When Hollywood Accidentally Applies Conservative Principles and the Fight for Academic Rigor

On this Friday broadcast, Kim Monson welcomed Allen Thomas for a double appearance discussing conservative values in Hollywood films, gubernatorial candidate Greg Lopez on restoring Colorado, and education advocate Jen Gibbons exposing curriculum decline in Cherry Creek School District.

Conservative Principles in Hollywood Films

Start listening at 2:00 – Hour 1

Allen Thomas previews his essay “Accidental Conservatives,” examining how Hollywood productions often inadvertently promote conservative values despite the industry’s progressive reputation. Thomas highlights the importance of standing on bedrock principles rather than ideology, arguing that principles allow for nuanced policy positions while ideology creates blind spots. His previous essay on states’ rights versus federal government generated significant reader response, exploring how the Supreme Court’s decisions reinforce state sovereignty against federal overreach.

“When you’re able to use reason and abandon ideology and instead stand on a bedrock of principle, you’re able to have these nuanced views of what public policy should be because you’re not committed to an ideology.”

Allen Thomas, Author and Essayist

Restoring Colorado Through Conservative Leadership

Start listening at 16:15 – Hour 1

Greg Lopez, Republican gubernatorial candidate, outlines his vision for fixing Colorado’s broken policies. Lopez emphasizes getting tough on crime, removing critical race theory from schools, and working with local governments to restore power to the people. He addresses the anticipated Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade, advocating for pregnancy resource centers that provide real support while protecting the unborn. Lopez notes that Democratic groups have spent substantial money opposing his campaign, which he interprets as evidence of his strong polling position against Governor Polis.

“We are a country where liberty and freedom is what we stand on, and government needs to get out of our way. And that’s exactly what I’m going to make sure that we do as governor.”

Greg Lopez, Gubernatorial Candidate

Fighting Curriculum Decline in Cherry Creek Schools

Start listening at 68:15 – Hour 2

Jen Gibbons, founder of Heritage Heights Academy and member of Cherry Creek Parent Advocacy Network, exposes the decline of academic rigor in one of Colorado’s once-premier school districts. Gibbons traces the deterioration to around 2010, when expectations dropped and one-to-one iPad programs replaced traditional instruction. She describes how schools adopted curricula from failing urban districts and prioritized “culturally responsive learning” and social-emotional learning over academics. Only 40% of Colorado children read at grade level by third grade, yet schools focus on comprehensive sex education for kindergarteners rather than reading fundamentals.

“At Heritage Heights Academy, and I will take any opportunity I can to brag about my school, but you walk in and it’s diverse. One of the first things you notice about it is that most of our kids are black and brown and we love being in our community. We’re in our uniforms. We’re here to learn, and that is the feeling that you get when you walk in.”

Jen Gibbons, Founder, Heritage Heights Academy

Parental Responsibility in Education

Start listening at 104:52 – Hour 2

Allen Thomas returns to emphasize that educating children remains parents’ right and responsibility, not the state’s. If public schools fail to teach fundamentals, parents must supplement at home. The discussion highlights how schools have gradually excluded parents from classrooms, using technology and security concerns as justifications. Kim Monson warns that even one year with an activist teacher pushing ideological agendas can require significant effort to undo, urging parents to remain vigilant and engaged through room parent roles and regular classroom visits.

“It’s easy to forget that educating your kids is your right and your responsibility. It’s not the responsibility of the state to educate your kids. It’s yours.”

Allen Thomas, Author and Essayist