Best Andrew Assaf Podcasts (2025)

My guest is my friend Andrea Kirk Assaf, whom I have known for, well, a few decades now. She is the author most recently of 365 Lessons From the Stoics as well as other books that we discuss. Andrea lives in Rome where she and her husband Tony host and teach students in a villa overlooking Vatican City. Andrea is also the youngest daughter of Russe…

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CD 52 - Christopher J. Scalia on 13 Novels Conservatives Will Love 1:11:24

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3M ago1:11:24

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Christopher J. Scalia is at the American Enterprise Institute. He and I have been Twitter mutuals for awhile, but I had the pleasure of meeting Chris in Grand Rapids at a Kirk-Scruton conference a couple of weeks ago. Chris is a literature guy, and the conservative movement needs that. To encourage us he has written a new book from Regnery, 13 Nove…

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Rose Sheffler on Past Watchful Dragons - Bookish Questions 16:44

3M ago16:44

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Host Alan Cornett interviews R.J. (Rose) Sheffler on her new book Past Watchful Dragons from Word on Fire. Past Watchful Dragons Rose Sheffler SubstackBy Alan Cornett

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CD 51 - BJ Dobski on Twain's Joan of Arc 1:22:09

5M ago1:22:09

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Bernard J. Dobski is professor of political science at Assumption University. He is the author of Mark Twain’s Joan of Arc, which explores the significance of the famous author’s last published work in his lifetime. We also discuss the new Martin Scorsese Joan of Arc TV dramatization. Mark Twain's Joan of Arc BJ Dobski on X Cultural Debris on YouTu…

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Andrew Petiprin on The Faith Unboxed - Bookish Questions 25:02

6M ago25:02

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Andrew Petiprin is an author and host of the Ignatius Press Podcast. He was the guest Cultural Debris Episode 45. The Faith Unboxed Watch the video of this episode on YouTube and Facebook. Cultural Debris on YouTube Cultural Debris Excursions - Travel With Us! Cultural Debris Twitter | InstagramBy Alan Cornett

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CD 50 - Rod Dreher On Living In Wonder 1:08:06

8M ago1:08:06

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Rod Dreher's most recent book is Living In Wonder, Finding Mystery and Meaning in a Secular Age. Our conversation was recorded the day after Pope Francis died, so that was on our minds and receives a good bit of our discussion. Also, we discuss the new documentary series from Angel Studios based on Rod’s earlier book Live Not By Lies. Rod Dreher Su…

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CD 49 - Thomas M. Ward On Boethius & Stoicism 1:12:46

11M ago1:12:46

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Professor Thomas M. Ward teaches at Baylor University. He is a philosopher who focuses on Medieval thought, especially the work of John Duns Scotus. He is the author most recently of After Stoicism: Last Words of the Last Roman Philosopher from Word on Fire. We discuss that book, Boethius, Stoicism, living in C.S. Lewis’s home in Oxford, and who is…

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CD 48 - Eduard Habsburg On Building Families 52:23

1y ago52:23

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My guest once again is His Imperial and Royal Highness, His Excellency Eduard Habsburg, Archduke of Austria and Ambassador of Hungary to The Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta. He is the author of the new book Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World: Habsburg Lessons From the Centuries from Sophia Institute Press. We discuss his new bo…

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Bookish Questions - Caitlin Smith Gilson & Carol Scott 17:48

1y ago17:48

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Carol Scott is an artist and Professor Emeritus of Art at the University of Holy Cross. Caitlin Smith Gilson is a philosopher and author. She was the guest on Cultural Debris Episode 42. Rhapsody and Redolence: The Crystal Decade Caitlin Smith Gilson: As It Is In Heaven Carol Scott: Website | Instagram | Facebook Watch the video of this episode on …

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CD 47 - Chris Arnade Walks the World 1:04:20

1+ y ago1:04:20

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Chris Arnade writes the Substack ‘Chris Arnade Walks the World,’ which chronicle his wanderings as he literally walks and walks and walks all over the world. He is the author and photographer for the book Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America. Chris and I discuss the value of getting out of your physical and intellectual bubble, loyalty to y…

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CD 46 - Ghiglino 1893 On Bringing British Style to Genoa 26:56

