Reihan Salam, president of the Manhattan Institute, never felt confined, constrained, or limited by his ethnic background. After being mugged at knifepoint, the police response to his call was a pivotal moment in his political education. What kind of society do you want for yourself and your children? It is urgently important that we get crime under control, because until we prioritize public safety, nothing else matters.

Where did PragerU come from? The answer begins with the journey of its co-founder. Allen Estrin shares how the lessons he learned in Hollywood, the values that shaped his worldview, and a life-changing friendship with Dennis Prager helped transform a simple idea into a movement reaching millions. Along the way, he reflects on why discipline, perseverance, and character matter more than talent.

PragerU

Stories of Us

From Hollywood Writer to PragerU Co-Founder

Ayaan Hirsi Ali was raised as a devout Muslim and embraced Islamist ideology as a teenager. But after fleeing an arranged marriage and building a new life in the West, she began questioning everything she had been taught. Ayaan shares how that journey led her to reject Islam, become an American citizen, and dedicate her life to defending Western civilization.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali: The Islamic Invasion of Christian Countries

Jillian Michaels went from an overweight and bullied teenager to one of the most recognizable fitness experts in America through the hit television show The Biggest Loser. But after speaking out against leftist narratives around obesity, body positivity, and gender ideology, she found herself under attack. Jillian shares how her own struggles shaped her views on health, discipline, and personal responsibility—and why telling the truth matters more than protecting feelings.

Jillian Michaels: It’s Really Simple to Lose Weight

Raised in South Central Los Angeles, Larry Elder built his life around a simple principle his father taught him: you get out of life what you put into it. After a career in law, he took a chance on radio and quickly became one of the most influential voices in the country. His message challenged dominant left-wing narratives on racism in America, while emphasizing hard work, personal responsibility, and accountability. Larry shares how his upbringing shaped his worldview and why he’s spent decades pushing people to think differently.

Larry Elder's Dad Raised a Man, a Sage, a Victor!

Sage Steele spent nearly two decades at ESPN, rising to the top of sports media and living out her dream on the biggest stages. But as politics began to reshape the network—and after she spoke out on issues like race, free speech, and vaccine mandates—she found herself sidelined, attacked, and ultimately pushed out. Rather than stay silent, Sage took a stand, filing a lawsuit against Disney and walking away from the career she built. She shares how that moment forced her to define her values—and why she chose truth, freedom, and family over everything else.

Sage Steele: I Left ESPN for Truth, Freedom, and Motherhood

Sam Sorbo was on the fast track to a successful Hollywood career when life forced her to choose between ambition and family. After marrying actor Kevin Sorbo and walking away from major opportunities to care for him after his devastating strokes, she began rethinking everything she had been taught about success. That journey led her to homeschool her children and become one of the country’s most outspoken homeschool advocates. Sam explains why schools get it wrong, why parents are more capable than they’re told, and why family—not career—is what truly matters.

Sam Sorbo: From Hollywood to Homeschool

Eve Barlow rose to prominence as a celebrated music journalist, writing for some of the world’s most prestigious magazines and championing progressive causes. But when she dared to criticize the vandalism during the George Floyd protests and call out the progressive left’s growing tolerance for antisemitism, the industry turned on her. Blacklisted and silenced, Eve refused to back down. Today, she’s speaking louder than ever—taking on cancel culture and defending the values the media has abandoned.

The Silencing of Eve Barlow: When Honesty Becomes a Crime

As the son of Dennis Prager, Aaron Prager was raised in a loving and values-driven home. But like so many young Americans, he took a dark turn. By his teens, Aaron was battling a serious addiction to drugs and alcohol, spiraling into years of pain, self-destruction, and broken relationships. It wasn’t until he hit rock bottom that he found the strength to change. Through rehab, faith, and the support of family, Aaron began rebuilding his life. Today, he shares his story to show others that no matter how far you've fallen, recovery is possible—and hope is never out of reach.

Aaron Prager: Recovery from Drug Addiction

Writer, director, and producer David Zucker—best-known for the comedy classic “Airplane!” and the horror parody “Scary Movie” franchise—always wanted to make people laugh. But now, comedy is being destroyed by people with no sense of humor. Zucker offers advice and shares his hope that the pendulum will swing back to filmmakers doing comedy without fear.

David Zucker: Why Can’t Hollywood Take a Joke Anymore? (2025)

Born in communist Poland, Drago Dzieran went from political prisoner to proud American. Beaten, imprisoned, and hunted for resisting tyranny, he escaped to the U.S. with nothing but a bag of clothes and a dream. He taught himself English, became a citizen, and against the odds, became a Navy SEAL at the age of 32. Drago shares how America gave him not just a second chance—but a life he never thought possible.

