What does it take to survive when civilization falls away? The Call of the Wild is more than a story about a dog thrust into the harsh wilderness during the Gold Rush—it’s an exploration of survival, instinct, and the untamed spirit within us all. Join Michael Knowles and Michael Malice as they delve into Jack London’s timeless tale of transformation, uncovering profound lessons about strength and resilience in the face of life’s greatest challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you do whatever you want—even harm yourself—as long as you don’t harm others? In On Liberty, John Stuart Mill warns against threats to personal freedom, especially through the “tyranny of the majority.” Michael Knowles is joined by Joe Fournier, a political science professor at Rochester Institute of Technology, to explore Mill's classic work, the importance of defending free speech and personal choice, and why individualism is essential for true progress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Would you sell your soul to stay young forever? In Oscar Wilde’s famous novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, a handsome young man’s wish for eternal youth is granted while his portrait ages in his place. As Dorian indulges in a life of hedonism, his portrait reveals the grotesque toll of his moral corruption. Join Michael Knowles and Will Witt as they discuss this beloved novel and explore its insights into the dangers of vanity, immorality, and the ultimate cost of a life without virtue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Libby Emmons, Editor-in-chief of The Post Millennial and a seasoned New York theater professional, explores the complexities of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. The discussion questions whether the play is a feminist text or a critique of individualism. They delve into the moral implications of deception and self-preservation, the significance of the Tarantella dance as a symbol of desperation, and Ibsen’s lasting impact on psychological drama and political art. A thought-provoking dive into theater and societal roles.

Once required reading for high school students, To Kill a Mockingbird now comes with trigger warnings. The book, which confronts and calls out the evils of racism, is considered by some to be too offensive for our modern-day woke sensibilities. Why? Set in 1930s Alabama, a young girl watches her attorney father defend a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Michael Knowles is joined by Derryck Green to discuss the powerful themes of this timeless American classic and why it should continue to be read (not banned). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Knowles is joined by Pastor Rob McCoy to discuss the Sermon on the Mount, one of the most beloved and frequently cited passages in the gospels of the New Testament. Together, Michael and Pastor McCoy explore the various interpretations of the text and reflect on the lessons that Jesus’s sermon teaches us about living a virtuous Christian life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the purpose of life happiness, and if so, how can we achieve it? Written nearly 2,500 years ago, Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics is as relevant today as it's ever been. Michael Knowles is joined by Professor Charles Kessler to discuss this seminal work exploring the age-old question of how to live a happy and meaningful life. As it turns out, Aristotle’s recipe for the good life has not grown stale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Julie Hartman, a former Harvard student and co-host of a podcast with Dennis Prager, as she delves into Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic, The Scarlet Letter. Hartman discusses Hester Prynne's journey through public shame and personal redemption, exploring themes of sin, guilt, and societal judgment. The conversation also contrasts Hester’s struggles with contemporary moral dilemmas, shedding light on the persistent echoes of Puritanism in today's society. Their insights reveal the complex relationships between love, shame, and individual identity.

Andy Puzder, former CEO of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, explores Ayn Rand’s *The Fountainhead*, championing individualism against societal pressures. He delves into the journey of architect Howard Rourke, who resists conformity to maintain his principles. The conversation discusses the clash between capitalism and socialism, emphasizing personal rights and integrity. Puzder also highlights the importance of educating youth on these ideologies and the connection between architecture and philosophy, showcasing the enduring relevance of Rand's ideas.

If you lost every good thing in your life, would you still praise God? The Book of Job from the Old Testament is considered one of the great masterpieces of early literature. Michael Knowles is joined by Owen Anderson, Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Arizona State University, to examine one of the Bible's most profound stories, which explores the issues of human suffering, the nature of God, and the meaning of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices