Acting for God's Glory: Robert Amaya on Creative Arts and Homeschooling
He had never stepped in front of a camera before. He almost ignored the audition opportunity completely. But when Robert Amaya finally sent in that tape for Courageous, it launched a career that would transform both faith-based filmmaking and his own family forever. In this inspiring episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with actor, speaker, and mentor Robert Amaya to discuss his journey in faith-based filmmaking and his experience as a Classical Conversations dad. Robert shares the miraculous story of how he landed his breakthrough role in Courageous despite having zero acting experience, and how working with the Kendrick Brothers became a "master class" in biblical manhood that changed his life forever. What You'll Discover: The incredible "courtesy call rejection" that turned into Robert's first movie role Why working on faith-based film sets with the Kendrick and Erwin Brothers is different from Hollywood How Robert's faith journey transformed from church rebellion to using film as a platform for the gospel The void in Christian filmmaking—and what Robert's doing about it through Join Creators Call Practical advice for parents whose kids want to pursue acting (hint: start with children's theater!) Why Robert believes homeschooling through Classical Conversations has given his daughters skills that surpass what he had in 12th grade How CC community provides the support system that eliminates parents' fears of inadequacy The Lancaster Film Initiative—Robert's new nonprofit creating excellence in faith-based films with profit-sharing for all involved Robert's transparency about raising two talented daughters in the entertainment industry while maintaining strong family values and a classical education offers both practical wisdom and genuine encouragement. His motto says it all: "Faith, family, and fun."  Resources: https://joincreatorscall.com/ Robert Amaya’s IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3892002/ Robert Amaya’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realrobertamaya  This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by the Classical Learning Cohort: Are you a CC parent or graduate wanting to become a more confident classical educator? Why not sample the CLC by attending a free, online "Experience the CLC" event at classicalconversations.com/cohort. Find a time that fits your schedule.
-------- Â
36:14
--------
36:14
Rediscovering the Bible's Grand Narrative: A Conversation with Randy Frazee
What if everything you thought you knew about the Bible's structure was making it harder to understand God's story? Pastor, author, and Bible engagement architect Randy Frazee joins host Robert on Refining Rhetoric to discuss why so many Christians—even those in Bible-believing churches—can't articulate the basic narrative of Scripture. The problem isn't a lack of commitment; it's how the Bible is organized. In this episode, you'll discover: ·      Why chronological Bible reading changes everything (and how The Story makes it accessible) ·      What really happens after you die—and why most Christians have it backwards ·      The surprising biblical truth: heaven isn't the final destination (hint: read Revelation 21-22) ·      Why the Garden of Eden matters for understanding eternity on the new earth ·      How Paul wrote the ultimate treatise on joy... from prison ·      The neuroscience that validates ancient biblical wisdom about depression and anxiety ·      Why gratitude is the #1 weapon against worry (backed by both Philippians and brain science) ·      The loneliness epidemic destroying Americans—and how proximity creates real community ·      Practical ways homeschoolers can combat isolation and build deeper connections Randy brings decades of pastoral wisdom, research-backed insights, and a refreshing perspective on biblical literacy. From explaining why Psalm 51 should be read right after 2 Samuel 11 (David's confession after his fall with Bathsheba) to unpacking why we'll still struggle at golf in the new kingdom (yes, really), this conversation bridges ancient truth and modern science.  This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: 2026 Classical Conversations Family Cruise Have you heard? The Classical Conversations 2026 CC Family Cruise will set sail on May 16, 2026. This exciting adventure is open to all CC families and alumni. It will include the National Memory Master Competition, National Commencement, and special CC family activities. Interest is booming with over 800 people interested in cruising with us and cabins are selling out fast! Book your cabin now at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026 Remember, to participate in the CC activities you need to book through the CC group. Grab your sunscreen, your beach bag. and join us on board!
