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, we may just have your soundtrack for Holy Week.

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Kathryn Wehr Website | YouTube

The Man Born to Be King, by Dorothy L. Sayers

Logos: A Journal of Catholic Thought & Culture

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 project.

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Eric Twardzik Instagram | Website

'Demystifying the White Negroni'

Eric Twardzik at Robb Report

WM Brown Magazine Issue 12

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 preview of Holly’s fascinating upcoming book.

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Holly Ordway Website | Twitter

Tales of Faith: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel Through Literature

Cultural Debris logo by Rachael Sinclair Twitter | Instagram

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.

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Cultural Debris logo by Rachael Sinclair Twitter | Instagram

The Jeffersonians, by Kevin Gutzman

Kevin Gutzman Website | Twitter

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, Armagnac, and his discovery of a great horde of Armagnac at a chateau in France, with vintages dating back over a century and a half. Raj bought it all, and the chateau, and launched Bhakta Spirits. We discuss everything from Armagnac to the Apprentice (and the guy who hosted it), but mostly Armagnac. And a little bourbon.

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Bhakta Spirits Website | Instagram

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 in China, his time with Francis Schaeffer, a chance meeting with Winston Churchill, and whether or not he receives free shipments of bottles from Guinness. 

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Os Guinness Website

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, and later meeting Russell Kirk. We discuss the culture shock of moving to rural Michigan, how their home became a magnet for refugees from around the world, and the work of the Kirk Center over the past 27 years. Plus, Annette tells the story of being kidnapped in her own car.

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The Russell Kirk Center For Cultural Renewal

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 debate between Russell Kirk and William F. Buckley on academic freedom, and the fundamental need for associations and the freedom of association as outlined by Robert Nisbet.

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Luke Sheahan Website | Twitter

The University Bookman

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 comes up.

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Jason M. Baxter website 

The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis

Jane Greer, The World As We Know It Is Falling Away

Moonshine & Magnolias: A Journal For Southern Regional Consciousness

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.

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Michael Possanner - website | Instagram

Coconelli Patisserie - website | Instagram