First Things Podcast

On this episode of the FIRST THINGS Podcast: Associate editor Julia Yost discusses the death of Charlie Gard with Charles Camosy, associate professor of theological and social ethics at Fordham and author of “Learning from Charlie Gard.” Camosy argues that the removal of Charlie’s ventilator constituted an act of euthanasia. We need to call this act what it is—as hospitals increasingly aim at the death by omission, on the basis of quality-of-life judgments. Then, Julia marks the 200th anniversary summer of the death of Jane Austen, with a reflection on sin and death in Austen’s novels.

Mark Movsesian joins senior editor Mark Bauerlein to discuss recent cases appearing before the Supreme Court related to religious liberty. This is the first in an ongoing series of interviews on religion and culture.

On this episode of the FIRST THINGS Podcast: Editor Rusty Reno and literary editor Matthew Schmitz talk to associate editor Julia Yost about a recent article in the Jesuit journal La Civiltà Cattolica. According to the authors, both of whom are advisers to Pope Francis, American Evangelicals and Catholics are warmongers and apocalyptic cultists bent on establishing a theocratic state. What does the article reveal about American religious conservatives—and about its authors? Then, Julia reflects on her experience reviewing Louise Milligan’s Cardinal: The Rise and Fall of George Pell.

On this episode of the FIRST THINGS Podcast: Matthew Walther, associate editor of the Washington Free Beacon, drops by the FIRST THINGS offices with a bottle of Louis Roederer non-vintage champagne. He talks with Matthew Schmitz and Julia Yost about his plan for champagne socialism, outlined in a recent review for FIRST THINGS—and why fake champagnes, like Barefoot Bubbly, are very, very bad. Then, Schmitz and Julia discuss The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise, the new book by Robert Cardinal Sarah. Find out why The Power of Silence is impressing people, including the pope emeritus.

On this episode of the FIRST THINGS Podcast: Editor Rusty Reno talks to associate editor Julia Yost about a shift in the terms that govern our political debates. He argues that the primacy once given to “freedom” in American conservatism now is given to “nationalism”—or should be. Then, literary editor Matthew Schmitz joins Julia to discuss a few recent news items: the curious case of Boston’s re-frocked priest; Mike Pence’s rules for a happy marriage; and the cautionary tale of the professor who practiced “radical inclusion.”

On this episode of the FIRST THINGS Podcast: Literary editor Matthew Schmitz and associate editor Julia Yost discuss The Americans—the Cold War spy drama that raises the question, Whose approach to sex is more dehumanizing? The KGB’s, or the average American parent’s? Then, Matthew and Julia discuss John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress—the Puritan classic that, Matthew argues, anticipated all our American stories, whether we know it or not.

On this episode of the FIRST THINGS Podcast: Associate editor Julia Yost talks to junior fellows Veery Huleatt and Connor Grubaugh about The Shack—the bestselling novel by William Paul Young, now a major feature film. In it, a bereaved father finds his way back to faith. But an unorthodox vision of the Holy Trinity compels us to discuss: Is it best to imagine the triune godhead according to biblical tradition, or according to personal taste? Then, Julia talks to assistant editor Alexi Sargeant and journalist Leah Libresco Sargeant about Logan, the newest installment in Marvel’s Wolverine franchise. Themes of faith and fatherhood animate this film, in which we observe the maturation of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, and of the superhero genre.

On this episode of the FIRST THINGS Podcast: Editor Rusty Reno and associate editor Julia Yost are joined by Midge Decter in a conversation about Michael Novak, who died on February 17. A theologian, social theorist, sports fan, and member of the founding generation of FIRST THINGS, Novak saw his way through the neocon transition from left to right. In his masterpiece, “The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism,” he made an influential case for the morality of free markets. Then, Julia talks with literary editor Matthew Schmitz about a feature article in the forthcoming April issue of FIRST THINGS: “Return to Form,” a defense of traditional Catholic liturgy by the distinguished German writer Martin Mosebach. Matthew also overviews his own analysis of the post–Vatican II class divide in Catholic liturgy and practice, appearing recently in the Catholic Herald.

