He had never stepped in front of a camera before. He almost ignored the audition opportunity completely. But when Robert Amaya finally sent in that tape for Courageous, it launched a career that would transform both faith-based filmmaking and his own family forever.

In this inspiring episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with actor, speaker, and mentor Robert Amaya to discuss his journey in faith-based filmmaking and his experience as a Classical Conversations dad. Robert shares the miraculous story of how he landed his breakthrough role in Courageous despite having zero acting experience, and how working with the Kendrick Brothers became a "master class" in biblical manhood that changed his life forever.

What You'll Discover:

• The incredible "courtesy call rejection" that turned into Robert's first movie role
• Why working on faith-based film sets with the Kendrick and Erwin Brothers is different from Hollywood
• How Robert's faith journey transformed from church rebellion to using film as a platform for the gospel
• The void in Christian filmmaking—and what Robert's doing about it through Join Creators Call
• Practical advice for parents whose kids want to pursue acting (hint: start with children's theater!)
• Why Robert believes homeschooling through Classical Conversations has given his daughters skills that surpass what he had in 12th grade
• How CC community provides the support system that eliminates parents' fears of inadequacy
• The Lancaster Film Initiative—Robert's new nonprofit creating excellence in faith-based films with profit-sharing for all involved

Robert's transparency about raising two talented daughters in the entertainment industry while maintaining strong family values and a classical education offers both practical wisdom and genuine encouragement. His motto says it all: "Faith, family, and fun."

Resources:

https://joincreatorscall.com/

Robert Amaya’s IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3892002/

Robert Amaya’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realrobertamaya

This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by the Classical Learning Cohort:

Are you a CC parent or graduate wanting to become a more confident classical educator? Why not sample the CLC by attending a free, online "Experience the CLC" event at classicalconversations.com/cohort. Find a time that fits your schedule.

What if everything you thought you knew about the Bible's structure was making it harder to understand God's story? Pastor, author, and Bible engagement architect Randy Frazee joins host Robert on Refining Rhetoric to discuss why so many Christians—even those in Bible-believing churches—can't articulate the basic narrative of Scripture. The problem isn't a lack of commitment; it's how the Bible is organized.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• ·       Why chronological Bible reading changes everything (and how The Story makes it accessible)
• ·       What really happens after you die—and why most Christians have it backwards
• ·       The surprising biblical truth: heaven isn't the final destination (hint: read Revelation 21-22)
• ·       Why the Garden of Eden matters for understanding eternity on the new earth
• ·       How Paul wrote the ultimate treatise on joy... from prison
• ·       The neuroscience that validates ancient biblical wisdom about depression and anxiety
• ·       Why gratitude is the #1 weapon against worry (backed by both Philippians and brain science)
• ·       The loneliness epidemic destroying Americans—and how proximity creates real community
• ·       Practical ways homeschoolers can combat isolation and build deeper connections

Randy brings decades of pastoral wisdom, research-backed insights, and a refreshing perspective on biblical literacy. From explaining why Psalm 51 should be read right after 2 Samuel 11 (David's confession after his fall with Bathsheba) to unpacking why we'll still struggle at golf in the new kingdom (yes, really), this conversation bridges ancient truth and modern science.

This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:

2026 Classical Conversations Family Cruise

Have you heard? The Classical Conversations 2026 CC Family Cruise will set sail on May 16, 2026. This exciting adventure is open to all CC families and alumni. It will include the National Memory Master Competition, National Commencement, and special CC family activities. Interest is booming with over 800 people interested in cruising with us and cabins are selling out fast!

Book your cabin now at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026 

Remember, to participate in the CC activities you need to book through the CC group. Grab your sunscreen, your beach bag. and join us on board!

What if the virtue we've been taught to prize above all others—empathy—has become a weapon that's destroying our families, churches, and society? In this thought-provoking episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Dr. Joe Rigney, author of the controversial new book "The Sin of Empathy: Compassion and Its Counterfeits." Dr. Rigney, who serves as Fellow of Theology at New St. Andrews College and is a pastor at Christ's Church, makes a bold argument that will challenge everything you think you know about compassion. Using the powerful analogy of someone drowning in quicksand, Dr. Rigney distinguishes between biblical compassion—which reaches out to help while remaining anchored to truth—and what he calls "untethered empathy," which jumps into the pit with both feet, creating two drowning victims instead of one. This counterfeit virtue, he argues, has been weaponized across cultural battlegrounds from immigration and abortion to the transgender movement, demanding that we validate feelings regardless of truth or moral consequences. The conversation explores how this emotional manipulation has infiltrated churches, schools, and homes through Social Emotional Learning curricula, creating what Dr. Rigney calls "the institutionalization of the pity party." From the redefinition of marriage to the mutilation of confused children in the name of "gender-affirming care," he traces how untethered empathy leads through a predictable progression: pity to anger to cruelty—all while flying the banner of compassion.

