Why I’m More Thankful Than Ever to Live in NH.

The Porcupine Post Newsletter
Friday, November 28, 2025

Hon. Eric Brakey
Free State Project, Executive Director

I am thankful to live in the Free State of New Hampshire.

Here are a few things we are reporting on in this week’s Porcupine Post newsletter:

Thanksgiving in the Free State with gatherings and many reasons to be thankful for the awesome liberty-loving community we are assembling here.
A New Magazine Launches — The first issue of “Live Free in New Hampshire,” a project by Stephen Nass (Free Stater), has been published, promoting the culture, community, food, history, and people of the #1 state for freedom in America.
Build Freedom at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum — Last week, we opened ticket sales and announced Bob Murphy and Jay Noone as speakers. This week, we announce that I will lead a dialogue on “Greater New Hampshire” and the practical steps for rural Maine to break away and join the Free State.
A Porcupine Patron Update, as we are 91% of the way to our end-of-year goal of 270 patrons. Can I count you in?

I know these weekly FSP newsletters are always jam-packed with a lot of content, so please feel free to skip ahead to whatever interests you.

Thankful for Free State Community

This is the week to count our blessings — and there are so many here in New Hampshire.

I will be honest, with some personal hardships in life lately, I have been experiencing a difficult time — but that’s when you need and appreciate community the most.

There are peaks and valleys in life. While I’ve been in one of those valleys, I’ve relied on the friendships and community networks here in the Free State to help me refocus on the important things.

One example of this is the weekly Garnet Ruck in Candia — a great way to push myself, build physical discipline, and form bonds with my fellow Free Staters each Sunday.

If you’ve never been to the Garnet Ruck and you are ready for a physical challenge — hiking several miles with a weighted backpack — then learn more on the FSP Community Calendar and join us this Sunday.

(When I get back from a Thanksgiving trip to Ohio, I plan to be there again with boots on — no matter how cold it is becoming in late November.)

***Freedom Ruck.*** *Every Sunday afternoon, the Garnet Ruck Club gathers in Candia, New Hampshire to hike several miles together.*

Across many corners of New Hampshire this week, Free Staters gathered together for Thanksgiving meals.

No matter where you were in New Hampshire this week, a Friendsgiving was within driving distance: this included the 2nd annual “Friendsgiving” in the Lower Valley, a “Thanksgiving Sunday Brunch” at the SHELL on the Seacoast, and a “Thanksgiving Potluck” at the Concord Prickle.

Here are a few sights from yesterday’s “Friendsgiving” at the Quill liberty clubhouse in Manchester.

The day before, volunteers prepared the space to welcome a large gathering of Free State friends on Thanksgiving day.

On Thanksgiving Day, the space was filled as dozens arrived, bringing dishes to share with so many friends.

There is nothing like Free State community coming together, building bonds, and breaking bread.

There is so much to be thankful for in the Free State — and that was this week’s topic on Episode 90 of the Porcupine Report.

Thank you to our FSP Welcome and Engagement Director, Chris Lopez, for joining me on the show to discuss all the things we are thankful for, especially Free State volunteers, patrons, and community.

Porcupine Report #90: “Thankfulness” with Chris Lopez. This episode dives into the spirit of gratitude at the heart of the Free State community, highlighting the relationships, support, and shared purpose that make New Hampshire feel like home for liberty lovers. Eric and Chris reflect on the unique strength of this movement—one built not just on political wins, but on real human connection and a culture of showing up for one another. They explore how engagement, volunteerism, and friendship continue to fuel the momentum that draws people from across the country. It’s a warm, reflective conversation about why building freedom starts with building community, and a celebration of the people who make the Free State Project thrive. Watch the full episode of the Porcupine Report!

So everyone around the world knows what they’re missing out on, this week FSP leaders shared short videos on what we are thankful for on social media.

Check out these 1-minute reels on thankfulness from myself, Carla Gericke (FSP Board Chair), and Jason Sorens (FSP Founder) on the blessings of New Hampshire we are appreciating this year.

Be sure to check our new FSP welcome video: “Live Free or Die — Start your Journey with the Free State Project.”
Thank you to FSP Video Strategist Reinita Susman.

“Live Free in New Hampshire” Magazine Publishes First Issue

Speaking of all we are thankful for, I feel blessed to be in a community of people who don’t sit around waiting for others to do things.

Free Staters take their own initiative to build the freedom they want to see in the world.

This week, I want to give a word of praise to Stephen Nass (a leading voice for food freedom and a past guest on Episode 50 of the Porcupine Report) for publishing the first issue of his new magazine.

“Live Free in New Hampshire” celebrates the culture of freedom that is found only in the Granite State. The mission of this magazine is to boldly promote these self-evident ideals.

