00:02:44) Gen-Z, equity, and the Overton Window
(00:05:35) Equity changed the attitude around labor
(00:07:50) Hard times create strong men...
(00:09:34) Unions today
(00:10:34) The fallout of entitlement culture

DEI rewired an entire generation’s understanding of work and the American Dream. Siena Rose breaks down how America went from celebrating hard work and equal opportunity to embracing identity politics and entitlement culture—exposing how DEI metastasized into a cultural toxin poisoning fair labor.

(00:00:00) Aaron's background & life in England
(00:05:20) Rising to CEO in 6 years
(00:06:50) Why government unions are such a threat to freedom
(00:13:27) Freedom is fragile
(00:19:04) Being laser focused on the mission

From the streets of Birmingham, England to the helm of the Freedom Foundation: CEO Aaron Withe shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading America’s fight against government unions. In this episode, Siena sits down with Aaron to uncover how growing up under socialism shaped his understanding of the American Dream, why he calls government unions the greatest threat to freedom today, and what it will take to preserve liberty for the next generation.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:24) NJEA's Drag Show
(00:03:41) AFT & AFSCME protecting illegal drivers
(00:07:10) CTU's New Mexico recording studio
(00:08:32) Conclusion

Teachers unions have officially gone off the rails. Everything from hosting dues-funded drag events to buying poolside recording studios halfway across the country. Siena Rose breaks down how union priorities have nothing to do with teachers and everything to do with ideology and self-interest. Stay informed and engaged as we take you straight to the frontlines of the fight against union overreach, bringing you the latest news and insights from the heart of the battle.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:22) Universal experiences of control
(00:01:53) Who controls the money?
(00:04:17) Part of this control is fear
(00:05:48) The rhetoric you are being attacked with
(00:07:00) Freedom Foundation is here to fight this

Siena Rose dives into  the psychology of control, and how union rhetoric makes you believe it lies in the hands of workers, when reality reflects anything but. Time to talk about power and control in public unions: who has it, how they got it and what it takes to keep it.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:54) Unions on your timeline
(00:05:02) Confusing the conversation (on purpose)
(00:08:49) This HURTS private sector unions
(00:10:38) The algorithm and union leaders on your phone
(00:13:26) The price of the internet
(00:14:46) Conclusion

This episode exposes how public-sector unions manipulate social media to blur the line between private and government unions, spreading pro-union propaganda through bite-sized, emotionally charged content. Siena breaks down how this digital deception misleads everyday viewers, erodes critical thinking, and ultimately only serves the interests of government unions. Stay informed and engaged as we take you straight to the frontlines of the fight against union overreach, bringing you the latest news and insights from the heart of the battle.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:42) Marxist Origins
(00:03:00) Georges Sorel's influence
(00:05:03) Modern union's socialist framework
(00:07:59) Facism
(00:09:16) History is repeating itself
(00:10:49) What to do next?

Siena Rose exposes the disturbing ideological roots behind America’s most powerful unions, and  traces them back to Karl Marx, Georges Sorel, and the syndicalist movements that glorified violence, control, and totalitarianism. From the NEA to AFSCME, today’s union leaders are using the same tactics of manipulation and coercion to dominate schools, politics, and public life. History is repeating itself, and it matters now more than ever.

(00:00:00) Superintendent Michael Gaal
(00:15:20) Vice President Jill Haffley

Superintendent Michael Gaal and School Bord Vice President (as well as former union member) Jill Haffley reveal what’s really happening inside District 11 as the Colorado Springs Education Association prepares for an illegal strike. From union tactics to the impact on students, they break down the fight for the future of education in Colorado Springs.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:37) Interview with Dmitriy

Siena Rose sits down with Oregon Outreach Director Dmitriy Sashcenko to talk about an incredible decertification effort in Oregon, where teachers chose to break free from a national union that no longer represented their interests. Dmitriy shares what sparked the campaign, the challenges they faced, and how local educators reclaimed their independence. This is a story of courage, strategy, and the fight for worker freedom.