1+ y ago26:56

26:56

One of my favorite discoveries in Genoa is the clothing store Ghiglino. A family owned local shop that is over 130 years old, Ghiglino embraces traditional British style with an Italian twist. They have lightened my pocketbook on each visit. I was thrilled to be able to interview two generations of owners at the shop, Alba Barabino and Elena Queiro…

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Bookish Questions - Dale Ahlquist 15:20

1+ y ago15:20

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Dale Ahlquist has made the study and promotion of the works and ideas of G.K. Chesterton his life’s work. He serves as president of the Society of G.K. Chesterton. The Everlasting Man, by G.K. Chesterton, at Word on Fire Watch the video of this episode on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Cultural Debris on YouTube Cultural Debris Excursions - Trav…

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Bookish Questions - Jane Clark Scharl 11:00

1+ y ago11:00

11:00

Jane Clark Scharl is an American poet, playwright, and critic. Sonnez Les Matines, a Verse Play by J.C. Scharl J.C. Scharl website | Twitter Watch the video of this episode on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Cultural Debris on YouTube Cultural Debris Excursions - Travel With Us! Cultural Debris Patreon - Support the podcast! Cultural Debris Twitt…

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CD 45 - Andrew Petiprin On Popcorn With the Pope 1:06:46

1+ y ago1:06:46

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Andrew Petiprin is co-author of a new book from Word on Fire called Popcorn With the Pope, which examines all the movies on the 1995 Vatican movie list. Did you know there was a 1995 Vatican movie list? Me, either! Andrew is a former fellow at Word on Fire, a co-founder of the Spe Salvi Institute, and host of the Ignatius Press podcast. Andrew and …

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CD 44 - Joel Miller on Books & Reading 1:02:39

1+ y ago1:02:39

1:02:39

Joel Miller of Miller’s Book Review Substack reads and reviews a prodigious number of books for this regular Substack. Joel formerly served as vice president of acquisitions for Thomas Nelson Publishers. Joel and I discuss how to find time to read, how to choose what to read, and whether we should get rid of books. And if you’re wondering if you sh…

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CD 43 - Holly Ordway on Tolkien's Faith 1:02:26

2y ago1:02:26

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It is another year and that must mean another appearance by my guest Holly Ordway. Holly and I discuss her most recent book, Tolkien’s Faith: A Spiritual Biography from Word on Fire. Holly and I discuss the impact of St. John Henry Newman’s Oratory on J.R.R. Tolkien, his struggles with faith after the war, and just how consciously did Tolkien seek …

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Bookish Questions - Alan Noble 13:04

2y ago13:04

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Alan Noble is associate professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University. He is the author most recently of the book On Getting Out of Bed. Watch the video of this episode on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Cultural Debris on YouTube Cultural Debris Excursions - Travel With Us! Cultural Debris Patreon - Support the podcast! Cultural Debris Twi…

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Bookish Questions - Allen Mendenhall 10:48

2y ago10:48

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Allen Mendenhall is Associate Dean and Grady Rosier Professor in the Sorrell College of Business at Troy University. He is the author of the novel A Glooming Peace This Morning from Livington Press. Watch the video of this episode on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Cultural Debris on YouTube Cultural Debris Excursions - Travel With Us! Cultural D…

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Bookish Questions - Gary Gregg 15:00

2y ago15:00

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Gary Gregg, Director of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, discusses the new 100th anniversary edition of The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran and why we should read it. Watch the video of this episode on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Cultural Debris on YouTube Cultural Debris Excursions - Travel With Us! Cultural Debris Patreon - Su…

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CD 42 - Feasting With Caitlin Smith Gilson 1:49:59

2y ago1:49:59

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Caitlin Smith Gilson is a philosopher, theologian, poet, and novelist. I originally contacted her to invite her to come on the podcast to discuss the story and movie “Babette’s Feast.” As time went on that topic expanded to a discussion of her book As It Is In Heaven as well as her poetry. We also have a bonus guest, her friend and collaborator, th…

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CD 41 - Laird Mackintosh: The Last Phantom 1:20:34

