Rhetoric in Retrospect

In this highly belated episode, the three circumlocutors contemplate the finding of a satisfactory balance of work in one's life. With examples ranging from modern memes to the ancient Diogenes, and from to Andrew Tate to urban pastors, David, Max, and Ben strive to pinpoint the importance of reflection and prioritization in the lives of the everyman. Listen to (hopefully) discern some degree of the proper balance of life, accompanied by numerous humorous asides and more in this latest publication of David, Max, and Ben!

In one of their best (and longest) episodes to date, the ponderous podcasters puzzle over some interesting theological questions, and perform their usual prerogative in falling prey to innumerable rabbit holes. Listen to discover the ethics of planned obsolescence, how we should broadcast what we believe, and an analysis of Kanye West's music and convictions. Enjoy this latest from David, Max, and Ben!

Welcome to episode 30! We're official podcasters now, having hit the coveted 30-episode mark which statistically few achieve. In this episode Ben leads a discussion (or rather spouts facts) on the subject of slumber, using Matthew Walker's book Why We Sleep as a resource. Ever wondered the purpose of sleep? How and when should you sleep? Is it over-rated or vital? How can it assist you in acing your next test? Learn all this and more in the latest episode of Rhetoric in Retrospect with David, Max, and Ben!

In this, our latest foray into the confusing countryside of "modern literature," Max leads us through the popular book by Rhonda Byrne, The Secret. We discuss what few kernels of truth the book might conceal, as well as its fundamental failings concerning the nature of God and the nature of man, and by contrast highlight where we should turn to in need. Just remember, always check the dates of pennies you find on the ground! Enjoy this latest episode from David, Max, and Ben.

We're back! In this long-overdue episode, David leads us through a delightful discussion on Michael Ward's expository work Planet Narnia. We learn all about the secret literary machinations of C. S. Lewis, age-old beliefs concerning celestial bodies, and how we can apply the seemingly esoteric wisdom of these symbols in Narnia to our everyday lives. If you are longtime Narnia fans, prepare to be astounded by new meanings we shall uncover for you (and please pardon the bits of Narnia canon we misconstrue). If you have never read Narnia, ready your mind and ears to be persuaded to add this wondrous series and Dr. Ward's charming companion to your reading pile post-haste. Enjoy!

In this episode, we expound further upon the many attributes and hidden meanings secreted within the popular series, Harry Potter. We examine the Christian aspects, alchemical signposts, name significance, and authorial intent behind the bestselling books, with the intent of making your next reading of the saga more enriching than ever before. Enjoy all this, plus the usual hilarity, in the latest installment on the Boy Who Lived.

At long last! Ben finally screwed up his courage to talk about his favorite topic: J. K. Rowling's bestselling series about a young wizard. Listen to this first foray into the topic for an overview of why we love books (and Barbie), mulling over magic, heralding the Hero's Journey, and what we will do to you if you don't read the series. Stay tuned for Part II! Enjoy!

Aaaand we're back!! Celebrating a year since the release of our first episode, here are our musings on the Christmas season from a perspective you might not be familiar with. From Santa's eating habits to the harmful psychology of Elf on the Shelf to putting the Christ in Christmas, this episode will be sure to make you think a little deeper about commonly accepted holiday habits while making you giggle. We're glad to be back, and look forward to delivering more quality content in the coming weeks! A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from David, Max, and Ben.

In this episode, we expand upon our previous episode and discuss the importance of integration in classical education, as well as our lives more broadly. We present numerous examples we hope are helpful to you listeners!

In this episode, we all discuss our experiences with education. What is it? Is it good? Bad? What is classical education? We answer all these questions and more, and give you listeners useful tools to apply to your lives.

We're back! In this episode we have another unstructured discussion, where we talk about driving, parenting, music, and other things that are on our minds. We hope you enjoy, and we're looking forward to getting back into providing you with content! (The unsilenced link will go here, but the software is currently buggy, so I'll get it up when I can.)

In this episode, Ben guides us on a discussion loosely structured around C. S. Lewis's book The Problem of Pain. We discuss how a good and omnipotent God could allow the existence of pain, suffering, and evil. We come to a satisfactory conclusion, and hope that we gave you listeners some food for thought. Unsilenced version: https://tinyurl.com/z9jbxtsx

In this impromptu episode, we discuss a bunch of random things! We simply go around asking general questions, and we proceed to go down plenty of rabbit trails. Listen to learn about Dinosaurs, UFOs, music, work, dragons, money, and more! Unsilenced version: https://tinyurl.com/mtvcdd2v.

We're back! In this episode, David leads us through the first part of Virgil's (or Vergil's?) Aeneid. We discuss whether or not Aeneas himself is heroic and virtuous by those standards, and what we can learn from the work as a whole. David convincingly displays how the Aeneid is one of the cornerstones of modern literature, and how without this amazing work the world wouldn't be what it is today. To listen to the experimental, unsilenced version of this episode, go to this link: https://tinyurl.com/2eh323xt and let us know what you think!

Max leads us in a discussion of the psychology and philosophy of David Goggins's book Can't Hurt Me. Is success luck or hard work? Are shortcuts good? Is the only path to success just to "suck it up" and power through? We answer these questions and more in this latest episode of Rhetoric in Retrospect! (P. S. We apologize for the lack of episode last week, and there won't be one next week, as we've been traveling. Thanks for your understanding!)

In this episode, Ben leads us through the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. We discuss why habits are important, and how we can shape them to benefit us. And we laugh a lot.

