Conservative Conversations with ISI

Join Tim Carney, author and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, in a compelling conversation with ISI about his latest book, "Family Unfriendly." In this podcast, Carney delves into the cultural shifts that have made raising children more challenging in modern society. Drawing on research and personal insights, Carney explores how societal norms, economic pressures, and policy decisions have contributed to the decline of family-friendly environments. Discover thought-provoking perspectives on how we can restore a culture that values and supports strong families. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics shaping family life today.

Join us as Fr. John Strickland delves into his captivating new book, "The Age of Paradise: Christendom from Pentecost to the First Millennium." Fr. Strickland, an esteemed scholar and Orthodox priest, provides a rich exploration of the early centuries of Christianity, tracing the development of Christendom from its origins to the first millennium. Discover the profound impact of this transformative era on Western civilization and gain a deeper understanding of the roots of Christian tradition. This conversation offers a fascinating journey through history, theology, and culture, shedding light on the enduring legacy of the early Church.Website: https://johnstrickland.org/podcast/

Join us for a thought-provoking episode as we delve into the intricate relationship between religion and governance with author Miles Smith. In this captivating discussion, we explore Smith's latest book, "Religion & Republic: Christian America from the Founding to the Civil War," which provides a fascinating historical perspective on the interplay between Christianity and the American experiment in democracy during its formative years.Miles Smith, an esteemed scholar and expert in American history, offers profound insights into how religion influenced the development of American institutions from the nation's inception through the tumultuous era of the Civil War. Drawing on meticulous research and compelling narratives, Smith traces the evolving role of Christianity in shaping America's political landscape, illuminating the profound impact of faith on the formation of laws, governance structures, and societal norms.Become a part of ISI:Become a MemberSupport ISIUpcoming ISI Events

Join host Tom Sarrouf and esteemed philosopher John Cuddeback on a thought-provoking journey into the realm of classical philosophy and the pursuit of the "good life." In this captivating podcast episode produced by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI), listeners are invited to delve deep into the timeless wisdom of the philosophical tradition.Drawing upon his expertise in moral philosophy and natural law, Professor Cuddeback illuminates the multifaceted concept of the "good life" and its significance in shaping individual flourishing and societal well-being. Through engaging dialogue and insightful analysis, Cuddeback explores key philosophical questions, such as: What constitutes a truly fulfilling life? How can ancient wisdom inform contemporary notions of happiness and virtue? And what role do personal choices and ethical principles play in the pursuit of human excellence?Listeners will gain valuable insights into classical philosophical perspectives on human nature, morality, and the cultivation of virtuous character. Whether reflecting on the teachings of Aristotle, Aquinas, or other influential thinkers, Cuddeback offers profound reflections on the enduring quest for authenticity, purpose, and fulfillment in life.This enlightening conversation serves as a compelling reminder of the enduring relevance of classical philosophy in navigating the complexities of modern existence. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and enriched as you embark on this philosophical exploration of the "good life" with John Cuddeback and ISI.

We are thrilled to unveil the latest milestone in Modern Age's evolution: a new website! Join us this week as we engage in an insightful discussion with Dan McCarthy and Andrew Beck on the noteworthy updates to ISI's Modern Age Journal.Andrew Beck, esteemed co-founder of Beck & Stone, has collaborated closely with ISI to craft a visually stunning and seamlessly navigable platform, ensuring that accessing our esteemed publication is now more convenient than ever before.In this conversation, we delve into the meticulous design process, the strategic vision driving this transformation, and the profound impact it will have on our readership. Join us as we explore the intersection of tradition and modernity, and celebrate the dawn of a new era for Modern Age.Modern Age History:Founded in 1957 by Russell Kirk and Henry Regnery, Modern Age has been helping to shape the conservative mind and intelligent discourse in the United States (and abroad) for more than six decades. Under the leadership of acclaimed editor Dan McCarthy, Modern Age guides readers through these contentious, confusing times by applying the wisdom of “the permanent things” to the crises of our age and to what Kirk called “the great moral and social and political and economic and literary questions of the hour. Modern Age is now available in print and digital editions. Print subscribers also receive complimentary digital access.WebsiteSubscribe HereUse the code MODERNAGE1957 for discounted on a one-year print subscription!

