Best Institute for Liberal Studies Podcasts (2025)

1
James Tooley and Robyn Mulcahy - Why Do Families Choose Private Education? 36:36

6d ago36:36

36:36

In a special episode of the Curious Task, Matt sits down with James Tooley and Robyn Mulcahy at Blueberry Creek Forest School and Nature Centre to discuss the benefits of private education, outdoor education programs including forest schools and the history of approaches around the globe that strive to offer students a more well-rounded alternative…

1
John C. Calhoun’s Political Roots | Kevin Gutzman Pt. II 1:11:35

7d ago1:11:35

1:11:35

In our conversation with historian and constitutional scholar Kevin Gutzman, host Tom Sarrouf dives deep into the formative years of John C. Calhoun—one of the most complex and controversial figures in American political history. Gutzman unpacks how Calhoun’s early experiences shaped his views on states’ rights, federalism, and republican governanc…

1
Alan Elrod - How Should Liberals Think About Children? 1:01:14

13d ago1:01:14

1:01:14

Janet speaks with Alan Elrod to explore how classical liberalism understands the role of children in a free society. They discuss the liberal view of children as future autonomous individuals, the responsibilities of both parents and the state in their development, and how education sits at the center of ongoing ideological battles. Elrod unpacks t…

1
From Atheism to Faith: Jason Hill’s Spiritual Journey 47:55

13d ago47:55

47:55

In this compelling episode of Conservative Conversations, ISI sits down with philosopher and author Jason D. Hill to explore the powerful themes behind his latest book, Letters to God From a Former Atheist. Hill shares his personal journey from staunch atheism to a profound rediscovery of God, diving into questions of morality, meaning, suffering, …

1
Jessica Lanyadoo: On Navigating Through the Astrology of These Times 58:28

19d ago58:28

58:28

Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links at the end of this description.*In challenging times, it can be important to access a multitude of healing pathways, and we can use astrology as a supportive tool to understand both the current moment and access our personal and collective agen…

1
Chris Freiman — Is it Okay to Ignore Politics? 1:07:31

19d ago1:07:31

1:07:31

In this conversation from 2020, Alex Aragona speaks with Christopher Freiman as he explores why you might be happier, and ultimately contribute more to society, if you choose to ignore politics. References from Episode 31 with Chris Freiman: You can purchase Chris Freiman’s book when it’s out here You can check out the Bleeding Heart Libertarians b…

1
A Vision for a Healthier America 50:13

20d ago50:13

50:13

In this insightful discussion, Marlo Slayback, Tom Sarrouf, and Jeff Bilbro delve into the life and work of Wendell Berry, exploring how his writings and philosophy laid the groundwork for the “Make America Healthy Again” movement. They examine Berry’s focus on sustainable agriculture, community-centered living, and the importance of localism in a …

1
Dean Spade: On Liberating Our Relationships for a Better World 1:02:12

26d ago1:02:12

1:02:12

Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links at the end of this description.*Lifelong activist and educator Dean Spade dares us to decide that our interpersonal actions are not separate from our politics of liberation and resistance. Many activist projects and resistance groups fall apart…

1
Graeme Thompson - What Is Canada's Role In The World? 1:14:44

27d ago1:14:44

1:14:44

Alex Aragona speaks with Graeme Thompson about Canada's evolving role on the global stage, from Confederation through to the post-Cold War era and into the geopolitical uncertainties of today. They explore Canada’s historical balancing act between major powers, its close alignment with the United Kingdom and later the United States, and its present…

1
The Medieval Mind: Insights with Rachel Fulton Brown 58:08

27d ago58:08

58:08

In this engaging conversation, Tom Sarrouf sits down with Rachel Fulton Brown, professor of Medieval History at the University of Chicago, to explore the rich intellectual world of the Middle Ages and the medieval mind. They dive into how medieval thinkers understood faith, reason, and the cosmos, shedding light on the cultural and spiritual founda…

1
Aida Mariam Davis: On Kindred Creation and Black Futures 1:02:31

1M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links at the end of this description.*In her work, author, organizer, and designer Aida Mariam Davis explores the historical and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism, making explicit the ways that extraction, oppression, and enslavement serve the g…

1
Iain Murray - What Has Happened to Conservatism? 59:19

1M ago59:19

59:19

In this episode from 2023, Matt speaks with Iain Murray about the estrangement of conservative liberalism from identitarian forms of conservative nationalism and the intriguing alliances that may arise in the future between freedom-loving libertarians and some unlikely allies. Episode Notes: Iain's book "The Socialist Temptation" https://a.co/d/5AU…

