The Aaron Renn Show

Join Aaron Renn as he sits down with Philip Howard, founder of Common Good, to discuss the crippling bureaucratic red tape stifling America’s ability to build and innovate. In this eye-opening episode, Howard delves into his Manhattan Institute paper, Escape from Quicksand: A New Framework for Modernizing America, revealing how a compliance-driven system has paralyzed infrastructure projects—like the $42.5 billion broadband initiative with zero results after four years. From the New Deal’s rapid achievements to today’s endless legal labyrinths, Howard proposes a bold solution: a framework rooted in human responsibility and accountability to restore America’s can-do spirit. Tune in to learn why we’re stuck, how we got here, and what it’ll take to break free.CHAPTERS(00:00 - Introduction)(01:00 - The Problem: America’s Bureaucratic Quicksand)(04:13 - New Deal vs. Today: A Stark Contrast)(09:13 - Extortion by Law: How the System Enables Delays)(15:27 - Solutions: Rebuilding a Framework for Action)(23:02 - Political Challenges: Why Reform is Tough)(29:01 - The Role of the Judiciary in Blocking Progress)(37:43 - Conclusion: A Call to Replace the System)Escape from Quicksand A New Framework for Modernizing America - https://manhattan.institute/article/escape-from-quicksand-a-new-framework-for-modernizing-americaCommon Good - https://www.commongood.org/Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Join host Aaron Renn as he sits down with Elizabeth Landis, author of The Forgotten Realm: Civics for American Christians, to explore why Christians need to engage more deeply in the civil realm. From local government to federalism, Elizabeth shares her journey from a concerned citizen to a passionate advocate for civic involvement, offering practical insights and biblical wisdom for Christians navigating governance. Discover how to move beyond voting, build relationships across political divides, and become a winsome force for change in your community. Get your copy of The Forgotten Realm via the link below.(00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to the Podcast)(01:03 - Why Civics is the "Forgotten Realm" for Christians)(02:37 - What Sparked Elizabeth’s Civic Awakening)(06:38 - A Primer on American Government: From Local to Federal)(09:15 - Uncovering Federalism and Election Systems)(12:38 - Engaging with Local Government in Moscow, Idaho)(17:07 - Building Unexpected Friendships Across Ideologies)(19:17 - Opportunities for Christians in Civic Roles)(24:21 - The Call for Christians to Care About Governance)(29:02 - Christian Diplomacy: A Winsome Approach to Civics)(33:06 - Conclusion: Key Takeaways and Book Info)Buy The Forgotten Realm: Civics for American Christians - https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Realm-Civics-American-Christians/dp/1963505085/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

This fascinating conversation with writer Sheluyang Peng explores the profound influence of Friedrich Nietzsche on American thought. From Emerson’s impact on him to the way his philosophy found similarities with American pragmatism to his role in shaping modern political and cultural landscapes, this episode uncovers Nietzsche’s surprising connections to American philosophy, theology, and even infamous historical events like the Leopold and Loeb case. Yang shares insights into how Nietzsche’s ideas resonate with both the left and the right, and why his philosophy remains relevant today.(00:00 - Introduction) (01:03 - Why Yang Got Interested in Nietzsche: A Preacher’s Kid Perspective)(03:30 - Nietzsche’s American Connection: Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Influence)(05:12 - American vs. European Views of Nietzsche)(06:53 - Nietzsche’s Role in American Pragmatism)(08:02 - H.L. Mencken and Popularizing Nietzsche in America)(10:33 - Nietzsche and the Leopold and Loeb Murder Case)(13:47 - Nietzsche’s Surprising Influence on Christian Thinkers)(18:58 - Nietzsche in Modern American Politics)(20:56 - Bronze Age Pervert and Right-Wing Nietzscheanism)(25:27 - Nietzsche and René Girard’s Mimetic Theory)(28:56 - Is Nietzsche Whatever You Want Him to Be?)(30:14 - The Future of Nietzschean Thought in America)(31:27 - Closing Remarks and Where to Read More)SHELUYANG PENG LINKS:🌐 American Affairs Journal: Nietzsche's Eternal Return in America - https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2024/11/nietzsches-eternal-return-in-america/🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WithinGoodNEvilMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Leopold and Loeb Murder Case: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopold_and_Loeb

Join Aaron Renn as he sits down with Geoffrey Kabaservice, Vice President of Political Studies at the Niskanen Center and author of Rule and Ruin: The Downfall of Moderation and the Destruction of the Republican Party, From Eisenhower to the Tea Party. In this compelling episode, they dive into the decline of moderate Republicanism, tracing the transformation of the GOP from the era of Dwight Eisenhower to the rise of Ronald Reagan, the Tea Party, and beyond. Why did moderate Republicans fade from prominence? What role did populism play in reshaping the party? And is there a future for pragmatic, effective governance in today’s polarized America? This conversation explores the historical shifts, key figures, and structural challenges facing the Republican Party, offering insights for anyone interested in American political history.GEOFFREY KABASERVICE LINKS:📖 Rule and Ruin: The Downfall of Moderation and the Destruction of the Republican Party, From Eisenhower to the Tea Party - https://www.amazon.com/Rule-Ruin-Moderation-Destruction-Development-ebook/dp/B005UFCPHG/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20📖 The Guardians: Kingman Brewster, His Circle, and the Rise of the Liberal Establishment - https://www.amazon.com/Guardians-Kingman-Brewster-Liberal-Establishment-ebook/dp/B00LRXCF66/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/ruleandruinCONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

