Refining Rhetoric with CEO Robert Bortins. A podcast where faith, business, politics, and classical education meet. Join us as we use the Classical tools of rhetoric to seek truth in every arena of life.
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Secularism In Strategy Podcasts

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Living Her Purpose with God | Catholic Mom, Discernment, Hearing God’s Voice, Trusting God’s Plan, Catholic Women
Michelle Brannam - Catholic Discernment Mentor, Catholic Spiritual Growth Coach
**TOP 2.5% GLOBALLY RANKED PODCAST** The Go-to Podcast for Catholic Moms Who Want Direction to Discern Their Unique Purpose! Ready to stop feeling without a purpose? Do you feel like you are called for something more, but lack clarity on what it is? Are you praying to God, wishing you could hear His voice to guide you? You are not alone and do not have to stay stuck, feel lost without a purpose. Each week on this podcast, you will discover simple, faith-driven strategies to break free from f ...
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Welcome to The E. A. R., where we talk about the gospel and where we focus on God! Our goal is to tackle some of the hard questions or situations that arise in our faith or the secular questions that challenge us. We are Evangelical and Reformed! Our episodes are based on reformed theology from an evangelical view.
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Why the flags of the nations wave with religious symbols over the EU, UN and NATO therefore it is important to replace the religious symbols with the countries' own ccTLDs ? Why do the flags of nations wave with religious symbols over the EU, UN, and NATO? It's important to replace these symbols with the countries' own ccTLDs. This change would make the flags more meaningful and respectful. We start from the principle that it is democracy that has given all religious communities freedom of r ...
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17 | The Truth about Hearing God's Voice: 3 Things You Can Do Now as a Busy Catholic Mom
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11:23Feel like you're shouting "Hello, God? Are you there?" and all you hear is crickets. In the noise of daily life—especially the beautiful chaos of motherhood—it can feel nearly impossible to hear God's voice. In this episode, we’re cutting through that noise. I’m sharing three practical, doable steps you can start doing today to create intentional t…
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Gospel Truth vs. Cultural Idols: Rosaria Butterfield Responds to Pride Month
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51:11Why has Pride Month become less about tolerance and more about forced celebration—and what can faithful churches do about it? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Dr. Rosaria Butterfield—former lesbian activist turned pastor's wife—explains how LGBTQ ideology became a cultural idol and why the evangelical church's "winsome" approach has failed. Sh…
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16 | Lost Without Purpose? It's Time to Find Your Way
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11:25
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11:25Ready to dive into the heart of discovering your God-given purpose? I'm here to guide you on this journey, and trust me, it's not as straightforward as a neon sign flashing “This is your purpose!” Nope, it’s all about digging deep within ourselves and reflecting on our past experiences. In this episode, I’m sharing some powerful first steps to help…
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Bulletproof Your Faith: Lessons from a Cold Case Detective with J. Warner Wallace
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47:03
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47:03What if the same skills that solve decades-old murders could prove the reliability of the Gospels? Cold case detective J. Warner Wallace was a committed atheist who thought Christianity was fiction—until he applied his investigative training to the New Testament. What he discovered changed everything. J. Warner Wallace, a featured cold case detecti…
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15 | How to Trust that God has a Plan for You
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16:26
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16:26Ever felt like you're standing at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take? We’ve all been there! This episode is all about learning to trust God’s plan for our lives, even when the future feels like a big ol’ question mark. In today’s chat, we explore the challenges of putting our faith in God's plans, especially when life throws curveballs and …
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Bitcoin Investment Strategies: Managing Risk in a Bull Market
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48:14
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48:14Bitcoin just smashed through $112,000 while the bond market implodes and Japan's decades-old financial strategy unravels before our eyes. Is this the beginning of crypto's final moonshot to $500K+, or are we witnessing the setup for a devastating 70% crash? In this emergency market update, we break down three wildly different scenarios that could p…
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14 | 3 Reasons You Haven't Discovered Your Purpose Yet (And How to Overcome Them)
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13:32Do you feel like you're just spinning your wheels when it comes to discovering your purpose? It’s a feeling many of us have experienced, and you’re definitely not alone. In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into three key reasons why you might be struggling to uncover your purpose. These are the same challenges I faced when I first began my own jo…
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Dating Dinosaurs: Why Millions of Years Doesn't Add Up
46:55
46:55
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46:55What if everything we've been taught about Earth's geological timeline is dramatically wrong? In this eye-opening episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert interviews Dr. Jeff Miller, a biomechanical engineer with a PhD from Auburn University who specializes in creation science. Key topics covered: · Dr. Miller's research on hypo-gene speleogenesis…
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13 | Before Clarity: Learning to Trust God When You Don't See the Plan
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13:25Are you ready to explore the wild world of trust and purpose? Today, we’re diving into how trusting God can sometimes feel like a leap of faith into a bottomless pit—especially when life’s uncertainties loom large. We all have those pesky doubts that creep in, especially if we’ve been let down in the past. But here’s the scoop: those doubts are oft…
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Surprised by the Bible: How Scripture Changes Everything
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43:04
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43:04What if the most thrilling story ever written is one you're ignoring on your bookshelf? Robert welcomes Dr. Samuel Bierig, Vice President of Undergraduate Studies at Spurgeon College, to discuss why so many find the Bible boring when it's actually wildly fascinating. Key highlights: · Dr. Bierig introduces his upcoming book "Surprised by the Bible:…
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12 | When Doubt Creeps In: Staying Rooted in Your Purpose
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8:51
