Cultural Debris: Recent Episodes
Alan Cornett
Cultural Debris is a podcast hosted by Alan Cornett who interviews guests and explores culture in the tradition of Russell Kirk, Wendell Berry, the Inklings, the Agrarians, and the Distributists.
Host Alan Cornett interviews author Joel Miller about his new book The Idea Machine.
The Idea Machine
Joel Miller Substack | X
My guest is my friend Andrea Kirk Assaf, whom I have known for, well, a few decades now. She is the author most recently of 365 Lessons From the Stoics as well as other books that we discuss. Andrea lives in Rome where she and her husband Tony host and teach students in a villa overlooking Vatican City. Andrea is also the youngest daughter of Russell Kirk for whom Kirktober is a celebration.
Andrea Kirk Assaf
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Christopher J. Scalia is at the American Enterprise Institute. He and I have been Twitter mutuals for awhile, but I had the pleasure of meeting Chris in Grand Rapids at a Kirk-Scruton conference a couple of weeks ago. Chris is a literature guy, and the conservative movement needs that. To encourage us he has written a new book from Regnery, 13 Novels Conservatives Will Love (But Probably Haven’t Read).
Christopher J. Scalia X | AEI
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Host Alan Cornett interviews R.J. (Rose) Sheffler on her new book Past Watchful Dragons from Word on Fire.
Past Watchful Dragons
Rose Sheffler Substack
Bernard J. Dobski is professor of political science at Assumption University. He is the author of Mark Twain’s Joan of Arc, which explores the significance of the famous author’s last published work in his lifetime. We also discuss the new Martin Scorsese Joan of Arc TV dramatization.
Mark Twain's Joan of Arc
BJ Dobski on X
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Andrew Petiprin is an author and host of the Ignatius Press Podcast. He was the guest Cultural Debris Episode 45.
The Faith Unboxed
Watch the video of this episode on YouTube and Facebook.
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Rod Dreher's most recent book is Living In Wonder, Finding Mystery and Meaning in a Secular Age. Our conversation was recorded the day after Pope Francis died, so that was on our minds and receives a good bit of our discussion. Also, we discuss the new documentary series from Angel Studios based on Rod’s earlier book Live Not By Lies.
Rod Dreher Substack | Twitter
Live Not By Lies From Angel Studios
Living In Wonder
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Professor Thomas M. Ward teaches at Baylor University. He is a philosopher who focuses on Medieval thought, especially the work of John Duns Scotus. He is the author most recently of After Stoicism: Last Words of the Last Roman Philosopher from Word on Fire. We discuss that book, Boethius, Stoicism, living in C.S. Lewis’s home in Oxford, and who is Johhn Duns Scotus anway?
Thomas M. Ward Website | X/Twitter
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My guest once again is His Imperial and Royal Highness, His Excellency Eduard Habsburg, Archduke of Austria and Ambassador of Hungary to The Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta. He is the author of the new book Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World: Habsburg Lessons From the Centuries from Sophia Institute Press.
We discuss his new book, the Habsburg tradition of family, the birth rate crisis in the West, and whether the Loch Ness monster and Bigfoot are real.
Eduard Habsburg Twitter | YouTube
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Carol Scott is an artist and Professor Emeritus of Art at the University of Holy Cross. Caitlin Smith Gilson is a philosopher and author. She was the guest on Cultural Debris Episode 42.
Rhapsody and Redolence: The Crystal Decade
Caitlin Smith Gilson: As It Is In Heaven
Carol Scott: Website | Instagram | Facebook
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Chris Arnade writes the Substack ‘Chris Arnade Walks the World,’ which chronicle his wanderings as he literally walks and walks and walks all over the world. He is the author and photographer for the book Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America. Chris and I discuss the value of getting out of your physical and intellectual bubble, loyalty to your restaurant and bar, the McDonald’s test, and why America’s forgotten people would support a New York real estate tycoon and reality TV star for president. I will note, this interview was recorded prior to the Trump assassination attempt and President Biden’s withdrawal from the race. All that said, this episode is not about partisan politics.
