Conservative Conversations with ISI

In this insightful episode, hosts Marlo Slayback and Tom Sarrouf are joined by Dr. Alex Taylor, Assistant Professor of English at Christendom College, for an engaging discussion on one of America's most compelling literary figures—Flannery O'Connor. Together, they explore the profound Catholic themes that run through O'Connor's stories, her unique use of the grotesque to reveal grace, and the enduring relevance of her work in a culture increasingly distant from traditional faith.
From the shocking moments in her fiction that awaken characters to divine realities to the deeper philosophical and theological questions O'Connor wrestled with, Dr. Taylor brings a rich theological perspective to the conversation. Whether you're a longtime fan of O'Connor or new to her work, this episode provides fresh insights into how her stories challenge, inspire, and provoke deeper reflection on the human condition.
Join us as we delve into O'Connor’s world and discuss how her Southern Gothic style and deeply Catholic worldview continue to resonate today.

In this engaging conversation, Tom Sarrouf sits down with Rachel Fulton Brown, professor of Medieval History at the University of Chicago, to explore the rich intellectual world of the Middle Ages and the medieval mind. They dive into how medieval thinkers understood faith, reason, and the cosmos, shedding light on the cultural and spiritual foundations that shaped the medieval world. Dr. Fulton Brown also shares insights from her work on The Dragon Common Room, a project dedicated to bringing medieval scholarship to a wider audience. This conversation offers a fascinating look at how the medieval mindset still resonates in today’s world.

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Richard Corcoran, former Secretary of the Florida Department of Education, as we delve into the transformative journey of New College of Florida. In this engaging conversation, Richard shares his vision for creating a balanced academic environment that fosters both rigorous scholarship and diverse viewpoints.
We explore the challenges surrounding academic freedom and governance, and how these issues impact student life and engagement on campus. Richard also offers valuable leadership lessons drawn from his experiences, highlighting the importance of resilience and adaptability in education.
Looking ahead, we discuss the future direction of New College and the broader implications for higher education. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that will inspire educators, students, and anyone passionate about the future of academia!

In this episode, host Tom Sarrouf sits down with Brad Littlejohn to discuss his latest book, Called to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License. They explore the concept of Christian liberty, its roots in the Reformation tradition, and its relevance today.
Brad addresses misconceptions of freedom as mere autonomy, emphasizing the role of responsibility, virtue, and obedience to God’s design. The conversation offers practical insights for navigating modern cultural and political challenges by reclaiming a richer understanding of freedom.
This episode provides thoughtful perspectives for anyone interested in theology, faith, and the meaning of true liberty.
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In this episode:

• Khalil Habib joins Conservative Conversations in an episode that covers a wide range of great thinkers, including Machiavelli, Montesquieu, Polybius, Livy, Lucretius, Tocqueville, and Edmund Burke
• why republics tend to become empires, and how the Founders used the history of the classical world when thinking about the Constitution
• how Napoleon fits into the story and meaning of the French Revolution

Texts Mentioned:

• Discourses on Livy by Niccolo Machiavelli
• Considerations on the Causes of Greatness of the Romans and Their Decline by Montesquieu
• The History of Rome by Livy
• The Histories by Polybius
• On the Nature of Things by Lucretius
• The Federalist Papers
• Reflections on the Revolution in France by Edmund Burke
• The Ancien Regime and the French Revolution by Alexis de Tocqueville
• The Spirit of the Laws by Montesquieu
• Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville
• A People’s Tragedy by Orlando Figes
• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
• Discourse on the Arts and Sciences by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
• “Letter to the Sheriffs of Bristol” by Edmund Burke

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