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8:51Fear can be a real dream squasher, and we’re diving into that today! We know that doubt and confusion can weigh heavy when you're trying to step into your purpose, but don't worry—I'm here to help you navigate those tricky waters. In this episode, I will talk about how to tackle those pesky feelings of uncertainty and the role of your inner mindset…
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Raising Boys to Become Godly Men with Mark Hancock
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32:16
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32:16Is your energetic, can't-sit-still son being treated like a 'defective girl' in today's educational system? Mark Hancock reveals how to celebrate boys' God-given design instead of trying to change it. Robert continues his conversation with Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA. They discuss the unique challenges boys face in today's educational and c…
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11 | Discernment the Basics: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Forward with God
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11:07Are you feeling a bit stuck in your decision-making process? You’re definitely not alone! Today, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of discernment, and trust me, it’s all about inviting God into your choices—big or small. Forget the notion that you need to wait for some grand sign; I've got a simple, step-by-step approach that helps you move forwar…
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Is Gen Z Ready to Transform Political Engagement?
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27:53
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27:53What happens when we challenge young Christians to step boldly into politics instead of stepping away? Joseph Jackson shares his journey from a politics-loving teen to a leader in TeenPact, a Christian government and leadership school for students ages 13-19. He discusses how his Classical Conversations education prepared him for public speaking an…
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10 | Unsure of Your Purpose? 3 Essential Steps to Find Your God-Given Purpose
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11:45Let’s talk about uncovering your unique God-given purpose! You know, that special mission that’s been waiting for you since before you even popped into this world. In today’s conversation, we’re diving into three essential steps that’ll help you start discerning what that purpose is—no more feeling stuck! Grab your notebook and let’s get cozy becau…
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“Christians Are Boring Because They're Afraid”: N.D. Wilson Gets Real
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52:38What if Christians were called to be the flood instead of hiding in the ark? N.D. Wilson challenges believers to stop playing it safe and embrace a faith that's dangerously alive. Robert speaks with Wilson about his journey as a writer inspired by C.S. Lewis and Tolkien, his approach to Christian fantasy writing, and his belief that Christians shou…
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09 | No Time for Your Purpose? Try These 3 Steps to Take It Back
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13:41
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13:41Are you ready to reclaim your time and live with intention? Today, we’re diving deep into the importance of carving out time to discover your unique purpose. I truly believe that if we don’t intentionally set aside moments for ourselves, we risk living life by default—just going through the motions instead of embracing the beautiful design God has …
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Public School Exit: Helping Christian Families Find Educational Freedom
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37:25Are your children safe at school? Discover why thousands of families are choosing to exit the public education system. In this eye-opening episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert welcomes Dran Reese, founder and president of Public School Exit. With decades of experience in education advocacy, Dran explains why her organization helps Christian familie…
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08 | How to Tell if It's God's Voice or Your Own Desires
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11:40Let’s get right into it! Today, we’re diving into how to discern whether those little nudges we feel are truly from God or just our own desires throwing a party in our heads. Spoiler alert: God isn’t your personal genie, just waiting to grant wishes—He’s got His own agenda that’s a bit bigger than our wish list! I’m sharing three actionable steps t…
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Where Your Money Sleeps Matters: Christian Banking in a Secular World
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38:44
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38:44Are you accidentally funding values that oppose your faith every time you deposit a paycheck Robert interviews Frank Clement, VP of Strategic Partnerships at America's Christian Credit Union. Frank shares how Christians can align their financial decisions with biblical values, revealing that many unwittingly undermine their faith through banking ch…
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07 | What Do You Seek? A Conversation with Jesus about Your Purpose
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17:17
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17:17Finding your purpose can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but what if I told you it’s more about asking the right questions and opening your heart to God? Today, we're diving into the incredible journey of self-discovery and understanding your unique mission as a woman of faith. We’ll explore how our thoughts and feelings shape our a…
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More Than STEM: Why Philosophy Remains Essential for Today's Students
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37:20
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37:20Is philosophy obsolete in our AI-driven world? Timothy Knotts argues just the opposite. Robert interviews Timothy Knotts, a member of Classical Conversations' development team, about "Reasoning Together Philosophy", an anthology of original works and excerpts from philosophers, writers, and thinkers from all eras, coming Spring 2025. Timothy discus…
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06 | God's Plan, Your Purpose: Understanding Your Calling
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14:54Discovering your unique purpose in life is a big deal, and that's exactly what we dive into today! We're chatting about how God has a special plan just for you, one that’s been set before you were even a twinkle in your mom’s eye. It's all about partnering with God to uncover your unique mission—because let’s be real, it's not about what we want bu…
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The Deflationary Asset: Why Companies Are Converting Cash to Bitcoin
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35:48
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35:48When election night broadcasters were still counting votes, cryptocurrency insiders already knew who won. In this exclusive in-studio interview, Robert welcomes Will McCreery to explain how this digital asset has become both a leading economic indicator and a financial revolution that's caught the attention of the White House. The duo breaks down B…
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05 | Is It God? How to Recognize His Voice Amidst the Noise?