1
What Does It Mean to Order Our Loves Rightly? 47:40

1M ago47:40

47:40

What does it mean to order our loves rightly? In this insightful conversation, Tom Sarrouf is joined by Dr. Chad Pecknold, a theologian and professor at The Catholic University of America, to explore ordo amoris—the proper ordering of love—and its profound relevance for the Catholic Church today. They dive into the roots of this concept, tracing it…

1
What Happened To The Carbon Tax? - Franco Terrazzano 50:44

1M ago50:44

50:44

Matt speaks with Franco Terrazzano about the carbon tax within the broader context of government spending, taxation, and fiscal responsibility in Canada. They discuss the impact of high government debt, the role of the federal budget, and the long-term consequences of deficit spending. Terrazzano critiques the federal carbon tax, arguing that it pl…

1
Secularism, Religion, and Violence: Rethinking the Narrative with Tal Howard 36:49

1M ago36:49

36:49

Is religion inherently violent, and is secularism truly a force for peace? In this episode of Conservative Conversations, Tom Sarrouf sits down with historian and author Thomas Albert Howard to discuss the themes of his latest book, Broken Altars: Secularist Violence in Modern History. Together, they examine the complexities of religious and secula…

1
Nicole Russell-Wharton: On Breaking Generational Silence 1:00:49

2M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links at the end of this description.*Generational silence is a term applied to families who have experienced suppressed thoughts or repressed emotions for at least two generations. Generational silence addresses both the cycle and impact of issues l…

1
Graeme Thompson — What Is Canadian Liberalism? 1:03:42

2M ago1:03:42

1:03:42

In this episode from 2021, Alex Aragona speaks with Graeme Thompson about the classical liberal tradition in Canada, and what the evolution of that tradition has looked like. References from The Curious Task Episode 94 with Graeme Thompson A collection of the speeches of Wilfred Laurier can be found in an edited edition by Arthur Milnes, available …

1
Richard Tarnas: On Depth Psychology, Spirituality, and the Human Journey 1:28:13

2M ago1:28:13

1:28:13

Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links at the end of this description.*This special episode features CIIS Professor Emeritus and cultural historian Richard Tarnas sharing illuminating insights into the nature of human consciousness and the cosmos. In this talk, Richard explores one …

1
Why Conservatives Should Care About Art with Brian Brown 45:09

2M ago45:09

45:09

In this insightful episode of Conservative Conversations, Tom Sarrouf sits down with Brian Brown, founder of the Anselm Society, to discuss the crucial role of art in shaping culture and society. They explore why conservatives should care about art and how it can be a powerful tool for preserving and promoting traditional values. Brown and Sarrouf …

1
Matt McManus - Is Liberal Socialism An Oxymoron? 52:31

2M ago52:31

52:31

Matt Bufton speaks with Matt McManus about the philosophical foundations of liberalism and socialism, exploring how these two traditions intersect and diverge. They discuss McManus’ work on the political theory of liberal socialism, the historical tensions between the two ideologies, and the ways in which contemporary political movements reflect as…

1
Dr. Debashish Banerji and Dr. Sara Granovetter: A Jungian and Zen Approach to the Untamed Self in the Ten Oxherding Pictures 1:06:57

2M ago1:06:57

1:06:57

Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links at the end of this description.*The Ten Oxherding Pictures is an image series that visualizes the Buddhist training path to enlightenment. The Ten Oxherding Pictures have served as a spiritual teaching tool for centuries, guiding seekers throug…

1
The Gilded Age & Westward Expansion with Miles Smith 57:11

2M ago57:11

57:11

In this engaging episode of Conservative Conversations, Tom Sarrouf sits down with historian and scholar Miles Smith to explore the transformative era of the Gilded Age and Westward Expansion. They discuss the economic growth that characterized the late 19th century, the development of new industries, and the rise of America as an economic power. S…

1
James R. Harrigan - What Is Going On Down There? 1:30:44

2M ago1:30:44

1:30:44

Alex Aragona speaks with James Harrigan about U.S.-Canada relations, with a focus on tariffs, trade policy, and economic misunderstandings that shape political discourse. James critiques the expansion of tariffs under Trump and challenges the idea that protectionism helps domestic industries. The conversation highlights the historical benefits of f…

1
Liberalism, Post-Liberalism, and Self-Governance with Michael Hanby 1:57:18

2M ago1:57:18

1:57:18

In this thought-provoking episode of Conservative Conversations, Tom Sarrouf sits down with philosopher and scholar Michael Hanby to explore the evolving landscape of political thought. Together, they delve into the roots of liberalism, unpack the rise of post-liberalism, and examine the profound role of bioethics in shaping government policies. Ha…

