Paul Krause, editor in chief of Voegelin View, joins Josh for this season's Great Books discussion on Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels. Krause situates Swift in his moment in time, and explains the depths of satirical insight Swift applies to questions of human nature. What do the Houyhnhnm, Yahoos, Brobdingnagians, Lilliputians, Laputans, and c…

Ferenc Horcher discusses the life, scholarship, and humanity of Sir Roger Scruton. Author of Art and Politics in Roger Scruton’s Conservative Philosophy, Horcher explains the connections between Scruton's life and the development of his philosophy. Along the way, Horcher explains Scruton's aesthetic, conservatism, and cultivation of the finer thing…

Between Elon Musk's Neuralink, Amazon's Upload, and the promises of both AI programs like Chat GPT and Google Gemini and investments into virtual reality (Meta), the potential for exchanging the material world for some other kind of existence has never been more clear. But can an alternate reality lead to happiness? Dr. Peter Forrest, Dean of Human…

Katy Faust and Stacy Manning discuss the realities of raising conservative kids in a woke city. They offer realistic advice and solid analysis with a gentleness of spirit that will resonate with all parents. The book is Raising Conservative Kids in a Woke City - get your copy today!By OptimisticCurmudgeon2021

Josh delivered this talk at the 2023 Thales Press Classical Summit; it is a distillation of his dissertation which explores C.S. Lewis's theory of gender. Lewis believed that gender is a fundamental real relationship the governs reality; he wrote about this in both nonfiction and his fiction, and his theory prophetically solves the transgender mala…

Karen Elliott, Executive Director of The Rafiki Foundation, shares about her organization's work in developing and practicing classical education in 10 different African countries. Karen shares about her background, why she loves classical education, and the unique possibility classical education offers to help African education leaders elevate the…

Dr. Nathan Orlando of Benedictine College discusses International Relations and the influence of Aristotle's Politics on contemporary diplomacy. (This episode was recorded in September of 2023, so please pardon the lack of reference to Israel and Hamas's current war).By OptimisticCurmudgeon2021

Ben Crenshaw (PhD Cand., Hillsdale College) explains his view of Christian nationalism, the importance of Christian foundations for the American political order, and why this debate matters for accurate American historical scholarship. Ben is building on his paper presented at the 2023 ISI American Politics and Government. With shout outs to Stephe…

Dr. Clifford Humphrey discusses his article in The American Reformer, "The Ends of Mere Classical Education: Which Way Western Man?" He defines classical education, and articulates the importance of classical schools clearly defining their aims if they want to remain distinct from other educational options.…

Keith Foskey, @YourCalvinist,tells the origin of his denominations videos. Along the way, he explains theological liberalism, Calvinism, and progressive ideas that are creeping into the church world. Foskey sees his comedy as a form of ministry, and explains his inspiration from Dennis "The Swan" Swanberg. Foskey concludes with considering how laug…

Daniel Pitt discusses his years studying with the late Sir Roger Scruton. Daniel is a scholar focusing on traditionalist conservatism, and his interview shares insights into the life of Roger Scruton, Russell Kirk, and Richard Weaver. Daniel is a scholar at the University of Sheffield, and brings a deep love of conservatism to the questions of piet…

Dr. Jenna Robinson discusses the Martin Center for Academic Renewal's recent articles about the connection between accreditation and DEI at UNC Chapel HIll. She explains the history of accreditations, and the way positive sounding language is used to mask a new expectation of orthodoxy. Dr. Robinson closes with specific suggestions for how UNC Chap…

I read my article "Top Down Education is Crumbling" about the #schoolchoice movement and the way school choice functions as an application of #federalism. This essay was published on @StatePolicy 's new website, @American_Habits on June 26, 2023.By OptimisticCurmudgeon2021

I read my review of Abigail Favale's Genesis of Gender, published with the Acton Institute on May 2, 2023. Here is the link: https://rlo.acton.org/archives/124445-the-genesis-paradigm-vs-the-gender-paradigm.html #gender #transgender #pronouns #Christianity #love #feminism #bible #scholarship Be sure to follow Abigail Favale on X at @Favaleabs…

In this episode, I welcome back Bob Luddy to give us an update on the current state of the economy. We discuss inflation, Bob's most recent article in The American Spectator, the National Debt, the impact of debt on both an individual's finances and a government's ability to act, and the looming threat of China. Bob does not see the national debt a…

Abigail Favale argues in her new book The Genesis of Gender that gender ideology corrodes humanity's ability to live well. She proposes instead that a "Genesis Paradigm" that perceives creation as God's good gift enables human flourishing. Favale argues that we've gotten sex wrong as a culture by separating biological purpose from pleasure. She ans…

Jeremy Adams, Auguste Meyrat, and Shane Trotter join Josh for a rousing discussion of school choice. All four are teacher-writers, and between the four they represent charter, public, and private education in Texas, California, and North Carolina. Their conversation was sparked by Daniel Buck's essay in Law and LIberty (https://lawliberty.org/forum…

Josh Herring reads his essay "What is the Future of Classical Education?" published in Law and Liberty on May 3. https://lawliberty.org/what-is-the-future-of-classical-education/By OptimisticCurmudgeon2021

Spencer Klavan, podcastor with The Daily Wire and associate editor at The Claremont Review of Books, discusses his new book How to Save the West. He describes various crises plaguing the West, applies ancient wisdom to solve modern problems, and cracks amazing jokes in this episode. If you're worried about the Metaverse, transgenderism, or our curr…

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 policie…

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 #classicaled…

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…

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 Classi…

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 paren…

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 …

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 r…

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!By OptimisticCurmudgeon2021

