The Right Idea

Since I ran for the United States Senate in 2018 and lost a primary race, conservative candidates in Wisconsin have lost 11 out of 12 statewide general elections. Given this record, it's clear that the conservative movement needs to be more proactive in reaching out to new people to explain how our ideas empower them and enable them to succeed. It is this reality that led my wife and me to found No Better Friend Corp., with a mission of reaching people in every corner of Wisconsin to promote ideas and policies that: drive economic growth; improve the quality of education; insert market forces into healthcare; promote a culture of life; and maintain a strong and strategic national defense in order to stop wars before they start. Read more from Kevin Nicholson in the Sun Prairie Star here.

Welcome to Season 3 of The Right Idea Podcast. I’m Kevin Nicholson, volunteer president and CEO of No Better Friend Corp. In this season, we’re highlighting the creativity and work ethic behind the businesses that make Wisconsin’s economy go round. Today’s episode features a conversation with Craig Cook of Fall Line Outfitters. Join us as we learn how his love & passion for the outdoors motivates him each day, how his military career shaped his entrepreneurial outlook, and we’ll even learn which two United States Presidents used to travel to Wisconsin to fly fish in our great state.  If you enjoy Wisconsin’s outdoor beauty and want to support a veteran-owned business – you’ll want to check out Fall Line Outfitters - it’s Wisconsin’s very own fly-fishing destination spot!    Host: Kevin Nicholson, President & CEO of No Better Friend Corp.Guest: Craig CookProducer: Darryl Carlson, Executive Director Find this episode on Apple, Google, iHeartRadio, Richocet, Stitcher, or Deezer.

The Right Idea Podcast Season 1, Episode 1 “Introduction to The Right Idea Season 1: School Choice” Welcome to Season 1 of The Right Idea Podcast, where we focus on the life-changing impact of school choice in Wisconsin for students and their families. Children don’t have time for politicians to fix broken schools, and that’s the beauty of school choice: a program that enables success for thousands of Wisconsin students each year.  Join No Better Friend Corp. on our Right Idea Podcast as we take a deep dive into the school choice movement, it’s history, it’s politics, it’s enemies, and it’s incredibly positive impact on Wisconsin’s kids. We’ll talk with parents, students, educators and advocates across the state and country. And we’ll reveal the uplifting stories behind the school choice movement, the hope it fosters, and the policy solutions that will put even more kids on the path to success. Podcast Host: Kevin Nicholson, Founder and President of No Better Friend Corp. Produced, Written & Edited by Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp. Voices in this episode (in alphabetical order): Jim Bender, President, School Choice Wisconsin Andrew Campanella, President, National School Choice Week Kimberly Desotell, GRACE Schools, Green Bay Ron Kelly, Parent, St. Marcus School, Milwaukee Gissell, Student, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Milwaukee Kevin Nicholson, President & CEO, No Better Friend Corp. Randy Schirz, Parent, Lutheran Special School, Hales Corners Tommy Schultz, Vice President of Communications and Marketing, American Federation for Children Marcio Sierra, Pastor, Lighthouse Church, Madison Tia Sierra, Pastor & Principal, Lighthouse Christian School, Madison Libby Sobic, Director & Legal Counsel of Education Policy, Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty Andrew Stith, President, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Milwaukee State Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt, Chair, Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Education Governor Tommy Thompson Brenda White, President, Siena Catholic Schools, Racine Shannon Whitworth, Director of Free Enterprise Academy, Milwaukee Lutheran High School, Milwaukee Edgar Zaragoza, Outreach Administrator, GRACE Schools, Green Bay

The Right Idea Podcast Season 1, Episode 2 “The History and Basics of School Choice in Wisconsin” School choice began with bipartisan support in Wisconsin, with the ideas that parents should have options when it comes to educating their children. Today, “school choice” can mean anything from open enrollment, to using a voucher or special needs scholarship, to attending a public charter school. Podcast Host: Kevin Nicholson, Founder and President of No Better Friend Corp. Produced, Written & Edited by Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp. Voices in this episode (in alphabetical order): Jim Bender, President, School Choice Wisconsin State Senator Alberta Darling, Co-Chair Joint Committee on Finance, Wisconsin State Legislature Kevin Nicholson, President & CEO, No Better Friend Corp. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence State Representative Jessie Rodriguez, Chair, Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Family Law Emelia Rohl, Podcast Producer / Communications Director, No Better Friend Corp. Libby Sobic, Director & Legal Counsel of Education Policy, Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty State Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt, Chair, Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Education Governor Tommy Thompson OTHER AUDIO SOURCE MATERIAL: https://wiseye.org/2020/01/28/celebrating-school-choice/ https://www.c-span.org/video/?31297-1/republican-national-convention-pm-session

