Conservative Conversations with ISI

Join us for a captivating episode of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute's podcast as we sit down with esteemed historian Andrew Willard Jones. Renowned for his deep expertise in medieval studies and the intricate relationship between the Church and the state, Jones offers listeners a profound exploration of the Middle Ages. In this episode, Jones delves into the social, political, and theo...

 Join us on this insightful episode of the ISI Podcast as we welcome esteemed scholar Mark David Hall to discuss his latest book, "Christian Nationalism: Myth and Reality." Hall, a leading expert on the American Founding and religion's role in public life, delves into the controversial and often misunderstood concept of Christian Nationalism. In this engaging conversation, Hall addr...

Welcome to our latest podcast episode featuring a fascinating discussion with historian and YouTube creator Alan Harrelson. Join us as we delve into "the good life" and explore Alan's unique perspective on living an agrarian lifestyle, his academic work, and his passion project, The Pipe Cottage. Alan Harrelson, a renowned historian specializing in Southern Agrarian thought, shares...

Join us for an engaging discussion on education reform and school choice with Corey DeAngelis, a prominent advocate and researcher in the field of education policy. In this podcast hosted by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI), Corey dives deep into his work and insights on how school choice can positively impact students and families. Corey DeAngelis is a leading voice in the school choic...

Join us for an insightful discussion as Mike Gonzalez, Senior Fellow at The Heritage Foundation and author of the groundbreaking book, "Next Gen Marxism: What It Is and How to Combat It," delves into the pervasive influence of contemporary Marxism on American culture. In this podcast hosted by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI), Gonzalez reveals how Marxism, despite its evolutio...

This week Don Westblade a professor at Hillsdale college joins Tom on the podcast to discuss his work at Hillsdale and more! In this episode: Explore teaching the Bible to students with Don Westblade, emphasizing its relevance and real-world impact. Learn how Westblade addresses criticism of the New Testament, offering historical and cultural context. Preview Westblade's discussion on Jerusal...

Tune in for an insightful discussion with Kevin Kosar, where we explore the ideas of Edward Banfield, the New Deal era, and contemporary public policy.  Kevin, a seasoned expert in governance and public administration, shares perspectives on Banfield's research and its relevance today, particularly in understanding urban issues, poverty, and government intervention. Discover how Banfield&apos...

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 p...

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 tra...

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 A...

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...

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,...

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...

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 histor...

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 classi...

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...

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 unders...

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 explo...

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 theory Texts Mentioned:  Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow The Battle for Home by Marwa al-Sibouni On Hunting by Roger Scruton “Why I Became a Conservative” by Roger S...

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 life Texts Mentioned: Theology of Home bookset by Carrie Gress and Noelle Mering Awake, Not Woke by Noelle Mering The End of Woman by Carrie Gress theologyofhome.com Become a part of ISI: Become a Member Support ISI Up...

In this episode:  Miles Smith joins the podcast to discuss the destruction of American statues and the political endgame that motivates it a lesson against civic contempt for average people and a story about the wisdom and erudition of country folk a listener question about good books to introduce kids to the “great tradition” Texts Mentioned: Apply for the ISI Honors Conference! The Princess and...

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 Parker The Closing of the American Mind by Allan Bloom “Summer of ’69” by Bryan Adams Lei...

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 Heritage how the College Board has changed the purpose of education and caused a decline in educational quality and skill development, and how to fix it why students “light up” when we teach things rel...

 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 posture the lessons to be taken from the post-WWII history of American military policy and foreign entanglements why the impulse to rely on “Am...

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 vision what “catholic political realism” is, what its goals are, and why it’s the best hope for America’s future how America’s history is best understood in light of its Catholic heritage...