Best Chuck Lura Podcasts (2025)

1
183 – Conservative Conservationism with Stephen Perkins 1:01:24

13h ago1:01:24

1:01:24

Younger Americans—regardless of their political affiliations—are increasingly supportive focusing on environmental and conservation issues. But while there may be renewed unity on recognizing the importance of such issues, the policies advocated by the Left and Right continue to differ. The American Conservation Coalition (ACC) is a group of young …

1
August on the prairie 2:32

4d ago2:32

2:32

Looking out over the grasslands there are several species of sunflowers, goldenrods, and asters putting on their annual flower show. They are announcing that school is about to start, the harvest has begun, and fall will soon take center stage. There is more going on during August than we may realize.…

1
Discover the hidden gems near Medora 2:52

11d ago2:52

2:52

Many North Dakotans make a point to visit Medora each summer. The town, the Medora musical, and of course Theodore Roosevelt National Park attract lots of visitors. But if you go, make a point to get off the beaten path a bit. The area has lots to offer, including the petrified forest, burning coal vein, ponderosa pines, and the Maah Daah Hey Trail…

1
American Kestrels call North Dakota home 2:38

18d ago2:38

2:38

I suspect that most people have seen a small hawk-like bird perched on a utility pole or line that is a little larger than a mourning dove but smaller than a pigeon. If so, that is likely a sparrow hawk, also known as a kestrel.By Chuck Lura

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182 – Partying Like It’s 1776 1:07:38

22d ago1:07:38

1:07:38

On July 6 Saving Elephants assembled an august team of commentators to commemorate the advent of the United States turning the big 2-4-9! With only one year to go until the nation is 250 years old, the group reflects on the foundational ideas of America, whether she's succeed or failed at those aspirations, and what the future holds for this most e…

1
Why this aromatic prairie shrub is everywhere in North Dakota 2:42

25d ago2:42

2:42

There are a dozen species of sage that may be found in North Dakota. Among the more common are a couple species that most people would just call sagebrush, wormwood (an introduced noxious weed), and fringed sage or prairie sagewort (Artemisia frigida).By Chuck Lura

1
Managing grasslands and native prairie 2:48

1M ago2:48

2:48

We may occasionally hear disparaging comments about the management of native prairie (e.g., overgrazing), but leaving it completely idle or rested for many years is not a good option. Active management is needed to keep the prairie in good condition.By Chuck Lura

1
181 – Escaping the Housing Trap with Chuck Marohn 57:56

1M ago57:56

57:56

The housing market today is in an increasingly unsustainable paradox: younger Americans need houses to be more affordable so that they can become homeowners. Meanwhile, homeowners and the entire U.S. economy need houses to rise in price to make them a secure and profitable investment. Thus, we are trapped between making homeownership increasingly d…

1
Curiosity about caterpillars 2:43

1M ago2:43

2:43

What is it about kids and caterpillars? It seems like kids of my generation at some point found a caterpillar and promptly put it (along with some plant material) in a jar with some holes punched in the lid, and watched it so see what would happen.By Chuck Lura

1
Go Juneberry picking this summer 2:47

2M ago2:47

2:47

It is not too early to start looking for some Juneberry patches to harvest this summer.By Chuck Lura

1
180 – Uncap the House with Jeff Mayhugh 1:01:16

2M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

What if the surest way to reduce the harmful effects of self-serving politicians in Washington D.C. is to have more of them? Joining Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis is Jeff Mayhugh to explain how the artificial “cap” the nation put on the number of representatives in the U.S. House almost a century ago has made government less representative and r…

1
Orchid species native to North Dakota 2:36

2M ago2:36

2:36

The orchid family is one of the largest and most diverse family of flowering plants and widely recognized for their attractive and fragrant flowers. Even though we can now find orchids for sale in several big box stores, the mention of orchids often brings out thoughts of exotic tropical locations.By Chuck Lura

1
How fox squirrels made themselves at home in North Dakota 2:37

2M ago2:37

2:37

It might surprise you, but the fox squirrel is not native to North Dakota.By Chuck Lura

1
179 – I, Tony with Tony Woodlief 1:03:06

2M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

What if the real division in America isn’t between Republicans and Democrats, Red States vs Blue States, or liberals and conservatives but between the American people and a small group of the political elite whose function is to divide the rest of us? Tony Woodlief joins Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis to discuss how we may not be as divided as we…

