First Things Podcast

On this episode of the FIRST THINGS Podcast:

Editor Rusty Reno talks to associate editor Julia Yost about a shift in the terms that govern our political debates. He argues that the primacy once given to “freedom” in American conservatism now is given to “nationalism”—or should be.

Then, literary editor Matthew Schmitz joins Julia to discuss a few recent news items: the curious case of Boston’s re-frocked priest; Mike Pence’s rules for a happy marriage; and the cautionary tale of the professor who practiced “radical inclusion.”

On this episode of the FIRST THINGS Podcast:

Literary editor Matthew Schmitz and associate editor Julia Yost discuss The Americans—the Cold War spy drama that raises the question, Whose approach to sex is more dehumanizing? The KGB’s, or the average American parent’s?

Then, Matthew and Julia discuss John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress—the Puritan classic that, Matthew argues, anticipated all our American stories, whether we know it or not.

On this episode of the FIRST THINGS Podcast:

Associate editor Julia Yost talks to junior fellows Veery Huleatt and Connor Grubaugh about The Shack—the bestselling novel by William Paul Young, now a major feature film. In it, a bereaved father finds his way back to faith. But an unorthodox vision of the Holy Trinity compels us to discuss: Is it best to imagine the triune godhead according to biblical tradition, or according to personal taste?

Then, Julia talks to assistant editor Alexi Sargeant and journalist Leah Libresco Sargeant about Logan, the newest installment in Marvel’s Wolverine franchise. Themes of faith and fatherhood animate this film, in which we observe the maturation of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, and of the superhero genre.

On this episode of the FIRST THINGS Podcast:

Editor Rusty Reno and associate editor Julia Yost are joined by Midge Decter in a conversation about Michael Novak, who died on February 17. A theologian, social theorist, sports fan, and member of the founding generation of FIRST THINGS, Novak saw his way through the neocon transition from left to right. In his masterpiece, “The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism,” he made an influential case for the morality of free markets.

Then, Julia talks with literary editor Matthew Schmitz about a feature article in the forthcoming April issue of FIRST THINGS: “Return to Form,” a defense of traditional Catholic liturgy by the distinguished German writer Martin Mosebach. Matthew also overviews his own analysis of the post–Vatican II class divide in Catholic liturgy and practice, appearing recently in the Catholic Herald.

Associate editor Julia Yost talks with Senator Rónán Mullen of the Irish Parliament about the Eighth Amendment to the Irish Constitution. The Eighth Amendment, which guarantees the legal protection of unborn human life, is currently threatened by a repeal campaign. Learn about George Soros’s scheme to interfere in the affairs of a small Catholic country—and learn what Americans can do to help the pro-life cause in Ireland (hint: cherishlifeireland.org). Then, Julia gets editor Rusty Reno’s take on recent developments in Church, politics, sports, and fashion.

Senior editor Mark Bauerlein talks with associate editor Julia Yost about Donald Trump’s first week in office, from the inauguration speech to the Women’s Marches to the March for Life.

Then Julia conjures the spirit of the William Peter Blatty, who died earlier this month. They discuss The Exorcist—that very Catholic work of horror, for which Blatty authored both novel and screenplay.

On this spoiler-filled episode of the FIRST THINGS Podcast:

Associate editor Julia Yost talks with assistant editor Alexi Sargeant about Silence—the 1966 novel by Shusako Endo, newly adapted as a film by Martin Scorsese. Is the film better than the book? Will it win all the Oscars? Will it convert you to Death of God Theology?

Then, Leah Libresco joins for a discussion of Sherlock, the BBC’s update of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Great Detective, returning now for its fourth season. Is the series better or worse now than when it began? Is an iPhone cooler than a pocketwatch? Is Sherlock an addict, or isn’t he? What’s up with the fandom? And what do we want to see in the season finale?

Senior editor Mark Bauerlein and associate editor Julia Yost discuss the Christmas movie everyone either loves, or loves to hate—Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Points of contention include: whether Aristotle would approve of the film’s plot; whether Henry F. Potter’s banking practices would have forestalled the 2008 financial crisis; whether George Bailey should be blamed for American suburbia; and whether Jimmy Stewart’s voice can be tolerated.

Plus: Learn how you can advance the FIRST THINGS mission during this season of giving. (Every time you hit the donate button, an angel gets his wings.)

On this episode of the FIRST THINGS Podcast: Editor Rusty Reno introduces Philip Rieff’s The Triumph of the Therapeutic: The Uses of Faith after Freud. Published in 1966 and still fresh today, Rieff’s book (we particularly recommend the introduction) is the original and best critique of our therapeutic culture. Then, Senior editor Mark Bauerlein and associate editor Julia Yost discuss the 2016 season in college football.

On this episode of the FIRST THINGS Podcast:

Editor Rusty Reno talks with associate editor Julia Yost about the life, death, and meaning of Fidel Castro.

1:18 The enduring allure of the bearded revolutionary

6:45 Why young Cubans are post-Castro

15:16 The past and future of Cuban-American relations

Oxford Dictionaries’ Word of the Year for 2016 is “post-truth.” Senior editor Mark Bauerlein joins Rusty and Julia to discuss the wisdom and significance of this pick.

19:39 “Post-truth” as Word of the Year—yay or nay?

27:05 Post-truth politics as populist politics

37:35 Reality’s well-known liberal bias

42:13 The evolution of English: descriptivism vs. prescriptivism