First Things Podcast
First Things is America's most influential journal of religion and public life. The First Things Podcast features discussions on theology, politics, and culture from a religious perspective. It brings together leading thinkers to explore the intersection of faith and contemporary issues.
Episodes
Cornell's Secret History
Further reading:2026 Erasmus Lecture tickets.Rape and Modern Sex War, by Camille Paglia"The Great Feminization Comes to Cornell," by Helen Andrews (Compact)"Number of teens who identify themselves as gay or bisexual is in ‘free fall’," by Casey Park (Washington Post)"Anthropic bans ‘abusive or cruel behavior’ toward Claude," by Hayden Field (The Verge)"Beware Its Voice," by Ned Desmond (The Wideni
Roger Scruton's Eternal Youth (ft. Dan Hitchens)
In this episode, First Things senior editor Dan Hitchens joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, “The Making of Roger Scruton,” from the October 2026 issue of the magazine.
Brave New Sexual Ethics (ft. Mark Regnerus)
In this episode, Mark Regnerus joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, “Living Humanae Vitae in Poland,” from the October 2026 issue of the magazine.
Standing Athwart AI, Yelling Stop
Further reading:Christopher Caldwell, “Why the AfD Wins” (First Things)Dan Hitchens, “How Britain Escaped Assisted Suicide” (First Things)Dan Hitchens, “How Britain Defeated ‘Assisted Dying’” (Compact)Imogen Garfinkel, “Our 83-year-old Christian grandmother was euthanised against her will under Canada's assisted dying system - she died covered in blood with her hands clasped in pray
The German Right's Golden Moment (ft. Christopher Caldwell)
In this episode, Christopher Caldwell joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, “Why the AfD Wins” from the October 2026 issue of the magazine.
Everything is America
Further reading:Darel E. Paul, “Jason Arday and the Therapeutic Academy” (First Things)Carl R. Trueman, “How the Therapeutic Killed Academic Standards” (First Things)Bethel McGrew, “Jason Arday and the Merciless Lie” (First Things)Tyler Austin Harper, “Why I Quit the Tenure Track” (The Atlantic)R. R. Reno, “The Failed 9/11 Memorial” (First Things)
Of Things and Devices (ft. Brad Littlejohn)
In this episode, Brad Littlejohn joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, “Left to Our Own Devices,” from the August/September 2026 issue of the magazine.
The Fourth Watch (ft. James Keating)
In this episode, James F. Keating joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his new bimonthly topical newsletter for First Things, The Fourth Watch.
The Critic as Artist (ft. Dana Gioia)
In this episode, Dana Gioia joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his most recent piece for Portico, "The Last of the Lost Generation."
The Jew from Nowhere (ft. J. J. Kimche)
In this episode, J. J. Kimche joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his new bi-monthly topical newsletter for First Things, "The Jew From Nowhere."
The Once and Future France (ft. Nathan Pinkoski)
In this episode, Nathan Pinkoski joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent introduction to Éric Zemmour's book, "The Suicide of France."
This Catholic Moment (ft. Matthew Schmitz)
In this episode, Matthew Schmitz joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent review, “Our Strange Catholic Moment” from the June/July 2026 issue of the magazine.
The Church of Ratzinger (ft. Sam Zeno Conedera)
In this episode, Sam Zeno Conedera joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent review, “Ratzinger in the Whirlwind” from the May 2026 issue of the magazine.
Postliberalism and its Discontents (ft. James Wood)
In this episode, James R. Wood joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, “Liberalism Is Christianity’s Prodigal Child” from the June/July 2026 issue of the magazine.
Recovering the University’s Soul | 2026 Neuhaus Lecture
In this episode, First Things brings you the recording of the 2026 Neuhaus Lecture presented by Bishop Robert Barron. Please subscribe to access more information about future lectures and many great pieces!
Disney Adulting (ft. Veronica Clarke)
In this episode, Veronica Clarke joins Germán and Virginia (who are subbing in for R. R. Reno) on The Editor's Desk to talk about her recent review, “A Whole New World” from the May 2026 issue of the magazine.
Why Portico? (ft. Micah Mattix)
In this episode, Micah Mattix joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about Portico, a new literary quarterly published by the Institute on Religion and Public Life.
