First Things Podcast

Apr 10 2025 500 ep. 31 mins 6.8k
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First Things is published by The Institute on Religion and Public Life, an interreligious, nonpartisan research and education institute whose purpose is to advance a religiously informed public philosophy for the ordering of society. Learn more: www.firstthings.com/learnmore

  Religion & Spirituality
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The Mystery of Angela Merkel (ft. Christopher Caldwell)

Apr 10 2025 51 mins  
In this episode, Christopher Caldwell joins Rusty Reno at The Editor’s Desk to talk about his piece, “Merkel's Country” from the March 2025 issue of the magazine. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!

The Lord’s Supper Is for All Ages

Apr 06 2025 25 mins  
In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Jeffrey J. Meyers joins in to discuss his recent book, "Why Children are Welcome to the Lord's Supper: Some Questions & Answers about Paedocommunion."

Elon Musk's Eugenic Dream

Mar 31 2025 36 mins  
In this episode, Matthew Schmitz joins Rusty Reno at The Editor’s Desk to talk about his piece, “Elon’s Family Values” from the April 2025 issue of the magazine. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!

Snow What?

Mar 30 2025 45 mins  
The editors discuss the live-action Snow White, Disney's biggest flop in recent memory. Did the star hijack it with her woke statements—or was she scapegoated? Is Disney worthy of its own IP? Virginia Aabram and Germán Saucedo join Julia Yost.

The End of White Privilege

Mar 13 2025 31 mins  
In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, A.J. Rice joins in to discuss his recent book, "The White Privilege Album: Bringing Racial Harmony to Very Fine People…on Both Sides." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

Fulton Sheen: Master Evangelist

Mar 11 2025 28 mins  
In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Cheryl Hughes joins in to discuss her recent book, "Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Convert Maker." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

Woke vs. The Left

Mar 09 2025 41 mins  
In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, David Rieff joins in to discuss his recent book, "Desire and Fate." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

Oscars and the Oval Office

Mar 05 2025 45 mins  
The editors discuss last week’s incident in the Oval Office, and what it might portend for American foreign policy. Then they talk the Oscars, and why young people are suddenly going to the movies. Rusty Reno, Dan Hitchens, and Germán Saucedo join Julia Yost.

Catholicism at the End of the World

Feb 26 2025 29 mins  
In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Jeremy Beer joins in to discuss her recent book, "Beyond the Devil's Road: Francisco Garcés and the Spanish Encounter with the American Southwest." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

Fiction and Last Things

Feb 26 2025 29 mins  
In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Cassandra Nelson joins in to discuss her recent book, "A Theology of Fiction." Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.