Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins

Is artificial intelligence a threat to your child's education — or proof that classical education was right all along? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Classical Conversations founder and aerospace engineer Leigh Bortins to explore what 40 hours a week of AI research taught her, why classical education uniquely prepares students for an AI-driven world, and how to use AI wisely without letting it use you. From narrow AI and its medical breakthroughs, to the difference between rule-based and behavior-based language, Leigh breaks down how AI actually works — and why homeschool families grounded in grammar, rhetoric, and a Christian worldview have nothing to fear. They also discuss the Imago Dei and work, why children need to struggle to develop, the chainsaw analogy for AI, and how Classical Conversations families have been preparing for this moment for nearly 30 years.
Veritasium: What Everyone Gets Wrong About AI and Learning – Derek Muller Explains: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xS68sl2D70

Is AI quietly shaping your child's worldview — without your permission? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with tech entrepreneur and founder of Wisdom Forge, Jeff Gross, to talk about what's really at stake when Christian families hand kids the keys to AI tools without biblical guardrails. Jeff has launched over 10 ventures since age 15 and now builds AI formation systems designed to raise Christ-centered, discerning kids — not AI-dependent ones.
Jeff and Robert dig into the real challenge Christian homeschool parents face: AI isn't going away, but most platforms are built on a worldview that's hostile to faith. Jeff shares how Wisdom Forge uses scripture-driven filtering, Socratic learning, and AI-literacy training to prepare students to engage technology with wisdom — not naivety.
They also talk about the career and financial consequences of ignoring AI, why seminary-trained writers are more valuable than ever, and how Wisdom Forge's 23 "mini universities" and personalized daily curriculum give kids 25–60 minutes of genuinely formative screen time.
Whether you're a homeschool parent wondering how to handle AI or a student curious about where the world is headed, this conversation will challenge you to think carefully — and act wisely.
Resources:
(These links are not live yet)
www.wisdomforged.com
www.careerforged.com

Is artificial intelligence a useful tool — or a danger to your family? In this episode of the Refining Rhetoric podcast, Robert kicks off AI Week with a frank, faith-grounded look at how he's been using AI as an adult: as a thought partner, writing editor, health coach, and financial tracker — and where it's started to go wrong.
From the brain science behind classical education to George Orwell's warnings about bystander thinking, this episode equips Christian homeschool families with a biblical framework for navigating AI wisely — without fear and without naivety. Spoiler: the best preparation for an AI future isn't more screen time. It's Classical Conversations.
Stay tuned this week for more AI Week episodes, including a conversation with Leigh Bortins on AI and education.

What happens when a 20-year Critical Race Theory advocate begins to question everything she believed about race, justice, and the church? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Monique Duson — co-founder of the Center for Biblical Unity — to unpack why she left the CRT framework behind and what the Bible actually teaches about racial unity, justice, and the body of Christ.
Monique shares her journey from South Central LA to the mission field in South Africa, and how a series of hard conversations with a friend led her back to Scripture — and away from critical social theory. Together, Robert and Monique explore the origins of CRT, how it has infiltrated the church, and why biblical unity is not the same as racial reconciliation.
If you're a Christian parent, pastor, or educator trying to navigate conversations about race with a biblical worldview, this episode gives you the theological grounding and practical clarity to do it well.
 
Resources:
Center for Biblical Unity: https://centerforbiblicalunity.com
 
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by CC Graduate Degree in Latin Studies:
Classical Conversations is excited to announce the launch of our new accredited Graduate Program in Latin Studies, an 18-credit hour program designed speciϐically for homeschooling parents who want to deepen their understanding of classical Christian education in Latin writing and translation. This graduate program provides academic recognition for your dedication to classical learning while offering a pathway to advanced study in Latin through our partnership with Southeastern University.
Register today to secure your spot in this transformative educational experience. Click Here to Begin Your Classical Journey

The Department of Justice has indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center — and it's a moment many Christian conservatives have been waiting years for. In this special episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Wade Miller, Executive Director of the Center for Renewing America and former political director for Senator Ted Cruz, to break down exactly what the DOJ is alleging and why it matters for homeschool families, Christian nonprofits, and free speech advocates.
From wire fraud to debanking conservatives, Wade unpacks the SPLC's three major indictment categories and explains how their "hate map" has been used as a weapon against Christian organizations for decades. He also shares what real cultural renewal looks like from inside Washington — and why the battle for America is ultimately a battle for its soul.
Whether you're a homeschool parent, a conservative activist, or simply someone who wants to understand what's happening in D.C., this conversation will equip and encourage you.
 
Resources:
https://americarenewing.com/