The Optimistic Curmudgeon

Winston Brady explains the story behind his Inferno, the importance of sin, redemption, and divine grace for ultimate happiness, and several puzzles hidden within Evan Esko's journey across Hell. Featuring lust, gluttony, murder, an Ent, Mephistopheles, suicide, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Thomas Jefferson, LBJ, Ernest Hemingway., and more. Here is the link to order your copy: https://shorturl.at/wL2I8

John Wilsey discusses the nature of religious conservatism, its place in the American tradition, and why conservatives are the best disposed group in America today to defend everyone's religious liberty. He explains the nature of patriotism, defending the idea of being American, and roots his arguments in Burkean conservatism. With callbacks to episode 5x5 featuring Ben Cnreshaw, Dr. Wilsey explains his take on Christian Nationalism. What does Wilsey think about Stephen Wolfe's Case for Christian Nationalism? Listen and find out!

Joe Rigney discusses his new book, Leadership and Emotional Sabotage: Resisting the Anxiety That Will Wreck Your Family, Destroy Your Church, and Ruin the World, and the need for men in particular to rediscover their authority. Rigney argues that rightly used authority is a blessing to those under it and in the absence of that authority chaos reigns. He is concerned that those in leadership need to develop fortitude, enabling them to stay the course when storms arise. He also gives a beautiful response to President Biden’s proclaiming Easter Sunday as the Transgender Day of Visibility in 2024.

Andrew Zwerneman discusses the nature of history, how it should be taught, and its role in a classical education. History is a primary method of shaping the moral imagination, and Zwerneman describes the pivotal role of the classical educator in forming students to cultivate historical consciousness. Find all of Andrew resources and more at Cana Academy - https://www.canaacademy.org/

Rob Thornett, a classical educator with Great Hearts Academies, explains how classical methods and approaches help students discover the good that education can give them. Rob is a global traveler, and has taught in various international settings. This conversational episode is based on Rob’s article in Quillette: https://quillette.com/2024/02/09/the-odyssey-of-classical-education/ Find more of Rob's resources at Robertthornett.com

Scott Yenor describes more than 20 woke pieces of legislation passed in California in recent years and the terrible effects they have on California education. Dr. Yenor explains what’s really going in some key educational buzzwords: culturally responsive teaching, social emotional learning, action civics, critical social justice, and restorative justice. Here is the report this episode is based on: https://idahofreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/California-Report-23-09.pdf

Paul Krause, editor in chief of Voegelin View, joins Josh for this season's Great Books discussion on Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels. Krause situates Swift in his moment in time, and explains the depths of satirical insight Swift applies to questions of human nature. What do the Houyhnhnm, Yahoos, Brobdingnagians, Lilliputians, Laputans, and commentators on Aristotle show about human nature? Did Jonathan Swift hate humanity? Find out in this episode!

Ferenc Horcher discusses the life, scholarship, and humanity of Sir Roger Scruton. Author of Art and Politics in Roger Scruton’s Conservative Philosophy, Horcher explains the connections between Scruton's life and the development of his philosophy. Along the way, Horcher explains Scruton's aesthetic, conservatism, and cultivation of the finer things in life. The conversation concludes with considerations of Sir Roger's theological landing place and an appreciation for the relevance of Sir Roger's thought for the present.

Between Elon Musk's Neuralink, Amazon's Upload, and the promises of both AI programs like Chat GPT and Google Gemini and investments into virtual reality (Meta), the potential for exchanging the material world for some other kind of existence has never been more clear. But can an alternate reality lead to happiness? Dr. Peter Forrest, Dean of Humanities at Thales College, considers these questions in light of a thought experiment called "The Experience Machine." What kind of pleasure can AI give, and would people choose to live in virtual reality even if they could? Join us and find out! #AI #SpatialComputing #RayBradbury #Farenheit451 #Happiness #Philosophy

Katy Faust and Stacy Manning discuss the realities of raising conservative kids in a woke city. They offer realistic advice and solid analysis with a gentleness of spirit that will resonate with all parents. The book is Raising Conservative Kids in a Woke City - get your copy today!

