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In this special edition of The Radio Free Hillsdale Hour, we honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, founder and president of Turning Point USA. Through reflections from Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn, Hillsdale students, professors, and Charlie himself, we remember a voice that shaped a generation of conservatives and was silenced far too soon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Margaret Hagedorn, head principal at Lake Country Classical Academy in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, delivers a lecture on how leadership helps build a healthy school culture. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: The Sciences” in November 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss American foreign policy in the wake of World War One before introducing Michael Anton. We often treat foreign policy as a mystery that can only be understood by an enlightened few who have committed their lives to understanding the complexities of international life. This view is dangerous because it encourages citizens to ignore a critical aspect of American political life that it’s our duty to understand. And it’s false because the basics of foreign policy are commonsense and a joy to learn. For the Founders, the basic premise of foreign policy is simple—we must make every decision with a view towards securing the equal, natural rights of American citizens. This understanding requires that America’s leaders remain accountable to the people, and it places essential limits on our interventions abroad. Yet, for over a century, this traditional understanding of American foreign policy has been challenged by new and more ambitious doctrines that argue for increased American involvement and leadership abroad. World War One marks the rise of the new progressive foreign policy among American elites who sought to spread American principles abroad and make the world safe for democracy. But the American public still largely opposed foreign interventions, and after the Great War, they elected presidents who promised to avoid foreign entanglements and return to a noninterventionist policy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Larry P. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues to continue a series on The Second World War, Churchill's sprawling memoir and history of World War II in six volumes.Release date: 12 September 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Guests: Max Primorac & Christopher D. Heckel Host Scot Bertram talks with Max Primorac, senior research fellow at The Heritage Foundation’s Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, about the history of U.S. foreign aid and how the Trump administration is charting a different path. And Christopher D. Heckel, associate professor of biology at Hillsdale College, gives a primer on invasive plant species across the United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of The Larry Arnn Show, Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn interviews Linda McMahon, United States Secretary of Education. The two discuss dismantling the Department of Education, returning education to the states, and the importance of school choice. This interview was conducted on September 7, 2025. Discover more at podcast.hillsdale.edu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joshua Andrew, Head of School at Atlanta Classical Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, delivers a lecture on the joys and difficulties of leading a classical school. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Mathematics” in October 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Megan Wagner, college councilor at Lake Country Classical Academy in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss what parents and teachers should know about college applications, how to tell if a college is right for you, and the kind of activities that college admissions boards look for in students. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the birth of American empire before introducing Michael Anton. We often treat foreign policy as a mystery that can only be understood by an enlightened few who have committed their lives to understanding the complexities of international life. This view is dangerous because it encourages citizens to ignore a critical aspect of American political life that it’s our duty to understand. And it’s false because the basics of foreign policy are commonsense and a joy to learn. For the Founders, the basic premise of foreign policy is simple—we must make every decision with a view towards securing the equal, natural rights of American citizens. This understanding requires that America’s leaders remain accountable to the people, and it places essential limits on our interventions abroad. Yet, for over a century, this traditional understanding of American foreign policy has been challenged by new and more ambitious doctrines that argue for increased American involvement and leadership abroad. In the Spanish-American War, America intervened in the internal affairs of a European colony in the Western Hemisphere. As a result of the war, America acquired territories that it ruled with no intention of admitting to statehood, fundamentally changing the nature of American foreign policy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Larry P. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues to continue a series on The Second World War, Churchill's sprawling memoir and history of World War II in six volumes.Release date: 5 September 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zak Dombrowski, upper school humanities teacher at Golden View Classical Academy in Golden, Colorado, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss how teachers can help students celebrate Constitution Day, where to find resources for civic education, and how the Declaration of Independence informs the Constitution. