Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins

Is philosophy obsolete in our AI-driven world? Timothy Knotts argues just the opposite. Robert interviews Timothy Knotts, a member of Classical Conversations' development team, about "Reasoning Together Philosophy", an anthology of original works and excerpts from philosophers, writers, and thinkers from all eras, coming Spring 2025. Timothy discusses his journey into classical education, the importance of philosophy in today's education landscape, and why learning philosophical concepts remains relevant despite our STEM-focused culture. He explains how the book helps students engage with great thinkers throughout history while balancing faith and reason. Timothy also shares insights for homeschooling parents about prioritizing what matters most in education and offers advice for fathers on staying engaged with their children's learning journey.

https://info.classicalconversations.com/reasoning

https://www.newenglandcce.com/

The Classical Learning Cohort offers online classes for parents to become more confident and competent Classical teachers. Through small-group lessons with trained Mentors, participants practice implementing classical skills, giving and receiving assessments, while experiencing transformative growth as a classical Christian educator. Want to learn more? Attend a free, online, Experience the CLC event at classicalconversations.com/cohort.

When election night broadcasters were still counting votes, cryptocurrency insiders already knew who won. In this exclusive in-studio interview, Robert welcomes Will McCreery to explain how this digital asset has become both a leading economic indicator and a financial revolution that's caught the attention of the White House. The duo breaks down Bitcoin's fundamentals—from its decentralized nature and limited 21-million supply to the critical "halving" cycle. They explore how business leaders like Michael Saylor transformed their companies by converting cash reserves to Bitcoin, discuss President Trump's recent crypto summit at the White House, and reveal which ISO 20022-compliant cryptocurrencies could revolutionize banking by slashing transaction times from days to mere seconds.

The Classical Learning Cohort offers online classes for parents to become more confident and competent Classical teachers. Through small-group lessons with trained Mentors, participants practice implementing classical skills, giving and receiving assessments, while experiencing transformative growth as a classical Christian educator. Want to learn more?

Attend a free, online, Experience the CLC event at classicalconversations.com/cohort.

Could AI actually strengthen our faith communities rather than replace them? In this thought-provoking episode, Robert interviews Dr. Richard Snyder from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington. They explore the intersection of technology, faith, and education, with particular focus on how Christians should approach AI and digital media. Dr. Snyder shares insights from Northwest University's new "Tech and Culture" course, which is now part of their core curriculum. They discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by technological innovations, the importance of Christians actively shaping technology rather than merely responding to it, and how Northwest University prepares students to bring biblical perspectives into tech companies.

https://www.northwestu.edu/

Sign up for a Summer Camp Virtual Presentation at theexcelcamp.org . Your student will embark on a transformative journey in the Blue Ridge Mountains where they'll build lasting friendships in the context of community, embark on thrilling adventures like camping, rock climbing, and white-water rafting, and receive expert training and certifications in categories from CPR to Wilderness First Aid. Each aspect of the camp is woven together to help them learn to discover truth, discern wisely and take Godly action in the context of real-life situations. Learn more at theexcelcamp.org

What if the 80,000 hours you'll spend at work could become your most fulfilling ministry opportunity? Robert interviews Jeff Reep, the Director of Career Services at Cedarville University. They discuss the intersection of homeschooling, coaching, and Christian leadership. Jeff shares his 26-year journey homeschooling five boys, his experiences as an award-winning NCAA basketball coach, and his approach to career guidance and mentoring college students. The conversation highlights biblical principles for career discernment, purposeful work as worship, and the importance of intentional marriage mentoring.

https://www.cedarville.edu/

[email protected]

Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better "everyday educators." Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment.

Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com

While most students graduate with financial shackles, Excel College graduates debt-free with real-world skills. Robert speaks with Andrew Haak, Director of Excel Summer Leadership Camp. Andrew shares how Excel College students responded during Hurricane Helene, transforming their campus into a major distribution center for Western North Carolina. As a US Air Force veteran and former international missionary who has served in over 30 countries, Andrew brings a unique perspective to leadership development. He discusses Excel's distinctive educational philosophy that teaches students how to think rather than what to think, their debt-free education model, and their immersive two-week summer leadership camps that combine wilderness adventure, first aid training, and critical thinking for teens ages 15-19.

https://www.theexcelcollege.com/

https://www.theexcelcamp.org/

Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better "everyday educators." Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment.

Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com

In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Megan Griffin, Provost and Senior Vice President at Southeastern University, pulls back the curtain on the challenges and opportunities facing Christian higher education today. With two universities closing weekly across America, Dr. Griffin shares how SEU is breaking traditional models to create affordable, accessible education while maintaining biblical fidelity. Dr. Griffin challenges Christian colleges to reimagine their business models, maintain their spiritual mission, and extend their reach beyond traditional student demographics. Her passionate vision for transformation emphasizes education as spiritual formation that prepares students for meaningful lives of purpose.

https://seu.edu/

Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better "everyday educators." Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment.

Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com

What happens when a reluctant baseball player takes a bioethics class that changes his entire perspective on learning and life? Robert explores the intersection of philosophy, theology, and practical ethics with Dr. Bill Davis, professor at Covenant College and Reform Theological Seminary, and Noah Sweatman, Covenant College admissions counselor and Classical Conversations graduate. The conversation delves into how philosophy enriches theological understanding, with Dr. Davis explaining how Scripture writers used classical thought while correcting erroneous assumptions. Noah shares his surprising journey from being a reluctant bioethics student to finding it one of his most influential college classes, despite having no background in the field.

Covenant College on Lookout Mountain, GA, equips students for life in Christ-centered community. Our uncompromising biblical foundation gives you the freedom to curiously explore your calling and career. Learn More at covenant.edu/CC

Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better "everyday educators." Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment.

Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com

What happens when 400-year-old theological wisdom meets modern cultural challenges? Rev. Levi Berntson, Assistant Professor of Theology at Reformed Bible College and teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, shares his journey from farm fields in North Dakota to theological academia. He discusses his work translating Dutch Reformed theologian Campegius Vitringa and explains how Reformed theology's core principles—high view of Scripture, justification by faith alone, and God's sovereignty—remain relevant in today's increasingly secular culture. The conversation explores the essential relationship between knowing God and loving God, how theological education benefits Christians in all vocations, not just ministry, and practical advice for Christians navigating complex cultural challenges.

https://reformationbiblecollege.org/

Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better "everyday educators." Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment.

Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com

What if the solution to our throwaway culture lies in ancient educational methods and traditional craftsmanship? Robert interviews Luke Kolbie, CEO of Russell Moccasin Company and founder of Kingfisher Leather Works. Luke shares his remarkable journey from homeschooled Classical Conversations student to successful business leader and advocate for sustainable craftsmanship. Luke discusses how his classical education developed critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities that transformed his approach to business. He explains his mission of "conservation through craftsmanship" - creating products of such high quality that they never need to enter the waste cycle.

https://russellmoccasin.com/ Luke's Email: [email protected]

Discover the joy of learning in arts-integrated classes that combine academic subjects with fine art. From cycle-specific history to biology to art history, our passionate teachers make learning creative, memorable, and fun! Registration is open now for summer and fall classes. Classical Conversations families enjoy $10 off any live class with the coupon code: CCFAM10OFF Visit www.delightfulartco.com and make learning delightful!

Can a classically-educated student excel in STEM fields? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert welcomes Courtney Sanford, a homeschool mother and associate professor of fine arts at Bryan College, who shares her family's journey with classical education. She discusses how incorporating art and hands-on learning enhanced her children's education, including one son's path to medical school and another's pursuit of computer science. Courtney also introduces her innovative online art education company, Delightful Art Co, which integrates art with academic subjects for homeschool students.

Discover the joy of learning in arts-integrated classes that combine academic subjects with fine art. From cycle-specific history to biology to art history, our passionate teachers make learning creative, memorable, and fun! Registration is open now for summer and fall classes.

Classical Conversations families enjoy $10 off any live class with the coupon code: CCFAM10OFF Visit www.delightfulartco.com and make learning delightful!