Listen Now

Kevin highlights the views of the American Founders on religion, virtue, and government, finding wisdom that is still relevant: there can be no limited government without self-government.Support the show

Kevin Schmiesing warns against  the tendency to neglect our daily duties—where we can have real impact—in favor of trying to "save the world."Support the show

FVI's director of research, Kevin Schmiesing, joins the podcast to offer a brief analysis of the "cancel culture" that is plaguing American society. A virtuous culture is a worthy aim, he says, but let's make sure we are pursuing real virtue rather than hunting for heresies against faddish "woke" doctrines.Support the show

If you haven't realized it yet, our society is now inundated with discussions about Critical Race Theory. A number of institutions debate it and the theory divides people. It is crucial that we understand the antecedents and foundational assumptions informing the theory. Join me in a continuation of this invaluable discussion on Critical Race Theory.Friends, if you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org. We appreciate you and thanks for listening!Support the show

Critical Race Theorists are activists and revolutionaries. Their views are not merely intellectual curiosity, but like Liberation Theology, a system rooted in praxis--that is, Critical Race Theory affects you and me. Do we understand what it's really saying to us?In this episode we'll dissect its antecedents, assumptions, principles, and activities.Friends, if you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org. We appreciate you and thanks for listening!Support the show

What are the philosophical assumptions being embraced in our culture that have contributed to the demise of Western and Christian values? We have been losing the foundations of our civilization through a steady state of complacency amidst a sea of indoctrination by competing visions of society. What are those forces? What are the factors that provoked what seems as the death of Western civilization? In this episode we conclude our exploration of these factors with great hope.Friends, if you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org. We appreciate you and thanks for listening!Support the show

Many are wrestling with tension and stress as we witness serious events that consume our attention and point to important issues that deserve a hearing. We need to ask tough questions. Have we been losing the foundations of our civilization little by little? What are the factors that provoked what seems a death of Western civilization? Are all the theories purporting to explain the debacle reasonable? In this episode we begin to explore these questions. Welcome to Season Two of Freedom and Virtue, The Podcast, and thanks for joining us!Friends, if you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org. We appreciate you and thanks for listening!Support the show

No other thinker has negatively impacted our society than Karl Marx. But who was this man? We can understand him only in the context of the antecedent historical factors and the influences that affected his thought. If you want to know Marx, don't miss this episode! Friends, if you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org. We appreciate you and thanks for listening!Support the show

We continue with the great history of capitalism. We explore what its essential features and how it offers a sound economic understanding of human action and motivation vis a vis the errors of Marxism.Friends, if you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org. We appreciate you and thanks for listening!Support the show

In today's episode we begin our discussion of capitalism, its distinctive features, and superiority as an economic system.If you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org. We appreciate you and thanks for listening!Support the show

We conclude our examination of socialism taking a look at "hyphenated socialism." Whether it is democratic, Christian, or else, various systems claim the label of socialist while rejecting Marxism. As that is the case, it is important to draw distinctions.If you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org. We appreciate you and thanks for listening!Support the show

Socialism is an ancient idea with modern repercussions. We continue our journey throughout its history to understand and challenge it.If you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org. Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org. We appreciate you and thanks for listening!Support the show

Socialism has become a very popular term among young people. But, do we know what socialism is? Can we articulate a definition? Let's go on a journey throughout time and discover the roots of socialism! If you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, give us a positive review and rating and share it with others. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.  Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, just send them to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org. We appreciate you and thanks for listening!Support the show

The foundations of our civilization are being shaken by racial tension. We have seen the riots, protests, and racial incidents. We seem to be engulfed by a destructive effort to bring down the entire social structure.Within that environment there is an accusation against our nation. Our country is said to be "institutionally racist." What does that mean? What are the antecedents of such a belief? What exactly is that theory all about? Is it true? This episode engages this important and difficult question. Listen now.If you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, give us a positive review and rating and share it with others. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.  Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, just send them to Ismael@fvinstitute.org. We appreciate you and thanks for listening!Support the show

As our nation remains in tension and violence, we are confronted with a movement called Black Lives Matter. What's it all about? Should we support it? Join it? What is the philosophical and ideological foundation of the movement? These and other important issues related to BLM will be discussed in this episode.If you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, give us a positive review and rating and share it with others. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!Support the show

As our nation finds itself engulfed in violence, protests, and chaos--which at times prevails, we must keep a clear eye on what is truly at stake. Events in Minnesota that brought about the unfortunate death of Mr. George Floyd have triggered a series of events and more important, a number of claims about the nature of our society and how to move forward. This episode tackles important questions as we look at these claims and moving forward. Listen now!If you find these discussions helpful and enlightening, share them with those connected to you on your favorite social media platforms! Support the show

This episode will help us to understand the second general vision of race in America and how it contrasts with the first. It's this second vision that has taken hold of the ethos of our nation and we must understand its implications.Support the show

Race has become a major social problem. However, do we understand the foundational issues that form the basis for present conflict? In this episode, we examine the first of two premises.Support the show

Foreign aid has become an untouchable truism one dares to question only at the risk of appearing uncaring or unjust. However, if we truly want to see success in the international fight against poverty we must question it. In this episode we explore why foreign aid is not only ineffective but harmful to the ultimate goal of conquering poverty.Connect with Ismael! Facebook PageIsmael at https://www.facebook.com/fvinstitute/Support the show

There are "wrong" goals pursued by countries trying to escape poverty and want. These goals are different than the most fundamental goal of increasing production. From the goal of more aid to that of altering the delicate balance of between supply and demand, externalist solutions are proposed. Are these goals reasonable? Are they historically effective? Join me as we explore the various "wrong" goals to end poverty.Support the show