In this provocative episode, Aaron sits down with Joel Carini, "The Natural Theologian," to explore the challenges of truth-seeking within evangelicalism. From the insular approach of seminary education to the open inquiry at the University of Chicago, Joel contrasts how these environments shape Christian thought. They dive into presuppositionalism, natural theology, and why evangelicals often shy away from engaging with opposing views. Join us for a candid conversation about faith, doubt, and the pursuit of truth.

CHAPTERS
(0:00:00 - Introduction)
(0:02:06 - Seminary vs. University of Chicago: A Tale of Two Educations)
(0:03:38 - What is Presuppositionalism?)
(0:09:05 - The University of Chicago’s Truth-Seeking Approach)
(0:15:24 - The Limits of Presuppositionalism in Apologetics)
(0:19:32 - Evangelicals and the Fear of Being Wrong)
(0:25:18 - Critiquing Evangelicalism’s Defensive Mindset)
(0:33:25 - Finding Common Ground with Non-Believers)
(0:44:57 - What is Natural Theology?)
(0:54:00 - Learning from Secular Thinkers to Strengthen Faith)
(1:00:20 - Wrapping Up: Building Faith on a Solid Foundation)

JOEL CARINI'S LINKS:
🌐 The Natural Theologian: https://joelcarini.substack.com/

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🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn
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Dive into the housing crisis with Aaron Renn and Adam Ozemeck, Chief Economist at the Economic Innovation Group, as they unpack why buying a home can feel impossible in 2025. From skyrocketing construction costs to zoning roadblocks and institutional investors, this episode explores the real reasons behind soaring home prices. Discover potential solutions like YIMBYism, density zones, and more to make housing affordable again.

CHAPTERS:
(00:00 - Introduction: The Housing Crisis Explained)
(01:32 - State of the Housing Market: Why Are Prices So High?)
(05:58 - Indianapolis Case Study: A 40% Price-to-Income Surge)
(07:33 - Construction Costs: Why Building Homes Is So Expensive)
(15:33 - Zoning: The Hidden Barrier to Affordable Housing)
(23:26 - Monopoly in Home Building: Is Competition the Issue?)
(28:48 - Institutional Investors: Are They Driving Up Prices?)
(44:23 - Immigration and Labor: Impact on Housing Costs)
(49:50 - Solutions: YIMBYism and the Abundance Agenda)
(55:42 - Single Stair Reform: A Key to Cheaper Housing)
(59:22 - State Preemption: Rewriting Zoning Rules)
(1:02:13 - Density Zones: A Balanced Approach to Local Control)
(1:06:43 - Tackling Construction Costs: Tariffs and R&D)
(1:09:09 - Place-Based Policy: Spreading Opportunity Beyond Big Cities)
(1:15:08 - Fiscal Stimulus: Did It Fuel the Housing Crisis?)
(1:16:23 - Final Thoughts: Building a Dynamic Future)

ADAM OZIMEK'S LINKS:
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/ModeledBehavior
🌐 Economic Innovation Group: https://eig.org/

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🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn
🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Ted Esler, President of Missio Nexus, joins me to dive deep into the current state of Christian missions. He explores the history, challenges, and future of global missions, from the legacy of William Carey to the impact of globalization and cultural shifts. Ted discusses the role of unreached people groups, the influence of American imperialism, and the evolving dynamics of missionary work, including the significant contributions of women. Discover how missions are adapting in a rapidly changing world and what it means for the global church.

Note: There are 134,000 US missionaries, not 340,000 as stated in the podcast. Esler accidentally gave the global rather than US total.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
00:29 Defining Missions: Evangelism, Discipleship, and Church Planting
01:30 The History of the Modern Missions Movement
03:07 The Origins of Missio Nexus
04:00 Missionary Funding and Global Perspectives
06:49 Paradigms Shaping Modern Missions
08:22 The Tension Between Evangelism and Development Work
11:24 The Decline of Mainline Denominations in Missions
12:36 Missions and the Question of Imperialism
17:35 Missions in the Age of Globalization
23:24 The Impact of DEI and Christian Nationalism on Missions
26:22 Women in Missions: A Historical Constant
28:31 The Future of Missions: Trends and Predictions
33:01 Closing Thoughts

TED ESLER LINKS:
🌐 Missio Nexus: https://missionexus.org/

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🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Join host Aaron Renn as he sits down with Michael Foster, pastor of East River Church in Batavia, Ohio, for a raw and unfiltered conversation about the wild cultural ride of the past five years. From the rise of the Manosphere to the pushback against woke culture, the impact of the pandemic on churches, and the shifting dynamics of masculinity and dating, this episode dives deep into what’s shaping our world in 2025. Michael shares his journey from starting It’s Good to Be a Man to planting a church during the pandemic, offering insights on faith, culture, and the new vibe shift. Expect candid reflections, bold takes, and a look at where we’re headed next.