Live Free in New Hampshire is available for FREE throughout New Hampshire and at liberty events, but if you’re not around, they will mail you a copy directly.

Click here to learn more about the magazine, read the digital edition, or order a physical copy for yourself.

***“Live Free in New Hampshire.”*** Stephen Nass, pictured at the SHELL liberty clubhouse in the Seacoast, holds a copy of the first issue of his new magazine, promoting the culture, community, food, history, and people of the #1 state for freedom in America. *Click here to learn more*.

“Build Freedom” at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum

Last week, we formally opened ticket sales, launched the website, and announced our first speakers for the 2026 New Hampshire Liberty Forum.

We are returning to the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, March 5-8, 2026 with the theme “Build Freedom.”

This is a conference for those actively building solutions for a future grounded in individual human liberty. Of course, that’s the whole purpose of the Free State Project — to build a homeland for freedom builders.

Thank you for being an email subscriber. Please use discount code “PorcPost” to save 5% on your tickets for the 2026 NH Liberty Forum.

Thank you to Miranda Animus, our FSP Design Strategist, for her contributions to this upcoming year’s 2026 NH Liberty Forum design. She restored the event’s iconic multicolored NH logo — a defining part of Liberty Forum’s identity for many years — incorporating it into a refreshed cohesive design for 2026.

Like last year, we will be running two tracks of content at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum:

“Build Freedom” Main Stage Series – short-form talks and panels for a large audience
“Liberty In Practice” Dialogue Series – eight small group deep-dives (limited to 25 participants each), led by respected freedom builders with topics ranging from raising the next generation to the practical steps necessary for interstate secession.

Thank you to Jason Sorens (FSP Founder and LF26 Co-Producer) for taking the lead on producing our Dialogue Series, while I take the lead on recruiting our Main Stage speakers.

(Jason joined me last Wednesday on Episode 89 of the Porcupine Report to officially launch the 2026 NH Liberty Forum.)

Last week, we were pleased to announce our first speakers for each series:

Bob Murphy — economist with the Mises Institute and host of the Bob Murphy Show.
Jay Noone — Free Stater and homesteader, he will lead a small group dialogue on how to raise the next generation to be competent, useful and valuable

I am also happy to announce that I will be presenting and facilitating discussion again next March for the Dialogue Series.

My topic will be: “Greater New Hampshire? Why and how rural Maine should break away and join the Free State.”

Ever since I walked away from the Maine Senate in 2024, I’ve warned progressive leaders in Southern Maine they can only push the freedom-loving regions of Maine so far before freedom-lovers start looking for exit plans.

While many Mainers are packing up and moving to New Hampshire, others with unbreakable ties to the land are expressing interest in interstate secession.

Inspired by the Greater Idaho Movement (whose Executive Director, Matt McCaw, presented at last year’s NH Liberty Forum), I will present on the practical steps and the reasons why rural Maine and New Hampshire should band together to build an even stronger Free State.

(VIP ticket holders will receive priority registration opportunities for limited-seating dialogues — which are each capped at 25 people to facilitate productive conversations.)

There will be plenty more announcements ahead on the 2026 NH Liberty Forum, so keep reading this weekly newsletter.

Remember to use discount code “PorcPost” to save 5% on your tickets for the 2026 NH Liberty Forum.

*Be sure to check out our freshly updated and re-launched* *website for the 2026 NH Liberty Forum. (Thank you to FSP IT Director **Brian Becker** and FSP Design Strategist **Miranda Animus** for their work on this website.)*

The Free State Project Needs You
— Lend a Helping Hand

At the FSP, our job is fishing for people — those who share liberty values and want to live free. Here is exactly how we do it:

The more people learn, the more they connect.
The more people connect, the more they visit.
The more people visit, the more they move.
The more people move, the more they build.
The more people build, the faster liberty wins.

As a small non-profit, our efforts at every stage are powered by volunteers — and we need more of them.

You can volunteer from here in the Free State of New Hampshire or anywhere in the country.

Click here to sign-up as an FSP volunteer.

We even need FSP ambassadors in the other 49 states to help us plan outreach opportunities to connect with liberty lovers near you.

(For more information on opportunities for non-NH residents to assist with outreach, please contact our Outreach Director, Pedro Serra, at the email address shown below.)

24 More Patrons Needed by New Year’s
— Will You Be One of Them?

If you believe in our mission for a liberty homeland in New Hampshire, I’d like to ask you to become a Porcupine Patron for the Free State Project.

For just $10/month, you can support our year-round efforts to build “Liberty in Our Lifetime” — outreaching and inviting new movers to join us in the Free State.

Additionally, you will receive exclusive patron benefits, including our quarterly print newsletter, access to our private Signal group, and perks at all FSP events.