-------- Â
31:57
--------
31:57
Beyond Feelings: Why Biblical Compassion Matters with Dr. Joe Rigney
What if the virtue we've been taught to prize above all others—empathy—has become a weapon that's destroying our families, churches, and society? In this thought-provoking episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Dr. Joe Rigney, author of the controversial new book "The Sin of Empathy: Compassion and Its Counterfeits." Dr. Rigney, who serves as Fellow of Theology at New St. Andrews College and is a pastor at Christ's Church, makes a bold argument that will challenge everything you think you know about compassion. Using the powerful analogy of someone drowning in quicksand, Dr. Rigney distinguishes between biblical compassion—which reaches out to help while remaining anchored to truth—and what he calls "untethered empathy," which jumps into the pit with both feet, creating two drowning victims instead of one. This counterfeit virtue, he argues, has been weaponized across cultural battlegrounds from immigration and abortion to the transgender movement, demanding that we validate feelings regardless of truth or moral consequences. The conversation explores how this emotional manipulation has infiltrated churches, schools, and homes through Social Emotional Learning curricula, creating what Dr. Rigney calls "the institutionalization of the pity party." From the redefinition of marriage to the mutilation of confused children in the name of "gender-affirming care," he traces how untethered empathy leads through a predictable progression: pity to anger to cruelty—all while flying the banner of compassion.  Resources: https://x.com/joe_rigney  https://canonpress.com/products/the-sin-of-empathy  This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by the Classical Learning Cohort: Are you a CC parent or graduate wanting to become a more confident classical educator? Why not sample the CLC by attending a free, online "Experience the CLC" event at classicalconversations.com/cohort. Find a time that fits your schedule.
-------- Â
39:29
--------
39:29
Making Sense of the Charlie Kirk Tragedy with J. Warner Wallace
In the aftermath of tragedy, the internet becomes a breeding ground for speculation, conspiracy theories, and misinformation—but how do we navigate these waters wisely? Cold case detective J. Warner Wallace returns to Refining Rhetoric to discuss the recent shooting of Charlie Kirk, offering crucial insights on distinguishing between what we can know from public information versus unfounded theories that spread online. Wallace explains why detectives withhold information during investigations, how to evaluate claims about shooting feasibility and evidence, and why complexity isn't usually the answer in criminal cases. The conversation moves beyond the specifics to address deeper questions about identity, martyrdom, and how our worldview shapes our response to violence. Wallace emphasizes that Charlie's identity was rooted in Christ first, with his political views flowing from that foundation. The episode concludes with practical advice for parents on helping children process tragedy and ground their identity in something transcendent rather than political or cultural groups. Wallace also discusses his new graphic novel "Case Files: Murder and Meaning" co-written with his son Jimmy, which explores themes of identity and human value through a criminal investigation narrative.  Resources: https://coldcasechristianity.com/  This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: 2026 Classical Conversations Family Cruise Have you heard? The Classical Conversations 2026 CC Family Cruise will set sail on May 16, 2026. This exciting adventure is open to all CC families and alumni. It will include the National Memory Master Competition, National Commencement, and special CC family activities. Interest is booming with over 800 people interested in cruising with us and cabins are selling out fast!  Book your cabin now at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026 Remember, to participate in the CC activities you need to book through the CC group. Grab your sunscreen, your beach bag. and join us on board!
-------- Â
52:59
--------
52:59
Preparing for the AI Age: A Guide for Christian Families
Everyone's talking about AI replacing jobs, but here's what they're missing: the real danger isn't AI taking over—it's our children never learning to think for themselves. Classical education might just be the key to thriving in an AI-dominated world. In this thought-provoking episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins dives deep into artificial intelligence and its implications for families, education, and society. With the Trump administration pushing AI as a solution to national debt and economic challenges, Robert examines both the promises and perils of this technological revolution. From data privacy concerns and the staggering energy demands of AI infrastructure to its potential impact on childhood development and learning, Robert offers a balanced perspective on navigating this new landscape. He shares practical insights on when and how to use AI tools effectively while emphasizing why the struggle of learning remains irreplaceable. This episode is essential listening for parents wondering how AI will affect their children's education and future opportunities, offering both warnings and wisdom for the road ahead. Key Topics Covered:        The Trump administration's AI strategy and national security implications        Data privacy, intellectual property, and energy infrastructure challenges        AI in education: personalized learning vs. relationship-based teaching        Why experts benefit from AI while novices suffer        Practical guidelines for using AI tools safely and effectively        The irreplaceable value of struggle and the learning journey        How classical education prepares students for an AI-integrated world  This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by the Classical Learning Cohort: Are you a CC parent or graduate wanting to become a more confident classical educator? Why not sample the CLC by attending a free, online "Experience the CLC" event at classicalconversations.com/cohort. Find a time that fits your schedule.
Refining Rhetoric with CEO Robert Bortins. A podcast where faith, business, politics, and classical education meet. Join us as we use the Classical tools of rhetoric to seek truth in every arena of life.
USA