CHAPTERS:
(00:00 - Introduction)
(01:04 - Michael Foster’s Journey: Starting East River Church)
(03:58 - The Manosphere’s Rise and Cultural Impact)
(11:23 - Dating Dynamics and the Internet’s Influence)
(19:55 - The Pandemic’s Effect on Churches and Culture)
(28:49 - The Post-Pandemic Vibe Shift)
(36:30 - Christianity, Institutions, and Missed Opportunities)
(50:04 - Choosing Stability Over Controversy)
(58:13 - The New Cultural Stasis and What’s Next)
(1:08:09 - Closing Thoughts and Farewell)

MICHAEL FOSTER-S LINKS:
📖 It's Good to Be a Man - https://www.amazon.com/Its-Good-Be-Man-Masculinity/dp/1954887396/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/thisisfoster
🌐 This Is Foster - https://www.thisisfoster.com/

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

Professional boxer Ed Latimore talks about his inspiring journey from growing up in Pittsburgh’s housing projects during the crack epidemic to earning a physics degree and overcoming addiction. In this episode, Ed shares raw insights from his book, Hard Lessons from the Hurt Business: Boxing and the Art of Life, diving into the challenges of poverty, the psychological traps of subsidized housing, the impact of corporal punishment, and how boxing gave him discipline and community. Ed also opens up about his battle with alcoholism and offers practical advice for those struggling with addiction. Don’t miss this powerful conversation about resilience, pattern recognition, and transforming your life against all odds.

CHAPTERS
(00:00 - Introduction)
(01:02 - Growing Up in the Projects: Life During the Crack Epidemic)
(03:11 - The Systemic Traps of Subsidized Housing)
(06:13 - How Childhood Beatings Shaped Ed’s View on Boxing)
(09:01 - Boxing as a Path to Discipline and Community)
(14:48 - Why Ed Rejects Corporal Punishment)
(24:43 - Writing Hard Lessons from the Hurt Business: A Memoir with Purpose)
(26:54 - Discovering His Intelligence Through Boxing and Education)
(33:08 - From Boxing to a Physics Degree: Ed’s Academic Journey)
(37:18 - How Intelligence Kept Ed from Self-Destruction)
(44:01 - Overcoming Alcoholism: Ed’s Strategies for Recovery)
(53:15 - Final Thoughts and Book Details)

ED LATIMORE'S LINKS:
📖 Hard Lessons from the Hurt Business: https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Lessons-Hurt-Business-Boxing/dp/0593716361/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
🌐 Ed Latimore's web site: https://edlatimore.com/
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/edlatimore

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

Join me for an insightful conversation with Dr. Jason Jewell, Chief Academic Officer of the State University System of Florida, as we dive into the bold reforms transforming higher education in the Sunshine State. From Governor Ron DeSantis’ efforts to eliminate ideological influences to the creation of a new accrediting agency, we explore how Florida is reshaping its universities to prioritize academic excellence and efficiency. Learn about Florida's innovative steps toward a new accreditation model, its post-tenure review policy, and the fight against administrative bloat. 

CHAPTERS:
(00:00 Introduction)
(01:15 Dr. Jason Jewell’s Background)
(04:44 Role of the Board of Governors)
(08:41 DeSantis’ Higher Ed Reform Goals)
(12:29 Creating a New Accrediting Agency)
(31:50 Post-Tenure Review Policy)
(43:07 Tackling Administrative Bloat)
(48:00 Conclusion)

JASON JEWELL'S LINKS:
🌐 Governor Ron DeSantis Announces First-of-its-Kind Alternative University Accreditor - https://www.flbog.edu/2025/06/26/icymi-governor-ron-desantis-announces-first-of-its-kind-alternative-university-accreditor/
🌐 No “Brain Drain” from the SUS’s Post-Tenure Review - https://www.flbog.edu/2025/07/21/no-brain-drain-from-the-suss-post-tenure-review/
🌐 Jason Jewell's Substack - https://jasonjewell.substack.com/

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

Join Aaron in this eye-opening podcast episode with Rick Reinhardt, an expert on the intersection of urbanism and religion, as they dive into the growing crisis of America's emptying churches. With up to 100,000 churches facing closure, what happens to these historic buildings and their land? From affordable housing to community spaces, discover the challenges and opportunities of redeveloping sacred spaces in urban areas. Learn about the decline in church attendance, the financial burdens of maintaining historic properties, and innovative solutions for repurposing church real estate. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion on faith, urban planning, and the future of America’s communities!