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One of my favorite discoveries in Genoa is the clothing store Ghiglino. A family owned local shop that is over 130 years old, Ghiglino embraces traditional British style with an Italian twist. They have lightened my pocketbook on each visit.
I was thrilled to be able to interview two generations of owners at the shop, Alba Barabino and Elena Queirolo. We discuss the history of Ghiglino, how it became the thriving store it is today, how they balance traditional style with changing trends, and the time that actor Stanley Tucci stopped by.
Ghiglino 1893 Website | Instagram
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Dale Ahlquist has made the study and promotion of the works and ideas of G.K. Chesterton his life’s work. He serves as president of the Society of G.K. Chesterton.
The Everlasting Man, by G.K. Chesterton, at Word on Fire
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Jane Clark Scharl is an American poet, playwright, and critic.
Sonnez Les Matines, a Verse Play by J.C. Scharl
J.C. Scharl website | Twitter
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Andrew Petiprin is co-author of a new book from Word on Fire called Popcorn With the Pope, which examines all the movies on the 1995 Vatican movie list. Did you know there was a 1995 Vatican movie list? Me, either! Andrew is a former fellow at Word on Fire, a co-founder of the Spe Salvi Institute, and host of the Ignatius Press podcast. Andrew and I discuss the new book, the mission of the Spe Salvi Institute, and whether or not you and I should care about pop culture.
Andrew Petiprin Website | Twitter | Instagram
Ignatius Press Podcast
Spe Salvi Institute
Spe Salvi Podcast with Alan Cornett
Popcorn With the Pope
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Joel Miller of Miller’s Book Review Substack reads and reviews a prodigious number of books for this regular Substack. Joel formerly served as vice president of acquisitions for Thomas Nelson Publishers. Joel and I discuss how to find time to read, how to choose what to read, and whether we should get rid of books. And if you’re wondering if you should write a book or not, Joel has some advice for you.
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Joel Miller Substack | Website | Twitter
"The Long, Bright Shadow of Russell Kirk": Interview With Alan Cornett on Miller's Book Review
It is another year and that must mean another appearance by my guest Holly Ordway. Holly and I discuss her most recent book, Tolkien’s Faith: A Spiritual Biography from Word on Fire. Holly and I discuss the impact of St. John Henry Newman’s Oratory on J.R.R. Tolkien, his struggles with faith after the war, and just how consciously did Tolkien seek to share his faith through his literature.
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Holly Ordway Website | Twitter
Tolkien's Faith: A Spiritual Biography
Alan Noble is associate professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University. He is the author most recently of the book On Getting Out of Bed.
Watch the video of this episode on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
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Allen Mendenhall is Associate Dean and Grady Rosier Professor in the Sorrell College of Business at Troy University. He is the author of the novel A Glooming Peace This Morning from Livington Press.
Watch the video of this episode on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
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Gary Gregg, Director of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, discusses the new 100th anniversary edition of The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran and why we should read it.
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Caitlin Smith Gilson is a philosopher, theologian, poet, and novelist. I originally contacted her to invite her to come on the podcast to discuss the story and movie “Babette’s Feast.” As time went on that topic expanded to a discussion of her book As It Is In Heaven as well as her poetry. We also have a bonus guest, her friend and collaborator, the artist Carol Scott. This episode is probably multiple episodes in one and it’s one I certainly enjoyed doing.
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Caitlin Smith Gilson: As It Is In Heaven
Carol Scott: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Laird Mackintosh is a longtime Broadway actor who had the opportunity and privilege to play the Phantom himself in the final performances of the Phantom of the Opera. The Phantom closed in April after 35 years on Broadway and was Broadway’s longest running show.
Laird discusses playing the Phantom, his long association with the show, and the unpredictable life of being a Broadway actor. In addition, he and I discuss his interest in vintage Ralph Lauren clothing and the business that sprang from it. Plus, Laird is an art lover and an artist so we discuss our mutual admiration for the great John Singer Sargent.
