Conservative Conversations with ISI

In this compelling episode, host Tom Sarrouf welcomes geopolitical analyst and author Brandon Weichert to discuss his latest book, "A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine." Together, they examine the West’s critical missteps in its handling of Ukraine, from missed opportunities to the geopolitical consequences that continue to unfold. Brandon offers a deep dive into the...

In this episode, podcast host Tom Sarrouf sits down with Todd Sheets, former investment banker and author of "2008: What Really Happened". Together, they dive into Todd’s latest book, unraveling the real story behind the 2008 financial crisis. From the root causes of the meltdown to the ripple effects on the global economy, Todd shares insider insights and hard-hitting truths about one o...

In this thought-provoking episode, Marlo and Tom sit down with Jeremy Beer, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of AmPhil, to explore the life and legacy of Francisco Garcés—a missionary often overlooked in the grand narrative of history. Together, they delve into what set Garcés apart as a “different kind of missionary,” examining his unique approach to faith, culture, and community during a transf...

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Tim Goeglein, Vice President of External and Government Relations at Focus on the Family and a longtime advocate for faith and family in public life. With his latest book, Stumbling Upward Toward Utopia, Goeglein explores how America can reclaim its founding ideals amid today’s cultural and political upheaval. We delve into the roots of 1960s radicalism a...

In this insightful episode with the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI), Charles McElwee, editor and commentator on Pennsylvania politics, joins the discussion to unpack the intricacies of election dynamics in one of the country’s most unique political landscapes. Charles offers polling insights and examines how Pennsylvania’s historical and cultural backdrop shapes its role as a critical swin...

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Richard Corcoran, former Secretary of the Florida Department of Education, as we delve into the transformative journey of New College of Florida. In this engaging conversation, Richard shares his vision for creating a balanced academic environment that fosters both rigorous scholarship and diverse viewpoints. We explore the challenges surrounding academi...

In this thought-provoking episode, Jeremy Larson, assistant professor of English at Regent University, joins ISI to explore the enduring significance of John Milton and his literary and political contributions. Together, they delve into Paradise Lost and Milton’s engagement with the political and religious upheavals of his time, discussing how these themes resonate in today’s world. The conversati...

In this insightful episode, Ned Ryun joins us to explore the pressing challenges facing American self-government today. We dive deep into the rise of the administrative state and how it erodes the foundation of our republic. Ryun offers a thought-provoking analysis of the impact of Darwinian thought on modern politics and the ways it has influenced the ruling class’s view of society. We also discu...

In this episode, Josh Craddock joins Tom Sarrouf for a thought-provoking conversation hosted in collaboration with the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI). Together, they explore the complex interplay between religion and law, how civic friendship shapes our public life, and the role of the law as a mediator in a pluralistic society. Tune in for a deep dive into the philosophical and legal que...

In this insightful episode, hosts Marlo Slayback and Tom Sarrouf are joined by Dr. Alex Taylor, Assistant Professor of English at Christendom College, for an engaging discussion on one of America's most compelling literary figures—Flannery O'Connor. Together, they explore the profound Catholic themes that run through O'Connor's stories, her unique use of the grotesque to reveal...

 In this episode, we sit down with Eugene Callahan, economist, philosopher, and author, to explore the deep and often overlooked connections between computer science and the humanities. Drawing from his recent article "The Ghost in the AI Machine" in Modern Age Journal, Eugene delves into the profound implications of AI and technology on human life. We discuss the nature of intelligence...

In this episode, we sit down with Brad Littlejohn, a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and a leading voice in the intersection of Christian ethics and public life. Brad dives into the themes of his latest book, Called to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License (Christ in Everything), where he explores the delicate balance between autonomy and restraint in the Christi...

This week on the podcast, hosts Marlo Slayback and Tom Sarrouf sit down with Aaron Zubia to delve into the life and philosophy of David Hume. Join them as they explore Hume's background and his pivotal role in the Scottish Enlightenment. They discuss Hume's Epicureanism and skepticism, examining how these ideas shaped his thought and influenced modern philosophy. The conversation turns t...

In this compelling episode of Conservative Conversations, we welcome back Jon Askonas, a repeat guest known for his deep insights into international relations, national security, and the evolving intersection of war, technology, and public institutions. Jon brings his expertise to a wide-ranging discussion on America's current posture on the global stage, the nation's obligations to its...

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Carson Holloway, a distinguished Professor of Political Science at the University of Nebraska Omaha and a Washington Fellow at the Claremont Institute's Center for the American Way of Life. Holloway, an accomplished author, delves into the complex dynamics of press accountability in modern America, drawing from his essay, "Rethinking Li...

In this engaging episode, we are joined by Khalil Habib, Associate Professor of Politics at Hillsdale College, to explore the profound ideas of Montesquieu and David Hume. We delve into how their philosophies illuminate the current political landscape and the foundational principles that anchor political life. Our conversation examines Montesquieu's influence on the American Constitutional or...

Join hosts Tom Sarrouf and Marlo Slayback on this week's episode of Conservative Conversations, brought to you by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI). Our special guest, Garrett Snedeker, Deputy Director of the James Wilson Institute, dives deep into the pressing legal and political issues shaping the conservative movement today. In this episode, we tackle: - The Trump Conviction: Exp...

This week we spoke with Dr. Shawn Phillip Cooper. Join us as we delve into the rich lore of King Arthur. In this episode, Dr. Cooper unpacks the key characters and plot points that make up the legendary tales of King Arthur and his knights. Discover the historical origins of the Arthurian legend and how it has been interwoven with various European traditions over the centuries. Dr. Cooper sheds li...

In this enlightening episode of the ISI Podcast, we sit down with the insightful N.S. Lyons to discuss his recent article in First Things, "The Re-Paganization Thesis." Lyons delves into the intricate intersections of religion and civilization, examining how modern societal shifts mirror ancient paganism's return. Join us as we explore the core arguments of the Re-Paganization Thesi...

Join us for an enlightening episode of Conservative Conversations as we dive deep into the world of cultural criticism and sociology with authors Michael Harding and William Batchelder. In this special episode, we explore their latest book, "The Philosophy of Philip Rieff: Cultural Conflict, Religion, and the Self." Philip Rieff, a towering figure in the realm of sociological thought, pr...

Join us for an enlightening episode as we sit down with Dr. Stephen Wolfe, author of the thought-provoking book, "The Case for Christian Nationalism." Hosted by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI), this episode delves into the controversial yet compelling arguments presented in Wolfe's book. Dr. Wolfe discusses the concept of Christian nationalism, exploring how it aligns wi...

In this compelling episode of Conservative Conversations, we sit down with Theo Wold, the newly appointed Director of the Administrative State Project at the Claremont Institute. Drawing from his extensive experience in government, including his roles as Solicitor General of Idaho, Acting Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Legal Policy at the Department of Justice, and Deputy Assistant to...

Join us for an enlightening episode with Phil Magness, renowned economic historian and scholar, as he sits down with the Intercollegiate Studies Institute to discuss: - The pervasive problem of academic plagiarism in universities - Root causes and potential solutions - Magness's extensive research and experience in the field - His pivotal role in exposing the Claudine Gay scandal at Harvard:...

In this episode of the Conservative Conversations, Dr. Cliff Porter shares his multifaceted journey and profound insights. Dr. Porter discusses his initial academic focus on history and political philosophy. Explores his fascination with understanding historical events and societal behaviors. - Delves into the question of how an educated nation like Germany could commit atrocities during WWII. - E...