Resources:

https://x.com/joe_rigney

https://canonpress.com/products/the-sin-of-empathy

This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by the Classical Learning Cohort:

Are you a CC parent or graduate wanting to become a more confident classical educator? Why not sample the CLC by attending a free, online "Experience the CLC" event at classicalconversations.com/cohort. Find a time that fits your schedule.

In the aftermath of tragedy, the internet becomes a breeding ground for speculation, conspiracy theories, and misinformation—but how do we navigate these waters wisely? Cold case detective J. Warner Wallace returns to Refining Rhetoric to discuss the recent shooting of Charlie Kirk, offering crucial insights on distinguishing between what we can know from public information versus unfounded theories that spread online. Wallace explains why detectives withhold information during investigations, how to evaluate claims about shooting feasibility and evidence, and why complexity isn't usually the answer in criminal cases. The conversation moves beyond the specifics to address deeper questions about identity, martyrdom, and how our worldview shapes our response to violence. Wallace emphasizes that Charlie's identity was rooted in Christ first, with his political views flowing from that foundation. The episode concludes with practical advice for parents on helping children process tragedy and ground their identity in something transcendent rather than political or cultural groups. Wallace also discusses his new graphic novel "Case Files: Murder and Meaning" co-written with his son Jimmy, which explores themes of identity and human value through a criminal investigation narrative.

Resources:

https://coldcasechristianity.com/

This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:

2026 Classical Conversations Family Cruise

Have you heard? The Classical Conversations 2026 CC Family Cruise will set sail on May 16, 2026. This exciting adventure is open to all CC families and alumni. It will include the National Memory Master Competition, National Commencement, and special CC family activities. Interest is booming with over 800 people interested in cruising with us and cabins are selling out fast!  

Book your cabin now at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026

Remember, to participate in the CC activities you need to book through the CC group.

Grab your sunscreen, your beach bag. and join us on board!

Everyone's talking about AI replacing jobs, but here's what they're missing: the real danger isn't AI taking over—it's our children never learning to think for themselves. Classical education might just be the key to thriving in an AI-dominated world. In this thought-provoking episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins dives deep into artificial intelligence and its implications for families, education, and society. With the Trump administration pushing AI as a solution to national debt and economic challenges, Robert examines both the promises and perils of this technological revolution. From data privacy concerns and the staggering energy demands of AI infrastructure to its potential impact on childhood development and learning, Robert offers a balanced perspective on navigating this new landscape. He shares practical insights on when and how to use AI tools effectively while emphasizing why the struggle of learning remains irreplaceable. This episode is essential listening for parents wondering how AI will affect their children's education and future opportunities, offering both warnings and wisdom for the road ahead.

Key Topics Covered:

•               The Trump administration's AI strategy and national security implications
•               Data privacy, intellectual property, and energy infrastructure challenges
•               AI in education: personalized learning vs. relationship-based teaching
•               Why experts benefit from AI while novices suffer
•               Practical guidelines for using AI tools safely and effectively
•               The irreplaceable value of struggle and the learning journey
•               How classical education prepares students for an AI-integrated world

This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by the Classical Learning Cohort:

Are you a CC parent or graduate wanting to become a more confident classical educator? Why not sample the CLC by attending a free, online "Experience the CLC" event at classicalconversations.com/cohort. Find a time that fits your schedule.

Charlie Kirk was the kind of person who remembered your name even after meeting you just once at a crowded event. Robert joins Dr. Owen Anderson, professor at Arizona State University and faculty advisor for the Turning Point USA chapter, for a heartfelt discussion following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Dr. Anderson shares personal memories of Charlie as "America's Socrates" - a genuine, friendly debater who engaged with students across the political spectrum on college campuses. The conversation explores the radicalization happening at universities, the concerning normalization of ideologies like DEI and transgenderism, and how parents can better prepare their children for the intellectual challenges they'll face in higher education. Dr. Anderson discusses his own legal battles with mandatory DEI training at ASU and provides insight into the hostile environment facing conservative voices on campus. The episode concludes with reflections on Charlie's legacy as a Christian martyr and how his example should inspire more believers to engage courageously in cultural debates.

Resources:

Dr. Anderson’s Substack: https://drowenanderson.substack.com/

When Kim Davis spent six days behind bars for refusing to sign same-sex marriage certificates, most people thought the story was over. They were wrong. Nine years later, Davis faces $360,000 in personal damages—and her case is now headed to the Supreme Court with the potential to overturn same-sex marriage entirely. Constitutional attorney Matthew Staver, who will argue before the justices, reveals how a small-town Kentucky clerk's conscience has become the vehicle for what could be the most significant religious liberty victory since the founding. But here's the twist: Even Chief Justice John Roberts saw this coming. In an unprecedented move, he read his Obergefell dissent from the bench—something he's never done before or since—warning that "five lawyers" were imposing their will without constitutional basis. Now, with a transformed Supreme Court and religious freedom wins piling up, Staver explains why 2026 could be the year everything changes. From the legal strategy that's already defeated "terrible decisions" to why Christians can't repeat the post-Roe mistakes, this episode reveals the inside story of the case that has constitutional conservatives hopeful.

