Upstream Ideas
"He who seeks to improve conditions must propagate a new mentality, not merely a new institution." — Ludwig von Mises
Our aim at Upstream Ideas is to do just as Mises suggested by turning the dial on how you look at the political and policy issues facing Illinois, Chicago and our nation. We present new ideas that inform salient policy decisions, start new conversations and move beyond partisan politics all while challenging the status quo.
Dan Proft along with distinguished guests and contributors lay out in-depth issues in a digestible way to better understand why conditions are what they are and how they could be improved. We produce content in a variety of formats including long-form interviews, multiple segment radio shows and mini-monologues. We arm you with new information and fresh perspectives with the goal of making Illinois and the United States of America a bit more free, a bit more just and a bit more civilized.
- Update frequency
- every day
- Episodes
- 300
- Years Active
- 2018 - 2019
WIND: Dems Ready To Eliminate Private Insurance Market
Will Trump get a deal on border security funding before next week's SOTU? Are Democrats going to Pelosi pushing for a deal? Has Trump been given the green light from Republicans to invoke emergency p…
WIND: Church In Crisis
What has been going on at mega churches like Harvest Bible Chapel and Willow Creek in the Chicagoland area? How have they been creating cultures of dread and fear? Why are their elders living the lif…
WIND: Taxing The American Dream
Are Democrats not even pretending you can keep your healthcare if you like it anymore? Why do they want to restrict people’s choices in healthcare and education? If Howard Schultz runs for president,…
WIND: Who Won The Shutdown Showdown?
Did Trump not cave but fold temporarily? Are we properly estimating the President? Why is the media ignoring Pelosi’s low approval ratings? Why are Republicans afraid to make their case and instead r…
WIND: Will Democratic Presidential Candidates Go Full Maduro?
What has been the response from the far left in regards to what is happening in Venezuela? Are “all options on the table?” Is there any disgust or worry about the rise of anti-semitism amongst the ne…
WIND: Will Trump Dwell On The Wall Or Move On?
Are Republicans going to stand with Trump through another shutdown? How do Trump and some Senate Republicans go into 2020 after not delivering on a wall? Has Trump done anything to expand his base? W…
WIND: Chicago Receives Another ‘F Grade
How much would each taxpayer in Chicago need to send to city hall to break even? $36,000. That isn’t even including Chicago Public Schools or Park District's costs and debts. Is the city running out …
WIND: Stockholm Syndrome Plaguing Chicago Voters
Will there finally be a reckoning for those in power in Chicago? Are all of the political lords going to start turning on each other? What will it take to change the political culture in the city and…
WIND: 10 Year-Old Bringing Tom Brady To Justice
How did a 10 year old prove Tom Brady cheated in deflate gate and win his science fair? Does he not hate Brady but just dislike him? How has he dealt with his new found fame? What are his Super Bowl …
WIND: Preparing For Government Shutdown Part 2
Should Howard Schultz be taken seriously as an independent candidate for President? Is it a competition to be the biggest identity politics’ candidate amongst the Democrats? Can Trump recover from th…
WIND: No One Is Safe
Can anyone engage in political commentary without fear of making one misstep and being destroyed over social media? Do journalists blame the nature of the news cycle and social media instead of evalu…
WIND: Shutdown For What
What did NATO Secretary General have to say of Trump’s impact on the security of western nations? Is it instructive to see what countries are trying to make sure the Venezuelans remain poor and oppre…
WIND: D.C. Press Corps' War On Catholic Schools
How does the Catholic Church reform itself externally and internally after the Covington Catholic incident? Msgr. Pat Hamborough of St. Mark's in St. Louis, the priest you saw being accosted by the B…
WIND: Preview Of NWS GOP And Chicago Citywire Mayoral Forum
What questions would you ask Chicago's mayoral candidates? Can the almost 100,000 voters in Chicago who identify as Republican make a difference in the race? Which candidates are interested in system…
WIND: Case Of Grave Injustice
What was the difference between the media's coverage of the Covington Catholic High school boys compared to the other high school kids who were celebrated as activists? Are reporters trying to blame …
WIND: Deifying Diversity
Are pro-lifers no longer welcome at Wheaton College? Why aren’t College Republicans able to express themselves and their perspective the same way a few members of the faculty and student government a…
WIND: Time To Change The Chicago Way
What is fundamentally wrong with the structure of Chicago’s city government? Should the City Council be reduced? Why do other cities have constitutions but not Chicago? What business principles could…
WIND: Shutdown Day 33
Is it a mistake to consider amnesty or benefits for people here illegally until the border is completely secured? Would it be constitutional for Trump to declare a national emergency to fund the wall…
WIND: The UK's Political Crisis
What can get done to restore British sovereignty as the people voted? Did it ever occurred to those in power that electorate would vote to leave the EU? Will there be any sort of compromised exit? Wh…
WIND: Phillips: Set The Record Straight
The media reported Nathan Phillips as a Native American elder as well as a Vietnam veteran. But now the record shows he never served in Vietnam. Is this another example of the media’s complete lack o…