Teaching Wit, Wisdom, and Love of Country

Teaching Wit, Wisdom, and Love of Country

June 19, 2026 · 57 min · Episode 794

About this episode

The episode discusses the meaning of America's 250th birthday celebration and the importance of passing on civic values to the younger generation.

America's 250th birthday is just a few weeks out, and festivities are underway. But, leaving aside disputes about fist fights and daring stunts on the White House South Lawn, a question emerges about what a serious celebration of the American way looks and feels like. To consider this and more, Charles, James, and a visiting Peter Robinson sit down with Matthew Mehan, author and Associate Dean of Hillsdale College's graduate school in Washington, D.C., to discuss The American Book of Fables . The gang thinks through the meaning of our civic inheritance and the endeavor to pass on the baton to the young. Matt's here to remind us that the arduous effort can be joyful and that hopefulness is a trait that marks the serious thinker. Our trio also kvetches (and then some!) over the Iran deal, winces at the newly unveiled Obama Presidential Center, and chortles with bewilderment at the accusation that a Pride-themed baseball cap was "desecrated" by a Bible verse. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-ricochet-podcast--5817275/support .

People in this episode

Hosts: Charles, James

Guests: Peter Robinson, Matthew Mehan

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hillsdale College

Books & works: The American Book of Fables

Places: Washington, D.C.

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