Episodios

  • Friday Night Lights Is Killing Education Freedom with Dr. Bradley Thompson

    Friday Night Lights Is Killing Education Freedom with Dr. Bradley Thompson
    Apr 1 2026
    What if government education isn't just failing — but is fundamentally, morally wrong? On this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Dr. Bradley Thompson, political philosopher at Clemson University and executive director of the Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism, to make the abolitionist case for education freedom. From the moral foundations of laissez-faire capitalism to the great books Lyceum program producing the next generation of principled Americans, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about school choice, government schools, and what the Declaration of Independence actually says about the role of government. Dr. Bradley Thompson spent decades studying government education before arriving at a conclusion that surprises most people the first time they hear it: the government school system isn't just failing — it is immoral by definition, and it cannot be reformed. His case isn't built on frustration with test scores (though he has that too). It's built on the same moral arguments the anti-slavery abolitionists used against chattel slavery: coercion is coercion, and education by the government for the government violates the natural rights of individuals. The conversation opens with a tour of the Lyceum Scholars Program at Clemson — a great books scholarship program Dr. Thompson founded, now offering $15,000 per year ($60,000 total) to incoming freshmen who take eight courses over four years covering ancient moral thought, the political theory of capitalism, the American Revolution, and modern moral philosophy from Shakespeare to Ayn Rand. The program's most distinctive feature is its Socratic Tutor system, where each scholar meets one-on-one with a faculty mentor every other week to translate the ideas they're reading into their own lives — specifically around questions of moral character, courage, integrity, and honor. From there, Robert and Dr. Thompson dig into the argument that most Americans have never heard made seriously: capitalism is not primarily an economic system. It is a political theory — laissez-faire, meaning the government keeps its hands off — and by that definition, what America has today isn't capitalism at all. It's a regulatory, taxing Leviathan that makes the taxation the colonists revolted against look modest by comparison. The moral case for capitalism has been ceded to its critics for a hundred years, Dr. Thompson argues, and that's why the country has drifted toward serfdom. What You'll Learn: • Why capitalism is not primarily an economic system — it's a political theory of radically limited government • Why we don't actually have capitalism in America today — and what we have instead • The sordid history of government education in America, where it came from, and who it was designed to serve • Why Dr. Thompson compares his position on government schools to the anti-slavery abolitionists of 1830–1860 • Why government schools cannot be reformed — even with the right people in charge • The "Friday night lights problem" keeping conservatives from embracing education freedom • Why vouchers are just food stamps for education — and how they corrupt private schools • Why the socialization argument against homeschooling is completely bogus • What the Lyceum Program at Clemson is doing to educate morally virtuous, liberty-minded young Americans • What James Madison's Memorial and Remonstrance has to do with education freedom • The one thing about the American founding Dr. Thompson wishes everyone remembered Resources Mentioned: • America's Revolutionary Mind by Dr. C. Bradley Thompson — available wherever books are sold • The Redneck Intellectual (Substack): theredneckintellectual.com • Ed Watch Daily (blog): daily commentary on K-12 and higher education issues • Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism / Lyceum Program: search "Snow Institute Clemson" or go directly to Clemson University's website • James Madison's Memorial and Remonstrance — referenced as the document that sparked Dr. Thompson's abolitionist turn This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line This April, Classical Conversations is launching an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level. Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today. Don't miss the special CC Bookstore sale from April 7 - 28!
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    54 m
  • Building Water Businesses, Not Dependency: Matt Hangen's Mission in Africa

    Building Water Businesses, Not Dependency: Matt Hangen's Mission in Africa
    Mar 25 2026

    Matt Hangen discovered something revolutionary while working as a missionary well driller in Togo: the traditional charity model was failing Africa's water crisis. After losing 117 pounds to illness and watching communities struggle with donated solutions that broke down, he pioneered a different approach. Water4 uses donations as seed capital to build wholly-owned water businesses that operate sustainably through customer payments—just pennies per day. The result? Nearly 3 million people served, 1,800 jobs created in Africa, 40,000 weekly Bible study groups launched, and villages transformed as women and girls get back three hours of their day previously spent hauling water. Matt shares incredible stories of employees like Muhammad (floor sweeper turned shop manager), grandmothers starting rice businesses with clean water, and how providing tap-quality water to rural African homes costs less than many American municipalities spend just planning their water projects. This conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about sustainable development, dignity through work, and the intersection of entrepreneurship and missions.