Josh delivered this talk at the 2023 Thales Press Classical Summit; it is a distillation of his dissertation which explores C.S. Lewis's theory of gender. Lewis believed that gender is a fundamental real relationship the governs reality; he wrote about this in both nonfiction and his fiction, and his theory prophetically solves the transgender malaise that has consumed modern culture. #gender #transgender #gratitude #Perelandra #RansomTrilogy #CSLewis

Karen Elliott, Executive Director of The Rafiki Foundation, shares about her organization's work in developing and practicing classical education in 10 different African countries. Karen shares about her background, why she loves classical education, and the unique possibility classical education offers to help African education leaders elevate their own communities. Check out the episode, and share it!

Dr. Nathan Orlando of Benedictine College discusses International Relations and the influence of Aristotle's Politics on contemporary diplomacy. (This episode was recorded in September of 2023, so please pardon the lack of reference to Israel and Hamas's current war).

Ben Crenshaw (PhD Cand., Hillsdale College) explains his view of Christian nationalism, the importance of Christian foundations for the American political order, and why this debate matters for accurate American historical scholarship. Ben is building on his paper presented at the 2023 ISI American Politics and Government. With shout outs to Stephen Wolfe's Case for Christian Nationalism and The American Reformer, Ben makes an articulate case for his position. Is Christian nationalism a viable alternative to woke ideology? Listen, and decide!

Dr. Clifford Humphrey discusses his article in The American Reformer, "The Ends of Mere Classical Education: Which Way Western Man?" He defines classical education, and articulates the importance of classical schools clearly defining their aims if they want to remain distinct from other educational options.

Keith Foskey, @YourCalvinist,tells the origin of his denominations videos. Along the way, he explains theological liberalism, Calvinism, and progressive ideas that are creeping into the church world. Foskey sees his comedy as a form of ministry, and explains his inspiration from Dennis "The Swan" Swanberg. Foskey concludes with considering how laughter is like a medicine for the soul, and what principles of prudence should govern public comedy. Share this episode with a friend!

Daniel Pitt discusses his years studying with the late Sir Roger Scruton. Daniel is a scholar focusing on traditionalist conservatism, and his interview shares insights into the life of Roger Scruton, Russell Kirk, and Richard Weaver. Daniel is a scholar at the University of Sheffield, and brings a deep love of conservatism to the questions of piety, politics, and obligations.

Dr. Jenna Robinson discusses the Martin Center for Academic Renewal's recent articles about the connection between accreditation and DEI at UNC Chapel HIll. She explains the history of accreditations, and the way positive sounding language is used to mask a new expectation of orthodoxy. Dr. Robinson closes with specific suggestions for how UNC Chapel HIll could change its current trajectory, and in doing so set a model for American higher education. https://www.jamesgmartin.center/2023/... https://www.jamesgmartin.center/2023/...

I read my article "Top Down Education is Crumbling" about the #schoolchoice movement and the way school choice functions as an application of #federalism. This essay was published on @StatePolicy 's new website, @American_Habits on June 26, 2023.

I read my review of Abigail Favale's Genesis of Gender, published with the Acton Institute on May 2, 2023. Here is the link: https://rlo.acton.org/archives/124445-the-genesis-paradigm-vs-the-gender-paradigm.html #gender #transgender #pronouns #Christianity #love #feminism #bible #scholarship Be sure to follow Abigail Favale on X at @Favaleabs

In this episode, I welcome back Bob Luddy to give us an update on the current state of the economy. We discuss inflation, Bob's most recent article in The American Spectator, the National Debt, the impact of debt on both an individual's finances and a government's ability to act, and the looming threat of China. Bob does not see the national debt as a partisan issue; both the GOP and DNC are equally unable to reign in fiscal spending. By the conclusion, Bob gives an update on the growth of Thales Academy and Thales College. Optimistic Curmudgeons - this is the final episode of Season 4. We'll be back in September with more great interviews! Thank you for your support of this show! I look forward to bringing you more sound analysis to make sense of a confusing world. Bob's article on the Debt Ceiling: https://spectator.org/the-real-cost-of-the-debt-ceiling-deal/ Thales Academy: https://www.thalesacademy.org/ Thales College: https://www.thalescollege.org/