1
That lush spring growth might be sedges, not grass 2:48

2M ago2:48

2:48

The landscape has been changing from brown to green, and for the casual observers, most of that fresh green color is often largely attributed to grass growth. But it might not all be what it seems. Much of that new green growth, particularly in the wetter habitats may not be grasses but sedges, a group of plants that are not well known.…

1
What are the survival rates of ducklings? 2:51

2M ago2:51

2:51

What are the chances that an egg laid by a duck hatches, develops, and lives to see its first birthday. As you might assume, the odds are not good.By Chuck Lura

1
178 – Revolt of the Independents with Lura Forcum 1:09:16

3M ago1:09:16

1:09:16

The 2024 presidential election witnessed a historic number of independent voters—more independents voted than Democrats and they came close to surpassing Republicans. It would seem that now is the time for those who are dissatisfied with both parties to dismantle the two-party duopoly of American government. And yet, the Republican and Democratic p…

1
Head to the wetlands soon to see a Wilson's Phalarope 2:36

3M ago2:36

2:36

Over the next few weeks, you might want to consider grabbing the binoculars and heading out to some nearby wetlands. There is much to see there this time of year, plus you have a good chance to see some Wilson’s phalaropes, which are widely distributed in North Dakota, particularly in shallow water. These small shorebirds are quite interesting and …

1
It's Morel Season in North Dakota 2:59

3M ago2:59

2:59

If the morel mushrooms are not popping up in your area, they should be soon. As many of you know, morel mushrooms are eminently edible and the mushroom of choice for mushroom hunters.By Chuck Lura

1
177 – Dear Mr. President with Destry Edwards 56:06

3M ago56:06

56:06

Former president Chester A. Arthur is probably best remembered for his mutton chops and as a trivia question. But he did play a surprising role as a reformer when the nation was in the grips of political corruption. And the story of how he found the courage to do so holds some lessons for how we might interact with political power today in hopes of…

1
How to attract hummingbirds to your yard 2:30

3M ago2:30

2:30

Are you anxious to see the return of ruby-throated hummingbirds? If so, now might be a good time to start cleaning up the feeders and setting them out, because they usually start showing up around early May.By Chuck Lura

1
Male and Female (Dioecious) Trees 2:47

3M ago2:47

2:47

We seldom give plant sex much consideration, but some species of flowering plants produce flowers with both male and female reproductive structures in the same flower (perfect flowers). Most of the plants you are familiar with are in that category. Other species produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant.…

1
The sounds of the season 2:35

4M ago2:35

2:35

Spring is often punctuated by a series of new sights and sounds as winter gives way to summer. It seems like each new sighting of a bird, for example, is duly noted and announced to others. Sighting the first robin of the season is probably the best example, but don’t forget to pay attention to the many other varied sounds of spring.…

1
176 – Consuming News Responsibly 1:29:00

4M ago1:29:00

1:29:00

In this era of information overload it’s easy to join the ranks of the too online, filtering our every thought through the latest thing Trump tweeted or how the resistance is reacting. And it’s just as easy to check out entirely and pretend like the news doesn’t matter or, if it does, it’ll have to be someone else’s problem for now. Are there healt…

1
The ominous future for butterflies 2:55

4M ago2:55

2:55

If you grew up in or before the 1950s or 1960s, butterflies were likely a common sight during the summer months, including monarchs, painted ladies, red admirals, swallowtails, blues, whites, sulphurs, and mourning cloaks. Many kids even had butterfly collections. That is not the case these days. Things have changed, and not in a good way.…

1
Finding a deer shed is a treasured experience 2:40

4M ago2:40

2:40

It is officially spring. The spring equinox, you may recall, occurred back on March 20. And if your senses seem to have been dulled a little over the winter months, getting out in nature can help give them a boost. Consider going for a walk through the woods, grassland, or other places to soak up what nature has to offer in the spring. And while yo…

1
175 – The Two James Burnhams with David Byrne 53:49

4M ago53:49

53:49

James Burnham was one of the most significant intellectual influences on the conservative movement of the twentieth century. As an anti-Communist hardliner, his views on dealing with the Soviet menace head on ultimately shaped US foreign policy in the Reagan administration. And his work at William F. Buckley’s National Review gave the fledgling mag…

