Why did religion become obsolete? Dr. Christian Smith, a renowned sociologist from the University of Notre Dame and author of the new book Why Religion Went Obsolete, joins us to explore the cultural shifts that have led to the decline of traditional religion in America since the 1990s. From the impact of neoliberal capitalism and postmodernism to the rise of the internet and changing family structures, Dr. Smith unpacks the complex forces reshaping faith. We also discuss the rise of alternative spiritualities, the role of Christian nationalism, and what this all means for society’s future. Don’t miss this deep dive into the sociology of religion and its place in modern America!

CHAPTERS:
(00:00 - Introduction)
(00:28 - What Does "Obsolete" Mean for Religion?)
(04:40 - What Happened in 1991?)
(08:28 - Cultural Fragmentation and the Digital Revolution)
(11:20 - How Neoliberal Capitalism Undermined Faith)
(13:08 - The Impact of Postmodernism)
(15:27 - September 11 and Religious Scandals)
(18:54 - Changing Family Structures and Religion)
(20:33 - Has Postmodernism Faded?)
(23:37 - Explaining the Decline: Causal Mechanisms)
(27:30 - Religion’s Self-Inflicted Wounds)
(29:48 - What Can Religious Communities Do?)
(31:41 - The Rise of Traditionalist Micro-Movements)
(34:15 - Has the Rise of the “Nones” Plateaued?)
(39:22 - Obsolescence and the Future of Religion)
(46:22 - Societal Impacts of Religious Decline)
(52:52 - Closing Thoughts and Book Recommendation)

Buy Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America - https://www.amazon.com/Why-Religion-Went-Obsolete-Traditional-ebook/dp/B0DXSZZYPF/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20

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A fascinating discussion with Ian Fletcher, co-author of the comprehensive new book Industrial Policy for the United States (Cambridge University Press). In this episode, Ian unpacks the critical role of industrial policy in shaping America’s economic future, challenging the myths of free trade, and exploring how the U.S. can protect and grow its advantageous industries. From historical successes like the Morrill Act to modern challenges like China’s rise and the overvalued dollar, this conversation covers the past, present, and future of U.S. industrial strategy. 

Chapters:

(00:00 Introduction)
(01:17 Regarding Free Trade)
(02:43 What is Industrial Policy?)
(04:07 National Security and Deindustrialization Risks)
(07:49 The Role of Government in Innovation)
(09:37 Defining Advantageous Industries)
(12:29 Tariffs and Strategic Industries)
(13:55 U.S. Industrial Policy Through History)
(18:26 Government’s Role in Aviation and Tech)
(23:31 Industrial Policy Failures: Synthetic Fuels & Solyndra)
(29:48 Case Study: China’s Industrial Policy Success)
(38:21 Case Study: The UK’s Industrial Policy Failure)
(43:13 What Should the U.S. Do Today?)
(49:27 Evaluating Trump’s Tariff Policies)
(53:36 Key Takeaways from the Book)
(54:28 Ian’s Advice: Trust Economic History, Not Theory)

Buy Industrial Policy for the United States: https://www.amazon.com/Industrial-Policy-United-States-Competition/dp/1009243071/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20

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Join Aaron Renn as he sits down with Philip Howard, founder of Common Good, to discuss the crippling bureaucratic red tape stifling America’s ability to build and innovate. In this eye-opening episode, Howard delves into his Manhattan Institute paper, Escape from Quicksand: A New Framework for Modernizing America, revealing how a compliance-driven system has paralyzed infrastructure projects—like the $42.5 billion broadband initiative with zero results after four years. From the New Deal’s rapid achievements to today’s endless legal labyrinths, Howard proposes a bold solution: a framework rooted in human responsibility and accountability to restore America’s can-do spirit. Tune in to learn why we’re stuck, how we got here, and what it’ll take to break free.

