Episodes

  • Behind the Slogans: Gaby Blanco on Life in Cuba

    Behind the Slogans: Gaby Blanco on Life in Cuba
    Nov 8 2024
    In this episode, Bruce Rottman speaks with Ms. Gaby Blanco, who experienced the harsh realities of life in Cuba firsthand. Growing up in a country often romaticized by outsiders, Gaby provides a look at the everyday struggles of living under a socialist regime.

    In this candid conversation, Gaby shares her personal journey - from her upbringing in a system that promised equality and prosperity to her eventual disillusionment and desire for freedom. She paints a vivid picture of the scarcity of basic necessities and through the discussion we explore some of the myths and misconceptions about socialism and the impact of government propaganda.

    Whether you're a student curious about the realities of socialism, or someone interested in learning the untold stories of Cuba, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of the Cuban experience beyond the slogans.

    Since the beginning, free market economics has been an important part of the Brookfield Academy's curriculum. The Founders of the school believed that in preparing students for college and life, we need to share with them the importance of a deep understanding of both personal freedom and individual responsibility.

    The Free Market Institute was established to provide even greater opportunities for our students to learn, discuss, and experience free market principles in and beyond the classroom. Through this podcast, blogs, seminars, classes, and other activities, the Free Market Institute shares insight into the "economic way of thinking" for all students and the entire BA community.

    Follow these links to learn more about Bruce Rottman and the Free Market Institute. You can contact Bruce directly with questions or comments at bruce.rottman@brookfieldacademy.org. You can also register to subscribe to blogs and other content.

    If you'd like to learn more about Brookfield Academy and what we can offer your child, visit brookfieldacademy.org.
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    29 mins
  • A Dissident's Tale: Bruce Rottman Speaks with Venezuelan Dissident Daniel Chang Contreras

    A Dissident's Tale: Bruce Rottman Speaks with Venezuelan Dissident Daniel Chang Contreras
    May 15 2024
    In this episode of Free Market Matters, host Bruce Rottman speaks with Venezuelan dissident, Daniel Chang Contreras.

    Daniel visited Brookfield Academy to share his experiences growing up in Venezuela as his country trasnitioned from relative prosperity to authoritarainism and poverty. In 2017, he fled the country that socialism destroyed.

    His firsthand experience and knowledge made a big impact on the students and you'll find their conversation engaging as well.

    For the past 60 years, free market economics has been an important part of Brookfield Academy’s curriculum. The founders of our school believed that in preparing students for college and life, we need to share with them the importance of a deep understanding of both personal freedom and individual responsibility.

    The Free Market Institute was established to provide even greater opportunities for our students to learn, discuss, and experience free market principles in and beyond the classroom. Through this podcast, blogs, seminars, classes, and other activities, the Free Market Institute shares insight into the "economic way of thinking" for all students and our entire BA community.

    Follow these links to learn more about Bruce Rottman and the Free Market Institute. You can contact Bruce directly with questions or comments at bruce.rottman@brookfieldacademy.org. You can also register to subscribe to blogs and other content.

    If you'd like to learn more about Brookfield Academy and what we can offer your child, visit our website at brookfieldacademy.org.
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    16 mins
  • Getting Acquainted with Dr. Mark Bullio

    Getting Acquainted with Dr. Mark Bullio
    Oct 11 2023
    In the first episode of the 2023-24 season, Mr. Bruce Rottman, Head of Brookfield Academy's Free Market Institute talks with Dr. Mark Bullio.

    Dr. Bullio has been at BA for a decade and during his tenure he has served in a number of roles including teacher, Dean of Students in the Upper School, and coach. He is currently Head of the Middle School and next year he will become Head of the Upper School. He and his wife have four children, three of whom are students at BA.

    Their 30 minute conversation covers a broad range of topics including education, students, economics, Brookfield Academy, parenthood, and more.

    For the past 60 years, free market economics has been an important part of Brookfield Academy’s curriculum. The founders of our school believed that in preparing students for college and life, we need to share with them the importance of a deep understanding of both personal freedom and individual responsibility.

    The Free Market Institute was established to provide even greater opportunities for our students to learn, discuss, and experience free market principles in and beyond the classroom. Through this podcast, blogs, seminars, classes, and other activities, the Free Market Institute shares insight into the "economic way of thinking" for all students and our entire BA community.

    Follow these links to learn more about Bruce Rottman and the Free Market Institute. You can contact Bruce directly with questions or comments at bruce.rottman@brookfieldacademy.org. You can also register to subscribe to blogs and other content.

    If you'd like to learn more about Brookfield Academy and what we can offer your child, visit our website at brookfieldacademy.org.
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    32 mins
  • Students Recap Their Experience at the YAF Conference in Santa Barbara

    Students Recap Their Experience at the YAF Conference in Santa Barbara
    Jan 5 2023
    In this episode of the Free Market Matters podcast, host Mr. Bruce Rottman, speaks with two students from Brookfield Academy who represented the school at the Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) conference in Santa Barbara, California.

    If you're curious about the large and small ways economic forces impact daily life, this is the podcast for you. If you're open to a new perspective with a dose of fun, you've definitely found the right podcast.

    Before returning to Brookfield Academy, where he had taught history and economics for 17 years, as the Director of the school's new Free Market Institute, Mr. Rottman was a faculty member at the Providence School in Santa Barbara, California.

    His engaging style and deep knowledge of economic principles have made him a favorite of students throughout his nearly 30 year career as an educator.

    The Free Market Institute develops programs to enable students and the Brookfield Academy community to learn, discuss, and experience free market principles in and beyond the classroom. As part of that effort, Mr. Rottman will share his insight with listeners of the Free Market Matters podcast.

    Celebrating its 60th anniversary, Brookfield Academy educates more than 850 students, K3 through Grade 12, on a 125-acre campus. The Mission of the school is to graduate students prepared for college and life, educated in the skills, values, and heritage of responsible, constructive, free people. The Academy accepts students regardless of race, creed, or national origin. If you'd like to learn more, visit www.brookfieldacademy.org.

    Please rate, review, and subscribe to the Free Market Matters podcast.
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    14 mins