Podcast
The Aaron Renn Show
Hosted by Aaron Renn · EN
Aaron Renn's commentary and insights on our 21st century world, along with his conversations with some of the world's leading thinkers on the issues of today. Covering culture, media, economics, politics, Christianity and men's issues.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Inside the Left's Institutional Capture | Seth Barron
2w ago00:51:46Tap to summarizeAaron Renn sits down with Seth Barron, Associate Editorial Page Editor at the New York Post and author of Weaponized: The Left's Capture and Destruction of America's Sacred Institutions. They discuss how cherished American myths have been twisted to weaponize key institutions — policing, borders, public safety, housing, education, and civic life itself.From “defund the police” and anarcho-tyranny in New York City to open borders, the erosion of assimilation, and the battle over American identity, this conversation reveals how the left uses institutions as tools of political power.CHAPTERS:(00:00 - Introduction)(01:36 - What "Weaponized" Really Means) (03:45 - The Left's War on Policing & Public Safety) (09:20 - Anarcho-Tyranny in NYC Under Mamdani) (15:10 - Police Brutality Myths vs Reality) (18:40 - Why the Right Lacks a Competing Moral Vision) (22:15 - Think Globally vs Think Locally) (28:50 - Immigration, Borders & the Attack on Citizenship) (36:55 - American Identity & the End of Assimilation) (43:20 - Israel, Palestine & the Left's Broader Agenda) GUEST LINKS:📖 Weaponized: The Left's Capture and Destruction of America's Sacred Institutions: https://www.amazon.com/Weaponized-Lefts-Seizure-State-Power/dp/1630062693/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/sethbarronnycCONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
Transcribe →America's "Hebraic Christianity" Culture | Joshua Mitchell
Apr 2700:52:57Tap to summarizeIn this wide-ranging conversation, Georgetown Professor Joshua Mitchell explains why America remains a deeply Hebraic, covenantal nation — and why the current culture war is best understood as a distorted continuation of the Reformation.From the Plato-Aristotle divide to Luther’s turn to history, from Tocqueville’s warnings to the spiritual economy of stain and redemption, Mitchell offers a profound diagnosis of where American Christianity stands today. Watch until the end for a hopeful (yet challenging) path forward.CHAPTERS(00:00 Introduction & The Article That Sparked a National Conversation)(04:20 The Great Schism: Plato vs Aristotle & East vs West)(11:45 Why the Catholic Church Chose Aristotle — And Its Consequences)(18:50 The Reformation: Luther’s Historical Dialectic vs Calvin’s Covenantal Path)(27:15 America as a New Israel — The Hebraic Soul of the Nation)(35:40 Identity Politics as Deformed Puritanism)(44:10 Evangelicals, Conservatives & the Path Forward for Reformation Christians) JOSHUA MITCHELL LINKS:🌐 Whither the Reformation in America: https://americanreformer.org/2026/03/whither-the-reformation-in-america/MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:📖 The Cave and the Light: Plato Versus Aristotle, and the Struggle for the Soul of Western Civilization by Arthur Herman: https://www.amazon.com/Cave-Light-Aristotle-Struggle-Civilization/dp/0553385666/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20CONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
Transcribe →Art, Beauty, and Human Creativity | Margarita Mooney Clayton
Apr 2000:43:19Tap to summarizeWhy do people think conservatives are boring? Sociologist and cultural thinker Margarita Mooney Clayton joins me to challenge the stereotype that artists must be transgressive and that conservatives lack creativity.Drawing on the philosophy of Jacques Maritain, we explore the true vocation of the artist: cooperating with divine inspiration to create beautiful works that point toward the good, the true, and God Himself. We discuss romanticism vs. ordered creativity, abundance vs. desecration in culture, and how conservatives can reclaim beauty, joy, and cultural renewal.Margarita shares insights from her work at Princeton Theological Seminary, Blackfriars Hall Oxford, and as founder of the Scala Foundation.CHAPTERS: (00:00 Introduction)(01:51 How a sociologist became interested in beauty and the arts)(04:28 Why people think conservatives are boring)(09:02 Art as transgressive? The panel discussion)(10:28 Jacques Maritain and the vocation of the artist)(19:13 Romanticism, reason, and the role of intellect in art)(26:35 Can modern art be beautiful? Tradition vs. modernism)(33:58 The place of transgression, paradox, and truth in art)MARGARITA MOONEY CLAYTON LINKS:🌐 Are Artists Transgressive, Conservative, or Neither?: https://www.gracedimagination.com/p/does-an-artist-steal-fire-from-the🌐 The Vocation of the Artist in Jacques Maritain’s Life and Work: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/new-blackfriars/article/from-strangers-to-friends-of-god-the-vocation-of-the-artist-in-jacques-maritains-life-and-work/00BBA2972BD500A5D831835CF8C5BE8D🌐 Scala Foundation: https://scalafoundation.org/CONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
