The Aaron Renn Show

Join host Aaron Renn as he sits down with Michael Foster, pastor of East River Church in Batavia, Ohio, for a raw and unfiltered conversation about the wild cultural ride of the past five years. From the rise of the Manosphere to the pushback against woke culture, the impact of the pandemic on churches, and the shifting dynamics of masculinity and dating, this episode dives deep into what’s shaping our world in 2025. Michael shares his journey from starting It’s Good to Be a Man to planting a church during the pandemic, offering insights on faith, culture, and the new vibe shift. Expect candid reflections, bold takes, and a look at where we’re headed next. CHAPTERS:(00:00 - Introduction)(01:04 - Michael Foster’s Journey: Starting East River Church)(03:58 - The Manosphere’s Rise and Cultural Impact)(11:23 - Dating Dynamics and the Internet’s Influence)(19:55 - The Pandemic’s Effect on Churches and Culture)(28:49 - The Post-Pandemic Vibe Shift)(36:30 - Christianity, Institutions, and Missed Opportunities)(50:04 - Choosing Stability Over Controversy)(58:13 - The New Cultural Stasis and What’s Next)(1:08:09 - Closing Thoughts and Farewell)MICHAEL FOSTER-S LINKS:📖 It's Good to Be a Man - https://www.amazon.com/Its-Good-Be-Man-Masculinity/dp/1954887396/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/thisisfoster🌐 This Is Foster - https://www.thisisfoster.com/CONNECT & FOLLOW AARON:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Professional boxer Ed Latimore talks about his inspiring journey from growing up in Pittsburgh’s housing projects during the crack epidemic to earning a physics degree and overcoming addiction. In this episode, Ed shares raw insights from his book, Hard Lessons from the Hurt Business: Boxing and the Art of Life, diving into the challenges of poverty, the psychological traps of subsidized housing, the impact of corporal punishment, and how boxing gave him discipline and community. Ed also opens up about his battle with alcoholism and offers practical advice for those struggling with addiction. Don’t miss this powerful conversation about resilience, pattern recognition, and transforming your life against all odds.CHAPTERS(00:00 - Introduction)(01:02 - Growing Up in the Projects: Life During the Crack Epidemic)(03:11 - The Systemic Traps of Subsidized Housing)(06:13 - How Childhood Beatings Shaped Ed’s View on Boxing)(09:01 - Boxing as a Path to Discipline and Community)(14:48 - Why Ed Rejects Corporal Punishment)(24:43 - Writing Hard Lessons from the Hurt Business: A Memoir with Purpose)(26:54 - Discovering His Intelligence Through Boxing and Education)(33:08 - From Boxing to a Physics Degree: Ed’s Academic Journey)(37:18 - How Intelligence Kept Ed from Self-Destruction)(44:01 - Overcoming Alcoholism: Ed’s Strategies for Recovery)(53:15 - Final Thoughts and Book Details)ED LATIMORE'S LINKS:📖 Hard Lessons from the Hurt Business: https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Lessons-Hurt-Business-Boxing/dp/0593716361/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20🌐 Ed Latimore's web site: https://edlatimore.com/ 🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/edlatimoreCONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Join me for an insightful conversation with Dr. Jason Jewell, Chief Academic Officer of the State University System of Florida, as we dive into the bold reforms transforming higher education in the Sunshine State. From Governor Ron DeSantis’ efforts to eliminate ideological influences to the creation of a new accrediting agency, we explore how Florida is reshaping its universities to prioritize academic excellence and efficiency. Learn about Florida's innovative steps toward a new accreditation model, its post-tenure review policy, and the fight against administrative bloat. CHAPTERS:(00:00 Introduction)(01:15 Dr. Jason Jewell’s Background)(04:44 Role of the Board of Governors)(08:41 DeSantis’ Higher Ed Reform Goals)(12:29 Creating a New Accrediting Agency)(31:50 Post-Tenure Review Policy)(43:07 Tackling Administrative Bloat)(48:00 Conclusion)JASON JEWELL'S LINKS:🌐 Governor Ron DeSantis Announces First-of-its-Kind Alternative University Accreditor - https://www.flbog.edu/2025/06/26/icymi-governor-ron-desantis-announces-first-of-its-kind-alternative-university-accreditor/🌐 No “Brain Drain” from the SUS’s Post-Tenure Review - https://www.flbog.edu/2025/07/21/no-brain-drain-from-the-suss-post-tenure-review/🌐 Jason Jewell's Substack - https://jasonjewell.substack.com/CONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Rick Reinhardt, an expert on urbanism and religion and former chief of staff to a mayor in Buffalo, discusses the crisis of up to 100,000 empty churches in America. He explores the pressing challenges of declining congregations and the financial burdens of maintaining historic properties. Innovative repurposing ideas include transforming churches into affordable housing and community spaces. Reinhardt also addresses the complexities of zoning laws and the potential for churches to adapt as vital community anchors amid changing spiritual landscapes.