    Resources:

    https://www.water4.org/

    This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Worldview Academy:

    Students call Worldview Academy the best week of their lives. Through week-long summer leadership camps for teens, Worldview Academy trains Christians to think and live in accord with a biblical worldview so they can better serve Christ and engage the culture around them. Worldview Academy reinforces what students are learning at home and at church and trains this generation to apply that knowledge to the challenging cultural issues they're facing.

    To find a camp near you or learn more about Worldview's weekend conferences and other resources for families, visit www.worldview.org
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    42 m
  • Raising Resilient Sons: Faith, Fitness & Fatherhood for Christian Dads

    Raising Resilient Sons: Faith, Fitness & Fatherhood for Christian Dads
    Mar 18 2026
    What does it actually take to raise resilient sons and lead your family with strength? On this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Dr. Brandon Shriner — founder of the Warrior 3 Project, former Division I wrestler, CrossFit regional competitor, and co-owner of Revive Chiropractic — to explore the powerful connection between physical health, biblical masculinity, and spiritual leadership. This is a conversation for every Christian dad who wants to live, lead, and love strong. Dr. Brandon Shriner grew up in a small farm town in southeastern Ohio in a broken home — frustrated, angry, and channeling everything into wrestling. He earned a Division I scholarship to wrestle for the Ohio Bobcats, was named MAC Redshirt Freshman of the Year, and was on track for All-American honors when a severe neck injury ended his career. What followed was depression, addiction to OxyContin, cage fighting, and a long search for identity and purpose. The turning point came in chiropractic school in Atlanta, where a chance encounter with a fellow Ohio guy led Dr. Shriner to Bible studies, a retreat in the North Georgia mountains, and an altar call that changed everything. He gave his life to the Lord, met his wife Samantha (whom he later baptized in the Chattahoochee River), and the two opened Revive Chiropractic in Columbus, Ohio in 2012. The catalyst for officially launching Warrior 3 came in 2020, when a close friend — a fellow wrestler, Christian, and one of the men who had prayed over Dr. Shriner's salvation — took his own life. That loss, set against the backdrop of COVID and what Dr. Shriner saw as a crisis of male leadership in America, made one thing clear: men need to be stronger — physically, spiritually, and relationally. The Live/Lead/Love Strong framework at the heart of Warrior 3 addresses all three. Live Strong is the physical piece — stewardship of the body God gave you on loan, because you can't run the race well on diesel fuel. Lead Strong is the spiritual piece — being the kind of father and husband who doesn't just give speeches but opens his Bible on the kitchen table and lets his kids watch. Love Strong is the relational piece — loving people enough to tell them what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear. What You'll Learn - How a broken home, a Division I wrestling career, and a titanium plate in his neck led Dr. Shriner to found the Warrior 3 Project - What "Live Strong, Lead Strong, Love Strong" actually means — and how it maps to mind, body, and spirit - Why physical health isn't vanity — it's stewardship, and it directly affects your spiritual focus and energy - How fathers can lead their families without speeches — through modeling, presence, and follow-through - Why the "mat carriers" in your life are different from your bros — and why you need both - How wrestling, hard workouts, and shared struggle build the resilience a culture of comfort is destroying - Why process over outcome is the antidote to the resiliency crisis facing young men today - What the Warrior 40 Challenge is and how to get 30 days free Resources: https://warrior3project.com/ This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Worldview Academy: Students call Worldview Academy the best week of their lives. Through week-long summer leadership camps for teens, Worldview Academy trains Christians to think and live in accord with a biblical worldview so they can better serve Christ and engage the culture around them. Worldview Academy reinforces what students are learning at home and at church and trains this generation to apply that knowledge to the challenging cultural issues they're facing. To find a camp near you or learn more about Worldview's weekend conferences and other resources for families, visit www.worldview.org Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction & Welcome 01:02 — Who Is Dr. Brandon Shriner? Warrior 3 Project Overview 02:12 — Growing Up in Ohio: Wrestling, a Broken Home & a Division I Scholarship 03:16 — The Neck Injury That Ended His Career & the Road Through Addiction 05:07 — Finding Chiropractic — and a New Direction 06:23 — Chiropractic School, a Cincinnati Bengals Shirt & Meeting the Lord 08:22 — CrossFit, Dan Bailey & Competing at the CrossFit Games 10:36 — Starting a Bible Study at the Gym — and Baptizing His Coach 12:42 — The Crisis That Launched Warrior 3: Losing a Friend to Suicide 14:02 — "Comfort Kills": Why He Knew It Was Time to Build Something 16:50 — The Birth of Warrior 3 and the Live, Lead, Love Strong Framework 18:11 — Live Strong: Why Physical Health Is Biblical Stewardship 21:09 — Why Pastors and Dads Get a Free Pass on Physical Health (And Shouldn't) 23:08 — How Physical and Spiritual Health Reinforce Each Other 26:05 — David, Jesus & What the Bible Says About Physical Strength 27:58 — How to Lead Your Family: Modeling Over Speeches 30:37 — Leaving Your Bible Open on the Table — and Why It ...
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    48 m
  • Christians & AI: Why You Can't Outsource Your Mind

