The Modern Republic

Nathaniel Stryker

Exploring the concepts and practices that shape our education and society.

  1. Feb 17

    Ep. 032: The Case for Philosophy in School with Dr. Gregory Sadler

    Today I talk with Dr. Sadler about defining philosophy, his work in online education, and concrete ways to bring philosophical practice into secondary schools—not as theory but as a tool for clearer thinking, moral formation, and civic responsibility. This episode of The Modern Republic digs into education, culture, and politics, and the practical steps we can take. Read essays on Substack: The Modern Republic Follow me on Instagram for episode clips and quick thoughts: @nathanielstryker Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app to get new episodes when they drop. Dr. Sadler's Links: https://gregorybsadler.substack.com https://www.patreon.com/sadler https://www.amazon.com/stores/Gregory-B.-Sadler/author/B00C4DK7CW?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=50142408-94ce-4c6d-8d08-31c09b7edf94 https://medium.com/@Gregory_Sadler https://miad.academia.edu/GregorySadler

    47 min

  2. 12/16/2025

    Ep. 031: The Lost Art of Etiquette with J.B. Lloyd

    In this conversation, J.B. Lloyd and I explore the concept of gentlemanliness, discussing its historical roots, the resurgence of gentlemanly ideals in modern society, and the importance of manners and etiquette. J.B. emphasizes that being a gentleman is not merely about appearance but about how one treats others and conducts oneself in various situations. He also highlights the significance of self-awareness, being well-read, and the steps one can take to embody the qualities of a true gentleman. This episode of The Modern Republic digs into education, culture, and politics — and what practical steps we can take. Read essays on Substack: The Modern Republic — subscribe for extended thoughts and behind-the-episode context. Follow me on Instagram for episode clips and quick thoughts: @nathanielstryker Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app to get new episodes when they drop. J.B.’s Social Links  https://substack.com/@waysofagentleman https://x.com/Gentleman_Ways?s=20 Buy J.B's Book - https://a.co/d/i9wyafo

    44 min

  3. 12/09/2025

    Ep. 030: Are Books Having a Moment? Why Reading Will Always be Relevant with Josh Johnson

    In this conversation, Josh Johnson discusses his journey as a content creator in the book community, the rise of his social media presence, and the importance of reading both fiction and non-fiction. He shares insights on audience engagement, the appeal of BookTok, and the impact of reading on personal growth. Josh emphasizes the value of diverse reading habits, active reading techniques, and the significance of classics in literature. He also provides recommendations for must-read books and insights into his podcast, which explores historical narratives. This episode of The Modern Republic digs into education and culture, and what practical steps we can take. Read essays on Substack: The Modern Republic — subscribe for extended thoughts and behind-the-scenes context. Follow me on Instagram for episode clips and quick thoughts: @nathanielstryker  Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app to get new episodes when they drop. Josh's Social Links  https://substack.com/@joshcjohnson https://www.instagram.com/_joshreadsbooks/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@joshreadsbooks

    1h 6m

  4. 11/04/2025

    Ep. 029: The Power of Wonder with Dr. Jonathan Gregg

    In this conversation, I sat down with Dr. Jonathan Gregg to discuss his journey in education and why he believes classical education and a commitment to truth are essential in the classroom. We touch on the Archimedes Standards as a potential alternative to Common Core, and we explore teaching approaches that spark student engagement and a genuine sense of wonder. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Gregg emphasizes the importance of a teacher’s passion for their subject and the value of fostering meaningful relationships with students. This episode of The Modern Republic delves into education, culture, and politics — and explores the practical steps we can take. Read essays on Substack: The Modern Republic — subscribe for extended thoughts and behind-the-episode context. Follow me on Instagram for episode clips and quick thoughts: @nathanielstryker and @the.modern.republic  Subscribe to the podcast on your preferred app to receive new episodes as they become available.

    52 min

  5. 10/14/2025

    Ep. 028: Leadership, Learning, and the Future of Education with Dr. Young

    In my conversation with Dr. J. Kenneth Young, we explored his journey from Christian ministry to educational leadership. He shared insights into the challenges and transformations within public education, as well as his personal experiences navigating the dissertation process. We also discussed the role of AI in education, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and the ethical use of emerging technologies. Throughout our conversation, Dr. Young reflected on the systemic issues facing education today and the complex ways in which educational policies impact both teaching and learning. This episode of The Modern Republic digs into education, culture, and politics — and what practical steps we can take. Read weekly essays on Substack: The Modern Republic — subscribe for extended thoughts and behind-the-scenes context. Follow me on Instagram and X for episode clips and quick thoughts: @nathanielstryker & @nathanielstryke Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app to get new episodes each week.

    1h 9m

  6. 09/30/2025

    Ep. 027: The Responsibility of Schools in Shaping Values

    In this episode, I discuss the importance of instilling virtues and values in students, emphasizing the roles of family, schools, and community. I argue that shared values are essential for a cohesive society and that educators have a responsibility to teach both intellect and morality. I propose that schools, particularly public ones, should adopt clear values to guide their educational approach, and I suggest that churches could play a significant role in providing low-cost education to instill these virtues. This episode of The Modern Republic delves into education, culture, and politics — and explores the practical steps we can take. Read weekly essays on Substack: The Modern Republic — subscribe for extended thoughts and behind-the-scenes context. Follow me on Instagram and X for episode clips and quick thoughts: @nathanielstryker & @nathanielstryke Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app to get new episodes each week.

    13 min

  7. 09/23/2025

    Ep. 026: What is Classical Education? With Wes Kanawyer

    Wes Kanawyer, Head of Valor Preparatory Academy, explains the core goals of classical education: wisdom, virtue, and the formation of the whole person, and contrasts them with progressive models. Wes traces his own move from public education to classical schooling, emphasizes the role of family and faith, and argues that an education rooted in Christ and character prepares students for life and Godliness. This episode of The Modern Republic delves into education, culture, and politics — and explores the practical steps we can take. Read weekly essays on Substack: The Modern Republic — subscribe for extended thoughts and behind-the-scenes context. Follow me on Instagram and X for episode clips and quick thoughts: @nathanielstryker & @nathanielstryke Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app to get new episodes each week.

    34 min
  8. Ep. 025: The Realities of Public School with Jack Dumas

    09/16/2025

    Ep. 025: The Realities of Public School with Jack Dumas

    In this conversation with my friend and colleague, Jack Dumas, we delve into the complexities of knowledge, education, and the impact of modern society on young people. We discuss the challenges of feeling inadequate in a world overflowing with information, the flaws within our education system, and the role of literature in shaping young minds. Our conversation also explores the impact of social media, the significance of empathy, and the necessity of a supportive framework for students. Together, we reflect on the value of teaching, the pursuit of success, and the legacy of education in a rapidly changing world. Jack is a writer. Give his work a look here: https://substack.com/@sophronios? I am also an aspiring writer. You can check out my work here: https://substack.com/@nathanielstryker Follow me on Instagram for regular posts and updates on the shows, the state of Texas, and American education!

    58 min
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About

Exploring the concepts and practices that shape our education and society.

Information

  • Creator
    Nathaniel Stryker
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Nathaniel Stryker
  • Show Website
    The Modern Republic