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Laird Mackintosh Instagram
The Need For Tweed, by Eric Twardzik (article on Laird Mackintosh's vintage Polo RL business)
Sonnez Les Matines, by Jane Clark Scharl
My guest is Dale Ahlquist who has made the study and promotion of the works and ideas of G.K. Chesterton his life’s work. We preview the upcoming Chesterton Society Conference, the growth of the Chesterton School network, as well as the status of the campaign to have G.K. Chesterton officially declared a saint. Plus, Dale’s thoughts on traveling to Genoa on a Cultural Debris Excursion.
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42nd Annual Chesterton Conference
Ferenc Hörcher comes to us from Budapest where he is a professor of political science and philosophy. He is the author most recently of Art and Politics in Roger Scruton’s Conservative Philosophy from Palgrave Macmillan. He is a leading scholar on the writings and thought of Roger Scruton and traditional conservatism. Ferenc and I discuss Roger Scruton’s ties to Central Europe and how it helped shape him, his growing reputation on the Continent, and the core ideas of Scruton’s thought. Plus, we talk about the curious rise of Scruton Cafes.
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Ferenc Hörcher Twitter
〝Can Roger Scruton Save the European Right?〞by John Lloyd
John Herreid is editor of a new art compilation from Ignatius Press titled The Catholic Home Gallery: Eighteen Works of Art by Contemporary Catholic Artists. We discuss the dying world of good used bookstores, what makes authentic art, and how to DIY your way to beautiful art on your own walls.
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Alan Cornett on Uncommon Sense Podcast Apple | YouTube
John Herreid Instagram | Twitter
The Catholic Home Gallery
My guest is His Imperial and Royal Highness, His Excellency Eduard Habsburg. He is Archduke of Austria and Ambassador of Hungary to The Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta. He is also a member of perhaps Europe’s most famous family. Plus, he is the author of a new book from Sophia Institute Press titled The Habsburg Way: Seven Rules For Turbulent Times.
The ambassador and I discuss the value of everything from getting married to subsidiarity and dying well. Throughout, we discuss stories from his famous family and the importance of faith as well as what makes monarchy different.
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Eduard Habsburg Twitter | YouTube
The Habsburg Way: 7 Rules For Turbulent Times
Kathryn Wehr is editor of the new Wade Annotated Edition of The Man Born to be King by Dorothy L. Sayers, which is published by IVP. We discuss Sayers’s challenges in realizing her vision for the work, the secretary who tried to change it, and Sayers’s trinitarian understanding of the creative process as well as her friendship with C.S. Lewis. Plus, we may just have your soundtrack for Holy Week.
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Kathryn Wehr Website | YouTube
The Man Born to Be King, by Dorothy L. Sayers
Logos: A Journal of Catholic Thought & Culture
Eric Twardzik is a regular in such publications as the Robb Report, WM Brown, and Drake’s online. His focus is men’s clothing and the drinks scene. We discuss classic American Ivy Style, its expressions in such places as Italy and Japan, Eric’s visit to Kentucky, and the rise of the white Negroni. Plus, Eric discusses a sheep to suit tailoring project.
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Eric Twardzik Instagram | Website
'Demystifying the White Negroni'
Eric Twardzik at Robb Report
WM Brown Magazine Issue 12
Holly Ordway is the first returning guest on Cultural Debris. Holly and I discuss her most recent book Tales of Faith: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel Through Literature. Holly and I discuss the value of literature, receiving vs using stories, why reading fiction can be a dangerous act, and why so much modern Christian art is so bad. Plus, we get a preview of Holly’s fascinating upcoming book.
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Holly Ordway Website | Twitter
Tales of Faith: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel Through Literature
Cultural Debris logo by Rachael Sinclair Twitter | Instagram
Kevin Gutzman is Professor of History at Western Connecticut State University. He has published half a dozen books on Jefferson, Madison, and the Constitution. His latest book is The Jeffersonians.
