Best Alex Musa Podcasts (2025)

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The Collapse of Masculinity | John Seel 1:12:16

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1d ago1:12:16

1:12:16

Join host Aaron Renn and cultural diagnostician Dr. John Seel in this thought-provoking podcast episode as they dive into the crisis of masculinity, the unraveling of modern culture, and the path to aspirational manhood. From the influence of sociologists like James Davison Hunter and Peter Berger to the societal implications of nihilism and techno…

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Presbyterians for the Kingdom | David Yancey and Redeemed Zoomer 46:47

8d ago46:47

46:47

Join host Aaron Renn as he sits down with David Yancey, president of Presbyterians for the Kingdom, and Generation Z influencer Redeemed Zoomer to discuss their mission to renew the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and the broader Operation Reconquista movement. They dive into the challenges and opportunities of restoring traditional theology within mai…

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Capitol Hill Baptist: 150 Years of Unchanging Faith | Caleb Morell 52:26

15d ago52:26

52:26

Join host Aaron Renn as he sits down with Caleb Morell, author of A Light on the Hill, to explore the rich history of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1878, this evangelical church, located just blocks from the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court, has remained steadfast in its theological convictions while navigating cultural, …

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Is Evangelicalism Afraid of Hard Questions? | Joel Carini 1:00:33

22d ago1:00:33

1:00:33

In this provocative episode, Aaron sits down with Joel Carini, "The Natural Theologian," to explore the challenges of truth-seeking within evangelicalism. From the insular approach of seminary education to the open inquiry at the University of Chicago, Joel contrasts how these environments shape Christian thought. They dive into presuppositionalism…

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The Hidden Truths Behind America's Housing Crisis | Adam Ozimek 1:19:19

1M ago1:19:19

1:19:19

Dive into the housing crisis with Aaron Renn and Adam Ozemeck, Chief Economist at the Economic Innovation Group, as they unpack why buying a home can feel impossible in 2025. From skyrocketing construction costs to zoning roadblocks and institutional investors, this episode explores the real reasons behind soaring home prices. Discover potential so…

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The State of Missions | Ted Esler 33:12

1M ago33:12

33:12

Ted Esler, President of Missio Nexus, joins me to dive deep into the current state of Christian missions. He explores the history, challenges, and future of global missions, from the legacy of William Carey to the impact of globalization and cultural shifts. Ted discusses the role of unreached people groups, the influence of American imperialism, a…

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The Vibe Shift Explained | Michael Foster 1:08:24

2M ago1:08:24

1:08:24

Join host Aaron Renn as he sits down with Michael Foster, pastor of East River Church in Batavia, Ohio, for a raw and unfiltered conversation about the wild cultural ride of the past five years. From the rise of the Manosphere to the pushback against woke culture, the impact of the pandemic on churches, and the shifting dynamics of masculinity and …

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Hard Lessons from the Hurt Business | Ed Latimore 53:49

2M ago53:49

53:49

Professional boxer Ed Latimore talks about his inspiring journey from growing up in Pittsburgh’s housing projects during the crack epidemic to earning a physics degree and overcoming addiction. In this episode, Ed shares raw insights from his book, Hard Lessons from the Hurt Business: Boxing and the Art of Life, diving into the challenges of povert…

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The Battle for Florida's Colleges | Jason Jewell 48:23

2M ago48:23

48:23

Join me for an insightful conversation with Dr. Jason Jewell, Chief Academic Officer of the State University System of Florida, as we dive into the bold reforms transforming higher education in the Sunshine State. From Governor Ron DeSantis’ efforts to eliminate ideological influences to the creation of a new accrediting agency, we explore how Flor…

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What Will We Do With 100,000 Empty Churches? | Richard Reinhard 41:50

2M ago41:50

41:50

Join Aaron in this eye-opening podcast episode with Rick Reinhardt, an expert on the intersection of urbanism and religion, as they dive into the growing crisis of America's emptying churches. With up to 100,000 churches facing closure, what happens to these historic buildings and their land? From affordable housing to community spaces, discover th…

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Inside the Mind of a Billion-Dollar Builder: Fernando De Leon’s Story 28:09

