Hillsdale College Podcast Network Superfeed

Ben Payne, director of leader support for Hillsdale College's K-12 Education Office, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss helping students build emotional durability, focusing on developing virtue over value, and the essential principles when helping students to reframe their attitudes. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guests: Kenneth Calvert & Chloe Carmichael Host Scot Bertram talks with Kenneth Calvert, professor of ancient history at Hillsdale College, about the historical origins of Christmas. And Chloe Carmichael, clinical psychologist and USA Today best-selling author, discusses how free speech makes people healthier and happier and her new book Can I Say That? Why Free Speech Matters and How to Use It Fearlessly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of the Hillsdale Dialogues, Dr. Matthew Spalding, Vice President of Washington Operations and Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues to discuss his new book The Making of the American Mind: The Story of our Declaration of Independence. Release date: 10 December 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the multifaceted nature of C.S. Lewis' worldview before introducing Michael Ward. C.S. Lewis’s writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. C.S. Lewis’s account of his conversion in Surprised by Joy makes a crucial distinction between contemplation and enjoyment. While Lewis understood the place for theoretical knowledge in the Christian life, he believed it was secondary to the enjoyment of participating fully in the experience of the faith.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: 05 December 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathleen O’Toole, associate vice president for K-12 Education at Hillsdale College, is joined by Christopher Nadon to discuss a recent essay he wrote on how educators are failing their students by embracing the importance of “lived experience.” Christopher Nadon (B.A., M.A., Ph.D., University of Chicago) has taught political philosophy and humanities at Emet Classical Academy, Claremont McKenna College, Trinity College, and Kyev-Mohyla Academy. He writes on the character and history of republican government understood as self-rule in authors such as Herodotus, Xenophon, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Sarpi, Hobbes, Locke, Tocqueville, and Lincoln. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guests: Mathew Spalding Host Scot Bertram talks with Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College in Washington, D.C, about his new book, The Making of the American Mind: The Story of our Declaration of Independence, and the intellectual tradition that inspired the writing of the Declaration of Independence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 2025 | Volume 54, Issue 11Today’s Firestorm and the DeclarationLarry P. ArnnPresident, Hillsdale CollegeThe following is adapted from remarks delivered on November 18, 2025, at a Hillsdale College reception in Franklin, Tennessee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss how we often reach our lowest point before understanding our need for God before introducing Michael Ward. C.S. Lewis’s writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. The universal human experiences of shame and guilt attest not only to the existence of an objective moral law, but also a moral law giver. Christian conversion calls believers to live according to the moral law by first dying to their old life and then rising to a place higher than before. C.S. Lewis illustrates this bittersweet, downward-then-upward pattern of conversion in several of his fictional and philosophical works. 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: 28 November 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Cox, a founding board member of Thomas More Classical School in Anchorage, Alaska, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss his role in starting a classical school in Alaska, the decision to make Thomas More Classical School a private institution, and the process of becoming a Hillsdale College K-12 Education partner school. 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 introduce the course "C.S. Lewis on Christianity". C.S. Lewis’s writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. Lewis argues that morality is not only objective, but also that it is universally understood as such. He explains that the awareness of these axiomatic moral truths—what he calls “the Tao” in The Abolition of Man—is what makes us human, and thus our very humanity is threatened by the rise of subjectivism in the West. 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: 21 November 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabrielle Lewis, a teacher support lead and Core Virtues director at Hillsdale College’s K-12 Office, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the relaunched Core Virtues program, cultivating the moral imagination through stories, and how schools can utilize the Core Virtues program. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guests: Scott Jennings & Ava Downs Host Scot Bertram talks with Scott Jennings, senior political commentator at CNN, about his new book, A Revolution of Common Sense: How Donald Trump Stormed Washington and Fought for Western Civilization, and the character of President Trump's first year back in office. And Ava Downs, a junior at Hillsdale College and a 2025 junior Olympic champion in international trap shooting, discusses how she trains to compete at a global level and how her Hillsdale experience has helped her.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Troy Weatherhead from the class of 2011 was known for his accuracy and leadership at quarterback for the Chargers. The former All-American and GLIAC Player of the Year is one of the newest members of Hillsdale College’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Once a standout on the football field, he now succeeds in the medical sales field as Senior Director of Global Marketing for Stryker Sage. ------ 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.

