Episodes
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Join host Aaron Renn as he sits down with Elizabeth Landis, author of The Forgotten Realm: Civics for American Christians, to explore why Christians need to engage more deeply in the civil realm. From local government to federalism, Elizabeth shares her journey from a concerned citizen to a passionate advocate for civic involvement, offering practical insights and biblical wisdom for Christians navigating governance. Discover how to move beyond voting, build relationships across political divides, and become a winsome force for change in your community. Get your copy of The Forgotten Realm via the link below.
(00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to the Podcast)
(01:03 - Why Civics is the "Forgotten Realm" for Christians)
(02:37 - What Sparked Elizabeth’s Civic Awakening)
(06:38 - A Primer on American Government: From Local to Federal)
(09:15 - Uncovering Federalism and Election Systems)
(12:38 - Engaging with Local Government in Moscow, Idaho)
(17:07 - Building Unexpected Friendships Across Ideologies)
(19:17 - Opportunities for Christians in Civic Roles)
(24:21 - The Call for Christians to Care About Governance)
(29:02 - Christian Diplomacy: A Winsome Approach to Civics)
(33:06 - Conclusion: Key Takeaways and Book Info)Buy The Forgotten Realm: Civics for American Christians - https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Realm-Civics-American-Christians/dp/1963505085/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
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This fascinating conversation with writer Sheluyang Peng explores the profound influence of Friedrich Nietzsche on American thought. From Emerson’s impact on him to the way his philosophy found similarities with American pragmatism to his role in shaping modern political and cultural landscapes, this episode uncovers Nietzsche’s surprising connections to American philosophy, theology, and even infamous historical events like the Leopold and Loeb case. Yang shares insights into how Nietzsche’s ideas resonate with both the left and the right, and why his philosophy remains relevant today.
(00:00 - Introduction)
(01:03 - Why Yang Got Interested in Nietzsche: A Preacher’s Kid Perspective)
(03:30 - Nietzsche’s American Connection: Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Influence)
(05:12 - American vs. European Views of Nietzsche)
(06:53 - Nietzsche’s Role in American Pragmatism)
(08:02 - H.L. Mencken and Popularizing Nietzsche in America)
(10:33 - Nietzsche and the Leopold and Loeb Murder Case)
(13:47 - Nietzsche’s Surprising Influence on Christian Thinkers)
(18:58 - Nietzsche in Modern American Politics)
(20:56 - Bronze Age Pervert and Right-Wing Nietzscheanism)
(25:27 - Nietzsche and René Girard’s Mimetic Theory)
(28:56 - Is Nietzsche Whatever You Want Him to Be?)
(30:14 - The Future of Nietzschean Thought in America)
(31:27 - Closing Remarks and Where to Read More)SHELUYANG PENG LINKS:
🌐 American Affairs Journal: Nietzsche's Eternal Return in America - https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2024/11/nietzsches-eternal-return-in-america/
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WithinGoodNEvil
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Leopold and Loeb Murder Case: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopold_and_Loeb -
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Join Aaron Renn as he sits down with Geoffrey Kabaservice, Vice President of Political Studies at the Niskanen Center and author of Rule and Ruin: The Downfall of Moderation and the Destruction of the Republican Party, From Eisenhower to the Tea Party. In this compelling episode, they dive into the decline of moderate Republicanism, tracing the transformation of the GOP from the era of Dwight Eisenhower to the rise of Ronald Reagan, the Tea Party, and beyond. Why did moderate Republicans fade from prominence? What role did populism play in reshaping the party? And is there a future for pragmatic, effective governance in today’s polarized America? This conversation explores the historical shifts, key figures, and structural challenges facing the Republican Party, offering insights for anyone interested in American political history.
