Podcast
Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins
Hosted by Robert Bortins · EN
Refining Rhetoric with CEO Robert Bortins. A podcast where faith, business, politics, and classical education meet. Join us as we use the Classical tools of rhetoric to seek truth in every arena of life.
35episodes
Episodes
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The All-in-One Homeschool Platform for Families Leaving the System with Jordan Page
2w ago00:38:22Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a libertarian Bitcoin OG, a 14-year homeschooling veteran, and a classical curriculum pioneer walk into the same platform? You get Firefly. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Jordan Page — founder of Firefly Education Network, nationally recognized musician, and longtime Bitcoiner — to talk about why he built a decentralized, all-in-one homeschool platform for families who are done letting the state educate their kids. Jordan shares how homeschooling his seven children, his wife Mary's experience exposing the public school agenda firsthand, and his passion for sound money and liberty all converged into Firefly — an international homeschool platform featuring AI-powered curriculum tools, the Ron Paul K–12 classical curriculum, private community features, live classes, and more. Whether you're just starting your homeschool journey or you've been at it for years, this conversation is packed with practical insight — and a bold vision for what family-led education can look like when it's truly free. 📖 Learn more: What is the Trivium? 🎙️ Enjoyed this one? We think you'll love our other podcast! Check out Everyday Educator: https://everydayeducatorpodcast.com/ 🔎 Find a CC Community Near You: https://classicalconversations.com/community-search/ 📅 Upcoming CC Events: https://classicalconversations.com/events/ 📚 Foundations Curriculum: https://classicalconversations.com/collections/foundations/ 🛍️ CC Shoppable Catalog: https://classicalconversations.com/pages/shoppable-catalog/ Resources: https://fireflyedu.org/ This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line: This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level. Visit https://classicalconversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.
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Debt-Free & In-Person: Classical Conversations' New College Program
3w ago00:32:45Tap to summarizeThe college cartel is charging $40,000 in average student debt — and Classical Conversations is done letting CC graduates walk into it unprepared. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins and CC Plus director Will McCreery announce the Classical Fellowship: a brand-new program combining affordable online college (50% scholarship through Southeastern University) with in-person cohorts led by vetted CC site directors. If you have a Challenge IV graduate wondering what comes next — or you're a CC parent dreading the cost of college — this episode is for you. Learn how CC graduates get guaranteed enrollment, 50% off online tuition, and a classical community to walk through college with them. Pilot cohorts launching fall 2026 in Indiana, Texas, and Georgia. Online option available for families outside pilot cities. Learn more about Classical Fellowship here. This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line: This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level. Click here to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.
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Is AI the New Social Media? Protecting Kids in the Age of Chatbots
4w ago00:41:55Tap to summarizeAI is already in your child's world — whether you've given them access or not. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Ryan Kennedy, COO of the Florida Citizens Alliance, to break down what AI policy actually means for parents, what data is being collected on your kids, and why the fight in Washington right now could determine how much say you have in the matter. From parental consent frameworks and the AI Bill of Rights to the dangers of AI chatbots and digital twins, Ryan explains what's happening at both the state and federal level — and what homeschool families can do right now to protect their children. Whether you're already using AI tools in your homeschool or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation will help you think more clearly about one of the most pressing issues facing Christian families today. Resources: Florida Citizens Alliance: https://goflca.org
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Why Ai Can't Replace Classical Education with Leigh Bortins
4w ago00:42:59Tap to summarizeIs artificial intelligence a threat to your child's education — or proof that classical education was right all along? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Classical Conversations founder and aerospace engineer Leigh Bortins to explore what 40 hours a week of AI research taught her, why classical education uniquely prepares students for an AI-driven world, and how to use AI wisely without letting it use you. From narrow AI and its medical breakthroughs, to the difference between rule-based and behavior-based language, Leigh breaks down how AI actually works — and why homeschool families grounded in grammar, rhetoric, and a Christian worldview have nothing to fear. They also discuss the Imago Dei and work, why children need to struggle to develop, the chainsaw analogy for AI, and how Classical Conversations families have been preparing for this moment for nearly 30 years. Veritasium: What Everyone Gets Wrong About AI and Learning – Derek Muller Explains: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xS68sl2D70
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How to Protect Your Kids From AI's Hidden Worldview
