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PODCAST

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins

Refining Rhetoric with CEO Robert Bortins. A podcast where faith, business, politics, and classical education meet. Join us as we use the Classical tools of rhetoric to seek truth in every arena of life.

religion & spirituality christianity

All Episodes

50:02

Discovering God's Design for Your Career Journey

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/03/14

What if the 80,000 hours you'll spend at work could become your most fulfilling ministry opportunity? Robert interviews Jeff Reep, the Director of Career Services at Cedarville University. They discuss the intersection of homeschooling, coaching, and Christian leadership. Jeff shares his 26-year journey homeschooling five boys, his experiences as an award-winning NCAA basketball coach, and his approach to career guidance and mentoring college students. The conversation highlights biblical principles

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44:43

Debt-Free Education and Real-World Skills: Excel...

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/03/13

While most students graduate with financial shackles, Excel College graduates debt-free with real-world skills. Robert speaks with Andrew Haak, Director of Excel Summer Leadership Camp. Andrew shares how Excel College students responded during Hurricane Helene, transforming their campus into a major distribution center for Western North Carolina. As a US Air Force veteran and former international missionary who has served in over 30 countries, Andrew brings a unique perspective to leadership

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42:48

The Future of Faith-Based Education: Inside SEU's...

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/03/12

In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Megan Griffin, Provost and Senior Vice President at Southeastern University, pulls back the curtain on the challenges and opportunities facing Christian higher education today. With two universities closing weekly across America, Dr. Griffin shares how SEU is breaking traditional models to create affordable, accessible education while maintaining biblical fidelity. Dr. Griffin challenges Christian colleges to reimagine their business models, maintain their

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48:55

Transformational vs. Transactional: The Christian...

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/03/11

What happens when a reluctant baseball player takes a bioethics class that changes his entire perspective on learning and life? Robert explores the intersection of philosophy, theology, and practical ethics with Dr. Bill Davis, professor at Covenant College and Reform Theological Seminary, and Noah Sweatman, Covenant College admissions counselor and Classical Conversations graduate. The conversation delves into how philosophy enriches theological understanding, with Dr. Davis explaining how

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38:01

When Knowing Leads to Loving: The Heart of Reformed...

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/03/10

What happens when 400-year-old theological wisdom meets modern cultural challenges? Rev. Levi Berntson, Assistant Professor of Theology at Reformed Bible College and teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, shares his journey from farm fields in North Dakota to theological academia. He discusses his work translating Dutch Reformed theologian Campegius Vitringa and explains how Reformed theology's core principles—high view of Scripture, justification by faith alone, and God's

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35:36

Created to Create: The Divine Purpose Behind Human...

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/03/05

What if the solution to our throwaway culture lies in ancient educational methods and traditional craftsmanship? Robert interviews Luke Kolbie, CEO of Russell Moccasin Company and founder of Kingfisher Leather Works. Luke shares his remarkable journey from homeschooled Classical Conversations student to successful business leader and advocate for sustainable craftsmanship. Luke discusses how his classical education developed critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities that transformed his

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33:54

How I Raised a Scientist

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/02/26

Can a classically-educated student excel in STEM fields? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert welcomes Courtney Sanford, a homeschool mother and associate professor of fine arts at Bryan College, who shares her family's journey with classical education. She discusses how incorporating art and hands-on learning enhanced her children's education, including one son's path to medical school and another's pursuit of computer science. Courtney also introduces her innovative online art education

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49:06

Freedom Isn't Free: A Civil Rights Pioneer's Warning

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/02/19

From sitting at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter in 1960 to advocating for educational reform today, civil rights pioneer Clarence Henderson shares his remarkable journey of courage and conviction. Henderson recounts his firsthand experience during the historic Greensboro sit-ins and discusses how that watershed moment shaped his lifelong mission as a champion for freedom. Through candid conversation, he offers unique insights on America's progress in race relations, the importance of economic

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44:27

Teen Leadership Schools

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/02/13

From Fortune 30 IT executive to nonprofit leader - Chris May shares how TeenPact Leadership Schools is transforming youth through hands-on civic engagement and faith-based leadership training at state capitals nationwide. Discover how this unique program is equipping the next generation of leaders through real-world political simulations and discipleship, with opportunities for students to experience government firsthand. https://teenpact.com/ Mark your calendar for the 2025 National

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32:38

America's Happiest Christian Campus

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/02/05

Can a Christian university create both spiritual depth and genuine joy? Dr. Michael Lindsay, President of Taylor University, reveals how his institution ranks #3 for happiest students nationwide while maintaining spiritual and academic rigor. In this episode, the Princeton-educated sociologist shares insights on developing faith-centered leaders, navigating college admissions, and integrating faith in the workplace. https://www.taylor.edu/ https://x.com/dmichaellindsay Parent Practicum events are