In today's episode, we sit down with Matthew Peterson, the Editor-in-Chief at Blaze Media. Join hosts Tom and Marlo as they discuss with Matt his work at Blaze, the challenges conservatives face in media, and strategies to make a meaningful impact.Matt shares his insights on why conservatives struggle in media and offers thought-provoking ideas on how they can overcome these obstacles. From the importance of messaging to the power of storytelling, Matt explores the keys to effectively communicating conservative values in today's media landscape.But the conversation doesn't stop there. Tom, Marlo, and Matt delve into what it takes to be a great statesman, discussing the qualities and characteristics that define true leadership. With wisdom and passion, Matt inspires listeners to strive for excellence and make a positive difference in their communities and beyond.Texts Mentioned:https://www.theblaze.com/https://americanmind.org/“Blaze News Investigates: What Really Happened with Tim Ballard and Operation Underground Railroad” by Cortney WeilGateway to Statesmanship by John A. Burtka IVBlessed Charles of Austriaby Charles A. Coulombe“The Way Forward” by Matthew J. PetersonBecome a part of ISI:Become a MemberSupport ISIUpcoming ISI EventsEmail Your Question

Join us in this eye-opening podcast with historian David Beito and Tom Sarrouf as they delve into Beito's latest book, 'The New Deal's War on the Bill of Rights.' Prepare to be shocked as he exposes the astonishing lengths FDR and New Dealers went to suppress freedom of speech, privacy, and civil rights. Discover the concealed truths behind this era, revealing a side of history often overshadowed by pro-FDR propaganda. Don't miss this revealing discussion that challenges historical narratives! Texts Mentioned:The New Deal’s War on the Bill of Rights by David BeitoFrom Mutual Aid to the Welfare State by David BeitoT.R.M. Howard by David Beito

Are you new to the world of Shakespeare and eager to dive into the timeless brilliance of his works? Join us in this enlightening podcast episode as Benedict Whalen, an esteemed professor at Hillsdale College, takes us on a journey through the basics of understanding and appreciating the genius of William Shakespeare.Benedict Whalen, a distinguished scholar with expertise in literature and classical education, provides valuable insights and strategies for those taking their first steps into the world of the Bard. Whether you're a student, teacher, or lifelong learner, this podcast offers a friendly guide to demystifying the beauty of Shakespearean literature.Benedict Whalen is a respected professor at Hillsdale College, known for his passion for classical education and literature. His engaging approach to teaching brings Shakespeare's works to life for students and audiences alike.Website: Intercollegiate Studies InstituteTwitter: @ISIYouTube: @EducatingForLiberty

Join us on a captivating journey through the minds of the Founding Fathers—men of intellect, integrity, and ambition who shaped the early American republic.In "Mental Maps of the Founders," Michael Barone explores the geographic orientation of six key figures, unraveling the stories of Virginians with different compass points in mind, a refugee from Puritan Boston forging a new path in Philadelphia, and individuals from diverse commercial hubs. From the sugar-and-slave island of St. Croix to the stern Swiss city-state of Geneva, their disparate origins shaped the foundation and management of a financial system vital for the young republic's commerce.Inspired by the richness of Founding Fathers literature, Barone, a map enthusiast and co-author of The Almanac of American Politics, presents reflective essays that unveil how the mental maps of these visionaries helped define the contours and character of a fledgling nation navigating unknown geographical features and political boundaries. Texts Mentioned:Mental Maps of the Founders by Michael BaroneNotes on the State of Virginiaby Thomas JeffersonThoughts on the Cause of Present Discontentsby Edmund BurkeBecome a part of ISI:Become a MemberSupport ISIUpcoming ISI EventsEmail Your Question

Welcome to a special episode where we bring you an insightful recording from the Heritage Foundation. Join us as President and CEO of ISI, Johnny Burtka, takes the stage to present a compelling lecture on his latest book, "Gateway to Statesmanship."In this thought-provoking episode, Johnny Burtka explores the key themes and insights from his book, providing a gateway to a deeper understanding of statesmanship. Delve into the principles and perspectives that shape effective leadership and governance.Following the lecture, we transition to a dynamic panel discussion featuring Johnny Burtka, Elbridge Colby, and Dan McCarthy. These distinguished voices engage in a nuanced dialogue, offering diverse viewpoints on statesmanship, its relevance in contemporary politics, and the broader implications for our nation.This Heritage Foundation event provides you with a front-row seat to an enlightening exploration of leadership, governance, and the timeless principles that guide our nation.