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Cultural Debris logo by Rachael Sinclair Twitter | Instagram
The Jeffersonians, by Kevin Gutzman
Kevin Gutzman Website | Twitter
My guest is Raj Bhakta. Raj is a true practitioner of the art of cultural debris. From founding one of the first premium whiskey brands, Whistle Pig—based out of Vermont, of all places—to buying an actual college at auction, Raj is not one to limit himself.
We talk about all of those things, but especially Raj and I discuss the oldest known spirit, Armagnac, and his discovery of a great horde of Armagnac at a chateau in France, with vintages dating back over a century and a half. Raj bought it all, and the chateau, and launched Bhakta Spirits. We discuss everything from Armagnac to the Apprentice (and the guy who hosted it), but mostly Armagnac. And a little bourbon.
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Bhakta Spirits Website | Instagram
My guest is Os Guinness, long a resident of the Washington, D.C. area, Guinness was born in China and educated at Oxford. He is a prolific author, most recently of The Great Quest and Zero Hour America, both from IVP.
In our conversation we discuss the cultural crisis in America and if a turnaround is even possible. Os also discusses his childhood in China, his time with Francis Schaeffer, a chance meeting with Winston Churchill, and whether or not he receives free shipments of bottles from Guinness.
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Os Guinness Website
Annette Kirk was kind enough to sit down with me to talk on a recent visit to Piety Hill in Mecosta, Michigan in the brick Italianate home that she and Russell Kirk built a half century ago.
Annette talks about growing up on Long Island, her activist mother, being present in the early days of the conservative movement at William F. Buckley’s home, and later meeting Russell Kirk. We discuss the culture shock of moving to rural Michigan, how their home became a magnet for refugees from around the world, and the work of the Kirk Center over the past 27 years. Plus, Annette tells the story of being kidnapped in her own car.
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The Russell Kirk Center For Cultural Renewal
Luke Sheahan of Duquesne University and the newly appointed editor of The University Bookman, a book review journal founded by Russell Kirk and edited by him until his death. Dr. Sheahan steps into the role left vacant by the passing of the great Gerald Russello, someone we all greatly miss.
Dr. Sheahan and I discuss his plans for the Bookman, the debate between Russell Kirk and William F. Buckley on academic freedom, and the fundamental need for associations and the freedom of association as outlined by Robert Nisbet.
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Luke Sheahan Website | Twitter
The University Bookman
Jason M. Baxter is a professor at the University of Notre Dame and has a new book from InterVarsity Press titled The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis.
Dr. Baxter and I discuss the C.S. Lewis few ever talk about, the dangers of presentism, and how the medievals aren’t at all like the common stereotypes. Plus, for the second podcast in a row football comes up.
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Jason M. Baxter website
The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis
Jane Greer, The World As We Know It Is Falling Away
Moonshine & Magnolias: A Journal For Southern Regional Consciousness
Michael Possanner is a bespoke tailor in Vienna, Austria. Michael and I discuss the value of bespoke tailoring, his non-traditional journey to learning the ancient trade, his love of American football, and his passion of mixology and collecting vintage cocktail books.
Christian Appalachian Project - Donate for flood relief
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Michael Possanner - website | Instagram
Coconelli Patisserie - website | Instagram
Dr. Greg Hillis of Bellarmine University in Louisville. He is author of the recent book Man of Dialogue: Thomas Merton’s Catholic Vision from Liturgical Press.
Dr. Hillis and I discuss Merton’s reputation, his role as novice master at the Abbey of Gethsemani, his interaction with the Kentucky literary scene, and the significance of Merton’s interest in Eastern religions.
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Man of Dialogue: Thomas Merton's Catholic Vision
Greg Hillis website | Twitter
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Front Porch Republic Archive
Dominican Friar Fr. Gregory Pine is a host of the podcast Godsplaining and frequently appears on Pints With Aquinas. He is author of the new book Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly published by Our Sunday Visitor.