Is Churchill America’s Hero? (ft. Sean McMeekin)
In this episode, Sean McMeekin joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, “Goodbye to the Postwar Consensus” from the April 2026 issue of the magazine.
The Return of the Mainline? (ft. Brad East)
In this episode, Brad East joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent review, “Mainlining Nostalgia” from the April 2026 issue of the magazine.
The Sexual Abuse Crisis Is a Law Crisis (ft. Michael Mazza)
In this episode, Michael J. Mazza joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, “Where the Dallas Charter Went Wrong,” from the March 2026 issue of the magazine.
Disclosure in Modern Poetry (ft. Glenn Arbery)
In this episode, Glenn C. Arbery joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, “Lyric as Disclosure” from the March 2026 issue of the magazine.
Our Crisis is Metaphysical | 2026 D.C. Lecture | 2026 D.C. Lecture (Presented by: Mary Harrington)
In this episode, First Things brings you the recording of the 2026 D.C. Lecture presented by Mary Harrington. Please subscribe to access more information about future lectures and many great articles!
The Countryman–Foreigner Distinction (ft. Matthew Crawford)
In this episode, Matthew B. Crawford joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, “Love in the Time of Mass Migration” from the March 2026 issue of the magazine.
Admiration as Inspiration (ft. Elizabeth Corey)
In this episode, Elizabeth Corey joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about her recent piece, “On the Pleasure of Admiring” from the February 2026 issue of the magazine.
What Virgil Teaches America (ft. Spencer Klavan)
In this episode, Spencer A. Klavan joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, “In the Footsteps of Aeneas” from the February 2026 issue of the magazine.
The Promises of Gay Liberation (ft. Scott Yenor)
In this episode, Scott Yenor joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, “The Rise and Fall of Gay Activism” from the February 2026 issue of the magazine.
The Evangelical Elite Gap (ft. Aaron Renn)
In this episode, Aaron Renn joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, “The Problem with the Evangelical Elite” from the January 2026 issue of the magazine.
Caravaggio the Destroyer (ft. Jaspreet Singh Boparai)
In this episode, Jaspreet Singh Boparai joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent review, “Caravaggio and Us” from the January 2026 issue of the magazine.
The Realities of Empire (ft. Nathan Pinkoski)
In this episode, Nathan Pinkoski joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent review, “Hegemon or Empire?” from the January 2026 issue of the magazine.
The Church of Sarah Mullally (ft. Damian Thompson)
In this episode, Damian Thompson joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, “Canterbury Fails,” from the December 2025 issue of the magazine.
John Searle's Minds and Machines (ft. Edward Feser)
In this episode, Edward Feser joins R. R. Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, “The Common Sense of John Searle,” from the December 2025 issue of the magazine.
The Sabbath is Back! (ft. J. J. Kimche)
The Sabbath is Back! (ft. J. J. Kimche) by First Things
How to Talk About God (ft. Hans Boersma)
In this episode, Hans Boersma joins Rusty Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, "Modernity and God-Talk," from the November 2025 issue of the magazine.
Is the UK a Nation of Immigrants? (ft. Louise Perry)
In this episode, Louise Perry joins Rusty Reno on The Editor’s Desk to talk about her recent essay, “Indigenous London,” from the November 2025 issue of the magazine.
Heritage and the Right
The editors discuss the troubles at Heritage, the conservative think tank whose president recently touched off a controversy by releasing a video statement in support of Tucker Carlson. The controversy pits generation against generation and faction against faction within the conservative movement. Rusty Reno and Dan Hitchens join Julia Yost.
Where Is the Antichrist? (ft. Peter Thiel)
In this episode, Peter Thiel joins Rusty Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recently co-authored essay, "Voyages to the End of the World," from the November 2025 issue of the magazine.
Walking in Wonder (ft. Virginia Aabram)
In this episode, Virginia Aabram and Elizabeth Bachmann join Rusty Reno on The Editor’s Desk to talk about Virginia's recent essay, “The Road to Chartres,” from the October 2025 issue of the magazine.
