Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins: Recent Episodes
Robert Bortins
Refining Rhetoric with CEO Robert Bortins. A podcast where faith, business, politics, and classical education meet. Join us as we use the Classical tools of rhetoric to seek truth in every arena of life.
Can a homeschooler really compete at the Power 5 level? Victoria Roberts just came one tenth of a point from proving it — helping LSU finish runner-up at the 2026 national championship. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins talks with Victoria, a Classical Conversations graduate who trained 14 years at Elmwood Gymnastics Academy and is now one of the first CC grads to compete in Division I gymnastics at the Power 5 level.
Victoria breaks down how homeschooling and CC Plus dual enrollment prepared her to balance 16+ hours a week of gymnastics with college coursework — work she says left her better prepared for LSU than a traditional school schedule would have. She talks candidly about the recruiting process as a homeschooled athlete in a state with few big gyms, the late-arriving offer from LSU that changed everything, and the mindset shift between a nerve-filled freshman year and a breakout sophomore season. She also opens up about what almost losing meant to the team, how camaraderie carried them further than talent alone, and how her faith has only deepened under the pressure of D1 competition.
Whether you're a homeschool parent wondering if elite athletics and academics can coexist, or you're raising a future athlete of your own, Victoria's story is proof that the two aren't in competition — they can build each other. Tune in for a conversation full of perseverance, faith, and a homeschool-to-college pipeline more families should know about.
Victoria's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicctoriaroberts
What happens when the person hired to fix government education discovers it can't be fixed — because it's doing exactly what it was designed to do? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Diane Douglas, Arizona's former Superintendent of Public Instruction (2015–2019), to talk about her fight against Common Core, the truth behind so-called "empowerment scholarship accounts," and why she believes the only real fix for American education starts with getting the government out of it entirely.
Diane walks through the three "epiphany moments" that pulled her out of government schooling and into the fight — from discovering outcome-based education to sitting through a PTA meeting where the numbers simply didn't add up. She takes listeners inside the state board of education that holds more real power than any elected superintendent, explains why she pushed (unsuccessfully) to bring Hillsdale's classical Barney Charter curriculum into Arizona schools, and unpacks the chilling term she kept hearing used for children: "human capital." She also issues a warning for parents who think school-choice funding is a clean win — it's still government money, with government strings attached.
Diane now serves on the Educational Advisory Board for Public School Exit, helping families find a way out of a system she says isn't broken, but working exactly as intended. This conversation is a wake-up call for anyone who still believes the system just needs "more good people" to fix it from the inside.
Learn more about Diane's work: https://www.publicschoolexit.com/
What made America different from every kingdom that came before it? Bestselling author and American Minute founder Bill Federer joins Refining Rhetoric for our Celebrating 250 Years series to trace the improbable, providential story of the American experiment. From the invention of writing in ancient Sumer to the empire on which the sun never set, Federer explains how humanity's default form of government has always been kings—until ancient Israel became the first literate, self-governing people in history, and America flipped the flow of power from the top down to "We the People." Discover the providential moments most Americans have never heard: the mysterious fog that shrouded Washington's midnight retreat across the East River, and the last-minute discovery of Benedict Arnold's plot to hand West Point to the British. Federer unpacks "the laws of nature and of nature's God," why the Founders saw no war between science and faith, and how the First Amendment was written to keep the federal government out of the states' religious affairs, not to scrub God from public life. He charts the nation's drift from a Judeo-Christian past into secular "neutral" and toward an aggressive Islamic future, exposes the psychological "psyops" shaping kids through social emotional learning, and calls families to anchor their children's identity in Christ. If you want to remember why America is worth defending, and to leave your own testimony of what God can do again, this episode is for you. Resources: https://americanminute.com/ Books mentioned in this episode: Miracles in American History, Who Is the King in America?, Silence Equals Consent, and What Every American Needs to Know About the Qur'an. 📖 Learn more about classical Christian education: https://classicalconversations.com/blog/classical-education-curriculum/ 📖 Homeschool vs. Public School: https://classicalconversations.com/blog/homeschool-vs-public-school/ 🎙️ Enjoyed this one? We think you'll love our other podcast! Check out Everyday Educator: https://everydayeducatorpodcast.com/ 🔎 Find a CC Community Near You: https://classicalconversations.com/community-search/ 📅 Upcoming CC Events: https://classicalconversations.com/events/ 📚 Foundations Curriculum: https://classicalconversations.com/collections/foundations/ 🛍️ CC Shoppable Catalog: https://classicalconversations.com/pages/shoppable-catalog/
What does it actually look like to raise faithful, culture-proof kids when the world — and sometimes even the church — is working against you? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Meeke Addison, co-founder of CultureProof and former spokesperson for American Family Association, to talk about biblical worldview, Christian homeschooling, and what it means to disciple your children in a post-truth culture.
Meeke shares the journey that took her from missionary work to national radio to homeschooling all six (now seven!) of her children from home — and the pivotal moment she and her husband realized they couldn't keep pouring into the culture without first pouring into their own kids. She unpacks why so many Christian parents feel stuck, how the failure of discipleship starts in the pulpit, and what it looks like to raise children who understand the time God has placed them in. She also digs into the state of the church today — why so many believers can't accurately define who the church even is, and what family-integrated worship has meant for her own family's faith.
This isn't a conversation about culture war tactics — it's about conviction. Meeke challenges parents to ask the hard question: are you raising arrows, or are you outsourcing that job to institutions that don't share your faith? If you've ever felt the tension between doing good work in the world and being faithful at home first, this one's for you.
📖 What is classical Christian education? Classical Education Curriculum
📖 Want to go deeper on discipleship and logic? The Five Common Topics of Dialectic
🎙️ Enjoyed this one? We think you'll love our other podcast! Check out Everyday Educator: https://everydayeducatorpodcast.com/
🔎 Find a CC Community Near You: https://classicalconversations.com/community-search/
📅 Upcoming CC Events: https://classicalconversations.com/events/
📚 Foundations Curriculum: https://classicalconversations.com/collections/foundations/
🛍️ CC Shoppable Catalog: https://classicalconversations.com/pages/shoppable-catalog/
CultureProof Website: https://cultureproof.net/
What would it take to raise a generation that's grateful — not just grievance-driven — about America? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with presidential historian, award-winning screenwriter, and author Jane Hampton Cook to explore America's 250th anniversary, the faith of the Founding Fathers, and why reclaiming gratitude is essential to preserving the republic.
Jane shares untold stories from the American Revolution — including a Quaker woman who helped save Washington's army, the forgotten black heroes of Bunker Hill, and why George Washington referenced Providence over 560 times in his writings. She also unpacks how the Declaration of Independence planted seeds of liberty that took generations to harvest, and why classical Christian education is uniquely equipped to pass these truths on to the next generation.
Whether you're a homeschool parent trying to instill love of country, a classical educator looking for a fresh angle on American history, or simply someone who wants to feel more grateful and less cynical — this conversation will leave you inspired, informed, and a little more proud to be an American.
Jane Hampton Cook's Website: https://janecook.com/
📖 Learn more about classical Christian education: https://classicalconversations.com/blog/classical-education-curriculum/
🎙️ Enjoyed this one? We think you'll love our other podcast! Check out Everyday Educator: https://everydayeducatorpodcast.com/
🔎 Find a CC Community Near You: https://classicalconversations.com/community-search/
📅 Upcoming CC Events: https://classicalconversations.com/events/
📚 Foundations Curriculum: https://classicalconversations.com/collections/foundations/
🛍️ CC Shoppable Catalog: https://classicalconversations.com/pages/shoppable-catalog/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.
What would it take to reclaim education — and America itself — from a system designed to produce dependency instead of thinkers? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Sam Sorbo — actress, homeschool advocate, and filmmaker — to talk about public school failure, parental rights, Christian homeschooling, and what America's 250th anniversary should make every parent stop and reconsider.
Sam spent years inside Hollywood, raised three kids through Classical Conversations, and watched her 24-year-old son — who skipped college — buy his own house. She brings receipts. In this conversation, she and Robert dig into the slow erosion of parental authority through compulsory schooling, why school teaches kids "don't ask, don't try, don't read, and don't think," and why the entrepreneurial spirit that built America can't survive inside a classroom. Sam also shares what she's bringing to a DOJ meeting with Kash Patel, Linda McMahon, and Acting AG Todd Blanche — and why she believes parents are being systematically sidelined to give institutions access to their children.
Whether you're a homeschool parent already in the fight, or a dad on the fence wondering if you could really pull this off, Sam's story — and her daughter's unforgettable "bye-bye" to the nanny — will stay with you.
Sam Sorbo's website: https://sorbostudios.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.
What does it look like when a classical Christian education meets a national civics competition? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with two Classical Conversations students — Owen Burrill and Elisha Hoey — who were selected as national finalists in the U.S. Presidential 1776 Award, a civics competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Out of hundreds of thousands of eligible students, only 20 made it this far — and these two CC students are among them.
Owen and Elisha share how they tackled a study library spanning John Locke's Two Treatises of Government to Madison's notes from the Constitutional Convention, what surprised them most about the Founding (hint: virtue shows up everywhere), and how Classical Conversations' emphasis on memory work, primary documents, and impromptu speaking gave them a real edge. They also dish on their private tour of the National Archives and what it was like to see the Declaration of Independence without the crowds.
Whether you're a homeschool parent wondering if the hard work is paying off, or a student looking for a reason to dig deeper into American history, this conversation is proof that a classical education does more than prepare kids for college — it prepares them for the arena.
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit https://classicalconversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.
What does it actually take to raise boys who become faithful, purposeful men — in a generation that's been told they have no purpose? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Braeden Sorbo — CC alumni, author of Embrace Masculinity, and cultural commentator with over 2 million followers — to talk about Christian masculinity, Gen Z's real struggles, and what parents of teenage boys need to understand right now.
Braeden shares what homeschooling through Classical Conversations gave him that public school couldn't — the flexibility, the community, and a foundation in truth, beauty, and goodness that still shapes how he thinks and creates. He opens up about what his generation is actually up against: a third of Gen Z aborted before they were born, a housing market that locks most of them out, and a culture that tells young men they have no purpose. But rather than despair, Braeden draws on the saints of old — St. Justin Martyr, St. Moses the Black — and the classical tradition to make the case that none of this is new, and none of it is unsurmountable.
If you're a parent of a teenage boy — or a young man trying to find your footing — this conversation is packed with clarity, conviction, and real talk from someone who's been in it. Braeden's challenge to parents: stop leading with "pick yourself up by your bootstraps" and start by understanding what your kids are actually up against. The burden of proof that this country is worth saving? He says it lands on you.
Braedon Sorbo's Website: https://braedensorbo.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit https://classicalconversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.
Is the psychedelic renaissance a spiritual threat — or just medicine? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Gary Stockton, a Classical Conversations Challenge IV graduate, to discuss his senior thesis: Stay Sober, Stay Alert: A Christian Guide to Mysticism. Gary's 32-source academic argument — drawing from Johns Hopkins research, C.S. Lewis, Voddie Baucham, and Hebrew and Greek primary sources — makes the biblical case that Christians should reject the spiritual experiences offered by psychedelic-assisted therapy.
From the ancient cult of Asclepius and pharmakia to Margaret Sanger, Nazi eugenics, and the modern therapeutic boom, Gary traces a chilling historical thread connecting serpentine deities, manufactured spiritual states, and demonic deception across cultures and centuries. Robert and producer Chris Blackburn join Gary to explore what Scripture actually says about mysticism, what Galatians 5 and Deuteronomy 18 reveal about pharmakia, and why the very "benefits" of psychedelic therapy may be part of a much darker bait-and-hook.
If you've heard about Joe Rogan's advocacy for psychedelic therapy, Trump's executive order on psychedelics for PTSD treatment, or the growing number of Christians open to these practices — this episode will give you the biblical framework to think clearly and respond wisely.
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit https://classicalconversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.
What does it actually take to raise children of character in a culture that's lost its moral compass? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Kirk Cameron — actor, filmmaker, and homeschool advocate — to talk about biblical parenting, the homeschool awakening, and what it means to be a faithful father in a post-truth world.
Kirk shares the three non-negotiables he's learned from 34 years of marriage and six kids: lead by example, never break relationship over bad performance, and anchor your children in the Word of God. He also opens up about his new children's show Iggy and Mr. Kirk, his book Built by the Brave, and why he believes culture is redeemable — not lost.
Whether you're a homeschool dad trying to step up, a mom looking for encouragement, or a parent navigating a culture that's working against you, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and real talk from a man who's been in the arena.
Resources:
Built by the Brave by Kirk Cameron
Kirk Cameron's website
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit https://classicalconversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.
What does it really mean to write with conviction in a world where everyone's doing somebody's bidding? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with award-winning author and Union University journalism professor Dr. Ted Kluck — 30 books, ESPN bylines, and a Christianity Today Book of the Year winner — to talk about faith, writing craft, and what it looks like to redeem journalism for the glory of God.
They dig into Ted's journey from secular sportswriting to Christian publishing, how AI is reshaping the college classroom, and what parents and aspiring writers should actually focus on. Ted also shares why he believes there aren't many truly Christian colleges left in 2026 — and why Union University is one of them.
Resources:
Interested in studying journalism at Union? Visit https://www.uu.edu/ and use promo code KLUCK to apply for free.
Ted's Substack: https://kluck.substack.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit https://classicalconversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.
What happens when a libertarian Bitcoin OG, a 14-year homeschooling veteran, and a classical curriculum pioneer walk into the same platform? You get Firefly. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Jordan Page — founder of Firefly Education Network, nationally recognized musician, and longtime Bitcoiner — to talk about why he built a decentralized, all-in-one homeschool platform for families who are done letting the state educate their kids.
Jordan shares how homeschooling his seven children, his wife Mary's experience exposing the public school agenda firsthand, and his passion for sound money and liberty all converged into Firefly — an international homeschool platform featuring AI-powered curriculum tools, the Ron Paul K–12 classical curriculum, private community features, live classes, and more.
Whether you're just starting your homeschool journey or you've been at it for years, this conversation is packed with practical insight — and a bold vision for what family-led education can look like when it's truly free.
📖 Learn more: What is the Trivium?
🎙️ Enjoyed this one? We think you'll love our other podcast! Check out Everyday Educator: https://everydayeducatorpodcast.com/
🔎 Find a CC Community Near You: https://classicalconversations.com/community-search/
📅 Upcoming CC Events: https://classicalconversations.com/events/
📚 Foundations Curriculum: https://classicalconversations.com/collections/foundations/
🛍️ CC Shoppable Catalog: https://classicalconversations.com/pages/shoppable-catalog/
Resources:
https://fireflyedu.org/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit https://classicalconversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.
The college cartel is charging $40,000 in average student debt — and Classical Conversations is done letting CC graduates walk into it unprepared. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins and CC Plus director Will McCreery announce the Classical Fellowship: a brand-new program combining affordable online college (50% scholarship through Southeastern University) with in-person cohorts led by vetted CC site directors.
If you have a Challenge IV graduate wondering what comes next — or you're a CC parent dreading the cost of college — this episode is for you. Learn how CC graduates get guaranteed enrollment, 50% off online tuition, and a classical community to walk through college with them. Pilot cohorts launching fall 2026 in Indiana, Texas, and Georgia. Online option available for families outside pilot cities.
Learn more about Classical Fellowship here.
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Click here to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.
AI is already in your child's world — whether you've given them access or not. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Ryan Kennedy, COO of the Florida Citizens Alliance, to break down what AI policy actually means for parents, what data is being collected on your kids, and why the fight in Washington right now could determine how much say you have in the matter.
From parental consent frameworks and the AI Bill of Rights to the dangers of AI chatbots and digital twins, Ryan explains what's happening at both the state and federal level — and what homeschool families can do right now to protect their children.
Whether you're already using AI tools in your homeschool or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation will help you think more clearly about one of the most pressing issues facing Christian families today.
Resources:
Florida Citizens Alliance: https://goflca.org
Is artificial intelligence a threat to your child's education — or proof that classical education was right all along? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Classical Conversations founder and aerospace engineer Leigh Bortins to explore what 40 hours a week of AI research taught her, why classical education uniquely prepares students for an AI-driven world, and how to use AI wisely without letting it use you. From narrow AI and its medical breakthroughs, to the difference between rule-based and behavior-based language, Leigh breaks down how AI actually works — and why homeschool families grounded in grammar, rhetoric, and a Christian worldview have nothing to fear. They also discuss the Imago Dei and work, why children need to struggle to develop, the chainsaw analogy for AI, and how Classical Conversations families have been preparing for this moment for nearly 30 years.
Veritasium: What Everyone Gets Wrong About AI and Learning – Derek Muller Explains: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xS68sl2D70
Is AI quietly shaping your child's worldview — without your permission? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with tech entrepreneur and founder of Wisdom Forge, Jeff Gross, to talk about what's really at stake when Christian families hand kids the keys to AI tools without biblical guardrails. Jeff has launched over 10 ventures since age 15 and now builds AI formation systems designed to raise Christ-centered, discerning kids — not AI-dependent ones.
Jeff and Robert dig into the real challenge Christian homeschool parents face: AI isn't going away, but most platforms are built on a worldview that's hostile to faith. Jeff shares how Wisdom Forge uses scripture-driven filtering, Socratic learning, and AI-literacy training to prepare students to engage technology with wisdom — not naivety.
They also talk about the career and financial consequences of ignoring AI, why seminary-trained writers are more valuable than ever, and how Wisdom Forge's 23 "mini universities" and personalized daily curriculum give kids 25–60 minutes of genuinely formative screen time.
Whether you're a homeschool parent wondering how to handle AI or a student curious about where the world is headed, this conversation will challenge you to think carefully — and act wisely.
Resources:
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www.wisdomforged.com
www.careerforged.com
Is artificial intelligence a useful tool — or a danger to your family? In this episode of the Refining Rhetoric podcast, Robert kicks off AI Week with a frank, faith-grounded look at how he's been using AI as an adult: as a thought partner, writing editor, health coach, and financial tracker — and where it's started to go wrong.
From the brain science behind classical education to George Orwell's warnings about bystander thinking, this episode equips Christian homeschool families with a biblical framework for navigating AI wisely — without fear and without naivety. Spoiler: the best preparation for an AI future isn't more screen time. It's Classical Conversations.
Stay tuned this week for more AI Week episodes, including a conversation with Leigh Bortins on AI and education.
What happens when a 20-year Critical Race Theory advocate begins to question everything she believed about race, justice, and the church? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Monique Duson — co-founder of the Center for Biblical Unity — to unpack why she left the CRT framework behind and what the Bible actually teaches about racial unity, justice, and the body of Christ.
Monique shares her journey from South Central LA to the mission field in South Africa, and how a series of hard conversations with a friend led her back to Scripture — and away from critical social theory. Together, Robert and Monique explore the origins of CRT, how it has infiltrated the church, and why biblical unity is not the same as racial reconciliation.
If you're a Christian parent, pastor, or educator trying to navigate conversations about race with a biblical worldview, this episode gives you the theological grounding and practical clarity to do it well.
Resources:
Center for Biblical Unity: https://centerforbiblicalunity.com
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by CC Graduate Degree in Latin Studies:
Classical Conversations is excited to announce the launch of our new accredited Graduate Program in Latin Studies, an 18-credit hour program designed speciϐically for homeschooling parents who want to deepen their understanding of classical Christian education in Latin writing and translation. This graduate program provides academic recognition for your dedication to classical learning while offering a pathway to advanced study in Latin through our partnership with Southeastern University.
Register today to secure your spot in this transformative educational experience. Click Here to Begin Your Classical Journey
The Department of Justice has indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center — and it's a moment many Christian conservatives have been waiting years for. In this special episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Wade Miller, Executive Director of the Center for Renewing America and former political director for Senator Ted Cruz, to break down exactly what the DOJ is alleging and why it matters for homeschool families, Christian nonprofits, and free speech advocates.
From wire fraud to debanking conservatives, Wade unpacks the SPLC's three major indictment categories and explains how their "hate map" has been used as a weapon against Christian organizations for decades. He also shares what real cultural renewal looks like from inside Washington — and why the battle for America is ultimately a battle for its soul.
Whether you're a homeschool parent, a conservative activist, or simply someone who wants to understand what's happening in D.C., this conversation will equip and encourage you.
Resources:
https://americarenewing.com/
What does it look like to build a family legacy that outlasts you by seven generations? In this episode of the Refining Rhetoric podcast, host Robert Bortins sits down with Bill High — CEO of Legacy Stone and co-author of The Legacy Life with Hobby Lobby founder David Green — to discuss how Christian families can build a multi-generational legacy of faith, generosity, and intentional vision.
Bill and Robert dig into why the nuclear family is in freefall (down from 72% to 37% since 1960), why individualism is the enemy of legacy, and how to move your family from consumers to creators. Bill walks through the practical tools families can use — a family vision statement, mission, values, and generosity habits — to unite around something bigger than themselves.
Whether you're just starting out or trying to reverse decades of drift, this conversation will challenge you to stop thinking about the next 20 years and start thinking about the next 150.
Resources:
https://billhigh.com/
https://legacystone.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by CC Graduate Degree in Latin Studies:
Classical Conversations is excited to announce the launch of our new accredited Graduate Program in Latin Studies, an 18-credit hour program designed specifically for homeschooling parents who want to deepen their understanding of classical Christian education in Latin writing and translation. This graduate program provides academic recognition for your dedication to classical learning while offering a pathway to advanced study in Latin through our partnership with Southeastern University.
Register today to secure your spot in this transformative educational experience. Click Here to Begin Your Classical Journey
What happens to your child's faith when they leave home for college? On this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Dr. Finny Kuruvilla — Harvard MD, MIT engineer, homeschool dad of nine, and founder of Sattler College — to discuss the crisis in Christian higher education and why he built a tuition-free, classical Christian college in downtown Boston. From the iron law of discipleship to Greek and Hebrew in the original languages, this conversation is essential listening for any homeschool family thinking about what comes after graduation. Dr. Finny Kuruvilla grew up in Southern California in the public school system — and what he saw there shaped everything that came after. Two things stayed with him: the exposure to harmful content and ideas during those formative years, and the creeping shift from caring what his parents thought to caring what his peers thought. When he and his wife Laura started having children, they were determined to reverse that dynamic. Today they homeschool nine children in Boston, from college age down to nine months old. The conversation opens with Dr. Kuruvilla's counter-cultural view of children as assets rather than liabilities — a biblical recovery of the idea that children are a heritage from the Lord, not a threat to the rainforest. His older kids run a snow shoveling and lawn raking business. The family's goal is human flourishing, not the accumulation of experiences that require both parents to work full time. From there, Robert draws him into the crisis he observed from the inside: seven years as a resident advisor at Harvard, watching bright young Christians have their faith "crash and burn" under the weight of an environment where 99% of faculty would not identify as born-again. The official statistic bears this out — 70% of church-attending students stop attending by the time they finish college. Dr. Kuruvilla calls it the iron law of discipleship: "Everyone, when fully trained, will be like his teacher" (Luke 6). Whether parents intend it or not, the law operates. Sattler College was built as a direct response to the three Cs. On cost: no tuition, with a room-and-board rate of around $9,000 per year in downtown Boston. On discipleship: the learn-do-teach model from Ezra 7, weekly same-gender journey groups for confession and mutual accountability, monthly mentorship meetings, and a campus culture built around the question "how did I share my faith with an unbeliever this week?" On curriculum: Greek and Hebrew required of every student, taught communicatively so that 80% of class time is spent actually in the target language. The freshman class travels to Greece at the end of the year to use their Koine Greek on location in Athens, Corinth, Thessalonica, and Philippi. The results are striking. Sattler is currently ranked number one in the country for MCAT scores — above Harvard and Stanford — and biology students are regularly publishing in peer-reviewed journals while working in Harvard Medical School labs. What You'll Learn • Why Dr. Kuruvilla — after graduating from Caltech, MIT, and Harvard — chose to homeschool all nine of his children • The three Cs that define what's broken in higher education: core curriculum, Christian discipleship, and cost • What the "iron law of discipleship" is and why it should terrify every parent sending a child to a secular university • Why 70% of church-attending students stop attending church by the time they graduate college • How Sattler College addresses all three of those failures — including charging zero tuition • Why Sattler is the only college in America that requires all students to learn Greek and Hebrew • How Sattler students ended up outscoring Harvard and Stanford on the MCAT • What the "learn, do, teach" model from Ezra 7 looks like in practice — and why spiritual obesity is as real as physical obesity • How mission drift destroyed Harvard — and the specific bylaws and "poison pill" structures Sattler uses to prevent the same fate • Why Christian investors are unknowingly funding abortion, pornography, and gambling through their 401(k)s • What the Tower of Babel story in Genesis reveals about the power of organized Christians
Resources Mentioned • Sattler College: https://sattler.edu/ • Eventide Funds (faith-based investing): https://www.eventideinvestments.com/ • King Jesus Claims His Church by Dr. Finny Kuruvilla — available wherever books are sold
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line
This April, Classical Conversations is launching an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level. Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today. Don't miss the special CC Bookstore sale from April 7 - 28!
What does it actually mean to abolish abortion — not just restrict it? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Classical Conversations graduate and Students for Abolition president Pate Anglin to discuss why a biblical abolitionist framework goes further than the mainstream pro-life movement — and how student chapters across 8 states are taking that fight to college campuses, state capitals, and beyond. Pate Anglin grew up in a homeschooling household shaped by classical education, faith, and the intentional discipleship of his parents — and he credits that foundation with preparing him for what he encountered at East Tennessee State University. Entering college in 2021 on a full-ride leadership scholarship, Pate quickly found himself navigating pronoun mandates, ideological pressure, and a campus culture hostile to a biblical worldview. Rather than retreating, he leaned in — and what started as a small group of young men praying in a dorm room became Students for Abolition, a rapidly growing network now active on 14 campuses across 7 states and into Canada. In this conversation, Robert and Pate dig into what truly separates the abolitionist position from mainstream pro-life strategy. Pate argues that much of the pro-life movement — though well-intentioned — has unknowingly adopted a humanistic framework, opposing abortion because it "pollutes the water" or "hurts mothers" rather than because it violates God's law. He walks through the abolitionist acronym GATES (Gospel-centered, Aligned through the church, Engaged biblically, Sought immediately) and explains how rooting the argument in Scripture changes everything — including how the law can function as a tool for tutoring society, restraining evil, and even serving as a gateway to the gospel. They also tackle some of the most contested questions in the movement: Should mothers be criminalized? What would an equal protection bill actually look like in practice? Why do so many pro-life organizations oppose abolition legislation? And why does Students for Abolition intentionally place men in leadership roles on the front lines of this cultural battle? Whether you're a CC parent wondering how classical education prepares students for the real world, a student looking to get involved, or a Christian trying to think through the abortion issue with more biblical clarity — this episode will challenge and encourage you.