2M ago28:09

28:09

Fernando De Leon counts himself as one of the luckiest guys in the world. The Mexican American billionaire grew up in Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Mexico, graduated cum laude from Harvard, and began his career as an analyst at Goldman Sachs before launching Leon Capital Group. The humble real estate company in Texas has grown into a powerhous…

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A Pastor’s Battle to Save Historic Churches | Rev. Jake Dell 50:09

3M ago50:09

50:09

An inspiring conversation with Reverend Jake Dell, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Woodbury, Connecticut, founded in 1659. Rev. Dell shares his journey to become an Episcopal priest, then to taking on leadership of a dying historic church in an attempt to revive a congregation with 355 year legacy. Also discover his bold vision for a d…

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10 Types of Men Every Man Needs in His Life | Doug Reed 27:29

3M ago27:29

27:29

Join Aaron Renn as he sits down with Doug Reed, president of Partnership International and author of Ten Men: The Rich Connections Every Man Needs. In this insightful podcast, Doug explores the powerful relationships in King David’s life from the Bible, revealing the ten types of men every man needs to thrive—mighty mentors, covenant friends, spiri…

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Faith, Family, and Steel: Understanding America’s Working-Class Heart | Robert Ordway 1:00:10

3M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Join Aaron Renn as he sits down with policy wonk Robert Ordway to explore the vibrant and complex world of America's multiracial working class. Growing up in the steel town of Lake Station, Indiana, Ordway shares his journey from a blue-collar upbringing to working in the halls of power, offering unique insights into the values, challenges, and pol…

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More Births or Bust | Daniel Hess 1:07:04

3M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

Join Aaron Renn as he dives into the alarming global fertility crisis with Daniel Hess, the voice behind the More Births X account and Substack. In this eye-opening podcast, they uncover the shocking decline in birth rates worldwide, its devastating implications for economies and societies, and what we can do to reverse this trend. From South Korea…

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David “Big Papi" Ortiz’s New Game: Philanthropy, Rum, and Redefining Success 34:11

3M ago34:11

34:11

Everyone knows famed Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz as Big Papi. He made a name for himself in the batter’s box as a designated hitter, winning seven Silver Slugger awards, joining the 500 Home Run Club, and helping the Red Sox break its 86-year World Series drought—and win two more World Series before his retirement in 2016. But his work didn’t…

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Why Religion Went Obsolete | Christian Smith 53:29

4M ago53:29

53:29

Why did religion become obsolete? Dr. Christian Smith, a renowned sociologist from the University of Notre Dame and author of the new book Why Religion Went Obsolete, joins us to explore the cultural shifts that have led to the decline of traditional religion in America since the 1990s. From the impact of neoliberal capitalism and postmodernism to …

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Why Industrial Policy Matters | Ian Fletcher 55:55

4M ago55:55

55:55

A fascinating discussion with Ian Fletcher, co-author of the comprehensive new book Industrial Policy for the United States (Cambridge University Press). In this episode, Ian unpacks the critical role of industrial policy in shaping America’s economic future, challenging the myths of free trade, and exploring how the U.S. can protect and grow its a…

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The Alumni Society’s Ricardo Anzaldua Is a Coalition Builder 37:30

4M ago37:30

37:30

If anyone knows the power behind convening Latinos to make an impact, it’s Ricardo Anzaldua. His impulse to organize and bring Latinos together began early while growing up in New Mexico and South Texas. In high school as the Chicano movement gained traction, he became a strong advocate for Mexican American civil rights and a community organizer. H…

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Why America Can't Build Anymore | Philip Howard 38:03

4M ago38:03

38:03

Join Aaron Renn as he sits down with Philip Howard, founder of Common Good, to discuss the crippling bureaucratic red tape stifling America’s ability to build and innovate. In this eye-opening episode, Howard delves into his Manhattan Institute paper, Escape from Quicksand: A New Framework for Modernizing America, revealing how a compliance-driven …

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Why Christians Must Rediscover Civics | Elizabeth Landis 33:27

4M ago33:27

33:27

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 practi…

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Nationwide’s JJ Perez Believes in the Power of Education 43:54

5M ago43:54

43:54

We are shaped by those who came before us and, in turn, we help shape the lives of those who come after us. Nationwide’s Juan José (JJ) Pérez knows this all too well. He grew up watching his father attend law school at night while working two jobs, making sacrifices while Perez and his siblings were young to not only better provide for their family…