1
Rōshi Norma Wong: An Indigenous & Zen Perspective on Living Into a World Beyond Crisis 1:04:50

2M ago1:04:50

1:04:50

Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links at the end of this description.*In this episode, 86th generation Zen master and Indigenous Hawaiian leader Rōshi Norma Wong is joined by CIIS Associate Professor Sonya Shah for an illuminating conversation exploring spiritual activism and how t…

1
Don Boudreaux - Why Are We In A Trade War? 50:22

2M ago50:22

50:22

Matt Bufton speaks with Don Boudreaux about tariffs, free trade, and the economic misunderstandings that drive protectionist policies. Don critiques the balance of trade doctrine, drawing from historical examples and economic theory to explain why tariffs harm both consumers and producers. The discussion covers the impact of tariffs on the U.S. and…

1
The Postmodern Predicament: Bobby Angel on Truth, Faith, and Culture 46:11

2M ago46:11

46:11

In this episode, we sit down with Bobby Angel, Catholic author, speaker, and mentor, to discuss his latest book, The Postmodern Predicament. This conversation unpacks the challenges of faith, truth, and identity in a world shaped by postmodernism. Bobby explores how the erosion of objective reality and the rise of radical individualism have led to …

1
Sasha Sagan: For Small Creatures Such As We 1:01:23

2M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links at the end of this description.*As we approach the first season change of the year, we are finding ourselves inclined to revisit this conversation centered on time and ritual featuring author Sasha Sagan and CIIS Interdisciplinary Arts professo…

1
Ryan Manucha - What's Stopping Interprovincial Trade? 45:56

3M ago45:56

45:56

Matt Bufton speaks with Ryan Manucha about interprovincial trade in Canada, focusing on the legal and economic barriers that hinder free trade between provinces. They discuss Ryan’s book Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dust-Ups, examining how constitutional law, historical disputes, and political inertia have shaped Canada’s fragmented trade …

1
Why Literature Still Matters: Jason Baxter on the Power of Great Books 55:41

3M ago55:41

55:41

Why does literature still matter in our modern world? In this episode, ISI’s Conservative Conversations welcomes scholar Jason Baxter to discuss his latest book, Why Literature Still Matters. Baxter explores how great literature shapes our moral imagination, cultivates wisdom, and connects us to timeless truths. From Dante to C.S. Lewis, he reveals…

1
Michelle Tea: On Modern Magic 1:02:25

3M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links at the end of this description.*Michelle Tea is best known for her book, Modern Tarot, which is now a cult classic. Her latest book, Modern Magic, explores her magical roots. Sharing how she crafted her own magical practice, Michelle offers a f…

1
Bart Wilson - What Do Economists Miss? 49:36

3M ago49:36

49:36

Matt speaks with Bart Wilson about what economists often overlook in their analysis—specifically, the role of morality, human cooperation, and language in shaping economic behaviour. Wilson argues that mainstream economics tends to focus too much on scarcity and efficiency while neglecting the deeper social and moral foundations that make trade and…

1
Dr. Betty Martin: On the Wheel of Consent 58:23

3M ago58:23

58:23

Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links at the end of this description.*For over 40 years somatic sex educator Dr. Betty Martin has explored the nuances of consent. In her framework and book, The Wheel of Consent, Dr. Martin traces the fundamental roots of consent back to our childho…

1
Paul DeHart on Natural Law, Consent, and the Fate of the Social Contract 1:56:40

3M ago1:56:40

1:56:40

Is the social contract broken? In this episode, Paul DeHart joins ISI to discuss his latest book, The Social Contract in the Ruins: Natural Law and Government by Consent. He challenges the idea that consent alone legitimizes government, exploring the role of natural law, classical philosophy, and the American Founding in shaping just governance. Ge…

1
Joanna Ebenstein: On Befriending Death 1:02:58

3M ago1:02:58

1:02:58

Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links at the end of this description.*Talking about death is often deemed morbid or taboo, but to fully embrace life, scientists, psychologists, and spiritual leaders all agree—contemplating death is the key to living a life with meaning. In this epi…

1
Tim Thurley - Are Canada's Gun Policies Off-Target? 1:40:36

3M ago1:40:36

1:40:36

Alex Aragona speaks with Tim Thurley about gun policy in Canada, discussing the current state of firearm regulations, the shift away from a past political consensus, and whether recent legislative changes are effectively targeting crime. They explore the role of licensing, background checks, and storage laws, as well as the impact of smuggled firea…

1
The Legacy of President McKinley with Robert Merry 55:32

3M ago55:32

55:32

What can we learn from President William McKinley’s leadership, and how does his legacy compare to the modern political landscape? In this fascinating conversation, historian and journalist Robert W. Merry joins ISI to discuss his latest book, President McKinley: Architect of the American Century. McKinley, often overshadowed by his more flamboyant…

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