Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins

What does it actually take to raise children of character in a culture that's lost its moral compass? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Kirk Cameron — actor, filmmaker, and homeschool advocate — to talk about biblical parenting, the homeschool awakening, and what it means to be a faithful father in a post-truth world.
Kirk shares the three non-negotiables he's learned from 34 years of marriage and six kids: lead by example, never break relationship over bad performance, and anchor your children in the Word of God. He also opens up about his new children's show Iggy and Mr. Kirk, his book Built by the Brave, and why he believes culture is redeemable — not lost.
Whether you're a homeschool dad trying to step up, a mom looking for encouragement, or a parent navigating a culture that's working against you, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and real talk from a man who's been in the arena.
Resources:
Built by the Brave by Kirk Cameron
Kirk Cameron's website
 
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit https://classicalconversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.

What does it really mean to write with conviction in a world where everyone's doing somebody's bidding? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with award-winning author and Union University journalism professor Dr. Ted Kluck — 30 books, ESPN bylines, and a Christianity Today Book of the Year winner — to talk about faith, writing craft, and what it looks like to redeem journalism for the glory of God.
They dig into Ted's journey from secular sportswriting to Christian publishing, how AI is reshaping the college classroom, and what parents and aspiring writers should actually focus on. Ted also shares why he believes there aren't many truly Christian colleges left in 2026 — and why Union University is one of them.
 
Resources:
Interested in studying journalism at Union? Visit https://www.uu.edu/ and use promo code KLUCK to apply for free.
Ted's Substack: https://kluck.substack.com/
 
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit https://classicalconversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.

What happens when a libertarian Bitcoin OG, a 14-year homeschooling veteran, and a classical curriculum pioneer walk into the same platform? You get Firefly. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Jordan Page — founder of Firefly Education Network, nationally recognized musician, and longtime Bitcoiner — to talk about why he built a decentralized, all-in-one homeschool platform for families who are done letting the state educate their kids.
Jordan shares how homeschooling his seven children, his wife Mary's experience exposing the public school agenda firsthand, and his passion for sound money and liberty all converged into Firefly — an international homeschool platform featuring AI-powered curriculum tools, the Ron Paul K–12 classical curriculum, private community features, live classes, and more.
Whether you're just starting your homeschool journey or you've been at it for years, this conversation is packed with practical insight — and a bold vision for what family-led education can look like when it's truly free.
📖 Learn more: What is the Trivium?
🎙️ Enjoyed this one? We think you'll love our other podcast! Check out Everyday Educator: https://everydayeducatorpodcast.com/
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Resources:
https://fireflyedu.org/
 
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit https://classicalconversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.

The college cartel is charging $40,000 in average student debt — and Classical Conversations is done letting CC graduates walk into it unprepared. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins and CC Plus director Will McCreery announce the Classical Fellowship: a brand-new program combining affordable online college (50% scholarship through Southeastern University) with in-person cohorts led by vetted CC site directors.
If you have a Challenge IV graduate wondering what comes next — or you're a CC parent dreading the cost of college — this episode is for you. Learn how CC graduates get guaranteed enrollment, 50% off online tuition, and a classical community to walk through college with them. Pilot cohorts launching fall 2026 in Indiana, Texas, and Georgia. Online option available for families outside pilot cities.
Learn more about Classical Fellowship here.
 
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Click here to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.

AI is already in your child's world — whether you've given them access or not. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Ryan Kennedy, COO of the Florida Citizens Alliance, to break down what AI policy actually means for parents, what data is being collected on your kids, and why the fight in Washington right now could determine how much say you have in the matter.
From parental consent frameworks and the AI Bill of Rights to the dangers of AI chatbots and digital twins, Ryan explains what's happening at both the state and federal level — and what homeschool families can do right now to protect their children.
Whether you're already using AI tools in your homeschool or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation will help you think more clearly about one of the most pressing issues facing Christian families today.
Resources:
Florida Citizens Alliance: https://goflca.org