Declaration of Dependence (ft. Leah Libresco)
In this episode, Leah Libresco joins Rusty Reno on The Editor’s Desk to talk about her recent book, “The Dignity of Dependence: A Feminist Manifesto.”
Pope and Parliament
The editors discuss Great Britain’s assisted suicide bill, Pope Leo’s first major interview, and Charlie Kirk’s memorial service. Dan Hitchens joins Julia Yost.
Faith in State Politics (ft. Cameron Sexton)
In the first episode of While We're At It, Cameron Sexton joins in to talk about his work as a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives and Speaker of the state House.
Pius XII’s Vindication (ft. Michael Knowles)
In the first episode of While We're At It, a brand new interview series with First Things editor Rusty Reno, Michael Knowles joins in to talk about “The Pope and the Führer: The Secret Vatican Files of World War II,” a new four-part docuseries now available on DailyWire+.
Turning Point
The editors discuss the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the rise of political violence in America. Rusty Reno joins Julia Yost.
Politics After Literacy (ft. Mary Harrington)
In this episode, Mary Harrington joins Rusty Reno on The Editor’s Desk to talk about her recent essay, “The King and the Swarm,” from the August/September 2025 issue of the magazine.
The Death of the Oxford Don (ft. Jaspreet Singh Boparai)
In this episode, Jaspreet Singh Boparai joins Rusty Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, "Waugh Against the Fogeys," from the August/September 2025 issue of the magazine.
Theology for a Brave New World (ft. Thomas Joseph White)
In this episode, Fr. Thomas Joseph White joins Rusty Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, "The Future of Catholic Theology," from the August/September 2025 issue of the magazine.
William F. Buckley’s True Calling (ft. Christopher Caldwell)
In this episode, Christopher Caldwell joins Rusty Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent review, "The Great Excommunicator" from the August/September 2025 issue of the magazine.
Nationalism Will Save the West
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Yoram Hazony joins in to discuss his book, "The Virtue of Nationalism."
How to Prevent an Act of Terror (ft. Alan Dershowitz)
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Alan Dershowitz joins in to discuss his recent book, "The Preventive State: The Challenge of Preventing Serious Harms While Preserving Essential Liberties."
NovelCon (ft. Christopher Scalia)
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Christopher J. Scalia joins in to discuss his recent book, "13 Novels Conservatives Will Love (but Probably Haven't Read)."
A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones
In this episode, Clare Morell joins Rusty Reno on in the First Things office to talk about her recent book, “The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones.”
At Home and Abroad
The editors discuss conservatism’s big wins at the Supreme Court and America’s military and diplomatic ventures in the Middle East. Rusty Reno joins Julia Yost.
The Fed and the College
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Brad Lingo joins in to discuss Grove City College.
Subscribe to Mark's new channel on:
Spotify: tinyurl.com/mufv3xzw
Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/3w32d42x
Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
The Quest for the Historical Jesus
In this episode, Michael C. Legaspi joins Rusty Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent review, "Jesus After the Critics" from the June/July 2025 issue of the magazine.
The Death of Mass Literacy
In this episode, Wessie du Toit joins Rusty Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, "The Future of Reading" from the June/July 2025 issue of the magazine.
Subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!
Classical Education Keeps Growing
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Martin Cothran joins in to discuss Memoria Press and Classical Education in America.
Subscribe to Mark's new channel on:
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mufv3xzw
Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3w32d42x
Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
L.A. and Elon
The editors discuss the immigration riots in Los Angeles, and Donald Trump’s feud with Gavin Newsom. Then they discuss that other feud. Rusty Reno joins Julia Yost.
The Rise of Queer Politics (ft. Joy Pullmann)
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Joy Pullmann joins in to discuss her recent book, "False Flag: Why Queer Politics Mean the End of America."
Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
Kids Aren’t Learning—Here’s What To Do (ft. Jason Bedrick)
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Jason Bedrick joins in to discuss "The Phoenix Declaration: An American Vision for Education."
Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
The Hour for a New Humanism | 2025 D.C. Lecture (Presented by: Carl Trueman)
In this episode, First Things brings you the recording of the 2025 D.C. Lecture presented by Carl Trueman. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to get more information on future lectures and access many great pieces!
