Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins

What does it look like when a classical Christian education meets a national civics competition? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with two Classical Conversations students — Owen Burrill and Elisha Hoey — who were selected as national finalists in the U.S. Presidential 1776 Award, a civics competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Out of hundreds of thousands of eligible students, only 20 made it this far — and these two CC students are among them. Owen and Elisha share how they tackled a study library spanning John Locke's Two Treatises of Government to Madison's notes from the Constitutional Convention, what surprised them most about the Founding (hint: virtue shows up everywhere), and how Classical Conversations' emphasis on memory work, primary documents, and impromptu speaking gave them a real edge. They also dish on their private tour of the National Archives and what it was like to see the Declaration of Independence without the crowds. Whether you're a homeschool parent wondering if the hard work is paying off, or a student looking for a reason to dig deeper into American history, this conversation is proof that a classical education does more than prepare kids for college — it prepares them for the arena. 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.

What would you give up to stand for truth? For Kayleigh Bush, the answer was a crown. When Kayleigh Bush was crowned Miss North Florida in August 2024, she had no idea she'd soon face a choice that would make national headlines. Just four weeks after her crowning, she was presented with a revised Miss America contract that redefined "female" to include biological males who have undergone surgical procedures — directly contradicting her Christian faith and Florida law. She refused to sign. And she refused to stay silent. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert Bortins sits down with Classical Conversations graduate and viral sensation Kayleigh Bush to talk about what really happened, what it cost her, and why she has zero regrets. From a surprise TMZ interview on a Washington D.C. sidewalk to tens of millions of views, Kayleigh shares how her CC education, her faith, and a community rooted in truth gave her the courage to trade a temporal crown for an eternal one. Whether you're a parent raising kids in a world that's redefining womanhood, a student wondering if standing on convictions is worth it, or simply someone looking for a story of genuine courage — this episode is for you. Resources: She Leads America: sheleadsamerica.com Liberty Counsel (Kayleigh's legal representation): lc.org This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Worldview Academy: Students call Worldview Academy the best week of their lives. Through week-long summer leadership camps for teens, Worldview Academy trains Christians to think and live in accord with a biblical worldview so they can better serve Christ and engage the culture around them. Worldview Academy reinforces what students are learning at home and at church and trains this generation to apply that knowledge to the challenging cultural issues they're facing. To find a camp near you or learn more about Worldview's weekend conferences and other resources for families, visit www.worldview.org

What if the crisis in education isn't about test scores—but about truth itself? Join Robert Bortins as he sits down with Billy Hutchinson, Education Specialist at the Colson Center, for a timely conversation about the worldview battle shaping our children's futures. With only 2% of Gen Z holding a biblical worldview (according to Barna research), the statistics are sobering. But this isn't a doom-and-gloom conversation—it's a roadmap for hope. Billy reveals why students today are getting different answers about fundamental questions like "What is a woman?" in every single classroom, and how the fracturing of truth is leaving an entire generation confused, discouraged, and unanchored. Discover the powerful distinction between secular hope ("I hope my team wins") and Christ-centered hope (anchored in the historical reality of the resurrection), and why that difference changes everything about how we face cultural chaos. Learn from the courageous stories featured in the Colson Center's Truth Rising documentary—including cake artist Jack Phillips and detransitioner Chloe Cole—and why these ordinary people chose courage over fear. Billy shares practical, free resources available at ColsonEducators.org that equip teachers, parents, and Christian leaders with the clarity, confidence, and courage needed to teach from—not just with—a biblical worldview. From worldview formation courses to the Fellows Program, discover how to become "agents of restoration" in this cultural moment. This episode is essential listening for anyone who refuses to surrender the next generation to confusion and wants to equip their family, church, or classroom with unshakable truth. Resources: Colson Educators: https://courses.colsoneducation.org/ Truth Rising: The Study Educators' Edition: https://courses.colsoneducation.org/truth-rising-educators-study 2026 Rooted Christian Educator Summit: https://www.acsi.org/rooted-educator-worldview-summit This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Worldview Academy: Students call Worldview Academy the best week of their lives. Through week-long summer leadership camps for teens, Worldview Academy trains Christians to think and live in accord with a biblical worldview so they can better serve Christ and engage the culture around them. Worldview Academy reinforces what students are learning at home and at church and trains this generation to apply that knowledge to the challenging cultural issues they're facing. To find a camp near you or learn more about Worldview's weekend conferences and other resources for families, visit www.worldview.org