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How Nietzsche Shaped American Thought | Sheluyang Peng 31:55

5M ago31:55

31:55

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 connecti…

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Why America Needs Moderate Republicans Again | Geoffrey Kabaservice 1:06:01

5M ago1:06:01

1:06:01

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 tra…

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Alex López Negrete Advocates for Reflective Marketing 41:47

5M ago41:47

41:47

Forty years ago, Alex López Negrete saw an opportunity to represent the Hispanic market and provide strategic direction to some of the biggest names in corporate America. The Houston-based Lopez Negrete Communications, cofounded with his wife Cathy, is now the largest independently owned and operated Hispanic advertising firm in the country. López …

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How Sports Betting Apps Hook You and Destroy Lives | Saagar Enjeti 39:08

5M ago39:08

39:08

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…

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VP Mike Pence on Faith, Marriage, and Life in the Public Square 29:46

5M ago29:46

29:46

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 o…

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Bonus Episode: VIDA’s Felida Villarreal Propels the Rio Grande Valley Toward Success 33:07

6M ago33:07

33:07

Felida Villarreal understands firsthand the cultural and familial expectations of the Rio Grande Valley residents. The powerhouse nonprofit leader grew up in the region, earned her degrees at the local university, and continues to empower residents to achieve their own success right in the valley through VIDA and its training programs. Villarreal s…

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What Killed America’s Can-Do Culture? | Tanner Greer 1:18:24

6M ago1:18:24

1:18:24

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 de…

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Faith, Politics and Southern Baptists | William Wolfe 37:04

6M ago37:04

37:04

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 …

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Acclaimed Author Marie Arana Changes Perceptions, One Story at a Time 35:59

6M ago35:59

35:59

From the very beginning, words have been important to Marie Arana. The Peruvian American’s childhood was filled with music and literature, which formed her passion for storytelling and books as she navigated growing up in a bicultural household. Having an American mother, Arana learned to provide a counter narrative to Peruvian perceptions of Ameri…

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Jewish in America | Josh Hammer 58:17

6M ago58:17

58:17

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 moder…

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Muslim in America | Haroon Moghul 47:26

6M ago47:26

47:26

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 id…

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Javiera Balmaceda Pascal Proves Latino Stories Are for All Audiences 29:20

7M ago29:20

29:20

Growing up in the ’80s with two working parents, Javiera Balmaceda Pascal often found herself at the movie theater with her younger brother Pedro Pascal. The siblings, raised in Texas and California by parents who had fled Chile, found comfort in the stories they saw on the screen. Where her brother chose to step in front of the camera, Balmaceda p…

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The Managerial Revolution in American Churches | Christopher Schlect 37:07

7M ago37:07

37:07

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 i…

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Work Is the Meaning of Life | David Bahnsen 40:05

7M ago40:05

40:05

In this thought-provoking conversation, wealth manager and author David Bahnsen challenges conventional wisdom about work, retirement, and purpose. Managing $7.1 billion in assets hasn't stopped Bahnsen from questioning our culture's assumptions about work as something to escape from. His book "Full-Time: Work in the Meaning of Life" presents a rad…

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Carla Vernón Transforms Brands—and Herself 42:29

7M ago42:29

42:29

Carla Vernón imagines a future that isn’t here yet. Her power of imagination has been her guide since childhood, allowing her to see beyond the information available to make decisions with both her head and her heart. The Princeton alum built her brand and leadership expertise at General Mills for almost twenty-two years, brought her vision to Amaz…

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New York: America's First Post-Secular City | Tony Carnes 1:09:46

7M ago1:09:46

1:09:46

Tony Carnes, sociologist, journalist, and founder of "A Journey Through NYC Religions," joins us to explore how New York City has transformed from a secular metropolis into what he calls "America's first post-secular city." Tony shares fascinating stories from his project documenting every religious site in New York City, revealing the vibrant reli…

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Christian Liberty vs. Modern License: True Freedom in a Digital Age | Brad Littlejohn 34:48

7M ago34:48

34:48

Join Aaron as he welcomes back Brad Littlejohn, author of "Called to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License" and fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. In this thought-provoking conversation, they explore the true meaning of freedom from a Christian perspective and how it contrasts with modern society's understanding of …