Abigail Favale argues in her new book The Genesis of Gender that gender ideology corrodes humanity's ability to live well. She proposes instead that a "Genesis Paradigm" that perceives creation as God's good gift enables human flourishing. Favale argues that we've gotten sex wrong as a culture by separating biological purpose from pleasure. She answers Matt Walsh's question, "What is a woman?" with attention to gamete production and an awareness of the history of modern biological study. She also discusses the nature of intersex conditions, and provides a thorough explanation of how Christians ought to respond to gender dysphoric persons with love. It's a great episode! Join us, and share it with a friend! Time Markers: 2:34 - Why do we need a Christian theory of gender? 6:44 - “Woman” as a social construct / “femaleness”, the seed of gender theory 14:50 - Abigal’s personal journey in religion / feminist thought 21:14 - The right way of thinking about sex 25:03 - Where gamete production applies to womanhood 37:15 - Ideals of sexual ambiguity 38:55 - Butler’s idea to denaturalize heterosexuality 41:35 - The body as a sacred concept 47:10 - Idolatry of the body 48:00 - C.S Lewis idea of the spiritual / physical linking in the Sacrament 54:00 - Masculinity and people that display a masculine image (Andrew Tate.. etc)

Jeremy Adams, Auguste Meyrat, and Shane Trotter join Josh for a rousing discussion of school choice. All four are teacher-writers, and between the four they represent charter, public, and private education in Texas, California, and North Carolina. Their conversation was sparked by Daniel Buck's essay in Law and LIberty (https://lawliberty.org/forum/the-perils-of-school-choice/). Share this episode with a friend!

Josh Herring reads his essay "What is the Future of Classical Education?" published in Law and Liberty on May 3. https://lawliberty.org/what-is-the-future-of-classical-education/

Spencer Klavan, podcastor with The Daily Wire and associate editor at The Claremont Review of Books, discusses his new book How to Save the West. He describes various crises plaguing the West, applies ancient wisdom to solve modern problems, and cracks amazing jokes in this episode. If you're worried about the Metaverse, transgenderism, or our current regime crisis, check this episode out!

Ivana Greco defines and describes family policy, explains her own journey from lawyer to stay at home mom, and makes a case why family policy is one of the most significant policy issues in play today. Greco argues that businesses and policy should recognize that women's careers often follow a different path than men's, and should financial policies should structure to encourage them to have children without financial penalty. She goes over specific changes in Social Security and Medicare that could benefit mothers who leave the workforce to care for their children. Join us, and share the episode with a friend! This episode is based on this paper published by National Affairs: Reframing Family Policy.

Phillip Johnson, Professor of Engineering at Thales College, discusses the intersection of science, philosophy, and engineering. Dr. Johnson argues that engineers should know how their techniques developed, and are sharpened by a strong understanding of Greek philosophy. Check out this unique approach to training engineers! #philosophy #classicaleducation #thalescollege #thalesacademy #engineering

Rusty Reno discusses his book, Return of the Strong Gods, and argues that nationalism provides strong cures for the ailments of modernity. As editor of First Things magazine, Reno brings strong analysis and acerbic wit to his discussion of post-WWII New World Order, the problems of globalism, and why we need to rebuild barriers in society. Join the conversation, and share it with a friend!

Scott Yenor explains his recent report for the Claremont Institute on woke ideology being taught at schools on American military bases. Scott describes teacher training that uses the language of Social Emotional Learning and Trauma Informed Practices to foster revolution in the hearts of America's youth. Gender theory, white-shame, and seeing parents as the enemy are just three areas Scott discusses. Check out the episode, and share with a friend!

Christopher Rouchhio, bestselling author of the Sun-Eater series, joins Josh to discuss C.S. Lewis's book The Abolition of Man. Roucchio structures his Kingdoms of Death around Lewis's different anthropological categories, and that beginning sets up a conversation about science fiction, human nature, knowledge, and the benefits of limits for human nature. Along the way, they discuss Lewis's Innovators, conditioners, and argument about transhumanism.

Alex Kaschuta joins Josh to tell her story, and discuss contemporary politics. They discuss the Dissident Right, and consider the following questions: What is post-liberalism? Where does the concept of autonomy shape our politics? How does liberalism infantilize adults? Does the liberal order work with nature? Or against it? What do falling birth rates, the tragedy of the commons, and online dating have in common? If every regime is a theocracy, what religious values govern the liberal order? Listen to the episode to find out!

Ethan Delves interviews Josh Herring about the third season of the Optimistic Curmudgeon. They discuss favorite episodes, the voice the show is acquiring, and the rise of conservative media companies. Join in, and be on the lookout for the first episode of Season 4!

