Meet New 1995 Society Inductee Caleb Franz!

Meet New 1995 Society Inductee Caleb Franz!

Caleb Franz has served as Program Manager at Young Voices since 2021. In this capacity, Caleb helps to mentor young journalists and policy writers by sharpening their storytelling ability and accelerating their career trajectory through various fellowships and networking opportunities.

He’s also the author of The Conductor: The Story of Rev. John Rankin, Abolitionism’s Essential Founding Father, released on October 15, 2024 through Post Hill Press. Caleb’s work has been featured in various outlets including RealClear History, the Washington Examiner, the Independent, Religion and Liberty Online, and the Louisville Courier Journal, among others. Before this work, Caleb served in the U.S. Army through the Ohio National Guard for six years, which included one tour in Kuwait.

Get to know more about Caleb below!

What moment or opportunity in your life played the most significant part in getting you to where you are today?

I wouldn’t be where I am today if I wasn’t raised in Appalachia. I consider it to be the greatest privilege to come from that region. The people and environment that I grew up in instilled certain values that dictate my life to this day. Being raised in an economically depressed region also motivated me to overcome these circumstances. Today, I have even more reason to appreciate my upbringing, as Rev. John Rankin, the subject of my first book, died in my hometown nearly a century and a half ago. I would have likely never discovered him if it weren’t for this fact.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in your career so far?

I was in the Army for six years. In 2019, I transitioned out of the military and fully into the “world of ideas,” so to speak. It was a bit of a leap of faith, and it took some time to fully find my footing. I finally did when I started working for Young Voices as Program Manager in 2021. It was undoubtedly the right move, but that transition was probably my biggest professional challenge to date.

What piece of work or accomplishment are you most proud of?

Easily The Conductor! It’s a bit surreal to have the opportunity to reintroduce to the public such an extraordinary figure in American history who has been otherwise almost completely forgotten. It’s so common today for historians and academics to paint a negative or critical picture of American history. Figures like Rev. Rankin highlights another, more hopeful side to our story. It’s incredibly encouraging to see people so hungry for tales of America’s heroes again.

In your words, what motivates your belief in freedom?

More than anything else, my Christian faith motivates all things I do and believe – especially my belief in freedom! God made man to be free, and to use that freedom for virtue – to identify and serve him.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge facing America today?

I believe that America is facing an identity crisis. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, there are two conflicting narratives about our shared heritage. One asserts that the country was founded on the ideas of liberty, overcoming tyranny, while the other narrative insists that oppression has ruled from the outset, and continues to do so.

In the past, during times of division, a common heritage that shares universal principles has united toward a freer future. I believe this is what is missing in American society today. It’s why stories like that of Rev. Rankin’s are so critically needed. The more united we are in our heritage, the more united we will be in our future.

What is the next big goal or project you’re working on? How can the AF community help? 

I’m currently working on my next book. It’s a biography on a Kentucky abolitionist who I think will equally resonate with people as much as Rev. Rankin has. The best way to help right now is to read The Conductor in the meantime and get your friends to pick up the book! Generating good word of mouth is going to help ensure these stories make the impact they deserve.

What advice do you have for those who want to advance liberty and make a difference in our society?

Change has to start at home. Prioritize your own spiritual, mental, and physical health, and get your own house in order. You’ll be amazed how quickly every other goal falls together after that.

What are some hobbies/side gigs/secret skills no one knows about?

I’m an avid outdoorsman! Whenever I’m not writing, I try to get myself outside as much as possible. The more rural the environment, the better. From small day hikes to weekend long camping ventures, getting to sharpen my skills as an outdoorsman is my favorite way to relax.

What are you watching/reading right now?

My wife and I recently finished watching the first season of the House of David on Amazon. It’s fantastic! I have also been reading a lot of Reconstruction history lately – partly in preparation for my next project.

Last question: What does winning this award mean to you?

While I’ve never done any of my work for the recognition, it’s nonetheless incredibly humbling and rewarding to be recognized in this fashion. It’s my hope that this will help spread awareness of the people and stories I’m working to promote.