Fr. Pine and I discuss the idea of prudence, its philosophical roots, and his favorite Kentucky bourbon distilleries, plus his strange encounter with a biker in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge.
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Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly
Fr. Gregory Pine
Godsplaining Podcast
Fr. Gregory Pine on Pints With Aquinas
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Anthony Amore is a Boston based New York Times bestselling author and art security expert. He is author most recently of The Woman Who Stole Vermeer: The True Story of Rose Dugdale.
He also works as Director of Security and Chief Investigator at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum where he endeavors to recover the thirteen works of art stolen from the Gardner in a daring heist in 1990.
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Anthony Amore: Website | Twitter
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
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Jessica Hooten Wilson is author of the new book The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints from Brazos Press. Jessica is a professor at the University of Dallas and has written previously on Walker Percy and Fydor Dostoevesky. She currently is preparing a manuscript on Flannery O’Connor.
Jessica and I discuss facing the reality of our own limitations, finding literary saints as exemplars, Flannery O’Connor, C.S. Lewis, and the influence of G.K. Chesterton on Sigrid Undset.
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The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination In the Company of Literary Saints
Jessica Hooten Wilson: Website | Twitter | YouTube
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Front Porch Republic Archive
My guest is art historian Danielle Oteri who wrote a wonderful article published in The Paris Review about the Unicorn Tapestries in the Met Cloisters.
Danielle and I discuss mystery and wonder, angels and unicorns. And a security guard named Howie. Oh, and a squirrel.
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'The Secret of the Unicorn Tapestries'
Danielle Oteri: Website | Substack | Twitter | Instagram
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Front Porch Republic Archive
My guest this episode is Allen Mendenhall, Associate Dean and Grady Rosier Professor in the Sorrell College of Business at Troy University, and author of the book Shouting Softly: Lines on Law, Literature, and Culture from St. Augustine’s Press.
We discuss his family’s connection to author Harper Lee, Russell Kirk’s book The Conservative Constitution, the value of being a generalist, and much more.
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Allen Mendenhall: Website | Twitter
Shouting Softly: Lines on Law, Literature, and Culture
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Front Porch Republic Archives
Father Harrison Ayre is one of the co-hosts of the podcast Clerically Speaking. I definitely recommend it as it is a favorite of mine.
Father Harrion’s new book is Mysterion: The Revelatory Power of The Sacramental Worldview.
We discuss the idea of sacramentality, the dangers of modernity and acedia, and the benefits of the Marian stance.
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Fr. Harrison Ayre on Twitter
Mysterion Pauline Books | Amazon
Mysterion cover reveal video
Clerically Speaking Podcast
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This episode’s guest is the author of the new book Swan Songs: Souvenirs of Paris Elegance. He writes under the pseudonym of Reginald-Jerome de Mans. In the book, he chronicles the end of old Parisian clothing institutions: shops and clothiers that sold luxurious wares for a century and longer, but the world seemingly passed them by. He also writes about a few who remain, but for how long?
We discuss lost shops, lost skills, and, in many ways, a lost world. And be sure to stick around for the end where he discusses his own desire to write and be published, and the process that brought about this book.
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Swan Songs: Souvenirs of Paris Elegance
Réginald-Jérôme de Mans on Twitter
Put This On Archive
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Alan Noble is author of the new book You Are Not Your Own: Belonging to God in an Inhuman World from IVP, The Intervarsity Press. Dr. Noble is a professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University and a founder of Christ and Pop Culture.
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You Are Not Your Own: Belonging to God in an Inhuman World
Alan Noble website | Twitter
Christ and Pop Culture
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My guest is Professor Todd Hartch of Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond. A specialist in the history of religion, particularly Latin American religion, Todd has written a new book A Time to Build Anew: How to Find the True, Good, and the Beautiful in America. You’ll enjoy our topics from sculptor Frederick Hart, to the Notre Dame School of Architecture, to great books programs, and saving Charleston.