1
What is hantavirus? 2:52

4M ago2:52

2:52

Most everyone has heard the news of the tragic passing of two-time Academy Award winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife (Betsy Arakawa). His wife, you may recall, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Hantavirus exists in North Dakota, and a reminder of the virus and disease might be helpful and timely.…

1
The historical abundance of bison 2:56

5M ago2:56

2:56

I happened to notice that Dances with Wolves was running on one of the cable stations recently. That 1990 film starring Kevin Costner had some great scenes of bison herds and a bison hunt. I could not help but imagine what those immense herds of bison looked like before European settlement.By Chuck Lura

1
174 – Triggering Straussians with Greg Collins 1:00:56

5M ago1:00:56

1:00:56

In his perpetual quest to mildly trigger his Straussian pals, Josh invites fellow Millennial and Burkean conservative Greg Collins on to discuss how Leo Strauss misconstrued Edmund Burke’s political views and lasting impact. Also discussed are Burke’s complex views on natural rights, manners, reform, revolution, social contract theory, classical li…

1
173 – The Fertility Gap with Clara Piano 1:03:13

5M ago1:03:13

1:03:13

The Right has long had a thing or two to say about the importance of the family and its role in national stability and prosperity. But there are sharp divisions regarding what political implications can be drawn from this idea, and what policies should be pursued to protect and strengthen families. Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis welcomes economis…

1
Roundtable - Conversing Across the Political Divide 1:21:19

5M ago1:21:19

1:21:19

Is civil discourse even possible across the political divide when that divide seems so insurmountable? How do we maintain or even strengthen relationships when we don’t see politics the same? The latest Saving Elephants roundtable brings together panelists who all have experience in communicating across the divide: Eric Kohn (former Acton Institute…

1
172 – The History of American Conservatism with George Nash 1:50:56

6M ago1:50:56

1:50:56

In 1976 historian George H. Nash wrote The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America Since 1945, a celebrated historical accounting that established much of the narrative for how we think about the development of modern conservatism even today. George Nash joins Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis to discuss the various strands of thought that eme…

1
171 – Reality Therapy Redux 58:48

6M ago58:48

58:48

At the end of 2024, Ryan Rogers joined the show to share his experiences with fanatical wokism as a graduate student. He later had Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis on his new podcast, Reality Therapy, for a wide ranging discussion on conservatism, the challenges of the modern conservative movement, what conservatism offers that other political ideo…

1
Roundtable - Trump's 1st Week on the Job 1:09:36

6M ago1:09:36

1:09:36

It’s Trump’s first week on the job and he’s been quite busy making America great again or summoning the Fourth Reich, depending on your political perspective. Join Saving Elephants’ livestream roundtable of cross-partisan pontificators to break it all down for you and what this first week might portend for the next four years.…

1
170 – Tribalism is Dumb with Andrew Heaton 54:43

7M ago54:43

54:43

Comedian, author, and political satirist Andrew Heaton joins Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis to explore where our political tribalism comes from, why it’s gotten out of hand, and what to do about it. About Andrew Heaton From mightyheaton.com Andrew Heaton is a comedian, author, and political satirist. He’s the host of “The Political Orphanage” com…

1
169 – Unsolicited Advice with Blake Fischer 1:10:50

7M ago1:10:50

1:10:50

With the 2024 elections in rearview both parties are trying to grapple with what lessons they should learn. Who better to offer unsolicited advice than Josh Lewis and Blake Fischer, the respective hosts of the Saving Elephants and The Homeless Conservative podcasts? As two Trump-skeptical conservatives on the outside looking in, sure both parties a…

1
Roundtable - 2024 - A Year in Review 59:16

7M ago59:16

59:16

As 2024 comes to a close podcasters everywhere will be doing one of those hackneyed and insufferable “a look back at the year’s major events” shows. Not to be outdone, Saving Elephants will be getting in on the action as well with another livestream roundtable to bloviate and pontificate about the numerous twists and turns of our most recent trip a…

1
168 – The Perennial Burke with Daniel Klein 1:03:54

8M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

As Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis is wont to do, here is yet another episode exploring the political and philosophical brilliance of Edmund Burke. But this time he is aided by scholar and professor Daniel Klein to examine the late writings of Burke’s life as Europe was descending into revolutionary chaos. What was Burke’s understanding of liberty…