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13:38Are you struggling to tell if that whisper in your heart is God's voice or just your own thoughts playing tricks on you? I've got your back! This episode dives deep into the gentle art of discernment, focusing on how to recognize that calming, peaceful voice of God amidst all the noise in our lives. We’ll chat about the importance of quiet reflecti…
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Christians at the AI Frontier: Dr. Richard Snyder on Faith in a Digital Age
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41:19Could AI actually strengthen our faith communities rather than replace them? In this thought-provoking episode, Robert interviews Dr. Richard Snyder from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington. They explore the intersection of technology, faith, and education, with particular focus on how Christians should approach AI and digital media. Dr. S…
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04 | How to Start Discerning Your Unique Purpose When You Feel Lost
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9:02Unlocking your unique purpose is all about taking those first steps forward, and that’s what we’re diving into today! God is ready to help you discover the incredible plan He has for you, but you've got to meet Him halfway by taking action. We'll chat about how clarity and confidence in your purpose come from those tangible steps you take each day.…
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Discovering God's Design for Your Career Journey
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50:02What if the 80,000 hours you'll spend at work could become your most fulfilling ministry opportunity? Robert interviews Jeff Reep, the Director of Career Services at Cedarville University. They discuss the intersection of homeschooling, coaching, and Christian leadership. Jeff shares his 26-year journey homeschooling five boys, his experiences as a…
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Debt-Free Education and Real-World Skills: Excel College's Fresh Approach
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44:43While most students graduate with financial shackles, Excel College graduates debt-free with real-world skills. Robert speaks with Andrew Haak, Director of Excel Summer Leadership Camp. Andrew shares how Excel College students responded during Hurricane Helene, transforming their campus into a major distribution center for Western North Carolina. A…
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The Future of Faith-Based Education: Inside SEU's Mission to Transform Christian Higher Ed
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42:48In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Megan Griffin, Provost and Senior Vice President at Southeastern University, pulls back the curtain on the challenges and opportunities facing Christian higher education today. With two universities closing weekly across America, Dr. Griffin shares how SEU is breaking traditional models to create affordable, ac…
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Transformational vs. Transactional: The Christian Approach to Higher Education
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48:55What happens when a reluctant baseball player takes a bioethics class that changes his entire perspective on learning and life? Robert explores the intersection of philosophy, theology, and practical ethics with Dr. Bill Davis, professor at Covenant College and Reform Theological Seminary, and Noah Sweatman, Covenant College admissions counselor an…
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03 | Three Ways to Make Time for God (Even When You're Busy!)