CHAPTERS
(00:00 - Introduction)
(01:00 - The Problem: America’s Bureaucratic Quicksand)
(04:13 - New Deal vs. Today: A Stark Contrast)
(09:13 - Extortion by Law: How the System Enables Delays)
(15:27 - Solutions: Rebuilding a Framework for Action)
(23:02 - Political Challenges: Why Reform is Tough)
(29:01 - The Role of the Judiciary in Blocking Progress)
(37:43 - Conclusion: A Call to Replace the System)

Escape from Quicksand A New Framework for Modernizing America - https://manhattan.institute/article/escape-from-quicksand-a-new-framework-for-modernizing-america

Common Good - https://www.commongood.org/

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Join host Aaron Renn as he sits down with Elizabeth Landis, author of The Forgotten Realm: Civics for American Christians, to explore why Christians need to engage more deeply in the civil realm. From local government to federalism, Elizabeth shares her journey from a concerned citizen to a passionate advocate for civic involvement, offering practical insights and biblical wisdom for Christians navigating governance. Discover how to move beyond voting, build relationships across political divides, and become a winsome force for change in your community. Get your copy of The Forgotten Realm via the link below.

(00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to the Podcast)
(01:03 - Why Civics is the "Forgotten Realm" for Christians)
(02:37 - What Sparked Elizabeth’s Civic Awakening)
(06:38 - A Primer on American Government: From Local to Federal)
(09:15 - Uncovering Federalism and Election Systems)
(12:38 - Engaging with Local Government in Moscow, Idaho)
(17:07 - Building Unexpected Friendships Across Ideologies)
(19:17 - Opportunities for Christians in Civic Roles)
(24:21 - The Call for Christians to Care About Governance)
(29:02 - Christian Diplomacy: A Winsome Approach to Civics)
(33:06 - Conclusion: Key Takeaways and Book Info)

Buy The Forgotten Realm: Civics for American Christians - https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Realm-Civics-American-Christians/dp/1963505085/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20

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This fascinating conversation with writer Sheluyang Peng explores the profound influence of Friedrich Nietzsche on American thought. From Emerson’s impact on him to the way his philosophy found similarities with American pragmatism to his role in shaping modern political and cultural landscapes, this episode uncovers Nietzsche’s surprising connections to American philosophy, theology, and even infamous historical events like the Leopold and Loeb case. Yang shares insights into how Nietzsche’s ideas resonate with both the left and the right, and why his philosophy remains relevant today.

(00:00 - Introduction) 
(01:03 - Why Yang Got Interested in Nietzsche: A Preacher’s Kid Perspective)
(03:30 - Nietzsche’s American Connection: Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Influence)
(05:12 - American vs. European Views of Nietzsche)
(06:53 - Nietzsche’s Role in American Pragmatism)
(08:02 - H.L. Mencken and Popularizing Nietzsche in America)
(10:33 - Nietzsche and the Leopold and Loeb Murder Case)
(13:47 - Nietzsche’s Surprising Influence on Christian Thinkers)
(18:58 - Nietzsche in Modern American Politics)
(20:56 - Bronze Age Pervert and Right-Wing Nietzscheanism)
(25:27 - Nietzsche and René Girard’s Mimetic Theory)
(28:56 - Is Nietzsche Whatever You Want Him to Be?)
(30:14 - The Future of Nietzschean Thought in America)
(31:27 - Closing Remarks and Where to Read More)

SHELUYANG PENG LINKS:
🌐 American Affairs Journal: Nietzsche's Eternal Return in America - https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2024/11/nietzsches-eternal-return-in-america/
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WithinGoodNEvil

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Leopold and Loeb Murder Case: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopold_and_Loeb

Join Aaron Renn as he sits down with Geoffrey Kabaservice, Vice President of Political Studies at the Niskanen Center and author of Rule and Ruin: The Downfall of Moderation and the Destruction of the Republican Party, From Eisenhower to the Tea Party. In this compelling episode, they dive into the decline of moderate Republicanism, tracing the transformation of the GOP from the era of Dwight Eisenhower to the rise of Ronald Reagan, the Tea Party, and beyond. Why did moderate Republicans fade from prominence? What role did populism play in reshaping the party? And is there a future for pragmatic, effective governance in today’s polarized America? This conversation explores the historical shifts, key figures, and structural challenges facing the Republican Party, offering insights for anyone interested in American political history.