4w ago00:59:21Tap to summarizeIs AI quietly shaping your child's worldview — without your permission? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with tech entrepreneur and founder of Wisdom Forge, Jeff Gross, to talk about what's really at stake when Christian families hand kids the keys to AI tools without biblical guardrails. Jeff has launched over 10 ventures since age 15 and now builds AI formation systems designed to raise Christ-centered, discerning kids — not AI-dependent ones. Jeff and Robert dig into the real challenge Christian homeschool parents face: AI isn't going away, but most platforms are built on a worldview that's hostile to faith. Jeff shares how Wisdom Forge uses scripture-driven filtering, Socratic learning, and AI-literacy training to prepare students to engage technology with wisdom — not naivety. They also talk about the career and financial consequences of ignoring AI, why seminary-trained writers are more valuable than ever, and how Wisdom Forge's 23 "mini universities" and personalized daily curriculum give kids 25–60 minutes of genuinely formative screen time. Whether you're a homeschool parent wondering how to handle AI or a student curious about where the world is headed, this conversation will challenge you to think carefully — and act wisely. Resources: (These links are not live yet) www.wisdomforged.com www.careerforged.com
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Is AI a Tool or a Threat? A Christian Parent's Guide
4w ago00:24:37Tap to summarizeIs artificial intelligence a useful tool — or a danger to your family? In this episode of the Refining Rhetoric podcast, Robert kicks off AI Week with a frank, faith-grounded look at how he's been using AI as an adult: as a thought partner, writing editor, health coach, and financial tracker — and where it's started to go wrong. From the brain science behind classical education to George Orwell's warnings about bystander thinking, this episode equips Christian homeschool families with a biblical framework for navigating AI wisely — without fear and without naivety. Spoiler: the best preparation for an AI future isn't more screen time. It's Classical Conversations. Stay tuned this week for more AI Week episodes, including a conversation with Leigh Bortins on AI and education.
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Is Critical Race Theory Compatible With Christianity?
Apr 2900:39:00Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a 20-year Critical Race Theory advocate begins to question everything she believed about race, justice, and the church? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Monique Duson — co-founder of the Center for Biblical Unity — to unpack why she left the CRT framework behind and what the Bible actually teaches about racial unity, justice, and the body of Christ. Monique shares her journey from South Central LA to the mission field in South Africa, and how a series of hard conversations with a friend led her back to Scripture — and away from critical social theory. Together, Robert and Monique explore the origins of CRT, how it has infiltrated the church, and why biblical unity is not the same as racial reconciliation. If you're a Christian parent, pastor, or educator trying to navigate conversations about race with a biblical worldview, this episode gives you the theological grounding and practical clarity to do it well. Resources: Center for Biblical Unity: https://centerforbiblicalunity.com This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by CC Graduate Degree in Latin Studies: Classical Conversations is excited to announce the launch of our new accredited Graduate Program in Latin Studies, an 18-credit hour program designed speciϐically for homeschooling parents who want to deepen their understanding of classical Christian education in Latin writing and translation. This graduate program provides academic recognition for your dedication to classical learning while offering a pathway to advanced study in Latin through our partnership with Southeastern University. Register today to secure your spot in this transformative educational experience. Click Here to Begin Your Classical Journey
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The SPLC Indicted: How a $800M Hate Map Targeted Christian Conservatives
Apr 2800:43:09Tap to summarizeThe Department of Justice has indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center — and it's a moment many Christian conservatives have been waiting years for. In this special episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Wade Miller, Executive Director of the Center for Renewing America and former political director for Senator Ted Cruz, to break down exactly what the DOJ is alleging and why it matters for homeschool families, Christian nonprofits, and free speech advocates. From wire fraud to debanking conservatives, Wade unpacks the SPLC's three major indictment categories and explains how their "hate map" has been used as a weapon against Christian organizations for decades. He also shares what real cultural renewal looks like from inside Washington — and why the battle for America is ultimately a battle for its soul. Whether you're a homeschool parent, a conservative activist, or simply someone who wants to understand what's happening in D.C., this conversation will equip and encourage you. Resources: https://americarenewing.com/
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The Family Legacy Mistake Most Christian Parents Are Making