Resources: Pate's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pateanglin/
Pate's X account: https://x.com/pateanglin
https://studentsforabolition.org/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line
This April, Classical Conversations is launching an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today. Don't miss the special CC Bookstore sale from April 7 - 28!
What if government education isn't just failing — but is fundamentally, morally wrong? On this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Dr. Bradley Thompson, political philosopher at Clemson University and executive director of the Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism, to make the abolitionist case for education freedom. From the moral foundations of laissez-faire capitalism to the great books Lyceum program producing the next generation of principled Americans, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about school choice, government schools, and what the Declaration of Independence actually says about the role of government. Dr. Bradley Thompson spent decades studying government education before arriving at a conclusion that surprises most people the first time they hear it: the government school system isn't just failing — it is immoral by definition, and it cannot be reformed. His case isn't built on frustration with test scores (though he has that too). It's built on the same moral arguments the anti-slavery abolitionists used against chattel slavery: coercion is coercion, and education by the government for the government violates the natural rights of individuals. The conversation opens with a tour of the Lyceum Scholars Program at Clemson — a great books scholarship program Dr. Thompson founded, now offering $15,000 per year ($60,000 total) to incoming freshmen who take eight courses over four years covering ancient moral thought, the political theory of capitalism, the American Revolution, and modern moral philosophy from Shakespeare to Ayn Rand. The program's most distinctive feature is its Socratic Tutor system, where each scholar meets one-on-one with a faculty mentor every other week to translate the ideas they're reading into their own lives — specifically around questions of moral character, courage, integrity, and honor. From there, Robert and Dr. Thompson dig into the argument that most Americans have never heard made seriously: capitalism is not primarily an economic system. It is a political theory — laissez-faire, meaning the government keeps its hands off — and by that definition, what America has today isn't capitalism at all. It's a regulatory, taxing Leviathan that makes the taxation the colonists revolted against look modest by comparison. The moral case for capitalism has been ceded to its critics for a hundred years, Dr. Thompson argues, and that's why the country has drifted toward serfdom.
What You'll Learn: • Why capitalism is not primarily an economic system — it's a political theory of radically limited government • Why we don't actually have capitalism in America today — and what we have instead • The sordid history of government education in America, where it came from, and who it was designed to serve • Why Dr. Thompson compares his position on government schools to the anti-slavery abolitionists of 1830–1860 • Why government schools cannot be reformed — even with the right people in charge • The "Friday night lights problem" keeping conservatives from embracing education freedom • Why vouchers are just food stamps for education — and how they corrupt private schools • Why the socialization argument against homeschooling is completely bogus • What the Lyceum Program at Clemson is doing to educate morally virtuous, liberty-minded young Americans • What James Madison's Memorial and Remonstrance has to do with education freedom • The one thing about the American founding Dr. Thompson wishes everyone remembered
Resources Mentioned: • America's Revolutionary Mind by Dr. C. Bradley Thompson — available wherever books are sold • The Redneck Intellectual (Substack): theredneckintellectual.com • Ed Watch Daily (blog): daily commentary on K-12 and higher education issues • Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism / Lyceum Program: search "Snow Institute Clemson" or go directly to Clemson University's website • James Madison's Memorial and Remonstrance — referenced as the document that sparked Dr. Thompson's abolitionist turn
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line
This April, Classical Conversations is launching an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level. Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today. Don't miss the special CC Bookstore sale from April 7 - 28!
Matt Hangen discovered something revolutionary while working as a missionary well driller in Togo: the traditional charity model was failing Africa's water crisis. After losing 117 pounds to illness and watching communities struggle with donated solutions that broke down, he pioneered a different approach. Water4 uses donations as seed capital to build wholly-owned water businesses that operate sustainably through customer payments—just pennies per day. The result? Nearly 3 million people served, 1,800 jobs created in Africa, 40,000 weekly Bible study groups launched, and villages transformed as women and girls get back three hours of their day previously spent hauling water. Matt shares incredible stories of employees like Muhammad (floor sweeper turned shop manager), grandmothers starting rice businesses with clean water, and how providing tap-quality water to rural African homes costs less than many American municipalities spend just planning their water projects. This conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about sustainable development, dignity through work, and the intersection of entrepreneurship and missions.
Resources:
https://www.water4.org/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Worldview Academy:
Students call Worldview Academy the best week of their lives. Through week-long summer leadership camps for teens, Worldview Academy trains Christians to think and live in accord with a biblical worldview so they can better serve Christ and engage the culture around them. Worldview Academy reinforces what students are learning at home and at church and trains this generation to apply that knowledge to the challenging cultural issues they're facing.
To find a camp near you or learn more about Worldview's weekend conferences and other resources for families, visit www.worldview.org
What does it actually take to raise resilient sons and lead your family with strength? On this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Dr. Brandon Shriner — founder of the Warrior 3 Project, former Division I wrestler, CrossFit regional competitor, and co-owner of Revive Chiropractic — to explore the powerful connection between physical health, biblical masculinity, and spiritual leadership. This is a conversation for every Christian dad who wants to live, lead, and love strong. Dr. Brandon Shriner grew up in a small farm town in southeastern Ohio in a broken home — frustrated, angry, and channeling everything into wrestling. He earned a Division I scholarship to wrestle for the Ohio Bobcats, was named MAC Redshirt Freshman of the Year, and was on track for All-American honors when a severe neck injury ended his career. What followed was depression, addiction to OxyContin, cage fighting, and a long search for identity and purpose. The turning point came in chiropractic school in Atlanta, where a chance encounter with a fellow Ohio guy led Dr. Shriner to Bible studies, a retreat in the North Georgia mountains, and an altar call that changed everything. He gave his life to the Lord, met his wife Samantha (whom he later baptized in the Chattahoochee River), and the two opened Revive Chiropractic in Columbus, Ohio in 2012. The catalyst for officially launching Warrior 3 came in 2020, when a close friend — a fellow wrestler, Christian, and one of the men who had prayed over Dr. Shriner's salvation — took his own life. That loss, set against the backdrop of COVID and what Dr. Shriner saw as a crisis of male leadership in America, made one thing clear: men need to be stronger — physically, spiritually, and relationally. The Live/Lead/Love Strong framework at the heart of Warrior 3 addresses all three. Live Strong is the physical piece — stewardship of the body God gave you on loan, because you can't run the race well on diesel fuel. Lead Strong is the spiritual piece — being the kind of father and husband who doesn't just give speeches but opens his Bible on the kitchen table and lets his kids watch. Love Strong is the relational piece — loving people enough to tell them what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear.
What You'll Learn - How a broken home, a Division I wrestling career, and a titanium plate in his neck led Dr. Shriner to found the Warrior 3 Project - What "Live Strong, Lead Strong, Love Strong" actually means — and how it maps to mind, body, and spirit - Why physical health isn't vanity — it's stewardship, and it directly affects your spiritual focus and energy - How fathers can lead their families without speeches — through modeling, presence, and follow-through - Why the "mat carriers" in your life are different from your bros — and why you need both - How wrestling, hard workouts, and shared struggle build the resilience a culture of comfort is destroying - Why process over outcome is the antidote to the resiliency crisis facing young men today - What the Warrior 40 Challenge is and how to get 30 days free
Resources: https://warrior3project.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Worldview Academy: Students call Worldview Academy the best week of their lives. Through week-long summer leadership camps for teens, Worldview Academy trains Christians to think and live in accord with a biblical worldview so they can better serve Christ and engage the culture around them. Worldview Academy reinforces what students are learning at home and at church and trains this generation to apply that knowledge to the challenging cultural issues they're facing. To find a camp near you or learn more about Worldview's weekend conferences and other resources for families, visit www.worldview.org
Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction & Welcome 01:02 — Who Is Dr. Brandon Shriner? Warrior 3 Project Overview 02:12 — Growing Up in Ohio: Wrestling, a Broken Home & a Division I Scholarship 03:16 — The Neck Injury That Ended His Career & the Road Through Addiction 05:07 — Finding Chiropractic — and a New Direction 06:23 — Chiropractic School, a Cincinnati Bengals Shirt & Meeting the Lord 08:22 — CrossFit, Dan Bailey & Competing at the CrossFit Games 10:36 — Starting a Bible Study at the Gym — and Baptizing His Coach 12:42 — The Crisis That Launched Warrior 3: Losing a Friend to Suicide 14:02 — "Comfort Kills": Why He Knew It Was Time to Build Something 16:50 — The Birth of Warrior 3 and the Live, Lead, Love Strong Framework 18:11 — Live Strong: Why Physical Health Is Biblical Stewardship 21:09 — Why Pastors and Dads Get a Free Pass on Physical Health (And Shouldn't) 23:08 — How Physical and Spiritual Health Reinforce Each Other 26:05 — David, Jesus & What the Bible Says About Physical Strength 27:58 — How to Lead Your Family: Modeling Over Speeches 30:37 — Leaving Your Bible Open on the Table — and Why It Works 31:31 — The Power of Admitting You're Wrong to Your Kids 33:22 — The Resiliency Crisis: Why We've Raised a Generation That Can't Fail 34:36 — Wrestling, Process Over Outcome & Building Resilience in Boys 36:07 — Mat Carriers vs. Bros: The Men Every Dad Needs 37:08 — Top Gun, Resilience & "Keep Sending Them Up" 39:12 — Why Hard Workouts Break Down Ego and Open Men to God's Word 40:31 — About the Warrior 3 Project & Warrior 40 Challenge 43:31 — How to Use the Warrior 40 Challenge with Your Sons 45:03 — Closing Thoughts: What Happens When Men Lead Their Families Well
What happens when Christians stop thinking for themselves — and hand that job to AI? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Dr. Ben Holloway — philosopher, professor at Judson College at Southeastern Seminary, and incoming Bruce Little Chair of Christian Philosophy — to explore why classical Christian education depends on mastering language, logic, and the great books. From defending the faith against hard questions to why you simply cannot outsource your thinking to a machine, this is a conversation that will challenge and equip every homeschool family to love wisdom and pursue truth.
Dr. Ben Holloway grew up in England, spent his 20s playing in a band and preaching the gospel with no formal education, then moved to America at 34 with his wife, two kids, and 29 boxes — and started his bachelor's degree at Moody Bible Institute. That late-in-life educational journey shapes everything about how he teaches and what he believes education is for.
The conversation opens with a rich discussion of Christian philosophy — not as an abstract academic exercise, but as the indispensable tool Christians have always used to answer the questions the Bible doesn't directly address. From the early church borrowing the language of "substance" and "persons" from Greek philosophy to describe the Trinity, to the everyday challenge of interpreting a difficult passage of Scripture, philosophy and language are inescapably central to the Christian life.
Dr. Holloway makes a compelling case that language is foundational to how we know God. Because God chose to reveal himself through 66 books, Christians are permanently and inescapably committed to the hard work of interpretation. You cannot outsource that to anyone — and certainly not to AI. He explains that AI isn't a reasoning machine; it's a pattern-matching product built to please customers, not to pursue truth. Students who try to use it before developing their own thinking ability won't just miss the learning — they'll also be incapable of evaluating what AI produces.
What You'll Learn:
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What Christian philosophy actually is — and why you can't do good theology without it
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Why language is one of the most mysterious and important features of God's creation
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How to read the Bible the way the author intended — not just the way it "speaks to you"
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Three practical techniques for interpreting any difficult text correctly
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Why Christians specifically cannot outsource their thinking to AI — and what's at stake if they try
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Why using AI before you've learned to think is worse than not using it at all
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The surprising connection between Homer's Iliad and the biblical meaning of glory and honor
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Why hard-earned education is one of God's greatest gifts — and what we rob students of when we shortcut it
00:00 — Introduction & Dr. Holloway's Background
01:44 — Growing Up in England, Ministry Without a Degree & Coming to America
03:11 — Discovering a Calling to Teach at Moody Bible Institute
04:22 — What Makes Judson College Unique: Theory Meets Practice
05:07 — What Is Christian Philosophy — and Why Does It Matter?
06:27 — How the Early Church Used Philosophy to Describe the Trinity
08:26 — Language, God's Creation & Why It's So Mysterious
10:07 — How Language Connects to Truth and Education
12:11 — Why Christians Can't Outsource Bible Reading to AI
13:43 — Who Gets to Fix the Meaning of a Text? The Author, Not You
15:03 — Why You Shouldn't Skip the Parts of Scripture That Don't "Apply" to You
17:02 — Three Techniques for Interpreting Difficult Texts Correctly
21:25 — Honor, Glory & What Homer Teaches Us About the Bible
24:17 — Bethlehem, Lambs & the Depth of God's Storytelling (with Robert)
25:38 — AI, Thinking & Why You Have to Learn Without It First
29:10 — The Ethics of AI in the Classroom: Why It's a Form of Deception
31:05 — Handwriting, Blue Books & Seeing Students' Work
36:19 — The Satisfaction of Hard-Earned Learning
39:36 — Philosophy Means "Love of Wisdom" — and That's the Point
41:12 — About Judson College: Preview Days, Campus Visits & April 16 Experience Day
43:07 — Closing Thoughts: Christians, Culture & the Duty of This Generation
Resources:
https://judsoncollege.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Worldview Academy:
Students call Worldview Academy the best week of their lives. Through week-long summer leadership camps for teens, Worldview Academy trains Christians to think and live in accord with a biblical worldview so they can better serve Christ and engage the culture around them. Worldview Academy reinforces what students are learning at home and at church and trains this generation to apply that knowledge to the challenging cultural issues they're facing.
To find a camp near you or learn more about Worldview's weekend conferences and other resources for families, visit www.worldview.org
Is Bitcoin's bear market your best buying opportunity? On this episode of the Refining Rhetoric podcast, host Robert Bortins and crypto-savvy co-host Will McCreery break down the 2025 crypto market — covering the Bitcoin halving cycle, why altcoins underperformed, the case for dollar cost averaging, and what to watch for heading into 2026–2029. Bitcoin hit an all-time high near $126,000 in October 2025 — then the cycle turned. In this quarterly update, Robert and his Will break down what went wrong (low liquidity, tariff uncertainty, ETF hype without follow-through), why altcoins largely failed to run, and how geopolitics may be pushing nation states toward gold instead of Bitcoin. They also cover the stalled Clarity Act, Michael Saylor's continued conviction, and the case for dollar cost averaging through the bear market.
What You'll Learn: - The Bitcoin halving cycle explained, and what it means for 2026–2029 - Why altcoins severely underperformed and whether they're worth buying now - How ETFs, liquidity, and tariff uncertainty shaped the current market - The Clarity Act: where U.S. crypto regulation stands and why 70% of institutions are still on the sidelines - Dollar cost averaging strategies: how to buy Bitcoin with as little as $10 - Robert's 2029 Bitcoin price prediction (and the reasoning behind it) - Catalysts to watch: interest rates, stock market tokenization, and gold/silver rotation
00:00 — Introduction 00:29 — Welcome & Why We Talk Crypto Every Quarter 01:22 — Where Bitcoin Stands Today (Price Check: Feb 10) 02:07 — The Bitcoin Halving Cycle Explained 03:29 — What Happened to the Altcoins? 04:21 — ETFs, Liquidity & Why the Cycle Disappointed 05:41 — Are Nation States Moving to Gold Instead of Bitcoin? 06:36 — Trump, Tariffs & Crypto Sentiment 09:00 — The Case for Dollar Cost Averaging 13:00 — How to Think About Risk & Portfolio Allocation 18:06 — Buying Strategy: Satoshis, Small Buys & Timing 19:26 — Price Predictions: Where Bitcoin Could Go in 2029 22:43 — Michael Saylor & MicroStrategy — Still Solvent? 24:31 — Catalysts to Watch: Clarity Act, Stock Market Tokenization & Interest Rates 25:30 — Gold & Silver Rotation into Crypto — Historical Patterns 26:21 — Final Thoughts & Robert's 2029 Price Call 27:07 — Wrap-Up & Closing Thoughts
This is not financial advice. Always do your own research and consult a professional before making investment decisions.
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Worldview Academy: Students call Worldview Academy the best week of their lives. Through week-long summer leadership camps for teens, Worldview Academy trains Christians to think and live in accord with a biblical worldview so they can better serve Christ and engage the culture around them. Worldview Academy reinforces what students are learning at home and at church and trains this generation to apply that knowledge to the challenging cultural issues they're facing. To find a camp near you or learn more about Worldview's weekend conferences and other resources for families, visit www.worldview.org.
What if the best way to change culture isn't through politics or protests—but by faithfully living out a biblical worldview right where you're planted?
Discover how to raise disciples who think faithfully about every area of life. In this episode, Robert sits down with Mike Shcutt, Executive Director of Worldview Academy, to discuss how Christians can bridge the gap between biblical truth and cultural engagement.
Mike shares insights from 30 years of discipling students through Worldview Academy's leadership camps, revealing why intellectual Christianity matters and how families can avoid the entertainment-focused approach that dominates youth ministry today. From homeschooling three children to watching seven grandchildren grow, Mike offers wisdom on passing down faith across generations.
Learn why worldview education isn't about creating "know-it-alls" who argue everyone into submission, but about forming gracious disciples who love their neighbors well. Mike unpacks the difference between being blind versus being dumb, and why asking good questions matters more than having all the answers.
This conversation challenges believers to think faithfully about their specific callings—whether in law, plumbing, teaching, or parenting—and bloom where they're planted. If Christians truly repented and lived according to Scripture in every area of life, what would cultural transformation look like?
Resources:
https://worldview.org/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Worldview Academy:
Students call Worldview Academy the best week of their lives. Through week-long summer leadership camps for teens, Worldview Academy trains Christians to think and live in accord with a biblical worldview so they can better serve Christ and engage the culture around them. Worldview Academy reinforces what students are learning at home and at church and trains this generation to apply that knowledge to the challenging cultural issues they're facing.
To find a camp near you or learn more about Worldview's weekend conferences and other resources for families, visit www.worldview.org
What would you give up to stand for truth? For Kayleigh Bush, the answer was a crown. When Kayleigh Bush was crowned Miss North Florida in August 2024, she had no idea she'd soon face a choice that would make national headlines. Just four weeks after her crowning, she was presented with a revised Miss America contract that redefined "female" to include biological males who have undergone surgical procedures — directly contradicting her Christian faith and Florida law. She refused to sign. And she refused to stay silent. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert Bortins sits down with Classical Conversations graduate and viral sensation Kayleigh Bush to talk about what really happened, what it cost her, and why she has zero regrets. From a surprise TMZ interview on a Washington D.C. sidewalk to tens of millions of views, Kayleigh shares how her CC education, her faith, and a community rooted in truth gave her the courage to trade a temporal crown for an eternal one. Whether you're a parent raising kids in a world that's redefining womanhood, a student wondering if standing on convictions is worth it, or simply someone looking for a story of genuine courage — this episode is for you.
Resources: She Leads America: sheleadsamerica.com Liberty Counsel (Kayleigh's legal representation): lc.org
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Worldview Academy:
Students call Worldview Academy the best week of their lives. Through week-long summer leadership camps for teens, Worldview Academy trains Christians to think and live in accord with a biblical worldview so they can better serve Christ and engage the culture around them. Worldview Academy reinforces what students are learning at home and at church and trains this generation to apply that knowledge to the challenging cultural issues they're facing. To find a camp near you or learn more about Worldview's weekend conferences and other resources for families, visit www.worldview.org
What if the path to healing childhood trauma starts with a truth most people overlook? Join us as Rachel Davidson reveals how Kids Alive International is transforming the lives of sexually abused children across seven countries—and what every parent needs to know about prevention right now. In this powerful episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Rachel Davidson, Chief Operating Officer of Kids Alive International, to discuss one of society's most challenging issues: childhood sexual abuse and trauma recovery.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- The shocking statistics on child sexual abuse—and why it's closer to home than you think
- Kids Alive's four-pillar approach: Prevention, Family Strengthening, Restorative Care, and Advocacy
- Critical warning signs every parent should know to protect their children
- Why most abuse happens with trusted family friends—not strangers
- How faith-based trauma healing is transforming lives in Peru, Guatemala, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Kenya, Zambia, and Lebanon
- Practical prevention strategies you can implement with your family today
- Inspiring stories of forgiveness and restoration that will move you to tears
Whether you're a parent, educator, church leader, or concerned citizen, this episode provides essential insights into protecting children and supporting survivors of abuse.
Resources:
https://www.kidsalive.org/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Worldview Academy:
Students call Worldview Academy the best week of their lives. Through week-long summer leadership camps for teens, Worldview Academy trains Christians to think and live in accord with a biblical worldview so they can better serve Christ and engage the culture around them. Worldview Academy reinforces what students are learning at home and at church and trains this generation to apply that knowledge to the challenging cultural issues they're facing.
To find a camp near you or learn more about Worldview's weekend conferences and other resources for families, visit www.worldview.org
What if the crisis in education isn't about test scores—but about truth itself? Join Robert Bortins as he sits down with Billy Hutchinson, Education Specialist at the Colson Center, for a timely conversation about the worldview battle shaping our children's futures. With only 2% of Gen Z holding a biblical worldview (according to Barna research), the statistics are sobering. But this isn't a doom-and-gloom conversation—it's a roadmap for hope. Billy reveals why students today are getting different answers about fundamental questions like "What is a woman?" in every single classroom, and how the fracturing of truth is leaving an entire generation confused, discouraged, and unanchored. Discover the powerful distinction between secular hope ("I hope my team wins") and Christ-centered hope (anchored in the historical reality of the resurrection), and why that difference changes everything about how we face cultural chaos. Learn from the courageous stories featured in the Colson Center's Truth Rising documentary—including cake artist Jack Phillips and detransitioner Chloe Cole—and why these ordinary people chose courage over fear. Billy shares practical, free resources available at ColsonEducators.org that equip teachers, parents, and Christian leaders with the clarity, confidence, and courage needed to teach from—not just with—a biblical worldview. From worldview formation courses to the Fellows Program, discover how to become "agents of restoration" in this cultural moment. This episode is essential listening for anyone who refuses to surrender the next generation to confusion and wants to equip their family, church, or classroom with unshakable truth.
Resources: Colson Educators: https://courses.colsoneducation.org/ Truth Rising: The Study Educators' Edition: https://courses.colsoneducation.org/truth-rising-educators-study 2026 Rooted Christian Educator Summit: https://www.acsi.org/rooted-educator-worldview-summit
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Worldview Academy: Students call Worldview Academy the best week of their lives. Through week-long summer leadership camps for teens, Worldview Academy trains Christians to think and live in accord with a biblical worldview so they can better serve Christ and engage the culture around them. Worldview Academy reinforces what students are learning at home and at church and trains this generation to apply that knowledge to the challenging cultural issues they're facing. To find a camp near you or learn more about Worldview's weekend conferences and other resources for families, visit www.worldview.org
What if everything we've been told about making college "affordable" is actually making it more expensive and worse? Robert Bortins sits down with Dr. Ben Merkle, President of New St. Andrews College and Oxford-educated scholar who wrote the foreword to "Woke and Weaponized." As one of fewer than a dozen colleges that refuse all federal student loan dollars, Dr. Merkle offers a rare insider perspective on how government money has corrupted higher education—and why K-12 schools should learn from their mistakes. Dr. Merkle traces the problem back to the GI Bill after World War II, explaining how federal funding changed the customer of education from students to government. Once colleges became dependent on Title IV money (Pell Grants and student loans), they became subject to Title IX mandates—leading Christian colleges to spend a year teaching students "how to receive consent for fornication" and removing backbones from administrators who now compete to be the most compliant rather than the most excellent. The financial impact is staggering. While other colleges charge $55,000-$60,000 annually (with fake "scholarships" discounting sticker prices), New St. Andrews provides superior classical education for just $18,600 per year—proving that without compliance officers and administrative bloat, quality education is affordable. Dr. Merkle exposes the Bennett hypothesis: every dollar added to federal grants causes reciprocal tuition increases within 18 months, creating a self-perpetuating cycle that makes education more expensive and worse quality simultaneously. Most provocatively, Dr. Merkle warns that classical Christian education—"the single biggest cultural victory for the American evangelical church"—is being handed over to the state through school choice programs. Charter schools aren't pulling kids from public schools; they're pulling families from Christian education into secular classrooms. He challenges administrators: stop serving mammon, define your mission clearly, and understand that funding is authority. The institutions we've sacrificed to build will be wasted if we trade them for government money.
Resources: https://nsa.edu/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: "Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back" – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman. Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information. www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
"The government doesn't give you money because they love you. Government gives money so they can have power." Join host Robert Bortins as he sits down with Rachael Jensen, homeschool advocate and mother of six in Arizona—the state hailed as the "gold standard" for school choice. Rachael contributed Appendix A to "Woke and Weaponized" and shares what's really happening on the ground with ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account) programs. The shocking reality: Arizona homeschoolers must surrender their homeschool affidavit and sign a Department of Education contract, legally converting their children to public "school-at-home" students. State officials confirmed most ESA recipients aren't escaping public schools—they're private school and homeschool families being absorbed into government control. Rachael exposes devastating consequences. Christian charity has collapsed. Homeschool activity prices have skyrocketed 300%, costing her family $42,000 annually to stay independent. ESA funds have paid for a $900 abortion, four identical $200 Lego sets per child, $8,000 espresso machines, and ski passes. One program manager confessed: "I cannot believe we had this many conservatives who want their government money and then want to be left alone." Most striking: wealthy communities where 80% took funds versus poor ranching families who unanimously refused, saying "That's a dumb idea, we don't trust the government." Arizona expanded from 100 special needs students in 2011 to 84,000 universal participants. Rachael warns this is socialism at its core—teaching conservatives to be collectivists. Children are God's inheritance, and our provision comes from Him, not government bailouts.
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: "Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back" – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman. Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information. www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
What if the architect of America's public school system was literally taking orders from demons through Ouija boards? Join host Robert Bortins as he talks with co-author Alex Newman to discuss their new book "Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education and How We Can Win It Back." This isn't hyperbole—it's documented history every Christian parent needs to know. Alex reveals shocking truth about Robert Owen, the intellectual godfather of public education, who openly admitted communicating with spiritual entities through séances to receive his vision for reshaping society. Owen's explicit goal: raise a generation freed from "the trinity of most monstrous evils"—private property, Christianity, and marriage. When his Indiana commune failed, he realized children needed government conditioning first, creating the public school blueprint we have today. The conversation exposes how robber barons like Rockefeller funded this system to create "complacent worker drones," not critical thinkers. Alex shares bombshell findings from the suppressed 1950s Reece Committee Report, which concluded a revolution had already occurred in America through education, funded by foundations working to merge the U.S. with the Soviet Union. Most urgently, Alex warns the same billionaires pushing globalism—Gates, Soros, Bloomberg, Zuckerberg—are the biggest school choice funders today. He traces the playbook from Sweden, where "free" government money trapped private schools under state control and destroyed homeschooling. The UN openly admits their strategy: use public funding to capture all "non-state education actors." Before government education, America was the best-educated society in history—your great-grandma's eighth-grade education was harder than today's master's degree. The solution requires complete rejection of government funding and recognizing God made parents—not the state—duty bearers for their children's education.
