But today I have a positive example of an evangelical Christian doing scholarship at the elite level. He’s T. C. Schmidt, a professor at Fairfield University. Schmidt did his Ph.D. in Religious Studies at Yale and is a scholar of early Christianity.

His relatively new book is Josephus and Jesus: New Evidence for the One Called Christ (free download). The product of over a decade of research, this academic book makes the case that the Testimonium Flavianum - a passage about Jesus in the work of the ancient Jewish historian Josephus - is original and authentic. The scholarly consensus for 100 years is that it was edited by later Christians.

Schmidt uses a variety of research methods to argue for its authenticity. The research is so compelling that top level Josephus scholars are writing major reviews. And the world’s leading scholar of Josephus believes that Schmidt’s arguments are very strong.

We discuss his book, but also what it takes for evangelicals to do scholarship that makes an impact at the highest levels of their field - and what the broader evangelical ecosystem can do to support this kind of scholarly endeavor.

Be sure to also check out the Institute for Christian Reflection, where Schmidt is a scholar in residence.

I had Dean on a couple years ago to talk about AI. But much has changed since then. AI isn't just answering questions anymore—it's doing real work that used to take humans hours, days, or even weeks. In our podcast conversation, Dean breaks down the massive leaps in AI since mid-2024: smarter models with true reasoning, web-searching research agents, and revolutionary coding agents that control your computer via command line to automate complex tasks. Among other things, we discuss:

• Why AI has gone from "toy" to essential tool for professionals

• The rise of coding agents (Claude Code, OpenAI tools) and real-world examples

• Why so many skeptics—especially on the American right—are still skeptical (and why they're likely to get left behind)

• Data center backlash, NIMBYism, energy/water concerns, and how AI companies could win more community support

• Dean's experience drafting the Trump administration's AI action plan at the White House OSTP

• Practical tips for using AI.

You can also subscribe to Dean Ball’s AI focused Substack.

Hyperdimensional

A newsletter about emerging technology and the future of governance.

By Dean W. Ball

Here’s the Youtube version, for those who are interested:

Dr. Thompson and I talk about slavery from from its English colonial roots, the Civil War, Jim Crow, civil rights victories, and today's challenges. We discuss how history shapes identity, why progress has been real yet uneven, the impact of WWII on black human capital, post-1960s cultural shifts, talent migration, networks, and why national unity is essential for America's future in a competitive world.

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Thompson’s Substack:

Outside the Academy w/ Dr. Albert Thompson

Using history to dismantle the myths of modern statecraft. A Realist's guide to foreign policy and the uncomfortable truths of power.

By Albert Russell Thompson

Here’s the video version if you are interested.

They dive deep into the structural challenges facing the country, particularly the Boomer Paradox (how older generations are both holding society together and holding it back), the rise of gerontocracy and its impact on young Americans, the transformative power of AI as democracy's best hope, America's declining state capacity and overregulation, and the urgent need to shift from performative culture-war politics to real problem-solving.

You can read Giesea’s three part series on the Boomers and generational transition right here on Substack:

• The Boomer Reckoning No One's Ready For

• Boomer Caregiving Will Wreck Our Politics

• The Long Boomer Farewell

You can also read my own thoughts on the transition to a post-Boomer America.

The book is an economic history of Pittsburgh, which suffered America’s most extreme Rust Belt collapse during the 1980s, all but wiping out its signature steel industry and causing hundreds of thousands of people to leave the region. Yet Pittsburgh today is viewed as a success story in economic transformation.

With so much of America struggling to reinvent itself economically - including pretty much the entire Midwest and Northeast - leaders around the country can learn a lot of looking at what happened in Pittsburgh.

Justin shares some interesting real-life stories to fill in what he’s talking about, such as a multi-generation gravel pit owner who’s deliberately preserving two generations of reserves for his sons instead of chasing short-term profits, how he set his teenage boys up with $3,000 each to start lawn-mowing businesses (one made $35K in a summer), and why small, strategic investments at key “choke points” (home down payments, first business capital, financial literacy) can change the trajectory of a young person’s life forever.

Powell’s article hit a nerve with many people. I hope this adds some additional color to it.

Greer contrasts today's Silicon Valley tech elite with the Gilded Age industrialists and Eastern Establishment who led America's second industrial revolution - railroads, steel, electricity, modern corporations - and built a modernized nation. He argues that tech leaders must step up as a true governing class — with economic power, political coalitions, and cultural vision — to build a "techno-nationalist" America that serves the nation, not just consumer gadgets or globalist ideals.

We explore why Karp's call for Silicon Valley patriotism falls short, the lessons from history's successful elites (like building alliances beyond their own class), and what it would take for tech to become a patriotic, nation-building force in the age of AI, China rivalry, and hard tech resurgence. Whether you're in tech, politics, or just care about America's future, this is a must-listen on power, elites, and rebuilding national ambition.

Follow Tanner on X, at his web site, and right here on Substack.

The Scholar's Stage

Researching the Communist Party of China is my day job. Here I write long reads on international politics, ancient history, and American conservatism.