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A Time to Build Anew, by Todd Hartch
Todd Hartch on Twitter
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My guest is author and bookman Stuart Kells of Melbourne, Australia. Stuart and I chat about various things bookish—private presses, pulp paperbacks, typefaces, and university presses. We even talk about two of his books a bit, The Library: A Catalogue of Wonders and Shakespeare’s Library: Unlocking the Greatest Mystery in Literature. Both highly recommended.
You don’t want to miss the story about Stuart’s mystery find that cost him $3 but turned into the most valuable thing he owned.
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Stuart Kells | website | Twitter
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My guest is former Ambassador Alberto Miguel Fernandez. Alberto served as US Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea, and also served in various diplomatic roles around the world including in Afghanistan, Syria, and Sudan. He currently serves as vice president of the Middle East Media Research Institute.
Alberto shares his early introduction to Russell Kirk’s writings, his family’s history with his native Cuba, his career as a US diplomat, and thoughts about disappearing cultures around the world with his recent article in The Lamp magazine as a jumping off point.
This interview was recorded just prior to the rapid collapse of Afghanistan this past week, but Alberto discusses his time in Kabul and the role of the US there. Plus, stick around for some book recommendations at the end.
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Alberto Miguel Fernandez on Twitter
'Torn From Love' at The Lamp Magazine (note: behind a paywall)
'Neither a Suicide Noose Nor a Sword of Vengeance'
'Adventurer, Patriot, Spanish Man of Letters: The Moroccan Notes of Gimenez Caballero'
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My guest is Father Michael Ward of Blackfriars Hall, Oxford and also of Houston Baptist University. Fr Ward has an enviable trifecta in his academic pedigree—degrees from Oxford, Cambridge, and St. Andrews. Fr. Ward is perhaps best known for his book Planet Narnia, which explains the correlation of each Narnia book to a planet in medieval cosmology. His recently released book from Word on Fire Academic, After Humanity: A Guide to C.S. Lewis’s The Abolition of Man is the primary subject of our discussion, but we also talk about James Bond.
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After Humanity: A Guide to C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man
MichaelWard.net
Michael Ward and 007
Rachael Sinclair Website | Twitter
Bad Books of the Bible Podcast | Substack
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Front Porch Republic Archives
Jeffrey Bilbro is editor of the The Front Porch Republic. Jeff is a fellow devotee of Wendell Berry, and has written a new book from IVP called Reading the Times: A Literary and Theological Inquiry Into the News. We discuss setting priorities in a Twitter world with a bit of talk about higher education thrown in. We even have nice things to say about Henry David Thoreau.
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Reading the Times
Jeffrey Bilbro website | Twitter | Front Porch Republic
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Jared Zimmerer is director of the Word on Fire Institute. Jared is a fellow disciple of Russell Kirk, and currently is pursuing doctoral research on things Kirkian. It should not surprise you that Dr. Kirk is exactly what we talk about, particularly the idea of personalism related to Dr. Kirk’s writings, and the influence of St. John Henry Newman on his thought. In the course of that, we also delve into Dr. Kirk’s conversion to Catholicism and discuss his view of the need for beauty.
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Jared Zimmerer Word on Fire | Twitter | Instagram
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Front Porch Republic Archives
My guest is Erik Bootsma a classical architect who specializes in ecclesiastical architecture. Erik was trained at the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture, which focuses on traditional forms of architecture. He and I discuss the role and modern degradation of architecture, Russell Kirk on modern architecture, the church wreckovations of the 1960s, and the attempts to return to traditional understandings of sacred space. Plus, we take a look at Prince Charles’s book A Vision of Britain and the Prince’s model city of Poundbury. It’s a packed discussion, and I think you’ll enjoy it.