Resources: https://face.net/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: "Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back" – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman. Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information. www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
"There is no such thing as vouchers without government control. They just simply don't exist." Join host Robert Bortins as he sits down with KrisAnne Hall, constitutional attorney, former prosecutor, and founder of Liberty First Society. With her background in constitutional law and as a former homeschool parent, KrisAnne delivers a compelling legal and biblical argument against government-funded school choice programs. KrisAnne explains why the federal government has zero constitutional authority over education and reveals how states have traded their sovereignty for federal dollars. Drawing from nearly two decades of warnings, she exposes what's already happening in Florida and Texas: mandatory ethics policies forcing Christian schools to teach evolution, regulations prohibiting single-source curriculum (biblical truth), and requirements around gender identity and sexual orientation. She dismantles the illusion that vouchers "follow the student, not the school," explaining why this actually gives government authority to audit your personal finances and exercise fiduciary control over your children. Those tax dollars legally belong to government the moment they're collected—when you take Caesar's money for education, you're converting your home into government property and your private school into a public one.
Resources:
https://www.krisannehall.com/
https://libertyfirstsociety.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman. Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information. www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
"The enemy is not at the gate—the enemy has infiltrated our classrooms."
Join host Robert Bortins for the first episode in a powerful School Choice Week series as he sits down with Dr. Joshua Pierson, who contributed to "Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education and How We Can Win It Back."
In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Pierson—a retiring counterintelligence agent with 25 years of experience—reveals the shocking history of Soviet infiltration into American education. Drawing from his extensively researched appendix, he traces a direct line from 1917 Soviet intelligence operations to today's classroom controversies.
Dr. Pierson exposes how Soviet strategist Willi Münzenberg architected a century-long disinformation campaign targeting American education, media, and government. He explains how Columbia Teachers College became a hub for communist influence, and why influential educators like John Dewey and George Counts became "useful idiots" after visiting carefully staged Potemkin villages in Soviet Russia.
The conversation explores why communist ideology persists generations after its architects have died, how tactics like ANDEMKA (Admit Nothing, Deny Everything, Make Counter Accusation) still shape today's debates, and why accepting government funding transforms institutions into "agents of the state." From SEL programs to modern educational policy, discover how the Soviets succeeded in their strategy beyond their wildest expectations—and what Americans were willfully ignorant about as it happened.
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman.
Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information.
www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
What if the biggest threat to the next generation of Christians isn't coming from outside the church—but from a decision Christian parents make every weekday morning? Join Robert Bortins as he sits down with Paul and Gena Suarez, publishers of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and founders of SchoolhouseTeachers.com, for a powerful conversation about the future of Christian education. Paul and Gena share their 30-year homeschooling journey and explain why they've shifted their focus from education to discipleship—and why this makes homeschooling a church issue that pastors can no longer ignore. They discuss the explosive growth of homeschooling since COVID, the dangers of government school choice programs, and the biblical mandate for Christian families to take responsibility for their children's education. With their new Pastor Plan initiative, the Suarezes are equipping churches with turnkey solutions to support homeschooling families and build vibrant communities. This episode is a rallying cry for Christians to stop sending their children to Caesar and start reclaiming discipleship as the church's responsibility.
Resources: https://schoolhouseteachers.com/
https://www.theoldschoolhouse.com/
https://pastorplan.org/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman. Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information. www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
Overturning Roe v. Wade was never the finish line—it was only the starting gun. Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life and Students for Life Action, joins Refining Rhetoric to reveal why the pro-life movement's real battle is just beginning and where it's being won or lost right now. Discover why she launched Students for Life 20 years ago with the vision that Roe would be reversed (when everyone told her she was naive), how chemical abortion pills have become the leading cause of infant death with 1 in 10 women ending up in the ER, and why flushing babies down toilets has turned America's sewers into open cemeteries. Kristan exposes the RINO problem plaguing state legislatures, explains why Republicans keep funding their political enemies at Planned Parenthood to the tune of $800 million annually, and shares the dangerous rhetoric threatening to destroy pro-life credibility with women voters. She also discusses why homeschoolers terrify legislators more than lobbyists, the two types of people most likely to get violent at pro-life campus events, and how young men have actually shifted right on abortion while young women still buy feminist lies. This episode is a rallying cry for Christians to stop being lazy about life, start serving women in crisis pregnancies, and build the army needed to make abortion completely unthinkable in America.
Resources: https://studentsforlife.org/
Kristan's Instagram: @kristanmercerhawkins
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman. Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information. www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
Ever wonder why every poll seemed to show Kamala Harris winning, yet Trump dominated the election? Mark Mitchell from Rasmussen Reports pulls back the curtain on the billion-dollar polling industry's most carefully guarded secrets. Discover how establishment pollsters use proprietary panels filled with left-leaning city dwellers to sandbag anti-establishment candidates by 20+ points, why FiveThirtyEight was really just a psychological operation funded by Disney and the New York Times, and how polling is weaponized to move the Overton Window on everything from reparations to LGBT issues. Mitchell reveals the shocking truth about why Gen Z is flirting with socialism (hint: it's not because they love Marx), what the Epstein case closure cost Trump in independent support, and why 43% of Americans now believe civil war is coming within years. He explains how the Republican Party remains captured by corporate interests while young voters are demanding a Caesar to burn down a corrupt system, why Trump's "golden age" messaging is falling flat with the very coalition that elected him, and what polling shows about the real mandate Trump received. This episode exposes how polling shapes public opinion through manufactured consensus and offers a sobering look at America's political future if the system isn't actually fixed. If you've ever felt manipulated by media narratives, this conversation will confirm your suspicions and arm you with the knowledge to fight back.
Resources: https://www.rasmussenreports.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman. Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information. www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
What if the real sign of wealth isn't your bank account, but the number of kids around your dinner table? Chocolate Knox from CrossPolitic joins Refining Rhetoric to flip the script on modern family planning. With seven kids and counting, Knox shares why he and his wife decided to "replace the stupid people" in their family lineage and create a new generation that honors God. Discover how God has faithfully provided through every season, from figuring out how to fit everyone in one vehicle to navigating the transition from public school indoctrination to classical Christian education. Knox unpacks why the church bears responsibility for America's decline, how the feminist movement is already showing its cracks (yes, even in the Barbie movie), and why black families especially should flee government schools. Plus, practical advice for young singles on how to inflation-proof their future and set themselves up for the silk life: single income, lots of kids. This conversation challenges the lie that children are a financial burden and reveals them as the generational wealth investment God always intended. If you're tired of the dink (double income, no kids) propaganda and ready to embrace biblical fruitfulness, this episode is for you.
Resources:
https://crosspolitic.com/
https://x.com/Chocolate_Knox
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman. Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information. www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
What happens when a Christian show gets canceled 20+ times but refuses to stay silent? Gabe Rench, founder of CrossPolitic, joins Refining Rhetoric to share his journey from launching a faith-and-politics show in 2016 to building a multi-platform network that's discipling Christians to engage culture boldly. Discover why he believes the church is responsible for America's condition, how his team is pivoting to deeper content in 2025, and why Christian business leaders need to stop burying their talents. Plus, learn about the surprising stat showing how Christians in Seattle could flip the city conservative overnight if they simply showed up to vote. Gabe also discusses surviving intense cancel culture (even password-protected content wasn't safe), the Fight Laugh Feast philosophy, launching the Business Makers Network, and why his new approach of one deeply researched show per week might be more effective than churning out four shows weekly.
Resources:
https://crosspolitic.com/
https://gaberench.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman. Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information. www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
Is America on the brink of collapse—and are Christians ready to respond? Welcome to the first episode of Refining Rhetoric for 2026! As we kick off the new year, host Robert Bortins tackles the pressing issues facing Christian families, homeschoolers, and business owners in an increasingly chaotic world. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why America's $38 trillion debt crisis (which just grew by $1 trillion in 76 days) matters for your family's future • The spiritual battle behind cultural conflicts—from controversial elections to shocking legal cases abroad • How only 6% of Christians hold a biblical worldview according to Barna research, and what that means for our communities • The launch of the new book "Woke and Weaponized" and why understanding the root causes of societal issues is critical • Plans for 2026 including discussions on cryptocurrency, bitcoin, and preparing for economic uncertainty This isn't just another news commentary—it's a call to action for believers to stop outsourcing their God-given responsibilities and start living boldly as ambassadors of Christ in a world that desperately needs the gospel.
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman. Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information. www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
What happens when a school district demands you teach content that isn't legally required? Military wife and homeschool mom Jennifer Moye found herself in exactly that situation when New York officials insisted she add AIDS education to her sixth-grader's curriculum—or face truancy charges.
In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Jennifer shares her unexpected journey from compliant homeschooler to constitutional defender. After moving to upstate New York in 2019, she faced increasing demands from her local school district, culminating in a requirement that went beyond what homeschool law actually mandated. With three boys to educate and a military family's already complex life, Jennifer had to make a choice: comply with government overreach or stand her ground.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- How Classical Conversations provided consistency and community through four military moves
- The moment Jennifer realized she needed HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association)
- The surprising number of families facing similar harassment from school officials
- What happened when attorneys showed up to defend her rights—at no cost to her family
- Why this fight mattered for every homeschooling family in New York
- How she's now empowering the next generation through Turning Point USA
This is a must-listen for every homeschooling family who thinks these battles are behind us. They're not. And Jennifer's courage reminds us why defending our freedoms matters for every generation.
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman.
Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information.
www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
National Number Knockout 2027
Does your student think math is boring? What if they stopped seeing math as drill work and started seeing it as an exciting mental sport? That's the power of National Number Knockout, a nationwide mental math competition that's transforming how students think about numbers.
Here's how basic Number Knockout works: Students ages 10-14 use three dice and a 6x6 grid to create as many mathematical equations as possible in just 60 seconds. It's fast, strategic, and seriously addictive. In spring of 2027, 16 national finalists will compete aboard a Caribbean cruise for grand prizes.
But the real win? Whether your student makes it to nationals or just plays at home, they're building lightning-fast mental math skills and genuine mathematical confidence—watching them fall in love with mathematics. National Number Knockout—where math becomes a game, and every student can win. Visit https://classicalconversations.com/national-number-knockout/ to find free resources and learn about the 2027 competition.
Your child's AI companion knows them better than you do—and it's learning how to manipulate them. Are we prepared for what comes next? In this eye-opening conversation, host Robert Bortins sits down with Randan Steinhauser, CEO of Steinhauser Strategies and recent fellow at the Center for Governance of AI, to discuss the profound implications of artificial intelligence on our families, children, and humanity itself. As AI rapidly advances, the questions we face go far beyond job displacement and technological convenience. Randan shares urgent concerns about AI chatbots engaging children in dangerous conversations, the normalization of AI companions replacing human relationships, and the troubling goals of tech leaders who view consciousness uploading and transhumanism as the future. This isn't science fiction—it's happening now. From AI-induced psychosis to the erosion of family bonds, from surveillance states to the potential loss of human purpose through work, this conversation challenges us to think critically about the technology we're inviting into our homes and our children's lives.
Resources:
https://www.steinhauserstrategies.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman.
Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information.
www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
National Number Knockout 2027
Does your student think math is boring? What if they stopped seeing math as drill work and started seeing it as an exciting mental sport? That's the power of National Number Knockout, a nationwide mental math competition that's transforming how students think about numbers.
Here's how basic Number Knockout works: Students ages 10-14 use three dice and a 6x6 grid to create as many mathematical equations as possible in just 60 seconds. It's fast, strategic, and seriously addictive. In spring of 2027, 16 national finalists will compete aboard a Caribbean cruise for grand prizes.
But the real win? Whether your student makes it to nationals or just plays at home, they're building lightning-fast mental math skills and genuine mathematical confidence—watching them fall in love with mathematics. National Number Knockout—where math becomes a game, and every student can win. Visit www.classicalconversations.com/n2k to find free resources and learn about the 2027 competition.
Join us for an exciting conversation with two exceptional Classical Conversations students who are making waves in the competitive yo-yo world! Thomas Rajan (Challenge II, Alabama) and James Heder (Challenge B, Florida) share their incredible journey from picking up their first yo-yos during COVID to competing on national and international stages. Thomas finished 5th at the 2025 U.S. National Yo-Yo Contest, while James placed 16th at the World Yo-Yo Championship in Prague. In this episode, they break down the fascinating world of competitive yo-yoing, explaining how competitions are scored (60% technical skill and 40% entertainment value) and what it takes to compete at the highest levels. They discuss their practice routines, with Thomas practicing up to eight hours a day and James maintaining a rigorous daily schedule except for his Classical Conversations day. Both students credit their Classical Conversations training in public speaking, debate, and presentations with helping them build confidence performing in front of large crowds at competitions. They share insights into their mentorship relationships with top competitors, the challenges of creating competition routines, and the importance of consistency under pressure. James even demonstrates some of his highest-scoring horizontal tricks on camera, showing the incredible skill and precision required at this level.
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman.
Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information.
www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
National Number Knockout 2027
Does your student think math is boring? What if they stopped seeing math as drill work and started seeing it as an exciting mental sport? That's the power of National Number Knockout, a nationwide mental math competition that's transforming how students think about numbers.
Here's how basic Number Knockout works: Students ages 10-14 use three dice and a 6x6 grid to create as many mathematical equations as possible in just 60 seconds. It's fast, strategic, and seriously addictive. In spring of 2027, 16 national finalists will compete aboard a Caribbean cruise for grand prizes.
But the real win? Whether your student makes it to nationals or just plays at home, they're building lightning-fast mental math skills and genuine mathematical confidence—watching them fall in love with mathematics. National Number Knockout—where math becomes a game, and every student can win. Visit www.classicalconversations.com/n2k to find free resources and learn about the 2027 competition.
Is the Bitcoin cycle dead, or are we just getting started? With Bitcoin hovering around $92K and institutional adoption accelerating, the crypto landscape is more confusing—and exciting—than ever. Robert and Will break down the wild crypto year of 2024-2025 and debate what's coming in 2026. They explain the GENIUS Act that ended the "Biden war on crypto," why stablecoins could drive down costs across the economy (0.3% fees vs 3-10% traditional payments), and how companies like Visa are building crypto payment rails. But it's not all bullish. They dive into the Japan carry trade unwinding, the dangers of government-controlled CBDCs, and the big question: Is this Bitcoin cycle over or just delayed? Will argues we're in a lengthening cycle driven by global liquidity. Robert thinks the blow-off top is behind us and October 2026 will be the next buying opportunity. They also preview the Clarity Act coming in Q1 2026, which could open the floodgates for institutional investment in the broader crypto space beyond just stablecoins. Whether you're "hodling" or on the sidelines, this episode offers practical insights on navigating an unpredictable market.
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. Always do your own research.
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman. Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information.
www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
What if everything you've been told about fixing our public schools is wrong? Join Robert Bortins as he sits down with Sheri Few, founder and president of United States Parents Involved in Education (USPIE), for a sobering look at the state of American education and why reform may be impossible. Sheri shares alarming statistics: only one-third of fourth and eighth graders read or do math at grade level, and 54% of U.S. adults read below sixth grade level. But the problem goes far deeper than poor academics. Learn about USPIE's groundbreaking documentary "Truth and Lies in American Education," which exposes the Marxist ideologies, fake history, and anti-Christian propaganda replacing reading, writing, and arithmetic in schools across America. Sheri addresses the "not in my school" mentality many parents have and provides practical steps for investigating what's really being taught in your district. She also shares why the federal government only contributes about 10% of most states' education budgets, making it entirely feasible to restore local control and parental authority. Whether you're already homeschooling or still have children in the system, this episode offers both sobering truth and hope for the future of American education and liberty.
Resources:
https://www.uspie.org/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman. Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information.
https://robertbortins.com/woke-and-weaponized/
What can homeschoolers be thankful for this year? Join Robert Bortins for a special Thanksgiving edition of the Refining Rhetoric podcast as he shares the top 10 things homeschoolers should be thankful for in 2025. From protected educational freedom and the classical education renaissance to colleges actively recruiting homeschoolers, this episode celebrates the victories and blessings in the homeschool movement. Learn why homeschooling resources are more abundant than ever, how Classical Conversations is leading the charge with over 3,000 global communities, and why universities now recognize homeschoolers' intellectual curiosity and maturity. Plus, hear about the upcoming book "Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education and How We Can Win It Back." Whether you're a seasoned homeschool parent or considering homeschooling for your family, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and reasons to celebrate as we close out 2025.
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman. Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information.
www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
CC Graduate Certificate in Classical Studies
Classical Conversations is excited to announce the launch of our new accredited Graduate Certificate in Classical Studies, a 12-credit hour program designed specifically for homeschooling parents who want to deepen their understanding of classical Christian education. This graduate certificate program provides academic recognition for your dedication to classical learning while offering a pathway to advanced study through our partnership with Southeastern University.
Register today to secure your spot in this transformative educational experience.
https://ics.regfox.com/ma-certificate
What if the test gatekeeping college admissions was designed to celebrate—not undermine—your classical education? Discover how one alternative is changing the game for homeschoolers and classical students across America. In this milestone episode, Robert Bortins sits down with Soren Schwab (VP of Partnerships) and Noah Tyler (CFO) from the Classical Learning Test to celebrate 10 years of offering an alternative to the College Board's monopoly. The conversation opens with a stunning revelation: after hiring David Coleman—the chief architect of Common Core—in 2015, the College Board transformed the SAT so dramatically that its longest reading passage is now between 25-125 words. That's literally the length of a tweet. This is what "college readiness" has become.
The CLT offers something radically different: Instead of politically biased content and tweet-length passages, students engage with C.S. Lewis, Aristotle, Dickens, and Abraham Lincoln. Parents report their children actually asking to read more after encountering authors on the test—something that would never happen with the SAT or ACT. And because homeschoolers can take it from home through video proctoring, test anxiety is significantly reduced.
What You'll Learn:
- How homeschoolers went from "a little weird" to the most sought-after students on college campuses
- The expansion story: from garage startup to 320+ accepting universities and recognition in 15 states
- Legislative victories breaking the College Board's monopoly in Florida, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, and beyond
- The exciting announcement about "Enduring Course Exams"—CLT's alternative to AP, starting with humanities subjects where the College Board's ideological capture is most egregious
Resources:
https://www.cltexam.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: Classical Conversations Alumni Network
Classical Conversations launched its Alumni Network in May 2025, creating the first comprehensive platform for CC graduates and parents to stay connected beyond Challenge IV. Discover job opportunities, network with fellow alumni, and access exclusive content featuring CC success stories.
Learn more at https://ccalumni.network/ and join the community that's empowering CC alumni and parents to connect, thrive, and inspire through their shared legacy of Christian, classical education.
What if the people writing our laws aren't the ones we elected? The shocking truth about who really runs Washington—and how 22-year-olds shape policy that affects millions. Robert Bortins sits down with Ed Corrigan, President and CEO of the Conservative Partnership Institute, to pull back the curtain on how Washington really works. With over 25 years navigating Capitol Hill and leading the Trump transition team, Ed reveals why this administration hit the ground running while others floundered—and it's not what you think. Discover why congressional staffers in their early twenties wield enormous influence over the laws that govern our lives, how the conservative movement is building a "MAGA bench" to prevent future administrations from being sabotaged by the swamp, and what it really takes to drain those 50 state swamps across America. Ed explains the critical work of the State Freedom Caucus Network, the Election Integrity Network, and why training the next generation of conservative leaders might be the most important battle happening in D.C. right now. Plus, he shares insider details on the government shutdown, census manipulation affecting congressional representation, and practical advice for young people who want to make a real difference in politics.
Resources:
https://cpi.org/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
CC Graduate Certificate in Classical Studies
Classical Conversations is excited to announce the launch of our new accredited Graduate Certificate in Classical Studies, a 12-credit hour program designed specifically for homeschooling parents who want to deepen their understanding of classical Christian education. This graduate certificate program provides academic recognition for your dedication to classical learning while offering a pathway to advanced study through our partnership with Southeastern University.
Register today to secure your spot in this transformative educational experience.
https://ics.regfox.com/ma-certificate
Bitcoin hit $126,000... then crashed $23,000 in a single day. What happened? And more importantly, is this the top or just the beginning? In this episode, Robert unpacks the most volatile month in crypto history, reveals why gold is crushing every other investment in 2025, and explains what the global shift away from the U.S. dollar means for your money. If you're wondering whether to buy the dip or run for the hills, this episode is essential listening.
This episode contains commentary on financial markets and economic policy. None of the content should be considered financial advice. Always do your own research and consult with financial professionals before making investment decisions.
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
Classical Conversations Alumni Network
Classical Conversations launched its Alumni Network in May 2025, creating the first comprehensive platform for CC graduates and parents to stay connected beyond Challenge IV. Discover job opportunities, network with fellow alumni, and access exclusive content featuring CC success stories.
Learn more at https://ccalumni.network/ and join the community that's empowering CC alumni and parents to connect, thrive, and inspire through their shared legacy of Christian, classical education.
What if homeschooling your children could land you in jail? In 1984, that wasn't a hypothetical—it was reality. Discover how one mom's brave stand against a state superintendent's threats helped spark a movement that changed education in America forever.
Join Robert Bortins for a powerful conversation with homeschooling pioneer Zan Tyler, who began her journey in 1984 when the South Carolina State Superintendent of Education threatened her with jail for teaching her own children. This isn't just history—it's the remarkable story of how homeschooling went from illegal to celebrated in just four decades. Zan shares the incredible account of her "Patrick Henry moment" when she told the superintendent, "You'll just have to put me in jail then," and how a U.S. Senator's intervention kept her out of prison. But the legal battles were just beginning—it took eight years to get good homeschool legislation passed in South Carolina, and Zan was on the front lines the entire time.
In this episode, you'll hear about:
- The midnight knock on the door that launched an eight-year legislative battle
- How 125 letters (written on actual typewriters!) sparked a grassroots movement
- The cultural turning points that took homeschooling mainstream—from Columbine to COVID
- Why colleges now actively recruit homeschoolers (and what changed their minds)
- The surprising story of how the U.S. Military went from rejecting homeschool diplomas to recognizing homeschoolers as top performers
- Why new legislative threats are emerging even as homeschooling reaches record numbers
- The critical importance of staying vigilant and supporting state homeschool organizations
Zan's story is a testament to God's faithfulness, parental courage, and the power of grassroots advocacy. Whether you're a veteran homeschooler or just considering the journey, this conversation will inspire you to appreciate the freedom you have—and equip you to protect it for the next generation.
Resources:
https://zantyler.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by the Classical Learning Cohort:
Are you a CC parent or graduate wanting to become a more confident classical educator? Why not sample the CLC by attending a free, online "Experience the CLC" event at classicalconversations.com/cohort. Find a time that fits your schedule.
Young adults today are 1,600% more likely to identify as transgender than people over 50. Every family may not struggle with this issue—but every family will face it. Are you ready?
In this critical episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Dr. Jeff Myers, President of Summit Ministries and author of the new book Raising Gender Confident Kids, for an unflinching conversation about one of the most pressing challenges facing Christian families today. Dr. Myers reveals why gender ideology isn't just about elevating Pride Month—it's a calculated strategy to tear down the foundations of Western civilization and biblical worldview.
What You'll Discover:
- Why 39% of young adults now identify as LGBTQ—and what's driving this dramatic shift
- The shocking reality of "transgender recruitment" happening in public schools (and some private schools)
- How gender ideology functions as an anti-Christ religion with its own evangelism and discipleship steps
- Age-appropriate conversation strategies for elementary, middle school, and high school students
- Why middle schoolers are being specifically targeted before they complete puberty
- How to help your child respond when they can't tell if someone is a boy or a girl
- The biological truth: 6,500 cataloged differences between males and females—and why they're designed to harmonize
- Why teaching "Imago Dei" (being made in God's image) is now mission-critical for every Christian family
Dr. Myers doesn't sugarcoat the reality: this is a well-funded, strategic assault on the biblical understanding of humanity. But he also offers hope, practical tools, and a pathway for parents to raise children who are confident in God's good design—while showing Christ's love to a generation that's been tragically deceived.
Resources:
Raising Gender Confident Kids book - genderconfidentkids.com
https://www.summit.org/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
2026 Classical Conversations Family Cruise
Have you heard? The Classical Conversations 2026 CC Family Cruise will set sail on May 16, 2026. This exciting adventure is open to all CC families and alumni. It will include the National Memory Master Competition, National Commencement, and special CC family activities. Interest is booming with over 800 people interested in cruising with us and cabins are selling out fast!
Book your cabin now at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026
Remember, to participate in the CC activities you need to book through the CC group. Grab your sunscreen, your beach bag. and join us on board!
He had never stepped in front of a camera before. He almost ignored the audition opportunity completely. But when Robert Amaya finally sent in that tape for Courageous, it launched a career that would transform both faith-based filmmaking and his own family forever.
In this inspiring episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with actor, speaker, and mentor Robert Amaya to discuss his journey in faith-based filmmaking and his experience as a Classical Conversations dad. Robert shares the miraculous story of how he landed his breakthrough role in Courageous despite having zero acting experience, and how working with the Kendrick Brothers became a "master class" in biblical manhood that changed his life forever.
What You'll Discover:
- The incredible "courtesy call rejection" that turned into Robert's first movie role
- Why working on faith-based film sets with the Kendrick and Erwin Brothers is different from Hollywood
- How Robert's faith journey transformed from church rebellion to using film as a platform for the gospel
- The void in Christian filmmaking—and what Robert's doing about it through Join Creators Call
- Practical advice for parents whose kids want to pursue acting (hint: start with children's theater!)
- Why Robert believes homeschooling through Classical Conversations has given his daughters skills that surpass what he had in 12th grade
- How CC community provides the support system that eliminates parents' fears of inadequacy
- The Lancaster Film Initiative—Robert's new nonprofit creating excellence in faith-based films with profit-sharing for all involved
Robert's transparency about raising two talented daughters in the entertainment industry while maintaining strong family values and a classical education offers both practical wisdom and genuine encouragement. His motto says it all: "Faith, family, and fun."
Resources:
https://joincreatorscall.com/
Robert Amaya's IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3892002/
Robert Amaya's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realrobertamaya
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by the Classical Learning Cohort:
Are you a CC parent or graduate wanting to become a more confident classical educator? Why not sample the CLC by attending a free, online "Experience the CLC" event at classicalconversations.com/cohort. Find a time that fits your schedule.
