Why First Things Is A Nonprofit

by R. R. Reno

On behalf of my entire staff, I thank you for reading our appeals and responding so generously. We’re honored to have you on the team. Continue Reading »

9 Jul 2024

Diagnosing Disaster

by R. R. Reno

“Why Did We Destroy Europe?” It’s an arresting title, chosen by Michael Polanyi for a 1970 essay that looks back on the conflagrations that consumed Europe between 1914 and 1945. (The essay can be found in Society, Economics & Philosophy, a posthumous volume of selected papers by . . . . Continue Reading »

1 Jun 2024

The Story of the Comfort Women

by Mark Bauerlein

J. Mark Ramseyer joins the podcast to discuss his new book The Comfort Women Hoax. Continue Reading »

29 Apr 2024

Writing My Autobiography

by Joseph Epstein

“Are you still writing?” he asked. “I am,” I answered. “What are you working on at the moment?” “An autobiography,” I said. “Interesting,” he replied. “Whose?” The implication here, you will note, is that mine hasn’t been a life sufficiently interesting to merit an . . . . Continue Reading »

1 Apr 2024

Fifty Years on Politics and Politicians

by Mark Bauerlein

Cal Thomas joins the podcast to discuss his new book A Watchman in the Night. Continue Reading »

15 Feb 2024

Hopes and Wishes for 2024

by John Wilson

From hoping for continued health of the cat Nina to continued prosperity of publications to Nobel Laureate desires, these are some of John Wilson's hopes and wishes for the new year.  Continue Reading »

12 Jan 2024

Primordial Elements

by Joshua T. Katz

It is a privilege to read each day online and each month in print the compelling, orderly prose of some of the sharpest critics of the state of religion and public life today. Continue Reading »

19 Dec 2023

Holding the Line

by Christopher Rufo

First Things stands as an intellectual bulwark against the left’s long march. Continue Reading »

13 Dec 2023

Notes on Sontag and Steiner

by Mark Bauerlein

Robert Boyers joins the podcast to discuss his new book Maestros & Monsters: Days & Nights with Susan Sontag & George Steiner. Continue Reading »

16 Nov 2023

Walker Percy and Abortion

by Jonathon Van Maren

“Americans are the nicest, most generous, and sentimental people on earth,” Percy once observed. “Yet Americans have killed more unborn children than any nation in history.” Continue Reading »

3 Apr 2023