Shrinking Government, Growing Prosperity with Richard Stern | Let People Prosper Ep. 145🎙️

From Progressive Roots to Free-Market Leadership

Hello Friends!

How much government is too much? In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I sit down with Richard Stern, Director of the Grover M. Hermann Center for the Federal Budget at the Heritage Foundation, to talk about the moral and economic urgency of cutting government spending, restoring community, and reclaiming freedom.

Richard shares his personal journey from a liberal upbringing to becoming a free-market advocate, shaped by a background in engineering, a calling to public service, and a deep belief in individual agency and faith.

👉 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube, and visit VanceGinn.com for more policy insights.

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🔑 Key Highlights from the Episode

From Progressive Upbringing to Free-Market Advocate

• Richard's early years were rooted in progressive politics until deeper study of economics and history changed his perspective.

• His engineering mindset gave him a systems-level understanding of how economies work—and what happens when government gets in the way.

• Public policy is most effective when it’s grounded in humility and informed by real-world trade-offs.

2. The Burden of Government Spending

• Massive government spending isn’t neutral—it crowds out private investment, distorts incentives, and undermines community.

• As Richard says, “Government spending is the prime mover.” We must address it directly to restore long-term prosperity.

• Cutting taxes without cutting spending simply shifts the burden; both must be tackled together.

3. Trade, Tariffs, and Tax Truths

• Tariffs should not be treated as permanent revenue streams but as tools to remove trade barriers.

• A border adjustment tax may offer a more consistent way to level global trade.

• The heart of tax policy lies in understanding who really bears the burden—and how to ease it through smarter budgeting.

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⏱️ Timestamps with Quick Descriptions

• 00:00 – Introduction to Richard Stern

• 02:16 – From progressive roots to economic liberty

• 06:34 – The role of faith and economic worldview

• 10:44 – Lessons from student government

• 16:10 – Behind the scenes of government budgeting

• 26:53 – Shrinking the size and scope of government

• 32:55 – The truth about tax burdens

• 41:27 – Trade, tariffs, and the case for reform

• 56:12 – Why faith and freedom go hand in hand

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🔚 Closing Thoughts

Richard Stern brings clarity, humility, and conviction to today’s most pressing fiscal issues. His call for a return to fiscal discipline, deregulation, and community empowerment is a vital message for today’s leaders.

📖 Learn more about his work at the Heritage Foundation and share this episode with anyone who cares about restoring prosperity through policy.

💥 Subscribe to the Let People Prosper Show for more conversations that inform, challenge, and inspire.

Because if we want freedom to flourish, we must let people prosper. For more timely insights, visit my website at vanceginn.com and follow me on X.