An inspiring conversation with Reverend Jake Dell, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Woodbury, Connecticut, founded in 1659. Rev. Dell shares his journey to become an Episcopal priest, then to taking on leadership of a dying historic church in an attempt to revive a congregation with 355 year legacy. Also discover his bold vision for a donor intent litigation trust to hold mainline institutions accountable and revive America’s Christian heritage. CHAPTERS:(00:00 Introduction)(01:04 Rev. Dell’s Journey to Ministry)(05:02 The Need for Operation Reconquista)(08:51 What Is Operation Reconquista?)(12:29 Why Rev. Dell Is Optimistic About Revival)(14:31 Understanding Congregational Churches)(17:25 Reviving a 350-Year-Old Church)(27:52 Secrets to Growing a Congregation)(34:08 The Donor Intent Litigation Trust Idea)(47:58 Next Steps for the Litigation Trust)(50:01 Closing Thoughts)REV. DELL'S LINKS:🌐 The First Congregational Church of Woodbury - https://www.firstchurchwoodbury.org/CONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Join Aaron Renn as he sits down with Doug Reed, president of Partnership International and author of Ten Men: The Rich Connections Every Man Needs. In this insightful podcast, Doug explores the powerful relationships in King David’s life from the Bible, revealing the ten types of men every man needs to thrive—mighty mentors, covenant friends, spiritual fathers, and even ordained opposition. Discover how these biblical principles can transform modern masculinity and foster deep, meaningful connections. CHAPTERS:(00:00 - Introduction)(00:21 - About 10 Men and King David’s Relationships)(00:47 - Why Doug Wrote About Masculine Relationships)(02:10 - Mighty Mentors: The Role of Joab in David’s Life)(06:26 - Covenant Friendships: David and Jonathan’s Bond)(09:52 - The Decline of Male Friendships Today)(14:18 - Spiritual Fathers: Samuel’s Impact on David)(18:01 - Ordained Opposition: How Goliath and Saul Shaped David)(26:12 - Closing Thoughts)Buy Ten Men: The Rich Connections Every Man Needs - https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Men-Connections-Every-Needs-ebook/dp/B0D938929B/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Join Aaron Renn as he sits down with policy wonk Robert Ordway to explore the vibrant and complex world of America's multiracial working class. Growing up in the steel town of Lake Station, Indiana, Ordway shares his journey from a blue-collar upbringing to working in the halls of power, offering unique insights into the values, challenges, and political shifts of working-class communities. From his roots in a Southern migrant family to his affiliations with both the NAACP and NRA, Robert’s story sheds light on the cultural and economic dynamics shaping places like Northwest Indiana. Discover how faith, family, and community anchor these communities and why figures like Donald Trump resonate with them. Don’t miss this heartfelt and revealing conversation about the heart of America’s working class.CHAPTERS:(00:00 Introduction)(01:01 Why Robert Is a Life Member of Both the NRA and NAACP)(04:34 Growing Up in Gary: A Family History)(10:36 Life in Lake Station: A Working-Class Childhood)(21:31 Racial and Ethnic Dynamics in Northwest Indiana)(28:36 Politics in Lake Station: Trump and Ticket-Splitting)(33:37 The Appeal of Trump’s Style to the Working Class)(37:00 A Life-Changing Scholarship: From Steel to College)(53:07 Staying Connected to Working-Class Roots)(58:39 Conclusion: Understanding the Working-Class Heart)ROBERT ORDWAY'S LINKS:🌐 The Reality of America’s Multi-Racial Working Class - https://www.aaronrenn.com/p/multi-racial-working-class🌐 Robert Ordway's Substack - https://www.robertordway.com/CONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Join Aaron Renn as he dives into the alarming global fertility crisis with Daniel Hess, the voice behind the More Births X account and Substack. In this eye-opening podcast, they uncover the shocking decline in birth rates worldwide, its devastating implications for economies and societies, and what we can do to reverse this trend. From South Korea’s record-low fertility to the power of suburbs and pro-natal beliefs, this discussion is a wake-up call for anyone concerned about the future of humanity.CHAPTERS:(0:00:00 Introduction)(0:01:03 Why Daniel Hess Cares About Fertility Decline)(0:03:47 Personal Story: Raising Six Kids and Social Influence)(0:05:00 The Case for More Births: Debunking Overpopulation Myths)(0:08:03 South Korea’s Crisis: Highest Innovation but Lowest Birth Rates)(0:11:29 How Severe Is the Fertility Crisis? Economic and Social Impacts)(0:19:23 Worst-Hit Countries: China, Italy, and Beyond)(0:23:33 Drivers of Fertility Decline: The Multifaceted “Fertility Stack”)(0;26:46 Israel’s Secret: Pro-natal Beliefs and High Fertility)(0:29:22 Marriage Decline: A Key Culprit in Falling Birth Rates)(0:34:25 Housing Matters: Why Suburbs Beat High-Rises for Families)(0:43:10 Land Ownership and Affordability: Lessons from Utah and Canada)(0:53:01 Solutions: Education, Religious Freedom, and Policy Ideas)(1:06:37 Closing Thoughts: A Call to Action for Pro-natalism)Follow Daniel Hess on X: https://x.com/morebirthsDaniel Hess' website: https://www.morebirths.com/Julian Simon's The Ultimate Resource: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Resource-Julian-Lincoln-Simon/dp/0691003815/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Dr. Christian Smith, a sociologist from the University of Notre Dame and author of 'Why Religion Went Obsolete', discusses the decline of traditional religion in America. He explores how neoliberal capitalism, postmodernism, and digital transformation contribute to this shift. The conversation highlights the rise of alternative spiritualities, the erosion of trust in institutions due to scandals, and changing family dynamics. Smith also examines what this means for society’s future and the potential for religious communities to adapt.

A fascinating discussion with Ian Fletcher, co-author of the comprehensive new book Industrial Policy for the United States (Cambridge University Press). In this episode, Ian unpacks the critical role of industrial policy in shaping America’s economic future, challenging the myths of free trade, and exploring how the U.S. can protect and grow its advantageous industries. From historical successes like the Morrill Act to modern challenges like China’s rise and the overvalued dollar, this conversation covers the past, present, and future of U.S. industrial strategy. Chapters:(00:00 Introduction)(01:17 Regarding Free Trade)(02:43 What is Industrial Policy?)(04:07 National Security and Deindustrialization Risks)(07:49 The Role of Government in Innovation)(09:37 Defining Advantageous Industries)(12:29 Tariffs and Strategic Industries)(13:55 U.S. Industrial Policy Through History)(18:26 Government’s Role in Aviation and Tech)(23:31 Industrial Policy Failures: Synthetic Fuels & Solyndra)(29:48 Case Study: China’s Industrial Policy Success)(38:21 Case Study: The UK’s Industrial Policy Failure)(43:13 What Should the U.S. Do Today?)(49:27 Evaluating Trump’s Tariff Policies)(53:36 Key Takeaways from the Book)(54:28 Ian’s Advice: Trust Economic History, Not Theory)Buy Industrial Policy for the United States: https://www.amazon.com/Industrial-Policy-United-States-Competition/dp/1009243071/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/