CHAPTERS:
(00:00 - Introduction: The Church Closure Crisis)
(10:12 - Why Are Churches Closing Across America?)
(03:27 - Case Studies: Buffalo, Ottumwa, and Beyond)
(05:28 - The High Cost of Maintaining Historic Churches)
(08:05 - The Role of Churches in Communities)
(09:59 - Real Estate Opportunities: From Condos to Affordable Housing)
(12:58 - Using Church Land for Parking, Gardens, and More)
(15:27 - Affordable Housing: A Growing Trend for Church Properties)
(18:12 - Zoning and Regulatory Challenges)
(23:19 - Selling Churches: Who Buys Them and Why?)
(26:55 - Barriers to Redevelopment: Denominational Control and NIMBYs)
(30:07 - Cities and Tax-Exempt Properties)
(33:30 - Advice for Struggling Congregations)
(38:51 - Resources for Learning More)
(41:32 - Closing Thoughts)

RICK REINHARD LINKS:
🌐 Affordable Housing: YIGBY (“Yes in God’s Backyard”) Movement Seeks to Counter NIMBY Movement - https://urbanland.uli.org/property-types/housing-affordable-and-workforce/affordable-housing-yigby-yes-in-gods-backyard-movement-seeks-to-counter-nimby-movement
🌐 Can Struggling Houses of Worship Be Turned Into Housing? Not Always - https://www.governing.com/urban/can-struggling-houses-of-worship-be-turned-into-housing-not-always
🌐 Sacred Spaces, Civic Value: Making the Case for the Future of Faith-Built Assets - https://canurb.org/publications/sacred-spaces-civic-value/

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

An inspiring conversation with Reverend Jake Dell, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Woodbury, Connecticut, founded in 1659. Rev. Dell shares his journey to become an Episcopal priest, then to taking on leadership of a dying historic church in an attempt to revive a congregation with 355 year legacy. Also discover his bold vision for a donor intent litigation trust to hold mainline institutions accountable and revive America’s Christian heritage.

CHAPTERS:
(00:00 Introduction)
(01:04 Rev. Dell’s Journey to Ministry)
(05:02 The Need for Operation Reconquista)
(08:51 What Is Operation Reconquista?)
(12:29 Why Rev. Dell Is Optimistic About Revival)
(14:31 Understanding Congregational Churches)
(17:25 Reviving a 350-Year-Old Church)
(27:52 Secrets to Growing a Congregation)
(34:08 The Donor Intent Litigation Trust Idea)
(47:58 Next Steps for the Litigation Trust)
(50:01 Closing Thoughts)

REV. DELL'S LINKS:
🌐 The First Congregational Church of Woodbury - https://www.firstchurchwoodbury.org/

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🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Join Aaron Renn as he sits down with Doug Reed, president of Partnership International and author of Ten Men: The Rich Connections Every Man Needs. In this insightful podcast, Doug explores the powerful relationships in King David’s life from the Bible, revealing the ten types of men every man needs to thrive—mighty mentors, covenant friends, spiritual fathers, and even ordained opposition. Discover how these biblical principles can transform modern masculinity and foster deep, meaningful connections. 

CHAPTERS:
(00:00 - Introduction)
(00:21 - About 10 Men and King David’s Relationships)
(00:47 - Why Doug Wrote About Masculine Relationships)
(02:10 - Mighty Mentors: The Role of Joab in David’s Life)
(06:26 - Covenant Friendships: David and Jonathan’s Bond)
(09:52 - The Decline of Male Friendships Today)
(14:18 - Spiritual Fathers: Samuel’s Impact on David)
(18:01 - Ordained Opposition: How Goliath and Saul Shaped David)
(26:12 - Closing Thoughts)

Buy Ten Men: The Rich Connections Every Man Needs - https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Men-Connections-Every-Needs-ebook/dp/B0D938929B/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20

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

Join Aaron Renn as he sits down with policy wonk Robert Ordway to explore the vibrant and complex world of America's multiracial working class. Growing up in the steel town of Lake Station, Indiana, Ordway shares his journey from a blue-collar upbringing to working in the halls of power, offering unique insights into the values, challenges, and political shifts of working-class communities. From his roots in a Southern migrant family to his affiliations with both the NAACP and NRA, Robert’s story sheds light on the cultural and economic dynamics shaping places like Northwest Indiana. Discover how faith, family, and community anchor these communities and why figures like Donald Trump resonate with them. Don’t miss this heartfelt and revealing conversation about the heart of America’s working class.

CHAPTERS:
(00:00 Introduction)
(01:01 Why Robert Is a Life Member of Both the NRA and NAACP)
(04:34 Growing Up in Gary: A Family History)
(10:36 Life in Lake Station: A Working-Class Childhood)
(21:31 Racial and Ethnic Dynamics in Northwest Indiana)
(28:36 Politics in Lake Station: Trump and Ticket-Splitting)
(33:37 The Appeal of Trump’s Style to the Working Class)
(37:00 A Life-Changing Scholarship: From Steel to College)
(53:07 Staying Connected to Working-Class Roots)
(58:39 Conclusion: Understanding the Working-Class Heart)

ROBERT ORDWAY'S LINKS:
🌐 The Reality of America’s Multi-Racial Working Class - https://www.aaronrenn.com/p/multi-racial-working-class
🌐 Robert Ordway's Substack - https://www.robertordway.com/

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