The Aaron Renn Show

Join Aaron Renn as he sits down with Dr. Mark David Hall, Director of the Religious Liberty in the States Project at First Liberty's Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy. In this episode, they dive into the critical role of state-level laws in protecting religious freedom, the surprisingly high ranking of states like Illinois, and why some red states like Indiana and West Virginia lag behind. Learn how you can advocate for stronger religious liberty protections in your state. CHAPTERS...

Join us for an incredible conversation with A. M. Hickman, aka "Shagbark Hick," one of the most unique voices on X. From living as a self-described "homeless" hitchhiker to owning a $33,000 home in rural America without a mortgage, Hickman shares his unconventional journey to a life of freedom, frugality, and purpose. Discover how he lives on just $600 a month, rejects the corporate grind, and builds a fulfilling life with his family of three in the northern Adirondacks. This episode is packe...

Join us for a compelling conversation with Chris Arnade, author of Dignity, as he shares his journey from Wall Street quant to amateur ethnographer, walking through America’s toughest neighborhoods. From McDonald’s as community hubs to the growing cultural and educational divides in the U.S., Chris offers a unique perspective on the state of America and its challenges. Don’t miss this deep dive into the heart of our cities and the people who call them home. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:3...

Join host Aaron Renn and cultural diagnostician Dr. John Seel in this thought-provoking podcast episode as they dive into the crisis of masculinity, the unraveling of modern culture, and the path to aspirational manhood. From the influence of sociologists like James Davison Hunter and Peter Berger to the societal implications of nihilism and technology, this conversation explores headwater issues shaping families, society, and civilization. Dr. Seel also introduces his new book, Aspirational ...

Join host Aaron Renn as he sits down with David Yancey, president of Presbyterians for the Kingdom, and Generation Z influencer Redeemed Zoomer to discuss their mission to renew the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and the broader Operation Reconquista movement. They dive into the challenges and opportunities of restoring traditional theology within mainline Protestant denominations, the role of young conservatives in this revival, and their plans for the future. From institutional commitment to t...

Join host Aaron Renn as he sits down with Caleb Morell, author of A Light on the Hill, to explore the rich history of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1878, this evangelical church, located just blocks from the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court, has remained steadfast in its theological convictions while navigating cultural, political, and social changes over 150 years. From its founding by Civil War veterans to its role in the fundamentalist-modernist controversy, urba...

In this provocative episode, Aaron sits down with Joel Carini, "The Natural Theologian," to explore the challenges of truth-seeking within evangelicalism. From the insular approach of seminary education to the open inquiry at the University of Chicago, Joel contrasts how these environments shape Christian thought. They dive into presuppositionalism, natural theology, and why evangelicals often shy away from engaging with opposing views. Join us for a candid conversation about faith, doubt, an...

Dive into the housing crisis with Aaron Renn and Adam Ozemeck, Chief Economist at the Economic Innovation Group, as they unpack why buying a home can feel impossible in 2025. From skyrocketing construction costs to zoning roadblocks and institutional investors, this episode explores the real reasons behind soaring home prices. Discover potential solutions like YIMBYism, density zones, and more to make housing affordable again. CHAPTERS: (00:00 - Introduction: The Housing Crisis Explained) (...

Ted Esler, President of Missio Nexus, joins me to dive deep into the current state of Christian missions. He explores the history, challenges, and future of global missions, from the legacy of William Carey to the impact of globalization and cultural shifts. Ted discusses the role of unreached people groups, the influence of American imperialism, and the evolving dynamics of missionary work, including the significant contributions of women. Discover how missions are adapting in a rapidly chan...

Join host Aaron Renn as he sits down with Michael Foster, pastor of East River Church in Batavia, Ohio, for a raw and unfiltered conversation about the wild cultural ride of the past five years. From the rise of the Manosphere to the pushback against woke culture, the impact of the pandemic on churches, and the shifting dynamics of masculinity and dating, this episode dives deep into what’s shaping our world in 2025. Michael shares his journey from starting It’s Good to Be a Man to planting a...

Professional boxer Ed Latimore talks about his inspiring journey from growing up in Pittsburgh’s housing projects during the crack epidemic to earning a physics degree and overcoming addiction. In this episode, Ed shares raw insights from his book, Hard Lessons from the Hurt Business: Boxing and the Art of Life, diving into the challenges of poverty, the psychological traps of subsidized housing, the impact of corporal punishment, and how boxing gave him discipline and community. Ed also open...

Join me for an insightful conversation with Dr. Jason Jewell, Chief Academic Officer of the State University System of Florida, as we dive into the bold reforms transforming higher education in the Sunshine State. From Governor Ron DeSantis’ efforts to eliminate ideological influences to the creation of a new accrediting agency, we explore how Florida is reshaping its universities to prioritize academic excellence and efficiency. Learn about Florida's innovative steps toward a new accreditati...

Join Aaron in this eye-opening podcast episode with Rick Reinhardt, an expert on the intersection of urbanism and religion, as they dive into the growing crisis of America's emptying churches. With up to 100,000 churches facing closure, what happens to these historic buildings and their land? From affordable housing to community spaces, discover the challenges and opportunities of redeveloping sacred spaces in urban areas. Learn about the decline in church attendance, the financial burdens of...

An inspiring conversation with Reverend Jake Dell, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Woodbury, Connecticut, founded in 1659. Rev. Dell shares his journey to become an Episcopal priest, then to taking on leadership of a dying historic church in an attempt to revive a congregation with 355 year legacy. Also discover his bold vision for a donor intent litigation trust to hold mainline institutions accountable and revive America’s Christian heritage. CHAPTERS: (00:00 Introduction) (0...

Join Aaron Renn as he sits down with Doug Reed, president of Partnership International and author of Ten Men: The Rich Connections Every Man Needs. In this insightful podcast, Doug explores the powerful relationships in King David’s life from the Bible, revealing the ten types of men every man needs to thrive—mighty mentors, covenant friends, spiritual fathers, and even ordained opposition. Discover how these biblical principles can transform modern masculinity and foster deep, meaningful con...