First Things Podcast

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Brad Lingo joins in to discuss Grove City College. Subscribe to Mark's new channel on: Spotify: tinyurl.com/mufv3xzw Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/3w32d42x Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

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."

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

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."

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 23 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 8 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

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 JD Vance’s promising future. Please subscribe to the magazine and support our work at www.firstthings.com/subscribe!

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 18 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 12 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 6 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 December 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 26 December 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 November 2024