Big News to Share!
I have BIG NEWS to share.
Politics and Parenting is maturing. The substack is moving from its initial rebellious stage into a more professional stage. The time for testing things out is over. I have learned a lot, and I am grateful for everyone who has supported me over the years, but every kid must put their hobbies down; it’s time for Politics and Parenting to grow up and get a real job. Starting in May, I will offer paid subscriptions with added incentives.
As one does in the professional stage of life, Politics and Parenting is growing. New to the family is The Debate. The Debate is a place for people who want to be informed, who love a story, and who want to think. We are a government of the people by the people, and for the people, so the people need to be a part of The Debate. The people love a good story. Whether it's Star Wars or courtroom TV, they always want to know what's next and what happened before. The Debate will specialize in narrative-driven articles that inform by providing historical context.
The Debate will feature content from a variety of critical thinkers from all over the political spectrum. At The Debate, we share yesterday’s stories and connect them to today’s headlines, providing the reader with more context for the political moment. Opinion writers share a story and then present a Debate on policy or reform ideas.
When I speak with people in my community, they ask me What’s going on? What does this mean for our future? Has this happened before? And What can we do about it?
The people want better leaders.
They want better information.
They want answers.
At The Debate, we seek to inform the people and answer their questions.
Politics and Parenting subscribers can look forward to a more focused product. The political side of the podcast will focus on the American family’s view of current events. Episodes will feature interviews with authors and political figures. The parenting side of the podcast will be a family affair. Episodes will vary from book discussions with my teenagers to husband-wife discussions about parenting in the modern world. Articles and essays from Politics and Parenting will blend the two worlds, discussing authority, power, and rebellion in our family and government.
The Politics and Parenting writing will be conversational, light, reflective and informative. The writing at The Debate will be pointed and serious. Each will feature a short sentence structure and concise storytelling.
Since beginning this journey, I have learned there are two groups of people: the people who make decisions, the intellectuals, if you will, and the people who let them, the everyday citizens. I believe they have grown too far apart, and my objective is to bring them closer together.
If you choose to upgrade to a paid subscription, you'll be supporting a budding small business. I don’t plan to do this on my own. I am recruiting talented and knowledgeable storytellers, and with your support, I will pay them. I plan to lift up other leaders, those who communicate with authority and grace, those who are encouraging and inspirational, and those who study and prepare. I want to build a group of people who challenge each other with love.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Subscriptions will cost $10 monthly or $110 yearly. Paid subscribers will receive all content and posts, with the ability to like and comment. New features will include access to a book club and community chats. The book club will meet remotely every other month and include the book's authors. We will read stories from history and perspectives on family. Club members will also receive signed bookplates.
Beginning in January 2025, the first book will be The Conductor: The Story of Rev. John Rankin, Abolitionism’s Essential Founding Father by Caleb Franz. I met Caleb a few months ago at Liberty Con. He is an insightful and engaging thinker. His deep knowledge of history, particularly the Antebellum era, gives him a deeper perspective into today’s political discourse—his book releases on October 15th. I was lucky enough to have read the first chapter; it was terrific. I can’t wait to read the rest and discuss it with you!
Community chats will occur quarterly and, if demand should rise, monthly. My goal is to provide as much access as possible. Chats will be structured so that the audience does most of the talking. If you take the time to listen to what I think, I want to hear what you think.
Politics and Parenting will also offer a Founding Member subscription for $300. If you sign up for a Founding Membership, all you will receive is this lousy (actually it’s awesome) T-Shirt!
Just Kidding. You will also receive this Politics and Parenting tumbler!
But wait, there's more!
Founding Members will be invited on Founding Field Trips! I will be your host through some of Northern Virginia’s most historically significant properties. Trips will take place in the Spring and Fall. The first trip is tentatively planned for Spring 2025 at James Madison’s Montpelier house.
To recap, Founding Members will receive all the perks of paid subscribers, including access to the book club, community chats, sweet swag, and invites to Founding Field trips. Oh, but wait—there really is more.
Founding memberships will be capped at 1,000 members. Once Founding Memberships are full and the total paid membership reaches 2,500, Founding Members will be converted to Legacy Members. They will receive lifetime access at no cost.
Free subscribers won’t be left out; they will receive a minimum of two articles or essays a month and all podcast episodes.
My commitment is to listen and inform, be studious and reflective. I want to build something of value that does more than make money. I want to help regular citizens better understand the complex nature of our history and politics. I want to unite people around family.
Thank you for your support.
Peace and Love,
Jeff Mayhugh