    Christians & AI: Why You Can't Outsource Your Mind
    Mar 11 2026
    What happens when Christians stop thinking for themselves — and hand that job to AI? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Dr. Ben Holloway — philosopher, professor at Judson College at Southeastern Seminary, and incoming Bruce Little Chair of Christian Philosophy — to explore why classical Christian education depends on mastering language, logic, and the great books. From defending the faith against hard questions to why you simply cannot outsource your thinking to a machine, this is a conversation that will challenge and equip every homeschool family to love wisdom and pursue truth. Dr. Ben Holloway grew up in England, spent his 20s playing in a band and preaching the gospel with no formal education, then moved to America at 34 with his wife, two kids, and 29 boxes — and started his bachelor's degree at Moody Bible Institute. That late-in-life educational journey shapes everything about how he teaches and what he believes education is for. The conversation opens with a rich discussion of Christian philosophy — not as an abstract academic exercise, but as the indispensable tool Christians have always used to answer the questions the Bible doesn't directly address. From the early church borrowing the language of "substance" and "persons" from Greek philosophy to describe the Trinity, to the everyday challenge of interpreting a difficult passage of Scripture, philosophy and language are inescapably central to the Christian life. Dr. Holloway makes a compelling case that language is foundational to how we know God. Because God chose to reveal himself through 66 books, Christians are permanently and inescapably committed to the hard work of interpretation. You cannot outsource that to anyone — and certainly not to AI. He explains that AI isn't a reasoning machine; it's a pattern-matching product built to please customers, not to pursue truth. Students who try to use it before developing their own thinking ability won't just miss the learning — they'll also be incapable of evaluating what AI produces. What You'll Learn: - What Christian philosophy actually is — and why you can't do good theology without it - Why language is one of the most mysterious and important features of God's creation - How to read the Bible the way the author intended — not just the way it "speaks to you" - Three practical techniques for interpreting any difficult text correctly - Why Christians specifically cannot outsource their thinking to AI — and what's at stake if they try - Why using AI before you've learned to think is worse than not using it at all - The surprising connection between Homer's *Iliad* and the biblical meaning of glory and honor - Why hard-earned education is one of God's greatest gifts — and what we rob students of when we shortcut it 00:00 — Introduction & Dr. Holloway's Background 01:44 — Growing Up in England, Ministry Without a Degree & Coming to America 03:11 — Discovering a Calling to Teach at Moody Bible Institute 04:22 — What Makes Judson College Unique: Theory Meets Practice 05:07 — What Is Christian Philosophy — and Why Does It Matter? 06:27 — How the Early Church Used Philosophy to Describe the Trinity 08:26 — Language, God's Creation & Why It's So Mysterious 10:07 — How Language Connects to Truth and Education 12:11 — Why Christians Can't Outsource Bible Reading to AI 13:43 — Who Gets to Fix the Meaning of a Text? The Author, Not You 15:03 — Why You Shouldn't Skip the Parts of Scripture That Don't "Apply" to You 17:02 — Three Techniques for Interpreting Difficult Texts Correctly 21:25 — Honor, Glory & What Homer Teaches Us About the Bible 24:17 — Bethlehem, Lambs & the Depth of God's Storytelling (with Robert) 25:38 — AI, Thinking & Why You Have to Learn Without It First 29:10 — The Ethics of AI in the Classroom: Why It's a Form of Deception 31:05 — Handwriting, Blue Books & Seeing Students' Work 36:19 — The Satisfaction of Hard-Earned Learning 39:36 — Philosophy Means "Love of Wisdom" — and That's the Point 41:12 — About Judson College: Preview Days, Campus Visits & April 16 Experience Day 43:07 — Closing Thoughts: Christians, Culture & the Duty of This Generation Resources: https://judsoncollege.com/ This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Worldview Academy: Students call Worldview Academy the best week of their lives. Through week-long summer leadership camps for teens, Worldview Academy trains Christians to think and live in accord with a biblical worldview so they can better serve Christ and engage the culture around them. Worldview Academy reinforces what students are learning at home and at church and trains this generation to apply that knowledge to the challenging cultural issues they're facing. To find a camp near you or learn more about Worldview's weekend conferences and other resources for families, visit www.worldview.org
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    46 m
  • Crypto Bear Market Survival Guide: Dollar Cost Averaging Bitcoin

