Conservative Conversations with ISI

In this episode, host Tom Sarrouf sits down with Brad Littlejohn to discuss his latest book, Called to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License. They explore the concept of Christian liberty, its roots in the Reformation tradition, and its relevance today.

Brad addresses misconceptions of freedom as mere autonomy, emphasizing the role of responsibility, virtue, and obedience to God’s design. The conversat...

In this special episode of Conservative Conversations with ISI, we sit down with authors Marc Fasteau and Ian Fletcher to discuss their groundbreaking new book, Industrial Policy for the United States: Winning the Competition for Good Jobs and High-Value Industries. Drawing from their wealth of experience in law, economics, and trade policy, Marc and Ian explore why America is losing the global competition for manufacturing and inn...

In this special holiday episode, Joseph Bottum joins Tom Sarrouf to discuss his latest book, Frankincense, Gold, and Myrrh: A Christmas Chrestomathy. This collection of essays, short stories, and reflections on Christmas captures Bottum's unique blend of wit, wisdom, and theological insight. Together, they explore the deeper meanings of Christmas traditions, the cultural significance of the holiday, and Bottum’s personal journ...

In this thought-provoking episode, host Tom Sarrouf sits down with scholars and educators Dr. Anna Moreland and Dr. Tom Smith to discuss their inspiring new book, The Young Adult Playbook: Living Like It Matters. Aimed at guiding young adults through the challenges of contemporary life, the book combines practical advice with timeless wisdom to help readers navigate life’s biggest questions with purpose and clarity.

Anna and Tom sha...

Join us for an engaging conversation with renowned legal scholar Randy Barnett and host Tom Sarrouf as they dive into Randy's latest book, A Life for Liberty: The Making of an American Originalist.

In this episode, Randy reflects on his personal journey from a young philosophy student to one of America’s foremost originalist thinkers. He shares insights into the challenges and triumphs that shaped his career, his land...

In this compelling episode, host Tom Sarrouf welcomes geopolitical analyst and author Brandon Weichert to discuss his latest book, "A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine." Together, they examine the West’s critical missteps in its handling of Ukraine, from missed opportunities to the geopolitical consequences that continue to unfold. Brandon offers a deep dive into the historical and strategic context be...

In this episode, podcast host Tom Sarrouf sits down with Todd Sheets, former investment banker and author of "2008: What Really Happened". Together, they dive into Todd’s latest book, unraveling the real story behind the 2008 financial crisis. From the root causes of the meltdown to the ripple effects on the global economy, Todd shares insider insights and hard-hitting truths about one of the most defining financial event...

In this thought-provoking episode, Marlo and Tom sit down with Jeremy Beer, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of AmPhil, to explore the life and legacy of Francisco Garcés—a missionary often overlooked in the grand narrative of history. Together, they delve into what set Garcés apart as a “different kind of missionary,” examining his unique approach to faith, culture, and community during a transformative period in the Americas.

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Tim Goeglein, Vice President of External and Government Relations at Focus on the Family and a longtime advocate for faith and family in public life. With his latest book, Stumbling Upward Toward Utopia, Goeglein explores how America can reclaim its founding ideals amid today’s cultural and political upheaval.

We delve into the roots of 1960s radicalism and how its ideals have rev...

In this insightful episode with the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI), Charles McElwee, editor and commentator on Pennsylvania politics, joins the discussion to unpack the intricacies of election dynamics in one of the country’s most unique political landscapes. Charles offers polling insights and examines how Pennsylvania’s historical and cultural backdrop shapes its role as a critical swing state. From key voter concerns li...

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Richard Corcoran, former Secretary of the Florida Department of Education, as we delve into the transformative journey of New College of Florida. In this engaging conversation, Richard shares his vision for creating a balanced academic environment that fosters both rigorous scholarship and diverse viewpoints.

We explore the challenges surrounding academic freedom and governance, ...

In this thought-provoking episode, Jeremy Larson, assistant professor of English at Regent University, joins ISI to explore the enduring significance of John Milton and his literary and political contributions. Together, they delve into Paradise Lost and Milton’s engagement with the political and religious upheavals of his time, discussing how these themes resonate in today’s world. The conversation touches on disenchantment and th...

In this insightful episode, Ned Ryun joins us to explore the pressing challenges facing American self-government today. We dive deep into the rise of the administrative state and how it erodes the foundation of our republic. Ryun offers a thought-provoking analysis of the impact of Darwinian thought on modern politics and the ways it has influenced the ruling class’s view of society.

We also discuss the role of religion in...

In this episode, Josh Craddock joins Tom Sarrouf for a thought-provoking conversation hosted in collaboration with the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI). Together, they explore the complex interplay between religion and law, how civic friendship shapes our public life, and the role of the law as a mediator in a pluralistic society. Tune in for a deep dive into the philosophical and legal questions surrounding community, justi...

In this insightful episode, hosts Marlo Slayback and Tom Sarrouf are joined by Dr. Alex Taylor, Assistant Professor of English at Christendom College, for an engaging discussion on one of America's most compelling literary figures—Flannery O'Connor. Together, they explore the profound Catholic themes that run through O'Connor's stories, her unique use of the grotesque to reveal grace, and the enduring relevance ...

 In this episode, we sit down with Eugene Callahan, economist, philosopher, and author, to explore the deep and often overlooked connections between computer science and the humanities. Drawing from his recent article "The Ghost in the AI Machine" in Modern Age Journal, Eugene delves into the profound implications of AI and technology on human life. We discuss the nature of intelligence from a human perspective and examin...

In this episode, we sit down with Brad Littlejohn, a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and a leading voice in the intersection of Christian ethics and public life. Brad dives into the themes of his latest book, Called to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License (Christ in Everything), where he explores the delicate balance between autonomy and restraint in the Christian understanding of freedom. Togeth...

This week on the podcast, hosts Marlo Slayback and Tom Sarrouf sit down with Aaron Zubia to delve into the life and philosophy of David Hume. Join them as they explore Hume's background and his pivotal role in the Scottish Enlightenment. They discuss Hume's Epicureanism and skepticism, examining how these ideas shaped his thought and influenced modern philosophy. The conversation turns to Hume's views on conservatism...