2+ y ago1:20:34

1:20:34

Laird Mackintosh is a longtime Broadway actor who had the opportunity and privilege to play the Phantom himself in the final performances of the Phantom of the Opera. The Phantom closed in April after 35 years on Broadway and was Broadway’s longest running show. Laird discusses playing the Phantom, his long association with the show, and the unpred…

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CD 40 - Dale Ahlquist on G.K. Chesterton 1:00:57

2+ y ago1:00:57

1:00:57

My guest is Dale Ahlquist who has made the study and promotion of the works and ideas of G.K. Chesterton his life’s work. We preview the upcoming Chesterton Society Conference, the growth of the Chesterton School network, as well as the status of the campaign to have G.K. Chesterton officially declared a saint. Plus, Dale’s thoughts on traveling to…

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CD 39 - Ferenc Horcher On Roger Scruton 1:10:54

2+ y ago1:10:54

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Ferenc Hörcher comes to us from Budapest where he is a professor of political science and philosophy. He is the author most recently of Art and Politics in Roger Scruton’s Conservative Philosophy from Palgrave Macmillan. He is a leading scholar on the writings and thought of Roger Scruton and traditional conservatism. Ferenc and I discuss Roger Scr…

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CD 38 - John Herreid & Contemporary Catholic Art 1:03:34

2+ y ago1:03:34

1:03:34

John Herreid is editor of a new art compilation from Ignatius Press titled The Catholic Home Gallery: Eighteen Works of Art by Contemporary Catholic Artists. We discuss the dying world of good used bookstores, what makes authentic art, and how to DIY your way to beautiful art on your own walls. Cultural Debris Patreon - Support the podcast! Alan Co…

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CD 37 - Eduard Habsburg & The Habsburg Way 54:51

2+ y ago54:51

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My guest is His Imperial and Royal Highness, His Excellency Eduard Habsburg. He is Archduke of Austria and Ambassador of Hungary to The Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta. He is also a member of perhaps Europe’s most famous family. Plus, he is the author of a new book from Sophia Institute Press titled The Habsburg Way: Seven Rules For Turbu…

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CD 36 - Kathryn Wehr On Dorothy Sayers and ’The Man Born to Be King’ 1:08:40

2+ y ago1:08:40

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Kathryn Wehr is editor of the new Wade Annotated Edition of The Man Born to be King by Dorothy L. Sayers, which is published by IVP. We discuss Sayers’s challenges in realizing her vision for the work, the secretary who tried to change it, and Sayers’s trinitarian understanding of the creative process as well as her friendship with C.S. Lewis. Plus…

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CD 35 - Eric Twardzik & American Ivy Style 1:06:19

3y ago1:06:19

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Eric Twardzik is a regular in such publications as the Robb Report, WM Brown, and Drake’s online. His focus is men’s clothing and the drinks scene. We discuss classic American Ivy Style, its expressions in such places as Italy and Japan, Eric’s visit to Kentucky, and the rise of the white Negroni. Plus, Eric discusses a sheep to suit tailoring proj…

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CD 34 - Holly Ordway & Sharing the Gospel Through Literature 1:10:33

3y ago1:10:33

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Holly Ordway is the first returning guest on Cultural Debris. Holly and I discuss her most recent book Tales of Faith: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel Through Literature. Holly and I discuss the value of literature, receiving vs using stories, why reading fiction can be a dangerous act, and why so much modern Christian art is so bad. Plus, we get a p…

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CD 33 - Kevin Gutzman on The Jeffersonians 1:01:31

3y ago1:01:31

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Kevin Gutzman is Professor of History at Western Connecticut State University. He has published half a dozen books on Jefferson, Madison, and the Constitution. His latest book is The Jeffersonians. Cultural Debris Patreon - Support the podcast! Cultural Debris logo by Rachael Sinclair Twitter | Instagram The Jeffersonians, by Kevin Gutzman Kevin Gu…

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CD 32 - Raj Bhakta & (Very) Old Armagnac 1:29:54

3y ago1:29:54

1:29:54

My guest is Raj Bhakta. Raj is a true practitioner of the art of cultural debris. From founding one of the first premium whiskey brands, Whistle Pig—based out of Vermont, of all places—to buying an actual college at auction, Raj is not one to limit himself. We talk about all of those things, but especially Raj and I discuss the oldest known spirit,…

