Best Civic Thinker Podcasts (2024)

1
Civics in an Election Year: A Conversation with Zach Palmer 55:26

6h ago55:26

55:26

In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Zach Palmer, a high school history and civics teacher at Thales Academy Apex. In this conversation, they discuss the unique challenges of teaching civics in 2024 and their love for rooting civics in first principles, the Western tradition, and America's founding documents. Zachary Palmer grew up in Barneve…

1
Paul Cwik and "The Significance of the Austrian School" 52:14

4d ago52:14

52:14

Recently, the Mises Club of the Carolinas hosted their annual meet-up at Sugar Mountain, North Carolina. Dr. Paul Cwik of the University of Mount Olive delivered this address looking at the significance of the Austrian School of Economics. Dr. Cwik looked at the assumptions of the Austrian School including its emphasis on human action, individual l…

1
The Systems View of Life | Fritjof Capra 1:02:07

16d ago1:02:07

1:02:07

Watch now on YouTube. Today on the podcast, I had the distinct honor and pleasure of speaking with Fritjof Capra. Fritjof is the lead teacher of the Capra Course and Systems View LAB. Fritjof is a scientist, educator, and activist who has written and lectured extensively about the philosophical and social implications of modern science. He was a fo…

1
The Virtue of Prudence: Moral Philosophy & Wise Decisions | Matt Ogle | Conference of Miletus 2024 17:56

14d ago17:56

17:56

The virtue of prudence is one of the four cardinal virtues, and yet, it is often overlooked. Prudence is the virtue of making wise, reasoned decisions, absorbing the collected wisdom of the Western canon and applying that wisdom to the situation at hand. In this talk from the Conference of Miletus, Matthew Ogle, Head of Classical Education at Thale…

1
Human Dignity & the Classical Tradition | Winston Brady | Conference of Miletus 2024 15:41

16d ago15:41

15:41

Where you begin largely determines where you end. The modern, secular world defines human beings as being basically animals, but often dismisses the conclusions of such an idea. If man is basically an animal, then ideas of human dignity and the value of human life are easily subsumed in the reality of “might makes right.” Such a starting place and …

1
The Western Tradition & Our Intellectual Inheritance | Anthony Esolen | Conference of Miletus 2024 17:15

21d ago17:15

17:15

Today, many educators downplay the value of the Western canon. They discount any wisdom or insights one may glean from being steeped in the tradition we have inherited. In this lecture from the Conference of Miletus, Anthony Esolen presents five reasons why teachers ought to teach the great works of the Western tradition and the impact it can have …

1
Natural Order & Curiosity-Driven Science Education | Robert Luddy | Conference of Miletus 2024 10:17

23d ago10:17

10:17

Today, many schools disconnect the teaching of science and the scientific process from ideas of design, natural order, and natural law. As a result, students lose sight of the purpose and limits of the scientific process and lack the habits of intellectual curiosity and academic rigor that lie at the heart of science education in grades kindergarte…

1
Conference of Miletus Wrap Up 53:34

1M ago53:34

53:34

Each year, Thales Academy and Thales Press hosts the Conference of Miletus, a series of short lectures on topics related to classical education and practical teaching tips. This year, the theme of the conference was "First Principles for Classical Educators." In this episode, Winston Brady and Matt Ogle discuss each of these four principles. A firs…

1
Happy First Day of School 24:24

2M ago24:24

24:24

In case you didn’t know, summer vacation largely came about for two reasons. The first was to free up children to help with important farm chores as the time for harvesting came close. The second reason was the lack of air conditioning. Since more and more Americans are out of farming, and the invention known as air conditioning has made it possibl…

1
Feeling the Metacrisis | Schuyler Brown 1:37:13

1M ago1:37:13

1:37:13

Watch it now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKcb4D7qEfU My guest today is Schuyler Brown. Schuyler is a strategist, futurist, facilitator, and coach. She founded The Art of Emergence and her gifts include executive coaching, corporate shamanism, navigating spiritual awakening and crises, and hosting online and in-person retreats center…