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Erik Bootsma Website | Twitter
"An Architect Reconsiders 'The Architecture of Servitude and Boredom'"
"To Resurrect Notre Dame Is a Work of Faith"
Poundbury
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Front Porch Republic Archives
My guest is Canadian menswear writer and broadcaster Pedro Mendes who operates the website The Hogtown Rake. I have followed Pedro for years on Instagram and also very much enjoyed his podcast series ‘Unbuttoned With Bruce Boyer.’ Pedro has an appreciation for classic men’s clothing that I share, and in this episode we discuss his new book Ten Garments Every Man Should Own: A Practical Guide to Building a Permanent Wardrobe. Is there a place for classic clothing in a locked down Zoom world? Please join us and find out.
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Pedro Mendes Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
The Hogtown Rake
Unbuttoned With Bruce Boyer
Ten Garments Every Man Should Own
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Front Porch Republic Archives
My guest this episode is Grace Olmstead. Grace has done excellent work for several years on issues of localism, just the sort of thing we like to talk about on Cultural Debris. Like your humble host, she is a devotee of Wendell Berry’s works, and her new book Uprooted is a chronicle of approaching her own native place and her own life with the principles of localism, sustainability, and the obligations of membership.
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Grace Olmstead Twitter | Instagram
Uprooted: Recovering the Legacy of the Places We've Left Behind
'Wendell Berry's Right Kind of Farming,' by Grace Olmstead (NYT)
Hill Women, by Cassie Chambers
Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer
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Front Porch Republic Archives
Holly Ordway is Cardinal Francis George Fellow of Faith and Culture of the Word on Fire Institute. Her new book, the first from the new Word on Fire Academic imprint, is Tolkien’s Modern Reading: Middle-earth Beyond the Middle Ages. It’s an important work, that genuinely breaks new ground in Tolkien studies. Holly was kind enough to chat about the book and about J.R.R. Tolkien, certainly a favorite of mine, and I suspect, yours, too.
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Holly Ordway website | Twitter
Tolkien's Modern Reading at Word On Fire (with videos)
Cultural Debris on Twitter
Front Porch Republic Archives
My guest this episode is Elisabeth Deane, a talented artist living and working in London with her husband Jethro Buck, also an artist.
On a trip to India, Elisabeth was exposed to traditional Indian miniature painting, which led her to her life’s work. She pursued studies at the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London. She talks about life as an artist and also her time and training at the Prince’s School, which was established by the Prince of Wales to reinvigorate traditional arts and crafts techniques through both conceptual and practical instruction. Elisabeth has taken her training in traditional techniques and applied them in imaginative and contemporary ways.
Elisabeth Deane website | Instagram | Grosvenor Gallery
Prince's Foundation School of Traditional Arts
Sanju Soni Instagram | Facebook
Ajay and Vinita Sharma website | Royal Society
Samantha Buckley website | Instagram | Prince's School
Farkhondeh Ahmadzadeh website | Instagram
Vaishali Prazmari website | Instagram | Prince's School
Olivia Fraser website | Grosvenor Gallery | Instagram
Jethro Buck website | Instagram | Crane Kalman Gallery
John Singer Sargent (Princeton University Press)
Cultural Debris on Twitter
Front Porch Republic Archives
J. Mark Bertrand is the author of the Roland March mystery trilogy and the purveyor of the aforementioned Bible Design Blog. But Mark has seemingly been lying low the past few years, and in this podcast you’ll find out why.
We explore what Mark has been up to, whether we’ll see any more books from his pen, and the inspiration he found at a coroner’s convention. The discussion drifts into what is Christian fiction and what is "good" Christian fiction. Plus, we talk Bibles including the impact of Bible Design Blog and the revolution of Bible publishing over the past 15 years. We touch on the Bibliotheca reader’s Bible and the new Word on Fire Gospels, and discuss if the latter might help pave the way for a renaissance in Catholic Bible publishing like we’ve seen in evangelical Bible publishing.
And if you’re interested in sticking around, Mark and I talk some about fun things, well, fun to us, like briefcases and book shopping. We both share our most serendipitous bookstore finds, and revel in the joy of disordered bookshops.