Drago Dzieran: From Communist Prison to Navy SEAL

As a young model and aspiring singer in Hollywood, Landon Starbuck faced pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards, dress provocatively, and act inappropriately. When she refused to succumb to these pressures at the expense of her own fame and notoriety, her eyes were opened to the sexual exploitation of children across all industries, not just in entertainment. This inspired Landon to create a nonprofit—Freedom Forever—committed to educating and advocating against the exploitation and sex trafficking of children in the United States.

Landon Starbuck: Our Children Are Being Targeted. It’s Time to Fight Back. (2025)

After years of hard work, Riley Gaines made it to the NCAA Championship, but her dreams of winning were shattered when a low-ranked male swimmer who had changed his name to Lia Thomas entered the competition, destroying the opportunities of female athletes. Riley could not stand by and allow this growing trend of biological men dominating women’s sports to go unchallenged, even if it meant standing alone. But, to Riley’s surprise, others would soon join the fight.


Riley Gaines: I Stood Up for All Women after Losing to a Man (2025)

Jack Barsky was a KGB spy living undercover in America. Born in Soviet-controlled East Germany, he was recruited by the KGB to infiltrate the U.S. government and gather intelligence. But as he built a life in the country he was sent to undermine, his loyalties began to shift. He started a new family, fell in love with American life, and walked away from the spy world—risking death to stay in the nation he once hated. Jack shares how he broke free from communist brainwashing, became a Christian, and why he believes America’s fight for freedom is worth defending.


Jack Barsky: Insights from a KGB Spy

Born in the Soviet Union and raised in Brooklyn, Michael Malice always knew America offered something radically different: freedom. A self-described anarchist since childhood, Michael has spent his life questioning authority—from visiting North Korea to fleeing New York’s COVID crackdowns. He shares why he left the city he loved, what the U.S. still gets right, and why it’s up to you, not politicians, to defend liberty and push the world in a better direction.

Michael Malice: Is Anarchy the Solution?

Shabbos Kestenbaum entered Harvard Divinity School seeking knowledge—but found intolerance, radical ideology, and institutional silence in the face of rising antisemitism. After October 7, he was harassed, threatened, and ignored—simply for being Jewish. He sued Harvard and began rethinking everything he’d been taught about politics, identity, and what it truly means to stand for justice.

Shabbos Kestenbaum: Why I Sued Harvard

An accomplished singer and songwriter, RaeLynn was told at an early age to prioritize career over family. In an act of rebellion, she got married at age 21 and started a family soon after. She now uses her influence to counter the toxic mom culture prevalent in our society. Despite what culture and the media tell you, children don’t hinder success; they only add value to our lives.

RaeLynn: Getting Married Was My Boldest Act of Rebellion (2025)

Rawan Osman grew up in Syria and Lebanon, where she was taught to hate Jews and fear Israel. But after moving to France, a chance encounter shattered everything she thought she knew. Rawan shares how she unlearned the lies she was raised with, converted to Judaism, and found the courage to speak out against Islamist extremism and the West’s moral decline.

Rawan Osman: How I Went from Hating Jews to Becoming One

“Big Food” and “Big Pharma” insider Calley Means always wanted to effect positive change in public policy. As a former consultant in some of the most influential industries in America, Calley began to see how the government was negatively affecting the health of our nation. The unexpected and completely avoidable death of Calley’s mother compelled him to dedicate his career to challenging the status quo and uncovering the underlying reason for the health crisis in America.

Calley Means: Pharma, Food, Government - Follow the Money (2025)

How did a former drug addict with face tattoos become the favorite rapper of conservatives? After battling addiction and hitting rock bottom, Tom MacDonald found salvation in music. Now, as an independent rapper, he’s built a successful career by rejecting wokeism, defying the mainstream music industry, and staying true to his values.


Tom MacDonald: Rapped in Freedom

He had it all—fame and success—with Mumford & Sons, one of the world’s biggest bands. But a single tweet changed everything. After praising Andy Ngo’s book on Antifa, Winston Marshall faced intense backlash, forcing him to choose: stay silent to save his career or stand by his beliefs. He chose truth, even at great personal cost. Now, he shares his powerful story of conviction and courage—and why he wouldn’t change a thing.

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Reihan Salam: The Issue of Crime Made Me a Conservative

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