First Things Podcast

Justin Shubow, President of the National Civic Arts Society, passionately advocates for a renaissance of beauty in federal architecture. He critiques the architectural failures of modernism, spotlighting the public's preference for classical designs. Shubow contrasts iconic memorials, revealing how design impacts public perception of history. The discussions extend to recent changes at the National Endowment for the Arts and the initiative to revive American aesthetics, emphasizing the need to celebrate and restore beauty in our civic spaces.

Robert Pondiscio, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author focused on education policy, discusses pressing issues in the education system. He critiques how public schools have become ideologically charged environments and highlights a new Texas curriculum blending comprehensive knowledge and biblical references. Pondiscio emphasizes the importance of background knowledge in reading instruction, warns against prioritizing student interests over structured learning, and calls for unified curricula to enhance literacy for marginalized students.

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Dana Gioia joins in to discuss his new book, “Weep, Shudder, Die: On Opera and Poetry.” Donate now at www.firstthings.com/campaign Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

In this engaging talk, Paul Kingsnorth, a distinguished novelist and essayist, shares profound insights from his 2024 Erasmus Lecture. He reflects on cultural loss and personal trauma, drawing from a visit to Little Bighorn. Kingsnorth discusses the displacement of Native Americans and the struggle to retain identity amidst cultural erasure. He critiques the decline of Christianity in Western society, contrasting true Christian values with today's materialism. Ultimately, he advocates for transformation through repentance and a return to love as the heart of Christian civilization.

Mike Aquilina, a well-known figure at EWTN and author of "Rabbles, Riots, and Ruins," dives into how cities became crucial to the spread of Christianity. He discusses how apostles targeted urban areas for their diverse populations and synagogues, facilitating evangelization. Notably, he highlights the significance of Jerusalem and Antioch, examines the tension in Ephesus between new Christian ideals and pagan practices, and explores the cultural legacy of Carthage in shaping Latin Christian identity.

Daniel Pipes, a historian and author renowned for his insights on Middle Eastern politics, dives into critical themes surrounding Israel's future. He discusses Israel's unique birth rate and the cultural factors supporting strong family values. The conversation examines the historical roots of rejectionism in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, contrasting it with Zionist perspectives. Pipes also explores the roles of military strategies and economic incentives, the complexities of conflict resolution, and shifts in American Jewish political sentiments.

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Rosario Forlenza and Bjørn Thomassen join in to discuss their new book, “Italy's Christian Democracy: The Catholic Encounter with Political Modernity​.” Donate now at www.firstthings.com/campaign Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

The discussion dives into G.K. Chesterton’s unique perspective on life as a narrative filled with romance and paradox. It emphasizes how our personal stories intertwine with larger philosophical themes of freedom and meaning. The conversation also explores how beliefs about death and the afterlife shape our understanding of life's significance. Additionally, it critiques modern notions of self-improvement, arguing that recognizing evil and adversity is essential for grasping joy and redemption.

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Christine M. Wohar, joins in to discuss her new book, “Finding Frassati: And Following His Path to Holiness​.” Donate now at www.firstthings.com/campaign Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Charles Taylor, joins in to discuss his new book, “Cosmic Connections: Poetry in the Age of Disenchantment​.” Donate now at www.firstthings.com/campaign Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.