What if everything you thought you knew about the Bible's structure was making it harder to understand God's story? Pastor, author, and Bible engagement architect Randy Frazee joins host Robert on Refining Rhetoric to discuss why so many Christians—even those in Bible-believing churches—can't articulate the basic narrative of Scripture. The problem isn't a lack of commitment; it's how the Bible is organized.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- · Why chronological Bible reading changes everything (and how The Story makes it accessible)
- · What really happens after you die—and why most Christians have it backwards
- · The surprising biblical truth: heaven isn't the final destination (hint: read Revelation 21-22)
- · Why the Garden of Eden matters for understanding eternity on the new earth
- · How Paul wrote the ultimate treatise on joy... from prison
- · The neuroscience that validates ancient biblical wisdom about depression and anxiety
- · Why gratitude is the #1 weapon against worry (backed by both Philippians and brain science)
- · The loneliness epidemic destroying Americans—and how proximity creates real community
- · Practical ways homeschoolers can combat isolation and build deeper connections
Randy brings decades of pastoral wisdom, research-backed insights, and a refreshing perspective on biblical literacy. From explaining why Psalm 51 should be read right after 2 Samuel 11 (David's confession after his fall with Bathsheba) to unpacking why we'll still struggle at golf in the new kingdom (yes, really), this conversation bridges ancient truth and modern science.
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
2026 Classical Conversations Family Cruise
Have you heard? The Classical Conversations 2026 CC Family Cruise will set sail on May 16, 2026. This exciting adventure is open to all CC families and alumni. It will include the National Memory Master Competition, National Commencement, and special CC family activities. Interest is booming with over 800 people interested in cruising with us and cabins are selling out fast!
Book your cabin now at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026
Remember, to participate in the CC activities you need to book through the CC group. Grab your sunscreen, your beach bag. and join us on board!
What if the virtue we've been taught to prize above all others—empathy—has become a weapon that's destroying our families, churches, and society? In this thought-provoking episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Dr. Joe Rigney, author of the controversial new book "The Sin of Empathy: Compassion and Its Counterfeits." Dr. Rigney, who serves as Fellow of Theology at New St. Andrews College and is a pastor at Christ's Church, makes a bold argument that will challenge everything you think you know about compassion. Using the powerful analogy of someone drowning in quicksand, Dr. Rigney distinguishes between biblical compassion—which reaches out to help while remaining anchored to truth—and what he calls "untethered empathy," which jumps into the pit with both feet, creating two drowning victims instead of one. This counterfeit virtue, he argues, has been weaponized across cultural battlegrounds from immigration and abortion to the transgender movement, demanding that we validate feelings regardless of truth or moral consequences. The conversation explores how this emotional manipulation has infiltrated churches, schools, and homes through Social Emotional Learning curricula, creating what Dr. Rigney calls "the institutionalization of the pity party." From the redefinition of marriage to the mutilation of confused children in the name of "gender-affirming care," he traces how untethered empathy leads through a predictable progression: pity to anger to cruelty—all while flying the banner of compassion.
Resources:
https://x.com/joe_rigney
https://canonpress.com/products/the-sin-of-empathy
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by the Classical Learning Cohort:
Are you a CC parent or graduate wanting to become a more confident classical educator? Why not sample the CLC by attending a free, online "Experience the CLC" event at classicalconversations.com/cohort. Find a time that fits your schedule.
In the aftermath of tragedy, the internet becomes a breeding ground for speculation, conspiracy theories, and misinformation—but how do we navigate these waters wisely? Cold case detective J. Warner Wallace returns to Refining Rhetoric to discuss the recent shooting of Charlie Kirk, offering crucial insights on distinguishing between what we can know from public information versus unfounded theories that spread online. Wallace explains why detectives withhold information during investigations, how to evaluate claims about shooting feasibility and evidence, and why complexity isn't usually the answer in criminal cases. The conversation moves beyond the specifics to address deeper questions about identity, martyrdom, and how our worldview shapes our response to violence. Wallace emphasizes that Charlie's identity was rooted in Christ first, with his political views flowing from that foundation. The episode concludes with practical advice for parents on helping children process tragedy and ground their identity in something transcendent rather than political or cultural groups. Wallace also discusses his new graphic novel "Case Files: Murder and Meaning" co-written with his son Jimmy, which explores themes of identity and human value through a criminal investigation narrative.
Resources:
https://coldcasechristianity.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
2026 Classical Conversations Family Cruise
Have you heard? The Classical Conversations 2026 CC Family Cruise will set sail on May 16, 2026. This exciting adventure is open to all CC families and alumni. It will include the National Memory Master Competition, National Commencement, and special CC family activities. Interest is booming with over 800 people interested in cruising with us and cabins are selling out fast!
Book your cabin now at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026
Remember, to participate in the CC activities you need to book through the CC group.
Grab your sunscreen, your beach bag. and join us on board!
Everyone's talking about AI replacing jobs, but here's what they're missing: the real danger isn't AI taking over—it's our children never learning to think for themselves. Classical education might just be the key to thriving in an AI-dominated world. In this thought-provoking episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins dives deep into artificial intelligence and its implications for families, education, and society. With the Trump administration pushing AI as a solution to national debt and economic challenges, Robert examines both the promises and perils of this technological revolution. From data privacy concerns and the staggering energy demands of AI infrastructure to its potential impact on childhood development and learning, Robert offers a balanced perspective on navigating this new landscape. He shares practical insights on when and how to use AI tools effectively while emphasizing why the struggle of learning remains irreplaceable. This episode is essential listening for parents wondering how AI will affect their children's education and future opportunities, offering both warnings and wisdom for the road ahead.
Key Topics Covered:
- The Trump administration's AI strategy and national security implications
- Data privacy, intellectual property, and energy infrastructure challenges
- AI in education: personalized learning vs. relationship-based teaching
- Why experts benefit from AI while novices suffer
- Practical guidelines for using AI tools safely and effectively
- The irreplaceable value of struggle and the learning journey
- How classical education prepares students for an AI-integrated world
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by the Classical Learning Cohort:
Are you a CC parent or graduate wanting to become a more confident classical educator? Why not sample the CLC by attending a free, online "Experience the CLC" event at classicalconversations.com/cohort. Find a time that fits your schedule.
Charlie Kirk was the kind of person who remembered your name even after meeting you just once at a crowded event. Robert joins Dr. Owen Anderson, professor at Arizona State University and faculty advisor for the Turning Point USA chapter, for a heartfelt discussion following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Dr. Anderson shares personal memories of Charlie as "America's Socrates" - a genuine, friendly debater who engaged with students across the political spectrum on college campuses. The conversation explores the radicalization happening at universities, the concerning normalization of ideologies like DEI and transgenderism, and how parents can better prepare their children for the intellectual challenges they'll face in higher education. Dr. Anderson discusses his own legal battles with mandatory DEI training at ASU and provides insight into the hostile environment facing conservative voices on campus. The episode concludes with reflections on Charlie's legacy as a Christian martyr and how his example should inspire more believers to engage courageously in cultural debates.
Resources:
Dr. Anderson’s Substack: https://drowenanderson.substack.com/
When Kim Davis spent six days behind bars for refusing to sign same-sex marriage certificates, most people thought the story was over. They were wrong. Nine years later, Davis faces $360,000 in personal damages—and her case is now headed to the Supreme Court with the potential to overturn same-sex marriage entirely. Constitutional attorney Matthew Staver, who will argue before the justices, reveals how a small-town Kentucky clerk's conscience has become the vehicle for what could be the most significant religious liberty victory since the founding. But here's the twist: Even Chief Justice John Roberts saw this coming. In an unprecedented move, he read his Obergefell dissent from the bench—something he's never done before or since—warning that "five lawyers" were imposing their will without constitutional basis. Now, with a transformed Supreme Court and religious freedom wins piling up, Staver explains why 2026 could be the year everything changes. From the legal strategy that's already defeated "terrible decisions" to why Christians can't repeat the post-Roe mistakes, this episode reveals the inside story of the case that has constitutional conservatives hopeful.
Resources:
https://lc.org/mat-staver
https://lc.org/Kim
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
2026 Classical Conversations Family Cruise
Have you heard? The Classical Conversations 2026 CC Family Cruise will set sail on May 16, 2026. This exciting adventure is open to all CC families and alumni. It will include the National Memory Master Competition, National Commencement, and special CC family activities. Interest is booming with over 800 people interested in cruising with us and cabins are selling out fast!
Book your cabin now at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026
Remember, to participate in the CC activities you need to book through the CC group.
Grab your sunscreen, your beach bag. and join us on board!
What if you discovered you have more religious freedom right now than at any point in your lifetime—but nobody told you? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert sits down with Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO of First Liberty Institute, to discuss the remarkable string of religious freedom victories at the Supreme Court that most Americans don't even know happened. Shackelford, a constitutional scholar who has argued and won multiple cases before the Supreme Court, breaks down four major religious liberty wins achieved in just 13 months, including the landmark Coach Kennedy case that overturned 50 years of anti-religious precedent.
Key topics covered:
- How the Supreme Court restored religious freedom protections in the workplace and schools
- What these victories mean for Christians, business owners, and educators
- Practical guidance on exercising religious rights at work and in public spaces
- The truth about what pastors can and cannot say from the pulpit regarding politics
- Why millions of Christian voters staying home could change election outcomes
- Resources available at FirstLiberty.org for understanding your religious freedom rights
Shackelford emphasizes that Americans now have more religious freedom than they've had in their lifetime, but many don't realize the extent of their restored rights. This episode provides essential insights for anyone wanting to understand and exercise their constitutional religious liberties.
Resources:
https://firstliberty.org/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by the Classical Leanring Cohort:
Are you a CC parent or graduate wanting to become a more confident classical educator? Why not sample the CLC by attending a free, online "Experience the CLC" event at classicalconversations.com/cohort. Find a time that fits your schedule.
Before government schools, America had 95% literacy. Now it's 35%. What if everything you've been told about "fixing" education is actually designed to make it worse? Robert teams up with award-winning journalist and CEO of Liberty Sentinel, Alex Newman, to announce their explosive new book "Woke and Weaponized" - a deep dive into how Karl Marx's ideas infiltrated American education and what parents can do about it. From Robert Owen's occult origins to the post-WWI turning point that handed our children to the state, this episode reveals the shocking history behind today's educational crisis and offers hope for families seeking true educational freedom.
Resources:
https://libertysentinel.org/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
CC Plus Concurrent Enrollment:
The Concurrent Enrollment Program is a flexible opportunity to earn college credit from an accredited Christian university while honoring homeschool families and program parameters contained in the Challenge Guide. Your student can remain in community while earning college credit for the work they are already doing which means community and mentoring stay in place while practicing the skills of learning through college!
Register now or learn more by going to classicalconversationsplus.com/concurrent-enrollment-program.
What if the biggest threat to Christian values in America isn't hostile politicians—but Christians who refuse to vote? Bunni Pounds drops a bombshell statistic that will shake you: Christians are registering and voting at exactly the same rates as the general population. That means roughly half of Bible-believing Americans are voluntarily sitting out the very process that determines who governs their communities.
While faithful Christians stay home on election day, secular activists are showing up in droves to elect school board members who push gender ideology, city council members who restrict religious freedom, and county officials who shut down churches. We're literally handing over our nation to people whose worldview is diametrically opposed to Scripture—and then wondering why our culture is falling apart.
Bunni's journey from homeschool mom to political consultant to mobilizing nearly a million Christians reveals the stunning power of engaged believers and the devastating consequences of Christian apathy.
Resources:
https://www.bunnipounds.com/
https://christiansengaged.org/
https://www.americareadsthebible.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Grand Canyon University and Classical Conversations Plus Undergraduate Program:
Is your homeschooler ready for what’s next? At Grand Canyon University, we’re Christ-centered and academically focused, just like your family. GCU supports homeschool
students with Classical Conversations scholarships, personalized guidance at every step
and a welcoming student community. See for yourself with our homeschool campus visit programs — where faith, freedom and community meet.
Grow spiritually. Grow academically. Find your purpose at GCU.
Learn more at gcu.edu/homeschool.
Classical Conversations Plus Undergraduate Program
Your Purpose Made Approachable…
Whether that is a degree, a discipline, or a deeper understanding of interests, CC Plus Undergrad can help. Our unique relationship with Southeastern University provides multiple opportunities and options for enrolling as a degree-seeking student at Southeastern University, which allows for a continued pursuit of lifelong learning, making passion and purpose approachable whether you are a CC graduate or CC parent.
To learn more about the CC Plus Undergrad Program or to begin your journey of pursuing your next season of learning, go to www.classicalconversationsplus.com/undergraduate-program
Think homeschoolers are antisocial? Think again. In this special in-studio episode, Robert sits down with his sister-in-law Emma Bortins, a Classical Conversations graduate who went from small-town homeschooling to thriving in the heart of New York City at The King's College.
Emma breaks down the myths about homeschool socialization while sharing how her classical education prepared her not just for college, but for real-world success as a publicist, nonprofit consultant, and now new mom. From networking her way into competitive jobs to working with Classical Conversations founder Leigh Bortins, Emma proves that homeschoolers don't just survive in the professional world—they excel.
Discover how the tools of learning (grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric) translate into workplace success, why authenticity beats aggression in public relations, and what the classical education movement is getting right (and wrong) in the media landscape. Plus, get insider tips on landing your first job out of college and why your network truly is your net worth.
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by 2026 Classical Conversations Family Cruise and Gutenberg College:
Have you heard? The Classical Conversations 2026 CC Family Cruise will set sail on May 16, 2026. This exciting adventure is open to all CC families and alumni. It will include the National Memory Master Competition, National Commencement, and special CC family activities. Interest is booming with over 800 people interested in cruising with us and cabins are selling out fast!
Book your cabin now at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026
Remember, to participate in the CC activities you need to book through the CC group.
Grab your sunscreen, your beach bag, and join us on board!
Over the past 2000 years, the West has developed a successful educational model that guides students toward mature independent thought. Gutenberg College, a Christian, Great Books, undergraduate college in the pacific northwest embraces this time-tested approach. At Gutenberg students are encouraged to boldly pursue truth within a biblical framework. They do so with peers and faculty-mentors in lively small group discussions. To find out more, go to gutenberg.edu.
What if the biggest threat to Christian education isn't coming from the left—but from Christians themselves? In this eye-opening episode of Refining Rhetoric, attorney and author Kevin R. Novak drops a bombshell that will make you rethink everything about school choice, vouchers, and education reform. While most Christians celebrate getting "their tax dollars back" through ESA programs, Novak argues they're actually participating in socialism and expanding the very system they claim to oppose. Drawing from biblical principles of jurisdiction and constitutional law, Novak makes the case that civil government has zero authority over education—period. He reveals how school choice programs are driving up costs, why property taxes for schools are unconstitutional, and how the "Christian establishment" is gatekeeping a true education revival. From dispensationalists to pietists, Novak names the theological movements that got us here and explains why the solution isn't reforming public schools—it's abolishing them entirely.
Resources:
https://deconstructingthecoliseum.com/
https://kevinrnovak.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by the Classical Learning Cohort
The Classical Learning Cohort offers online classes for parents to become more confident and competent Classical teachers. Through small-group lessons with trained Mentors, participants practice implementing classical skills, giving and receiving assessments, while experiencing transformative growth as a classical Christian educator.
Want to learn more? Attend a free, online, Experience the CLC event at classicalconversations.com/cohort.
What if everything the "experts" told us about globalization, economics, and the future was wrong? Dr. Steve Turley, the "Patriot Professor" and author of over 20 books, joins Robert Bortins to discuss his latest work "America Awakened: The Collapse of Globalism and the Return to Faith, Family, and Freedom." They explore why globalism is collapsing after decades of dominance, how civilizational populism is rising worldwide, and what the new post-secular civilization will look like. The conversation covers the spiritual revival happening globally, the importance of classical education in preserving traditional values, the role of AI and technology in returning us to more human-centered approaches, and how the "people versus the permanent political class" realignment is reshaping politics. Dr. Turley explains why he's optimistic about America's future and how MAGA represents a uniquely American expression of the global return to faith, family, and freedom.
Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/@DrSteveTurleyTV
https://turleytalks.com/
America Awakened: The Collapse of Globalism and the Return to Faith, Family, and Freedom https://www.amazon.com/America-Awakened-Collapse-Globalism-Freedom/dp/B0FFCWKH2R
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
Have you heard? National Memory Master and National Commencement are moving to the Classical Conversations family cruise in 2026. This cruise isn’t just to celebrate CC graduates and memory masters, it’s for all CC families! You can connect with CC leaders and families at all stages of their journey and turn education into a memorable family adventure as you explore the Bahamas aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. Check out our landing page at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026.
Is your Christian teen prepared for the intellectual assault waiting at university? Dr. Owen Anderson, Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Arizona State University, pulls back the curtain on what's really happening on college campuses. With 70% of Christian students walking away from their faith in university, Dr. Anderson—a rare conservative Christian voice inside the secular academic machine—reveals the specific challenges your children will face and how to prepare them for battle.
You'll discover:
· The philosophical foundations every Christian student needs before stepping foot on campus
· How natural law and natural theology provide unshakeable answers to professors' attacks on faith
· Why the Book of Job is actually the first philosophy textbook—and what it teaches about the problem of evil
· The biggest misconceptions Christians have about the Book of Revelation (and why it's actually about victory, not defeat)
· Practical strategies for documenting and reporting anti-Christian bias in the classroom
· How to find mentors and build support systems that will help your student thrive, not just survive
Universities aren't just liberal—they're actively working to destroy your child's faith. But Dr. Anderson proves it's possible to not only survive but thrive in hostile academic environments when you're properly prepared.
Resources:
https://drowenanderson.substack.com/
https://drowenanderson.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
In a world filled with confusion, clarity begins with God’s Word. At Boyce College, truth isn’t just something we study, it’s the foundation of everything we do. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, Boyce College equips students to know the truth and live it with maximum faithfulness.
Learn more and schedule your visit at BoyceCollege.com/Classical-Conversations
What happens when artificial intelligence can write better essays than your students—and they don't even know the difference? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Bill Davis from Covenant College explores the ethical implications of AI in education and beyond. From the classroom challenges of detecting AI-generated work to the broader questions of human expertise versus machine efficiency, this conversation digs deep into how tools like ChatGPT and Claude are reshaping learning, medicine, and human interaction. Dr. Davis shares practical insights on teaching students to recognize the difference between human creativity and statistically-generated text, while examining the critical question: How do we maintain human agency and wisdom in an increasingly AI-driven world? Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply curious about AI's role in society, this episode offers essential perspectives on navigating the promises and perils of artificial intelligence.
Resources:
https://covenant.edu/
Departing In Peace: Biblical Decision-Making at the End of Life by Dr. Bill Davis on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Departing-Peace-Biblical-Decision-Making-Life/dp/1629952591
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
Many Americans across the country that feel stuck with their financial institution simply because the idea of switching feels too overwhelming. The team at America’s Christian Credit Union helps make the process easy. Whether it’s looking for better business banking or seeking a financial partner that shares your values, ACCU is here to serve you.
If you’re ready to align your banking with your beliefs, it’s time to make the switch to ACCU.
Visit www.AmericasChristianCU.com/CC to learn more and get started today.
America’s Christian Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA.
We’re partnering with Dad Tired to give away two free tickets to their upcoming retreat—a weekend designed to equip, refresh, and connect Christian fathers who are serious about living out their calling. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering our show, this is your chance to invest in your walk with Christ, your leadership at home, and your brotherhood with other men doing the same.
Here’s how to enter: head to the Refining Rhetoric Instagram (or follow this link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLptZ2DO7Z7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==), look for the pinned post about the Dad Tired Retreat giveaway and follow the instructions in the caption.
What if the key to saving America isn't found in Washington D.C., but in the hands that rock the cradle? Join host Robert as he sits down with Kimberly Fletcher, founder of Moms for America, who transformed from a patriotic mom into a patriot after 9/11 when her Air Force husband narrowly escaped the Pentagon attack. With over 20 years of grassroots activism experience, Kimberly shares how God called her to start a national organization despite feeling completely unqualified—and how that humility became her greatest strength. Discover why Kimberly believes America's identity crisis can only be solved by empowering mothers, how the left wins through storytelling while conservatives fight with statistics, and why building relationships with legislators through birthday cards and thank-you notes is more effective than angry phone calls. From the power of the America 250 celebration to mobilize patriotism, to practical strategies for getting involved in the political process, this episode reveals how ordinary moms are becoming the extraordinary force reshaping American culture. Whether you're a seasoned activist or just waking up to the need for involvement, Kimberly's journey from homeschool mom to national leader will inspire you to step into your calling and discover the immeasurable influence you have simply by being who you are.
Resources:
https://momsforamerica.us/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
Have you heard? National Memory Master and National Commencement are moving to the Classical Conversations family cruise in 2026. This cruise isn’t just to celebrate CC graduates and memory masters, it’s for all CC families! You can connect with CC leaders and families at all stages of their journey and turn education into a memorable family adventure as you explore the Bahamas aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. Check out our landing page at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026.
We’re partnering with Dad Tired to give away two free tickets to their upcoming retreat—a weekend designed to equip, refresh, and connect Christian fathers who are serious about living out their calling. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering our show, this is your chance to invest in your walk with Christ, your leadership at home, and your brotherhood with other men doing the same.
Here’s how to enter: head to the Refining Rhetoric Instagram (or follow this link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLptZ2DO7Z7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==), look for the pinned post about the Dad Tired Retreat giveaway and follow the instructions in the caption.
What if the secret to raising spiritually mature kids isn't found in the latest parenting book, but in letting Scripture do the heavy lifting? Robert interviews Josh Niemi, founder of Expository Parenting Ministries, about his unique approach to Christian parenting that mirrors expository preaching—teaching children the Bible verse by verse in systematic discipleship. Josh shares how to start with storybook Bibles for younger children before transitioning to verse-by-verse study, the importance of partnering with expositional churches, and how this method builds solid theological foundations without common evangelical misconceptions. He offers practical insights from teaching his own three children through the entire Old Testament and discusses children's surprising capacity for understanding deep theology. The conversation also covers his book "Greater Than Aaron," exploring how Christ fulfills the Old Testament priesthood.
Resources:
https://www.expositoryparenting.org/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by the Classical Learning Cohort
The Classical Learning Cohort offers online classes for parents to become more confident and competent Classical teachers. Through small-group lessons with trained Mentors, participants practice implementing classical skills, giving and receiving assessments, while experiencing transformative growth as a classical Christian educator.
Want to learn more? Attend a free, online, Experience the CLC event at classicalconversations.com/cohort.
What if your teenager knows all the "right" Christian answers but can't defend a single one? Join Robert Bortins as he sits down with Steve Noble, former Christian talk radio host turned educator, who's taught over 1,400 high school homeschoolers since 2011. After 17 years on the airwaves, Steve made the bold decision to leave radio behind and focus entirely on equipping the next generation through his classes in civics, U.S. history, world history, and Christian ethics. Discover why civic ignorance is rampant even among conservative Christian kids, how to balance truth and grace in our polarized culture, and why teaching students how to think biblically is more crucial than ever. Steve shares hard-won wisdom about moving from cultural warrior to grace-filled educator, plus practical insights for parents wanting to raise kids who can defend their faith with both conviction and love.
Resources:
https://www.nobleuschool.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
Have you heard? National Memory Master and National Commencement are moving to the Classical Conversations family cruise in 2026. This cruise isn’t just to celebrate CC graduates and memory masters, it’s for all CC families! You can connect with CC leaders and families at all stages of their journey and turn education into a memorable family adventure as you explore the Bahamas aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. Check out our landing page at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026.
Could competitive debate actually strengthen your child's faith while building their confidence? Most parents never imagine their quiet kid becoming a national-level debater, but that's exactly what happened in this family. In this inspiring mother-son interview, Alyssa and Thaddeus share their remarkable journey through Stoa (Speech & Debate) and Classical Conversations. Discover how Thaddeus transformed into a persuasive communicator now thriving on Patrick Henry College's varsity mock trial team. Learn how Stoa's Christian approach to speech and debate not only builds communication skills but strengthens biblical worldview, creates lifelong friendships, and prepares students to "speak boldly and change the world for Christ." Whether you're a homeschooling parent wondering if your child could handle public speaking or curious about integrating rigorous academics with character development, this episode reveals the powerful combination of Classical Conversations and competitive speech and debate.
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Stoa Christian Homeschool Speech and Debate League
https://www.stoausa.org/
Why has Pride Month become less about tolerance and more about forced celebration—and what can faithful churches do about it? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Dr. Rosaria Butterfield—former lesbian activist turned pastor's wife—explains how LGBTQ ideology became a cultural idol and why the evangelical church's "winsome" approach has failed. She offers biblical guidance for churches and parents on how to faithfully respond during Pride Month by boldly proclaiming gospel truth rather than negotiating with idols.
Key Discussion Points:
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How the gay rights movement evolved from privatization to mandatory celebration
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Why LGBTQ ideology functions as an idol demanding worship and child sacrifice
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The evangelical church's failed strategy of compromise over truth
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Practical advice for parents of prodigals struggling with sexual sin
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What churches should do during Pride Month instead of staying silent
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Why Gen Z is hungry for bold truth over therapeutic excuses
Resources:
https://rosariabutterfield.com/
"The Lust of the Flesh: Thinking Biblically About Sexual Orientation" by Jared Moore
"The Enemy Within" by Chris Lundgaard
John Owen's works on indwelling sin
"From Transgender to Transformed" by Laura Perry Smalts
Decision Point (decisionpoint.org)
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Copper Lodge Library 2025 New Releases
Explore the exciting new 2025 additions to the Classical Conversations Bookstore! From engaging philosophy studies with Reasoning Together to timeless classics in the Copper Lodge Library and innovative math resources like the four new domains of The Math Map and two unique math flashcard sets, these tools are designed to support classical, Christian education at every level. Visit classicalconversations.com/whatsnew/ to see all the new releases and take advantage of savings of up to $30 off in April.
What if the same skills that solve decades-old murders could prove the reliability of the Gospels? Cold case detective J. Warner Wallace was a committed atheist who thought Christianity was fiction—until he applied his investigative training to the New Testament. What he discovered changed everything. J. Warner Wallace, a featured cold case detective from NBC Dateline and author of the bestselling "Cold Case Christianity," shares his remarkable journey from committed atheist to Christian apologist. Wallace explains why evidential faith is like wearing a bulletproof vest in a gunfight—especially crucial for raising kids in today's increasingly hostile culture. Key Themes: • How detective skills reveal biblical truth through forensic statement analysis
• Why our culture shifted from positive to negative toward Christianity
• The difference between "belief that" and "belief in"
• Why parental passion about faith is more contagious than any program
This conversation will challenge how you think about faith, evidence, and raising the next generation of believers in an increasingly skeptical world.
Resources: https://coldcasechristianity.com/
https://www.casemakersacademy.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by The Math Map: Monomials The Math Map Monomials helps families practice introductory algebraic computation together using classical skills that prepare students for the mathematical conversation of the ages. Visit https://classicalconversations.com/the-math-map/ today to transform your family's math experience!
Bitcoin just smashed through $112,000 while the bond market implodes and Japan's decades-old financial strategy unravels before our eyes. Is this the beginning of crypto's final moonshot to $500K+, or are we witnessing the setup for a devastating 70% crash? In this emergency market update, we break down three wildly different scenarios that could play out over the next 6 months - and why one week of market action might have changed everything we thought we knew about Bitcoin's relationship to traditional finance.