Associate editor Julia Yost talks with Senator Rónán Mullen of the Irish Parliament about the Eighth Amendment to the Irish Constitution. The Eighth Amendment, which guarantees the legal protection of unborn human life, is currently threatened by a repeal campaign. Learn about George Soros’s scheme to interfere in the affairs of a small Catholic country—and learn what Americans can do to help the pro-life cause in Ireland (hint: cherishlifeireland.org). Then, Julia gets editor Rusty Reno’s take on recent developments in Church, politics, sports, and fashion.

Senior editor Mark Bauerlein talks with associate editor Julia Yost about Donald Trump’s first week in office, from the inauguration speech to the Women’s Marches to the March for Life. Then Julia conjures the spirit of the William Peter Blatty, who died earlier this month. They discuss The Exorcist—that very Catholic work of horror, for which Blatty authored both novel and screenplay.

On this spoiler-filled episode of the FIRST THINGS Podcast: Associate editor Julia Yost talks with assistant editor Alexi Sargeant about Silence—the 1966 novel by Shusako Endo, newly adapted as a film by Martin Scorsese. Is the film better than the book? Will it win all the Oscars? Will it convert you to Death of God Theology? Then, Leah Libresco joins for a discussion of Sherlock, the BBC’s update of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Great Detective, returning now for its fourth season. Is the series better or worse now than when it began? Is an iPhone cooler than a pocketwatch? Is Sherlock an addict, or isn’t he? What’s up with the fandom? And what do we want to see in the season finale?

Senior editor Mark Bauerlein and associate editor Julia Yost discuss the Christmas movie everyone either loves, or loves to hate—Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Points of contention include: whether Aristotle would approve of the film’s plot; whether Henry F. Potter’s banking practices would have forestalled the 2008 financial crisis; whether George Bailey should be blamed for American suburbia; and whether Jimmy Stewart’s voice can be tolerated. Plus: Learn how you can advance the FIRST THINGS mission during this season of giving. (Every time you hit the donate button, an angel gets his wings.)

On this episode of the FIRST THINGS Podcast: Editor Rusty Reno introduces Philip Rieff’s The Triumph of the Therapeutic: The Uses of Faith after Freud. Published in 1966 and still fresh today, Rieff’s book (we particularly recommend the introduction) is the original and best critique of our therapeutic culture. Then, Senior editor Mark Bauerlein and associate editor Julia Yost discuss the 2016 season in college football.

On this episode of the FIRST THINGS Podcast: Editor Rusty Reno talks with associate editor Julia Yost about the life, death, and meaning of Fidel Castro. 1:18 The enduring allure of the bearded revolutionary 6:45 Why young Cubans are post-Castro 15:16 The past and future of Cuban-American relations Oxford Dictionaries’ Word of the Year for 2016 is “post-truth.” Senior editor Mark Bauerlein joins Rusty and Julia to discuss the wisdom and significance of this pick. 19:39 “Post-truth” as Word of the Year—yay or nay? 27:05 Post-truth politics as populist politics 37:35 Reality’s well-known liberal bias 42:13 The evolution of English: descriptivism vs. prescriptivism

1:34 Poetry has gone viral on social media in the wake of Donald Trump’s election. Senior editor Mark Bauerlein and associate editor Julia Yost discuss what role poetry should play in public life, in this time of political tension and attention deficits. 30:12 Four cardinals have presented five ”dubia” to Pope Francis, concerning the apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia. Deputy editor Elliot Milco talks with Julia about what this move portends, why schism remains highly unlikely, and why Cardinal Burke inspires so much schadenfreude in Catholic liberals. 46:40 A special Thanksgiving message from the FIRST THINGS editorial staff, courtesy of assistant editor Alexi Sargeant.