Dr. Cornilis Schilt of the Free University in Brussels joins Josh for a conversation about science, scientism, Sir Isaac Newton, and the many ways science has been corrupted by politics and ideology. Dr. Schilt is the Lecturer and Researcher in the Center for Logic and Philosophy of Science at the Free University in Brussels, and author of Isaac Newton and the Study of Chronology: Prophecy, History, and Method. Be sure to make it to the end--Dr. Schilt takes on the false science of gender ideology and gender mutilating surgery. Key words: #ScienceJournalists, #ScienceCommunication, #Epistemology, #God, #Nature, #Science, #Philosophy, #Religion, #17thCentury, #NaturalPhilosophers, #magic, #manipulation #Alchemy, #Chemistry, #Mathematics, #Kepler, #Bacon, #Descartes, #Copernicus, #Newton #PowerDynamics, #Progress, #Modernism, #Individualism, #RichardDawkins, #StephenWeinberg, #ClimateChange, #DoomMongering, #marketing

Katy Faust, author of Them Before Us: Why We Need a Global Children's Rights Movement, joins Josh to discuss her National Conservatism Speech "What is a Child?" - Katy shares fascinating insights from social science research about the necessary connections between children, their biological parents, maternal and paternal love, and long flourishing. Katy argues that adults have a responsibility to prioritize the needs of children over their own desires. To learn more, check out Katy's non-profit, Them Before Us, here: https://thembeforeus.com/?utm=semalt.com

Dr. Suzanne Hartl joins Josh to discuss her work in business and as a business professor. They discuss workplace realities for women, the role of management in corporate structure, what it takes to be successful in business, several famous business stories, and the role of virtue in modern business. Dr. Hartl closes with advice for those wanting to launch their own entrepreneurial ventures - check it out, and share this episode with a friend! #podcast #leadership #management

Mark Bauerlein comes on the show to discuss his book The Dumbest Generation Grows Up, classical education, and literature. Dr. Bauerlein is convinced that technology has a clear cost in terms of attention span, distraction, and the likelihood the students will actually read books. Mark Bauerlein is the host of The First Things Podcast, author of The Dumbest Generation and The Dumbest Generation Grows Up. Check out this episode for a great conversation about #education, #civilization, and #hope for the future!

Ryan Ryckman comes on the show to discuss real estate, property values, sales, and what makes for strong customer relations! Ryan is an award winning real estate agent with The Real Estate Group - join him and Josh as they talk about property, why land and life patterns matter, and what makes for a strong property investment! #podcast #realestate #housingmarket

Dr. Mike Young of Faulkner University joins Josh to discuss Hans Georg Gadamer. Gadamer wrote Truth and Method, and remains one of the most influential scholars in the fields of philosophy and hermeneutics. A student of Heidegger's, Gadamer argues that hermeneutics, the science of interpretation, applies to all forms of human communication. Dr. Young shares about Gadamer's life, studies, theory, and influence. Check it out - and share this episode with a philosophically inclined friend!

George Leef discusses his latest book, The Awakening of Jennnifer Van Arsdale. The protagonist is a woke journalist who is "mugged by reality" and comes to terms with the failures of progressive governance. One part fable, another part near future dystopia, and a third part political philosophy, the novel works portrays universal basic income, the removal of statues, a national gun buyback program, runaway inflation, and the propensity of woke individuals to join riot mobs. Leef introduces the Austrian school of economics alongside major libertarian concerns like eminent domain and unintended consequences. Listen, and then order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Jennifer-Van-Arsdale-Political/dp/1637583567/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+awakening+of+jennifer+van+arsdale&qid=1664787594&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjc4IiwicXNhIjoiMC44MyIsInFzcCI6IjAuOTMifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=awakening+jennifer%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1

Dr. Matt Slaboch joins Josh for a discussion of his book, A Road to Nowhere: The Idea of Progress and Its Critics. The conversation opens with a discussion of Dr. Slaboch's experience in the modern academy hunting for a job post-PhD. They discuss the nature of progress, and trace both the idea of progress and the criticisms of progress from the Enlightenment to the present day. With shoutouts to Hegel, Tolstoy, and many others, Dr. Slaboch takes listeners on an intellectual tour de force, highlighting the way governments can use the idea of progress to lean totalitarian. They discuss the Dobbs v. Jackson Supreme Court Case, and whether correcting a political course counts as progress, and then consider the idea of progress within both the Trump and Biden administrations. Enjoy the conversation!

