DEFENDING RIGHTS AND PROPERTY: CAMPUS CARRY, SCHOOL CHOICE, AND EMINENT DOMAIN FIGHTS ON OPEN RANGE

On this episode of Open Range, host Matt Heilman welcomes Anton Mirzayants from Young Americans for Liberty to share his journey of grassroots organizing, policy reform, and standing for individual rights. Anton begins by discussing his college experience and how he started a local chapter of Young Americans for Liberty on campus. His early advocacy work focused on promoting concealed carry rights for law-abiding students—a push that eventually grew into a legislative effort in South Dakota. Anton explains how that bill came together and the role citizen activists played in making it happen.
The conversation expands into a deeper look at several key legislative battles in South Dakota, including efforts to expand school choice and protect landowners from having their property taken through eminent domain for private CO2 pipelines. Anton shares insights from the front lines of the legislative process and highlights how principled leadership and civic engagement can make a real difference. He and Matt also draw comparisons between legislation in North Dakota and South Dakota, examining both the similarities and the political dynamics that shape policy on either side of the border.
Later in the show, Dr. Jake Schmitz returns for another Freedom Health Talk. This time, he tackles gut health—explaining how a balanced gut impacts everything from immunity to energy levels. It’s a reminder that freedom includes taking charge of your personal health.