Guests: Richard Samuelson & Erik J. Larson

Host Scot Bertram talks with Richard Samuelson, associate professor of government at Hillsdale College’s Washington, D.C. campus, about his recent essay on James Madison and the importance of republican principles. And Erik J. Larson, author of The Myth of Artificial Intelligence: Why Computers Can’t Think the Way We Do, gives a brief history of the development of artificial intelligence and explains the limitations of this misunderstood technology.

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Jennifer Jackett, 5th grade teacher at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, delivers a lecture on how to use labs to enhance elementary education.

This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: The Sciences” in November 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.

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Rob Fodor from the class of 1984 was a sharpshooting guard who could do it all during his basketball playing days with the Chargers. Since graduation, he has carved out an interesting career, which includes modeling, business ventures, and being the shooting coach of the NBA’s Miami Heat. In his spare time, he also is trying to qualify for the Senior PGA Tour.

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Informative. Inspirational. Uplifting. Those are the goals of the White and Blue podcast. We are here to tell the interesting stories of Hillsdale College alumni, who number more than 15,000 strong. Our guests will share about their time and experiences while on campus, and also the impact they have had on the world since graduating. What makes the Hillsdale College graduate unique? We will explore that question and more, including how alumni have impacted the past, present, and future of the College. Won’t you join us?

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On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss Publius' understanding of human nature before introducing Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto.

In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people.

Publius recognizes that men are neither angels nor beasts. Man is “ambitious, vindictive, and rapacious,” but also is capable of sufficient virtue to make republican government possible.

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Dr. Larry P. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues for his series on "Churchill the Writer." On this episode, Dr. Arnn and Hugh continue their discussion of My Early Life, which covers Winston Churchill’s life from 1874-1904.

Release date: 11 July 2025

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Abigail Teska, art teacher at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss summertime art instruction, simple and meaningful art activities, and how families can engage with great works of art over the summer.

Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/

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In this enlightening episode of Liberty and Learning, Mark Levin engages in a profound discussion with Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the Declaration of Independence and its lasting impact on American society. As the nation recently celebrated Independence Day, the conversation serves as a timely reminder of the principles that founded the United States.
The episode begins with a reflection on the brilliance of the Declaration, described by Dr. Arnn as a "philosophic, political, theological masterpiece." He highlights the intellectual influences that shaped Thomas Jefferson's writing, noting that Jefferson drew from the ideas of great thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, and John Locke. This rich philosophical background laid the groundwork for a document that would not only declare independence but also articulate the values of liberty and equality that define America.

One of the key themes discussed is the evolution of religious freedom in America. Dr. Arnn explains how early settlers sought religious conformity, yet over time, they recognized the necessity of allowing diverse beliefs to flourish. This journey towards understanding the importance of religious freedom is a testament to the evolving nature of American society.
As the conversation shifts to the Civil War, Levin and Arnn examine Abraham Lincoln's reliance on the Declaration of Independence to frame the moral argument against slavery. Lincoln's ability to connect the principles of the Declaration to the struggle for freedom and equality underscores the document's enduring relevance. Dr. Arnn emphasizes that Lincoln viewed the Declaration as the foundation of American identity, a perspective that resonates deeply in contemporary discussions about liberty and justice.

The episode also addresses the challenges posed by modern progressivism. Levin and Arnn critique how some contemporary interpretations of the Declaration seek to distort its original meaning, arguing for a return to the foundational principles that have guided the nation. They discuss the dangers of viewing the Declaration as merely a historical artifact rather than a living document that continues to inspire and challenge Americans today.
Listeners will come away from this episode with a deeper appreciation for the Declaration of Independence, not just as a historical document, but as a vital part of the American ethos. The insights shared by Levin and Arnn encourage us to reflect on our nation's founding principles and consider how they apply to the challenges we face in the present day.

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Guests: Salena Zito & Christopher Matsos

Host Scot Bertram talks with Salena Zito, political reporter for the Washington Examiner, about the political ramifications of the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump and her new book, Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America’s Heartland. And Christopher Matsos, chairman and associate professor of theatre at Hillsdale College, tells us why theatre should play a role in a liberal arts education and what we can learn by studying theatre through the centuries.

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