In this eye-opening episode, Aaron Renn sits down with Saagar Enjeti, co-host of Breaking Points and The Realignment, to dive deep into the explosive rise of sports betting in America. Following the 2018 Supreme Court decision that opened the floodgates, sports gambling has become a predatory industry, hooking millions with sophisticated algorithms, addictive apps, and aggressive marketing. Saagar breaks down the public policy failures, the devastating impact on problem gamblers, and the complicity of sports leagues and states in this growing crisis. From skyrocketing bankruptcies to increased domestic violence, the societal costs are staggering. Tune in to learn why Saagar calls for banning online gambling and how we can fight back against this dystopian trend. CONNECT & FOLLOW SAAGAR ENJETI:🌐 Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar: https://www.youtube.com/c/breakingpoints🌐 The Realignment Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3O3P7AsOC17INXR5L2APHQ🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/esaagarSubscribe to Aaron Renn's newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

In this enlightening discussion, former Vice President Mike Pence shares his heartfelt journey to faith and the pillars of his enduring 40-year marriage to Karen. He delves into the controversial 'Mike Pence Rule' and its implications in today's world, especially in light of the Me Too movement. Pence also offers wisdom on how to navigate family values amidst media scrutiny, emphasizing the importance of character in public life. His inspiring message encourages those hesitant about entering politics to remain true to their faith.

Why can't America build like it used to? What happened to our mojo? In this eye-opening episode, special guest Tanner Greer dives deep into the cultural and institutional decline that’s left America struggling to get things done. From building the Empire State Building in a year to endless delays today, we explore what’s gone wrong—comparing the decisive Spanish Flu response of 1918 to the chaos of COVID-19—and uncover solutions from high-agency groups like the U.S. Marine Corps, LDS Church, and Silicon Valley. If you’re curious about why our institutions feel broken and how we can rebuild a culture that gets results, this episode is a must-listen! Tanner Greer: "On Cultures That Build": https://scholars-stage.org/on-cultures-that-build/Tanner Greer: "A School of Strength and Character": https://www.palladiummag.com/2023/03/30/a-school-of-strength-and-character/Inc. Magazine: "Corps Values": https://www.inc.com/magazine/19980401/906.htmlTanner Greer's Homepage: https://scholars-stage.org/Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Join Aaron as he sits down with William Wolfe, Executive Director of the Center for Baptist Leadership (CBL), to discuss the future of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the fight against liberal drift in the church, and the intersection of faith and politics. From grassroots reform to meeting President Trump in the Oval Office, William shares CBL’s mission to revitalize Baptist identity and equip a new generation of leaders. 🌐 Center for Baptist Leadership: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/🌐 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

In this episode of Aaron Renn's series on religious minorities in America, he speaks with Josh Hammer, senior editor-at-large at Newsweek Magazine and author of the book Israel and Civilization. Josh shares his personal journey from an assimilated Jewish upbringing to becoming fully observant, discusses the challenges of practicing Judaism in modern America, and offers insights on Jewish-Christian relations, contemporary anti-Semitism, and Israel's role in American foreign policy.Note: My audio level was poorly adjusted in this recording. GUEST LINKS:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/josh_hammer📖 Buy Israel and Civilization: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1635769736/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20🌐 The Josh Hammer Show: https://www.newsweek.com/podcasts/the-josh-hammer-showCONNECT & FOLLOW:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

In this first episode in a new series exploring the religious minority experience in America, I sit down with author, educator, and entrepreneur Haroon Mogul to discuss his experiences as a Muslim in the United States. Born to Pakistani immigrant parents in Connecticut and raised in New England, Haroon offers unique insights into navigating dual identities, building community across ethnic lines, and finding his place in a country where Muslims remain a small but diverse minority. From childhood memories of Christmas trees to raising his own children in Cincinnati, Haroon's story illuminates the challenges and opportunities of maintaining faith in a society that isn't built around you.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction to the series2:17 - Meeting Haroon Mogul3:33 - Growing up Muslim in New England7:56 - Navigating dual identities13:15 - Diversity of American Muslims20:45 - Ethnic diversity in American mosques27:23 - Moving from NYC to the Midwest28:23 - Facing opposition to mosque construction33:33 - American law and Muslim practices40:58 - Living in a "neutral world" as a religious minority47:13 - ConclusionHaroon Mogul was named as one of the 50 most influential Muslims in the Americas by EqualityX in 2023 and 2024.🌐 Haroon Moghul's Substack: https://sundayschooled.substack.com/🌐 Subscribe to my newsletter for in-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/