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24:59

School Choice Week Wrap-Up: Freedom vs. Federal Control

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/02/01

From federal executive orders to state legislation battles, the school choice landscape is rapidly evolving - but are these changes moving us toward educational freedom or greater government control? In this thought-provoking wrap-up of School Choice Week, Robert delivers a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in education policy, including the latest federal executive orders, state-level initiatives in Tennessee and Texas, and proposed tax credit programs. He examines the complex

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36:33

Education Independence: The Best Choice

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/01/31

Why did homeschooling succeed without government funding, while “school choice” demands it? We wrap up School Choice Week with Jim Mason, president of the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), about an alternative to school choice that aligns with limited government principles. Mason breaks down HSLDA's proposal for education tax credits, explains how the homeschool movement succeeded without government funding, and discusses why accepting state money could threaten the educational freedom

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45:14

Words for Warriors

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/01/30

Is 'school choice' really about choice, or is it a Trojan horse for greater government control? In this School Choice Week episode, Robert hosts author and education advocate Sam Sorbo to examine the language and implications of the school choice movement. Drawing from her experience as a homeschool parent and author of 'Words for Warriors,' Sorbo unpacks how government-funded education initiatives could impact private and homeschool freedom. https://samsorbo.locals.com/

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57:16

Get Involved in the Fight Against School Choice

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/01/29

Should conservatives who oppose universal basic income support 'universal basic education'? We continue our School Choice Week series as Robert speaks with grassroots activist Aundrea Gomez about the contradictions in conservative support for school choice. Gomez, a former teacher and engaged citizen from Tennessee, breaks down how government funding of private education expands rather than shrinks bureaucracy, explores the role of out-of-state money in local education politics, and explains why

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49:46

Sweden’s Alarming Tale on School Choice

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/01/28

Could government-funded “school choice” lead to less educational freedom? We continue our School Choice Week series with journalist and Classical Conversations Senior Fellow Alex Newman for an in-depth discussion on school choice policies. Newman shares insights from his international experience, particularly in Sweden, and examines how government-funded education initiatives have impacted private and homeschool education globally. The conversation explores the historical context of educational

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01:01:11

Woke and Weaponized School Choice

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/01/27

Would you trust Mark Zuckerberg to run your child's school? As we continue our School Choice Week series, Robert interviews author and cultural critic James Lindsay to explore how universal school choice could lead to corporate monopolies in education. Lindsay, founder of New Discourses and author of “The Marxification of Education,” breaks down the origins of school choice in 1970s Berkeley, explains why it's neither conservative nor free-market, and warns how government subsidies could transform

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58:35

The Dark Origins of School Choice

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/01/26

Can $7,000 buy your educational freedom? We kick off our School Choice Week series with researcher Lisa Logan about the concerning global agenda behind school choice initiatives. Logan, host of Parents of Patriots and author of Education Manifesto, breaks down UNESCO's involvement in education policy, the role of major foundations pushing school choice, and how government funding could lead to the erosion of true educational freedom. Lisa’s YouTube:

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36:41

Why Universities Love Homeschoolers

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/01/22

Looking to navigate the college admissions process as a homeschooler? Robert sits down with Blake and Sophie Sunny from Asbury University to demystify the journey from homeschool to higher education. Sophie, a former Classical Conversations student herself, shares her personal transition to college life, while Blake offers invaluable insights as Asbury's homeschool admissions counselor. With 20% of Asbury's student population coming from homeschool backgrounds, they discuss everything from crafting

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32:31

Making College Affordable with Brian Mueller

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/01/15

How does a struggling Christian college transform into a thriving university while keeping tuition frozen for 16 years? Grand Canyon University President Brian Mueller shares the remarkable story of GCU's innovative approach to affordable education, student-led spiritual growth, and community transformation. From serving immigrant neighborhoods to pioneering industry partnerships, discover how GCU is redefining Christian higher education while staying true to its biblical mission.

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34:21

How To Be A Better Listener with Charley Dewberry

Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins ·

2025/01/08

Can a college focused on ancient texts prepare students for modern challenges better than traditional universities? Dr. Charles Dewberry, Academic Dean of Gutenberg College, joins Robert to discuss their unique great books approach to higher education. Learn how this small liberal arts college uses tutoring and primary texts to teach students the art of living wisely and discover why their graduates are uniquely prepared to tackle complex problems in today's world. https://gutenberg.edu/

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204 results

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