Key Topics Covered
- Bitcoin's new all-time high at $112,000
- US bond market struggles and rising interest rates
- Japanese yen carry trade unwinding
- Bitcoin decoupling from stock market
- Three future price scenarios for Bitcoin
- Investment strategies and dollar cost averaging
- Bitcoin lending opportunities and risks
- Altcoin market performance vs Bitcoin
- Government debt crisis implications
This episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing discussed should be considered financial advice.
Resources:
https://ccalumni.network/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: Three Division Design and Animation
Three Division is a 3D art and animation studio with real industry experience, working with brands like Disney and Warner Brothers. Their 10-Week Cohort gives students hands-on training in the 3D software Blender, along with mentorship from industry professionals, and a Christ-centered approach to creativity. Equip your student with the skills to thrive in the future of digital art—apply before May 31 and receive a 20% discount at threedivision.com/cohorts.
What if everything we've been taught about Earth's geological timeline is dramatically wrong? In this eye-opening episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert interviews Dr. Jeff Miller, a biomechanical engineer with a PhD from Auburn University who specializes in creation science.
Key topics covered:
· Dr. Miller's research on hypo-gene speleogenesis showing caves form rapidly through rising acidic waters during the flood
· The discovery of soft tissue in dinosaur fossils challenging conventional dating methods
· Why carbon dating actually supports young Earth theories rather than contradicting them
· The "reproducibility crisis" affecting over 50% of published scientific research
· How leading cosmologists acknowledge the universe appears "tailor-made" for humans
· Educational opportunities through Dr. Miller's "Flooded" book and hands-on programs in Arizona studying geological evidence
Dr. Miller shares how scientific evidence increasingly supports Biblical accounts like the global flood, offering compelling alternatives to conventional geological and evolutionary theories.
Resources:
https://apologeticspress.org/people/jeff-miller-phd/
Jeff’s Book: https://store.apologeticspress.org/products/flooded
Creation Research Program: Email CRP@ApologeticsPress.org for information about educational programs in Arizona
Episode Sponsored By Classic Learning Test
Learn more about CLT's online, at-home testing or their paper testing options for your community, and get 25% off your assessments at info.cltexam.com/classicalconversations. CC Connected families receive 25% off all CLT assessments!
What if the most thrilling story ever written is one you're ignoring on your bookshelf? Robert welcomes Dr. Samuel Bierig, Vice President of Undergraduate Studies at Spurgeon College, to discuss why so many find the Bible boring when it's actually wildly fascinating.
Key highlights:
· Dr. Bierig introduces his upcoming book "Surprised by the Bible: A Guide for the Perplexed and Bored," which aims to help readers fall in love with Scripture again (or for the first time)
· The conversation addresses why modern Christians struggle with regular Bible reading despite it being God's direct words to us
· Dr. Bierig reveals his picks for most underrated biblical books: Numbers, Proverbs, Lamentations, and Jude
· Practical advice for teaching children to love Scripture through catechisms and connecting Bible readings to Sunday sermons
· Discussion of how American Christians might return to biblical foundations by making Scripture "the loudest voice in our heads"
For anyone struggling with biblical literacy or seeking to deepen their understanding of God's Word, this episode offers practical wisdom on rediscovering the Bible as a living, thrilling text relevant to every aspect of daily life.
Resources:
https://spurgeoncollege.com/
Sponsored by Classical Conversations - Parent Practicum
Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment. Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com.
Is your energetic, can't-sit-still son being treated like a 'defective girl' in today's educational system? Mark Hancock reveals how to celebrate boys' God-given design instead of trying to change it. Robert continues his conversation with Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA. They discuss the unique challenges boys face in today's educational and cultural environments, and how parents can intentionally raise boys to become godly men. Mark explains how Trail Life USA serves as a Christ-centered, boy-focused character leadership and adventure organization for boys from kindergarten through 12th grade. With approximately 62,000 members across all 50 states and over 1,200 participating churches, Trail Life provides boys with outdoor activities like camping and hiking while maintaining a distinctly Christ-centered approach.
Resources:
Episode Sponsored by: Copper Lodge Library 2025 New Products
https://www.traillifeusa.com/
Explore the exciting new 2025 additions to the Classical Conversations Bookstore! From engaging philosophy studies with Reasoning Together to timeless classics in the Copper Lodge Library and innovative math resources like the four new domains of The Math Map and two unique math flashcard sets, these tools are designed to support classical, Christian education at every level. Visit classicalconversations.com/whatsnew/ to see all the new releases.
What happens when we challenge young Christians to step boldly into politics instead of stepping away? Joseph Jackson shares his journey from a politics-loving teen to a leader in TeenPact, a Christian government and leadership school for students ages 13-19. He discusses how his Classical Conversations education prepared him for public speaking and debate, the importance of Christians participating in the democratic process, and why today's youth should be held to higher standards. Learn about TeenPact's unique approach to teaching students about government branches, lobbying, and the political process through week-long state classes and national conventions.
Episode Sponsored by: Classical Conversations Foundation
https://teenpact.com/
Mark your calendar for the 2025 National Commencement, May 16-17, 2025, in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! This is a time for Classical Conversations families from around the nation to celebrate the hard work with fellow families on the homeschooling journey. Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/
What if Christians were called to be the flood instead of hiding in the ark? N.D. Wilson challenges believers to stop playing it safe and embrace a faith that's dangerously alive. Robert speaks with Wilson about his journey as a writer inspired by C.S. Lewis and Tolkien, his approach to Christian fantasy writing, and his belief that Christians should embrace wonder rather than fear. Wilson shares insights on raising children to be confident in their faith, creating joyful Sabbath traditions, and his work on nature documentaries like “Riot and the Dance” that present creation from a Christian perspective.
https://ndwilson.com/
Explore the exciting new 2025 additions to the Classical Conversations Bookstore! From engaging philosophy studies with Reasoning Together to timeless classics in the Copper Lodge Library and innovative math resources like the four new domains of The Math Map and two unique math flashcard sets, these tools are designed to support classical, Christian education at every level. Visit classicalconversations.com/whatsnew/ to see all the new releases and take advantage of savings of up to $30 off in April.
Are your children safe at school? Discover why thousands of families are choosing to exit the public education system. In this eye-opening episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert welcomes Dran Reese, founder and president of Public School Exit. With decades of experience in education advocacy, Dran explains why her organization helps Christian families transition their children from government schools to homeschooling or private Christian education. Dran shares alarming statistics about faith loss, bullying, and inappropriate content in public schools, discusses the concerning curriculum trends across districts nationwide, and offers practical resources for parents looking to make the transition. Learn how Public School Exit serves as a clearinghouse of information, providing step-by-step guides and partnerships with quality educational alternatives like Classical Conversations.
https://www.publicschoolexit.com/
Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment. Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com.
Are you accidentally funding values that oppose your faith every time you deposit a paycheck Robert interviews Frank Clement, VP of Strategic Partnerships at America's Christian Credit Union. Frank shares how Christians can align their financial decisions with biblical values, revealing that many unwittingly undermine their faith through banking choices. "Your money doesn't just sit there," Frank explains, highlighting how deposits at major banks fund initiatives that may contradict Christian beliefs. The conversation explores faith-based banking alternatives, adoption financing opportunities, and practical wisdom for teaching children financial literacy—all while weaving in classical education principles.
America’s Christian Credit Union is proud to partner with Classical Conversations to provide a full suite of banking services to CC communities across the country. Whether you’re a Licensed Director looking for better business banking or a family seeking a financial partner that shares your values, we are here to serve. We invite you to join ACCU and enjoy the many benefits of membership, including competitive returns on deposits, low-rate loans, and a nationwide network of shared branches and surcharge-free ATMs via the Co-Op Network. Click here to learn more.
Is philosophy obsolete in our AI-driven world? Timothy Knotts argues just the opposite. Robert interviews Timothy Knotts, a member of Classical Conversations' development team, about "Reasoning Together Philosophy", an anthology of original works and excerpts from philosophers, writers, and thinkers from all eras, coming Spring 2025. Timothy discusses his journey into classical education, the importance of philosophy in today's education landscape, and why learning philosophical concepts remains relevant despite our STEM-focused culture. He explains how the book helps students engage with great thinkers throughout history while balancing faith and reason. Timothy also shares insights for homeschooling parents about prioritizing what matters most in education and offers advice for fathers on staying engaged with their children's learning journey.
https://info.classicalconversations.com/reasoning
https://www.newenglandcce.com/
The Classical Learning Cohort offers online classes for parents to become more confident and competent Classical teachers. Through small-group lessons with trained Mentors, participants practice implementing classical skills, giving and receiving assessments, while experiencing transformative growth as a classical Christian educator. Want to learn more? Attend a free, online, Experience the CLC event at classicalconversations.com/cohort.
When election night broadcasters were still counting votes, cryptocurrency insiders already knew who won. In this exclusive in-studio interview, Robert welcomes Will McCreery to explain how this digital asset has become both a leading economic indicator and a financial revolution that's caught the attention of the White House. The duo breaks down Bitcoin's fundamentals—from its decentralized nature and limited 21-million supply to the critical "halving" cycle. They explore how business leaders like Michael Saylor transformed their companies by converting cash reserves to Bitcoin, discuss President Trump's recent crypto summit at the White House, and reveal which ISO 20022-compliant cryptocurrencies could revolutionize banking by slashing transaction times from days to mere seconds.
The Classical Learning Cohort offers online classes for parents to become more confident and competent Classical teachers. Through small-group lessons with trained Mentors, participants practice implementing classical skills, giving and receiving assessments, while experiencing transformative growth as a classical Christian educator. Want to learn more?
Attend a free, online, Experience the CLC event at classicalconversations.com/cohort.
Could AI actually strengthen our faith communities rather than replace them? In this thought-provoking episode, Robert interviews Dr. Richard Snyder from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington. They explore the intersection of technology, faith, and education, with particular focus on how Christians should approach AI and digital media. Dr. Snyder shares insights from Northwest University's new "Tech and Culture" course, which is now part of their core curriculum. They discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by technological innovations, the importance of Christians actively shaping technology rather than merely responding to it, and how Northwest University prepares students to bring biblical perspectives into tech companies.
https://www.northwestu.edu/
Sign up for a Summer Camp Virtual Presentation at theexcelcamp.org . Your student will embark on a transformative journey in the Blue Ridge Mountains where they'll build lasting friendships in the context of community, embark on thrilling adventures like camping, rock climbing, and white-water rafting, and receive expert training and certifications in categories from CPR to Wilderness First Aid. Each aspect of the camp is woven together to help them learn to discover truth, discern wisely and take Godly action in the context of real-life situations. Learn more at theexcelcamp.org
What if the 80,000 hours you'll spend at work could become your most fulfilling ministry opportunity? Robert interviews Jeff Reep, the Director of Career Services at Cedarville University. They discuss the intersection of homeschooling, coaching, and Christian leadership. Jeff shares his 26-year journey homeschooling five boys, his experiences as an award-winning NCAA basketball coach, and his approach to career guidance and mentoring college students. The conversation highlights biblical principles for career discernment, purposeful work as worship, and the importance of intentional marriage mentoring.
https://www.cedarville.edu/
reepj@cedarville.edu
Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment.
Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com
While most students graduate with financial shackles, Excel College graduates debt-free with real-world skills. Robert speaks with Andrew Haak, Director of Excel Summer Leadership Camp. Andrew shares how Excel College students responded during Hurricane Helene, transforming their campus into a major distribution center for Western North Carolina. As a US Air Force veteran and former international missionary who has served in over 30 countries, Andrew brings a unique perspective to leadership development. He discusses Excel's distinctive educational philosophy that teaches students how to think rather than what to think, their debt-free education model, and their immersive two-week summer leadership camps that combine wilderness adventure, first aid training, and critical thinking for teens ages 15-19.
https://www.theexcelcollege.com/
https://www.theexcelcamp.org/
Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment.
Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com
In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Megan Griffin, Provost and Senior Vice President at Southeastern University, pulls back the curtain on the challenges and opportunities facing Christian higher education today. With two universities closing weekly across America, Dr. Griffin shares how SEU is breaking traditional models to create affordable, accessible education while maintaining biblical fidelity. Dr. Griffin challenges Christian colleges to reimagine their business models, maintain their spiritual mission, and extend their reach beyond traditional student demographics. Her passionate vision for transformation emphasizes education as spiritual formation that prepares students for meaningful lives of purpose.
https://seu.edu/
Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment.
Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com
What happens when a reluctant baseball player takes a bioethics class that changes his entire perspective on learning and life? Robert explores the intersection of philosophy, theology, and practical ethics with Dr. Bill Davis, professor at Covenant College and Reform Theological Seminary, and Noah Sweatman, Covenant College admissions counselor and Classical Conversations graduate. The conversation delves into how philosophy enriches theological understanding, with Dr. Davis explaining how Scripture writers used classical thought while correcting erroneous assumptions. Noah shares his surprising journey from being a reluctant bioethics student to finding it one of his most influential college classes, despite having no background in the field.
Covenant College on Lookout Mountain, GA, equips students for life in Christ-centered community. Our uncompromising biblical foundation gives you the freedom to curiously explore your calling and career. Learn More at covenant.edu/CC
Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment.
Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com
What happens when 400-year-old theological wisdom meets modern cultural challenges? Rev. Levi Berntson, Assistant Professor of Theology at Reformed Bible College and teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, shares his journey from farm fields in North Dakota to theological academia. He discusses his work translating Dutch Reformed theologian Campegius Vitringa and explains how Reformed theology's core principles—high view of Scripture, justification by faith alone, and God's sovereignty—remain relevant in today's increasingly secular culture. The conversation explores the essential relationship between knowing God and loving God, how theological education benefits Christians in all vocations, not just ministry, and practical advice for Christians navigating complex cultural challenges.
https://reformationbiblecollege.org/
Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment.
Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com
What if the solution to our throwaway culture lies in ancient educational methods and traditional craftsmanship? Robert interviews Luke Kolbie, CEO of Russell Moccasin Company and founder of Kingfisher Leather Works. Luke shares his remarkable journey from homeschooled Classical Conversations student to successful business leader and advocate for sustainable craftsmanship. Luke discusses how his classical education developed critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities that transformed his approach to business. He explains his mission of "conservation through craftsmanship" - creating products of such high quality that they never need to enter the waste cycle.
https://russellmoccasin.com/ Luke’s Email: Luke@RussellMoccasin.com
Discover the joy of learning in arts-integrated classes that combine academic subjects with fine art. From cycle-specific history to biology to art history, our passionate teachers make learning creative, memorable, and fun! Registration is open now for summer and fall classes. Classical Conversations families enjoy $10 off any live class with the coupon code: CCFAM10OFF Visit www.delightfulartco.com and make learning delightful!
Can a classically-educated student excel in STEM fields? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert welcomes Courtney Sanford, a homeschool mother and associate professor of fine arts at Bryan College, who shares her family's journey with classical education. She discusses how incorporating art and hands-on learning enhanced her children's education, including one son's path to medical school and another's pursuit of computer science. Courtney also introduces her innovative online art education company, Delightful Art Co, which integrates art with academic subjects for homeschool students.
Discover the joy of learning in arts-integrated classes that combine academic subjects with fine art. From cycle-specific history to biology to art history, our passionate teachers make learning creative, memorable, and fun! Registration is open now for summer and fall classes.
Classical Conversations families enjoy $10 off any live class with the coupon code: CCFAM10OFF Visit www.delightfulartco.com and make learning delightful!
From sitting at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter in 1960 to advocating for educational reform today, civil rights pioneer Clarence Henderson shares his remarkable journey of courage and conviction. Henderson recounts his firsthand experience during the historic Greensboro sit-ins and discusses how that watershed moment shaped his lifelong mission as a champion for freedom. Through candid conversation, he offers unique insights on America's progress in race relations, the importance of economic empowerment, and his concerns about modern education. Henderson challenges listeners to defend liberty through personal responsibility and civic engagement, arguing that freedom's price "must be paid in full and upfront."
https://clarencehenderson.com/
Tools for Transcripts is a resource for you to learn how to assess your students using the proven tools that bring life-changing results. We offer classes, coaching, and consulting.
Classical Conversations families receive 10% off using the coupon code 10OFF4CC.
To learn more, visit www.classicaltools4change.com
From Fortune 30 IT executive to nonprofit leader - Chris May shares how TeenPact Leadership Schools is transforming youth through hands-on civic engagement and faith-based leadership training at state capitals nationwide. Discover how this unique program is equipping the next generation of leaders through real-world political simulations and discipleship, with opportunities for students to experience government firsthand.
https://teenpact.com/
Mark your calendar for the 2025 National Commencement, May 16-17, 2025, in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! This is a time for Classical Conversations families from around the nation to celebrate the hard work with fellow families on the homeschooling journey. Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/
Can a Christian university create both spiritual depth and genuine joy? Dr. Michael Lindsay, President of Taylor University, reveals how his institution ranks #3 for happiest students nationwide while maintaining spiritual and academic rigor. In this episode, the Princeton-educated sociologist shares insights on developing faith-centered leaders, navigating college admissions, and integrating faith in the workplace.
https://www.taylor.edu/
https://x.com/dmichaellindsay
Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment.
Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com
From federal executive orders to state legislation battles, the school choice landscape is rapidly evolving - but are these changes moving us toward educational freedom or greater government control? In this thought-provoking wrap-up of School Choice Week, Robert delivers a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in education policy, including the latest federal executive orders, state-level initiatives in Tennessee and Texas, and proposed tax credit programs. He examines the complex intersection of federal funding, state autonomy, and educational freedom while sharing insights from behind-the-scenes conversations in the school choice movement.
Why did homeschooling succeed without government funding, while “school choice” demands it? We wrap up School Choice Week with Jim Mason, president of the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), about an alternative to school choice that aligns with limited government principles. Mason breaks down HSLDA's proposal for education tax credits, explains how the homeschool movement succeeded without government funding, and discusses why accepting state money could threaten the educational freedom parents have fought decades to secure.
https://hslda.org/
Choice is good. A good choice is better. Therefore, choose better.
Click here to learn more about Education Independence and join the Education Independence Network. We exist to educate, inspire, and equip members to promote and protect education independence in their local government.
https://chooseeducationindependence.com/
Is 'school choice' really about choice, or is it a Trojan horse for greater government control? In this School Choice Week episode, Robert hosts author and education advocate Sam Sorbo to examine the language and implications of the school choice movement. Drawing from her experience as a homeschool parent and author of 'Words for Warriors,' Sorbo unpacks how government-funded education initiatives could impact private and homeschool freedom.
https://samsorbo.locals.com/
https://rumble.com/c/SamSorbo
Choice is good. A good choice is better. Therefore, choose better.
Click here to learn more about Education Independence and join the Education Independence Network. We exist to educate, inspire, and equip members to promote and protect education independence in their local government.
https://chooseeducationindependence.com/
Should conservatives who oppose universal basic income support 'universal basic education'? We continue our School Choice Week series as Robert speaks with grassroots activist Aundrea Gomez about the contradictions in conservative support for school choice. Gomez, a former teacher and engaged citizen from Tennessee, breaks down how government funding of private education expands rather than shrinks bureaucracy, explores the role of out-of-state money in local education politics, and explains why true educational freedom requires independence from government dollars.
https://x.com/aundreago
Choice is good. A good choice is better. Therefore, choose better.
Click here to learn more about Education Independence and join the Education Independence Network. We exist to educate, inspire, and equip members to promote and protect education independence in their local government.
https://chooseeducationindependence.com/
Could government-funded “school choice” lead to less educational freedom? We continue our School Choice Week series with journalist and Classical Conversations Senior Fellow Alex Newman for an in-depth discussion on school choice policies. Newman shares insights from his international experience, particularly in Sweden, and examines how government-funded education initiatives have impacted private and homeschool education globally. The conversation explores the historical context of educational funding, the role of UNESCO, and potential implications for American education policy.
https://libertysentinel.org/
Choice is good. A good choice is better. Therefore, choose better.
Click here to learn more about Education Independence and join the Education Independence Network. We exist to educate, inspire, and equip members to promote and protect education independence in their local government.
https://chooseeducationindependence.com/
Would you trust Mark Zuckerberg to run your child's school? As we continue our School Choice Week series, Robert interviews author and cultural critic James Lindsay to explore how universal school choice could lead to corporate monopolies in education. Lindsay, founder of New Discourses and author of “The Marxification of Education,” breaks down the origins of school choice in 1970s Berkeley, explains why it's neither conservative nor free-market, and warns how government subsidies could transform private education into an industry dominated by massive corporations.
https://newdiscourses.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Marxification-Education-Freires-Critical-Marxism-ebook/dp/B0BHXDR544
Choice is good. A good choice is better. Therefore, choose better.
Click here to learn more about Education Independence and join the Education Independence Network. We exist to educate, inspire, and equip members to promote and protect education independence in their local government.
https://chooseeducationindependence.com/
Can $7,000 buy your educational freedom? We kick off our School Choice Week series with researcher Lisa Logan about the concerning global agenda behind school choice initiatives. Logan, host of Parents of Patriots and author of Education Manifesto, breaks down UNESCO's involvement in education policy, the role of major foundations pushing school choice, and how government funding could lead to the erosion of true educational freedom.
Lisa’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtlIC1oYPBQiVFjJhngZggQ
Lisa’s Substack: https://lisalogan.substack.com/
Choice is good. A good choice is better. Therefore, choose better.
Click here to learn more about Education Independence and join the Education Independence Network. We exist to educate, inspire, and equip members to promote and protect education independence in their local government.
https://chooseeducationindependence.com/
Looking to navigate the college admissions process as a homeschooler? Robert sits down with Blake and Sophie Sunny from Asbury University to demystify the journey from homeschool to higher education. Sophie, a former Classical Conversations student herself, shares her personal transition to college life, while Blake offers invaluable insights as Asbury's homeschool admissions counselor. With 20% of Asbury's student population coming from homeschool backgrounds, they discuss everything from crafting transcripts and preparing for campus visits to what makes homeschool students stand out in college.
https://www.asbury.edu/
How does a struggling Christian college transform into a thriving university while keeping tuition frozen for 16 years? Grand Canyon University President Brian Mueller shares the remarkable story of GCU's innovative approach to affordable education, student-led spiritual growth, and community transformation. From serving immigrant neighborhoods to pioneering industry partnerships, discover how GCU is redefining Christian higher education while staying true to its biblical mission.
https://www.gcu.edu/
Can a college focused on ancient texts prepare students for modern challenges better than traditional universities? Dr. Charles Dewberry, Academic Dean of Gutenberg College, joins Robert to discuss their unique great books approach to higher education. Learn how this small liberal arts college uses tutoring and primary texts to teach students the art of living wisely and discover why their graduates are uniquely prepared to tackle complex problems in today's world.
https://gutenberg.edu/
Is our modern view of the family broken? Robert interviews Jeremy Pryor, founder of Family Teams Ministry. Jeremy shares his journey from being uninterested in fatherhood to becoming a passionate advocate for multigenerational family teams after being inspired by Jewish and Arab family cultures during his time in Jerusalem. They discuss how modern Western family structures differ from biblical models, the importance of building family assets and businesses together, and practical ways to cultivate stronger family teams.
https://familyteams.com/
Mark your calendar for the 2025 National Commencement, May 16-17, 2025, in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! This is a time for Classical Conversations families from around the nation to celebrate the hard work with fellow families on the homeschooling journey.
Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/
Today we explore five essential tips for making classical thinking a lifestyle from some of our past episodes. From restoring liberal arts to their biblical roots, to cultivating natural curiosity and demonstrating real understanding, join us for practical insights on bringing classical education into everyday life. Will wraps up the episode with a crypto segment.
Classical Learning Cohorts help CC Directors, Tutors, and Parent-Teachers grow in confidence and competence with the classical tools of learning and as classical educators. Curious about our cohorts or ready to apply for a seat? Register at classicalconversations.com/cohort
Was Jesus a Marxist? Robert interviews Jerry Bowyer, president of Bowyer Research and author of "The Maker Versus the Taker: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics." They explore the biblical perspective on economics, discussing how Jesus's teachings relate to free markets, the difference between wealth creation and wealth extraction, and practical guidance for Christians navigating today's economic landscape. Bowyer shares insights on responsible investing, proxy voting, and how Christians can be effective stewards of their resources while maintaining their values in an increasingly complex financial world.
https://www.meetingofmindspodcast.com/
https://x.com/jerryleebowyer
https://www.bowyerresearch.com/
Life is busy! Download audio versions of the articles from the Catalog and listen while you’re in the car, working out, or forward an episode to a friend. To listen to articles that will equip and encourage you no matter where you are in your homeschooling journey go to ClassicalConversations.com/Catalog-Articles
In this special compilation episode, guest host Chris Blackburn presents the top five classical educational conversations from the year. Featured guests include Classical Conversations founder Leigh Bortins discussing the theological significance of mathematics, Douglas Wilson on Christian education as a moral imperative, Kathy Gibbens exploring the importance of formal logic in the AI age, Lynne Taylor offering a controversial perspective on education rights, and Adam Powers sharing his family's RV living and homeschooling journey. Tune in to relive some of our most thought-provoking guests from 2024!
Kick off the Christmas season with a heartwarming story that captures the true joy and meaning of Christmas. Filled with laughter, unforgettable moments, and a message of love and grace, this movie will remind you that no one is beyond the reach of hope. Bring the whole family and don’t miss out—see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on the big screen now in theatres! Buy Tickets Here
How can classical education bridge divides and create hope? Dr. Anika Prather—scholar, educator, and founder of the Living Water School—shares her inspiring journey into classical education and her vision for its future. As a lecturer at Howard University and passionate advocate for making classical education accessible to all communities, Dr. Prather offers unique insights into how ancient wisdom can unite rather than divide.
https://drprather.com/
https://x.com/AnikaFreeindeed
Mark your calendar for the 2025 National Commencement, May 16-17, 2025, in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! This is a time for Classical Conversations families from around the nation to celebrate the hard work with fellow families on the homeschooling journey.
Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/
What are you thankful for? In this heartwarming Thanksgiving special, Robert opens his heart to share the blessings he's most grateful for this season. He shares a heartfelt reflection on gratitude, expressing thanks for his family, community leaders, and you, our faithful listeners.
Classical Learning Cohorts help CC Directors, Tutors, and Parent-Teachers grow in confidence and competence with the classical tools of learning and as classical educators.