GEOFFREY KABASERVICE LINKS:
📖 Rule and Ruin: The Downfall of Moderation and the Destruction of the Republican Party, From Eisenhower to the Tea Party - https://www.amazon.com/Rule-Ruin-Moderation-Destruction-Development-ebook/dp/B005UFCPHG/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
📖 The Guardians: Kingman Brewster, His Circle, and the Rise of the Liberal Establishment - https://www.amazon.com/Guardians-Kingman-Brewster-Liberal-Establishment-ebook/dp/B00LRXCF66/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/ruleandruinCONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn
🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/ -
In this eye-opening episode, Aaron Renn sits down with Saagar Enjeti, co-host of Breaking Points and The Realignment, to dive deep into the explosive rise of sports betting in America. Following the 2018 Supreme Court decision that opened the floodgates, sports gambling has become a predatory industry, hooking millions with sophisticated algorithms, addictive apps, and aggressive marketing. Saagar breaks down the public policy failures, the devastating impact on problem gamblers, and the complicity of sports leagues and states in this growing crisis. From skyrocketing bankruptcies to increased domestic violence, the societal costs are staggering. Tune in to learn why Saagar calls for banning online gambling and how we can fight back against this dystopian trend.
CONNECT & FOLLOW SAAGAR ENJETI:
🌐 Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar: https://www.youtube.com/c/breakingpoints
🌐 The Realignment Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3O3P7AsOC17INXR5L2APHQ
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/esaagarSubscribe to Aaron Renn's newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
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Join me for this exclusive conversation with former Vice President Mike Pence, as we dive deep into faith, marriage, and navigating life in the public square. In this heartfelt episode, Pence shares his journey to Christianity, the secrets behind his 40-year marriage to Karen Pence, and the truth about the controversial "Mike Pence Rule." He also offers inspiring advice for those hesitant to enter public life, emphasizing how character and faith can thrive in today’s challenging political landscape. Don’t miss this powerful discussion filled with wisdom and encouragement.
Mike Pence's Books:
📖 So Help Me God - https://www.amazon.com/So-Help-God-Mike-Pence-ebook/dp/B0B6GK9LPG/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
📖 Go Home for Dinner: Advice on How Faith Makes a Family and Family Makes a Life - https://www.amazon.com/Go-Home-Dinner-Advice-Family/dp/1982190361/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
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Why can't America build like it used to? What happened to our mojo? In this eye-opening episode, special guest Tanner Greer dives deep into the cultural and institutional decline that’s left America struggling to get things done. From building the Empire State Building in a year to endless delays today, we explore what’s gone wrong—comparing the decisive Spanish Flu response of 1918 to the chaos of COVID-19—and uncover solutions from high-agency groups like the U.S. Marine Corps, LDS Church, and Silicon Valley. If you’re curious about why our institutions feel broken and how we can rebuild a culture that gets results, this episode is a must-listen!
Tanner Greer: "On Cultures That Build": https://scholars-stage.org/on-cultures-that-build/
Tanner Greer: "A School of Strength and Character": https://www.palladiummag.com/2023/03/30/a-school-of-strength-and-character/
Inc. Magazine: "Corps Values": https://www.inc.com/magazine/19980401/906.html
Tanner Greer's Homepage: https://scholars-stage.org/
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
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Join Aaron as he sits down with William Wolfe, Executive Director of the Center for Baptist Leadership (CBL), to discuss the future of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the fight against liberal drift in the church, and the intersection of faith and politics. From grassroots reform to meeting President Trump in the Oval Office, William shares CBL’s mission to revitalize Baptist identity and equip a new generation of leaders.
🌐 Center for Baptist Leadership: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/
🌐 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
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In this episode of Aaron Renn's series on religious minorities in America, he speaks with Josh Hammer, senior editor-at-large at Newsweek Magazine and author of the book Israel and Civilization. Josh shares his personal journey from an assimilated Jewish upbringing to becoming fully observant, discusses the challenges of practicing Judaism in modern America, and offers insights on Jewish-Christian relations, contemporary anti-Semitism, and Israel's role in American foreign policy.
Note: My audio level was poorly adjusted in this recording.