GEOFFREY KABASERVICE LINKS:
📖 Rule and Ruin: The Downfall of Moderation and the Destruction of the Republican Party, From Eisenhower to the Tea Party - https://www.amazon.com/Rule-Ruin-Moderation-Destruction-Development-ebook/dp/B005UFCPHG/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
📖 The Guardians: Kingman Brewster, His Circle, and the Rise of the Liberal Establishment - https://www.amazon.com/Guardians-Kingman-Brewster-Liberal-Establishment-ebook/dp/B00LRXCF66/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/ruleandruin

CONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn
🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

In this eye-opening episode, Aaron Renn sits down with Saagar Enjeti, co-host of Breaking Points and The Realignment, to dive deep into the explosive rise of sports betting in America. Following the 2018 Supreme Court decision that opened the floodgates, sports gambling has become a predatory industry, hooking millions with sophisticated algorithms, addictive apps, and aggressive marketing. Saagar breaks down the public policy failures, the devastating impact on problem gamblers, and the complicity of sports leagues and states in this growing crisis. From skyrocketing bankruptcies to increased domestic violence, the societal costs are staggering. Tune in to learn why Saagar calls for banning online gambling and how we can fight back against this dystopian trend. 

CONNECT & FOLLOW SAAGAR ENJETI:
🌐 Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar: https://www.youtube.com/c/breakingpoints
🌐 The Realignment Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3O3P7AsOC17INXR5L2APHQ
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/esaagar

Subscribe to Aaron Renn's newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Join me for this exclusive conversation with former Vice President Mike Pence, as we dive deep into faith, marriage, and navigating life in the public square. In this heartfelt episode, Pence shares his journey to Christianity, the secrets behind his 40-year marriage to Karen Pence, and the truth about the controversial "Mike Pence Rule." He also offers inspiring advice for those hesitant to enter public life, emphasizing how character and faith can thrive in today’s challenging political landscape. Don’t miss this powerful discussion filled with wisdom and encouragement.

Mike Pence's Books:
📖 So Help Me God - https://www.amazon.com/So-Help-God-Mike-Pence-ebook/dp/B0B6GK9LPG/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
📖  Go Home for Dinner: Advice on How Faith Makes a Family and Family Makes a Life - https://www.amazon.com/Go-Home-Dinner-Advice-Family/dp/1982190361/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Why can't America build like it used to? What happened to our mojo? In this eye-opening episode, special guest Tanner Greer dives deep into the cultural and institutional decline that’s left America struggling to get things done. From building the Empire State Building in a year to endless delays today, we explore what’s gone wrong—comparing the decisive Spanish Flu response of 1918 to the chaos of COVID-19—and uncover solutions from high-agency groups like the U.S. Marine Corps, LDS Church, and Silicon Valley. If you’re curious about why our institutions feel broken and how we can rebuild a culture that gets results, this episode is a must-listen! 

Tanner Greer: "On Cultures That Build": https://scholars-stage.org/on-cultures-that-build/

Tanner Greer: "A School of Strength and Character": https://www.palladiummag.com/2023/03/30/a-school-of-strength-and-character/

Inc. Magazine: "Corps Values": https://www.inc.com/magazine/19980401/906.html

Tanner Greer's Homepage: https://scholars-stage.org/

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Join Aaron as he sits down with William Wolfe, Executive Director of the Center for Baptist Leadership (CBL), to discuss the future of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the fight against liberal drift in the church, and the intersection of faith and politics. From grassroots reform to meeting President Trump in the Oval Office, William shares CBL’s mission to revitalize Baptist identity and equip a new generation of leaders. 

🌐 Center for Baptist Leadership: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/

🌐 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/