Read-Aloud Revolution: Stopping The Illiteracy Crisis & Blasphemy at the Bowl

Reading scores in America are plummeting, and the crisis is deeper than just academics—it’s a cultural and spiritual emergency. Could reading aloud be the antidote? Wall Street Journal children’s book critic Meghan Cox Gurdon joins Raymond Arroyo to reveal how this simple, ancient practice can rewire attention spans, restore family connection, and ignite a lifelong love of learning. Plus, Raymond sounds off on the controversial production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl, where Tony-winner Cynthia Erivo starred as Jesus. Is this boundary-pushing theater—or a double standard when it comes to religious offense? From the decline in literacy to the rise of performative blasphemy, this episode connects the dots between cultural collapse and spiritual hunger. You’ll also hear about the push to cancel classic children’s authors like Laura Ingalls Wilder and Dr. Seuss, why smartphones are sabotaging young minds, and how one classroom mystery story sparked Raymond’s own love of reading. If you care about kids, culture, or the written word, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Subscribe to Arroyo Grande now and join the movement to revive faith, imagination, and human connection—one story at a time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.