Choosing Better

Summary: Enoch and Tim challenge the assumption that welfare policy is a modern invention by exploring social safety nets in ancient societies. The conversation centers on the Old Testament's laws of Jubilee, examining the theological and practical purposes behind these ancient provisions for economic redistribution and debt relief. Rather than treating these historical practices as mere curiosities, they draw connections between ancient wisdom and contemporary welfare debates, asking what principles from these time-tested systems might inform modern policy design.

Credits: Drew Elliot (music) with additional thanks to the Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics.

Recording Date: September 25, 2025

Is ownership a natural right, a social contract, or just God’s loan? Join Tim and Enoch for a mix of humor, history, and hard questions.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 4 September, 2025

In this bonus episode of Choosing Better, Enoch and Tim dig deep into the sweeping changes to the U.S. H-1B visa system following the shock announcement of a $100,000 application fee. They break down the policy’s potential upsides and downsides, discuss its implications, and explore what it might mean for the future of American immigration. The U.S. immigration system is overviewed and some shocking trivia is revealed.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 25 September, 2025

Are boys and men falling behind? Enoch and Tim unpack the widening gap between men and women in education, leadership, volunteerism, and broader civic life. They spotlight striking statistics—like how university enrollment now stands at 59% female and only 41% male—and explore what this shift means for the future of families, communities, and society. The conversation traces how public attention has only recently turned to this issue and considers the long-term consequences of a generation of men growing up feeling undervalued, underperforming, and unseen. What happens to a society when half its young people believe the system isn’t built for them?

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 28 August, 2025

Why does it matter if inflation, unemployment, or GDP numbers get nudged to “look better” than they are? Enoch and Tim explore why keeping politics out of economic data is critical for good policy and stability. They discuss the recent dismissal of the BLS commissioner, walk through how data is collected, why it might be trusted and the lessons that can be drawn from case studies of Argentina, Mexico, and Greece.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: August 8, 2025

We all long for meaningful belonging—a place where we’re seen, accepted, and part of something greater than ourselves. But true belonging often comes at a cost. In this episode, Enoch and Tim explore why shared beliefs and behaviors—especially the difficult ones—are essential to forming lasting, purpose-driven communities. Building on their previous episode about the global rise of Christianity and renewed interest in faith, they dive into howcommitment, conformity, and even sacrifice shape religious identity. With personal stories, humor, and honest reflection, they unpack why even non-religious groups rely on behavioral boundaries to foster deep connection. Along the way, they reference the New York Times’ Believing project.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 14 July 2025

After years of slow decline, belief is growing. Not just in the US but across cultures and continents. In this episode, Enoch and Tim dive into surprising data about Christianity's recent rise, the return of young men to church, the increased attention from academics and influencers, and the influence of Christian underpinnings for society more broadly.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 1 July 2025

What do journalists and CIA analysts have in common? To be effective and trusted, both must present detailed information from a neutral perspective. But what happens when professionals in these fields feel an issue is important enough to cross the line into advocacy? Join Tim and Enoch as they sit down once again with former CIA executive Tim Buch to unpack the critical distinction between sharing information and pushing an agenda. In this timely conversation, they explore why neutrality matters, what’s lost when it's abandoned, and how to recognize bias—even in places where objectivity is expected.

Reference to previous episode with Jason Long on "History's Greatest Hits".

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics.

Recording Date: 13 May 2025

In a dramatic late-night session, Congress passed the sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. The legislation squeaked through the Senate in a 50-50 tie, broken by Vice President Vance, and passed the House by just four votes (218-214). But what exactly is in this massive bill—and why has it sparked such fierce debate? Enoch and Tim break down the key provisions, discuss why the bill is so controversial, and react calmly as they compare this bill to other hallmark deficit bills across modern presidential administrations

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 14 July 2025

Is AI coming for your job? In this episode, Enoch and Tim dive into centuries of techno-panic, from the Luddites and the ATM to ChatGPT and spreadsheet nostalgia. Is a world without work a dystopian nightmare or an opportunity to rethink purpose, productivity, and... pneumatic tubes? Join us as we laugh, learn, and maybe panic a little about the future of labor.

Link to referenced episode with Jason Long

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 7 May 2025