We currently have 246 active patrons — only 24 away from our year-end goal of 270.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a $10/month Porcupine Patron (or at a higher tier), this is the week I’d be especially grateful if you did.

This week, I am truly grateful that one new patron just donated at the Platinum level — making a $2,500 tax-deductible gift to support our mission.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all donations to the Free State Project are 100% tax-deductible. We welcome donations in dollars and many forms of cryptocurrency.

Can I count you in as a Porcupine Patron?

**Porcupine Patron Pin.** In addition to other fantastic benefits, every Porcupine Patron of the Free State Project receives this “Porcupine Patron Pin.” These pins are not just for show! Patron pins grant access to exclusive perks at all FSP events, including VIP rooms, patron-only events, and courtesy drink tickets. **Click here to become a Porcupine Patron for the Free State Project.**

It is my honor to serve as Executive Director of the FSP.

Please read on for more of our weekly newsletter from the Free State, prepared with assistance from our Communications Director, Mahgdalen Rose.

For Liberty!
Hon. Eric Brakey
Executive Director
Free State Project

Free State Voices

Do NH Right-to-Know Laws Need a Major Overhaul? YES. Long answer: Also YES. This week, I sit down with First Amendment firebrand Laurie Ortolano—winner of the 2023 Nackey Loeb Award and the 2025 NEFAC Award—to talk about why New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know system is… let’s call it “quaint.” As in: charming if you like rotary phones, not so charming if you think government should actually be accountable. Join us for a fast, funny, no-BS conversation about transparency, citizen power, and what needs to change right now if we want to keep New Hampshire truly free. I’m Carla Gericke, the voice of New Hampshire. Let’s shine some damn light. 🌲✨ Click here to watch the full episode of The Independents with Carla Gericke!

**The Real State Of The Economy**. Melissa Blasek is joined by economist Jason Sorens of American Institute for Economic Research for a deep dive into the current economic landscape. They explore what job reports really signal, whether the stock market reflects reality, why gold and bitcoin are moving, the latest on the housing bubble, and how inflation and tariffs are shaping the financial future. **Click to watch the full interview.**

**Jason Sorens: Welfare programs crowd out private charity**. “Welfare programs actually do crowd out private charity. The more the government does, the less families and churches, and charities do to address those needs.” **Click to watch the full interview.**

**Jason Sorens: User fees are the best way to fund the highway system, because they come closest to approximating market prices.** “Whether you take a train, plane, or automobile to your holiday festivities, your income tax dollars are subsidizing drivers on the road. Most Americans assume that gas taxes and tolls fund highways. That used to be the case, but it’s no longer true.” **Click here to read the full article at Reason.**

News from the Free State

NHPR: 10 Things to Do in NH this Thanksgiving weekend
Union Leader: Ski season comes early to the White Mountains
Seacostonline: Did you feel it? Small earthquake rocks southern New Hampshire.
Patch: Thanksgiving Grocery, Black Friday Retail Hours: What’s Open, Closed In New Hampshire
WMUR 9: Viewers’ Choice 2025: Best chicken tenders in New Hampshire
Seacostonline: Is it legal to put Christmas lights on your car in New Hampshire?
WMUR 9: From the archives: It snowed in New Hampshire on Thanksgiving in 1989
Huch Blackwell: New Hampshire Establishes Amnesty Program for Taxpayers
WMUR: North Conway named best ski town in the US
WGME: Lenticular clouds create stunning views in parts of Maine and New Hampshire
WMUR: Winning Powerball ticket sold in New Hampshire
Union Leader: Since 1717, State Library has chronicled and preserved New Hampshire history
Seacoast Online: New Hampshire named best New England state and 2nd best in US, ranking says

As Seen in the Free State

***Monday Manumissions.*** *Every Monday evening at the* *Independence Inn*, Dennis Pratt hosts a gathering for those who “Build, Don’t Bitch.” A recent meeting featured Adam Maguire, speaking about “Port-U-Plan” — a personalized financial plan to help potential movers plan an affordable life in NH.

***At the Range.*** *The UNH chapter of Young Americans for Liberty spent some time boning and practicing their aim at Renaissance Shooting Range yesterday before going to the SHELL for poker night.*

Mark Your Calendar

The Nutcracker Ballet

Friend of the Free State, Edra Toth (guest on Episode 39 of the Porcupine Report) and her Northeastern Ballet Theatre invite everyone to upcoming performances of The Nutcracker, November 29-30 in Wolfeboro, NH.

Use discount code “NBTHomeSchool” for 30% off — or “GROUP40” for 40% off groups of 10 or more. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS.

