Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins

Robert Bortins
  • 4.5 (102)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

Refining Rhetoric with CEO Robert Bortins. A podcast where faith, business, politics, and classical education meet. Join us as we use the Classical tools of rhetoric to seek truth in every arena of life.

  1. 23h ago

    What Gen Z Men Actually Need — Braeden Sorbo on Faith & Masculinity

    What does it actually take to raise boys who become faithful, purposeful men — in a generation that's been told they have no purpose? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Braeden Sorbo — CC alumni, author of Embrace Masculinity, and cultural commentator with over 2 million followers — to talk about Christian masculinity, Gen Z's real struggles, and what parents of teenage boys need to understand right now. Braeden shares what homeschooling through Classical Conversations gave him that public school couldn't — the flexibility, the community, and a foundation in truth, beauty, and goodness that still shapes how he thinks and creates. He opens up about what his generation is actually up against: a third of Gen Z aborted before they were born, a housing market that locks most of them out, and a culture that tells young men they have no purpose. But rather than despair, Braeden draws on the saints of old — St. Justin Martyr, St. Moses the Black — and the classical tradition to make the case that none of this is new, and none of it is unsurmountable. If you're a parent of a teenage boy — or a young man trying to find your footing — this conversation is packed with clarity, conviction, and real talk from someone who's been in it. Braeden's challenge to parents: stop leading with "pick yourself up by your bootstraps" and start by understanding what your kids are actually up against. The burden of proof that this country is worth saving? He says it lands on you.   Braedon Sorbo's Website: https://braedensorbo.com/   This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line: This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level. Visit https://classicalconversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.

    52 min

  2. Jun 10

    Stay Sober, Stay Alert: A Christian Guide to Mysticism & Psychedelics

    Is the psychedelic renaissance a spiritual threat — or just medicine? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Gary Stockton, a Classical Conversations Challenge IV graduate, to discuss his senior thesis: Stay Sober, Stay Alert: A Christian Guide to Mysticism. Gary's 32-source academic argument — drawing from Johns Hopkins research, C.S. Lewis, Voddie Baucham, and Hebrew and Greek primary sources — makes the biblical case that Christians should reject the spiritual experiences offered by psychedelic-assisted therapy. From the ancient cult of Asclepius and pharmakia to Margaret Sanger, Nazi eugenics, and the modern therapeutic boom, Gary traces a chilling historical thread connecting serpentine deities, manufactured spiritual states, and demonic deception across cultures and centuries. Robert and producer Chris Blackburn join Gary to explore what Scripture actually says about mysticism, what Galatians 5 and Deuteronomy 18 reveal about pharmakia, and why the very "benefits" of psychedelic therapy may be part of a much darker bait-and-hook. If you've heard about Joe Rogan's advocacy for psychedelic therapy, Trump's executive order on psychedelics for PTSD treatment, or the growing number of Christians open to these practices — this episode will give you the biblical framework to think clearly and respond wisely.   This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line: This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level. Visit https://classicalconversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.

    44 min

  3. Jun 3

    Kirk Cameron's 3 Rules for Raising Faithful Children

    What does it actually take to raise children of character in a culture that's lost its moral compass? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Kirk Cameron — actor, filmmaker, and homeschool advocate — to talk about biblical parenting, the homeschool awakening, and what it means to be a faithful father in a post-truth world. Kirk shares the three non-negotiables he's learned from 34 years of marriage and six kids: lead by example, never break relationship over bad performance, and anchor your children in the Word of God. He also opens up about his new children's show Iggy and Mr. Kirk, his book Built by the Brave, and why he believes culture is redeemable — not lost. Whether you're a homeschool dad trying to step up, a mom looking for encouragement, or a parent navigating a culture that's working against you, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and real talk from a man who's been in the arena. Resources: Built by the Brave by Kirk Cameron Kirk Cameron's website   This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line: This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level. Visit https://classicalconversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.

    47 min

  4. May 27

    From ESPN to Eternity: One Writer's Journey to What Actually Matters

    What does it really mean to write with conviction in a world where everyone's doing somebody's bidding? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with award-winning author and Union University journalism professor Dr. Ted Kluck — 30 books, ESPN bylines, and a Christianity Today Book of the Year winner — to talk about faith, writing craft, and what it looks like to redeem journalism for the glory of God. They dig into Ted's journey from secular sportswriting to Christian publishing, how AI is reshaping the college classroom, and what parents and aspiring writers should actually focus on. Ted also shares why he believes there aren't many truly Christian colleges left in 2026 — and why Union University is one of them.   Resources: Interested in studying journalism at Union? Visit https://www.uu.edu/ and use promo code KLUCK to apply for free. Ted's Substack: https://kluck.substack.com/   This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line: This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level. Visit https://classicalconversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.