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 Ne…

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.…

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…

Mark Bauerlein comes on the show to discuss his book The Dumbest Generation Grows Up, classical education, and literature. Dr. Bauerlein is convinced that technology has a clear cost in terms of attention span, distraction, and the likelihood the students will actually read books. Mark Bauerlein is the host of The First Things Podcast, author of Th…

Ryan Ryckman comes on the show to discuss real estate, property values, sales, and what makes for strong customer relations! Ryan is an award winning real estate agent with The Real Estate Group - join him and Josh as they talk about property, why land and life patterns matter, and what makes for a strong property investment! #podcast #realestate #…

Dr. Mike Young of Faulkner University joins Josh to discuss Hans Georg Gadamer. Gadamer wrote Truth and Method, and remains one of the most influential scholars in the fields of philosophy and hermeneutics. A student of Heidegger's, Gadamer argues that hermeneutics, the science of interpretation, applies to all forms of human communication. Dr. You…

George Leef discusses his latest book, The Awakening of Jennnifer Van Arsdale. The protagonist is a woke journalist who is "mugged by reality" and comes to terms with the failures of progressive governance. One part fable, another part near future dystopia, and a third part political philosophy, the novel works portrays universal basic income, the …

Dr. Matt Slaboch joins Josh for a discussion of his book, A Road to Nowhere: The Idea of Progress and Its Critics. The conversation opens with a discussion of Dr. Slaboch's experience in the modern academy hunting for a job post-PhD. They discuss the nature of progress, and trace both the idea of progress and the criticisms of progress from the Enl…

Join Josh as he interviews Dr. Jenna Robinson, President of the Martin Center for Academic Renewal as they discuss the purposes of higher education (liberal, illiberal, and professional), the state of higher education generally, and recommendations for colleges that do student formation well, and a critique of UNC Chapel Hill's new core curriculum …

In this episode, Josh interviews Scott Yenor, political science professor at Boise State University, about his latest book The Recovery Family Life. Yenor explains Aristotle's concept of a regime, and how that influences his views on public policy. They then discuss the current regime, how it has been shaped by radical feminist thought, and the cur…

Ethan Delves interviews Josh Herring about Season 2 of the Optimistic Curmudgeon. They revisit major guests and episodes, get an update on numbers, and explore what's coming up on Season 3! Josh shares exciting news about the show moving under the umbrella of Thales Press, and Ethan gets really excited about a book list Josh may one day put togethe…

Nathanael Blake of the Ethics and Public Policy Center discusses the Florida and North Carolina Parental Rights in Education bills; he explains why "groomers" is an appropriate term to use for progressive educators who protest such bills. Along the way, he discusses parent's perspectives on their right to educate their children. He and Josh also di…

Josh interviews Dr. Allen Mendenhall about Richard Weaver and his views about what made southern culture both unique and worth preserving. They then shift to the south today, discussing in what way "The South" is a discernible region in light of demographic shift. Along the way there are jokes, bow ties, and a great conversation! If you like the ep…

Bob Luddy, founder of Captivaire, Thales Academy, and Thales College, joins Josh for a conversation about inflation, the federal reserve, the economic mistakes of both the Trump and Biden administrations, the problems created through market interventions, and moves individuals can make to shield value from inflationary pressures. Bob recommends som…

Dr. Mike Munger of Duke University's Economics department joins Josh for a conversation about public choice economics, running for governor of North Carolina, incentive structures, and the necessity of moral virtue for a free market to work properly. They also discuss Adam Smith, David Hume, and Dr. Munger's connection with professional wrestling. …

Shane Trotter shares insights from his book, Setting the Bar, arguing that an excessive on the lowest performing students harms high performing students. He and Josh discuss how IEPs, 504s, and accommodations fail to achieve the goals of education, and the ways schools and students respond to incentives. They also discuss classroom management, stud…

Daniel Garner joins Josh to discuss Hannah Arendt's On The Origins of Totalitarianism. Recorded well before Russia's invasion of the Ukraine, this episode covers the nature of totalitarian government, Arendt's description of anti-semitism in European culture, and the responsibility Western governments have for encouraging self-governing citizens an…

Carissa Mulder, co-author of a chapter in A Dubious Expediency: How Race Based Admissions Damage Higher Education and Special Counsel to Commissioner Peter Kirsanow of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, joins Josh to discuss the history, present reality, and harms of race based admission in elite universities. She traces the case history, and pro…

Dr. Nick Higgins of North Greenville University explores command, consent, and natural theories of law to situate a consideration of the moral obligation citizens have to obey laws, regulations, policies, and executive orders. Along the way, Dr. Higgins provides a clear explanation of the growth of Administrative State, including a fascinating stor…

Josh interviews Dr. Kevin D Roberts about his career path, and his work with the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Since this episode was recorded, Dr. Roberts has moved from CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation to President of the Heritage Foundation. Their conversation centers on the significance of removing an American presence from Afghanist…

Ethan Delves hosts this conversation with Josh Herring; they discuss how The Optimistic Curmudgeon got started, what its goals are, how it differs from a previous podcasting adventure, and more. This is the last episode of Season 1 - we'll be back in mid-January with Season 2!By OptimisticCurmudgeon2021

Dr. Will Begley (PhD, UNC Chapel Hill), Latin Instructor at Thales Academy Rolesville, joins Josh for a discussion of Shakespeare's Measure for Measure. We explore the proper balance of justice and mercy, themes of fornication and adultery, the ways civilizations try to navigate the universal human drive for sexual interactions, and a novel reading…

Dr. Ben Voth, professor at Southern Methodist University and author of Debate As Global Pedagogy: Rwanda Rising, joins Josh to discuss a variety of topics he has researched and written about over the years. The episode begins with the ways race relations have improved in the United States since the Civil Rights era. Dr. Voth explains Afropessimism …