1
Visiting the Neuse: An Interview with Matthew Young at the Neuse Museum and Governor Caswell Memorial 22:33

2M ago22:33

22:33

In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Matthew Young, Site Manager of the CSS Neuse and Governor Richard Caswell Memorial Museum in Kinston, North Carolina, part of a collection of North Carolina Historic Sites. In the episode, they discuss the history behind this Civil War-era ironclad, the battles in which it took place, and how such a massiv…

1
The Lost Colony: North Carolina's Fort Raleigh 21:10

2M ago21:10

21:10

In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Lauren Spier about the Fort Raleigh historical site, better known as the "Lost Colony." They discuss the history of the site--who founded the colony and how the site became "lost"--as well as suggestions for parking and food options for teachers and parents planning a field trip to visit the site. The park…

1
Humanity's Blind Spots | Olivia Lazard 2:00:32

2M ago2:00:32

2:00:32

Watch the video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IsZaVuRktXY My guest today is Olivia Lazard. Olivia is a research fellow at Carnegie Europe where her research involves investigating how to support a move towards regenerative foreign and security policy within the European Union. She also leads projects at the University of Exeter on the ecolog…

1
The Good Life, Re-Examined with Gary Hartenburg 38:01

3M ago38:01

38:01

In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Dr. Gary Hartenburg, director of the Honors College at Houston Christian University and an Associate Professor of Philosophy. In the episode, they discuss the dialogues of Plato, the questioning habits of Socrates, and the very nature of truth, goodness, and reality itself--a can't miss episode, to be sure…

1
Memorial Day: Gratitude and Classical Wisdom 10:17

3M ago10:17

10:17

This week, we are reposting this episode in honor of Memorial Day, a holiday that honors those who have given their lives in service to our country and in preserving our freedom. In this episode, we look at the beginnings of Memorial Day, why we celebrate the holiday and how long we have done so. Then, we draw out the significance of the day by loo…

1
Raphael and John Singer Sargent | Anthony Esolen & "To Read a Work of Art" 40:31

3M ago40:31

40:31

In this webinar, Dr. Anthony Esolen examined three seminal works art: Raphael's "The School of Athens" and two paintings from John Singer Sargent's "The Triumph of Religion" with "The Israelites Oppressed" and "The Messianic Era." The beauty we see, hear, or touch has the power to enter our minds and memories more powerfully than do philosophical o…

1
Great Hearts, Great Recap 19:35

3M ago19:35

19:35

In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Heather Bakogiannias, Brittney Massey, and Katherine Greco-Fortney about their recent trip to the National Symposium for Classical Education held in March of 2024 in Phoenix Arizona. The National Symposium for Classical Education is hosted by the Great Hearts Institute and this year, focused on the theme o…

1
Artificial Intelligence: Yet Another Hurdle for Teachers & Students 1:20:41

4M ago1:20:41

1:20:41

In November of 2022, OpenAI launched ChatGPT, a chatbot capable of answering simple questions from users to writing papers, essays, blogs, and other forms of longform communication–sometimes so well that people cannot tell that the difference between a paper written by a student and one written by a machine. Since then, educators have been divided …

1
Beyond the Superorganism | Nate Hagens 1:25:20

3M ago1:25:20

1:25:20

My guest today is Dr. Nate Hagens. Nate is the Executive Director of The Institute for the Study of Energy & Our Future (ISEOF), an organization focused on educating and preparing society for the coming cultural transition. Nate is also a fellow podcaster as the host of The Great Simplification, in which he has conversations with experts in energy,…

1
Freedom Maximalist | Interview with Leigh Bortins, Classical Conversations 18:18

4M ago18:18

18:18

In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Leigh Bortins, founder of Classical Conversations. During the conversation, they discuss her philosophy of education, homeschooling and its relationship to educational freedom, and how to nurture a community of parents and students and orient them to what is good, true, and beautiful. Leigh Bortins is a na…