GUEST LINKS:
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/josh_hammer
📖 Buy Israel and Civilization: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1635769736/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
🌐 The Josh Hammer Show: https://www.newsweek.com/podcasts/the-josh-hammer-show
CONNECT & FOLLOW:
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn
🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/ -
In this first episode in a new series exploring the religious minority experience in America, I sit down with author, educator, and entrepreneur Haroon Mogul to discuss his experiences as a Muslim in the United States. Born to Pakistani immigrant parents in Connecticut and raised in New England, Haroon offers unique insights into navigating dual identities, building community across ethnic lines, and finding his place in a country where Muslims remain a small but diverse minority. From childhood memories of Christmas trees to raising his own children in Cincinnati, Haroon's story illuminates the challenges and opportunities of maintaining faith in a society that isn't built around you.
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction to the series
2:17 - Meeting Haroon Mogul
3:33 - Growing up Muslim in New England
7:56 - Navigating dual identities
13:15 - Diversity of American Muslims
20:45 - Ethnic diversity in American mosques
27:23 - Moving from NYC to the Midwest
28:23 - Facing opposition to mosque construction
33:33 - American law and Muslim practices
40:58 - Living in a "neutral world" as a religious minority
47:13 - Conclusion
Haroon Mogul was named as one of the 50 most influential Muslims in the Americas by EqualityX in 2023 and 2024.🌐 Haroon Moghul's Substack: https://sundayschooled.substack.com/
🌐 Subscribe to my newsletter for in-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
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Join host Aaron as he interviews Christopher Schlect, Senior Fellow of History and Director of the Classical and Christian Studies Program at New St. Andrews College. They discuss Schlect's fascinating doctoral dissertation "Onward Christian Administrators," which explores how business management practices transformed American Protestant churches in the early 20th century. Discover how this administrative revolution influenced church architecture, theological controversies, and even women's ordination in unexpected ways.
Read "Onward Christian Administrators" - https://rex.libraries.wsu.edu/esploro/outputs/doctoral/Onward-Christian-Administrators/99900581729701842
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
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In this thought-provoking conversation, wealth manager and author David Bahnsen challenges conventional wisdom about work, retirement, and purpose. Managing $7.1 billion in assets hasn't stopped Bahnsen from questioning our culture's assumptions about work as something to escape from. His book "Full-Time: Work in the Meaning of Life" presents a radical rethinking of vocation as central to human flourishing. Bahnsen argues that our focus on consumption over production and our eagerness to retire represent fundamental misunderstandings of what gives life meaning. Whether you're planning for retirement, questioning your work-life balance, or searching for greater purpose, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on finding fulfillment through productive contribution.
Buy Bahnsen's book Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCMMFGJY/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
Subscribe to my newsletter - https://www.aaronrenn.com/
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Tony Carnes, sociologist, journalist, and founder of "A Journey Through NYC Religions," joins us to explore how New York City has transformed from a secular metropolis into what he calls "America's first post-secular city."
Tony shares fascinating stories from his project documenting every religious site in New York City, revealing the vibrant religious communities that thrive in neighborhoods across all five boroughs. From Hasidic synagogues in Brooklyn to storefront churches in the Bronx, discover how faith communities have shaped the city's culture and politics.Visit A Journey Through NYC Religions: https://nycreligion.info/
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
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Join Aaron as he welcomes back Brad Littlejohn, author of "Called to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License" and fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. In this thought-provoking conversation, they explore the true meaning of freedom from a Christian perspective and how it contrasts with modern society's understanding of liberty as unlimited choice. Brad unpacks how technology, despite promising greater freedom, often leads to new forms of enslavement, and explains why the Christian concept of freedom through service to Christ offers a more fulfilling path to genuine liberty.
Note: The audio levels on this podcast are unequal. I am migrating to a new podcasting system and still getting the hang of it. Bear with me as I learn the new software
Buy Called to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License: https://www.amazon.com/Called-Freedom-Retrieving-Christian-Everything/dp/1087779502?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
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In this wide-ranging conversation, writer and editor Titus Techera explores how media has evolved from America's founding to today's social media landscape. We discuss how different forms of media - from Revolutionary War pamphlets to modern podcasts - have shaped American democracy and character.