Resources:

https://lc.org/mat-staver

https://lc.org/Kim

This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:

2026 Classical Conversations Family Cruise

Have you heard? The Classical Conversations 2026 CC Family Cruise will set sail on May 16, 2026. This exciting adventure is open to all CC families and alumni. It will include the National Memory Master Competition, National Commencement, and special CC family activities. Interest is booming with over 800 people interested in cruising with us and cabins are selling out fast!  

Book your cabin now at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026

Remember, to participate in the CC activities you need to book through the CC group.

Grab your sunscreen, your beach bag. and join us on board!

What if you discovered you have more religious freedom right now than at any point in your lifetime—but nobody told you? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert sits down with Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO of First Liberty Institute, to discuss the remarkable string of religious freedom victories at the Supreme Court that most Americans don't even know happened. Shackelford, a constitutional scholar who has argued and won multiple cases before the Supreme Court, breaks down four major religious liberty wins achieved in just 13 months, including the landmark Coach Kennedy case that overturned 50 years of anti-religious precedent.

Key topics covered:

• How the Supreme Court restored religious freedom protections in the workplace and schools
• What these victories mean for Christians, business owners, and educators
• Practical guidance on exercising religious rights at work and in public spaces
• The truth about what pastors can and cannot say from the pulpit regarding politics
• Why millions of Christian voters staying home could change election outcomes
• Resources available at FirstLiberty.org for understanding your religious freedom rights

Shackelford emphasizes that Americans now have more religious freedom than they've had in their lifetime, but many don't realize the extent of their restored rights. This episode provides essential insights for anyone wanting to understand and exercise their constitutional religious liberties.

Resources:

https://firstliberty.org/

This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by the Classical Leanring Cohort:

Are you a CC parent or graduate wanting to become a more confident classical educator? Why not sample the CLC by attending a free, online "Experience the CLC" event at classicalconversations.com/cohort. Find a time that fits your schedule.

Before government schools, America had 95% literacy. Now it's 35%. What if everything you've been told about "fixing" education is actually designed to make it worse? Robert teams up with award-winning journalist and CEO of Liberty Sentinel, Alex Newman, to announce their explosive new book "Woke and Weaponized" - a deep dive into how Karl Marx's ideas infiltrated American education and what parents can do about it. From Robert Owen's occult origins to the post-WWI turning point that handed our children to the state, this episode reveals the shocking history behind today's educational crisis and offers hope for families seeking true educational freedom.

Resources:

https://libertysentinel.org/

This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:

CC Plus Concurrent Enrollment:

The Concurrent Enrollment Program is a flexible opportunity to earn college credit from an accredited Christian university while honoring homeschool families and program parameters contained in the Challenge Guide. Your student can remain in community while earning college credit for the work they are already doing which means community and mentoring stay in place while practicing the skills of learning through college! 

Register now or learn more by going to classicalconversationsplus.com/concurrent-enrollment-program.

What if the biggest threat to Christian values in America isn't hostile politicians—but Christians who refuse to vote? Bunni Pounds drops a bombshell statistic that will shake you: Christians are registering and voting at exactly the same rates as the general population. That means roughly half of Bible-believing Americans are voluntarily sitting out the very process that determines who governs their communities.

While faithful Christians stay home on election day, secular activists are showing up in droves to elect school board members who push gender ideology, city council members who restrict religious freedom, and county officials who shut down churches. We're literally handing over our nation to people whose worldview is diametrically opposed to Scripture—and then wondering why our culture is falling apart.

Bunni's journey from homeschool mom to political consultant to mobilizing nearly a million Christians reveals the stunning power of engaged believers and the devastating consequences of Christian apathy.

Resources:

https://www.bunnipounds.com/

https://christiansengaged.org/

https://www.americareadsthebible.com/

This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Grand Canyon University and Classical Conversations Plus Undergraduate Program:

Is your homeschooler ready for what’s next? At Grand Canyon University, we’re Christ-centered and academically focused, just like your family. GCU supports homeschool

students with Classical Conversations scholarships, personalized guidance at every step

and a welcoming student community. See for yourself with our homeschool campus visit programs — where faith, freedom and community meet.

Grow spiritually. Grow academically. Find your purpose at GCU. 

Learn more at gcu.edu/homeschool.

Classical Conversations Plus Undergraduate Program

Your Purpose Made Approachable…

Whether that is a degree, a discipline, or a deeper understanding of interests, CC Plus Undergrad can help. Our unique relationship with Southeastern University provides multiple opportunities and options for enrolling as a degree-seeking student at Southeastern University, which allows for a continued pursuit of lifelong learning, making passion and purpose approachable whether you are a CC graduate or CC parent.

To learn more about the CC Plus Undergrad Program or to begin your journey of pursuing your next season of learning, go to www.classicalconversationsplus.com/undergraduate-program