Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins

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! To learn more about government-funded private education, classicalconversations.com/educationalfreedom. Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/israel-wayne

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.