Summary4 min read

Old School with Shilo Brooks — “A Note From Shilo”

Date: June 25, 2026
Host: Shilo Brooks
Podcast by: The Free Press

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt message, Shilo Brooks shares the inspiration behind launching Old School, reflects on the communal power of reading, and announces a temporary pause to focus on new projects. The episode serves as both a thank you to listeners and an invitation to continue the journey of literary exploration.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Why Old School Exists

Shilo began Old School because of the transformative impact of reading on his own life and on the young men he teaches.
- “Reading changed my life. It helped me see what it means to be a man of curiosity and character.” (00:05)
He notes that when his students found inspiration and a sense of purpose through reading great books together, it became clear that these experiences were worth sharing with a broader audience.
- “When young men in the college classes I teach began telling me that reading great books in the company of another man was helping them find inspiration and purpose, I knew I had to share the shaping power of books with a wider audience.” (00:19)

The Power of Books

Books as gateways:
- Introduce readers to new perspectives and historical figures.
- Offer novel adventures and challenge personal assumptions.
- Serve as vessels for cultural traditions and perennial human questions.
- “They transmit our traditions, sharpen our thoughts, and remind us that the questions we face today are perennial human questions about which the greatest thinkers have wondered alongside us.” (00:44)

Conversations with Men of Character

Shilo has spoken with a diverse range of guests: “rock stars, entrepreneurs, priests, philosophers, and more”
- Each episode centers on one central question: What is the book that changed your life?
- These conversations have involved laughter, tears, and deep engagement with challenging ideas.
- “We've laughed together, we've cried together, we've wrestled with difficult ideas, and we've discovered that the right book at the right moment can heal us.” (01:16)
The impact of these discussions:
- “It can alter the way that we live in the world.” (01:32)

Personal and Professional Updates

Shilo is working on his own book, inspired by a great author who has influenced both him and his thousands of students over 13 years.
- “I'm now hard at work writing my own book about a great author who changed my life and the lives of thousands of students I've taught over the past 13 years.” (01:40)
He recently took on a leadership role at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, focusing on liberal education, literacy, and leadership.
He will return to teaching at SMU in Dallas next spring.
- “Next spring, I am delighted to be returning to the classroom at SMU in Dallas, Texas to continue sharing these great books with a new generation of students.” (01:57)

What’s Next for Old School

To finish his projects, Shilo is pressing “the pause button” on the podcast.
- “To finish these projects, I need to press the pause button on Old School. But I am not disappearing from the Free Press.” (02:05)
Listeners are encouraged to stay subscribed for occasional episodes and further involvement through essays and new projects.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

On the joy of rediscovery:
- “Thank you for helping this born teacher and lover of literature rediscover the joy of being a student again.” (02:42)
On community:
- “The opportunity to connect with you every week and learn together on this show has been a distinct honor.” (02:35)
On gratitude:
- “Most importantly, I want to thank you, all of you who listen to this show, who have written me, who have read even one book with us.” (02:27)

Notable Timestamps

00:05 — Shilo explains his motivation for starting Old School.
00:44 — Reflections on the enduring importance of books.
01:16 — Sharing the laughter, emotion, and insight from guest conversations.
01:40 — Announcement of Shilo’s personal projects and new roles.
02:05 — The temporary pause and plans for the podcast feed.
02:27 - 02:42 — Expressions of gratitude and closing reflections.

Tone & Style

Shilo’s message is earnest, warm, and reflective, maintaining his signature voice as an enthusiastic teacher and advocate for literature. The episode feels both like a look back on shared achievements and a genuine call to keep the spirit of reading alive.

For listeners:
Stay subscribed to the Old School feed for future essays, occasional episodes, and updates from Shilo Brooks as he continues to champion the value of great books and meaningful education.

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[00:00]
A
I started old school because reading changed my life. It helped me see what it means to be a man of curiosity and character. When young men in the college classes I teach began telling me that reading great books in the company of another man was helping them find inspiration and purpose, I knew that I had to share the shaping power of books with a wider audience. Books introduce us to people we could never meet. They take us on adventures we could never have imagined. They challenge assumptions we did not know that we held. They transmit our traditions, sharpen our thoughts, and remind us that the questions we face today are perennial human questions about which the greatest thinkers have wondered alongside us. During the recording of this show, I've had the privilege of sitting down with MEM from every imaginable background rock stars, entrepreneurs, priests, philosophers, and more to ask one simple and profound question. What is the book that changed your life? In answering this question, we've laughed together, we've cried together, we've wrestled with difficult ideas, and we've discovered that the right book at the right moment can heal us. It can challenge us. It can alter the way that we live in the world. The show has given me more opportunities and ideas for future projects than I could have ever imagined at the outset. I'm now hard at work writing my own book about a great author who changed my life and the lives of thousands of students I've taught over the past 13 years. I now lead the George W. Bush Presidential center, where I champion liberal education, literacy, and principled leadership at the Bush Institute. Next spring, I am delighted to be returning to the classroom at SMU in Dallas, Texas to continue sharing these great books with a new generation of students. To finish these projects, I need to press the pause button on Old School. But I am not disappearing from the Free Press. Stay subscribed to the Old School feed because you'll still hear from me for occasional episodes on books and education. I'll also be writing more essays for the Free Press, and we're developing some exciting new projects together. I can't wait to share with you. Most importantly, I want to thank you, all of you who listen to this show, who have written me, who have read even one book with us. The opportunity to connect with you every week and learn together on this show has been a distinct honor. Thank you for helping this born teacher and lover of literature rediscover the joy of being a student again.