The Right Idea Podcast Season 1, Episode 3 “A Visit to Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Milwaukee” Student “trailblazers” at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School are working in businesses in the community as part of the school’s Corporate Work Study Program. And the results are worth it, with 100% of their graduates receiving acceptance from colleges. Podcast Host: Kevin Nicholson, Founder and President of No Better Friend Corp. Produced, Written & Edited by Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp. Voices in this episode (in alphabetical order): Gissell, Student, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Milwaukee Kevin Nicholson, President & CEO, No Better Friend Corp. Emelia Rohl, Podcast Producer / Communications Director, No Better Friend Corp. Libby Sobic, Director & Legal Counsel of Education Policy, Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty Andrew Stith, President, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Milwaukee OTHER AUDIO SOURCE MATERIAL: http://www.cristoreymilwaukee.orghttps://www.jsonline.com/videos/news/2019/06/01/cristo-rey-jesuit-high-school-holds-first-graduation-ceremony/1307104001/)

The Right Idea Podcast Season 1, Episode 4 “A Visit to Lighthouse Christian School in Madison” Showing love to their students and meeting them where they’re at, sets Lighthouse Christian School apart from other schools. But despite often-difficult circumstances, students are also achieving great results, with the school receiving a rating of “Significantly Exceeds Expectations,” according to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Podcast Host: Kevin Nicholson, Founder and President of No Better Friend Corp. Produced, Written & Edited by Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp. Voices in this episode (in alphabetical order): Kevin Nicholson, President & CEO, No Better Friend Corp. Emelia Rohl, Podcast Producer / Communications Director, No Better Friend Corp. Marcio Sierra, Pastor, Lighthouse Church, Madison Tia Sierra, Pastor & Principal, Lighthouse Christian School, Madison OTHER SOURCE MATERIAL: https://www.lcsmadison.net https://madison.com/opinion/column/jim-bender-dont-miss-lighthouse-christian-schools-stellar-report-card/article_580ececb-e217-516f-9faf-c66bb1de0073.html?mode=comments

The Right Idea Podcast Season 1, Episode 5 “A Visit to Milwaukee Lutheran High School’s Free Enterprise Academy” The educators at Milwaukee Lutheran High School have responded to a need to help students figure out what to do after high school graduation by teaching them practical life skills through the Red Knight Institute – a group of five in-house academies within the school that help students prepare for the future, including an Arts Academy, Career Academy, Free Enterprise Academy, Honors Academy, and Urban Education Academy. Podcast Host: Kevin Nicholson, Founder and President of No Better Friend Corp. Produced, Written & Edited by Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp. Voices in this episode (in alphabetical order): Kevin Nicholson, President & CEO, No Better Friend Corp. Emelia Rohl, Podcast Producer / Communications Director, No Better Friend Corp. Shannon Whitworth, Director of Free Enterprise Academy, Milwaukee Lutheran High School, Milwaukee OTHER SOURCE MATERIAL: https://www.milwaukeelutheran.org

The Right Idea Podcast Season 1, Episode 6 “A Visit to St. Marcus School in Milwaukee” With the structure provided to students through a “No Excuses” policy, St. Marcus School is helping students to be the best they can – and rewarding them with the addition of a color-coded tie to their uniform that signals their level of achievement for all to see and cheer. Teachers are a key component to the success of the school, going out of their way to foster strong relationships with both students and parents. Podcast Host: Kevin Nicholson, Founder and President of No Better Friend Corp. Produced, Written & Edited by Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp. Voices in this episode (in alphabetical order): Ron Kelly, Parent, St. Marcus School, Milwaukee Chris Lawrence, Parent, St. Marcus School, Milwaukee Mikayla, Student, St. Marcus School, Milwaukee Kevin Nicholson, President & CEO, No Better Friend Corp. Emelia Rohl, Podcast Producer / Communications Director, No Better Friend Corp. Shannon Whitworth, Director of Free Enterprise Academy, Milwaukee Lutheran High School, Milwaukee OTHER SOURCE MATERIAL: http://www.stmarcus.org/school

