First Things Podcast

Nathan Pinkoski, a reviewer and commentator on international relations, dives into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy with R. R. Reno. They explore Paul Schroeder's skepticism about the Gulf War and the economics of geopolitical leverage. Pinkoski contrasts hegemony and empire, arguing that post-war power dynamics reveal troubling realities. He warns of moral escalation from economic coercion and examines the impact of this on domestic governance, questioning whether the republic can reclaim its purpose amidst growing globalism.

Damian Thompson, a British journalist and commentator known for his insights on religion and culture, explores the intricate dynamics of the Church of England. He delves into Sarah Mullally's remarkable rise within the church, assessing her administrative skills despite controversies. Thompson discusses the impact of sexuality debates on global Anglicanism and contrasts the distinct perspectives of Anglo-Catholics and evangelicals. He highlights the financial influence of evangelical churches and warns of cultural polarization's effects on church leadership.

In this engaging conversation, philosopher Edward Feser shares insights on John Searle's influence within analytic philosophy. He details Searle's defense of common sense against reductionist views and critiques eliminative materialism. Feser discusses the implications of the Chinese Room argument, asserting that mere symbol manipulation lacks true understanding. The dialogue also touches on the complex relationship between language and reality, Searle's stance on social facts, and his political moderation regarding free speech and campus radicalism.

J. J. Kimche, a religious scholar specializing in Jewish thought, dives into the contemporary relevance of the Sabbath through John Levinson's insights. He explains how the Sabbath serves as a remedy for today's relentless work culture and contrasts it with modern mindfulness trends. Delving into biblical origins, Kimche reveals the Sabbath’s unique ability to disrupt time and create sacred meaning. He discusses its role in social memory and community rituals, emphasizing the profound atmosphere it creates, urging listeners to experience its significance firsthand.

Hans Boersma, a theologian and author, delves into intriguing theological topics surrounding modernity and God-talk. He discusses the cultural disenchantment that distances God from people, and how divine simplicity suggests God is unchanging and beyond human comprehension. Boersma critiques the Western identity thesis for potentially making God feel either too distant or too immediate. He advocates for a return to Christian Platonism and elaborates on the Eastern distinction between God's essence and energies, emphasizing the importance of divine participation.

Louise Perry, a journalist and author, dives into her thought-provoking essay 'Indigenous London' while discussing the complexities of demographic change in Britain. She addresses the provocative use of 'indigenous,' critiques the myth of Britain as a 'nation of immigrants,' and explores the impact of globalization on local communities. Perry links displacement to recent protests and delves into how shifts in social housing have transformed London's landscape. Their conversation also touches on cultural divides and the broader anxieties surrounding identity and belonging.

Rusty Reno, Editor at First Things, and Dan Hitchens, Senior Editor, delve into the recent uproar at Heritage, a key conservative think tank. They dissect the generational divides within the right, especially in light of the Tucker Carlson controversy. The discussion highlights youth attitudes toward Israel and the rise of dissident influencers who challenge traditional norms. Reno offers insights into why Israel remains a strategic asset for the West, while Hitchens elaborates on the importance of distinguishing between legitimate critique and extremist ideologies. It's a captivating exploration of the shifting landscape of conservatism.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, probes the chilling implications of a one-world totalitarian state and the dual-use risks of modern technologies like AI and nuclear weapons. He contrasts political and theological views on the Antichrist, urging vigilance in an era of existential threats. Thiel advocates for faith and individual agency as vital in countering these trends, while also critiquing modern optimism that disregards historical warnings. A captivating blend of philosophy and urgent contemporary issues awaits!

In this episode, Virginia Aabram and Elizabeth Bachmann join Rusty Reno on The Editor’s Desk to talk about Virginia's recent essay, “The Road to Chartres,” from the October 2025 issue of the magazine.

In this episode, Leah Libresco joins Rusty Reno on The Editor’s Desk to talk about her recent book, “The Dignity of Dependence: A Feminist Manifesto.”