Techera breaks down how technological changes have repeatedly disrupted elite institutional control, and why legacy media's attempts to maintain power in the digital age keep backfiring. We explore the roles of figures like Joe Rogan, Christopher Rufo, and Elon Musk in transforming modern media dynamics.The Third Wave of Journalism: https://lawliberty.org/the-third-wave-of-journalism/
The Postmodern Conservative: https://pomocon.substack.com/
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
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NYT columnist Ross Douthat joins me to discuss his new book Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious. We explore why skeptics and non-believers should consider religious faith, examining evidence from science, philosophy, and human experience. Douthat makes the case that religious belief is not only reasonable but arguably obligatory for thinking people in our age.
Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Believe-Why-Everyone-Should-Religious-ebook/dp/B0D8VNGWKL/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
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Princeton Classics PhD Alex Petkas argues against the "Great Books" model of classical education and makes the case for returning to traditional classical training focused on Greek and Latin languages. He explains why Plutarch's Lives was one of early America's most influential books and why it deserves renewed attention today.
Alex Petkas is host of the Cost of Glory podcast, exploring great thinkers and events in classical civilization.
Alex Petka's article in the American Mind: “Great Books” Is for Losers: https://americanmind.org/salvo/great-books-is-for-losers/
The Cost of Glory Podcast: https://www.costofglory.com/
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
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In this episode, Ruy Teixeira, one of America's leading political analysts, discusses the dramatic realignment of American political coalitions and what it means for the future. A longtime Democratic insider and co-author of The Emerging Democratic Majority, Teixeira explains his journey from progressive think tanks to the American Enterprise Institute, unpacks the Democrats' struggles with working-class voters, and offers a three-point plan for rebuilding the Democratic coalition.
The Liberal Patriot: https://www.liberalpatriot.com/
Buy The Emerging Democratic Majority: https://www.amazon.com/Emerging-Democratic-Majority-John-Judis-ebook/dp/B0036QVPEU/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/ -
P. Jesse Rine, director of the Center for Academic Faithfulness and Flourishing (CAFF), joins us to talk about the state of Christian higher education. He will also showcase CAFF's new online Christian college guide, which is the most comprehensive collection of information about Christian colleges available.
Note: This podcast may be best on Youtube because it involves a demonstration of a web site with beta data: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGoVYk06TwI
Christian College Guide: https://www.christiancollegeguide.com/
Center for Academic Faithfulness and Flourishing: https://www.faithfulcolleges.org/
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/ -
In this episode, a deep dive with Matthew Continetti on his book The Right: The Hundred Year War for American Conservatism. We explore how American conservatism developed, from its birth in in the 1920s and opposition to FDR's New Deal through today's populist resurgence. Continetti explains why conservative populism keeps returning, how elites lost their grip on the right, and what the future might hold for American conservatism.
Matthew Continetti is the Director of Domestic Policy Studies and the Patrick and Charlene Neal Chair in American Prosperity at the American Enterprise Institute.
Buy: The Right: The Hundred Year War for American Conservatism - https://www.amazon.com/Right-Hundred-Year-War-American-Conservatism/dp/1541600517/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/ -
In this episode, Tim Chapman discusses how traditional conservatives are engaging with the Trump administration. He's the president of Advancing American Freedom, an advocacy group set up by former Vice President Mike Pence.
What traditional conservatism is and what it's future is in the age of populism and TrumpismWhat Advancing American Freedom doesEngaging with the Trump administration: supporting China tariffs and a Tik Tok ban, tax cuts, deregulationWhy AAF opposes RFK, Jr.'s nomination to be Secretary of Health and Human Services over abortion.
We discuss:Advancing American Freedom: https://advancingamericanfreedom.com/
Follow Tim Chapman on Twitter/X: https://x.com/TimChapman
Get my analysis of Christianity, family, cities, politics, society and economics: https://www.aaronrenn.com/ - Show more