The Right Idea Podcast Season 1, Episode 7 “A Visit to Lutheran Special School in Hales Corners” With a focus on supporting the unique learning challenges faced by students with special needs, many attending Lutheran Special School & Education Services are recipients of the Special Needs Scholarship – an important part of school choice in Wisconsin that provides parents and students much-needed support in getting the best education possible. The school community works together to ensure students are maximizing their God-given spiritual, academic, emotional and social potential – and to have some fun along the way too. Podcast Host: Kevin Nicholson, Founder and President of No Better Friend Corp. Produced, Written & Edited by Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp. Voices in this episode (in alphabetical order): Kevin Nicholson, President & CEO, No Better Friend Corp. Emelia Rohl, Podcast Producer / Communications Director, No Better Friend Corp. Randy Schirz, Parent, Lutheran Special School, Hales Corners Sheila Schirz, Parent, Lutheran Special School, Hales Corners Jenny Stollenwork, Principal, Lutheran Special School, Hales Corners OTHER SOURCE MATERIAL: https://www.lsses.org

The Right Idea Podcast Season 1, Episode 8 “A Conversation About Siena Catholic Schools in Racine” With a network of five grade schools and a middle/high school that has a 100% graduation rate, Siena Catholic Schools is building a solid foundation for students to grow and reach their full potential as a whole person – on a personal, spiritual and communal level. The students, parents, educators, parishes and local businesses work together to show students where their education can lead them as they work together to build a flourishing community. Podcast Host: Kevin Nicholson, Founder and President of No Better Friend Corp. Produced, Written & Edited by Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp. Voices in this episode (in alphabetical order): Kevin Nicholson, President & CEO, No Better Friend Corp. Emelia Rohl, Podcast Producer / Communications Director, No Better Friend Corp. Brenda White, President, Siena Catholic Schools, Racine Justin Wood, HR Recruiting Specialist, Modine, Racine OTHER SOURCE MATERIAL: https://www.sienacatholicschools.org https://www.sienacatholicschools.org/siena-leadership/ https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/teals

The Right Idea Podcast Season 1, Episode 9 “A Conversation with GRACE Catholic Schools in Green Bay” The educators at GRACE Catholic Schools in Green Bay see the option of school choice as a justice issue, since families who have financial hardship also deserve to provide their children with a high-quality education that suits their children’s needs. Families looking for a strong community can find it at GRACE, a network of nine schools in the Green Bay area that provides a home for every child’s educational needs. Podcast Host: Kevin Nicholson, Founder and President of No Better Friend Corp. Produced, Written & Edited by Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp. Voices in this episode (in alphabetical order): Kimberly Desotell, GRACE Schools, Green Bay Andrew Mulloy, Principal, St. John the Baptist School, Green Bay Kevin Nicholson, President & CEO, No Better Friend Corp. Emelia Rohl, Podcast Producer / Communications Director, No Better Friend Corp. Edgar Zaragoza, Outreach Administrator, GRACE Schools, Green Bay OTHER SOURCE MATERIAL:https://gracesystem.org