    49 min

  5. May 20

    The All-in-One Homeschool Platform for Families Leaving the System with Jordan Page

    What happens when a libertarian Bitcoin OG, a 14-year homeschooling veteran, and a classical curriculum pioneer walk into the same platform? You get Firefly. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Jordan Page — founder of Firefly Education Network, nationally recognized musician, and longtime Bitcoiner — to talk about why he built a decentralized, all-in-one homeschool platform for families who are done letting the state educate their kids. Jordan shares how homeschooling his seven children, his wife Mary's experience exposing the public school agenda firsthand, and his passion for sound money and liberty all converged into Firefly — an international homeschool platform featuring AI-powered curriculum tools, the Ron Paul K–12 classical curriculum, private community features, live classes, and more. Whether you're just starting your homeschool journey or you've been at it for years, this conversation is packed with practical insight — and a bold vision for what family-led education can look like when it's truly free. 📖 Learn more: What is the Trivium? 🎙️ Enjoyed this one? We think you'll love our other podcast! Check out Everyday Educator: https://everydayeducatorpodcast.com/ 🔎 Find a CC Community Near You: https://classicalconversations.com/community-search/  📅 Upcoming CC Events: https://classicalconversations.com/events/  📚 Foundations Curriculum: https://classicalconversations.com/collections/foundations/  🛍️ CC Shoppable Catalog: https://classicalconversations.com/pages/shoppable-catalog/     Resources: https://fireflyedu.org/   This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line: This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level. Visit https://classicalconversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.

    38 min

  6. May 13

    Debt-Free & In-Person: Classical Conversations' New College Program

    The college cartel is charging $40,000 in average student debt — and Classical Conversations is done letting CC graduates walk into it unprepared. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins and CC Plus director Will McCreery announce the Classical Fellowship: a brand-new program combining affordable online college (50% scholarship through Southeastern University) with in-person cohorts led by vetted CC site directors. If you have a Challenge IV graduate wondering what comes next — or you're a CC parent dreading the cost of college — this episode is for you. Learn how CC graduates get guaranteed enrollment, 50% off online tuition, and a classical community to walk through college with them. Pilot cohorts launching fall 2026 in Indiana, Texas, and Georgia. Online option available for families outside pilot cities. Learn more about Classical Fellowship here.   This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line: This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level. Click here to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.

    33 min

  7. May 7

    Is AI the New Social Media? Protecting Kids in the Age of Chatbots

    AI is already in your child's world — whether you've given them access or not. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Ryan Kennedy, COO of the Florida Citizens Alliance, to break down what AI policy actually means for parents, what data is being collected on your kids, and why the fight in Washington right now could determine how much say you have in the matter. From parental consent frameworks and the AI Bill of Rights to the dangers of AI chatbots and digital twins, Ryan explains what's happening at both the state and federal level — and what homeschool families can do right now to protect their children. Whether you're already using AI tools in your homeschool or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation will help you think more clearly about one of the most pressing issues facing Christian families today. Resources: Florida Citizens Alliance: https://goflca.org

    42 min

  8. May 6

    Why Ai Can't Replace Classical Education with Leigh Bortins

    Is artificial intelligence a threat to your child's education — or proof that classical education was right all along? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Classical Conversations founder and aerospace engineer Leigh Bortins to explore what 40 hours a week of AI research taught her, why classical education uniquely prepares students for an AI-driven world, and how to use AI wisely without letting it use you. From narrow AI and its medical breakthroughs, to the difference between rule-based and behavior-based language, Leigh breaks down how AI actually works — and why homeschool families grounded in grammar, rhetoric, and a Christian worldview have nothing to fear. They also discuss the Imago Dei and work, why children need to struggle to develop, the chainsaw analogy for AI, and how Classical Conversations families have been preparing for this moment for nearly 30 years. Veritasium: What Everyone Gets Wrong About AI and Learning – Derek Muller Explains: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xS68sl2D70

    43 min
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Refining Rhetoric with CEO Robert Bortins. A podcast where faith, business, politics, and classical education meet. Join us as we use the Classical tools of rhetoric to seek truth in every arena of life.

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