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Media Evolution and American Character | Titus Techera 53:05

8M ago53:05

53:05

In this wide-ranging conversation, writer and editor Titus Techera explores how media has evolved from America's founding to today's social media landscape. We discuss how different forms of media - from Revolutionary War pamphlets to modern podcasts - have shaped American democracy and character. Techera breaks down how technological changes have …

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Making the Case for Religion in a Secular Age | Ross Douthat 58:27

8M ago58:27

58:27

NYT columnist Ross Douthat joins me to discuss his new book Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious. We explore why skeptics and non-believers should consider religious faith, examining evidence from science, philosophy, and human experience. Douthat makes the case that religious belief is not only reasonable but arguably obligatory for thinking …

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Classical Education's Civil War: Great Books vs Ancient Languages | Alex Petkas 41:56

8M ago41:56

41:56

Princeton Classics PhD Alex Petkas argues against the "Great Books" model of classical education and makes the case for returning to traditional classical training focused on Greek and Latin languages. He explains why Plutarch's Lives was one of early America's most influential books and why it deserves renewed attention today. Alex Petkas is host …

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How Democrats Lost the Working Class | Ruy Teixeira 46:28

8M ago46:28

46:28

In this episode, Ruy Teixeira, one of America's leading political analysts, discusses the dramatic realignment of American political coalitions and what it means for the future. A longtime Democratic insider and co-author of The Emerging Democratic Majority, Teixeira explains his journey from progressive think tanks to the American Enterprise Insti…

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The Ultimate Christian College Guide | Jesse Rine 49:53

8M ago49:53

49:53

P. Jesse Rine, director of the Center for Academic Faithfulness and Flourishing (CAFF), joins us to talk about the state of Christian higher education. He will also showcase CAFF's new online Christian college guide, which is the most comprehensive collection of information about Christian colleges available. Note: This podcast may be best on Youtu…

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Populism, Elite Power, and the American Right | Matthew Continetti 51:35

9M ago51:35

51:35

In this episode, a deep dive with Matthew Continetti on his book The Right: The Hundred Year War for American Conservatism. We explore how American conservatism developed, from its birth in in the 1920s and opposition to FDR's New Deal through today's populist resurgence. Continetti explains why conservative populism keeps returning, how elites los…

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Traditional Conservatism in a Populist Age | Tim Chapman 25:41

9M ago25:41

25:41

In this episode, Tim Chapman discusses how traditional conservatives are engaging with the Trump administration. He's the president of Advancing American Freedom, an advocacy group set up by former Vice President Mike Pence. We discuss: What traditional conservatism is and what it's future is in the age of populism and Trumpism What Advancing Ameri…

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Is America Actually Woke? | Musa al-Gharbi 48:29

9M ago48:29

48:29

In this episode, sociologist Musa al-Gharbi discusses his book We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite. How should we understand the "woke" phenomenon? Where did it come from? Why do elite whites claim to be marginalized, while showing little care for genuinely marginalized people around them like the service workers the…

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JON ASKONAS: Building a Future in the Face of the Apocalypse 1:01:18

10M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

Jon Askonas is a professor of politics at Catholic University. He wrote an interesting piece for Comment magazine on how Americans went from seeing technology as a source of progress to viewing it as leading us to an apocalypse. He joins us to discuss: How and why did this shift take place? Why are we so anxious? How should we live in this age of a…

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Ileana Musa Invests in Latino Financial Empowerment 30:13

10M ago30:13

30:13

Wealth is more than just finances. It’s about securing a legacy. Building a rich and fulfilling life. And Ileana Musa wants to make sure Latinos have every opportunity to build their wealth. She knows firsthand the challenges that come with building wealth. Musa was raised by a single mother, who brought her and her siblings over from Cuba at a you…

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ROBERT GEORGE: The Future of Conservatives in Academia 46:45

10M ago46:45

46:45

Academia is almost entirely dominated by the left. Robert George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton, has thrived in it as a strong Catholic. But is it possible for conservatives and Christians to follow the same path today? What are the signs of optimism both for conservatives in academia, but also for a healthier climate for academ…