Originally published on September 17, 2025.
In this short video tribute, Siena Rose honors Charlie Kirk, Founder and President of Turning Point USA (TPUSA). His death is a tragedy, and his legacy sparks a revival.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:05) "Grandsons of the Confederacy"
(00:04:08) Where does worker power come from?
(00:06:02) Davis Gates jumping to crazy conclusions
(00:10:52) The "public good"
(00:13:48) Davis Gates' logic backfires
(00:14:21) Dystopian America
(00:15:07) Davis Gates' closing remarks
(00:16:29) Conclusion

Originally published on September 2, 2025.
Stacy Davis Gates is president of the notorious Chicago Teachers Union, and in this episode Siena addresses the insane claims she makes in a recent Labor On The Line Instagram video. From the Confederacy to a dystopian-America, Davis-Gates doesn't hold back, but Siena sets the record straight.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:33) Background on Becky Pringle
(00:01:10) NEA & Pringle's antisemitism
(00:04:08) Motion to leave the ADL
(00:07:21) "Everyone is welcome here" kits
(00:08:25) New bills targeting the NEA Charter
(00:11:30) Conclusion
(00:12:33) Message from Siena

Originally published on August 26, 2025.
Becky Pringle is nearly a household name and not in a good way.  Recently, she has made news for the anti-Semitic content her union is promoting, and the multiple federal bills that seek to reform or de-charter her union.  Siena Rose dives into what President Becky Pringle is allowing in her union, and how Freedom Foundation is taking a stand against it.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:26) What is the TFS?
(00:00:52) Breakout session speakers
(00:01:33) Freedom Foundation speakers
(00:02:18) Mainstage session speakers
(00:02:45) Keynote speaker Yeonmi Park
(00:03:43) Takeaways
(00:04:26) Conclusion

Originally published on August 5, 2025.
Siena summarizes the 2025 Teacher Freedom Summit in Washington D.C.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:58) False claims of deception
(00:02:55) Precision of language is important
(00:04:46) The favorite union fallacy
(00:06:09) Protecting the rights of public workers via Janus
(00:08:10) Unions love to hate
(00:09:10) Peddling rage to 'fight the man'
(00:11:15) Public unions shouldn't have an official political stance
(00:12:41) Membership numbers are at a historic low
(00:13:39) Conclusion

Originally published on July 29, 2025.
In this episode, Siena reacts to a reel from the pro-union Instagram account Labor on the Line a video packed with bad faith arguments, logical fallacies, and ironic T-shirts. Siena dismantles the union narrative with receipts, clarity, and a healthy dose of sarcasm.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:32) Background on JeffCo
(00:02:14) What the "vote of no confidence" really means
(00:03:57) CEA spent $200,000+ on rigging JeffCo's elections
(00:04:41) What is the actual job of a union anyway?
(00:05:19) Scott Barnes' response letter
(00:07:26) JeffCo & JCEA's scandals
(00:09:43) JCEA's actions are unbelievably hypocritical
(00:10:25) Conclusion

Originally published on July 22, 2025.
Siena dives into another school district that is going up in flames due to the actions of the union. Jefferson County, Colorado has been called "the worst school district in the country" by Libs of TikTok, and has some of the most egregious stories of alleged grooming and abuse. Who can be found at the center of this chaos? None other than the union, JCEA.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:20) SSEU misunderstanding our mission
(00:04:05) Precision of language is important
(00:05:12) Workers should be empowered to represent themselves
(00:07:35) SSEU's arguments are weak at best
(00:09:12) The funniest part of the whole video
(00:10:45) Delegate cites a bogus survey
(00:13:29) Conclusion

Originally published on July 15, 2025.
The Social Service Employees Union Local 371 released a podcast episode attacking the Freedom Foundation’s work. In this episode, Siena breaks down their weakest claims, calls out the logical fallacies, and exposes the entire thing for what it is: a 25-minute tantrum poorly disguised as a podcast.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:35) Medicaid is a slush fund for the radical left
(00:01:41) Explaining the Medicaid program
(00:03:16) How the union is involved
(00:05:37) It comes down to money
(00:07:44) What's being done to stop this
(00:08:24) Automatic payroll deductions
(00:10:22) Conclusions

