First Things is published by The Institute on Religion and Public Life, an interreligious, nonpartisan research and education institute whose purpose is to advance a religiously informed public philosophy for the ordering of society. Learn more: www.firstthings.com/learnmore
The First Things Podcast is a intellectually rich and spiritually enriching podcast with a Catholic perspective. Despite the poor sound quality, this podcast offers incredible content that is both thought-provoking and enlightening. The hosts cover a wide range of topics and bring on knowledgeable guests to discuss various issues from a conservative, religious viewpoint. Whether you are Catholic or not, this podcast provides valuable insights into faith, culture, literature, and politics.
One of the best aspects of The First Things Podcast is its ability to tackle complex subjects from an academic and intellectual perspective. The hosts and guests offer deep analysis and thoughtful discussions that challenge preconceived notions and expand listeners' understanding. The book-based episodes are particularly enjoyable, as they introduce readers to new authors and provide in-depth conversations about their work. The discussions are always respectful and well-informed, creating a space for listeners to engage with different viewpoints.
However, the main drawback of this podcast is the inconsistent audio quality. Many listeners have pointed out the disparity between the host and guest's volume levels, making it difficult to manage the volume settings. This inconsistency can be distracting and prevent listeners from fully immersing themselves in the content. While the sound issues may not detract from the quality of discussions, it would greatly enhance the overall listening experience if these technical issues were addressed.
In conclusion, despite its audio quality issues, The First Things Podcast remains a valuable resource for individuals seeking intellectually stimulating conversations from a Catholic perspective. The content provided is intellectually rich and spiritually enriching, offering diverse viewpoints on faith, culture, literature, and politics. With some improvements in sound quality, this podcast has the potential to become even more enjoyable for listeners of all backgrounds.
In this episode, Michael C. Legaspi joins Rusty Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent review, "Jesus After the Critics" from the June/July 2025 issue of the magazine.
In this episode, Wessie du Toit joins Rusty Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, "The Future of Reading" from the June/July 2025 issue of the magazine. Subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Martin Cothran joins in to discuss Memoria Press and Classical Education in America. Subscribe to Mark's new channel on: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mufv3xzw Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3w32d42x Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
The editors discuss the immigration riots in Los Angeles, and Donald Trump's feud with Gavin Newsom. Then they discuss that other feud. Rusty Reno joins Julia Yost.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Joy Pullmann joins in to discuss her recent book, "False Flag: Why Queer Politics Mean the End of America." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Jason Bedrick joins in to discuss "The Phoenix Declaration: An American Vision for Education." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In this episode, First Things brings you the recording of the 2025 D.C. Lecture presented by Carl Trueman. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to get more information on future lectures and access many great pieces!
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Caitrin Bennett joins in to discuss her recent book, "Holier Matrimony: Married Saints, Catholic Vows, and Sacramental Grace." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
The editors discuss the first days of the pontificate of Leo XIV, the first American pope. Then, a report on the pope's brothers. Rusty Reno, editor Dan Hitchens, and Virginia Aabram join Julia Yost.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Stanley Fish joins in to discuss his recent book, "Law at the Movies: Turning Legal Doctrine into Art." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Daniel J. Mahoney joins in to discuss his recent book, "The Persistence of the Ideological Lie: The Totalitarian Impulse Then and Now." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
While waiting for news from the real-life conclave, the editors re-watch the 2024 feature film Conclave and the 2017 HBO series The Young Pope. Then they air their hopes and anxieties about the papal election. Dan Hitchens and special guest Matthew Schmitz join Julia Yost.
In this episode, Darel E. Paul joins Rusty Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, "Feminism Against Fertility" from the May 2025 issue of the magazine. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!
The editors discuss Pope Francis, whose twelve-year pontificate ended with his death on Easter Monday. Then the staff preview their picks for the upcoming conclave. Rusty Reno and Dan Hitchens join Julia Yost.
In this episode, First Things brings you the recording of the Inaugural Neuhaus Lecture presented by Patrick J. Deneen. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Mary E. DeMuth joins in to discuss her recent book, "The Most Overlooked Women of the Bible: What Their Stories Teach Us about Being Seen and Heard." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In this episode, Ericka Andersen joins Rusty Reno at The Editor's Desk to talk about her recent essay, “Who Owns the Embryos?” from the April 2025 issue of the magazine. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Josh Hammer joins in to discuss his recent book, "Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West."
In this episode, Christopher Caldwell joins Rusty Reno at The Editor's Desk to talk about his piece, “Merkel's Country” from the March 2025 issue of the magazine. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Jeffrey J. Meyers joins in to discuss his recent book, "Why Children are Welcome to the Lord's Supper: Some Questions & Answers about Paedocommunion."
In this episode, Matthew Schmitz joins Rusty Reno at The Editor's Desk to talk about his piece, “Elon's Family Values” from the April 2025 issue of the magazine. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!