1
Tried and True | Interview with Dan Coupland, Hillsdale College 45:25

4M ago45:25

45:25

In today's episode, Winston Brady speaks with Daniel Coupland, author of the new book "Tried & True: A Primer on Sound Pedagogy" published by Hillsdale College Press. During the conversation, they discuss the parameters of good teaching, the advantages of a seating chart, the need for a small number of fair, rational, and easy-to-enforce rules, and…

1
Ken Pope & the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation 20:37

4M ago20:37

20:37

In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Ken Pope, Vice President for Academic Operations and Strategic Partnerships. In the episode, they discuss the history of Communist regimes and Mr. Pope's experience working in countries such as East Germany that suffered under Communist regimes. The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC) is an educ…

1
Founders Chat: From Concept to Creation with Ansley Fender 35:24

4M ago35:24

35:24

🎙️ Exciting Announcement: Our Season Finale Episode is Here! 🎉 🔥 Dive into the world of entrepreneurship with our latest episode of Civic Thinker as we sit down with Ansley Fender, the Founder and CEO of GrantCycle. Join us for a captivating conversation where we explore Ansley's journey in building and growing her startup, along with valuable insi…

1
The Reality of Communism | Ken Pope, Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation 1:03:48

4M ago1:03:48

1:03:48

In this presentation, Ken Pope, Vice President for Academic Operations and Strategic Partnerships, addresses the deadly history of Communism. Mr. Pope begins with his own experience in the military serving in West Berlin, addresses the life and writing of Karl Marx, then examines the totalitarian regimes of the twentieth century from the Soviet Uni…

1
Outsourcing to Innovating: A Journey through GovTech with Ben Laird 26:32

4M ago26:32

26:32

🎙️ Excited to share our latest podcast episode of Civic Thinker where our host Matt Molter is joined by Ben Laird, Founder of Frontline Public Safety! Tune in as we dive into the journey behind Frontline Public Safety and explore the ins and outs of outsourcing in the government sector. 🔍 In this episode we: Rewind to the beginnings of Ben's journe…

1
"Lessons from my Parents: Freedom and Questioning" | Adrian Bejan 42:15

4M ago42:15

42:15

Professor Adrian Bejan traces his approach to science to growing up during a totalitarian Communist regime in Romania during the 1950s and 60s. Dr. Bejan witnessed the destruction of his parents, their generation, and the values they held dear. During this time, he learned to question in silence the difference between the truths spoken at home and …

1
"On Entrepreneurship" with Robert Luddy | March 8, 2024 37:54

5M ago37:54

37:54

Robert L. Luddy is the founder of CaptiveAire Systems, Thales Academy, and Thales College. He is a lifelong entrepreneur and philanthropist and in this lecture, Mr. Luddy examines skills such as alertness, personal integrity, and a willingness to serve the customers he considers essential to success in any entrepreneurial venture. Bob Luddy is the …

1
Regenerating Civic Engagement | Indy Rishi Singh 1:57:16

4M ago1:57:16

1:57:16

My guest today is Indy Rishi Singh. Indy is a cultural creative with Cosmic Labyrinth, a collective of edutainers producing biocultural ecorestorations and collective care events in public and at conferences and festivals. Indy is also a co-developer in a technology cooperative designing a bioregional citizen based communication platform that serve…

1
How to Watch an Eclipse | Robert Luddy, Melissa Svirida, and Winston Brady 8:54

5M ago8:54

8:54

Famously, our school’s spiritual founder, Thales of Miletus, made his reputation as a wise and noteworthy scientist predicting an eclipse. The event is recorded in Herodotus’ "The Histories" as the armies of the Lydians and the Medes were fighting for control of Anatolia. Thales predicted an eclipse would happen on May 28, 585 BC, and when the cele…

1
RFIs and RFPs: Is the Procurement Time Worth the Effort? 36:28

5M ago36:28

36:28

Are you baffled by RFIs (Requests for Information) in the realm of Government procurement? 🤔 Wondering how to navigate through the maze of questions and uncertainties? Look no further! Our latest podcast episode breaks down the intricacies of RFIs and sheds light on their significance in the procurement process. In this episode, our guest Nicole Ke…