    Crypto Bear Market Survival Guide: Dollar Cost Averaging Bitcoin
    Mar 4 2026

    Is Bitcoin's bear market your best buying opportunity? On this episode of the Refining Rhetoric podcast, host Robert Bortins and crypto-savvy co-host Will McCreery break down the 2025 crypto market — covering the Bitcoin halving cycle, why altcoins underperformed, the case for dollar cost averaging, and what to watch for heading into 2026–2029.
    Bitcoin hit an all-time high near $126,000 in October 2025 — then the cycle turned. In this quarterly update, Robert and his Will break down what went wrong (low liquidity, tariff uncertainty, ETF hype without follow-through), why altcoins largely failed to run, and how geopolitics may be pushing nation states toward gold instead of Bitcoin. They also cover the stalled Clarity Act, Michael Saylor's continued conviction, and the case for dollar cost averaging through the bear market.

    What You'll Learn:
    - The Bitcoin halving cycle explained, and what it means for 2026–2029
    - Why altcoins severely underperformed and whether they're worth buying now
    - How ETFs, liquidity, and tariff uncertainty shaped the current market
    - The Clarity Act: where U.S. crypto regulation stands and why 70% of institutions are still on the sidelines
    - Dollar cost averaging strategies: how to buy Bitcoin with as little as $10
    - Robert's 2029 Bitcoin price prediction (and the reasoning behind it)
    - Catalysts to watch: interest rates, stock market tokenization, and gold/silver rotation

    00:00 — Introduction
    00:29 — Welcome & Why We Talk Crypto Every Quarter
    01:22 — Where Bitcoin Stands Today (Price Check: Feb 10)
    02:07 — The Bitcoin Halving Cycle Explained
    03:29 — What Happened to the Altcoins?
    04:21 — ETFs, Liquidity & Why the Cycle Disappointed
    05:41 — Are Nation States Moving to Gold Instead of Bitcoin?
    06:36 — Trump, Tariffs & Crypto Sentiment
    09:00 — The Case for Dollar Cost Averaging
    13:00 — How to Think About Risk & Portfolio Allocation
    18:06 — Buying Strategy: Satoshis, Small Buys & Timing
    19:26 — Price Predictions: Where Bitcoin Could Go in 2029
    22:43 — Michael Saylor & MicroStrategy — Still Solvent?
    24:31 — Catalysts to Watch: Clarity Act, Stock Market Tokenization & Interest Rates
    25:30 — Gold & Silver Rotation into Crypto — Historical Patterns
    26:21 — Final Thoughts & Robert's 2029 Price Call
    27:07 — Wrap-Up & Closing Thoughts

    This is not financial advice. Always do your own research and consult a professional before making investment decisions.

    This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Worldview Academy:
    Students call Worldview Academy the best week of their lives. Through week-long summer leadership camps for teens, Worldview Academy trains Christians to think and live in accord with a biblical worldview so they can better serve Christ and engage the culture around them. Worldview Academy reinforces what students are learning at home and at church and trains this generation to apply that knowledge to the challenging cultural issues they're facing. To find a camp near you or learn more about Worldview's weekend conferences and other resources for families, visit www.worldview.org.
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    30 m
  • Kiss Teen Daycare Goodbye: Youth Ministry That Works

    Kiss Teen Daycare Goodbye: Youth Ministry That Works
    Feb 25 2026

    What if the best way to change culture isn't through politics or protests—but by faithfully living out a biblical worldview right where you're planted?

    Discover how to raise disciples who think faithfully about every area of life. In this episode, Robert sits down with Mike Shcutt, Executive Director of Worldview Academy, to discuss how Christians can bridge the gap between biblical truth and cultural engagement.

    Mike shares insights from 30 years of discipling students through Worldview Academy's leadership camps, revealing why intellectual Christianity matters and how families can avoid the entertainment-focused approach that dominates youth ministry today. From homeschooling three children to watching seven grandchildren grow, Mike offers wisdom on passing down faith across generations.