Bible Design Blog
Roland March Mystery Book Series
Hearing the Music Podcast with J. Mark Bertrand
J. Mark Bertrand on Instagram
'A Visit to R.L. Allan', by Alan Cornett
Books mentioned:
The Eight Doors of the Kingdom, and Searching For and Maintaining Peace, by Fr Jacques Philippe
Japanese Paper-Making, by Kiyofusa Narita
The Lost Book of the Grail, by Charlie Lovett
First Garden, by C.Z. Guest
Bibliotheca Reader's Bible
R.L. Allan ESV
Word on Fire Gospels
Art critic William Newton joins me in this episode to discuss how to approach art. How to learn about it, appreciate it, and also acquire it. William is an attorney, a graduate of Notre Dame Law School, but also a graduate of Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. He has written and blogged about art for over two decades, and has recently turned his writing attention to the online magazine The Federalist where you can find his art themed views and reviews.
William Newton: Website | At the Federalist | Twitter
Baumgartner Art Restoration YouTube
The Met Exhibition Catalog Digital Archive
Paris Review: 'T.S. Eliot's "The Cultivation of Christmas Trees"'
Cultural Debris on Twitter
Poet Dan Rattelle joins the podcast to discuss his new collection Commonwealth from Little Gidding Press. We discuss the idea of place and how Scotland and New England have influenced his poetry. Plus, Dan and I explore a meeting between Wendell Berry and Thomas Merton, and the article he wrote about it for The Front Porch Republic.
Dan Rattelle on Twitter
Little Gidding Press on Twitter
'Work and Prayer: The Brief Friendship of Thomas Merton and Wendell Berry', by Dan Rattelle
Alan Cornett on Conversation of Our Generation Podcast
Cultural Debris on Twitter
Since we all need as much Christmas as we can get in 2020, Dr. Blake Scott Ball of Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama joins the podcast for this episode. Dr. Ball is chair of the department of History and Political Science at Huntingdon. And he has a forthcoming book from Oxford University Press titled ‘Charlie Brown’s America: The Popular Politics of Peanuts.’
He and I chat about the Peanuts holiday specials, particularly the iconic ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’. I hope it helps put you in the holiday spirit.
Blake Scott Ball on Twitter
Charlie Brown's America (OUP)
When talking about classic men’s clothing particularly the American variety, one can’t talk long without bringing up Brooks Brothers. In 2018 Brooks Brothers celebrated its 200th anniversary. In 2020 Brooks filed for bankruptcy.
My guest today, like me, is a decades long customer of Brooks Brothers, Dr. Samuel Goldman of George Washington University is executive director of the John L. Loeb, Jr. Institute for Religious Freedom and director of the Politics & Values Program. He not only is the literary editor of Modern Age, a journal founded by Russell Kirk, but he recently published an essay on the bankruptcy of Brooks Brothers in First Things magazine called ‘Lamb to the Slaughter.’ Join Dr. Goldman and me as we discuss his article, the history of Brooks Brothers, and its possible future.
Samuel Goldman - 'Lamb to the Slaughter'
Alan Flusser - 'Alan's Thoughts on Reconstructing Brooks Brothers'
Bruce Boyer - 'Boyer On Brooks, 1981'
The Triangle Club - The Ivy League Look
Spencer Reece - 'The Clerk's Tale'
Cultural Debris on Twitter
Welcome to the first episode of Cultural Debris, released on Russell Kirk's 102nd birthday!
Dr. Bradley Birzer of Hillsdale College is my guest as we discuss Russell Kirk, Brad's other projects, and end up chatting about Batman.
Dr. Bradley Birzer on Twitter
Cultural Debris on Twitter
'Cultural Debris' by Russell Kirk
If you like Russell Kirk, Wendell Berry, the Inklings, the Agrarians, and the Distributists then you may like this podcast.
I will interview guests and share books and poems and other bits of cultural debris, flotsam that the culture at large may not value, but some of us in the row boat still do.
Please take a moment to subscribe and join me as from time to time we examine a bit of Cultural Debris.
'Cultural Debris' - Russell Kirk