1
Freedom and Physics | Adrian Bejan, Robert Luddy, and Winston Brady | March 8, 2024 26:26

5M ago26:26

26:26

In this panel discussion, Winston Brady interviews Dr. Adrian Bejan of Duke University about his childhood growing up in Romania and the influence that life growing up under a Communist regime has had on his work in thermodynamics and physics. Dr. Bejan is a J. A. Jones Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Duke University, a notable…

1
Breaking Barriers in GovTech with Cornelius George 23:37

5M ago23:37

23:37

Join us on the Civic Thinker podcast with host Matt Molter for an insightful conversation with Cornelius George, aka "Corn," an entrepreneur at the forefront of GovTech innovation. In this episode, Corn shares his journey from tech enthusiast to GovTech pioneer, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities in the government technology sector.…

1
St. Patrick's Day 5:59

6M ago5:59

5:59

To celebrate and explain St. Patrick’s Day, today’s episode features a brief biography of St. Patrick. Roman-British missionary St. Patrick lived from 385 to 461 and is famous for bringing Christianity to the people of Ireland. Learn the full story and how Patrick’s life shows the value of being classically educated. The quote from St. Patrick’s Co…

1
Collective Imaginings | Phoebe Tickell 1:08:13

5M ago1:08:13

1:08:13

Watch the video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EjhDCW12IAQ My guest today is Phoebe Tickell. Phoebe calls herself an Imagination Activist to describe a new kind of activist she sees emerging worldwide. Her interest in different ways of perceiving the world informed (and was informed by) her studies in neuroscience, cognitive science, molecula…

1
Entrepreneur's Guide to Economic Development with Megan Baumgartner 31:01

6M ago31:01

31:01

🎙️ Join us in an engaging discussion with Megan Baumgartner, Director of Economic and Community Development at the City of Fishers. 💡 In this insightful episode, Megan shares her journey into her current role and provides a fascinating glimpse into the realm of economic development within government. Ever wondered why entrepreneurs should care abou…

1
"Culturing the Content" with Katie Flaherty 44:38

6M ago44:38

44:38

In this webinar, Katie Flaherty presented strategies and classroom resources to bring together History, Art, Archaeology, and Culture into the Foreign Language classroom through a sample Latin curriculum ranging from grades 6-12. Flaherty also discussed additional pedagogical resources for increasing teacher confidence and knowledge on these topics…

1
The Indigenous Worldview | Four Arrows 1:05:18

6M ago1:05:18

1:05:18

My guest today is Four Arrows also known as Wahinkpe Topa or Dr. Don Trent Jacobs. Four Arrows is internationally respected for his expertise in Indigeneity and applications for living life in balance. He is a prolific author of many books and writings about the vital necessity of restoring our pre-colonial worldview. I first came across his work w…

1
"Writing is Rewriting: Strategies to Help Students Become Writers" with Zachary Palmer 43:12

6M ago43:12

43:12

In this webinar, humanities instructor Zach Palmer discussed strategies parents and teachers can implement to address and improve student writing. To help improve student outcomes, teachers can coordinate with one another to prioritize writing effectively rather than overload students with the sheer quantity of papers and compositions. Mr. Palmer a…

1
Classically Speaking 46:36

6M ago46:36

46:36

Rhetoric is the art of public speaking, the ability to give a stirring and persuasive speech. Accordingly, the ancients looked at rhetoric as the one indispensable skill for leadership and public service. This webinar offered practical tips for successfully navigating public speaking opportunities, including how to get over nervousness, how to proj…

1
Strategies for B2G Sales Success with Mike Dombo 20:28

6M ago20:28

20:28

🔥 Calling all entrepreneurs and sales professionals! Are you struggling to crack the code on selling to the government? 💼 Look no further! Our latest podcast episode is here to revolutionize your approach to B2G sales. 🎙️ Join us as we dive deep into the world of government contracting with none other than Mike Dombo, President at Kensington Sales …

