What can we learn from reading (or listening to) historical fiction? In this episode, Robert interviews Jim Hodges of Jim Hodges Audiobooks, a beloved resource among families around the world, most notably for productions of the historical novels of G. A. Henty. Here, Jim discusses his life before founding Jim Hodges Audiobooks: what homeschooling was like in the 1980s as a military family, being a reluctant homeschooler turned homeschool advocate, and how one teacher’s encouragement changed the trajectory of his life. Later, he praises G. A. Henty’s historical fiction, sharing what these novels can teach readers about history and godly, heroic masculinity. With decades of experience reading and narrating both historical nonfiction and fiction, Jim also recalls the most important lessons he has learned from history. And finally, as one making a living from his passion, he offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/jim-hodges Join Leigh Bortins every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. eastern on the Words Aptly Spoken book club! To learn more, visit LeighBortins.com/book-club-info.

In this shorter-than-usual episode, Robert uses the fifteen tools of classical learning to understand current events and cryptocurrency. First, he examines why property taxes are causing citizens of blue cities to relocate to red states and how these property taxes are related to the government funding of private education through school vouchers. In the Classical Crypto segment, Robert goes back to the basics and explains why this segment is a part of Refining Rhetoric. He discusses the history of money and how Bitcoin solves many of the fiat-related problems that have been around since money first became a store of value. Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/telling-the-future Get tickets for the upcoming film Miracle in East Texas, directed by Kevin Sorbo and starring both Kevin and Sam Sorbo (a Classical Conversations® family), at SorboStudios.com.

Our nation is only as great as our families. In this episode, Robert interviews pastor Allen Mashburn, running candidate for North Carolina Lieutenant Governor. Allen is a pastor of over twenty-five years, a podcast host, and a homeschool dad. Here, Allen focuses on the importance of the nuclear family, the Christian’s and the church’s roles in politics (drawing from biblical examples), what it means to be the salt and light of the earth, and why he, as a pastor, is running for office. In addition, Robert and Allen discuss gun control and safety (including nuances like permitless carry), the next steps in fighting abortion post the Dobbs decision, spiritual warfare in politics, and why the 2024 presidential election may be the most important yet in our country. This is a conversation for more than just NC residents, addressing crucial issues at a national level. Show notes: refiningrhetoric.com/allen-mashburn Get your copy of Scribblers at Home: Recipes from Lifelong Learners today and start encouraging your children to develop strong learning habits early on at ScribblersatHome.com.

In this first-ever in-person episode, Robert interviews Sara Sullards, his Executive Assistant and a Classical Conversations® Challenge graduate, about doing hard things for Christ. Encouraged by her parents and inspired by the book Do Hard Things, Sara was called to mission work at an early age. In this conversation, she describes how God strengthened her faith through mission trips to Alaska, how an intentional prayer life can make all the difference in one’s faith, and why teenagers should consider serving on mission trips, as well as suggesting a few ways parents can encourage their children to hone their spiritual gifts. In addition, Sara shares how she came to work for Classical Conversations and what it’s really like working at the home office. Post-interview, Robert considers whether businesses should adapt to using AI tools and Will recaps the recent BRICS summit and Bitcoin’s flash crash earlier this month. Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/Sara-Sullards Get your discount on Museum of the Bible tickets by logging into your CC Connected account, and learn more about what’s happening at the museum on their website at MuseumoftheBible.org.

Are Classical Conversations® students equipped to pursue their passions? Continuing this month’s theme of bringing Challenge students and graduates onto the show, Robert welcomes Mayson Foster, a flight instructor at Louisiana Tech University, to share about his journey from homeschooling to becoming a pilot. Mayson discusses the path to earning a pilot’s license, the value of his family’s support in this journey, and how being classically educated equipped him with the knowledge and skills to succeed. Plus, the two discuss the national shortage of commercial airline pilots and potential solutions to this crisis. From recalling his first flight to sharing the life lessons he has learned from flying, Mayson encourages Challenge students that achieving their dreams is possible. After their conversation, Robert analyzes the effects of the UPS shipping strike and Will discusses Twitter’s rebrand to X, the platform’s potential integration of XRP, and the crypto token Chainlink. Show notes: RefiningRhetoric.com/Mayson-Foster Join Leigh Bortins every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. eastern on the Words Aptly Spoken book club! To learn more, visit LeighBortins.com/book-club-info.