Bardo Potluck & Upper Valley New Mover Party — Yankee Gift Swap

On Saturday, December 6 from 5-9 PM, join this monthly potluck dinner at Bardo Farm with a holiday twist. Bring a dish to share and a present to swap!

Every person choosing to participate in the Yankee Gift Swap should bring one wrapped present. The gift can be new, used, homemade, store-bought, or what have you.

Feel free to dress in your bestest/ugliest holiday garb.

Happy Festivus to all and may the Flying Spaghetti Monster look upon you with glee!

Want to Build a Porcupine Theme Weekend?

Dennis Pratt, Owner of the Independence Inn, is seeking participants and organizers for Porcupine Theme Weekends throughout 2026.

Please email him — DennisGPratt@gmail.com — if you would be interested in participating or helping build a theme weekend for liberty lovers regarding any of the following interests.

Musicians: Playing music together
Gamers: Playing tabletop games
Couples: Natalism / Birthing
Politicians: Winning political office
Historians: Celebrating the Pine Tree Riot
Marksmanship
2nd Amendment: Shooting guns
Family Freedom: Raising a free family your way
Tom Woods Cruise: Pre Gathering
Sailors: Tall ship schooner
Medical Workers
Theatre Workshops

Other ideas are also welcome

Recurring Free State Events

New Mover Potluck Parties!

Manchester – First Friday
Upper Valley – First Saturday
Seacoast – Third Sunday
North Country – Third Saturday

Local Meetups!

Manchester – Weekly, Tuesdays
Plymouth – Semi-monthly, second and fourth Wednesdays
Seacoast – Weekly, Thursdays (changes town)
Upper Valley – Monthly, fourth Tuesday
Nashua – Weekly, Sundays
Gilford – Monthly, third Saturday
Lancaster – Monthly, third Saturday
Ossipee – Semi-monthly, second Sunday and third Tuesday
Madison – Monthly, second Saturday
Grafton – Monthly, second Saturday
Keene – Weekly, Sundays
Lower Valley – monthly, third Friday

This is only a small sample of what’s going on in the Free State! Recurring topical events include agorism, family play time, range shooting, and crypto.

Find upcoming events across the state on our NH Liberty Calendar.

Some Upcoming Events

Friday, November 28th

6:30pm-10 – Religious Bitcoin/Crypto Meetup – Join us for a monthly meetup exploring the moral and spiritual dimensions of Bitcoin and blockchain technology. Together, we’ll discuss how sound money principles align with religious values like stewardship, honesty, and justice. This gathering is open to all faith backgrounds and anyone interested in the ethical implications of a decentralized peaceful money standard. Almost one year active! Text Zephan for address (603)369-7729.
Manchester, 7pm-10 – Big Damn Movie Night – Join the crew for a cinematic romp through the heroic and the hopeful—this week showing the Firefly series, episodes 2 (and maybe 3). Expect laughter and legendary lines. Bring snacks, bring friends, bring your inner hero… just don’t bring chatter once the lights go down. Join us. Members only. Normal guesting rules apply. Hosted by Gavin. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)

Saturday, November 29th

Lancaster, 6:30pm-9:30 – NCP Bourbon & Cigar Night! – It’s Ok to just stop by and chat for a bit and talk about economy and politics. ALL are welcome. Hope you can put it on your calendar! Contact Adam for location at 207-380-4236.

Sunday, November 30th

Candia, 1:15pm-3:15 – The Gruck a.k.a. Garnet Ruck – GRUCK: Granite Ruck. Rucking is the act of walking with weight on your back. It’s a low impact exercise based on military training workouts that improves cardio, strength, endurance, and character. This is a challenge by choice event, go as heavy or as far as you’re enthusiastic about. Whether you come for camaraderie or to test your mettle, as long as you come in peace, you’re welcome! Hosted by Michael Rohan. (Garnet School, 456 Critchett Rd, Candia)
Manchester, 2pm-4 – Ice Skating – A family friendly public skating event. Only $5 per person! Hosted by Patrick. (JFK Memorial Coliseum, 303 Beech St, Manchester)
Manchester, 5pm-7:30 – Manchester Crypto Meetup – We’re not trying to shill any coin, token, or project. We are a group of individuals and businesses in support of cryptocurrency and its everyday uses. Hosted by Matt Ping. (Strange Brew Tavern, 88 Market St, Manchester)
Keene, 5pm-6 – Social Sunday – Enjoy the company of other liberty-loving people at NH’s longest-running activist social! Hosted by Chris Wade. (Local Burger, 82 Main St, Keene)
Nashua, 6pm-8 – Nashua Liberty Social – Weekly Nashua Meet-Up – Location varies each week. This calendar event is typically updated by 2PM on Sunday. Meet-ups are generally within about a 10 minute drive of the downtown area. Hosted by Jeff Creem.