Acton Line

In the late 1960’s as the hippie movement was shredding norms of hygiene and cleanliness in order to live more ‘authentically’, diseases emerged not seen in so long they didn’t have a latin name. The hippies, and others, were relearning why we engaged in certain hygienic practices all over again. In an essay titled “The Great Unlearning” from the January 2024 issue of National Review, senior writer Noah Rothman observes similar patterns of people persuading themselves that inherited wisdom and common knowledge no longer apply. In this episode, Acton director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn speaks with Rothman about why certain people have persuaded themselves that the lessons of history, economics, and good governance don’t apply anymore. The Great Unlearning | National ReviewThe Great Relearning | Tom WolfeDon't Buy Stuff | Saturday Night LiveWhat J.D. Vance Could Learn From Reading Hillbilly Elegy | Reason

On today’s episode, Acton director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn speaks with Mike Cosper, director of podcasting for Christianity Today, about his recent trip to Israel. How has the region changed since the October 7 terrorist attacks? What do Christians in the region think? What hopes do those caught in the middle of the conflict have?The stories Mike heard, the people he talked to, and the impression left on him by the experience are all part of Christianity Today’s newest roundtable podcast, The Bulletin. The Bulletin | Christianity Today

On today’s episode, Acton director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn speaks with Greg Lukianoff, president and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), about his new book, The Canceling of the American Mind. Cancel culture appears to be pervasive, and this book is the first to examine the effect it has had—and is having—on the United States. How are both left and right using the power to “cancel” someone? Is cancel culture a relatively new phenomenon or has it always been with us in some form? And more importantly, what can we do to reclaim a free-speech culture?The Canceling of the American Mind | Simon & Schuster

Michael Matheson Miller is a Senior Research Fellow at the Acton Institute and author of 'The Poverty Pyramid Scheme,' while Samuel Gregg is a Distinguished Fellow in Political Economy. They tackle the complex nature of poverty, emphasizing it as a lack of just institutions rather than just resources. They critique top-down foreign aid models and stress the importance of local dynamics for prosperity. The discussion also touches on cultural contexts affecting poverty alleviation and examines the interplay between poverty and social capital, advocating for holistic solutions.

Your strengths, relationships, and self-awareness are all essential in determining how your business will operate—and whether it will succeed or fail. But how can you optimize each of these elements? How can you set realistic goals? How can your business overcome a plateau and continue to grow? SpringGR aims to answer these questions by connecting entrepreneurs with the intellectual, social, and financial capital needed to thrive.

In 2007, Thales Academy was born with a simple vision: provide an excellent and affordable education through the use of Direct Instruction and a Classical Curriculum that embodies traditional American values. In The Thales Way, Robert L. Luddy, the founder of Thales Academy and several other schools, explains the rationale for the school's educational approach and elaborates on his mission to better educate students.In this episode, Acton director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn speaks with Robert about the importance of a rigorous academic environment, virtuous leadership, lifelong learning, and truth seeking.Thales AcademyThe Thales Way | Robert L. Luddy

Explore the distinction between democracy and republic in America, and delve into the Founding Fathers' vision for the government system. Discuss the evolution of democracy in the US, the elitist nature of American government, and the impact of internet and social media. Examine the transformation of states and the need to rebuild and expand Congress.

Dr. Mary L. Hirschfeld explores the intersection of economics and theology, bridging the gap between economists and theologians. Topics discussed include Aquinas' perspective on trade and private property, the impact of money on our sensibilities, the temptation of idolatry, and Aquinas' teachings on stewardship. They also discuss the relationship between language and desires, challenges of modern capitalism, and the concept of Christian stewardship.

Leah Kral, an expert facilitator and author, discusses the challenges and importance of innovation in nonprofits. She explores successful traits of organizations, the history of nonprofits in the US, and the story of St. Benedict's Catholic prep school. The podcast also covers the concepts of reinvention, piloting vs. autopilot, measuring success in nonprofits, and innovation in various social sectors.

Yeonmi Park, a North Korean defector and human rights activist, discusses her daring escape from North Korea and the ongoing oppression in the country. She shares her personal journey, the concept of guilt by association, dangers of groupthink, and dealing with critics. The episode highlights the importance of recognizing and resisting oppression worldwide.