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Guests: Mark Moyar, Benedict Whalen, & Juliane Malia Hillock Host Scot Bertram talks with Mark Moyar, William P. Harris Chair of Military History at Hillsdale College, about the legacy of the Vietnam War during its 50th anniversary. Benedict Whalen, associate professor of English at Hillsdale College, discusses the themes of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald during the novel’s 100th anniversary. And Juliane Malia Hillock, founding principal at Hózhó Academy in Gallup, New Mexico, describes the unique challenges of leading a school in a remote part of the United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stephen Shipp, headmaster at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, delivers a lecture on the rewarding life of a classical school leader. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Children's Literature” in September 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the early foreign policy decisions of the American republic before introducing Michael Anton. We often treat foreign policy as a mystery that can only be understood by an enlightened few who have committed their lives to understanding the complexities of international life. This view is dangerous because it encourages citizens to ignore a critical aspect of American political life that it’s our duty to understand. And it’s false because the basics of foreign policy are commonsense and a joy to learn. For the Founders, the basic premise of foreign policy is simple—we must make every decision with a view towards securing the equal, natural rights of American citizens. This understanding requires that America’s leaders remain accountable to the people, and it places essential limits on our interventions abroad. Yet, for over a century, this traditional understanding of American foreign policy has been challenged by new and more ambitious doctrines that argue for increased American involvement and leadership abroad. American foreign policy remained fairly consistent throughout the first century of the republic. The early policies centered on growing into a strong nation and maintaining our unique position by preventing European powers from becoming powerful threats in the Western Hemisphere. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Efforts by the Trump administration to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, and the first week of classes at Hillsdale College. Dr. Larry P. Arnn, president of Hillsdale College, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 29 August 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Allison Postell, assistant professor of philosophy at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss how we develop habits, the Aristotelian understanding of habit, and how to break bad habits. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Guests: Jonathan Gregg & Daniel J. Flynn Host Scot Bertram talks with Jonathan Gregg, assistant professor of education at Hillsdale College, about efforts to improve national math standards in education and his co-authored essay, “The Alarming Decay of Mathematical Competency in the U.S.” And Daniel J. Flynn, senior editor at the American Spectator and visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution, discusses the legacy of conservative luminary Frank S. Meyer and Flynn’s new book, The Man Who Invented Conservatism: The Unlikely Life of Frank S. Meyer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kenneth Calvert, professor of history at Hillsdale College, delivers a lecture on the intellectual roots of western civilization. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Western Civilization” in April 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July/August 2025 | Volume 54, Issue 7/8 American Virtues – 2025 Commencement AddressVictor Davis HansonWayne and Marcia Buske Distinguished Fellow in History, Hillsdale CollegeThe following is adapted from a speech delivered on May 10, 2025, at Hillsdale College’s 173rd Commencement Ceremony.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan introduce the course "American Foreign Policy." We often treat foreign policy as a mystery that can only be understood by an enlightened few who have committed their lives to understanding the complexities of international life. This view is dangerous because it encourages citizens to ignore a critical aspect of American political life that it’s our duty to understand. And it’s false because the basics of foreign policy are commonsense and a joy to learn. For the Founders, the basic premise of foreign policy is simple—we must make every decision with a view towards securing the equal, natural rights of American citizens. This understanding requires that America’s leaders remain accountable to the people, and it places essential limits on our interventions abroad. Yet, for over a century, this traditional understanding of American foreign policy has been challenged by new and more ambitious doctrines that argue for increased American involvement and leadership abroad. The Founders believed that sovereign nations, like individuals, cannot be ruled without their consent. The aim of American foreign policy is to secure the nation, the rights of our citizens, and our national honor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Larry P. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues to continue a series on The Second World War, Churchill's sprawling memoir and history of World War II in six volumes.Release date: 22 August 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
