Narratives and College Aspirations

This week, President Trump announced that the end of the Iran war may be in sight, while news outlets report the US is deploying thousands of troops to the Middle East. Then, Democratic governor of Kentucky Andy Beshear hints at a 2028 presidential campaign while making jabs at Vice President JD Vance. And, book publisher Hachette found that a book that they were about to publish was 78% AI-generated. Mike Cosper and Clarissa Moll discuss these headlines, and then Clarissa speaks with Ben Smith and Isaac Bledsoe from the American Institute for Boys and Men to discuss the trend that fewer men are going to college. What’s to account for the shifting demographics in college attendance?

REFERENCED IN THE EPISODE:

• Getting Men Re-engaged in College by Isaac Bledsoe and Ben Smith
• CT’s education reporting

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ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Isaac Bledsoe is a senior research assistant at the American Institute of Boys and Men (AIBM) with an interest in transitions to adulthood, as well as fatherhood and family. Isaac was a research assistant at the Urban Institute, supporting a national survey of Early Head Start directors and a study to understand and improve parents’ experiences with Georgia’s child care subsidy program.

Ben Smith is a researcher at AIBM with an interest in male labor market decisions and educational outcomes. He previously worked as a policy researcher at the RAND Corporation where he frequently focused on issues related to labor, employment, and financial decision making. His research provides an in-depth, ethnographic look at the ways some Americans manage day-to-day financial volatility.

ABOUT THE BULLETIN:

The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today’s editor-at-large and columnist) and Mike Cosper (senior contributor). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more.

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“The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today

Producer: Clarissa Moll

Associate Producer: Alexa Burke

Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris

Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs

Music: Dan Phelps

Executive Producer: Erik Petrik

Senior Producer: Matt Stevens

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