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The Optimistic Curmudgeon is an interview podcast where Josh Herring interviews expert guests whose credentials and experience help listeners understand truth in a confusing world. We discuss issues under seven areas: economics, politics, education, philosophy, business, virtue, and leadership! May the best ideas win.
Episodes
Monday May 08, 2023
4x5 - Phillip Johnson: Classical Education and Engineering
Monday May 08, 2023
Monday May 08, 2023
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
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
(4x6) - Rusty Reno: A Case for Nationalism
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
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!
Monday Mar 27, 2023
4x4 - Jonathan Yonan - Classical Education
Monday Mar 27, 2023
Monday Mar 27, 2023
Jonathan Yonan is an educational consultant with a specific focus on classical education. He has served as the headmaster of St. David's School in Raleigh, NC, and joins Josh for a discussion about classical education, teaching virtue, and the place Thales Academy plays in the classical renewal movement. Dr. Yonan spoke at Thales Press' 2022 Classical Education Summit, and this episode gives him a chance to expand the ideas he introduced there. For those who are following the growth of classical education, this episode is dynamite! Leave a five star review, and share with a friend!
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Scott Yenor - “Grooming Future Revolutionaries” - (4x3)
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
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!
Monday Feb 27, 2023
Christopher Ruocchio and The Abolition of Man (4x2)
Monday Feb 27, 2023
Monday Feb 27, 2023
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.
Monday Feb 13, 2023
Alex Kaschuta and the Dissident Right (4x1)
Monday Feb 13, 2023
Monday Feb 13, 2023
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!
Monday Jan 30, 2023
Ethan Delves: Reflecting On Season 3 (3x11)
Monday Jan 30, 2023
Monday Jan 30, 2023
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!
Monday Jan 09, 2023
Cornelis Schilt: On Science, Scientism, and Gender Ideology (3x10)
Monday Jan 09, 2023
Monday Jan 09, 2023
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
Monday Dec 12, 2022
Katy Faust: On Them Before Us (3x9)
Monday Dec 12, 2022
Monday Dec 12, 2022
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
Monday Nov 28, 2022
Susanne Hartl: On Management, Leadership, & Virtue (4x1)
Monday Nov 28, 2022
Monday Nov 28, 2022
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