The Aaron Renn Show

Latest Episodes:

Why Christians Must Rediscover Civics | Elizabeth Landis May 19, 2025

Show notes

Join host Aaron Renn as he sits down with Elizabeth Landis, author of The Forgotten Realm: Civics for American Christians, to explore why Christians need to engage more deeply in the civil realm. From local government to federalism, Elizabeth shares her journey from a concerned citizen to a passionate advocate for civic involvement, offering practical insights and biblical wisdom for Christians navigating governance. Discover how to move beyond voting, build relationships across political divides, and become a winsome force for change in your community. Get your copy of The Forgotten Realm via the link below.

(00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to the Podcast)
(01:03 - Why Civics is the "Forgotten Realm" for Christians)
(02:37 - What Sparked Elizabeth’s Civic Awakening)
(06:38 - A Primer on American Government: From Local to Federal)
(09:15 - Uncovering Federalism and Election Systems)
(12:38 - Engaging with Local Government in Moscow, Idaho)
(17:07 - Building Unexpected Friendships Across Ideologies)
(19:17 - Opportunities for Christians in Civic Roles)
(24:21 - The Call for Christians to Care About Governance)
(29:02 - Christian Diplomacy: A Winsome Approach to Civics)
(33:06 - Conclusion: Key Takeaways and Book Info)

Buy The Forgotten Realm: Civics for American Christians - https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Realm-Civics-American-Christians/dp/1963505085/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20

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How Nietzsche Shaped American Thought | Sheluyang Peng May 12, 2025

Show notes

This fascinating conversation with writer Sheluyang Peng explores the profound influence of Friedrich Nietzsche on American thought. From Emerson’s impact on him to the way his philosophy found similarities with American pragmatism to his role in shaping modern political and cultural landscapes, this episode uncovers Nietzsche’s surprising connections to American philosophy, theology, and even infamous historical events like the Leopold and Loeb case. Yang shares insights into how Nietzsche’s ideas resonate with both the left and the right, and why his philosophy remains relevant today.

(00:00 - Introduction)
(01:03 - Why Yang Got Interested in Nietzsche: A Preacher’s Kid Perspective)
(03:30 - Nietzsche’s American Connection: Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Influence)
(05:12 - American vs. European Views of Nietzsche)
(06:53 - Nietzsche’s Role in American Pragmatism)
(08:02 - H.L. Mencken and Popularizing Nietzsche in America)
(10:33 - Nietzsche and the Leopold and Loeb Murder Case)
(13:47 - Nietzsche’s Surprising Influence on Christian Thinkers)
(18:58 - Nietzsche in Modern American Politics)
(20:56 - Bronze Age Pervert and Right-Wing Nietzscheanism)
(25:27 - Nietzsche and René Girard’s Mimetic Theory)
(28:56 - Is Nietzsche Whatever You Want Him to Be?)
(30:14 - The Future of Nietzschean Thought in America)
(31:27 - Closing Remarks and Where to Read More)

SHELUYANG PENG LINKS:
🌐 American Affairs Journal: Nietzsche's Eternal Return in America - https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2024/11/nietzsches-eternal-return-in-america/
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WithinGoodNEvil
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Leopold and Loeb Murder Case: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopold_and_Loeb

Why America Needs Moderate Republicans Again | Geoffrey Kabaservice May 05, 2025

Show notes

Join Aaron Renn as he sits down with Geoffrey Kabaservice, Vice President of Political Studies at the Niskanen Center and author of Rule and Ruin: The Downfall of Moderation and the Destruction of the Republican Party, From Eisenhower to the Tea Party. In this compelling episode, they dive into the decline of moderate Republicanism, tracing the transformation of the GOP from the era of Dwight Eisenhower to the rise of Ronald Reagan, the Tea Party, and beyond. Why did moderate Republicans fade from prominence? What role did populism play in reshaping the party? And is there a future for pragmatic, effective governance in today’s polarized America? This conversation explores the historical shifts, key figures, and structural challenges facing the Republican Party, offering insights for anyone interested in American political history.

GEOFFREY KABASERVICE LINKS:
📖 Rule and Ruin: The Downfall of Moderation and the Destruction of the Republican Party, From Eisenhower to the Tea Party - https://www.amazon.com/Rule-Ruin-Moderation-Destruction-Development-ebook/dp/B005UFCPHG/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
📖 The Guardians: Kingman Brewster, His Circle, and the Rise of the Liberal Establishment - https://www.amazon.com/Guardians-Kingman-Brewster-Liberal-Establishment-ebook/dp/B00LRXCF66/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/ruleandruin

CONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn
🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

How Sports Betting Apps Hook You and Destroy Lives | Saagar Enjeti Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

In this eye-opening episode, Aaron Renn sits down with Saagar Enjeti, co-host of Breaking Points and The Realignment, to dive deep into the explosive rise of sports betting in America. Following the 2018 Supreme Court decision that opened the floodgates, sports gambling has become a predatory industry, hooking millions with sophisticated algorithms, addictive apps, and aggressive marketing. Saagar breaks down the public policy failures, the devastating impact on problem gamblers, and the complicity of sports leagues and states in this growing crisis. From skyrocketing bankruptcies to increased domestic violence, the societal costs are staggering. Tune in to learn why Saagar calls for banning online gambling and how we can fight back against this dystopian trend.