1
Restoring the Evolved Nest | Darcia Narvaez 1:18:59

6M ago1:18:59

1:18:59

My guest today is Darcia Narvaez. Darcia is Professor Emerita of Psychology at the University of Notre Dame. Born in Minnesota, U.S., she grew up living around the world as a bilingual/bicultural Puerto Rican-German American but calls Earth her home. Her earlier careers include professional musician, business owner, music teacher, Spanish teacher, …

1
Who was St. Valentine? 13:23

6M ago13:23

13:23

Happy Valentine's Day! In this reposted episode, Winston Brady speaks with longtime DCT contributor Will Begley about the life of St. Valentine. St. Valentine is a holiday that many people celebrate but few people know why we do so. When did we start celebrating Valentine's Day? Who was St. Valentine? Why hearts? Was this holiday cooked up to sell …

1
Tentmaking with Paul 23:36

7M ago23:36

23:36

The apostle Paul, author of a series of letters in the New Testament, had a vocation by which he took care of himself through the day: tentmaking. Indeed, as a pharisee, Paul was required to learn such a trade so that he had a meaningful, marketable skill with which to earn his daily bread and bless others. The idea is so popular that individuals i…

1
A GovTech Guide to Procurement with Nicole Kenney 25:58

7M ago25:58

25:58

🎙️ Unlock the Secrets of GovTech Procurement! 🌐 Ever wondered why dealing with government procurement feels like navigating a maze? Join us on Civic Thinker's latest episode as host Matt Molter and GovTech Procurement expert, CEO at Indigo Solutions, Nicole Kenney peel back the layers, addressing the pain points, challenges, and mysteries surroundi…

1
An Educational Metacrisis | Brad Kershner 1:24:42

7M ago1:24:42

1:24:42

My guest today is Dr. Brad Kershner. Brad is a school leader, independent scholar, and meta-theorist, currently serving as the Head of School at Kimberton Waldorf School. His research, teaching, and writing cover a wide range of entangled topics, including education, leadership, parenting, cultural diversity, technology, integral theory, meditation…

1
Three Hypotheticals for Classroom Teachers 18:33

7M ago18:33

18:33

In this episode, Winston Brady and Keller Moore discuss classroom management tips and strategies, with Winston sharing three rulers or, better yet, "hypothetical scenarios" to help classroom teachers manage large classrooms between 25 and 35 students, at the Junior High level. Those scenarios are as follows: Hypothetical Scenario #1: If someone is …

1
Flying with the Big Dogs with Aaron Pierce 27:32

7M ago27:32

27:32

🚀 Are you a small govtech company ready to take on the big dogs? Our latest Civic Thinker Podcast episode features Aaron Pierce, founder of Pierce Aerospace—a David in the realm of industry Goliaths. 🔍 Discover Aaron's journey from a passion for drones to challenging the FAA and industry giants. Learn about funding hurdles, navigating federal compl…

1
Entrepreneurship & a Free Society 31:18

7M ago31:18

31:18

In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Hunter Hastings, Vice President of the Kingman Institute. The Kingman Institute is dedicated to integrating the principles of entrepreneurial free-market capitalism into business and education. We teach the morality of merit-based reward and an applicable understanding of value-based entrepreneurship. Hunt…

1
A Spiritual Metacrisis | Jonathan Rowson 1:32:06

7M ago1:32:06

1:32:06

My guest today is Jonathan Rowson. Jonathan is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Perspectiva. A London-based charity that describes itself as "A collective of expert generalists working on an urgent one-hundred-year project to understand the relationship between systems, souls, and society in theory and practice". He was Director of the Social …

1
Goodbye Mr. Crownover 17:50

7M ago17:50

17:50

One Thales Rolesville staff member is leaving this quarter, taking a job at a local sandwich shop. While his departure is sad, we not only wish him the best but want to draw out from this new opportunity some valuable lessons for our students. Chief among those lessons are: the value of hard work, the joy of learning in and of itself, and the need …

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