Join Josh as he interviews Dr. Jenna Robinson, President of the Martin Center for Academic Renewal as they discuss the purposes of higher education (liberal, illiberal, and professional), the state of higher education generally, and recommendations for colleges that do student formation well, and a critique of UNC Chapel Hill's new core curriculum approach. Along the way, they discuss New College Franklin, Zaytuna College, Thales College, Hillsdale College, Grove City College, and a variety of other institutions that form students into individuals prepared to pursue truth, goodness, and beauty for a lifetime. #podcast #education

In this episode, Josh interviews Scott Yenor, political science professor at Boise State University, about his latest book The Recovery Family Life. Yenor explains Aristotle's concept of a regime, and how that influences his views on public policy. They then discuss the current regime, how it has been shaped by radical feminist thought, and the current crisis of a society which fails to cultivate the virtues necessary for marriage. "Feminism is the desire to separate our bodies from our identity; so that our bodies will not have any enduring effects on who we become as people.” - Scott Yenor Follow Dr. Yenor at @ScottYenor, and click here to buy his book on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08K97YQNV/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0

Ethan Delves interviews Josh Herring about Season 2 of the Optimistic Curmudgeon. They revisit major guests and episodes, get an update on numbers, and explore what's coming up on Season 3! Josh shares exciting news about the show moving under the umbrella of Thales Press, and Ethan gets really excited about a book list Josh may one day put together. Enjoy!

Nathanael Blake of the Ethics and Public Policy Center discusses the Florida and North Carolina Parental Rights in Education bills; he explains why "groomers" is an appropriate term to use for progressive educators who protest such bills. Along the way, he discusses parent's perspectives on their right to educate their children. He and Josh also discuss his response to Michelle Goldberg's review of Christine Emba's Rethinking Sex: A Provocation, and the evident failures of both radical feminism and the Sexual Revolution. The conversation is not explicit or graphic, but this is a mature content episode. Follow Nathanael's work here, or on Twitter @NBlakeEPPC. If you like this episode, please share with a friend!

Josh interviews Dr. Allen Mendenhall about Richard Weaver and his views about what made southern culture both unique and worth preserving. They then shift to the south today, discussing in what way "The South" is a discernible region in light of demographic shift. Along the way there are jokes, bow ties, and a great conversation! If you like the episode, please share it with a friend! Also, click here to find Dr. Mendenhall's latest book.

Bob Luddy, founder of Captivaire, Thales Academy, and Thales College, joins Josh for a conversation about inflation, the federal reserve, the economic mistakes of both the Trump and Biden administrations, the problems created through market interventions, and moves individuals can make to shield value from inflationary pressures. Bob recommends some resources at the conclusion of the episode for further study. Enjoy!

Dr. Mike Munger of Duke University's Economics department joins Josh for a conversation about public choice economics, running for governor of North Carolina, incentive structures, and the necessity of moral virtue for a free market to work properly. They also discuss Adam Smith, David Hume, and Dr. Munger's connection with professional wrestling. Enjoy! Be sure to follow @Mungowitz, and leave us a good review!

Shane Trotter shares insights from his book, Setting the Bar, arguing that an excessive on the lowest performing students harms high performing students. He and Josh discuss how IEPs, 504s, and accommodations fail to achieve the goals of education, and the ways schools and students respond to incentives. They also discuss classroom management, student discipline, and equipping students for a lifetime of success. Public education can be done well, and Shane outlines steps schools should take in order to flourish.

Daniel Garner joins Josh to discuss Hannah Arendt's On The Origins of Totalitarianism. Recorded well before Russia's invasion of the Ukraine, this episode covers the nature of totalitarian government, Arendt's description of anti-semitism in European culture, and the responsibility Western governments have for encouraging self-governing citizens and resisting the temptation towards totalitarian action.

Carissa Mulder, co-author of a chapter in A Dubious Expediency: How Race Based Admissions Damage Higher Education and Special Counsel to Commissioner Peter Kirsanow of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, joins Josh to discuss the history, present reality, and harms of race based admission in elite universities. She traces the case history, and provides analysis of the ways affirmative action in admissions creates an unfair university admissions system. Carissa is a an author for the The Federalist Society, and National Review. You can read her work here and here.