Transcribe →Modern Christian Womanhood | Emma Waters
Mar 2300:40:15Tap to summarizeEmma Waters is a Policy Analyst at the Heritage Foundation's Center for Technology and the Human Person, wife, mother of two, and author of the new book Lead Like Jael: 7 Timeless Principles for Today's Women of Faith (Regnery Publishing, March 2026).In this episode of The Aaron Renn Show, Emma joins Aaron to discuss biblical womanhood in a post-pandemic world. Drawing from the story of Jael in Judges 4–5, she outlines a nuanced vision that rejects both "girl boss" feminism (even when dressed in evangelical clothes) and overly romanticized trad-wife ideals. Instead, she advocates prioritizing marriage and motherhood as primary callings while strategically using God-given gifts and modern opportunities like remote work.They cover personal stories (including Emma dumping her now-husband during college), the real trade-offs of career vs. family, research on childcare impacts, the "tent peg strategy" for women fighting evil from the home, and why putting first things first often leads to unexpected blessings.CHAPTERS: (00:00 Introduction)(03:20 The Freak-Out Over Kids & Career in College)(09:45 Critiquing Girl Boss Feminism & Trad Wife Romanticism)(17:30 Remote Work, Home Economy, & Childcare Research)(25:00 The Breakup & Choosing Family Over a Dream Opportunity)(32:40 The Tent Peg Strategy – Jael's Story & Fighting Evil as Women)(40:15 The 7 Principles: Discernment, Shrewdness, Motherhood as Warfare & More)(50:00 Finding Wise Mentors & Counsel in Today)EMMA WATERS LINKS:📖 Lead Like Jael: 7 Timeless Principles for Today's Women of Faith: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1510783539/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/emlwatersCONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
Transcribe →Shaking Up Jesus History | TC Schmidt
Mar 1600:39:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Aaron Renn interviews T.C. Schmidt, associate professor at Fairfield University and author of the groundbreaking Oxford University Press book Josephus and Jesus: New Evidence for the One Called Christ. Schmidt, with a PhD from Yale, uses new linguistic analysis, computer databases, and ancient Greek studies to argue that the Testimonium Flavianum—Josephus's famous passage about Jesus—is substantially authentic. This challenges a century of scholarly consensus that it was heavily interpolated by Christians. Schmidt shares his journey as an evangelical scholar, the book's warm reception (including praise from top Josephus expert Steve Mason), and why Christians should pursue excellence in secular academia.CHAPTERS: (00:00 - Introduction)(02:30 - Who Was Josephus? Background & Importance)(07:45 - The Controversial Testimonium Flavianum)(12:20 - New Methods: Databases, Style Analysis & Word Studies)(18:50 - Reinterpreting "Appeared Alive Again" – Resurrection Insight)(25:10 - Scholarly Reception & Challenges to Consensus)(32:40 - Evangelical Scholarship in Secular Academia)(40:15 - Advice for Aspiring Christian Scholars)TC SCHMIDT LINKS:📖 Josephus and Jesus: New Evidence for the One Called Christ (free download): https://josephusandjesus.com/🌐 Institute for Christian Reflection: https://instituteforchristianreflection.org/CONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
Transcribe →AI Skeptics Are About to Be Left Behind | Dean Ball
Mar 900:51:57Tap to summarizeAI isn't just answering questions anymore—it's doing real work that used to take humans hours, days, or even weeks. In this wide-ranging conversation, returning guest Dean Ball, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for American Innovation, breaks down the massive leaps in AI since mid-2024: smarter models with true reasoning, web-searching research agents, and revolutionary coding agents that control your computer via command line to automate complex tasks.We cover:- Why AI has gone from "toy" to essential tool for professionals- The rise of coding agents (Claude Code, OpenAI tools) and real-world examples- Why so many skeptics—especially on the American right—are still skeptical (and why they're likely to get left behind)- Data center backlash, NIMBYism, energy/water concerns, and how AI companies could win more community support- Dean's experience drafting the Trump administration's AI action plan at the White House OSTP- Practical tips: Go "AI-first" in your workflow (skip Google, use Claude/Grok, integrate agents)Whether you're an AI user, skeptic, policymaker, or just curious about where this tech is headed in 2026, this episode is a reality check on what's actually working