    Learn why worldview education isn't about creating "know-it-alls" who argue everyone into submission, but about forming gracious disciples who love their neighbors well. Mike unpacks the difference between being blind versus being dumb, and why asking good questions matters more than having all the answers.

    This conversation challenges believers to think faithfully about their specific callings—whether in law, plumbing, teaching, or parenting—and bloom where they're planted. If Christians truly repented and lived according to Scripture in every area of life, what would cultural transformation look like?

    Resources:

    https://worldview.org/

    This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Worldview Academy:

    Students call Worldview Academy the best week of their lives. Through week-long summer leadership camps for teens, Worldview Academy trains Christians to think and live in accord with a biblical worldview so they can better serve Christ and engage the culture around them. Worldview Academy reinforces what students are learning at home and at church and trains this generation to apply that knowledge to the challenging cultural issues they're facing.

    To find a camp near you or learn more about Worldview's weekend conferences and other resources for families, visit www.worldview.org
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    40 m
  • Why Miss North Florida Walked Away from Miss America

    Why Miss North Florida Walked Away from Miss America
    Feb 18 2026

    What would you give up to stand for truth? For Kayleigh Bush, the answer was a crown. When Kayleigh Bush was crowned Miss North Florida in August 2024, she had no idea she'd soon face a choice that would make national headlines. Just four weeks after her crowning, she was presented with a revised Miss America contract that redefined "female" to include biological males who have undergone surgical procedures — directly contradicting her Christian faith and Florida law. She refused to sign. And she refused to stay silent.
    In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert Bortins sits down with Classical Conversations graduate and viral sensation Kayleigh Bush to talk about what really happened, what it cost her, and why she has zero regrets. From a surprise TMZ interview on a Washington D.C. sidewalk to tens of millions of views, Kayleigh shares how her CC education, her faith, and a community rooted in truth gave her the courage to trade a temporal crown for an eternal one.
    Whether you're a parent raising kids in a world that's redefining womanhood, a student wondering if standing on convictions is worth it, or simply someone looking for a story of genuine courage — this episode is for you.

    Resources:
    She Leads America: sheleadsamerica.com
    Liberty Counsel (Kayleigh's legal representation): lc.org

    This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Worldview Academy:

    Students call Worldview Academy the best week of their lives. Through week-long summer leadership camps for teens, Worldview Academy trains Christians to think and live in accord with a biblical worldview so they can better serve Christ and engage the culture around them. Worldview Academy reinforces what students are learning at home and at church and trains this generation to apply that knowledge to the challenging cultural issues they're facing.
    To find a camp near you or learn more about Worldview's weekend conferences and other resources for families, visit www.worldview.org
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    34 m
  • The Truth About Child Sexual Abuse That Could Save Your Child's Life

    The Truth About Child Sexual Abuse That Could Save Your Child's Life
    Feb 11 2026

    What if the path to healing childhood trauma starts with a truth most people overlook? Join us as Rachel Davidson reveals how Kids Alive International is transforming the lives of sexually abused children across seven countries—and what every parent needs to know about prevention right now. In this powerful episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Rachel Davidson, Chief Operating Officer of Kids Alive International, to discuss one of society's most challenging issues: childhood sexual abuse and trauma recovery.

    In this episode, you'll discover:

    • The shocking statistics on child sexual abuse—and why it's closer to home than you think
    • Kids Alive's four-pillar approach: Prevention, Family Strengthening, Restorative Care, and Advocacy
    • Critical warning signs every parent should know to protect their children
    • Why most abuse happens with trusted family friends—not strangers
    • How faith-based trauma healing is transforming lives in Peru, Guatemala, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Kenya, Zambia, and Lebanon
    • Practical prevention strategies you can implement with your family today
    • Inspiring stories of forgiveness and restoration that will move you to tears

    Whether you're a parent, educator, church leader, or concerned citizen, this episode provides essential insights into protecting children and supporting survivors of abuse.

    Resources:

    https://www.kidsalive.org/

    This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Worldview Academy:

    Students call Worldview Academy the best week of their lives. Through week-long summer leadership camps for teens, Worldview Academy trains Christians to think and live in accord with a biblical worldview so they can better serve Christ and engage the culture around them. Worldview Academy reinforces what students are learning at home and at church and trains this generation to apply that knowledge to the challenging cultural issues they're facing.

    To find a camp near you or learn more about Worldview's weekend conferences and other resources for families, visit www.worldview.org
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    38 m