Apr 2200:44:33Tap to summarizeWhat does it look like to build a family legacy that outlasts you by seven generations? In this episode of the Refining Rhetoric podcast, host Robert Bortins sits down with Bill High — CEO of Legacy Stone and co-author of The Legacy Life with Hobby Lobby founder David Green — to discuss how Christian families can build a multi-generational legacy of faith, generosity, and intentional vision. Bill and Robert dig into why the nuclear family is in freefall (down from 72% to 37% since 1960), why individualism is the enemy of legacy, and how to move your family from consumers to creators. Bill walks through the practical tools families can use — a family vision statement, mission, values, and generosity habits — to unite around something bigger than themselves. Whether you're just starting out or trying to reverse decades of drift, this conversation will challenge you to stop thinking about the next 20 years and start thinking about the next 150. Resources: https://billhigh.com/ https://legacystone.com/ This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by CC Graduate Degree in Latin Studies: Classical Conversations is excited to announce the launch of our new accredited Graduate Program in Latin Studies, an 18-credit hour program designed specifically for homeschooling parents who want to deepen their understanding of classical Christian education in Latin writing and translation. This graduate program provides academic recognition for your dedication to classical learning while offering a pathway to advanced study in Latin through our partnership with Southeastern University. Register today to secure your spot in this transformative educational experience. Click Here to Begin Your Classical Journey
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The College Crisis No Christian Parent Can Afford to Ignore
Apr 1500:53:44Tap to summarizeWhat happens to your child's faith when they leave home for college? On this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Dr. Finny Kuruvilla — Harvard MD, MIT engineer, homeschool dad of nine, and founder of Sattler College — to discuss the crisis in Christian higher education and why he built a tuition-free, classical Christian college in downtown Boston. From the iron law of discipleship to Greek and Hebrew in the original languages, this conversation is essential listening for any homeschool family thinking about what comes after graduation. Dr. Finny Kuruvilla grew up in Southern California in the public school system — and what he saw there shaped everything that came after. Two things stayed with him: the exposure to harmful content and ideas during those formative years, and the creeping shift from caring what his parents thought to caring what his peers thought. When he and his wife Laura started having children, they were determined to reverse that dynamic. Today they homeschool nine children in Boston, from college age down to nine months old. The conversation opens with Dr. Kuruvilla's counter-cultural view of children as assets rather than liabilities — a biblical recovery of the idea that children are a heritage from the Lord, not a threat to the rainforest. His older kids run a snow shoveling and lawn raking business. The family's goal is human flourishing, not the accumulation of experiences that require both parents to work full time. From there, Robert draws him into the crisis he observed from the inside: seven years as a resident advisor at Harvard, watching bright young Christians have their faith "crash and burn" under the weight of an environment where 99% of faculty would not identify as born-again. The official statistic bears this out — 70% of church-attending students stop attending by the time they finish college. Dr. Kuruvilla calls it the iron law of discipleship: "Everyone, when fully trained, will be like his teacher" (Luke 6). Whether parents intend it or not, the law operates. Sattler College was built as a direct response to the three Cs. On cost: no tuition, with a room-and-board rate of around $9,000 per year in downtown Boston. On discipleship: the learn-do-teach model from Ezra 7, weekly same-gender journey groups for confession and mutual accountability, monthly mentorship meetings, and a campus culture built around the question "how did I share my faith with an unbeliever this week?" On curriculum: Greek and Hebrew required of every student, taught communicatively so that 80% of class time is spent actually in the target language. The freshman class travels to Greece at the end of the year to use their Koine Greek on location in Athens, Corinth, Thessalonica, and Philippi. The results are striking. Sattler is currently ranked number one in the country for MCAT scores — above Harvard and Stanford — and biology students are regularly publishing in peer-reviewed journals while working in Harvard Medical School labs. What You'll Learn • Why Dr. Kuruvilla — after graduating from Caltech, MIT, and Harvard — chose to homeschool all nine of his children • The three Cs that define what's broken in higher education: core curriculum, Christian discipleship, and cost • What the "iron law of discipleship" is and why it should terrify every parent sending a child to a secular university • Why 70% of church-attending students stop attending church by the time they graduate college • How Sattler College addresses all three of those failures — including charging zero tuition • Why Sattler is the only college in America that requires all students to learn Greek and Hebrew • How Sattler students ended up outscoring Harvard and Stanford on the MCAT • What the "learn, do, teach" model from Ezra 7 looks like in practice — and why spiritual obesity is as real as physical obesity • How mission drift destroyed Harvard — and the specific bylaws and "poison pill" structures Sattler uses to prevent the same fate • Why Christian investors are unknowingly funding abortion, pornography, and gambling through their 401(k)s • What the Tower of Babel story in Genesis reveals about the power of organized Christians Resources Mentioned • Sattler College: https://sattler.edu/ • Eventide Funds (faith-based investing): https://www.eventideinvestments.com/ • King Jesus Claims His Church by Dr. Finny Kuruvilla — available wherever books are sold This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line This April, Classical Conversations is launching an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level. Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today. Don't miss the special CC Bookstore sale from April 7 - 28!
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