The Right Idea Podcast Season 1, Episode 10 “The Politics of School Choice-Part 1” Despite widespread support for school choice among families of all political stripes in Wisconsin, Democrat legislators have launched a variety of attacks on the program. This episode debunks some of the criticisms often lobbed at choice schools. Podcast Host: Kevin Nicholson, Founder and President of No Better Friend Corp. Produced, Written & Edited by Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp. Voices in this episode (in alphabetical order): Jason Bedrick, Director of Policy, EdChoice Jim Bender, President, School Choice Wisconsin State Representative Jonathon Brostoff Heather DuBois Bourenane, Wisconsin Public Education Network Corey DeAngelis, Director of School Choice, Reason Foundation Kimberly Desotell, GRACE Schools, Green Bay State Senator Chris Larson Chris Lawrence, Parent, St. Marcus School, Milwaukee U.S. Vice President Mike Pence Kevin Nicholson, President & CEO, No Better Friend Corp. Emelia Rohl, Podcast Producer / Communications Director, No Better Friend Corp. Marcio Sierra, Pastor, Lighthouse Church, Madison Tia Sierra, Pastor & Principal, Lighthouse Christian School, Madison Libby Sobic, Director & Legal Counsel of Education Policy, Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty Andrew Stith, President, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Milwaukee State Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt, Chair, Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Education Shannon Whitworth, Director of Free Enterprise Academy, Milwaukee Lutheran High School, Milwaukee Edgar Zaragoza, Outreach Administrator, GRACE Schools, Green Bay OTHER SOURCE MATERIAL: https://fox6now.com/2020/01/28/vp-mike-pence-attends-wisconsin-school-choice-student-showcase-in-madison/ https://wiseye.org/2020/01/28/celebrating-school-choice/ https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/pence-barnes-battle-over-school-choice-vs-public-schools https://wkow.com/2020/01/28/pence-visit-touts-school-choice-wisconsins-voucher-program/ https://www.c-span.org/video/?457145-1/wisconsin-state-state-address https://wiseye.org/2020/01/28/news-conference-reintroduction-of-public-education-reinvestment-act/ https://wiseye.org/2020/01/28/news-conference-national-school-choice-week/

The Right Idea Podcast Season 1, Episode 11 “The Politics of School Choice-Part 2” Finishing up with a final look at the politics of school choice in both Wisconsin – and at the national level. Podcast Host: Kevin Nicholson, Founder and President of No Better Friend Corp. Produced, Written & Edited by Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp. Voices in this episode (in alphabetical order): Jim Bender, President, School Choice Wisconsin Jonathan Butcher, Senior Policy Analyst, The Heritage Foundation Andrew Campanella, President, National School Choice Week State Senator Alberta Darling, Co-Chair Joint Committee on Finance, Wisconsin State Legislature Corey DeAngelis, Director of School Choice, Reason Foundation Kimberly Desotell, GRACE Schools, Green Bay U.S. Vice President Mike Pence Kevin Nicholson, President & CEO, No Better Friend Corp. Emelia Rohl, Podcast Producer / Communications Director, No Better Friend Corp. Tommy Schultz, Vice President of Communications and Marketing, American Federation for Children Libby Sobic, Director & Legal Counsel of Education Policy, Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty State Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt, Chair, Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Education U.S. President Donald J. Trump Brenda White, President, Siena Catholic Schools, Racine Edgar Zaragoza, Outreach Administrator, GRACE Schools, Green Bay OTHER SOURCE MATERIAL: https://wiseye.org/2020/01/28/celebrating-school-choice/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/sotu/

Welcome to Season 2 of The Right Idea Podcast! Join Kevin Nicholson, volunteer President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp. on Season 2 of the Right Idea Podcast. This season, we’re sitting down and having conversations with a series of great Americans to celebrate our country, to talk about addressing our nation's challenges, and to lay out a path forward.  Season 2- Episode 1: Join Kevin Nicholson, volunteer President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp. on Season 2 of The Right Idea Podcast. In Episode 1 of Season 2 we’re sitting down with former Madison Police Chief Michael Koval to discuss a path forward, as our nation and state are plagued by protests and violence after the death of George Floyd and the shooting of a man in Kenosha, Wisconsin.  Host: Kevin Nicholson, Volunteer President & CEO of No Better Friend Corp. Guest: Michael Koval, Former Chief of the Madison Police Department  Producer: Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp. Production Music: : https://www.bensound.com, https://www.premiumbeat.com

