Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins

What made America different from every kingdom that came before it? Bestselling author and American Minute founder Bill Federer joins Refining Rhetoric for our Celebrating 250 Years series to trace the improbable, providential story of the American experiment. From the invention of writing in ancient Sumer to the empire on which the sun never set, Federer explains how humanity's default form of government has always been kings—until ancient Israel became the first literate, self-governing people in history, and America flipped the flow of power from the top down to "We the People." Discover the providential moments most Americans have never heard: the mysterious fog that shrouded Washington's midnight retreat across the East River, and the last-minute discovery of Benedict Arnold's plot to hand West Point to the British. Federer unpacks "the laws of nature and of nature's God," why the Founders saw no war between science and faith, and how the First Amendment was written to keep the federal government out of the states' religious affairs, not to scrub God from public life. He charts the nation's drift from a Judeo-Christian past into secular "neutral" and toward an aggressive Islamic future, exposes the psychological "psyops" shaping kids through social emotional learning, and calls families to anchor their children's identity in Christ. If you want to remember why America is worth defending, and to leave your own testimony of what God can do again, this episode is for you. Resources: https://americanminute.com/ Books mentioned in this episode: Miracles in American History, Who Is the King in America?, Silence Equals Consent, and What Every American Needs to Know About the Qur'an. 📖 Learn more about classical Christian education: https://classicalconversations.com/blog/classical-education-curriculum/ 📖 Homeschool vs. Public School: https://classicalconversations.com/blog/homeschool-vs-public-school/ 🎙️ 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/

What does it actually look like to raise faithful, culture-proof kids when the world — and sometimes even the church — is working against you? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Meeke Addison, co-founder of CultureProof and former spokesperson for American Family Association, to talk about biblical worldview, Christian homeschooling, and what it means to disciple your children in a post-truth culture. Meeke shares the journey that took her from missionary work to national radio to homeschooling all six (now seven!) of her children from home — and the pivotal moment she and her husband realized they couldn't keep pouring into the culture without first pouring into their own kids. She unpacks why so many Christian parents feel stuck, how the failure of discipleship starts in the pulpit, and what it looks like to raise children who understand the time God has placed them in. She also digs into the state of the church today — why so many believers can't accurately define who the church even is, and what family-integrated worship has meant for her own family's faith. This isn't a conversation about culture war tactics — it's about conviction. Meeke challenges parents to ask the hard question: are you raising arrows, or are you outsourcing that job to institutions that don't share your faith? If you've ever felt the tension between doing good work in the world and being faithful at home first, this one's for you.   📖 What is classical Christian education? Classical Education Curriculum 📖 Want to go deeper on discipleship and logic? The Five Common Topics of Dialectic 🎙️ 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/   CultureProof Website: https://cultureproof.net/

What would it take to raise a generation that's grateful — not just grievance-driven — about America? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with presidential historian, award-winning screenwriter, and author Jane Hampton Cook to explore America's 250th anniversary, the faith of the Founding Fathers, and why reclaiming gratitude is essential to preserving the republic. Jane shares untold stories from the American Revolution — including a Quaker woman who helped save Washington's army, the forgotten black heroes of Bunker Hill, and why George Washington referenced Providence over 560 times in his writings. She also unpacks how the Declaration of Independence planted seeds of liberty that took generations to harvest, and why classical Christian education is uniquely equipped to pass these truths on to the next generation. Whether you're a homeschool parent trying to instill love of country, a classical educator looking for a fresh angle on American history, or simply someone who wants to feel more grateful and less cynical — this conversation will leave you inspired, informed, and a little more proud to be an American.   Jane Hampton Cook's Website: https://janecook.com/   📖 Learn more about classical Christian education: https://classicalconversations.com/blog/classical-education-curriculum/ 🎙️ 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/ 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 ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.

What would it take to reclaim education — and America itself — from a system designed to produce dependency instead of thinkers? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Sam Sorbo — actress, homeschool advocate, and filmmaker — to talk about public school failure, parental rights, Christian homeschooling, and what America's 250th anniversary should make every parent stop and reconsider. Sam spent years inside Hollywood, raised three kids through Classical Conversations, and watched her 24-year-old son — who skipped college — buy his own house. She brings receipts. In this conversation, she and Robert dig into the slow erosion of parental authority through compulsory schooling, why school teaches kids "don't ask, don't try, don't read, and don't think," and why the entrepreneurial spirit that built America can't survive inside a classroom. Sam also shares what she's bringing to a DOJ meeting with Kash Patel, Linda McMahon, and Acting AG Todd Blanche — and why she believes parents are being systematically sidelined to give institutions access to their children. Whether you're a homeschool parent already in the fight, or a dad on the fence wondering if you could really pull this off, Sam's story — and her daughter's unforgettable "bye-bye" to the nanny — will stay with you.   Sam Sorbo's website: https://sorbostudios.com/   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 ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.