Paul Robinson joins us this week to discuss his book "Russian Conservatism." Listen as Paul, Marlo, and Tom delve into the evolution of Russian conservative thought spanning the early nineteenth century to the contemporary era. Author Paul Robinson traces philosophers, politicians, and figures' significant contributions across the Imperial, Soviet, and post-Soviet periods. By exploring cultural, political, and socio-economic conservatism in Russia, he asserts that these ideas provide valuable insights into both Russia's historical trajectory and its current state. Furthermore, it suggests that understanding Russian conservatism is crucial for anticipating the nation's future developments, indicating potential influences, whether positive or negative, in the years ahead. Texts Mentioned: Russian Conservatismby Paul RobinsonRussian Liberalismby Paul RobinsonA People’s Tragedy by Orlando FigesThe Conservative Intellectual Movement in America since 1945by George H. NashReflections on the Revolution in France by Edmund BurkeVekhi by Pyotr StruveHistory of the Communist Party of the Soviet Unionby Josef StalinMan in the Struggle for Peaceby Charles Malik“A World Split Apart” by Alexander SolzhenitsynBecome a part of ISI:Become a MemberSupport ISIUpcoming ISI EventsEmail Your Question

In this episode:Fisher Derderian, President of the Roger Scruton Legacy Foundation, joins the podcast to talk about all things related to Roger Scruton from his concept of “oikophilia” to his views on conservation and his aesthetic theoryTexts Mentioned: Alexander Hamilton by Ron ChernowThe Battle for Home by Marwa al-SibouniOn Hunting by Roger Scruton“Why I Became a Conservative” by Roger ScrutonGentle Regrets by Roger ScrutonBeauty: A Very Short Introduction by Roger Scruton“Why Beauty Matters” documentary by Roger Scrutonwww.scruton.orgBecome a part of ISI:Become a MemberSupport ISIUpcoming ISI EventsEmail Your Question

In this episode:Carrie Gress and Noelle Mering join the podcast to discuss their “Theology of Home” project, focusing on a material and spiritual culture of beauty in ordinary home lifeTexts Mentioned:Theology of Home bookset by Carrie Gress and Noelle MeringAwake, Not Woke by Noelle MeringThe End of Woman by Carrie Gresstheologyofhome.comBecome a part of ISI:Become a MemberSupport ISIUpcoming ISI Events

In this episode: Miles Smith joins the podcast to discuss the destruction of American statues and the political endgame that motivates ita lesson against civic contempt for average people and a story about the wisdom and erudition of country folka listener question about good books to introduce kids to the “great tradition”Texts Mentioned:Apply for the ISI Honors Conference!The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonaldThe Great Tradition by Richard GambleThe Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-ExuperyThe Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix PotterAesop’s Fables by AesopBlessed Charles of Austria by Charles CoulombeThe Hobbit and Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkienLittle House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls WilderThe Iliad and The Odyssey by HomerThe Hardy Boys by Franklin W. DixonNancy Drew by Carolyn KeeneThe Beginner’s BibleThe Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. LewisLee: A Biography by Clifford DowdeyKing James BibleBook of Common PrayerMeditations by Marcus AureliusConfederates in the Attic by Tony Horwitz“What Happens When a Poor State Guts Its Public University” by Michael PowellBecome a part of ISI:Become a MemberSupport ISIUpcoming ISI Events

In this episode: Spencer Kashmanian, ISI’s own chief of staff, joins the podcast to talk about his love for jazz music, its connections to the Christmas season, and elements of its “conservative disposition”Texts Mentioned:“Christmastime Revives Jazz Legends” by Marlo Slayback“White Christmas” by Charlie ParkerThe Closing of the American Mind by Allan Bloom“Summer of ’69” by Bryan AdamsLeisure: The Basis of Culture by Josef PieperThe Republic by PlatoThe Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkienBecome a part of ISI:Become a MemberSupport ISIUpcoming ISI Events