Welcome to Season 2 of The Right Idea Podcast! Join Kevin Nicholson, volunteer President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp. on Season 2 of the Right Idea Podcast. This season, we’re sitting down and having conversations with a series of great Americans to celebrate our country, to talk about addressing our nation’s challenges, and to lay out a path forward.  Season 2- Episode 2: Join Kevin Nicholson, volunteer President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp. on Season 2 of The Right Idea Podcast. In Episode 2 of Season 2 we’re sitting down with Marty Calderon, Founder of God Touch MKE. God Touch MKE is a six month to one year residential program for men coming off the streets or out of the prison system. They are shown acceptance and love, and given hope through Godly teaching, mentoring, and hands-on practical opportunities such as employment and life skills. Host: Kevin Nicholson, Volunteer President & CEO of No Better Friend Corp.  Guest: Marty Calderon, Founder of God Touch MKE Producer: Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp. Find this episode on Apple or Spotify.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Right Idea Podcast! Join Kevin Nicholson, volunteer President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp. on Season 2 of the Right Idea Podcast. This season, we’re sitting down and having conversations with a series of great Americans to celebrate our country, to talk about addressing our nation’s challenges, and to lay out a path forward.  Season 2- Episode 3: Join Kevin Nicholson, volunteer President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp. on Season 2 of The Right Idea Podcast. In Episode 3 of Season 2 we’re sitting down with Professor Yuri Malstev of Carthage College to discuss the dangers of the rise of socialism on college campuses. Host: Kevin Nicholson, President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp.  Guest: Professor Yuri Malstev, Carthage College Producer: Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp. Find this episode on Apple.

Join Kevin Nicholson, volunteer President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp. on Season 2 of the Right Idea Podcast. This season, we’re sitting down and having conversations with a series of great Americans to celebrate our country, to talk about addressing our nation’s challenges, and to lay out a path forward.  Season 2- Episode 4: Join Kevin Nicholson, volunteer President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp. on Season 2 of The Right Idea Podcast. In Episode 4 of Season 2 we’re sitting down with Pastor Jerome Smith of Greater Praise Church of God in Christ in Milwaukee, and founder of the Joseph Project. He discusses the life-changing opportunities at the Joseph Project. Host: Kevin Nicholson, Volunteer President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp.  Guest: Pastor Jerome Smith, Founder of The Joseph Project Producer: Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp.

Join Kevin Nicholson, volunteer President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp. on Season 2 of the Right Idea Podcast. This season, we’re sitting down and having conversations with a series of great Americans to celebrate our country, to talk about addressing our nation’s challenges, and to lay out a path forward.  Season 2- Episode 5: Join Kevin Nicholson, volunteer President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp. on Season 2 of The Right Idea Podcast. In Episode 5 of Season 2 we’re sitting down with Kevin Hermening a community leader and businessman in Mosinee Wisconsin, who was one of the American hostages taken captive during the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979. He highlights the sacrifices made for freedom and why America is still the greatest country in the world and most certainly a country worth fighting for. Host: Kevin Nicholson, President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp.  Guest: Kevin Hermening Producer: Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp.

Join Kevin Nicholson, volunteer President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp. on Season 2 of the Right Idea Podcast. This season, we’re sitting down and having conversations with a series of great Americans to celebrate our country, to talk about addressing our nation’s challenges, and to lay out a path forward.  Season 2- Episode 6: Join Kevin Nicholson, volunteer President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp. on Season 2 of The Right Idea Podcast. In Episode 6 of Season 2 we’re sitting down with Bob Dohnal a longtime Republican activist, community leader and a Wauwatosa pharmacist. In this episode we discussed the conservative policies needed to forge a successful path forward in 2020, Bob’s hunting escapades, and Bob’s famous event planning including the inception of the Chicken Burn. Host: Kevin Nicholson, President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp.  Guest: Bob Dohnal Producer: Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp.

Join Kevin Nicholson, Volunteer President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp. on Season 2 of the Right Idea Podcast. This season, we’re sitting down and having conversations with a series of great Americans to celebrate our country, to talk about addressing our nation’s challenges, and to lay out a path forward.  Season 2- Episode 7: Join Kevin Nicholson, Volunteer President and CEO of No Better Friend Corp. on Season 2 of The Right Idea Podcast. In Episode 7 of Season 2 we’re sitting down with Professor John McAdams of Marquette University an outspoken conservative leader on the Marquette campus. Professor McAdams takes a deep dive into the dangers of cancel culture on college campuses and he shares the story behind the Wisconsin Supreme Court's ruling in his case McAdams v. Marquette. Host: Kevin Nicholson, Volunteer President & CEO of No Better Friend Corp.  Guest: Professor John McAdams Producer: Emelia Rohl, Communications Director of No Better Friend Corp. Find this episode on Apple.