What does it look like when a classical Christian education meets a national civics competition? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with two Classical Conversations students — Owen Burrill and Elisha Hoey — who were selected as national finalists in the U.S. Presidential 1776 Award, a civics competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Out of hundreds of thousands of eligible students, only 20 made it this far — and these two CC students are among them. Owen and Elisha share how they tackled a study library spanning John Locke's Two Treatises of Government to Madison's notes from the Constitutional Convention, what surprised them most about the Founding (hint: virtue shows up everywhere), and how Classical Conversations' emphasis on memory work, primary documents, and impromptu speaking gave them a real edge. They also dish on their private tour of the National Archives and what it was like to see the Declaration of Independence without the crowds. Whether you're a homeschool parent wondering if the hard work is paying off, or a student looking for a reason to dig deeper into American history, this conversation is proof that a classical education does more than prepare kids for college — it prepares them for the arena.   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.

What does it actually take to raise boys who become faithful, purposeful men — in a generation that's been told they have no purpose? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Braeden Sorbo — CC alumni, author of Embrace Masculinity, and cultural commentator with over 2 million followers — to talk about Christian masculinity, Gen Z's real struggles, and what parents of teenage boys need to understand right now. Braeden shares what homeschooling through Classical Conversations gave him that public school couldn't — the flexibility, the community, and a foundation in truth, beauty, and goodness that still shapes how he thinks and creates. He opens up about what his generation is actually up against: a third of Gen Z aborted before they were born, a housing market that locks most of them out, and a culture that tells young men they have no purpose. But rather than despair, Braeden draws on the saints of old — St. Justin Martyr, St. Moses the Black — and the classical tradition to make the case that none of this is new, and none of it is unsurmountable. If you're a parent of a teenage boy — or a young man trying to find your footing — this conversation is packed with clarity, conviction, and real talk from someone who's been in it. Braeden's challenge to parents: stop leading with "pick yourself up by your bootstraps" and start by understanding what your kids are actually up against. The burden of proof that this country is worth saving? He says it lands on you.   Braedon Sorbo's Website: https://braedensorbo.com/   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.

Is the psychedelic renaissance a spiritual threat — or just medicine? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Gary Stockton, a Classical Conversations Challenge IV graduate, to discuss his senior thesis: Stay Sober, Stay Alert: A Christian Guide to Mysticism. Gary's 32-source academic argument — drawing from Johns Hopkins research, C.S. Lewis, Voddie Baucham, and Hebrew and Greek primary sources — makes the biblical case that Christians should reject the spiritual experiences offered by psychedelic-assisted therapy. From the ancient cult of Asclepius and pharmakia to Margaret Sanger, Nazi eugenics, and the modern therapeutic boom, Gary traces a chilling historical thread connecting serpentine deities, manufactured spiritual states, and demonic deception across cultures and centuries. Robert and producer Chris Blackburn join Gary to explore what Scripture actually says about mysticism, what Galatians 5 and Deuteronomy 18 reveal about pharmakia, and why the very "benefits" of psychedelic therapy may be part of a much darker bait-and-hook. If you've heard about Joe Rogan's advocacy for psychedelic therapy, Trump's executive order on psychedelics for PTSD treatment, or the growing number of Christians open to these practices — this episode will give you the biblical framework to think clearly and respond wisely.   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.

What does it actually take to raise children of character in a culture that's lost its moral compass? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Kirk Cameron — actor, filmmaker, and homeschool advocate — to talk about biblical parenting, the homeschool awakening, and what it means to be a faithful father in a post-truth world. Kirk shares the three non-negotiables he's learned from 34 years of marriage and six kids: lead by example, never break relationship over bad performance, and anchor your children in the Word of God. He also opens up about his new children's show Iggy and Mr. Kirk, his book Built by the Brave, and why he believes culture is redeemable — not lost. Whether you're a homeschool dad trying to step up, a mom looking for encouragement, or a parent navigating a culture that's working against you, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and real talk from a man who's been in the arena. Resources: Built by the Brave by Kirk Cameron Kirk Cameron's website   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.

What does it really mean to write with conviction in a world where everyone's doing somebody's bidding? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with award-winning author and Union University journalism professor Dr. Ted Kluck — 30 books, ESPN bylines, and a Christianity Today Book of the Year winner — to talk about faith, writing craft, and what it looks like to redeem journalism for the glory of God. They dig into Ted's journey from secular sportswriting to Christian publishing, how AI is reshaping the college classroom, and what parents and aspiring writers should actually focus on. Ted also shares why he believes there aren't many truly Christian colleges left in 2026 — and why Union University is one of them.   Resources: Interested in studying journalism at Union? Visit https://www.uu.edu/ and use promo code KLUCK to apply for free. Ted's Substack: https://kluck.substack.com/   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.

What 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.

The 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.

AI 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

Is 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

Is 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

Is 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.

What 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

The 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/