
First Things Podcast
First Things is America's most influential journal of religion & public life.
Latest episodes

May 13, 2024 • 27min
The Common Arts in the Classroom
Christopher Hall, founder of Always Learning Education and author of 'Common Arts Education...' discusses the importance of hands-on craftsmanship in education, reconnecting with practical skills in a digital age, engaging students in ancient technology projects like woodworking and metalworking, embracing common arts for holistic education, and balancing digital tools with traditional skills in education.

May 9, 2024 • 27min
Civics Is a Discipline
Jenna Silber Storey, a contributor to the American Enterprise Institute's report on civic education, joins Mark Bauerlein to delve into the evolving landscape of civic education in universities. They discuss the historical roots of civic learning and the shift towards service learning as a tool for empowerment. The conversation highlights the vital role of citizen engagement in political decision-making and the need for civic knowledge to foster informed citizens. Toward the end, they emphasize the transformative power of love in civics education to inspire positive change.

May 6, 2024 • 31min
Orthodox Christian Education
John Mark Reynolds, involved with the Saint Constantine School, passionately discusses the transformative power of Orthodox Christian education. He highlights the school's unique curriculum that weaves classical literature with Eastern Orthodox teachings. The conversation also addresses the historical debates around 'Great Books' programs, advocating for their importance amidst diverse educational settings. Additionally, Reynolds reflects on balancing parental expectations for academic success with the need for character development, emphasizing holistic education over mere prestige.

May 2, 2024 • 31min
Reimagining Christian Political Duty
In this episode, Ephraim Radner joins Mark Bauerlein to discuss his new book, “Mortal Goods: Reimagining Christian Political Duty.”
Music by J. S. Bach/C. Gounod, public domain. Track edited, cropped, and merged with another track.

Apr 29, 2024 • 28min
The Story of the Comfort Women
J. Mark Ramseyer discusses 'The Comfort Women Hoax' book, revealing the origins of the issue in Japan, contractual dynamics during the Pacific War, reactions to disputed claims, and facing attacks for their research.

Apr 25, 2024 • 30min
Film and Faith
In this episode, Carson Holloway joins Mark Bauerlein to discuss his new book, “Film and Faith: Modern Cinema and the Struggle to Believe.”
Music by Frederic Chopin licensed via Creative Commons. Tracks reorganized, duplicated, and edited.

Apr 23, 2024 • 32min
Jesus Isn’t Woke
Author Lucas Miles discusses the portrayal of Jesus as a social justice warrior in his book 'Woke Jesus: The False Messiah Destroying Christianity'. The podcast explores the evolution of progressive theology, the roots of black liberation theology, and the infiltration of critical race theory in churches. It calls for a bold new quest for understanding Christianity in the digital age.

Apr 19, 2024 • 31min
The Left’s Dark Money
In this episode, Scott Walter joins Mark Bauerlein to discuss his new book, “Arabella: The Dark Money Network of Leftist Billionaires Secretly Transforming America.”
Music by Frederic Chopin licensed via Creative Commons. Tracks reorganized, duplicated, and edited.

Apr 15, 2024 • 32min
Chaos in Our Souls
In this episode, RJ Snell joins Mark Bauerlein to discuss his new book, “Lost in the Chaos: Immanence, Despair, Hope.”
Music by J. S. Bach/C. Gounod, public domain. Track edited, cropped, and merged with another track.

Apr 11, 2024 • 31min
The Battle with Demons
In this episode, Adam Blai joins Mark Bauerlein to discuss his new book, “The Exorcism Files: True Stories of Demonic Possession.”
Music by Frederic Chopin licensed via Creative Commons. Tracks reorganized, duplicated, and edited.