today.CHAPTERS(00:00 Introduction)(00:44 How Far AI Has Come Since 2024)(02:35 Smarter Models + Better Reasoning)(03:14 From Google Search to Real Research Reports)(03:56 Coding Agents: The New Form Factor Revolution)(05:49 Aaron's AI-First Workflow (Claude, Grok, Voice Prompting))(07:46 Real Example: Building a Manosphere Podcast Transcription Tool)(10:15 AI for Work vs. Chat/Fun – Doing Useful Stuff)(12:20 Feedback on Writing, Refining Ideas, Not Great at Pure Idea Gen)(13:45 Addressing AI Skepticism (Right & Left))(16:40 Ignorance, Cultural Animosity, & Boycotts)(18:30 Josh Hawley Example & Early Impressions)(23:00 Data Centers: NIMBY Fights, Energy, Taxes, & Community Buy-In)(30:00 Trump's AI Action Plan – What It Covers & Why)(35:00 National Security, Cyber Risks, & Prudent Steps)(42:00 Dean's White House Experience & Using AI to Help Draft)(51:00 AI Is Like a Piano – Easy to Start, Hard to Master)DEAN BALL LINKS:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/deanwball🌐 Dean Ball's Substack: https://www.hyperdimensional.co/CONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
Transcribe →How to Think About Race in America | Albert Thompson
Mar 200:54:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode, historian Dr. Albert Thompson joins Aaron Renn for a deep, honest discussion on race in America—from its English colonial roots through slavery, the Civil War, Jim Crow, civil rights victories, and today's challenges. They explore how history shapes identity, why progress has been real yet uneven, the impact of WWII on black human capital, post-1960s cultural shifts, talent migration, networks, and why national unity is essential for America's future in a competitive world.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction4:10 - America's English Origins and the Slow Establishment of Slavery9:50 - Founding Fathers, Contradictions, and the Devil's Bargain of Race Over Religion14:30 - The Civil War: Nationalism, Union, and the Destruction of Slavery20:45 - Post-Civil War Reinvention: Republican Dominance, Jim Crow, and Northern/Southern Divide28:00 - 20th Century Shifts: Great Migration, Depression, and WWII as a Turning Point35:15 - Civil Rights in the 1960s: Successes Amid Cultural Upheaval and the "Great Awokening"42:20 - Talent, Networks, Migration, and Building Human Capital in Black Communities50:30 - Rethinking DEI, Seeking Untapped Talent, and Why Unity Matters to Compete Globally55:00 - Addressing Real Problems as Fellow CitizensDR. ALBERT THOMPSON LINKS:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/IronProfessor🌐 Dr. Thompson's Substack: https://www.albertrussellthompson.com/CONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
Transcribe →The Boomer Paradox | Jeff Giesea
Feb 2300:48:07Tap to summarizeIn this insightful conversation, host Aaron M. Renn sits with Jeff Giesea, Stanford grad, entrepreneur, and founder of the Boyd Institute—a policy lab focused on bold solutions for America's future, tackling gerontocracy, overregulation, AI, and social fragmentation.They dive deep into the structural challenges facing the country: the Boomer Paradox (how older generations are both holding society together and holding it back), the rise of gerontocracy and its impact on young Americans, the transformative power of AI as democracy's best hope, America's declining state capacity and overregulation, and the urgent need to shift from performative culture-war politics to real problem-solving.Whether you're concerned about housing, fiscal policy, technological disruption, or national renewal, this episode offers thoughtful, heterodox perspectives on building a flourishing post-Boomer America.CHAPTERS:(00:00 - Introduction)(00:42 - The Big Issues America Ignores)(02:28 - Gerontocracy: The Real Demographic Crisis)(03:10 - Who Advocates for Young Americans?)(05:34 - The Boomer Paradox: Holding Us Back and Together)(07:13 - The Long Boomer Farewell & Interregnum Ahead)(09:11 - Boomer Influence in Politics & Policy)(10:14 - Property Taxes, Housing, and Robbing the Future)(13:01 - Boomer Caregiving & Political Wreckage)(15:58 - Local Impacts: Schools, NIMBYism, and Driving Laws)(17:03 - Overregulation & Lost State Capacity)(31:05 - Public Sector Competence & Private Sector Dynamism)(32:44 - AI as Democracy's Best Hope for Renewal)(34:04 - Why Democracies Struggle & How AI Can Help)(35:15 - America's Unique Challenges vs. Other Countries)(37:37 - Wanting Competent Government That Delivers)(39:36 - Enemies of Progress: Regulation, Unions, Fragmentation)(41:04 - Emerging Consensus on Reform & Building)(43:46 - Shifting from Performative Politics to Real Solutions)(45:21 - How to Approach Politics) JEFF GIESEA LINKS:🌐 The Boyd Institute: https://boydinstitute.org/🌐 The Boomer Reckoning No One's Ready For: https://jeffgiesea.substack.com/p/post-boomer-world🌐 Boomer Caregiving Will Wreck Our Politics: https://jeffgiesea.substack.com/p/boomer-caregiving🌐 The Long Boomer Farewell: https://jeffgiesea.substack.com/p/long-boomer-farewell🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/jeffgieseaCONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