In this episode: Jeremy Wayne Tate, founder and CEO of the Classical Learning Test, joins the podcast to talk about reforming curricula to cover the most important texts and thinkers of the Western Heritagehow the College Board has changed the purpose of education and caused a decline in educational quality and skill development, and how to fix itwhy students “light up” when we teach things related to man’s capacity to good and evil, and the timeless principles and questions that pertain to the good lifeTexts Mentioned:The Republic by PlatoThe Odyssey by Homercltexam.comBecome a part of ISI:Become a MemberSupport ISIUpcoming ISI Events

 In this episode: Andrew Bacevich joins the podcast to talk to Tom about his 2008 book, The Limits of Power, about the failures of the Iraq War and the cultural, political, and military crises that led to it and exposed the weaknesses in America’s global posturethe lessons to be taken from the post-WWII history of American military policy and foreign entanglementswhy the impulse to rely on “American muscle” to fix things is often unjustifiedTexts Mentioned:The Limits of Power by Andrew BacevichThe Decadent Society by Ross Douthat“The Crisis of Confidence” speech by Jimmy CarterBattlegrounds by H.R. McMasterISI Debate on Taiwan and ChinaAmerican Conservatism: Reclaiming an Intellectual Tradition by Andrew BacevichBecome a part of ISI:Become a MemberSupport ISIUpcoming ISI Events

In this episode: William Benson and Michael Ippolito, co-founders of The American Postliberal, join the podcast to talk about the rising success of their new journal and the postliberal vision that animates its visionwhat “catholic political realism” is, what its goals are, and why it’s the best hope for America’s futurehow America’s history is best understood in light of its Catholic heritage, which holds the key to understanding a Catholic future for AmericaTexts Mentioned:The American Postliberal substack“The 1492 Project: Two Americas” by Michael Ippolito“The 1492 Project: The Founding” by Michael Ippolito“The 1492 Project: America’s Catholic Destiny” by Michael IppolitoLonginqua by Pope Leo XIII“Catholic Political Realism Is the Only Hope for America” by William Benson“To the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island” by George WashingtonDignitatis Humanae by Pope Paul VI“Blues for Blue Laws” by Michael IppolitoLeisure, the Basis of Culture by Josef PieperApply for the ISI Honors Conference!Become a part of ISI:Become a MemberSupport ISIUpcoming ISI Events

In this episode:Khalil Habib joins Conservative Conversations in an episode that covers a wide range of great thinkers, including Machiavelli, Montesquieu, Polybius, Livy, Lucretius, Tocqueville, and Edmund Burkewhy republics tend to become empires, and how the Founders used the history of the classical world when thinking about the Constitutionhow Napoleon fits into the story and meaning of the French RevolutionTexts Mentioned:Discourses on Livy by Niccolo MachiavelliConsiderations on the Causes of Greatness of the Romans and Their Decline by MontesquieuThe History of Rome by LivyThe Histories by PolybiusOn the Nature of Things by LucretiusThe Federalist PapersReflections on the Revolution in France by Edmund BurkeThe Ancien Regime and the French Revolution by Alexis de TocquevilleThe Spirit of the Laws by MontesquieuDemocracy in America by Alexis de TocquevilleA People’s Tragedy by Orlando FigesWar and Peace by Leo TolstoyDiscourse on the Arts and Sciences by Jean-Jacques Rousseau“Letter to the Sheriffs of Bristol” by Edmund BurkeBecome a part of ISI:Become a MemberSupport ISIUpcoming ISI Events

In this episode:three historians discuss the legacies and importance of Andrew Jackson, Grover Cleveland, and William McKinleywhat it means to be a statesman, as exemplified by these great American leaderswhat we miss about America when we miss 19th century American historyTexts Mentioned:A Man of Iron by Troy SenikAndrew Jackson: His Life and Times by H.W. BrandsPresident McKinley: Architect of the American Century by Robert W. Merry“Cross of Gold” speech by William Jennings BryanBecome a part of ISI:Become a MemberSupport ISIUpcoming ISI Events