By T. Greer

We explore the long-term consequences: aging societies, loss of dynamism, military vulnerabilities, and whether the United States could emerge as demographic "last man standing" in a world of collapsing birth rates. The conversation covers housing affordability, young men's declining economic prospects, marriage penalties in public policy, ineffective pronatalist interventions, and why cash incentives do work—but at a steep price. Stone also critiques "billionaire baby fetishes," calls for fixing marriage disincentives, and highlights practical ideas like family-friendly airports and better child tax credit design.

• The growing fertility gap between red states (near replacement) and blue states (deeply sub-replacement)

• How marriage is becoming even more important for births in the era of perfect birth control

• The rise of a genuine pro-natal culture on the political right

• Why high-density YIMBY-style housing often hurts family formation

• The forgotten role of suburban sprawl in fueling the Baby Boom

• Rising material expectations and status competition squeezing young families

• Billionaire fertility extremes and the shifting debate around IVF/surrogacy

If we want a growing future, we need more births. This episode unpacks the cultural, economic, and policy roadblocks—and what might actually move the needle.

Subscribe to Hess’ More Births Substack:

More Births

Ideas for reversing the collapse in global fertility, the greatest challenge of our age. Humanity is precious.

By Daniel Hess

You can follow Root on X/Twitter or subscribe to his Substack.

The Fitting Room

Your Guide to Ivy/Prep

By O.W. Root

This week they join me on the podcast to address the biggest myths about Gospel authorship, dating, and accuracy. From undesigned coincidences that criss-cross all four Gospels, to Luke’s geographical and political precision in Acts, to the statistically perfect 1st-century Jewish names—the evidence is far stronger than mainstream scholarship admits. If you’ve ever wondered whether the New Testament can stand up to rigorous historical scrutiny, this episode is one to listen to.

And remember, through December 12 you have a chance to join my Member community at a big discount of 30-40% off the regular monthly rate. Don’t miss out. For just $360/year you get all the benefits of being a paid Subscriber, plus an exclusive podcast, Member Zoom, and access to a private Member Slack community.

Become a Member Today at 40% Off

If you’d rather pay monthly, you can do so on Patreon for $35/month - 30% off the regular monthly rate of $50.

In an era of cynicism and drift, Rich DeVos’s unapologetic optimism, faith in people, love of America, and defense of free enterprise feel more urgent than ever. From sinking boats off Cuba to building one of the world’s largest private companies, this is a conversation about risk, patriotism, and perseverance.

Doug DeVos also has a Substack in honor of his father’s book called The Believe Journal.

Believe! Journal

Bringing entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and everyday Americans together to discuss the principles that both unite us and set us apart from the pack. God, America, Free Enterprise—this is what the Founding Fathers started with, and this is what we Believe!

By Doug DeVos

He explains how we’re experiencing an unprecedented retreat from lifelong care relationships, the apocalyptic consequences of global fertility collapse, and what this means for the future of society. From depopulation in rural areas to the rise of right-wing populism in response to immigration pressures, this conversation covers the massive societal transformations happening right now that most people aren’t talking about.

Darel Paul is the author of the book From Tolerance to Equality: How Elites Brought America to Same-Sex Marriage. You can follow him on X.

Jim vs. the Future is about an ordinary guy, a Christmas Eve breakup, and time-traveling kidnappers from competing futures all fighting to force one decision that will save their timeline…and erase the rest. Think Primer meets It’s a Wonderful Life—with theology, multiverse genocide, and a guy who’s tired of being a doormat.

You can watch the trailer on Vimeo or watch the entire film online or on DVD.

In her book, Leah explores a vision of feminism rooted not in independence, but in the inherent dignity of human dependence. From kitchen counter heights to breast pumps, investment banking hours to factory design, we discuss how modern systems often demand standardization at the expense of human flourishing, especially for women and families. Leah challenges the myth of autonomy, celebrates the interdependence of men and women, and calls for workplaces, communities, and tools that serve real people—not abstract, interchangeable workers.

Whether you agree with her or not, her perspectives provide an interesting window into a certain strand of thinking on the Catholic right. It expands on some of what was discussed in the Financial Times weekend essay on the rise of Catholic right. Most of you aren’t FT subscribers, but I’ll have more to say on this along with some excerpts in Friday’s digest - not least of which because I’m quoted in the article.

They publish a very interesting annual ranking of state religious liberty. Some blue states like Illinois score very high whereas some red states like West Virginia are very low. We’ll talk about why that is, as well as some of the reasons why religious liberty laws at the state level are so important despite our robust First Amendment.

Hickman's Hinterlands

A ledger of obscure travels, backwoods rambles, rough bivouacs, and cackling cartographies.

By A.M. Hickman

Shortly after we recorded this podcast, Hickman’s early life as an anarchist was profiled in the Wall Street Journal, so be sure to check that out too.

Postscript: My wife has long commented on the “decline of the adverb.” Technically, the title of this podcast should be about “living cheaply.” But AI decided to drop the -ly so I decided to go with that approach. It does seem weird though.

Chris has been exploring countries around the world on foot, which has given him additional perspectives on America. Our conversation covers everything from McDonald’s as community hubs to the growing cultural and educational divides in the U.S. to why we can’t have nice things here. You won’t want to miss it.