The editors discuss the live-action Snow White, Disney's biggest flop in recent memory. Did the star hijack it with her woke statements—or was she scapegoated? Is Disney worthy of its own IP? Virginia Aabram and Germán Saucedo join Julia Yost.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, A.J. Rice joins in to discuss his recent book, "The White Privilege Album: Bringing Racial Harmony to Very Fine People…on Both Sides." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Cheryl Hughes joins in to discuss her recent book, "Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Convert Maker." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, David Rieff joins in to discuss his recent book, "Desire and Fate." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
The editors discuss last week's incident in the Oval Office, and what it might portend for American foreign policy. Then they talk the Oscars, and why young people are suddenly going to the movies. Rusty Reno, Dan Hitchens, and Germán Saucedo join Julia Yost.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Cassandra Nelson joins in to discuss her recent book, "A Theology of Fiction." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Jeremy Beer joins in to discuss her recent book, "Beyond the Devil's Road: Francisco Garcés and the Spanish Encounter with the American Southwest." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In this episode, Nathan Pinkoski joins Rusty Reno at The Editor's Desk to talk about his book review, “Paleofuturism” from the February 2025 issue of the magazine. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Michael Fontaine joins in to discuss his recent translations, "How to Tell a Joke: An Ancient Guide to the Art of Humor" by Marcus Tullius Cicero and "How to Get Over a Breakup: An Ancient Guide to Moving On" by Ovid Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
The editors discuss Super Bowl 59—why we watched, who tried to rig the outcome, and what Taylor Swift will do next. Then we talk JD Vance, Pope Francis, and the ordo amoris. Rusty Reno, Vicky Clarke, and Virginia Aabram join Julia Yost.
In this episode, Anselm Audley joins Rusty Reno at The Editor's Desk to talk about his essay, “Cities for Humans” from the January 2025 issue of the magazine. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Spencer A. Klavan joins in to discuss his recent book, “Light of the Mind, Light of the World: Illuminating Science Through Faith." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In this episode, Editors Rusty Reno, Julia Yost, and Dan Hitchens discuss the vibe shift, the Trump electoral and cultural victory, the Catholic vote, the future of the pro-life movement, and J. D. Vance's promising future.. Please subscribe to the magazine and support our work at www.firstthings.com/subscribe!
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Bruce Gordon joins in to discuss his recent book, “The Bible: A Global History." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Gerald R. McDermott joins in to discuss his recent book, “A New History of Redemption: The Work of Jesus the Messiah through the Millennia." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Peter Kreeft joins in to discuss his recent book, “God on Stage: 15 Plays That Ask the Big Questions." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In this episode, Justin Shubow joins Rusty Reno at The Editor's Desk to talk about his essay, “Monument to Failure” from the March 2016 print edition of the magazine and the importance of the National Endowment for the Arts. Please subscribe to the magazine at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Robert Pondiscio joins in to discuss his articles, “How Public Schools Became Ideological Boot Camps” and "On curriculum and literacy, Texas gets it." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Dana Gioia joins in to discuss his new book, “Weep, Shudder, Die: On Opera and Poetry.” Donate now at www.firstthings.com/campaign Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In this episode, R. R. Reno brings you the recording of the 2024 Erasmus Lecture Presented by Paul Kingsnorth, which you can find in the January 2025 print edition of the magazine. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces! Donate now at www.firstthings.com/campaign
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Mike Aquilina joins in to discuss his new book, “Rabbles, Riots, and Ruins: Twelve Ancient Cities and How They Were Evangelized.” Donate now at www.firstthings.com/campaign Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Daniel Pipes joins in to discuss his new book, “Israel Victory: How Zionists Win Acceptance and Palestinians Get Liberated.” Donate now at www.firstthings.com/campaign Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Rosario Forlenza and Bjørn Thomassen join in to discuss their new book, “Italy's Christian Democracy: The Catholic Encounter with Political Modernity.” Donate now at www.firstthings.com/campaign Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Brady Stiller, joins in to discuss his new book, “Your Life Is a Story: G.K. Chesterton and the Paradox of Freedom.” Donate now at www.firstthings.com/campaign Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Christine M. Wohar, joins in to discuss her new book, “Finding Frassati: And Following His Path to Holiness.” Donate now at www.firstthings.com/campaign Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Charles Taylor, joins in to discuss his new book, “Cosmic Connections: Poetry in the Age of Disenchantment.” Donate now at www.firstthings.com/campaign Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, F. H. Buckley, joins in to discuss his new book, “The Roots of Liberalism: What Faithful Knights and the Little Match Girl Taught Us about Civil Virtue.” Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Paul Krause, joins in to discuss his new book, “Finding Arcadia: Wisdom, Truth, and Love in the Classics.” Human Life Review: humanlifereview.life/fifty Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, José Carlos González-Hurtado, joins in to discuss his new book, “New Scientific Evidence for the Existence of God.” Human Life Review: humanlifereview.life/fifty Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Joseph Carola, S.J., joins in to discuss his new book, “Engaging the Church Fathers in Nineteenth-Century Catholic Theology: The Patristic Legacy of the Scuola Romana.” Human Life Review: humanlifereview.life/fifty Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
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