1
167 – The Woke Mind with Ryan Rogers 59:44

8M ago59:44

59:44

“I do not believe,” wrote F. A. Hayek in his book The Fatal Conceit, “that the widely held conception of ‘social justice’ either describes a possible state of affairs or is even meaningful.” Hayek would complain “social” was a sort of “weasel word” that carried a lot of unexamined prescriptions. To call something “social justice” is to advocate for…

1
Roundtable - Bullish or Bearish on Trump 2.0? 1:22:39

8M ago1:22:39

1:22:39

Should conservatives be bullish or bearish on the incoming Trump administration? Will Trump 2.0 deliver us to the sunlit uplands of a prosperous free market economy, sensible immigration reform, and reductions in wasteful deficit spending and overbearing regulations? Or will America become a dreadful hellscape with an executive branch consistently …

1
166 – Independent Idiosyncrasies with Brett Loyd 1:07:13

9M ago1:07:13

1:07:13

“The biggest takeaway from the 2024 election,” writes Justin Longo of the Independence Center, is that “independents have officially broken the duopoly and now share the title of America’s largest political group with Republicans.” But what is an independent, exactly? What do they want and how are they different from those who proudly affiliate wit…

1
Roundtable - Election Night - Livestream 2:56:49

9M ago2:56:49

2:56:49

Sure, the major news networks had all the "experts", but how many of them opined on what Buckley, Burke, or Kirk would think of the election results? Listen to Saving Elephants' livestream on election night as results come in from another stellar panel of cross-partisan contributors: Josh Lewis, Eric Kohn, Justin Stapley, Calvin Moore, Kent Straith…

1
165 – Take Courage 33:23

9M ago33:23

33:23

Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis flies this election day episode solo to offer his thoughts on how your vote is more likely to impact yourself than it is the races, having grace for those who choose to vote differently than we do, and why conservatives should take courage in a profoundly discouraging time. Special Election Night Livestream You’re a…

1
Roundtable - Election 2024 - Home Stretch 1:00:11

10M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

The most [assuredly not] important election of our lifetime is a little more than two weeks away. The candidates are in the home stretch as each of them make their final pitch to the dwindling undecided voter. Join another venerable group of panelists as we share our thoughts on the state of the race and our hopes and fears with a coming Harris or …

1
164 – What is a Woman with Kimberly Ross 1:07:46

10M ago1:07:46

1:07:46

Saving Elephants meticulously avoids many cringeworthy tropes in today’s “conservative” media and opts instead for deeper conversations on the conservative worldview and what it can offer Millennials. As such, there is much low-hanging-fruit among the fruitier parts of the Left that isn’t as vigorously explored as it is in the aforementioned “conse…

1
Roundtable - Vice Vice Baby 1:07:17

10M ago1:07:17

1:07:17

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance square off for the first—and likely only—vice presidential debate that’s sure to leave pundits chattering, social media accounts fighting, and late economists spinning in their graves. The debate begins at 9PM ET. Join us immediately following the debate for another livestream roundtable to restore …

1
163 – Where Does the Conservative Go from Here? 1:10:23

10M ago1:10:23

1:10:23

In a world where both political parties are moving away from free market oriented policy solutions, a robust defense of our international allies, and traditional social norms, where does the conservative go from here? Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis is joined by special returning guests Cal Davenport, Erik Kohn, and Justin Stapley for a roundtable…

1
Roundtable - Towards a Sensible Foreign Policy 1:04:55

10M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

From Eastern Europe to the Middle East to Southeast Asia to so many other places, the world's on fire. Yet neither presidential candidate is offering us a compelling vision to navigate this brave new world. Join another august assembly of panelists as we discuss what a sensible foreign policy might look like. You can also watch this episode on YouT…

1
162 – Harmonizing Sentiments with Hans Eicholz 1:04:30

11M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

The Declaration of Independence audaciously declares certain “truths” to be “self-evident”. And, in so doing, offered a justification for not only a break with Great Britain and Revolutionary War, but the foundation upon which a new nation could be built. But how uniformly were these “truths” held and understood by the Founding Fathers? Were they d…

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Chuck Lura Podcasts

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