Originally published on July 8, 2025.
What exactly is the Medicaid Program, and how are unions involved in it? Aside from being a topic that can make a politician's career go nuclear, it is a system that is being abused by ill-intentioned union leaders who just want to make a quick buck. In this episode, Siena explains how Medicaid is just a slush fund for the Left and their conspirators.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:12) General union history
(00:02:11) Why do unions go so far beyond workplace issues?
(00:03:08) Private profits vs public budgets
(00:04:38) Motivation differences
(00:05:47) Real-world example: New Jersey's biggest teacher union
(00:08:01) Unions are greedy for YOUR tax dollars
(00:08:47) Real-world example: Amtrack drivers & private unions
(00:09:38) The central message
(00:10:51) Real-world example: the Brotherhood of Teamsters
(00:11:16) Conclusion

Originally published on July 1, 2025.
What makes public sector unions different from private sector unions? Is it the kind of work they do? The people they represent? Or does it all come down to money? In this episode Siena cuts through the noise and explains what makes the two types of unions different in funding, in motivation, and more.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:35) History of union strikes
(00:01:51) Set-up of the D11 story
(00:03:45) Details of the union vote
(00:04:35) False dichotomy union ballot
(00:06:11) Alleged 'unfair labor practice'
(00:07:07) Who the strike will REALLY be hurting
(00:08:57) D11 ranks low on testing scores
(00:09:35) Conclusion

Originally published on June 17, 2025.
District 11 just became ground zero for union brain rot. The Colorado Springs Education Association has rallied for a strike, but really they are sowing chaos after the school board finally decided to cut them off. What are they claiming to strike about? What does it all mean? Siena explains all in this episode.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:44) UTLA Lawsuit
(00:01:15) PAT Lawsuit
(00:04:54) California PERB Lawsuit
(00:05:29) Idaho School District Complaints
(00:06:29) UPTE Lawsuit
(00:07:02) Teamsters Lawsuit
(00:07:43) UDW, SEIU, & AFSCME Lawsuits
(00:08:24) Conclusion

Originally published on June 10, 2025.
Freedom Foundation has an active legal presence that works to hold unions accountable for their treatment of public workers. Siena goes over 7 recent cases, including lawsuits and complaints, and why they are important to protecting worker rights.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:39) The basics of how Exclusive Representation works
(00:01:46) Lawsuit against ULTA
(00:04:38) Lawsuit against PAT
(00:06:28) Litigation Counsel Timothy Snowball weighs in
(00:10:42) Conclusion

Originally published on June 3, 2025.
In labor law, you can opt out of paying union dues—but you can’t opt out of being represented. In this episode, Siena dives into the issue of exclusive representation, exposing how it forces workers to be under union control even if they never asked for it. Is this really about worker rights—or union power?

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:46) Defining Collective Bargaining
(00:03:52) What Collective Bargaining REALLY is
(00:05:44) Collective Bargaining is inherently unfair
(00:06:44) President Trump's EO & the backlash
(00:08:18) Aubree's Story
(00:12:58) Conclusion

Orignially published on May 27, 2025.

Unions are lying to you about collective bargaining. Siena sets the record straight and explains exactly how collective bargaining isn't a combining of power, but a ploy to take a worker's voice away from them. Featuring a special guest!

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:44) Explaining Release Time
(00:02:44) When Release Time was created
(00:05:00) Biden removing the federal repository
(00:06:24) Release Time being exposed in Arizona
(00:08:00) Regulating Release Time federally
(00:09:10) The cash flow
(00:10:58) Conclusion

Origninally published on May 20, 2025.

In this episode Siena dives into the practice of "release time," also called "taxpayer-funded union time," and how this practice is one symptom of a larger system of union abuse.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:52) Unions fund the radical left
(00:03:38) Unions were once illegal
(00:05:45) Unions are corporations
(00:09:28) Unions promote communism
(00:11:42) Freedom Foundation is here to help
(00:13:01) Conclusion

Originally published on May 13, 2025.

Episode 1 is a powerful kickoff. Siena exposes deep-rooted union corruption and makes the case for truth in a time of silence — covering four major points that motivate the work of the Freedom Fighters.