Transcribe →America's Most Extreme Rust Belt Collapse | Chris Briem
Feb 900:36:40Tap to summarizeIn this eye-opening conversation, Aaron sits down with economic historian Chris Bream, author of Beyond Steel: Pittsburgh and the Economics of Transformation to unpack one of the most dramatic industrial collapses in American history — and what it reveals about the future of cities, regions, and the country.Pittsburgh went from being the steel capital of the world to losing hundreds of thousands of jobs and people in just a few brutal years in the early 1980s. Chris explains why the collapse was so sudden and so total, how generations of warnings were ignored, and how Pittsburgh eventually began to rebuild around talent, education, and knowledge industries.This is far more than local history — it’s a powerful case study in economic denial, disruptive change, identity tied to work, and what successful regional adaptation actually looks like in the 21st century.CHAPTERS:(0:00 Introduction)(0:59 Why Pittsburgh became the steel capital of the world ) (3:24 Geography, coal, rivers, and Andrew Carnegie’s real role ) (5:18 How steel came to dominate and displace every other industry) (7:54 Steel wasn’t just jobs — it became Pittsburgh’s entire identity ) (10:03 The shocking speed of the 1980s collapse — what really happened ) (13:21 Paul Volcker, 21% interest rates, and the Rust Belt reckoning ) (15:21 Warnings ignored for decades: reports from the 1940s, 1960s, and earlier) (19:24 Why temporary booms kept postponing the inevitable day of reckoning ) (23:27 Denial, hubris, and the human cost of believing “it will never end” ) (27:14 How Pittsburgh actually recovered — the real story ) (29:47 The roots of the knowledge economy go back decades before the crash ) (31:20 Lessons for the rest of America: what declining regions can, and can’t, do ) (33:52 Rethinking success in places that won’t grow anymore ) CHRIS BRIEM LINKS: 🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/chrisbriem📖 Beyond Steel: https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Steel-Pittsburgh-Economics-Transformation/dp/1606355023/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20CONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
Transcribe →How Smart Parents Are Giving Wealth to Their Kids Now | Justin Powell
Jan 2700:30:58Tap to summarizeIn this eye-opening conversation, Ohio businessman Justin Powell joins Aaron Renn to discuss his viral article “Dying to Give” — why waiting until death to pass on wealth is often the wrong move, and how thoughtful, early giving can build stronger families, businesses, and communities.Justin shares powerful real-life stories: a multi-generation gravel pit owner who’s deliberately preserving two generations of reserves for his sons instead of chasing short-term profits, how he set his teenage boys up with $3,000 each to start lawn-mowing businesses (one made $35K in a summer), and why small, strategic investments at key “choke points” (home down payments, first business capital, financial literacy) can change the trajectory of a young person’s life forever.Together they explore:- The massive $85 trillion wealth transfer happening over the next 20 years- Why asset ownership (homes, businesses, land) is becoming harder — and more important — than ever- How parents and grandparents can give wisely without spoiling kids- Balancing prudence (longevity, healthcare risks) with bold generosity and trust in God’s provision- Real examples of leverage points where $5K–$20K today creates massive long-term impactWhether you’re a parent, grandparent, business owner, or young person trying to get on the ownership ladder, this episode challenges the default “you’ll get it when I die” mindset and offers a better way forward.Read Justin's entire "Dying to Give" article: https://www.aaronrenn.com/p/dying-to-giveCHAPTERS(0:00 Introduction)(1:26 The gravel pit family story: preserving two generations of reserves)(4:41 Setting kids up early — $3K investment → $35K summer earnings)(7:06 The mindset shift: prepare them now, not just at death)(9:06 The $85 trillion wealth transfer wave)(10:53 Upper-class family subsidies vs. the ownership ladder struggle)(13:24 Choke points: down payments, first businesses, college debt)(16:00 Timing matters — home equity winners vs. renters)(19:00 Wisdom over coercion: guiding adult children with small gifts)(21:52 Billionaire’s car test & financial literacy approach)(23:51 Prudence vs. catastrophe planning: when to give boldly)(26:58 Time, talent, and treasure — character over cash)
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