Curious about our cohorts or ready to apply for a seat? Register at classicalconversations.com/cohort
How does someone go from writing pro-LGBT legislation to defending biblical truth? Join us for a powerful conversation with Rosaria Butterfield, author of "Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age." A former tenured professor of English and Women's Studies at Syracuse University, Butterfield shares her journey from lesbian activist to Christian author and speaker. She offers profound insights on current cultural challenges facing Christians while emphasizing the importance of both truth and loving engagement with neighbors. Now a pastor's wife, homeschool mom, and classical educator, Butterfield discusses cultural deceptions around identity, gender, and faith expression, while sharing practical wisdom about community involvement.
https://rosariabutterfield.com/
Life is busy! Download audio versions of the articles from the Catalog and listen while you’re in the car, working out, or forward an episode to a friend. To listen to articles that will equip and encourage you no matter where you are in your homeschooling journey go to ClassicalConversations.com/Catalog-Articles
Could the Department of Education be on the chopping block? Robert Bortins explores the seismic shifts that could reshape America's educational landscape. From radical changes in federal employment to surging cryptocurrency markets, Robert breaks down what these transformations could mean for educators, investors, and families.
https://www.redballoon.work/cc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4xuRZYLpgk&t=17s
https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2024/11/11/will-trump-eliminate-the-department-of-education-what-we-know-as-elon-musk-applauds-good-idea/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/09/democrats-working-class-exodus-sets-off-reckoning-within-party/76117107007/
Mark your calendar for the 2025 National Commencement, May 16-17, 2025, in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! This is a time for Classical Conversations families from around the nation to celebrate the hard work with fellow families on the homeschooling journey.
Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/
Can traditional radio reach a TikTok generation with timeless truth? Join Robert as he sits down with Stu Epperson Jr., founder and president of Truth Network. With 45 radio signals nationwide, Epperson shares his journey in Christian broadcasting and discusses defending truth in today's media landscape. Listen in as they explore how to engage culture while staying true to biblical principles.
https://www.truthnetwork.com/
Celebrating together! Has your student or community done something noteworthy? We are collecting these stories, accomplishments, and events to celebrate and share the excitement of homeschooling. Please provide as much information as possible to completely tell the story. Share your story at http://www.classicalconversations.com/celebrate-together.
Can a homeschool mom shape state policy on educational freedom? In this episode, host Robert Bortins interviews Michigan State Representative Jamie Green, a homeschool mom and former Classical Conversations representative. They discuss proposed Michigan legislation that could track homeschool, private, and parochial students, raising concerns about parental rights. As Vice Chair of the House Education Committee, Jamie emphasizes the need for civic involvement to defend educational liberty and offers practical ways for parents to engage locally.
https://voteforgreene.com/
Celebrating together! Has your student or community done something noteworthy? We are collecting these stories, accomplishments, and events to celebrate and share the excitement of homeschooling. Please provide as much information as possible to completely tell the story. Share your story at http://www.classicalconversations.com/celebrate-together.
Will Kentucky’s new amendment lead to less freedoms for homeschoolers? In today’s episode, Robert interviews Dr. Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. They discuss the new amendment that is being pushed in Kentucky, and while Dr. Mohler is for the amendment, Robert is more skeptical. Tune in to hear a thought-provoking conversation!
Resources: https://albertmohler.com/
Curious about homeschooling? Want to see Classical Conversations in action? Visit an Open House, where you’ll interact with parents, students, Tutors, and Directors in a local setting and discover the joy of our community-based approach. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience homeschooling in action! Find an Open House near you at https://classicalconversations.com/events/
Should Christians vote red or blue? In this episode, Robert dives into the timely topic of Christian voting. He breaks down key issues like life, religious freedom, and immigration, offering guidance on aligning your vote with a biblical worldview. Plus, Robert answers listener questions on navigating political differences and choosing candidates who may not fully reflect your values.
Voting Guide: https://mfv.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com/PDF/2024-Party-Platform-Comparison-My-Faith-Votes.pdf
Robert's X Post: https://x.com/TheRobertBshow/status/1846220232563507650
Curious about homeschooling? Want to see Classical Conversations in action? Visit an Open House, where you’ll interact with parents, students, Tutors, and Directors in a local setting and discover the joy of our community-based approach. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience homeschooling in action! Find an Open House near you at https://classicalconversations.com/events/
What happened to UFOs? Robert Bortins welcomes Dr. Josh Pierson, a military professional with 24 years of service and a doctorate in strategic security. Together, they dive into Dr. Pierson’s recent dissertation on the detectable signatures of Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena (UAPs). They discuss the intersection of national security, UAP research, and how the classical model of education helped shape Dr. Pierson’s methodology.
Discover the clarity you need to make the best decision for your family’s educational needs at one of our Information Meetings. Connect with experienced CC parents, learn about our unique classical, Christian programs, and find out if attending an Open House is your next step. Take control of your homeschooling journey by attending an Information Meeting. Find an Info Meeting near you at https://classicalconversations.com/events/
Can public school help your child’s faith grow? Robert and Chris critique an article from “Christianity Today” that suggests sending Christian children to public schools to build their faith. They argue public schools promote secular values that can harm a child's faith. Will also briefly discusses Bitcoin’s rise in value and the controversy surrounding SEC chair Gary Ginsler’s handling of crypto regulations.
https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/09/public-school-can-be-a-training-ground-for-faith/
The Secret Garden is a beloved classic novel. The footnotes include word definitions, pronunciations, and historical context to support life-long learning, enabling students to deepen their reading and thinking skills. Wide margins encourage note taking and having “conversations” with the book and its author. Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at CopperLodgeLibrary.com.
Could AI be a game changer in your child’s education? Robert and Chris discuss back-to-school insights for parents and explore the role of AI in education, examining its potential benefits and drawbacks for both homeschoolers and traditional classrooms. Will closes out the episode with a crypto update.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/decade-of-childhood/202408/make-back-to-school-better-with-what-homeschoolers-do
https://www.govtech.com/education/how-education-technology-companies-pitch-ai-to-teachers
Pride and Prejudice is a beloved classic novel. The footnotes include word definitions, pronunciations, and historical context to support life-long learning, enabling students to deepen their reading and thinking skills. Wide margins encourage note taking and having “conversations” with the book and its author. Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at https://copperlodgelibrary.com/.
How can Christians make a meaningful impact in the digital space? Arel Avellino, a serial entrepreneur and storyteller, explores how homeschooling and unconventional paths shaped his career in tech and media. Learn about his innovative accelerator program aimed at empowering young Christians in 3D design and animation.
https://www.threedivision.com/
New to the Copper Lodge Library this year is English Epic Poetry, a collection with “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, and selections from Canterbury Tales and Paradise Lost. Build a family culture by reading these stories together and have meaningful conversations about wisdom and virtue. Even in the less overtly religious poems of Sir Gawain and Canterbury Tales, readers find Christian themes like courage, forgiveness, and right use of power. Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at https://copperlodgelibrary.com/
Robert Bortins dives into a special “Ask Me Anything” session, answering a variety of questions from listeners. Topics range from the future of Classical Conversations events like summer and winter camps, to ways alumni can stay involved in the CC community. Robert also discusses the importance of engaging in politics from a Christian perspective, the challenges of homeschooling, and CC's stance on government funding for education.
The Secret Garden is a beloved classic novel. The footnotes include word definitions, pronunciations, and historical context to support life-long learning, enabling students to deepen their reading and thinking skills. Wide margins encourage note taking and having “conversations” with the book and its author. Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at CopperLodgeLibrary.com.
Did you know that homeschooling wasn’t always legal? Robert interviews Jim Mason, President of HSLDA. They discuss Jim’s journey into homeschooling advocacy, the importance of legal support for homeschoolers, and the ongoing challenges to homeschooling freedom in the U.S. Jim shares advice for homeschool parents and emphasizes the need for vigilance in protecting educational liberties, especially with the rise of government regulations.
https://hslda.org/
Pride and Prejudice is a beloved classic novel. The footnotes include word definitions, pronunciations, and historical context to support life-long learning, enabling students to deepen their reading and thinking skills. Wide margins encourage note taking and having “conversations” with the book and its author. Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at https://copperlodgelibrary.com/.
Does God still perform miracles? In this episode of “Refining Rhetoric,” Robert interviews author Daniel Fazzina about his incredible journey of faith and healing. Daniel shares his experiences of miraculous recoveries and discusses his book series which documents other miraculous stories. Tune in to hear Daniel's inspiring testimony and his thoughts on the power of faith and healing.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Intervention-Stories-Miracles-Today/dp/1621365549
New to the Copper Lodge Library this year is English Epic Poetry, a collection with Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and selections from Canterbury Tales and Paradise Lost.
Build a family culture by reading these stories together and have meaningful conversations about wisdom and virtue. Even in the less overtly religious poems of Sir Gawain and Canterbury Tales, readers find Christian themes like courage, forgiveness, and right use of power.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at https://copperlodgelibrary.com/
In this back-to-school episode, Robert and Chris explore how classical education helps children think critically, reach their full potential, and develop leadership skills. The episode also highlights two standout Classical Conversations students. Will ends the episode with a crypto update.
https://classicalconversations.com/blog/the-core-chapters-1-3-back-to-school-exploring-the-classical-model/
https://www.pmg-ky1.com/sentinel_news/vanovers-bright-colors-result-in-winning-poster-design/article_f19e294f-66c4-5f44-8bdc-866781ce15d0.html
https://www.tulsapeople.com/city-desk/next-stop-broadway-pair-of-tulsans-win-discovery-awards/article_10b38336-4ab0-11ef-824d-0fca29c9f953.html
Pride and Prejudice is a beloved classic novel. The footnotes include word definitions, pronunciations, and historical context to support life-long learning, enabling students to deepen their reading and thinking skills. Wide margins encourage note taking and having “conversations” with the book and its author.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at https://copperlodgelibrary.com/.
Is your smartphone separating you from your family? Robert welcomes Joey Odom, co-founder of Aro, a company dedicated to helping families manage screen time and build healthier relationships with their smartphones. Joey shares personal stories, including a powerful moment when he missed his son’s first soccer goal because he was distracted by his phone. He discusses the negative impact of smartphone addiction on family life and how Aro provides a practical solution through its technology, which encourages intentional phone-free time.
https://refiningrhetoric.com/aro
The Secret Garden is a beloved classic novel. The footnotes include word definitions, pronunciations, and historical context to support life-long learning, enabling students to deepen their reading and thinking skills. Wide margins encourage note taking and having “conversations” with the book and its author.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at CopperLodgeLibrary.com.
Is Kamala Harris a Marxist? In this episode, Robert and Chris return from a brief hiatus to discuss recent major events, including a presidential race shake-up, controversial Olympic moments, and the implications of a famous Kamala Harris quote. Will closes the episode with a crypto update.
https://www.carolinajournal.com/opinion/what-can-be-unburdened-by-what-has-been/
Pride and Prejudice is a beloved classic novel. The footnotes include word definitions, pronunciations, and historical context to support life-long learning, enabling students to deepen their reading and thinking skills. Wide margins encourage note taking and having “conversations” with the book and its author.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at https://copperlodgelibrary.com/.
Are Christians too combative when they’re countercultural? Pastor Doug Wilson has much to say on the topic. He shares his journey of over 40 years in ministry and his influence on classical Christian education. Pastor Wilson also discusses the importance of stepping outside of culturally accepted discourse to bring about change.
https://dougwils.com/
https://canonpress.com/
Pride and Prejudice is a beloved classic novel. The footnotes include word definitions, pronunciations, and historical context to support life-long learning, enabling students to deepen their reading and thinking skills. Wide margins encourage note taking and having “conversations” with the book and its author.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at https://copperlodgelibrary.com/.
Is public school properly educating our children? Robert chats with Classical Conversations Senior Fellow, Alex Newman, CEO of Liberty Sentinel Media, discussing his new book, “Indoctrinating Our Children to Death.” They talk about the issues in public education, its impact on homeschool families, and the need to protect children from a corrupt system.
https://libertysentinel.org/
The Secret Garden is a beloved classic novel. The footnotes include word definitions, pronunciations, and historical context to support life-long learning, enabling students to deepen their reading and thinking skills. Wide margins encourage note taking and having “conversations” with the book and its author.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at CopperLodgeLibrary.com.
Can social media be used for good? In this episode, Robert chats with Dino, known as The Art of Purpose on X. Learn how he leveraged his skills to build an influential online presence, monetize his content, and help others do the same. Dino also discusses the importance of having a mission statement and how Christians can use social media to positively impact culture.
https://x.com/creation247
https://creation247.gumroad.com/l/masterclass247
Pride and Prejudice is a beloved classic novel. The footnotes include word definitions, pronunciations, and historical context to support life-long learning, enabling students to deepen their reading and thinking skills. Wide margins encourage note taking and having “conversations” with the book and its author.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at https://copperlodgelibrary.com/.
In this bonus episode, Robert unpacks the latest homeschooling current events and more. Thanks for listening! For more information, check out https://sauga960am.ca/team/richard-syrett/.
Will a stock exchange in Texas turn the state blue? Robert and Chris discuss BlackRock and Citadel Securities backing a new Texas Stock Exchange as an alternative to New York’s regulations. Plus, we revisit the GameStop saga and its market impact. Will closes the episode with a Classical Crypto segment.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-05/blackrock-citadel-back-upstart-texas-challenge-to-nyse-nasdaq
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/04/how-roaring-kittys-wealth-went-from-53000-to-nearly-300-million-and-could-one-day-top-1-billion.html
Pride and Prejudice is a beloved classic novel. The footnotes include word definitions, pronunciations, and historical context to support life-long learning, enabling students to deepen their reading and thinking skills. Wide margins encourage note taking and having “conversations” with the book and its author.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at https://copperlodgelibrary.com/.
In this bonus episode, Robert unpacks the latest homeschooling current events and more. Thanks for listening! For more information, check out https://sauga960am.ca/team/richard-syrett/.
How does classical education affect higher education? In this episode, we welcome Dr. Margarita Mooney Clayton, founder of the Scala Foundation and associate professor at Princeton Theological Seminary. Dr. Clayton discusses the importance of beauty, liberal arts education, and worship in restoring American culture.
https://margaritamooneyclayton.com/
https://scalafoundation.org/
The Secret Garden is a beloved classic novel. The footnotes include word definitions, pronunciations, and historical context to support life-long learning, enabling students to deepen their reading and thinking skills. Wide margins encourage note taking and having “conversations” with the book and its author.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at CopperLodgeLibrary.com.
In this bonus episode, Robert unpacks the latest homeschooling current events and more. Thanks for listening! For more information, check out https://sauga960am.ca/team/richard-syrett/.
What does Trump’s conviction mean for the election? Robert and Chris discuss the impact of Trump's guilty verdict on the election and the controversy over Illinois's hands-off approach to homeschooling. Will closes out the episode with exciting news about crypto.
ProPublica article:
https://www.propublica.org/article/illinois-homeschool-education-regulations
PBS Article:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/guilty-or-not-guilty-trump-verdict-wont-sway-most-voters-poll-shows
New to the Copper Lodge Library this year is English Epic Poetry, a collection with Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and selections from Canterbury Tales and Paradise Lost.
Build a family culture by reading these stories together and have meaningful conversations about wisdom and virtue. Even in the less overtly religious poems of Sir Gawain and Canterbury Tales, readers find Christian themes like courage, forgiveness, and right use of power.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at https://copperlodgelibrary.com/
In this bonus episode, Robert unpacks the latest homeschooling current events and more. Thanks for listening! For more information, check out https://sauga960am.ca/team/richard-syrett/.
Foster care needs the Church’s help. Tune in to hear from Joe Knittig about the innovative Care Portal platform, which connects local churches with families in need, offering practical support like mattresses and refrigerators to prevent children from entering the system. Robert and Joe also talk about the upcoming movie “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot”.
https://www.careportal.org/
https://www.angel.com/movies/sound-of-hope-the-story-of-possum-trot
New to the Copper Lodge Library this year is English Epic Poetry, a collection with Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and selections from Canterbury Tales and Paradise Lost.
Build a family culture by reading these stories together and have meaningful conversations about wisdom and virtue. Even in the less overtly religious poems of Sir Gawain and Canterbury Tales, readers find Christian themes like courage, forgiveness, and right use of power.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at https://copperlodgelibrary.com/
In this bonus episode, Robert unpacks the latest homeschooling current events and more. Thanks for listening! For more information, check out https://sauga960am.ca/team/richard-syrett/.
Discover the intersection of classical education and cutting-edge technology. Join Robert as he talks with Lex Avellino, a Classical Conversations graduate, about his journey from homeschooling to creating 3D virtual worlds for Disney and Warner Brothers. Lex shares how his classical education fueled his passion for learning and innovation in digital design.
https://www.threedivision.com/cc
https://www.passage.io/
https://x.com/lexavellino
At Classical Conversations®, we believe that parents can provide quality education for their children. Grow as the Lead Learner in your homeschool at classicalconversations.com/cohort.
In this bonus episode, Robert unpacks the latest homeschooling current events and more. Thanks for listening! For more information, check out https://sauga960am.ca/team/richard-syrett/.
Celebrate with us as we hit a major milestone! Join Robert Bortins in the 100th episode of “Refining Rhetoric”! This special episode highlights ten impactful moments from our journey, offering inspiration and insights on faith, business, politics, and classical education. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey!
Learn more about Classical Conversations at the Museum of the Bible. Go to: http://museumofthebible.org/classical-conversations-at-museum-of-the-bible.
In this bonus episode, Robert unpacks the latest homeschooling current events and more. Thanks for listening! For more information, check out https://sauga960am.ca/team/richard-syrett/.
Should the Ten Commandments be displayed in schools? Robert Bortins tackles three pressing headlines in today’s episode: the growing crisis of confidence in higher education amid widespread student protests, the geopolitical impact of the sudden death of Iran’s president, and the controversial bill in Louisiana requiring schools to display the Ten Commandments. Will also closes out the episode with a Classical Crypto segment.
The crisis of confidence in higher education will not end with the student protests
Iran’s President Raisi is dead. What does the leadership void mean for the country and the world?
BREAKING: Louisiana Senate has passed a bill 30-8 that requires the display of the Ten Commandments at all schools that receive public funding, including colleges and universities.
More information about Great Wolf Lodge and Exclusive CC Discount Code found in the CC Connected Learning Center > Member Benefits and Additional Resources Document.
https://www.greatwolf.com/
In this bonus episode, Robert unpacks the latest homeschooling current events and more. Thanks for listening! For more information, check out https://sauga960am.ca/team/richard-syrett/.
Have the major news outlets become obsolete? Robert interviews Dr. Steve Turley, founder of “Turley Talks.” Known as the Patriot Professor, Dr. Turley discusses the rise of a new conservative age and the importance of creating a parallel economy to support freedoms. They explore challenges in mainstream media, the network society, and the need for alternative structures to live authentically.
https://www.youtube.com/@DrSteveTurleyTV
https://turleytalks.com/
More information about Great Wolf Lodge and Exclusive CC Discount Code found in the CC Connected Learning Center > Member Benefits and Additional Resources Document.
https://www.greatwolf.com/
Are homeschoolers properly socialized? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins examines the latest homeschooling news, including Michigan’s proposed registry and Alaska’s ruling on school choice dollars. Chris and Robert also discuss Waco hosting their largest homeschool prom ever, and whether homeschool kids are as anti-social as some make them out to be. A must-listen for insights on education, faith, and freedom, and Will closes the episode out with some crypto updates.
Michigan Homeschool Registry Article
Alaska School Choice Article
Waco's Largest Prom Article
Do you wish to become a better everyday educator? Visit https://ccpracticum.com/ to see when your local Practicum meets.
Crypto Videos:
YouTube: 3T Warrior Academy – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv6hwtgOQKQ
YouTube: CNBC Television – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se1bcqMYg8g
In this bonus episode, Robert unpacks the latest homeschooling current events and more. Thanks for listening! For more information, check out https://sauga960am.ca/team/richard-syrett/.
How should Christian parents protect their children in a hostile culture? In this episode, Robert Bortins hosts Jason Jimenez, founder of Stand Strong Ministries, to discuss parenting Gen Z in a challenging culture and the rise of Progressive Christianity. Jimenez shares insights on proactive conversations with children and explains how Progressive Christianity redefines Jesus.
https://www.standstrongministries.org/
Do you wish to become a better everyday educator? Visit https://ccpracticum.com/ to see when your local Practicum meets.
In this bonus episode, Robert unpacks the latest homeschooling current events and more. Thanks for listening! For more information, check out https://sauga960am.ca/team/richard-syrett/.
How did bad media coverage of Donald Trump turn Robert from a “never Trumper” to a Trump supporter? Listen in as he and Chris navigate the case against the former U.S. President. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion on justice, media bias, and the future of American politics.
MSN Article
Politico Article
Vox Article
CNN Article
Sasha Stone Substack
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at copperlodgelibrary.com.
In this bonus episode, Robert unpacks the latest homeschooling current events and more. Thanks for listening! For more information, check out https://sauga960am.ca/team/richard-syrett/.
Discover the transformative journey of exploring math with Leigh Bortins, founder of Classical Conversations. From aerospace engineer to educator, Leigh shares insights into the innovative Math Map curriculum, fostering a love for math through language and curiosity. Join Robert and Leigh as they discuss the importance of finding God in math.
themathmap.com
Make April 26 a Family Day at theater! #UnsungHeroMovie opens everywhere beginning April 26. From the creators of Jesus Revolution comes Unsung Hero. Tickets on sale now. Visit https://tickets.unsunghero.movie/.
In this bonus episode, Robert unpacks the latest homeschooling current events and more. Thanks for listening! For more information, check out https://sauga960am.ca/team/richard-syrett/.
Is Richard Dawkins a Christian nationalist? Robert and Chris discuss the prominent atheist’s surprising identification as a “cultural Christian” and author J. K. Rowling’s clash with the “woke” left over Scottish hate laws. The hosts explore whether Christian principles benefit society at large and why it’s vital for Christians to engage in politics.
Richard Dawkins Article
J. K. Rowling Article
Learn more about Classical Conversations at the Museum of the Bible. Go to: http://museumofthebible.org/classical-conversations-at-museum-of-the-bible.
Discover how Stoa empowers students through classical education principles, fostering confidence and resilience. Join Robert Bortins in this episode of “Refining Rhetoric” as he explores the world of speech and debate with guests Angela Childress and Beth Nieva from Stoa, a National Christian Homeschool Speech and Debate League. Learn about starting a club, participating in tournaments, and integrating speech and debate with classical education.
https://stoausa.org/
You’re invited to our 2024 National Events Weekend in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/.
Is the American college education system failing? In this episode of “Refining Rhetoric,” CEO Robert explores the pitfalls of government involvement in education funding, focusing on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Highlighting bureaucratic inefficiency and overreach, the discussion emphasizes the need for self-reliance, community building, and adherence to ethical principles rooted in faith.
CNBC Article
You’re invited to our 2024 National Events Weekend in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/.
Drawing on his own experience with homeschooling his seven children, New Hampshire’s Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut discusses his approach to home education and reforming the state’s education system. He advocates for individualized learning over traditional models, and his initiatives are to innovate and humanize education in his role as commissioner.
www.education.nh.gov
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at http://copperlodgelibrary.com/.
In this “Refining Rhetoric” episode, host Robert Bortins evaluates President Biden’s performance on issues like the economy, climate, and more, using Politico’s report card. Will discusses cryptocurrency trends, particularly Bitcoin, offering his insights and criticisms.
Politico's Report Card
Gender Transition Lawsuit
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at https://copperlodgelibrary.com/
In this “Refining Rhetoric” episode, Robert Bortins and guest Lynne Taylor discuss the misconceptions around education as a basic human right and the dangers of school choice. Taylor critiques the Common Core standards and emphasizes the importance of individualized education over government-controlled standardization.
Lynne’s Website: https://www.commoncorediva.com/
Join other homeschool parents in your area at a 2024 Practicum event! https://ccpracticum.com/
In this episode of “Refining Rhetoric,” CEO Robert Bortins explores the intricate world of Bitcoin, emphasizing its relevance amidst rising inflation and the depreciating value of fiat currencies. Whether you're new to cryptocurrency or seeking to expand your understanding, this episode offers valuable insights into Bitcoin’s role as digital gold and its potential as a hedge against inflation.
Refining Rhetoric YouTube
Benjamin Cowen YouTube
DAN YouTube
CC parents, Tutors, and Directors––are you looking to level up your skills in guiding and assessing your student’s learning at home or in community? Join this spring semester’s Classical Learning Cohort!
https://classicalconversations.com/cohort/
In this episode of “Refining Rhetoric,” CEO Robert Bortins interviews Kathy Gibbens, a dedicated homeschool mom, business owner, and host of the “Filter It through a Brain Cell” podcast. They dive deep into the realms of critical thinking, logical fallacies, and the importance of discerning truth in an era dominated by relativism and emotional appeals. Join them as they explore how classical education tools can empower individuals to seek truth and make informed decisions in all areas of life.
http://kathygibbens.com/
Filter It Through a Brain Cell Podcast
Blessings and Motherhood
Everyday Educator
In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert Bortins and Chris Blackburn discuss the “He Gets Us” campaign, exploring whether it accurately represents Jesus’s teachings and its impact on society’s view of faith. They delve into the challenges of depicting religious figures in modern media and what that means for viewers. Listen in for a compelling talk on how faith is portrayed today and its effects on cultural discussions.
He Gets Us MSN Article
The Copper Lodge Library series from Classical Conversations® preserves history’s best stories for future generations. View the collection on ClassicalConversationsBooks.com.
What if you sold your house and homeschooled in an RV? In this “Refining Rhetoric” episode, host Robert Bortins chats with Adam Powers, a veteran turned homeschooling dad living in an RV with his family. He offers advice to dads on getting involved in their children's education and discusses the benefits and challenges of their unique lifestyle.
The Copper Lodge Library series from Classical Conversations® preserves history’s best stories for future generations. View the collection on ClassicalConversationsBooks.com.
In this episode of “Refining Rhetoric,” Robert Bortins and Chris Blackburn explore the consequences of U.S. payments to Iran, linking them to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, rising oil prices, and inflation. Through a classical education perspective, they discuss the importance of informed citizenship and community engagement in tackling these issues. The episode concludes with a Classical Crypto segment.
You’re invited to our 2024 National Events Weekend in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/
CNBC Article
The Hill Article
Reuters Article
Do you want to know to be more organized, confident, and influential? In this “Refining Rhetoric” episode, Robert Bortins hosts Mark Ramsay of Hip Socket, discussing the fusion of classical education with modern business strategies. The conversation also touches on the importance of early work experiences for students and previews Mark’s upcoming book, “The Lost Tools of Business,” highlighting the relevance of classical education in contemporary business practices.
HipSocket.net
Classical Conversations® Relationships: Exclusive Discounts for CC Members!
In this episode of “Refining Rhetoric,” Robert focuses on the United States’ declining birth rates and its societal implications. The discussion centers on the need to revive traditional family values and Christian principles to counteract this trend. Additionally, for Classical Crypto, Will touches on the SEC’s approval of Bitcoin ETFs and its potential impact on finance.
You’re invited to our 2024 National Events Weekend in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/
"Opinion: Why I'm not going to have children" | CNN
In this episode of “Refining Rhetoric,” host Robert Bortins is joined by historian and author Jane Hampton Cook. They discuss the importance of original source documents in understanding the Founding Fathers, the role of integrity in leadership, and the challenges of modern media and freedom of speech.
CC parents, tutors, and Directors—sign up for the Classical Learning Cohort to level up your skills in guiding and assessing your student’s learning at home and in community! Register today at ClassicalConversations.com/cohort.