David Yu, dean of students at Ascent Classical Academy of Northern Colorado in Windsor, Colorado, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss how mathematics helps students develop a moral compass, how to create a sense of wonder in the classroom, and how to prioritize the Good, True, and Beautiful in education. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Guests: Sam Knecht & Allison Ellis Host Scot Bertram talks with Sam Knecht, professor emeritus of art at Hillsdale College, about how American art reflects the American character and the new Hillsdale College online course American Paintings. And Allison Ellis, founder of Mount Titano Media, discusses the power of rhetoric and her new edited collection of important American speeches, FINDING OUR WORDS: Words That Made America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Juliane Malia Hillock from the class of 1991 has dedicated her life to education.Originally from Portland, Maine, she is the founding principal of Hozho Academy in Gallup, New Mexico, a Hillsdale College Barney Charter School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Hillsdale College and a master’s degree in school leadership from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education. ------ Informative. Inspirational. Uplifting. Those are the goals of the White and Blue podcast. We are here to tell the interesting stories of Hillsdale College alumni, who number more than 15,000 strong. Our guests will share about their time and experiences while on campus, and also the impact they have had on the world since graduating. What makes the Hillsdale College graduate unique? We will explore that question and more, including how alumni have impacted the past, present, and future of the College. Won’t you join us?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Karissa Moschel, 4th grade teacher at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, delivers a lecture on the importance of high-quality literature in elementary education. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Children's Literature” in September 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the role that the judiciary plays in our republic before introducing Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto. In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people. The courts must be independent to decide particular cases without undue influence. The separation of powers is a safeguard against tyranny, but the security of a republic lies in the vigilance of the people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Part Three of a four-episode series, “The Clerics: Christianity in America,” Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn interviews Kevin DeYoung, author, professor, and pastor at Christ Covenant Church. The two discuss the covenant theology and the Reformed doctrine of predestination. This interview was conducted on April 7th, 2025. Discover more at podcast.hillsdale.edu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Larry P. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues to continue a series on The Second World War, Churchill's sprawling memoir and history of World War II in six volumes.Release date: 15 August 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jenny Mulvey, fourth grade teacher at Golden View Classical Academy in Golden, Colorado, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss maintaining a rich and well-ordered classroom, engaging students in their work, and setting up your classroom to prevent needless distraction. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Guests: Joseph Postell, Todd Starnes, & Korey D. Maas Host Scot Bertram talks with Joseph Postell, associate professor of politics at Hillsdale College, about the conservative counter-revolution against the bureaucratic state as detailed in his book Bureaucracy in America: The Administrative State’s Challenge to Constitutional Government. Todd Starnes, commentator, author, and radio host, discusses his new book Star-Spangled Blessings: Devotions for Patriots. And Korey D. Maas, chairman and associate professor of history at Hillsdale College, gives a survey of the life and work of English reformer and martyr Robert Barnes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Outside the classroom, Hillsdale students embrace a fun and lively culture while nurturing a deep and profound community built on life-long friendships. Listen as Rebekah Bollen, ’06, Dean of Women and Jonathan Williams, ’26, Head RA of Simpson Residence, discuss student residential life on campus. They are joined by Rachel Marinko, ’20, Director of Student Programs, Ingrid Dornbirer, ’24, Director of Student Activities, Josiah Jagoda, ’25, Student Activities Board Events Team Lead, and Michaela Estruth, ’25, who all share their insight on the beloved traditions and student events that the entire campus enjoys. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Steven Battaglia, history and Latin teacher and assistant headmaster of the Upper School at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, delivers a lecture on how to teach American history to upper school students. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: American History” in January 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the nature of executive power before introducing Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto. In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people. The executive requires energy, efficiency, and dispatch to enforce the laws that are passed by the legislature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
November 2019 | Volume 48, Issue 11“Faith and reason are mutually reinforcing”Clarence ThomasAssociate Justice, United States Supreme Court Hillsdale College held a dedication ceremony for its new Christ Chapel on October 3, 2019, during a two-day gala to celebrate the College’s 175th anniversary. The following are excerpts from the dedication address.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Larry P. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues to begin a series on The Second World War, Churchill's sprawling memoir and history of World War II in six volumes.Release date: 8 August 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ian Nugent, assistant principal and philosophy teacher at Atlanta Classical Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, and Aaron Schepps, upper school principal and literature teacher at Atlanta Classical Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, join host Scot Bertram to discuss how to build mission-driven extracurricular for students, how to gauge the success of extracurricular activities, and some activities that schools can implement. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Guests: Alex Marlow & Eric Hutchinson Host Scot Bertram talks with Alex Marlow, editor-in-chief of Breitbart News, about the weaponization of America’s legal system against Donald Trump and Marlow’s new book Breaking the Law. And Eric Hutchinson, associate professor of classics and chairman of the Collegiate Scholars Program at Hillsdale College, gives an introduction to the Roman poet Virgil’s epic poem The Aeneid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Claire Marie Huff, science department chair and upper school dean of students for girls at Atlanta Classical Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, delivers a lecture on how to use labs to enhance upper school education. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: The Sciences” in November 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the role that the Senate used to play in our republic before introducing Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto. In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people. The Senate provides stability to the government and accountability for the far-reaching effects of laws, which contribute to our national character in the eyes of foreign nations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week: Interesting parallels between the lives of Presidents George Washington and Donald Trump, the early campaigns of the Continental Army, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 1 August 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kimberly Miller, librarian at Hillsdale Academy in Hillsdale, Michigan, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the importance of outdoor activities to pedagogy, how outdoor spaces help spark the imagination and creativity of children, and book recommendations for outdoor story time. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Guests: Victor Davis Hanson & Oren Cass First, we hear excerpts from Victor Davis Hanson’s address on the subject of living an honorable and virtuous life, given at Hillsdale College's 2025 commencement ceremonies. Hanson is the Wayne and Marcia Buske Distinguished Fellow in History at Hillsdale College and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. And host Scot Bertram talks with Oren Cass, chief economist at American Compass, about the reappraisal of free market ideas on the American right and the new American Compass essay collection The New Conservatives: Restoring America's Commitment to Family, Community, and Industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Elizabeth Offord, curriculum director at Lafayette Academy in Lake St. Louis, Missouri, delivers a lecture on how teach poetic recitation to students in grammar school. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Children's Literature” in September 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the role that the House of Representative plays in our republic before introducing Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto. In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people. The House of Representatives provides direct accountability to the people in the legislature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Larry P. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues for his series on "Churchill the Writer." On this episode, Dr. Arnn and Hugh continue their discussion of My Early Life, which covers Winston Churchill’s life from 1874-1904.Release date: 25 July 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John Peterson, Assistant Director of Curriculum at Hillsdale College's K-12 Education Office, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the history of American education, the ideological basis for progressive education, and the roots of classical education. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Guests: Charles N. Steele, Daniel Gullotta, & Benedict Whalen Host Scot Bertram talks with Charles N. Steele, director of the Center for Commerce and Freedom and associate professor of economics at Hillsdale College, about the economic fallout of proposed Universal Basic Income (UBI) policies. Daniel Gullotta, assistant professor at The Ohio State University’s Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society, discusses his recent essay on the growing number of young people committing themselves to Christianity. And Benedict Whalen, associate professor of English at Hillsdale College, concludes a short series on the life and work of American writer Mark Twain with a discussion of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John Peterson, assistant director of curriculum at Hillsdale College's K-12 Education Office, delivers a lecture on how the seminar method improves literature instruction. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Upper School Literature” in February 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 2025 | Volume 54, Issue 6 Is J.D. Vance Right about Europe?Christopher CaldwellClaremont Review of BooksThe following is adapted from a speech delivered on April 25, 2025, at a Hillsdale College National Leadership Seminar in Kansas City, Missouri.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the role that the House of Representative plays in our republic before introducing Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto. In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people. The House of Representatives provides direct accountability to the people in the legislature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Education reforms in President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," Winston Churchill's tenure as Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the ever-shifting politics of Europe and the Middle East. Dr. Larry P. Arnn, president of Hillsdale College, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 18 July 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.