Visit hillsdale.edu/course to view the paintings referenced in this lecture. On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah Regan and professor emeritus of art Sam Knecht discuss what we can learn about America's greatest victories through paintings of famous battles. Great artists perceive something that is difficult to capture and portray it with a beauty that makes it easier for us to grasp. These American paintings present the American character and make us proud to be Americans. This course explores inspiring portraits of statesmen, cherished images of common citizens, breathtaking landscapes of the American countryside, the hidden beauty of America’s city streets, and harrowing but fortifying glimpses of battle. American art is characterized by honesty. These artists attempt to balance a faithful replica of reality with a depiction of the ideal we seek. The color, light, and movement captured in brushstrokes on canvas provide a unique glimpse of the American character. American freedom was won and is maintained on the field of battle. Artists capture the courage and valor so characteristic of Americans in these war paintings. Click here to enroll in this course: http://hillsdale.edu/courseSee 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: 14 November 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin Jackson, English professor and Edrie Seward Kennedy Chair in English at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss his upcoming co-authored book on teaching students the elements of analysis, the art of close analysis, and what texts teachers should use to teach close analysis. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guests: Mark Moyar, Jason M. Gehrke, & Tom Conner Host Scot Bertram talks with Mark Moyar, the William P. Harris Chair in Military History at Hillsdale College, about his recent essay on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Jason Gehrke, assistant professor of history at Hillsdale College, discusses his recent essay on the nature of America First foreign policy. And Tom Conner, professor emeritus of history at Hillsdale College, gives a survey of the history of the Luxembourg American Cemetery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah Regan and professor emeritus of art Sam Knecht discuss what paintings of everyday Americans can tell us about the American character. Great artists perceive something that is difficult to capture and portray it with a beauty that makes it easier for us to grasp. These American paintings present the American character and make us proud to be Americans. This course explores inspiring portraits of statesmen, cherished images of common citizens, breathtaking landscapes of the American countryside, the hidden beauty of America’s city streets, and harrowing but fortifying glimpses of battle. American art is characterized by honesty. These artists attempt to balance a faithful replica of reality with a depiction of the ideal we seek. The color, light, and movement captured in brushstrokes on canvas provide a unique glimpse of the American character. America exists of, by, and for the people. These paintings feature ordinary American citizens exercising their freedom, defending their rights, laboring for their property, and loving their neighbors. Click here to enroll in this course: http://hillsdale.edu/courseSee 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: 7 November 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benedict Whalen, associate professor of English at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss why short stories are worth studying, how to prepare your class to learn from a short story, and why reading short stories out loud can help your students better understand them. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian Tracy ('99) shares his experience as a student-athlete and as a finance major at Hillsdale College, and how it led to his current job. He discusses the question he always asks when interviewing an applicant: what books are you reading and what are your current hobbies? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guests: Susan Crabtree & Jeremiah Regan Host Scot Bertram talks with Susan Crabtree, senior White House and national political correspondent for RealClearPolitics, about her recent book Fool’s Gold: The Radicals, Con Artists, and Traitors Who Killed the California Dream and Now Threaten Us All. And Jeremiah Regan, Executive Director of Online Learning at Hillsdale College, previews the new online course documentary, Colonial America. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah Regan and professor emeritus of art Sam Knecht discuss the unique character of American landscape paintings. Great artists perceive something that is difficult to capture and portray it with a beauty that makes it easier for us to grasp. These American paintings present the American character and make us proud to be Americans. This course explores inspiring portraits of statesmen, cherished images of common citizens, breathtaking landscapes of the American countryside, the hidden beauty of America’s city streets, and harrowing but fortifying glimpses of battle. American art is characterized by honesty. These artists attempt to balance a faithful replica of reality with a depiction of the ideal we seek. The color, light, and movement captured in brushstrokes on canvas provide a unique glimpse of the American character. America’s sprawling countryside, majestic waterfalls, and soaring mountains inspire our artists to capture the freedom that suffuses the very air. Bustling cities, meanwhile, are fertile settings for presenting the beauty of everyday life. Click here to enroll in this course: http://hillsdale.edu/courseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump's work to bring a ceasefire to the Middle East, shutdown politics in Washington, D.C., the importance of a great high school education, and what Halloween is like at Hillsdale College. Dr. Larry P. Arnn, president of Hillsdale College, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 31 October 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jenny Pridgeon, director of field recruitment for the Admissions Office at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the art of writing a memorable letter of recommendation, how to stand out from other college applicants, and activities that students should include on their high school resume. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guests: John J. Miller & Benedict Whalen On this Halloween weekend, John J. Miller, director of the Herbert H. Dow II Program in American Journalism at Hillsdale College, joins the show to talk about his course on great ghost and horror stories. And Benedict Whalen, associate professor of English at Hillsdale College, concludes a series of interviews celebrating the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby by discussing the novel’s long-lasting legacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah Regan and professor emeritus of art Sam Knecht introduce the course "American Paintings." Great artists perceive something that is difficult to capture and portray it with a beauty that makes it easier for us to grasp. These American paintings present the American character and make us proud to be Americans. This course explores inspiring portraits of statesmen, cherished images of common citizens, breathtaking landscapes of the American countryside, the hidden beauty of America’s city streets, and harrowing but fortifying glimpses of battle. American art is characterized by honesty. These artists attempt to balance a faithful replica of reality with a depiction of the ideal we seek. The color, light, and movement captured in brushstrokes on canvas provide a unique glimpse of the American character. The American patriots depicted in these paintings, from our Founding Fathers through our more recent statesmen, inspire us to live up to the principles and promise of America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Clausen ('17) joins Beyond the Bubble to share pivotal moments spent volunteering with the GOAL program during his time at Hillsdale and teaching math and coaching baseball at Atlanta Classical Academy.