Sainthood through Marriage
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Caitrin Bennett joins in to discuss her recent book, "Holier Matrimony: Married Saints, Catholic Vows, and Sacramental Grace."
Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
The Popecast
The editors discuss the first days of the pontificate of Leo XIV, the first American pope. Then, a report on the pope’s brothers. Rusty Reno, editor Dan Hitchens, and Virginia Aabram join Julia Yost.
Law on Film (ft. Stanley Fish)
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Stanley Fish joins in to discuss his recent book, "Law at the Movies: Turning Legal Doctrine into Art."
Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
The Persistence of Ideology (ft. Daniel Mahoney)
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Daniel J. Mahoney joins in to discuss his recent book, "The Persistence of the Ideological Lie: The Totalitarian Impulse Then and Now."
Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
Pius vs. Innocent
While waiting for news from the real-life conclave, the editors re-watch the 2024 feature film Conclave and the 2017 HBO series The Young Pope. Then they air their hopes and anxieties about the papal election. Dan Hitchens and special guest Matthew Schmitz join Julia Yost.
Women Without Men! (ft. Darel E. Paul)
In this episode, Darel E. Paul joins Rusty Reno on The Editor's Desk to talk about his recent essay, "Feminism Against Fertility" from the May 2025 issue of the magazine.
Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!
Francis and Following
The editors discuss Pope Francis, whose twelve-year pontificate ended with his death on Easter Monday. Then the staff preview their picks for the upcoming conclave. Rusty Reno and Dan Hitchens join Julia Yost.
We Are All Postliberals Now | Inaugural Neuhaus Lecture (Presented by: Patrick Deneen)
In this episode, First Things brings you the recording of the Inaugural Neuhaus Lecture presented by Patrick J. Deneen. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to get more information on future lectures and access many great pieces!
The Bible’s Forgotten Women (ft. Mary DeMuth)
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Mary E. DeMuth joins in to discuss her recent book, "The Most Overlooked Women of the Bible: What Their Stories Teach Us about Being Seen and Heard."
Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
The Problem of Embryo Ownership (ft. Ericka Andersen)
In this episode, Ericka Andersen joins Rusty Reno at The Editor’s Desk to talk about her recent essay, “Who Owns the Embryos?” from the April 2025 issue of the magazine.
Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!
The Destiny of Israel (ft. Josh Hammer)
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Josh Hammer joins in to discuss his recent book, "Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West."
The Mystery of Angela Merkel (ft. Christopher Caldwell)
In this episode, Christopher Caldwell joins Rusty Reno at The Editor’s Desk to talk about his piece, “Merkel's Country” from the March 2025 issue of the magazine.
Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!
The Lord’s Supper Is for All Ages
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Jeffrey J. Meyers joins in to discuss his recent book, "Why Children are Welcome to the Lord's Supper: Some Questions & Answers about Paedocommunion."
Elon Musk's Eugenic Dream
In this episode, Matthew Schmitz joins Rusty Reno at The Editor’s Desk to talk about his piece, “Elon’s Family Values” from the April 2025 issue of the magazine. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!
Snow What?
The editors discuss the live-action Snow White, Disney's biggest flop in recent memory. Did the star hijack it with her woke statements—or was she scapegoated? Is Disney worthy of its own IP? Virginia Aabram and Germán Saucedo join Julia Yost.
The End of White Privilege
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, A.J. Rice joins in to discuss his recent book, "The White Privilege Album: Bringing Racial Harmony to Very Fine People…on Both Sides."
Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
Fulton Sheen: Master Evangelist
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Cheryl Hughes joins in to discuss her recent book, "Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Convert Maker."
Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
Woke vs. The Left
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, David Rieff joins in to discuss his recent book, "Desire and Fate."
Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
Oscars and the Oval Office
The editors discuss last week’s incident in the Oval Office, and what it might portend for American foreign policy. Then they talk the Oscars, and why young people are suddenly going to the movies. Rusty Reno, Dan Hitchens, and Germán Saucedo join Julia Yost.
Catholicism at the End of the World
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Jeremy Beer joins in to discuss her recent book, "Beyond the Devil's Road: Francisco Garcés and the Spanish Encounter with the American Southwest."
Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
Fiction and Last Things
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Cassandra Nelson joins in to discuss her recent book, "A Theology of Fiction."
Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
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