CONNECT & FOLLOW SAAGAR ENJETI:
🌐 Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar: https://www.youtube.com/c/breakingpoints
🌐 The Realignment Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3O3P7AsOC17INXR5L2APHQ
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/esaagar

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VP Mike Pence on Faith, Marriage, and Life in the Public Square Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

Join me for this exclusive conversation with former Vice President Mike Pence, as we dive deep into faith, marriage, and navigating life in the public square. In this heartfelt episode, Pence shares his journey to Christianity, the secrets behind his 40-year marriage to Karen Pence, and the truth about the controversial "Mike Pence Rule." He also offers inspiring advice for those hesitant to enter public life, emphasizing how character and faith can thrive in today’s challenging political landscape. Don’t miss this powerful discussion filled with wisdom and encouragement.

Mike Pence's Books:
📖 So Help Me God - https://www.amazon.com/So-Help-God-Mike-Pence-ebook/dp/B0B6GK9LPG/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
📖 Go Home for Dinner: Advice on How Faith Makes a Family and Family Makes a Life - https://www.amazon.com/Go-Home-Dinner-Advice-Family/dp/1982190361/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20

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What Killed America’s Can-Do Culture? | Tanner Greer Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

Why can't America build like it used to? What happened to our mojo? In this eye-opening episode, special guest Tanner Greer dives deep into the cultural and institutional decline that’s left America struggling to get things done. From building the Empire State Building in a year to endless delays today, we explore what’s gone wrong—comparing the decisive Spanish Flu response of 1918 to the chaos of COVID-19—and uncover solutions from high-agency groups like the U.S. Marine Corps, LDS Church, and Silicon Valley. If you’re curious about why our institutions feel broken and how we can rebuild a culture that gets results, this episode is a must-listen!

Tanner Greer: "On Cultures That Build": https://scholars-stage.org/on-cultures-that-build/

Tanner Greer: "A School of Strength and Character": https://www.palladiummag.com/2023/03/30/a-school-of-strength-and-character/

Inc. Magazine: "Corps Values": https://www.inc.com/magazine/19980401/906.html

Tanner Greer's Homepage: https://scholars-stage.org/

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Faith, Politics and Southern Baptists | William Wolfe Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

Join Aaron as he sits down with William Wolfe, Executive Director of the Center for Baptist Leadership (CBL), to discuss the future of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the fight against liberal drift in the church, and the intersection of faith and politics. From grassroots reform to meeting President Trump in the Oval Office, William shares CBL’s mission to revitalize Baptist identity and equip a new generation of leaders.

🌐 Center for Baptist Leadership: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/

🌐 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Jewish in America | Josh Hammer Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Aaron Renn's series on religious minorities in America, he speaks with Josh Hammer, senior editor-at-large at Newsweek Magazine and author of the book Israel and Civilization. Josh shares his personal journey from an assimilated Jewish upbringing to becoming fully observant, discusses the challenges of practicing Judaism in modern America, and offers insights on Jewish-Christian relations, contemporary anti-Semitism, and Israel's role in American foreign policy.

Note: My audio level was poorly adjusted in this recording.

GUEST LINKS:
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/josh_hammer
📖 Buy Israel and Civilization: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1635769736/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
🌐 The Josh Hammer Show: https://www.newsweek.com/podcasts/the-josh-hammer-show
CONNECT & FOLLOW:
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn
🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Muslim in America | Haroon Moghul Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

In this first episode in a new series exploring the religious minority experience in America, I sit down with author, educator, and entrepreneur Haroon Mogul to discuss his experiences as a Muslim in the United States. Born to Pakistani immigrant parents in Connecticut and raised in New England, Haroon offers unique insights into navigating dual identities, building community across ethnic lines, and finding his place in a country where Muslims remain a small but diverse minority. From childhood memories of Christmas trees to raising his own children in Cincinnati, Haroon's story illuminates the challenges and opportunities of maintaining faith in a society that isn't built around you.
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction to the series
2:17 - Meeting Haroon Mogul
3:33 - Growing up Muslim in New England
7:56 - Navigating dual identities
13:15 - Diversity of American Muslims
20:45 - Ethnic diversity in American mosques
27:23 - Moving from NYC to the Midwest
28:23 - Facing opposition to mosque construction
33:33 - American law and Muslim practices
40:58 - Living in a "neutral world" as a religious minority
47:13 - Conclusion
Haroon Mogul was named as one of the 50 most influential Muslims in the Americas by EqualityX in 2023 and 2024.

🌐 Haroon Moghul's Substack: https://sundayschooled.substack.com/

🌐 Subscribe to my newsletter for in-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

The Managerial Revolution in American Churches | Christopher Schlect Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

Join host Aaron as he interviews Christopher Schlect, Senior Fellow of History and Director of the Classical and Christian Studies Program at New St. Andrews College. They discuss Schlect's fascinating doctoral dissertation "Onward Christian Administrators," which explores how business management practices transformed American Protestant churches in the early 20th century. Discover how this administrative revolution influenced church architecture, theological controversies, and even women's ordination in unexpected ways.

Read "Onward Christian Administrators" - https://rex.libraries.wsu.edu/esploro/outputs/doctoral/Onward-Christian-Administrators/99900581729701842

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

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