War of Lies: When George Washington Was the Target and Propaganda Was the Crime | Amazon
JaneCook.com
founders.archives.gov
Jane's Substack
Robert discusses the recent controversy surrounding Harvard University and its former president, Claudine Gay. The episode delves into the issues of plagiarism, diversity, and critical race theory at Harvard, highlighting how Claudine’s hiring was influenced more by her race and gender than her academic excellence. Robert also explores the broader implications of such ideologies in academia and society, emphasizing the importance of a biblical worldview and the pursuit of truth. Additionally, the episode touches on cryptocurrency trends, particularly related to Bitcoin’s halving cycles.
You’re invited to our 2024 National Events Weekend in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/
Does a college degree guarantee a job? In this episode, Robert talks with Dr. Benjamin Merkle, president of New Saint Andrews College, a classical Christian college in Idaho. In their conversation, Ben speaks to why NSA and other colleges are looking for students with a classical education background, how NSA is able to keep their tuition costs affordable and transparent, how a college can keep a good reputation amidst the current college climate, why liberal arts degrees can be kept affordable, what parents need to know before sending their children to secular universities, what students should aim to get out of a Christian college experience, and why college isn’t always the ticket to getting a good job. Robert and Ben also discuss our society’s backward prioritization of college athletics over college academics and whether there is a place for sports in a higher-education setting. Finally, Ben answers why NSA and other colleges are refusing to accept federal grants, his best advice for Classical Conversations® Challenge graduates, and what the most in-demand skill is for students entering the workforce.
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/Ben-Merkle
You’re invited to our 2024 National Events Weekend in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! Register at ClassicalConversationsFoundation.org.
What is truth? Our world is overrun with subjective truth, postmodernism, and emotionalism, where everyone’s “truth” is equally valid and there’s no such thing as objective truth. But this is a lie. As Refining Rhetoric is all about seeking the capital-T Truth in every arena of life, throughout the course of 2023 Robert asked his guests to weigh in with their definitions of truth. In this wrap-up episode for the year, Robert replays and reacts to the best responses from his guests to the question, “What is truth?” As you hear from guests like Dale Partridge, David Goodwin, Joyce Burges, Israel Wayne, and more, you’ll discover that truth is a person, why you can’t build a society on lies, that the church is the pillar of truth, why you can’t believe in your own subjective truth and still believe in Jesus, why you shouldn’t send your children to schools that don’t believe in objective truth, why truth is anything that fits into God’s narrative, why real truth never changes, why our relationship with Christ ought to motivate our obedience to Him, off of what standard we should base our understanding of truth, and much more. Finally, in “Classical Crypto,” Will discusses the current market sentiment and why there is reason to be optimistic about crypto in 2024.
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/defining-truth
The Copper Lodge Library series from Classical Conversations® preserves history's best stories for future generations. View the library on ClassicalConversationsBooks.com.
Are video games good for your child? Some can be! In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert talks with Brent Dusin, founder and CEO of TruPlay Games, a media company creating video games, comics, and video content centered on stories with a Christian worldview. With high-quality Christian content and no in-app purchases, no chatrooms, and no ads, TruPlay is truly unique in the video game industry, uplifting and educating children and their families with the truth of God’s word. In this conversation, discover why fewer American children believe in God, the importance of providing Christian content in a sea of toxic content, and how TruPlay tells biblical stories through video games. Brent also shares insights into the popularity of TruPlay’s games in Christian homes, games that span true biblical narratives to imaginative tales of cartoon characters navigating real-world challenges and discovering faith in God. Finally, Brent and Robert explore why Disney fails to inspire whole families anymore.
TruPlay Games: https://truplaygames.getrewardful.com/invitations/2GNFpLAU6ATEuyCW2qPsDJgo Terms of Service
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/Brent-Dusing
Enjoying Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins? Check out the other Classical Conversations® podcasts at ClassicalConversations.com/Podcasts!
Can civility save our country? In this episode, Robert talks with Alexandra Hudson, an award-winning journalist, speaker, and author of the book The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves. “A refugee from the federal government,” Alexandra grew up in a home that prioritized politeness and viewed education as a lifestyle. Yet when she began working for the U.S. Department of Education, Alexandra soon discovered that her coworkers used politeness for corruption and also didn’t care about education. In this conversation, Alexandra discusses her disillusionment with the Department of Education, not living a boxed life, the difference between politeness and civility, why we need less politeness in the world, how to respect someone while sharing hard truths, why the left and right don’t share the same vision, how incivility hurts both others and ourselves, how one individual can start a quiet revolution that can change the world, and how the classical model of education can be used to teach future generations the art of being civil.
To get a free audiobook version of The Soul of Civility, follow the steps in this episode's show notes.
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/Alexandra-Hudson
Get a homeschool family the gift of Scribblers at Home: Recipes from Lifelong Learners this Christmas! Learn more at ClassicalConversations.com/Scribblers.
Are you your child’s best teacher? In this episode, Robert reacts to a video of Leigh Bortins and Corey McKeown, director of the Trinity Homeschool Academy (T.E.A.C.H.) in Tampa, Florida, discussing the rise of homeschooling with Pete Hegseth on Fox and Friends. In the video, Corey explains why there has been an explosion of homeschooling in her state due to the success of homeschool co-ops where students can take classes from expert teachers. Unconvinced, Robert analyzes whether it’s necessary to send homeschool students to a co-op to learn from an expert instead of “just another mom.” In other words, can everyday parents rely on the classical tools of learning and community support to teach their children any subject? Finishing it up, Robert reflects on the true reasons why homeschooling is seeing a surge not just in Florida but nationwide as parents wake up to the nonsense in the traditional school system. In “Classical Crypto,” Will catches us up on the latest news on the downfall of Sam-Bankman Fried, the collapse of FTX, and the ultimate trial results.
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/Leigh-on-Fox
Plan a trip to Museum of the Bible this Christmas! To get 50% off tickets as a Classical Conversations family, visit ClassicalConversations.com/motb.
What should your child’s classical education look like in the modern world? In this episode, Robert talks with Andrew Kern, founder and president of the CiRCE Institute, co-author of The Lost Tools of Writing, and one of the leading figures in the classical education movement. Here, Andrew identifies why the true purpose of classical education is to cultivate wisdom and virtue through the nourishment of students’ souls. Throughout this packed conversation, expect to learn where government-funded education in America first went wrong, why training your child to fight against distraction is crucial to their spiritual and intellectual development, how to become better at any skill such as writing, how to actually get your child to pay attention, why students still need to practice the lost tools of learning in an AI-driven world, and why the terms “artificial intelligence” and “virtual reality” are not only misleading but, in fact, don’t really mean anything at all.
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/Andrew-Kern
Get a homeschool family the gift of Scribblers at Home: Recipes from Lifelong Learners this Christmas! Learn more at ScribblersatHome.com.
Is the earth really only a few thousand years old? In this episode, Robert speaks to Eric Hovind, founder of Creation Today, a Christian apologetics ministry with a mission to share the Gospel to the entire world. Eric relates his personal testimony and journey with apologetics, clarifies what “apologetics” really means, delves into his approach to apologetics in the digital age, underscores the contemporary relevancy of creation theory, and points out why the creation vs. evolution debate is a necessary spiritual battle. He also discusses the young earth and old earth theories of the age of the earth, how these theories impact one’s faith, how evolution destroys the doctrine of salvation, and why young earth theory is pro-science, explaining that “real science is a believer’s best friend.” If you’re a homeschool parent, expect to also learn ways to engage your children in conversations about creation vs. evolution and discover several resources to guide you in this journey.
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/Eric-Hovind
CC parents, tutors, and Directors—sign up for the Classical Learning Cohort to level up your skills in guiding and assessing your student’s learning at home and in community! Register today at ClassicalConversations.com/cohort.
Is there hope for Gen Z? In this current events episode, Robert explores the reasons why Gen Z boys are leaning conservative twice as much as liberal, as discovered by a recent survey that contradicts the widely held narrative that Gen Z has a leftist bent. Then, in Classical Crypto, Will returns to consider what might happen to the crypto market if the government shuts down and to give a quick overview of Stellar (XLM).
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/why-gen-z-males-prefer-the-right
Classical Conversations® members—get started with the beta release of The Math Map: Naturals, an exclusive lookinto our upcoming math curriculum from Classical Conversations! To access these materials, log in to your CC Connected account, navigate to the Learning Center, and search for “The Math Map.”
We plan for all the major goals in our lives—retirement, a career, a new car or home purchase. So, why don’t most of us create plans for raising our children, which is far more important? In this episode, Robert speaks to Dr. Josh Mulvihill, an author, speaker, and advocate for family discipleship and biblical parenting. Josh was a church pastor for twenty years and now serves on the board of Awana, as the Executive Director of Church and Family Ministry at RenewaNation, and as an author of several books on biblical parenting, the most recent of which is 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home: Raising Children to Godly Adults. In this conversation, Josh sheds light on why many Christian parents are failing to disciple their children well and what we can do as the church to turn this around. Discover how to master the art of biblical parenting from what Scripture says, Josh’s own childhood experiences, his efforts in raising his own children, and many, many book recommendations about taking a Christ-centered approach to parenting. Josh also shares a glimpse into his own family life, including why his family started their own farm, how each of his children is saving for college by running their own enterprise, what family worship looks like in the Mulvihill household, and much more.
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/Josh-Mulvihill
You’re invited to our 2024 National Events Weekend in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! Head over to ClassicalConversationsFoundation.org to learn more.
Can movies save education? Here, Robert talks for the second time on Refining Rhetoric with Hollywood actress, podcast host, and Classical Conversations® parent and Director Sam Sorbo about her family’s upcoming film Miracle in East Texas. The film, delayed due to COVID-19, is now coming to theaters nationwide for an exclusive release on the weekend of October 29–30 and tells the true story of the biggest oil strike in the history of the United States. In this episode, Sam talks about working with her husband Kevin and son Braeden on Miracle in East Texas, why she created a homeschool curriculum to accompany the film, and how movies can serve as powerful tools to educate our students and encourage discussions about truth. Sam also recalls how Classical Conversations came into her life at just the right moment and gave her children the skills to succeed in their education, careers, and lives. Additionally, she and Robert discuss why cancel culture—a culture rooted in unforgiveness—is antithetical to Christianity and why the public school system demeans the true meaning of the word “education”.
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/Sam-Sorbo-2
Go see Miracle in East Texas at a theater near you on October 29–30! The film stars Kevin, Sam, and Braeden Sorbo, as well as John Ratzenberger of Pixar voice-acting fame. You can find tickets at SorboStudios.com.
Are Christianity and humanism compatible worldviews? In this episode, Robert sits down with Scott Postma, a Christian humanist writer and president of Kepler Education. Scott explains why Christian humanism is probably not what you think, putting it up against another philosophy more are familiar with—secular humanism. He discusses the origins of Christian humanism and the great thinkers behind this philosophy, including the brilliant minds of J. R. R. Tolkien and Flannery O’Connor. Scott also explores what he believes the future of online classical education will look like and how Kepler Education, “a marketplace for live online classical Christian education,” is giving teachers and students of the classics a safe place to learn and discover truth, beauty, and goodness. Of course, no Refining Rhetoric episode is complete without book recommendations. Here, you’ll find great entry points to discovering Flannery O’Connor, the philosophy of Christian humanism, and why classical education is just as important now as ever.
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/Scott-Postma
Classical Conversations® members—you’re invited to our 2024 National Events Weekend in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! Head over to ClassicalConversationsFoundation.org to learn more.
In this episode, Robert uses the fifteen classical tools of learning to examine the recent tragic events in Israel and Palestine. He considers the following questions: Why has the U.S. funded Palestine, and how has this impacted the current conflict? Who is the oppressor and the oppressed in this situation? Is critical theory to blame? And is there a possibility of Palestinian terrorist attacks in our own country?
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/israel-palestine
Business leaders, listen up! In this episode, Robert welcomes his longtime friend and business mentor Troy Meachum to the show. Troy is the CEO of ACR Supply Co., North Carolina’s leading wholesale distributor for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration which, last year, exceeded $45 million in revenue. In their conversation, Troy shares how to turn a company culture around and transform the workplace into somewhere employees want to show up every day. Expect to learn what it was like for Troy to incorporate faith into his work culture, how to glorify God at work, how to hire employees who fit a company’s culture, how to maintain a company’s culture while scaling, how to boost employee satisfaction and engagement, and why it’s crucial for C-level leaders to communicate clearly to and care about the personal lives of their employees. Plus, discover Troy’s top five best books for business leaders.
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/Troy-Meachum
Classical Conversations® members—get started with the beta release of The Math Map: Naturals, an exclusive look into our upcoming math curriculum from Classical Conversations! To access these materials, log in to your CC Connected account, navigate to the Learning Center, and search for “The Math Map.”
It’s time for another stand-alone episode of current events and Classical Crypto! First, Robert analyzes why Ohio voters attempted to raise the threshold percentage for making amendments to their state’s constitution (an effort to protect abortion rights in their state). Then, Robert takes a closer look at the EU’s “quiet and slow” approach to deciding on a digital euro (a CBDC), considering why this proposal, made silently right before an election, seems a little off.
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/devastating-blows-for-pro-life-and-financial-freedom
Get tickets for the upcoming film Miracle in East Texas, directed by Kevin Sorbo and starring both Kevin and Sam Sorbo (a Classical Conversations® family), at SorboStudios.com.
What can we learn from reading (or listening to) historical fiction? In this episode, Robert interviews Jim Hodges of Jim Hodges Audiobooks, a beloved resource among families around the world, most notably for productions of the historical novels of G. A. Henty. Here, Jim discusses his life before founding Jim Hodges Audiobooks: what homeschooling was like in the 1980s as a military family, being a reluctant homeschooler turned homeschool advocate, and how one teacher’s encouragement changed the trajectory of his life. Later, he praises G. A. Henty’s historical fiction, sharing what these novels can teach readers about history and godly, heroic masculinity. With decades of experience reading and narrating both historical nonfiction and fiction, Jim also recalls the most important lessons he has learned from history. And finally, as one making a living from his passion, he offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/jim-hodges
Join Leigh Bortins every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. eastern on the Words Aptly Spoken book club! To learn more, visit LeighBortins.com/book-club-info.
In this shorter-than-usual episode, Robert uses the fifteen tools of classical learning to understand current events and cryptocurrency. First, he examines why property taxes are causing citizens of blue cities to relocate to red states and how these property taxes are related to the government funding of private education through school vouchers. In the Classical Crypto segment, Robert goes back to the basics and explains why this segment is a part of Refining Rhetoric. He discusses the history of money and how Bitcoin solves many of the fiat-related problems that have been around since money first became a store of value.
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/telling-the-future
Get tickets for the upcoming film Miracle in East Texas, directed by Kevin Sorbo and starring both Kevin and Sam Sorbo (a Classical Conversations® family), at SorboStudios.com.
Our nation is only as great as our families. In this episode, Robert interviews pastor Allen Mashburn, running candidate for North Carolina Lieutenant Governor. Allen is a pastor of over twenty-five years, a podcast host, and a homeschool dad. Here, Allen focuses on the importance of the nuclear family, the Christian’s and the church’s roles in politics (drawing from biblical examples), what it means to be the salt and light of the earth, and why he, as a pastor, is running for office. In addition, Robert and Allen discuss gun control and safety (including nuances like permitless carry), the next steps in fighting abortion post the Dobbs decision, spiritual warfare in politics, and why the 2024 presidential election may be the most important yet in our country. This is a conversation for more than just NC residents, addressing crucial issues at a national level.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/allen-mashburn
Get your copy of Scribblers at Home: Recipes from Lifelong Learners today and start encouraging your children to develop strong learning habits early on at ScribblersatHome.com.
In this first-ever in-person episode, Robert interviews Sara Sullards, his Executive Assistant and a Classical Conversations® Challenge graduate, about doing hard things for Christ. Encouraged by her parents and inspired by the book Do Hard Things, Sara was called to mission work at an early age. In this conversation, she describes how God strengthened her faith through mission trips to Alaska, how an intentional prayer life can make all the difference in one’s faith, and why teenagers should consider serving on mission trips, as well as suggesting a few ways parents can encourage their children to hone their spiritual gifts. In addition, Sara shares how she came to work for Classical Conversations and what it’s really like working at the home office. Post-interview, Robert considers whether businesses should adapt to using AI tools and Will recaps the recent BRICS summit and Bitcoin’s flash crash earlier this month.
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/Sara-Sullards
Get your discount on Museum of the Bible tickets by logging into your CC Connected account, and learn more about what’s happening at the museum on their website at MuseumoftheBible.org.
Are Classical Conversations® students equipped to pursue their passions? Continuing this month’s theme of bringing Challenge students and graduates onto the show, Robert welcomes Mayson Foster, a flight instructor at Louisiana Tech University, to share about his journey from homeschooling to becoming a pilot. Mayson discusses the path to earning a pilot’s license, the value of his family’s support in this journey, and how being classically educated equipped him with the knowledge and skills to succeed. Plus, the two discuss the national shortage of commercial airline pilots and potential solutions to this crisis. From recalling his first flight to sharing the life lessons he has learned from flying, Mayson encourages Challenge students that achieving their dreams is possible. After their conversation, Robert analyzes the effects of the UPS shipping strike and Will discusses Twitter’s rebrand to X, the platform’s potential integration of XRP, and the crypto token Chainlink.
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/Mayson-Foster
Join Leigh Bortins every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. eastern on the Words Aptly Spoken book club! To learn more, visit LeighBortins.com/book-club-info.
Is entrepreneurship a real career? In this conversation, Robert talks with Micah Burk, a Classical Conversations® Challenge graduate and recent college graduate of Oklahoma Christian University, where she studied public communications and leadership development and served as student body president. Starting her first business at age eleven, Micah shares her experience finding her feet in the world of entrepreneurship—from founding a social media agency and landing a first client to viewing her business as a creative outlet and why rejecting clients is sometimes the best decision. In addition, Micah speaks to what it means to achieve success as a Christian, offers book recommendations (and general reading advice) for driven individuals, shares her thoughts on why teenagers should get involved in politics, and discusses the importance of knowing your “why” when it comes to achieving goals. Finally, Micah addresses a question on every homeschool parent’s mind for their student: did she feel prepared for college? After their conversation, Robert breaks down the Biden administration’s recent ban on incandescent light bulbs and examines the UK’s attempt to hold crypto memes up to financial guidelines.
Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/Micah-Burk
A Classical Conversations® parent who recently completed the Classical Learning Cohort said that the program helped her to become “a better communicator, listener, assessor, and teacher in [her] home with [her] girls.” To learn more about the Classical Learning Cohort, visit ClassicalConversations.com/Cohort.
The script is flipped in this episode as Robert takes the seat of the interviewee while Classical Conversations® Challenge student Dominic DiPiero asks him both professional and personal questions. In their quick conversation recorded at our 2022 National Conference, Robert shares his favorite part about working for Classical Conversations, what program he would go back and enroll in, advice for students entering Challenge, why Challenge graduates excel in the workplace, how he spends his spare time, and what Classical Conversations’ goals are for the long-term future. Post-interview, Robert uses the fifteen tools of learning to analyze the Hunter Biden/IRS situation and then considers Congressman Ritchie Torres’s view that the SEC should stop viewing cryptocurrencies as securities in the wake of the SEC v. Ripple case.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/dominic-dipiero
Healthy assessments strengthen families. To learn which homeschool testing options are available for your student, visit classicalconversations.com/assessment-options.
August is CC student month! In this conversation, Robert speaks with Danielle Hodges, a Classical Conversations® Challenge graduate currently enrolled at Truett McConnell University studying to become a biblical counselor. After experiencing firsthand God’s healing through biblical counseling during her teen years, she has made it a goal to pursue helping others in a similar way through a Christ-centered approach to counseling. Here, Danielle discusses the differences between secular and biblical counseling, examples of counseling in the Scriptures, why Gen Z members are making mental health issues part of their identities, resources and tactics for listeners to learn about biblical counseling and apply its principles in everyday conversations, and her thoughts on the causes and impacts of the teenage mental health crisis, considering whether or not social media is to blame. Plus, Danielle shares how God used her relationship with her mom to help her overcome anxiety as a teenager. Stay tuned after the interview as Robert examines whether recent inflation statistics are being falsely reported and Will celebrates the upcoming conclusion to the SEC v. Ripple case.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/danielle-hodges
What does learning true biblical theology at a college level look like? In this episode, Robert sits down with Dr. Samuel Bierig. A Classical Conversations® dad, Sam is the vice president of undergraduate studies, college dean, and assistant professor of biblical studies at Spurgeon College, a private Christian college in Kansas City, Missouri. In this conversation, Sam discusses what it means to be a good shepherd, the importance of hermeneutics and exegesis, balancing multiple responsibilities, strategies for reading the whole Bible in one year, why a college degree is still worth the cost, and all things Spurgeon College—including degrees, core values, and the school’s focus on the true biblical theology. After the interview, Robert explains why thousands of new jobs are affecting the stock market and examines Bitcoin’s recent 13-month high.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/samuel-bierig
What does it mean to offer students a “whole-person education”? In this third conversation in our college series this July, Robert sits down with Dr. Charles Scott, the Vice President of External Affairs at Oral Roberts University (ORU), a private Christian college located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, whose mission is “to develop Holy Spirit-empowered leaders through whole-person education to impact the world.” They discuss what a whole-person education looks like practically at ORU, what cultural challenges college students face today, how to prepare students for work as worship, how to engage Generation Z students for Christ, and how Christ-centered businesses can serve the community around them. After the interview, Robert addresses the lowest decline in writing and math scores in decades in the U.S. and Will explains Blackrock’s proposed Bitcoin ETF.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/charles-scott
“Learn to build a life, not just a living” is the slogan of Excel College in North Carolina, a unique higher education experience that equips students with skills for the whole of life, including their careers, relationships, and faith. In this conversation, Robert speaks with Andrew Chambers, Head of Campus Life at Excel. Andrew discusses Excel’s unique philosophy and approach to higher education, emphasizing the two phases the college’s students work through—the Core and the Practicum. In addition, Andrew describes the family-style campus environment at Excel, why companies are seeking liberal arts students, how Excel students can graduate with bachelor’s degrees in just two and a half years, and much more. Afterward, in this episode’s “Current Events Discussion,” Robert uses the classical tools of learning to understand the Canadian wildfires and, in the “Classical Crypto” segment, debunks two popular myths about crypto: that it has no use cases and is untraceable.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/andrew-chambers
What’s wrong with masculinity? In this bonus episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert interviews critically acclaimed author and speaker Nancy Pearcey about her new book The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Nancy is the author of several bestselling books, including Love Thy Body, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and Total Truth. She is also a professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University and has been hailed in The Economist as “America’s pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual.” In this crucially important conversation, Nancy shares the research behind The Toxic War on Masculinity, examining the history of why modern culture is so hostile toward men, the Darwinian and Christian takes on masculinity, astonishing evidence that supports Christian evangelical men as the least likely to divorce or commit abuse, how the war on masculinity is affecting our culture at a large scale, and what men can practically do to stay involved with their families. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/nancy-pearcey
July is college month here on Refining Rhetoric! For the next four weeks, we’ll feature a university that aligns with our values both in faith and education, as well as our mission to know God and to make Him known. This week, Robert speaks with Dr. Thomas White, the tenth president of Cedarville University in Ohio and a Classical Conversations® dad. Thomas explains how running Cedarville is a ministry opportunity, what a thriving Christian community looks like on their college campus, and how Cedarville is preparing for the college “enrollment cliff”—the decline in the population of college-age students starting in 2025. Plus, Thomas encourages parents homeschooling with Classical Conversations that they are doing more than enough to prepare their students for college-level education. And, if you or your student are considering pursuing a college degree, you’ll discover what opportunities are available at Cedarville. After the interview, Robert considers why Greta Thunberg’s doomsday prediction made five years ago did not happen, and Will theorizes why the U.S. government appears to be reversing some of its public opinions on crypto.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/thomas-white
Where is your money safe: in the bank or in Bitcoin? In this episode’s conversation, Robert interviews Classical Conversations® homeschool dad Alex Hays, the founder of Orion & Taurus, a company based in South Florida that specializes in repairs of ASIC machines and GPUs for Bitcoin miners. Alex shares his thoughts on questions that are on the minds of many Americans interested in personal finance and crypto: Where is our money safe? Is Bitcoin a hedge against inflation? And is Bitcoin mining sustainable? Alex also talks about balancing homeschooling with running a business, gives his best book recommendations for entrepreneurs, offers his opinions on the controversial yet highly influential book The 48 Laws of Power, and much more. After his conversation with Alex, Robert addresses the recent nationwide crackdown on remote work, and Will returns to give an update on the three recent SEC lawsuits against Coinbase, Binance, and Ripple (XRP).
Disclaimer: This episode is purely for education and entertainment purposes only. Nothing discussed in this conversation should be taken as financial advice.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/alex-hays
What’s wrong with the modern social justice movement? In this episode, Robert is joined by Dr. George Grant, a pastor, prolific author, and founder of several classical, Christian schools, colleges, and educational organizations. Here, George talks about the distinction between mercy ministry and the social justice movement, the importance of proclaiming biblical truth in a God-honoring manner, the role of classical education as discipleship, and practical ways Christians can help the homeless. Later, Robert uses the classical tools of learning to analyze the risks of generative AI art and to examine the SEC’s legal action against Coinbase, the leading crypto exchange in the U.S.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/george-grant
Ever wonder what the star of Bethlehem that led the wise men to Christ’s birth really looked like? In this episode, Robert talks to Howard Hochhalter, a marine turned astronomer and NASA Solar System Ambassador and an atheist turned Christian and Classical Conversations® dad. In this powerful conversation, Howard tells his incredible testimony of coming to know Jesus through a chance meeting with a homeschool family, being welcomed by the believers in his family’s Classical Conversations community, and studying the history and astronomy behind the real star of Bethlehem. He also shares what fascinates him about the night sky and what he does as a NASA Solar System Ambassador and director of a planetarium. In the "Current Events Discussion," Robert considers the possibility of a secret government program monitoring UFOs and then wraps things up by explaining USDT (Tether) in "Classical Crypto."
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/howard-hochhalter
Our emotions can be complicated, and understanding how they work and how to deal with them is crucial to maintaining healthy relationships both in the workplace and at home. In this episode, Robert chats with Classical Conversations® dad, former army ranger, and longtime friend Noble Gibbens about why Noble became an emotional intelligence (EQ) consultant and helps individuals and teams understand and manage their emotions. Noble explains what an EQ consultant does, narrates a powerful story of helping a stone-cold business leader develop empathy, offers numerous book recommendations for both readers wanting to grow in their EQ and for entrepreneurs, describes the purpose of EQ, gives advice to parents teaching their children about emotions, and finally tells the story of how developing his own EQ helped him become a better leader, husband, and father. After the interview, Robert addresses the Target/Pride Month controversy and explores why the UK Parliament is calling for crypto regulations. Tune in for another insight-packed episode of Refining Rhetoric!