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CD 31 - Os Guinness & The Great Quest 1:05:39

3y ago1:05:39

1:05:39

My guest is Os Guinness, long a resident of the Washington, D.C. area, Guinness was born in China and educated at Oxford. He is a prolific author, most recently of The Great Quest and Zero Hour America, both from IVP. In our conversation we discuss the cultural crisis in America and if a turnaround is even possible. Os also discusses his childhood …

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CD 30 - Annette Kirk: From Long Island to Mecosta 1:00:14

3y ago1:00:14

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Annette Kirk was kind enough to sit down with me to talk on a recent visit to Piety Hill in Mecosta, Michigan in the brick Italianate home that she and Russell Kirk built a half century ago. Annette talks about growing up on Long Island, her activist mother, being present in the early days of the conservative movement at William F. Buckley’s home, …

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CD 29 - Luke Sheahan on The University Bookman and Academic Freedom 1:16:15

3y ago1:16:15

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Luke Sheahan of Duquesne University and the newly appointed editor of The University Bookman, a book review journal founded by Russell Kirk and edited by him until his death. Dr. Sheahan steps into the role left vacant by the passing of the great Gerald Russello, someone we all greatly miss. Dr. Sheahan and I discuss his plans for the Bookman, the …

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CD 28 - Jason M. Baxter & The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis 1:19:33

3+ y ago1:19:33

1:19:33

Jason M. Baxter is a professor at the University of Notre Dame and has a new book from InterVarsity Press titled The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis. Dr. Baxter and I discuss the C.S. Lewis few ever talk about, the dangers of presentism, and how the medievals aren’t at all like the common stereotypes. Plus, for the second podcast in a row football come…

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CD 27 - Michael Possanner & the Art of Bespoke Tailoring 1:15:19

3+ y ago1:15:19

1:15:19

Michael Possanner is a bespoke tailor in Vienna, Austria. Michael and I discuss the value of bespoke tailoring, his non-traditional journey to learning the ancient trade, his love of American football, and his passion of mixology and collecting vintage cocktail books. Christian Appalachian Project - Donate for flood relief Cultural Debris Patreon -…

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CD 26 - Greg Hillis on Thomas Merton’s Catholic Vision 1:14:53

3+ y ago1:14:53

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Dr. Greg Hillis of Bellarmine University in Louisville. He is author of the recent book Man of Dialogue: Thomas Merton’s Catholic Vision from Liturgical Press. Dr. Hillis and I discuss Merton’s reputation, his role as novice master at the Abbey of Gethsemani, his interaction with the Kentucky literary scene, and the significance of Merton’s interes…

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CD 25 - Fr. Gregory Pine On Prudence 1:03:33

3+ y ago1:03:33

1:03:33

Dominican Friar Fr. Gregory Pine is a host of the podcast Godsplaining and frequently appears on Pints With Aquinas. He is author of the new book Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly published by Our Sunday Visitor. Fr. Pine and I discuss the idea of prudence, its philosophical roots, and his favorite Kentucky bourbon distilleries, plus his st…

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CD 24 - Art Heists With Anthony Amore 1:00:00

3+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Anthony Amore is a Boston based New York Times bestselling author and art security expert. He is author most recently of The Woman Who Stole Vermeer: The True Story of Rose Dugdale. He also works as Director of Security and Chief Investigator at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum where he endeavors to recover the thirteen works of art stolen from …

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CD 23 - Literary Saints With Jessica Hooten Wilson 50:34

3+ y ago50:34

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Jessica Hooten Wilson is author of the new book The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints from Brazos Press. Jessica is a professor at the University of Dallas and has written previously on Walker Percy and Fydor Dostoevesky. She currently is preparing a manuscript on Flannery O’Connor. Jessica and I discu…

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CD 22 - Unicorns & Tapestries with Danielle Oteri 57:54

3+ y ago57:54

57:54

My guest is art historian Danielle Oteri who wrote a wonderful article published in The Paris Review about the Unicorn Tapestries in the Met Cloisters. Danielle and I discuss mystery and wonder, angels and unicorns. And a security guard named Howie. Oh, and a squirrel. Cultural Debris Patreon - Support the podcast! 'The Secret of the Unicorn Tapest…

