
The Christopher Perrin Show
Dr. Christopher Perrin has been a leader in the renewal of classical education in the United States for 25 years. In this podcast, he traces the renewal of the American paideia exploring the recent history of the American renaissance in light of the 2500 years that have preceded it. Christopher is the founding CEO of Classical Academic Press and the founder of ClassicalU.com. The Christopher Perrin Show is part of the TrueNorth.fm podcast network.
Latest episodes

Sep 8, 2022 • 18min
Episode 11: Recovering the Word "Student" to Renew Classical Education
In this episode, Dr. Perrin builds upon Episode 10 by exploring the etymologies and histories behind words that are commonly used in education today.

Sep 5, 2022 • 22min
Episode 10: Recovering a Vocabulary for Classical Education
In this episode, Dr. Perrin discusses words and their importance in education. What words do we use in traditional liberal education? How have we lost the meanings of certain words in our lives?

Aug 11, 2022 • 22min
Episode 09: Starting a Classical College
In this episode, Dr. Perrin and Greg Wilbur of New College Franklin discuss the importance of the intersection between theology and classical education. This conversation was recorded at CiRCE Institute National Conference in Charleston.

8 snips
Jul 28, 2022 • 21min
Episode 08: The Practice of Lamentation
Exploring the forgotten art of lamentation, the podcast discusses its importance in society, including honest engagement with history, collective repentance, transformative power for empathy and healing, and the fight for justice.

Jul 14, 2022 • 13min
Episode 07: The Resurgence of Classical Education Among African Americans
What was the earliest classical school for African Americans and what effect did it have on the resurgence of the classical movement today?

Jun 30, 2022 • 17min
Episode 06: What Does Jerusalem Have to Do With Athens?
Explore the intricate relationship between faith and the classical tradition. Discover how early Christian thinkers like Tertullian and Augustine grappled with ancient literature's impact on belief. Delve into the challenges faced by modern believers as they sift through beneficial insights and potential pitfalls in their sacred journey.

Jun 16, 2022 • 21min
Episode 05: The Sacred Synthesis
Delve into the intriguing relationship between Jerusalem and Athens. Explore how classical Greek and Roman philosophies intersect with Christian teachings. Discover the critical views of Tertullian and how they contrast with the perspectives of Clement of Alexandria. The discussion emphasizes the potential for a harmonious blend of pagan wisdom with Christian faith, showcasing the complexity and richness of intellectual thought throughout history.

Jun 2, 2022 • 19min
Episode 04: The Great Idea of the Liberal Arts
Dive into the fascinating world of liberal arts and explore their significance in shaping human identity. Discover why the arts are deemed 'liberal' and their vital role in promoting democracy. Gain insights into the essential disciplines of grammar, logic, and rhetoric, and learn how they enhance reasoning and communication skills. This conversation unveils the transformative power of the liberal arts in our society.

May 19, 2022 • 21min
Episode 03: The Great Idea of the Great Conversation
Dive into the dance of ideas where conversation evolves like a fine art. Learn about the rich tapestry of dialogue that connects great thinkers throughout history. Discover the significance of hand-copied manuscripts that preserved wisdom before the printing revolution. Explore how questioning and debate drive knowledge and personal growth. Lastly, appreciate the role of classic literature, art, and music in understanding humanity and social justice, merging past insights with today’s challenges.

4 snips
Apr 30, 2022 • 22min
Episode 02: The Great Idea of Virtue
Explore the transformative role of virtue in education, focusing on its historical roots and significance for human excellence. Discover the cardinal virtues—prudence, justice, temperance, and courage—and their relevance today. Delve into the vital aspects of justice for active citizenship and how classical and theological ideals shape our understanding. Examine the interplay between cardinal and theological virtues, emphasizing the necessity of divine grace and moral habituation. Finally, uncover the delicate balance between virtue and its vices for a well-rounded moral compass.