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/noble-gibbens
Robert welcomes Classical Conversations® Challenge graduate Nathan Burns to the show for a wide-ranging conversation on homeschooling, machine learning, AI, acrobatics, Christian mentorship, and much, much more. Nathan narrates his journey from growing up homeschooled in a military family to studying economics in college to becoming a machine learning engineer and entrepreneur. Together, Robert and Nathan explore how AI can free up our time through automation, the danger in biased AI systems, the timeless wisdom in the book of Proverbs, why faith-based mentorship is needed among young men, the lessons Nathan gained from doing acrobatics through childhood, and his experience competing on America’s Got Talent. Plus, Nathan shares tips for homeschool parents wanting to teach their children to code. Stay tuned after the interview to hear Robert examine the recent acquisition of three major U.S. education companies by a Chinese private equity firm and to listen to Will offer his thoughts on the current state of American politics and crypto.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/nathan-burns
What does it take to leave an organization your family has been involved with for generations? On this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert interviews Patti Garibay, the founder and executive director of American Heritage Girls, an adventure program that encourages Christ-centered leadership and character development for girls ages 5–18. In their conversation, Patti discusses leaving Girl Scouts USA to start a Christ-centered alternative, how to avoid mission drift as an organization and stay fast to your core values, the significance behind the American Heritage Girls’ oath and creed, helping start Trail Life USA, and what we can do about the disconcerting rise in mental health issues among teen girls. Stick around after the interview for our “Current Events Discussion” and “Classical Crypto” segments, where this week Robert explores the possibility of reaching the national debt ceiling and whether on-chain metrics and the upcoming Bitcoin halving are valid predictors of a crypto bull market.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/patti-garibay
Parental rights: are these God-given, natural rights or state-defined? In this conversation, Robert talks with longtime friend Will Estrada, president of ParentalRights.org and the Parental Rights Foundation, two nonprofits holding fast to the belief that parents should be able to raise their children without undue government interference. Together, they explore what the term “parental rights” actually means and why it's important to enshrine parental rights in an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Plus, Will shares his personal journey from growing up homeschooled to now defending parents’ rights to their children’s education and freedom. Post-interview, Robert addresses recent advances in AI using the classical tools of learning and then explains an educational game about crypto created by a homeschool family called HODL Up.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/william-estrada
Do we have a truly biblical view of masculinity and femininity? In this episode, Robert Bortins sits down with author and entrepreneur Dale Partridge to discuss how to bring the church back to the Bible, specifically on the topic of gender. Dale, the president of Relearn.org and Reformation Seminary and the author of several books, including People Over Profit, talks here about the modern church’s move away from biblical masculinity, the manliness of Jesus Christ, his decision to write the children’s book Jesus and My Gender, and the criticism he has received for several of his views. After their conversation, Robert turns toward current events, explaining Trump’s decision not to attend a GOP presidential debate and the SEC’s recent lawsuit against the crypto exchange Coinbase.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/dale-partridge
Can tests actually inspire students rather than just stressing them out? Here, Robert talks with Jeremy Tate, founder and CEO of the Classic Learning Test, an education company that provides assessments that are intellectually richer and more rigorous than traditional standardized tests and college entrance exams. Jeremy discusses where standardized testing has gone wrong, the virtues and future of classical education, what sets CLT exams apart from other standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, and why so many colleges are gladly awarding scholarships based on students’ CLT exam scores. After the conversation with Jeremy, Robert uses the classical tools of learning to help listeners understand Tucker Carlson’s departure from Fox News and, in the “Classical Crypto” segment, considers why the federal government is selling its Bitcoin.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/jeremy-tate
Where did the public school system go wrong? In this episode, Robert discusses the miseducation of America with David Goodwin. David is the president of the Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS), the managing director of The Classical Difference magazine, cofounder and former headmaster of The Ambrose School, and, most recently, coproducer, along with Pete Hegseth of Fox News, of the six-part docuseries The Miseducation of America. Together, David and Pete also authored the recent #1 New York Times Bestseller, The Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation. In this conversation, David shares his perspective on the current state of education in the United States, explains the concept of "paideia" and how traditional schools have lost the Western Christian Paideia, and considers why classical education has been gaining so much recent attention nationwide. Later in the episode, Robert discusses the potential changes to Title IX, and Will theorizes on why Bitcoin’s value has skyrocketed.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/david-goodwin
Does God have an opinion on education? In this episode, Robert welcomes back Refining Rhetoric’s first returning guest, Israel Wayne, who has spent decades researching the answer to this question. Together, they discuss Israel’s new book Foundations in Faith, sharing homeschooling responsibilities with one’s spouse, the fundamental thing missing from the traditional school system, whether education is morally neutral, and the importance of developing a Christian worldview, while also sharing helpful resources to help listeners get started along this path. After their conversation, Robert uses the classical tools of learning to analyze Brazil and China’s recent agreement to trade oil outside the U.S. dollar, followed by a “Classical Crypto” segment on bear markets vs. bull markets.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/israel-wayne-2
How can we assess progress and performance without assigning grades? In this episode, Robert talks with Amanda Butler, Vice President of Training and Support at Classical Conversations®, about what classical, Christian assessment should look like. From engineer to public school teacher to homeschool mom, Amanda draws from her unique experience to share what she has learned about how to encourage students to improve without stifling their motivation and creativity. She discusses how classical assessment is different from public school testing, the principles of classical assessment, the common pitfalls homeschool parents can fall into when assessing their children’s learning, and advice for young parents at the start of the homeschooling journey. Post-interview, Robert uses the classical tools of learning to break down what is happening with Trump’s indictment and then takes a critical look at FedNow, the new instantaneous digital transfer system from the U.S. Federal Reserve, and how it relates to crypto.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/amanda-butler
Where has the fun gone in parenthood? In this special episode, Robert is joined by Delise Germond and Ginny Tran—hosts of the podcast Blessings and Motherhood from Classical Conversations®—to talk about the joys of parenting, the national birth rate decline, the behind-the-scenes of producing the Classical Conversations podcasts, and how to figure out major life decisions with your spouse. After their conversation, Robert provides insight into the recent bank failures and explains the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet. Then, Will concludes the episode by considering how Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse may impact the future of crypto.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/blessings-and-motherhood
Can homeschooling give students the freedom to pursue their passions? In this episode, Robert chats with Classical Conversations® Challenge student and former National Memory Master champion Trevor Dolden about his promising acting career in Los Angeles, California. Since first becoming interested in acting at nine months old, Trevor has gone on to play roles in short films, TV shows, and movies, including Monsters at Large, the Apple TV+ original show Mr. Corman, and the 2021 horror film Not Alone. After participating in his local Classical Conversations Memory Master program no less than seven times, Trevor competed in and won the 2021 National Memory Master competition, taking home the grand prize of $10,000. Here, Trevor shares how homeschooling gives him more time to audition and prep for roles, how his family has supported him along his journey, and advice for upcoming Memory Master participants. After the interview, Robert uses the classical tools of learning to explain the third-largest bank failure in U. S. history, and Will returns to his discussion of whether Ripple’s XRP token ought to be considered a security.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/trevor-dolden
Just let boys be boys! In this episode, Robert talks with Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA. Trail Life is a Christ-centered, outdoor adventure program that teaches young men biblical values and outdoor skills through character and leadership development. Here, Mark describes how Trail Life stands out among other outdoor adventure programs by being Christ-focused, the three things boys need to give them a sense of fulfillment in life, and how dads’ relationships with their sons have been strengthened through participating in Trail Life troops. After his conversation with Mark, Robert takes a sobering look at the increase in suicidal thoughts among teen girls and, in the “Classical Crypto” segment, provides an overview of the token ATOM by Cosmos.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/mark-hancock
How can we improve our ability to anticipate and resolve relational conflicts? In episode 37, Robert speaks with Ken Sande, the founder of Peacemaker Ministries and Relational Wisdom 360 (RW360). Over the course of his career as a lawyer and professional mediator, Ken has mediated hundreds of conflicts in familial, business, church, and legal settings. Classical Conversations® Challenge B families should be especially excited to hear this episode because Ken is also the author of the bestselling book The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Conflict, a recommended resource for parents of students enrolled in our Challenge B program. Here, Ken discusses ways to improve our relational wisdom and peacemaking skills so that we can better love one another. After the interview, Robert uses the fifteen classical tools to analyze students’ low math and reading proficiencies and then introduces two proposed bills that could ban the U.S. government from creating its own central bank digital currency (CBDC).
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/ken-sande
Dr. Jennifer Murff’s career is one defined by leadership. In this episode, Robert talks with Jenn about her work as President and CEO of the MENA (Middle East/North Africa) Leadership Center, an organization that equips Christian leaders throughout the MENA region with the skills to share the gospel successfully. Jenn also relates the cultural and religious challenges she and her organization face in the MENA region, how she was drawn to a career in leadership, balancing a full-time career while homeschooling, and the ways she encourages her own children to develop leadership skills. Finally, she shares a story of God’s love and faithfulness as her church and local community supported her through a recent and serious surgery. After the interview, Robert uses the classical tools of learning to analyze the Chinese spy balloon incident, and Will takes a quick look into the SEC’s attack on crypto stablecoins.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/jennifer-murff
Readers and writers—this is a must-listen episode! Robert sits down with Jennifer Courtney, the Global Curriculum Director for Classical Conversations Multi-Media (CCMM), the publishing company of all Classical Conversations® curriculum. In various roles at CCMM, Jennifer has written a variety of books and resources, including Classical Christian Education Made Approachable, the Essentials Curriculum, Fifth Edition, and many books in the Copper Lodge Library series. Among other points of conversation, Jennifer discusses the challenges of preserving the truth and beauty of work when translating it into another language, what’s involved in the process of writing a new curriculum, writing about classical, Christian homeschooling from a Los Angeles hotel, what makes a book a “classic,” how she discovers new books, and what books she is reading currently. Plus, in the “Current Events Discussion,” Robert discusses ESG investing, and in “Classical Crypto,” Will talks about the emerging cryptocurrency HBAR.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/jennifer-courtney
What challenges do black homeschool families face in America? In this episode, Joyce Burges, CEO and co-founder of the National Black Home Educators (NBHE), joins Robert to discuss how her organization helps to make homeschooling more accessible for black families. Aside from leading NBHE, Joyce is also an experienced homeschool mom of over thirty years, a national speaker and advocate for topics like education and family, and the author of several books including Teach Me How to Teach My Child. In addition to discussing NBHE, Joyce talks about what it was like starting to homeschool over thirty years ago, the upward trend in the number of black homeschool families, her hopes for the future of American education, and how she, as a grandmother, stays involved (but not too involved!) in the education of her grandchildren.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/joyce-burges
How do STEM subjects fit into the classical model of education? In this episode, Robert sits down with Heather Shirley to explore how to study math and science classically, how parents can become experts in the classical approach to education, and what resources Heather has found helpful in her own classical education journey. If you’re a Classical Conversations® member, you might know Heather Shirley as our Chief Academic Advisor, although Heather has plenty of firsthand Classical Conversations experience, leading local communities for the Foundations, Essentials, Challenge III, and Challenge IV programs. Although she is passionate about the humanities, Heather originally pursued a career in STEM, receiving a bachelor’s in mathematics and a master’s in computer engineering. If anyone can speak to the topic of studying STEM subjects classically, it’s Heather!
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/heather-shirley
What does an entrepreneur have in common with a polymath? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert talks to Dr. Matthew Smith, the founding president of Hildegard College. Hildegard is an all-new Christian college located in southern California that takes a unique approach to the liberal arts, merging the classical, Great Text tradition with entrepreneurship. In this conversation, Matthew speaks to why American higher education needs a reset, why Hildegard’s undergraduate program emphasizes the study of entrepreneurship classically and the unique challenges students today face as opposed to students a decade ago.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/matthew-smith
Should homeschoolers accept government funds to help finance their children’s education? As tempting as it might be to accept one of these stipends, homeschool families need to understand the dangers that lie beneath the surface of these government funds. In this conversation of Refining Rhetoric, Robert Bortins is joined by Israel Wayne, a homeschool dad of eleven children, the director of Family Renewal Ministries, and the author of multiple books, including Education: Does God Have an Opinion? and Answers for Homeschooling: Top 25 Questions Critics Ask. Robert and Israel discuss the origins of the public school system in America, the foundational principles on which this system is built, and ultimately, why we should be concerned about the government funding of private and home schools. If you are a homeschool parent, this episode is a must-listen!
Listen to Robert’s favorite episode from the first season of Refining Rhetoric—a conversation with the one and only Leigh Bortins, Robert’s mom and the founder of Classical Conversations®. Leigh has written several books, including The Core, The Question, and The Conversation, and is well-known for her ability to demystify the fundamental tools of learning. Since 1984, her efforts have helped launch the “home-centered” education movement. In this rerun of the podcast’s second episode, Robert and Leigh discuss classical education, homeschooling, the origins of Classical Conversations, and the upcoming The Math Map, a brand-new math program for Classical Conversations members.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/top-2022-leigh-bortins
To kick off 2023, we are re-releasing two of our favorite episodes from last year, starting with this conversation with Andrew Pudewa. Andrew is the founder of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) and is a longtime partner and friend of Classical Conversations®. Speaking around the world, Andrew is known for presenting the skills of writing, teaching, and thinking with clarity and wit. Through IEW seminars and curriculum, he has helped students of all ages become better communicators and critical thinkers. Andrew graduated from the Talent Education Research Institute (known for the Suzuki method) in Matsumoto, Japan, and holds a Certificate of Child Brain Development from the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert interviews Andrew about his work at IEW, literacy in the United States, how to write with excellence, and Andrew’s secrets for losing weight and staying healthy.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/top-2-2022-andrew-pudewa
What’s the biggest obstacle Christian moms face today? In this conversation, Robert talks to Heidi St. John, a prolific speaker and author who encourages Christian moms through her blog, her ministry MomStrong International, and her books, which include Bible Promises for Moms and Becoming MomStrong: How to Fight With All That’s In You For Your Family and Your Faith. Heidi shares her thoughts on going from an accidental homeschooler to an accidental author, why defending objective truth is the greatest challenge moms currently face, the definition of “Christian nationalism,” and how the Republican Party has changed over time. In addition, she discusses whether she will ever run for office again.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/heidi-st-john
Welcome to the first episode of season two! In this episode, Robert chats with Will McCreery, the host of “Classical Crypto,” the podcast segment on Refining Rhetoric that breaks down complex topics in the cryptocurrency space into simple terms using tools from the classical model of education. Will is also a Classical Conversations® Challenge graduate and currently an employee at Classical Conversations, Inc., where he oversees the Odyssey Program, a gap-year opportunity for high school graduates through Classical Conversations Plus. Here, Will talks about being a Classical Conversations student, the CC Plus Program and the Odyssey Program, whether college is still necessary today, and, of course, finance and cryptocurrency.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/will-mccreery
What on earth is common law? In Refining Rhetoric’s last episode of 2022, Robert sits down with Jeff Shafer, the director of the Hale Institute, graduate of Regent University School of Law, former legal practitioner, and former senior counsel of Alliance Defending Freedom, to discuss the concept of common law and its relevance in recent Supreme Court decisions, including Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. In the “Current Events Discussion,” Robert asks, “Should the Department of Education exist?” using the classical tools of learning to break down this topic. Finally, Will McCreery briefly looks at where the NFT market stands now, pointing out several practical use cases for NFTs in the “Classical Crypto” segment.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/jeff-shafer
Now, more than ever before, knowing how to code is an incredibly valuable skill in the job market. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert welcomes Classical Conversations® Challenge student and self-taught computer programmer Elijah Whitbeck to the show. Elijah relates his coding journey from developing his first video game to recently launching his first mobile app and starting his own company, PIRUX Games. Elijah offers valuable tips and advice for homeschool parents looking to teach their children to code and, intriguingly, discusses the similarities between Latin and code. Tune in to this first-ever episode of Refining Rhetoric with a current homeschool student as the guest!
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/elijah-whitbeck
Regina Piazza has done it all, from serving in the U.S. Air Force and starting a business to homeschooling her children and running for the Florida State Senate District 2 seat. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert Bortins and Regina discuss her recent run for office, her experience working as a Classical Conversations® Support Representative, and how she prioritizes her Christian and conservative values.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/regina-piazza
Imagine the small community setting, thoughtful discussions with peers, and classical curriculum of Classical Conversations®, but at a college level! In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert speaks to Eliot Grasso, vice president and a tutor at Gutenberg College. Gutenberg takes a classical, Christian approach to a four-year higher education while limiting its incoming freshman class to just twenty students. This fosters a family-like community where students learn and live together while exploring and debating big ideas through Gutenberg’s Great Books program. Here, Robert and Eliot talk about the importance of a multidisciplinary education, the unique Gutenberg experience, and, surprisingly, what in the world an uilleann pipe is.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/eliot-grasso
Can everyday homeschool parents and students make a political difference on a national scale? In this episode, Robert sits down with Andrew McIndoe, the vice president of development for the Heritage Foundation, an organization based in Washington, DC, whose mission is to help build an America where freedom, opportunity, prosperity, and civil society flourish. Robert and Andrew discuss which issues (including inflation) that the Heritage Foundation proposes solutions to, what political opportunities exist for homeschool families, and how homeschooling prepares students for college, careers, and life altogether.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/andrew-mcindoe
As voting season approaches, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking our individual voices won’t make a difference. In this special mini-episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert Bortins argues against this and other reasons people give for choosing not to vote. In addition, he provides resource recommendations for those interested in learning more about how they can make an impact through voting. Your voice matters; get out there and vote!
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/voting
In this conversation, Robert and Allie Beth Stuckey discuss how to build a biblical worldview, respond to opposing opinions, and help our children navigate modern culture. Allie is an author, podcaster, commentator, speaker, wife, and mom who is on a mission to help others build their worldview upon the truth of God’s Word. In 2020, she released her first book You're Not Enough (And That's Okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love, in which she dispels modern cultural myths from a biblical worldview. Allie is also the host of the popular podcast Relatable on BlazeTV, where she analyzes culture, news, politics, and theology from a Christian perspective.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/allie-beth-stuckey
Sam Sorbo is an award-winning actress, model, author, and speaker, as well as the podcast host of The Sam Sorbo Show. She’s also a homeschool mom and Classical Conversations® member. She’s acted in TV shows such as Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and movies like Let There Be Light and Miracle in East Texas. As a homeschool and Christian education activist, Sam has written several books, including They’re Your Kids: An Inspirational Journey from Self-Doubter to Home School Advocate and Teach from Love: A School Year Devotional for Families. In this episode, Sam discusses being a Christian in Hollywood, challenges she’s faced as a homeschool mom, and her latest book, Words for Warriors.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/sam-sorbo
Dr. Brian Ray is the president of the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) and a leader in homeschooling research. The NHERI specializes in conducting and collecting research about homeschooling and publishes the research journal, the Home School Researcher. Dr. Ray is an author, speaker, and veteran homeschool father of eight children. He received his PhD in science education from Oregon State University and his master of science in zoology in zoology from Ohio University. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert and Dr. Ray discuss his research at the NHERI, including the history of home education, the reasons families homeschool, how COVID has impacted homeschooling, and the future of the homeschool movement.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/brian-ray
Ever wonder what it’s like to be “canceled?” Andrew Crapuchettes is the visionary behind RedBalloon, an organization that attempts to solve the cancel culture movement in the American workplace by connecting like-minded employers with employees seeking jobs where their religious and personal beliefs are accepted. Andrew was also the CEO of Emsi, an international economic data firm with hundreds of employees worldwide. In this episode, Andrew discusses his successful career, advice for aspiring leaders, and being a Christian in the workplace.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/andrew-crapuchettes
After practicing law in the private sector, Dan has gone on to serve on the Mecklenburg County Commission in North Carolina, the North Carolina House of Representatives, and the North Carolina Senate. Since 2019, Dan has represented North Carolina’s ninth district in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he is a member of the Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees. Currently, he is running for reelection as a representative. In this episode, Robert and Dan discuss Dan’s career in politics, bills he has sponsored, the House Freedom Caucus, and important issues our country faces like high taxation and gun control.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/dan-bishop
E. Ray Moore is the founder and director of the Exodus Mandate Project, chairman of the Christian Education Initiative, chairman of the movement Public School Exit, and president of the board at Frontline Ministries. In addition to serving in pastoral ministry for over forty years, Ray is a proactive advocate for school choice, the author of two books (including Let My Children Go), and the executive producer of two films (including the award-winning 2011 film IndoctriNation). In this episode, Robert and Ray talk about educational freedom versus school choice and the future of education in the United States.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/ray-moore
Dr. Neil Shenvi is the author of Why Believe? A Reasoned Approach to Christianity. After receiving his PhD in Theoretical Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, Neil has gone on to research nonadiabatic dynamics, electronic structure theory, and electron transfer while in positions at Yale and Duke. In addition to his scientific research, Neil speaks and writes about critical race theory and Christian apologetics. In 2015, he began homeschooling his family with Classical Conversations and now serves as a Tutor at his local Classical Conversations community. In this episode, Robert and Neil discuss homeschooling as a dad, critical race theory, and how to reconcile faith and science.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/neil-shenvi
Randan Steinhauser is a homeschool mom and the founding partner of Steinhauser Strategies, which specializes in creating public relations campaigns, influencing public policy debates, and building innovative digital movements. Randan is an expert in her field, having worked in more than thirty states on issue advocacy, political campaigns, client media relations, coalition development, strategic communications, and government affairs. She homeschools her four children with Classical Conversations®, participating in a local community in Austin, Texas. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert interviews Randan about her career, homeschooling, and school choice.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/randan-steinhauser
April Bortins is a homeschool mom and the wife of Robert Bortins. Together, April and Robert homeschool their three children with Classical Conversations®. Before teaching her own children, April worked as a public-school teacher and head coach for both track and field and cross country. In this special episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert and April chat about her background, her homeschooling journey so far, and how she integrates faith into teaching her children. They also talk about how she felt joining the Bortins family and what daily life looks like in the Bortins household.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/april-bortins
Andrew Pudewa is the founder of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) and is a longtime partner and friend of Classical Conversations®. Speaking around the world, Andrew is known for presenting the skills of writing, teaching, and thinking with clarity and wit. Through IEW seminars and curriculum, he has helped students of all ages become better communicators and critical thinkers. Andrew graduated from the Talent Education Research Institute (known for the Suzuki method) in Matsumoto, Japan, and holds a Certificate of Child Brain Development from the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert interviews Andrew about his work at IEW, literacy in the United States, and how to write with excellence.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/andrew-pudewa
Lisa Bailey is the host of Everyday Educator, a long-running Classical Conversations podcast, and is also the Lead Curriculum Developer for the Global Curriculum team of our publishing company, Classical Conversations MultiMedia (CCMM). Since joining the Classical Conversations family in 2004 as a Challenge B Director, Lisa has graduated two daughters out of the Challenge program and has served in various roles within the company. In this episode, Robert and Lisa discuss her homeschooling journey from why she first chose to homeschool to the importance of committing long-term to the homeschool process.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/lisa-bailey
Dr. Carol Swain is a distinguished political scientist, a former tenured professor at both Princeton University and Vanderbilt University, and late Vice Chair of President Donald Trump’s 1776 Commission. Dr. Swain is the author of several books, including the bestseller Black Eye for America: How Critical Race Theory Is Burning Down the House. In this episode, Robert and Dr. Swain delve into a controversial subject in modern Western culture: critical race theory. Together, they explore how Christians ought to respond.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/carol-swain
In this episode, Robert and Michael P. Farris discuss basic human rights, educational choice, and the possible overturn of Roe v. Wade. Michael is the founding president of both Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and Patrick Henry College. Today, he serves as chairman of the board of HSLDA, chancellor emeritus of Patrick Henry, and the president and CEO of Alliance Defending Freedom. Throughout his career, Michael has defended human rights for freedom of religion and speech, promoted educational choice, and fought for the sanctity of human life.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/michael-farris
Mike Donnelly is HSLDA’s Director of Global Outreach and Senior Counsel to members in seven states. He is also an adjunct professor at Patrick Henry College, teaching constitutional law, and a published author and notable speaker, defending homeschooling and educational choice. In this episode, Robert and Mike discuss the mission, origins, and future of HSLDA, what’s changing in the homeschool movement around the world, and how to stay involved in your child’s education as a homeschool father.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/mike-donnelly
Yvette Hampton is the producer and host of the 2021 documentary Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution. During production, Yvette and her family traveled around the country to speak with education experts and homeschool families about their thoughts on the increasing interest in homeschooling in the United States. In this conversation, Robert asks Yvette about her motivation for creating Schoolhouse Rocked and what lessons she learned along the way.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/yvette-hampton
Al Lopus is the CEO and co-founder of Best Christian Workplaces Institute, an organization founded in 2002 dedicated to helping Christian-led workplaces set the standard as the best, most effective places to work in the world. Al is a recognized author, speaker, and consultant for helping Christian leaders and organizations thrive. In this conversation, Robert and Al discuss the Christian’s relationship with work and the criteria for a flourishing workplace.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/al-lopus
Lisa McLeod is the bestselling author of Selling with Noble Purpose: How to Drive Revenue and Do Work That Makes You Proud. Lisa is a global expert on purpose-driven business and has spent two decades helping leaders increase competitive differentiation and emotional engagement. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert Bortins interviews Lisa about her Noble Purpose philosophy, which is based on research revealing that salespeople with a purpose-driven mission tend to outsell those who only focus on targets and quotas.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/lisa-mcleod
In the second episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert Bortins speaks with Leigh Bortins, his mom and founder of Classical Conversations. Leigh has written several books, including The Core, The Question, and The Conversation, and is well known for her ability to demystify the fundamental tools of learning. Since 1984, her efforts have helped launch the “home-centered” education movement. Robert and Leigh discuss classical education, homeschooling, the origins of Classical Conversations, and the upcoming Math Map, a brand-new math program for Classical Conversations members.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/leigh-bortins
In this episode, Robert Bortins interviews Mike Sharrow, president and CEO of the C12 Group. C12 is a national platform where thousands of Christian CEOs and business owners learn and pursue building “great businesses for a greater purpose” together. In this conversation, Robert and Mike discuss #BaaM (Business as a Ministry) and what it means to be a Christian in business.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/mike-sharrow
In this first episode of Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins, host Robert Bortins discusses his background and what listeners can expect from future episodes of the show. Using the 15 tools of classical learning, Robert shares how he built a strong resume in high school with professional work experience, paid for college by himself while sleeping in friends' closets, worked in manufacturing for five years, and finally became CEO of Classical Conversations, the world's largest homeschooling support organization.
Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/robert-bortins
Classical Conversations Studios presents Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins, a podcast where faith, business, politics, and classical education meet. Join Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations, and use the classical tools of learning to seek truth in every arena of life.
New episodes released every other week.