Have you ever wondered what work of non-sacred literature is the most edifying? Well, even if you haven't, we'll answer this valuable question in this episode! David leads us through his Senior Thesis in an entertaining way, and we uncover many benefits of studying Shakespeare and conclude that it is, in fact, the best.

In this episode Ben leads us through Genesis 1-11 using the book Navigating Genesis as a guide. We answer many questions including the age of the earth, the existence of dragons and dinosaurs, whether the flood was global or local, the change in human lifespan, and many more. Join us in sifting through the interpretations of this beautiful account of the incredible creation by our Creator.

In this fortunate episode, Max leads us through Karla Starr's fascinating book Can You Learn to Be Lucky? We discuss how to "rip the system," the moral repercussions of such a thing and some applications to take into our everyday lives.

Alas, we apologize that we have no episode today, and didn't yesterday. However, we're going to be back to weekly releases, so hurrah! Till next week!

In this episode, we apply one of the concepts we covered in a previous episode, in this case, Episode 6 on Ring Composition, and took a work of art we admire and used our tool to reveal new depths in the story. David leads us in the discovery of Rings in the Book of Numbers, the Illiad, and the Odyssey while we also discuss them as books, and what we can take away from them as Christians. Join us in this integrated episode for a great time!

In this episode, we have a lively conversation; which will emerge victorious? Books? Movies? Neither? Listen to find out. We answer questions you have always wondered at; is it "analogicially"? (no) Should you read movies? (how...) Is logic funny? (sometimes) Listen to us giggle and guffaw in this latest episode.

In this departure from the usual, we discuss a new technology with the potential to change the world--and we attempt to determine for better or for worse. We discuss philosophy, theology, science, and mosquitos in an attempt to reach a conclusion. Join us for this unusual and fascinating episode!

A brief announcement that we shall be publishing a new episode every other week for the next two months as we wrap up our school year. We'll be back to it next week! Until then, check out Classical Stuff You Should Know, Pints with Jack, the Lamppost Listener, and Freakonomics Radio or catch up on our previous episodes.

In this laid-back episode, we describe to you our own personal methods of memory, and tell you how to build your very own "Mind Palace!" We explore the quirks of our three minds, and we hope that we have helped you in your memorizing pursuits.

In this episode, Max teaches us to have a healthy skepticism of anyone trying to manipulate us using the book by Robert Cialdini Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion. We cover common tactics of influence, how to kindly evade them without violating social code, and we also stress the importance of not being paranoid that everyone is trying to manipulate you, but simply know which tools may be used against you. In short, addressing the topic from a Christian perspective.

Have you ever truly read a book? Are you sure? Mortimer J. Adler’s “How to Read a Book” is a topic that was recommended by a viewer. Ben leads us through an informative episode ft. Pickles and co., and we promise that after hearing this episode (or reading the book) you will approach reading in a brand new way. Enjoy!

In this episode, David leads us through a discussion of C.S. Lewis's The Four Loves (If you haven't noticed, we're fans). We learn about the four loves, their relationships to one another, modern uses of the word 'love', and the goals and applications of love itself. We hope you appreciate your Valentine's Day in a newfound way after hearing C. S. Lewis's take on the subject and our thoughts on his book.

In this episode of Rhetoric in Retrospect, Ben lectures us on another ancient literary tactic: Ring Composition. We learn what a Ring Writing is, the Seven Rules of a Ring, and how the Book of Numbers, Star Wars, and Harry Potter are all advanced Rings. Ben also forgets his age, likely due to the excitement of sharing one of his favorite subjects with you, the audience, as well as integrating some of his favorite stories. For further reading, as well as helpful images to enrich your listening, follow this link: tinyurl.com/frprprlr.

In this entertaining episode, you hear much more of our unedited dialogue; spiders, Netflix, and emails. Aside from our laughs, we talk about an issue pertaining to many of us today; we discuss smartphones, the glue of our modern society. (Or is it?) Are they good? bad? helpful? hurtful? All this and more we contemplate in this episode of Rhetoric in Retrospect.

Struggling to speak? Learning to listen? We're here for you. In this episode, Ben leads us in a discussion concerning Mortimer J. Adler's book How to Speak How to Listen, which is a wonderful resource that covers some key points in the areas of rhetorical delivery, social etiquette, and auditory attentiveness. We hope you learn something along the way, and that you apply said knowledge to your future encounters. Enjoy!

In this definition episode, we discuss art and David redeems his class using Leo Tolstoy's book, What is Art? as a springboard for our discussion. We approach the topic from many perspectives, and finally alight upon a suitable definition we believe shall withstand scrutiny. We draw from many philosophers, and above all, the Divine Logos, the Word of God.

Ben enthusiastically shares one of his favorite subjects; literary alchemy. He tries to convince you how amazing it is and why you should care about it, and he hopes in hindsight (retrospect!) he was successful. He'll certainly bring it up again many times in the future. Max and David ask good questions about its applications, and we conclude it is a useful tool, but a tool nonetheless; to be treated with great caution, for it can be used for evil or good. More Resources: https://tinyurl.com/s74tx543

In this episode, led by David, we learn about the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas and contrast it with C. S. Lewis's last work, Till We Have Faces. David shows us the similar themes of unattainable beauty in both and demonstrates how even a secular movie can have commendable Christian themes.

Welcome to Rhetoric in Retrospect! This is the beginning of what shall hopefully be a long and fruitful podcast that is beneficial to both you and us. In this introduction, you will learn more about us and our goals for this podcast, along with our general speaking outline and some important disclaimers. Enjoy!