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CD 21- Shouting Softly With Allen Mendenhall 1:13:47

4y ago1:13:47

1:13:47

My guest this episode is Allen Mendenhall, Associate Dean and Grady Rosier Professor in the Sorrell College of Business at Troy University, and author of the book Shouting Softly: Lines on Law, Literature, and Culture from St. Augustine’s Press. We discuss his family’s connection to author Harper Lee, Russell Kirk’s book The Conservative Constituti…

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CD 20 - Fr Harrison Ayre & The Sacramental Worldview 1:07:38

4y ago1:07:38

1:07:38

Father Harrison Ayre is one of the co-hosts of the podcast Clerically Speaking. I definitely recommend it as it is a favorite of mine. Father Harrion’s new book is Mysterion: The Revelatory Power of The Sacramental Worldview. We discuss the idea of sacramentality, the dangers of modernity and acedia, and the benefits of the Marian stance. Cultural …

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CD 19 - Swan Songs With Réginald-Jérôme de Mans 1:18:38

4y ago1:18:38

1:18:38

This episode’s guest is the author of the new book Swan Songs: Souvenirs of Paris Elegance. He writes under the pseudonym of Reginald-Jerome de Mans. In the book, he chronicles the end of old Parisian clothing institutions: shops and clothiers that sold luxurious wares for a century and longer, but the world seemingly passed them by. He also writes…

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CD 18 - You Are Not Your Own With Alan Noble 1:09:32

4y ago1:09:32

1:09:32

Alan Noble is author of the new book You Are Not Your Own: Belonging to God in an Inhuman World from IVP, The Intervarsity Press. Dr. Noble is a professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University and a founder of Christ and Pop Culture. Cultural Debris Patreon - Support the podcast! You Are Not Your Own: Belonging to God in an Inhuman World Alan N…

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CD 17 - A Time to Build Anew With Todd Hartch 1:05:03

4y ago1:05:03

1:05:03

My guest is Professor Todd Hartch of Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond. A specialist in the history of religion, particularly Latin American religion, Todd has written a new book A Time to Build Anew: How to Find the True, Good, and the Beautiful in America. You’ll enjoy our topics from sculptor Frederick Hart, to the Notre Dame School of Arc…

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CD 16 - Stuart Kells On Libraries, Shakespeare, & Curious Mysteries 1:08:32

4y ago1:08:32

1:08:32

My guest is author and bookman Stuart Kells of Melbourne, Australia. Stuart and I chat about various things bookish—private presses, pulp paperbacks, typefaces, and university presses. We even talk about two of his books a bit, The Library: A Catalogue of Wonders and Shakespeare’s Library: Unlocking the Greatest Mystery in Literature. Both highly r…

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CD 15 - Around the World With Alberto Miguel Fernandez 58:55

4+ y ago58:55

58:55

My guest is former Ambassador Alberto Miguel Fernandez. Alberto served as US Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea, and also served in various diplomatic roles around the world including in Afghanistan, Syria, and Sudan. He currently serves as vice president of the Middle East Media Research Institute. Alberto shares his early introduction to Russell Kir…

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CD 14 - Michael Ward On C.S. Lewis and The Abolition of Man 1:07:54

4+ y ago1:07:54

1:07:54

My guest is Father Michael Ward of Blackfriars Hall, Oxford and also of Houston Baptist University. Fr Ward has an enviable trifecta in his academic pedigree—degrees from Oxford, Cambridge, and St. Andrews. Fr. Ward is perhaps best known for his book Planet Narnia, which explains the correlation of each Narnia book to a planet in medieval cosmology…

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CD 13 - Reading the Times With Jeffrey Bilbro 1:03:33

4+ y ago1:03:33

1:03:33

Jeffrey Bilbro is editor of the The Front Porch Republic. Jeff is a fellow devotee of Wendell Berry, and has written a new book from IVP called Reading the Times: A Literary and Theological Inquiry Into the News. We discuss setting priorities in a Twitter world with a bit of talk about higher education thrown in. We even have nice things to say abo…