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: 24 October 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Lund, upper school humanities teacher and senior thesis coordinator at Treasure Valley Classical Academy in Fruitland, Idaho, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the least interesting parts of great books, how Homer's list of ships in The Iliad relates to the poem's themes, and the importance of the extracts in Melville's Moby Dick. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guests: Dr. Larry P. Arnn, Ryan P. Williams, & Nathan Herring We hear excerpts from a speech delivered by Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn titled “Defending the American Way of Life.” Host Scot Bertram talks with Ryan P. Williams, president of The Claremont Institute and publisher of the Claremont Review of Books, about American scholar Angelo Codevilla and Williams’ new edited collection of tributes to Codevilla, Fighting Enemies Foreign and Domestic: The Legacy of Angelo Codevilla. And Nathan Herring, assistant professor of physics at Hillsdale College, discusses the life and accomplishments of physicist Sir Isaac Newton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 2025 | Volume 54, Issue 10Lawlessness Is a ChoiceMiranda DevineColumnist, New York PostThe following is adapted from a speech delivered on September 30, 2025, at Hillsdale College’s Blake Center for Faith and Freedom in Somers, Connecticut.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the long-term ramifications of the fall of the Soviet Union 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. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, America was left as the sole great power on the world stage, which led many Americans to expect a return to noninterventionist policies. But the foreign policy establishment argued that America as the sole great power left in the world had a responsibility of leading in a new international order. The threat of global terrorism entrenched this new role. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elizabeth Mitchell ('24), a White House Correspondent at The Daily Signal, shares her experience at Hillsdale majoring in Politics and minoring in Journalism. Mitchell discusses the value of internships, and the importance of having an open mind with each one. 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: 17 October 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Higgins, one of the founders of the Self Authoring and Understand Myself programs, joins Kathleen O’Toole, associate vice president for K-12 Education at Hillsdale College, to discuss the Self Authoring Suite, how students can benefit from the "Future Authoring" process, and the nuances of Aristotle and Plato. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guests: Catherine Herridge & James Webb Host Scot Bertram talks with Catherine Herridge, Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist and founder of Catherine Herridge Reports, about the state of modern journalism and the importance of journalistic integrity. And James Webb, associate professor of accounting at Hillsdale College, tells us what’s fun about accounting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonathon Dues from the class of 2003 was a former basketball standout at Hillsdale. Now, he is combining his love for basketball and business. Dues is the co-founder of Swish House, the world's first basketball fitness community for adults. ------ 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.

Vincent Kane, head of school at Idaho Novus Classical Academy in Boise, Idaho, delivers a lecture on how classical education helps bolster 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.

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the long-term ramifications of the fall of the Soviet Union 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. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, America was left as the sole great power on the world stage, which led many Americans to expect a return to noninterventionist policies. But the foreign policy establishment argued that America as the sole great power left in the world had a responsibility of leading in a new international order. The threat of global terrorism entrenched this new role. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Larry Arnn's eulogy at the funeral of Charlie Kirk, developments in the hostage negotiations in Israel, and how president Trump's relationship with Israel will affect his legacy. Dr. Larry P. Arnn, president of Hillsdale College, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 10 October 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colin Mullaney, director of operations at Hillsdale College’s K-12 Education Office, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss Dr. Kevin Majeres’ OptimalWork platform, how to apply OptimalWork in the classroom, and how to help students bring their highest ideals into each day. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guests: Aaron Kheriarty & Wilfred McClay Host Scot Bertram talks with Aaron Kheriarty, director of the Program in Bioethics, Technology, and Human Flourishing at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, about America's failing healthcare system and his new book Making the Cut: How to Heal Modern Medicine. And Wilfred McClay, Victor Davis Hanson chair in classical history and western civilization at Hillsdale College, discusses how the Hebrew tradition influenced the American Founding and his co-edited collection of essays Jewish Roots of American Liberty: The Impact of Hebraic Ideas on the American Story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Rose, headmaster and superintendent at Cincinnati Classical Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio, 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: Reading and Writing” in March 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 ever-present threat of nuclear annihilation 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. The rise of nuclear power and the doctrine of mutually assured destruction kept the Cold War from erupting into outright war between the great powers. The superior industrial and technological capacity of the United States enabled America to outlast the Soviet Union. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week: Interesting parallels between the philosophical grounding of the Constitution, George Washington's military experience, and the concept of "Fabian Tactics." 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: 3 October 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Russell, associate professor of biology at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss developing research in anti-aging methods, the importance of diet and exercise, and the ethics of extended lifespans. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guests: Mollie Hemingway & Benedict Whalen Host Scot Bertram talks with Mollie Hemingway, senior journalism fellow at Hillsdale College and editor-in-chief at The Federalist, about the recent Comey indictment and revelations in a recent letter from YouTube officials to Rep. Jim Jordan. And Benedict Whalen, associate professor of English at Hillsdale College, continues a series on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.