The Optimistic Curmudgeon

4x7 - Ivana Greco: Family Policy and the Single Income Home

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. 

4x5 - Phillip Johnson: Classical Education and Engineering

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

(4x6) - Rusty Reno: A Case for Nationalism

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!

4x4 - Jonathan Yonan - Classical Education

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!

Scott Yenor - “Grooming Future Revolutionaries” - (4x3)

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 Ruocchio and The Abolition of Man (4x2)

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 and the Dissident Right (4x1)

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: Reflecting On Season 3 (3x11)

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!

Cornelis Schilt: On Science, Scientism, and Gender Ideology (3x10)

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.

 

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Katy Faust: On Them Before Us (3x9)

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