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First Things Podcast

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First Things is America's most influential journal of religion & public life.
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Episodes

Politics After Literacy (ft. Mary Harrington)

In this episode, Mary Harrington joins Rusty Reno on The Editor’s Desk to talk about her recent essay, “The King and the Swarm,” from the August/September 2025 issue of the magazine.

Aug 29, 202559 minEp. 488

Theology for a Brave New World (ft. Thomas Joseph White)

In this episode, Fr. Thomas Joseph White joins Rusty Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, "The Future of Catholic Theology," from the August/September 2025 issue of the magazine.

Aug 08, 202558 minEp. 486

Nationalism Will Save the West

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Yoram Hazony joins in to discuss his book, "The Virtue of Nationalism."

Jul 28, 202529 minEp. 484

How to Prevent an Act of Terror (ft. Alan Dershowitz)

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Alan Dershowitz joins in to discuss his recent book, "The Preventive State: The Challenge of Preventing Serious Harms While Preserving Essential Liberties."

Jul 24, 202531 minEp. 483

NovelCon (ft. Christopher Scalia)

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Christopher J. Scalia joins in to discuss his recent book, "13 Novels Conservatives Will Love (but Probably Haven't Read)."

Jul 16, 202531 minEp. 482

At Home and Abroad

The editors discuss conservatism’s big wins at the Supreme Court and America’s military and diplomatic ventures in the Middle East. Rusty Reno joins Julia Yost.

Jul 07, 202538 minEp. 480

The Fed and the College

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Brad Lingo joins in to discuss Grove City College. Subscribe to Mark's new channel on: Spotify: tinyurl.com/mufv3xzw Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/3w32d42x Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

Jul 01, 202530 minEp. 479

The Quest for the Historical Jesus

In this episode, Michael C. Legaspi joins Rusty Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent review, "Jesus After the Critics" from the June/July 2025 issue of the magazine.

Jun 27, 202554 minEp. 478

The Death of Mass Literacy

In this episode, Wessie du Toit joins Rusty Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, "The Future of Reading" from the June/July 2025 issue of the magazine. Subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!

Jun 20, 202541 minEp. 477

Classical Education Keeps Growing

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Martin Cothran joins in to discuss Memoria Press and Classical Education in America. Subscribe to Mark's new channel on: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mufv3xzw Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3w32d42x Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

Jun 17, 202529 minEp. 476

L.A. and Elon

The editors discuss the immigration riots in Los Angeles, and Donald Trump’s feud with Gavin Newsom. Then they discuss that other feud. Rusty Reno joins Julia Yost.

Jun 12, 202531 minEp. 475

The Rise of Queer Politics (ft. Joy Pullmann)

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Joy Pullmann joins in to discuss her recent book, "False Flag: Why Queer Politics Mean the End of America." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

Jun 02, 202532 minEp. 474

Kids Aren’t Learning—Here’s What To Do (ft. Jason Bedrick)

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Jason Bedrick joins in to discuss "The Phoenix Declaration: An American Vision for Education." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

May 29, 202532 minEp. 473

Sainthood through Marriage

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Caitrin Bennett joins in to discuss her recent book, "Holier Matrimony: Married Saints, Catholic Vows, and Sacramental Grace." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

May 22, 202527 minEp. 471

The Popecast

The editors discuss the first days of the pontificate of Leo XIV, the first American pope. Then, a report on the pope’s brothers. Rusty Reno, editor Dan Hitchens, and Virginia Aabram join Julia Yost.

May 19, 202536 minEp. 470

Law on Film (ft. Stanley Fish)

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Stanley Fish joins in to discuss his recent book, "Law at the Movies: Turning Legal Doctrine into Art." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

May 15, 202531 minEp. 469

The Persistence of Ideology (ft. Daniel Mahoney)

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Daniel J. Mahoney joins in to discuss his recent book, "The Persistence of the Ideological Lie: The Totalitarian Impulse Then and Now." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

May 12, 202530 minEp. 468

Pius vs. Innocent

While waiting for news from the real-life conclave, the editors re-watch the 2024 feature film Conclave and the 2017 HBO series The Young Pope. Then they air their hopes and anxieties about the papal election. Dan Hitchens and special guest Matthew Schmitz join Julia Yost.

May 08, 202533 minEp. 467

Women Without Men! (ft. Darel E. Paul)

In this episode, Darel E. Paul joins Rusty Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, "Feminism Against Fertility" from the May 2025 issue of the magazine. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!

May 06, 202550 minEp. 466

Francis and Following

The editors discuss Pope Francis, whose twelve-year pontificate ended with his death on Easter Monday. Then the staff preview their picks for the upcoming conclave. Rusty Reno and Dan Hitchens join Julia Yost.

Apr 29, 202536 minEp. 465

The Bible’s Forgotten Women (ft. Mary DeMuth)

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Mary E. DeMuth joins in to discuss her recent book, "The Most Overlooked Women of the Bible: What Their Stories Teach Us about Being Seen and Heard." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

Apr 22, 202527 minEp. 463

The Problem of Embryo Ownership (ft. Ericka Andersen)

In this episode, Ericka Andersen joins Rusty Reno at The Editor’s Desk to talk about her recent essay, “Who Owns the Embryos?” from the April 2025 issue of the magazine. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!

Apr 17, 202535 minEp. 462

The Destiny of Israel (ft. Josh Hammer)

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Josh Hammer joins in to discuss his recent book, "Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West."

Apr 14, 202532 minEp. 461

The Mystery of Angela Merkel (ft. Christopher Caldwell)

In this episode, Christopher Caldwell joins Rusty Reno at The Editor’s Desk to talk about his piece, “Merkel's Country” from the March 2025 issue of the magazine. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!

Apr 10, 202552 minEp. 460

The Lord’s Supper Is for All Ages

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Jeffrey J. Meyers joins in to discuss his recent book, "Why Children are Welcome to the Lord's Supper: Some Questions & Answers about Paedocommunion."

Apr 07, 202526 minEp. 459
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