Conservative Conversations with ISI

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Richard Corcoran, former Secretary of the Florida Department of Education, as we delve into the transformative journey of New College of Florida. In this engaging conversation, Richard shares his vision for creating a balanced academic environment that fosters both rigorous scholarship and diverse viewpoints.We explore the challenges surrounding academic freedom and governance, and how these issues impact student life and engagement on campus. Richard also offers valuable leadership lessons drawn from his experiences, highlighting the importance of resilience and adaptability in education.Looking ahead, we discuss the future direction of New College and the broader implications for higher education. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that will inspire educators, students, and anyone passionate about the future of academia!

In this thought-provoking episode, Jeremy Larson, assistant professor of English at Regent University, joins ISI to explore the enduring significance of John Milton and his literary and political contributions. Together, they delve into Paradise Lost and Milton’s engagement with the political and religious upheavals of his time, discussing how these themes resonate in today’s world. The conversation touches on disenchantment and the possibility of re-enchantment through Christianity, highlighting the intersection of faith, literature, and cultural renewal.Jeremy and the hosts also examine the importance of mythology in understanding and expressing faith, drawing connections between ancient myths and modern belief systems. They explore how narrative forms, both secular and sacred, shape human experience and offer insight into questions of virtue, meaning, and divine purpose.This episode offers an inspiring blend of literary analysis and theological reflection, perfect for listeners interested in the interplay between storytelling, politics, and spirituality. Tune in to discover how Milton’s legacy continues to inform contemporary conversations on faith and culture.Read more from Jeremy

In this insightful episode, Ned Ryun joins us to explore the pressing challenges facing American self-government today. We dive deep into the rise of the administrative state and how it erodes the foundation of our republic. Ryun offers a thought-provoking analysis of the impact of Darwinian thought on modern politics and the ways it has influenced the ruling class’s view of society.We also discuss the role of religion in shaping American rights and the moral foundation of the country, questioning what happens when public trust in governing institutions falters. Ned provides a compelling vision for how to restore the republic, rebuild public trust, and reclaim self-government for future generations.Tune in for a conversation that tackles the intersections of politics, philosophy, and the future of American freedom.

In this episode, Josh Craddock joins Tom Sarrouf for a thought-provoking conversation hosted in collaboration with the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI). Together, they explore the complex interplay between religion and law, how civic friendship shapes our public life, and the role of the law as a mediator in a pluralistic society. Tune in for a deep dive into the philosophical and legal questions surrounding community, justice, and the common good.If you enjoyed this discussion, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations like this!

In this insightful episode, hosts Marlo Slayback and Tom Sarrouf are joined by Dr. Alex Taylor, Assistant Professor of English at Christendom College, for an engaging discussion on one of America's most compelling literary figures—Flannery O'Connor. Together, they explore the profound Catholic themes that run through O'Connor's stories, her unique use of the grotesque to reveal grace, and the enduring relevance of her work in a culture increasingly distant from traditional faith.From the shocking moments in her fiction that awaken characters to divine realities to the deeper philosophical and theological questions O'Connor wrestled with, Dr. Taylor brings a rich theological perspective to the conversation. Whether you're a longtime fan of O'Connor or new to her work, this episode provides fresh insights into how her stories challenge, inspire, and provoke deeper reflection on the human condition.Join us as we delve into O'Connor’s world and discuss how her Southern Gothic style and deeply Catholic worldview continue to resonate today.

 In this episode, we sit down with Eugene Callahan, economist, philosopher, and author, to explore the deep and often overlooked connections between computer science and the humanities. Drawing from his recent article "The Ghost in the AI Machine" in Modern Age Journal, Eugene delves into the profound implications of AI and technology on human life. We discuss the nature of intelligence from a human perspective and examine the philosophical risks posed by the rapid advance of AI. Eugene shares his insights on the proper limits of technology, questioning whether our pursuit of technical progress might be leading us astray from the core human values that the liberal arts strive to preserve. Join us as we navigate the complex terrain where technology meets philosophy, and consider what it truly means to be intelligent in an increasingly automated world. 

In this episode, we sit down with Brad Littlejohn, a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and a leading voice in the intersection of Christian ethics and public life. Brad dives into the themes of his latest book, Called to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License (Christ in Everything), where he explores the delicate balance between autonomy and restraint in the Christian understanding of freedom. Together, we unpack how tradition and authority can guide us in an age that often prioritizes individualism at the expense of community and virtue.The conversation also delves into Brad's recent article at American Compass, where he examines the pervasive impact of digital technology and social media on our social and political lives. We discuss how the online world shapes our perceptions, relationships, and behaviors, and what this means for the future of public discourse and societal well-being. Brad offers insights into the dangers of unbridled freedom in the digital age and the need for thoughtful engagement with technology that honors human dignity and fosters genuine community.Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on tradition, freedom, autonomy, and the boundaries that keep us grounded in an ever-shifting landscape. Whether you're interested in the philosophical underpinnings of liberty or the practical implications of living out these values in a digital world, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of modern life through the lens of Christian wisdom.

This week on the podcast, hosts Marlo Slayback and Tom Sarrouf sit down with Aaron Zubia to delve into the life and philosophy of David Hume. Join them as they explore Hume's background and his pivotal role in the Scottish Enlightenment. They discuss Hume's Epicureanism and skepticism, examining how these ideas shaped his thought and influenced modern philosophy. The conversation turns to Hume's views on conservatism and liberalism, sparking a debate on whether conservatives can reconcile with liberal politics today. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion and leave with some recommended readings to deepen your understanding of Hume's enduring impact.

In this compelling episode of Conservative Conversations, we welcome back Jon Askonas, a repeat guest known for his deep insights into international relations, national security, and the evolving intersection of war, technology, and public institutions. Jon brings his expertise to a wide-ranging discussion on America's current posture on the global stage, the nation's obligations to its allies and citizens, and the importance of organizational know-how and institutional memory in shaping policy.Together, we explore critical topics like the role of selective service and the draft in a modern context, always grounding our conversation in the enduring principles of American history and philosophy. Whether you're interested in the future of global politics or the philosophical underpinnings of America's actions on the world stage, this episode offers a thought-provoking journey through the complexities of international relations and national defense.