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8:18Inside this episode, I dive into practical ways to carve out moments for God, helping you build spiritual habits that foster a deeper connection with God. With relatable stories from my own life as a busy mom, I offer three solid strategies to prioritize prayer. The message is clear: making time for God isn’t just about fitting Him into your schedu…
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02 | Quiet Moments with God: Simple Steps to Hear His Voice
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12:25In this episode, I dive into the essential practice of connecting with God to uncover your unique purpose. I emphasizes that to truly hear God's voice through the Holy Spirit, spending quality time in His Living Word is a must. Attitude and mindset play pivotal roles in this journey, as they can either open the door to divine guidance or slam it sh…
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01 | Designed for Greatness: Embracing Your God-Given Talents and Gifts
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9:14Transforming your life starts with helping and serving others. I dive into the idea that each person has a unique purpose crafted by God. I emphasizes that understanding this purpose is not just a lofty ideal, but a tangible calling that you can embrace to truly live out your Catholic faith. In this episode, I encourage you to reflect on their God-…
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When Knowing Leads to Loving: The Heart of Reformed Theology
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38:01What happens when 400-year-old theological wisdom meets modern cultural challenges? Rev. Levi Berntson, Assistant Professor of Theology at Reformed Bible College and teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, shares his journey from farm fields in North Dakota to theological academia. He discusses his work translating Dutch Reformed theo…
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Created to Create: The Divine Purpose Behind Human Craftsmanship with Luke Kolbie
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35:36
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35:36What if the solution to our throwaway culture lies in ancient educational methods and traditional craftsmanship? Robert interviews Luke Kolbie, CEO of Russell Moccasin Company and founder of Kingfisher Leather Works. Luke shares his remarkable journey from homeschooled Classical Conversations student to successful business leader and advocate for s…
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The Go-to Podcast for Catholic Moms Who Want Direction to Discern Their Unique Purpose! Ready to stop feeling lost and discover your true purpose? Do you feel like you are called for something more, but lack clarity on what it is? Are you finding yourself at a crossroad, questioning your purpose and seeking clarity, then you will find this podcast …
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Can a classically-educated student excel in STEM fields? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert welcomes Courtney Sanford, a homeschool mother and associate professor of fine arts at Bryan College, who shares her family's journey with classical education. She discusses how incorporating art and hands-on learning enhanced her children's educat…
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Freedom Isn't Free: A Civil Rights Pioneer's Warning
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49:06From sitting at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter in 1960 to advocating for educational reform today, civil rights pioneer Clarence Henderson shares his remarkable journey of courage and conviction. Henderson recounts his firsthand experience during the historic Greensboro sit-ins and discusses how that watershed moment shaped his lifelong mis…
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From Fortune 30 IT executive to nonprofit leader - Chris May shares how TeenPact Leadership Schools is transforming youth through hands-on civic engagement and faith-based leadership training at state capitals nationwide. Discover how this unique program is equipping the next generation of leaders through real-world political simulations and discip…
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Can a Christian university create both spiritual depth and genuine joy? Dr. Michael Lindsay, President of Taylor University, reveals how his institution ranks #3 for happiest students nationwide while maintaining spiritual and academic rigor. In this episode, the Princeton-educated sociologist shares insights on developing faith-centered leaders, n…
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School Choice Week Wrap-Up: Freedom vs. Federal Control
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24:59From federal executive orders to state legislation battles, the school choice landscape is rapidly evolving - but are these changes moving us toward educational freedom or greater government control? In this thought-provoking wrap-up of School Choice Week, Robert delivers a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in education policy, includin…
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Why did homeschooling succeed without government funding, while “school choice” demands it? We wrap up School Choice Week with Jim Mason, president of the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), about an alternative to school choice that aligns with limited government principles. Mason breaks down HSLDA's proposal for education tax credits, …
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Is 'school choice' really about choice, or is it a Trojan horse for greater government control? In this School Choice Week episode, Robert hosts author and education advocate Sam Sorbo to examine the language and implications of the school choice movement. Drawing from her experience as a homeschool parent and author of 'Words for Warriors,' Sorbo …
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Get Involved in the Fight Against School Choice
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57:16Should conservatives who oppose universal basic income support 'universal basic education'? We continue our School Choice Week series as Robert speaks with grassroots activist Aundrea Gomez about the contradictions in conservative support for school choice. Gomez, a former teacher and engaged citizen from Tennessee, breaks down how government fundi…
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Could government-funded “school choice” lead to less educational freedom? We continue our School Choice Week series with journalist and Classical Conversations Senior Fellow Alex Newman for an in-depth discussion on school choice policies. Newman shares insights from his international experience, particularly in Sweden, and examines how government-…
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Would you trust Mark Zuckerberg to run your child's school? As we continue our School Choice Week series, Robert interviews author and cultural critic James Lindsay to explore how universal school choice could lead to corporate monopolies in education. Lindsay, founder of New Discourses and author of “The Marxification of Education,” breaks down th…
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Can $7,000 buy your educational freedom? We kick off our School Choice Week series with researcher Lisa Logan about the concerning global agenda behind school choice initiatives. Logan, host of Parents of Patriots and author of Education Manifesto, breaks down UNESCO's involvement in education policy, the role of major foundations pushing school ch…
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Looking to navigate the college admissions process as a homeschooler? Robert sits down with Blake and Sophie Sunny from Asbury University to demystify the journey from homeschool to higher education. Sophie, a former Classical Conversations student herself, shares her personal transition to college life, while Blake offers invaluable insights as As…
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Making College Affordable with Brian Mueller
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32:31How does a struggling Christian college transform into a thriving university while keeping tuition frozen for 16 years? Grand Canyon University President Brian Mueller shares the remarkable story of GCU's innovative approach to affordable education, student-led spiritual growth, and community transformation. From serving immigrant neighborhoods to …
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