Vital Remnants
20 years after the publication of Vital Remnants: America’s Founding and the Western Tradition, a book that set out to help America remember her vital roots in the western tradition, Dr. Gary L. Gregg II takes up the title of Vital Remnants once more to continue the mission of serving the future by remembering, thinking about, and learning from the great thinkers of the past. Join Dr. Gregg as he guides listeners through some of the most important texts in human history. Whether you are looking for help in reaching a long abandoned reading goal and continuing your life-long learning, or looking for leadership and life lessons from something deeper than the latest self-help book, Gregg brings a quarter of a century's worth of experience teaching leadership to help you along the way. Vital Remnants from our shared past await to inspire, encourage, and teach us today just as they changed the world we have inherited. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive McConnell Center updates directly in your mailbox: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/r/C970CD2C3514492B Download Dr. Gregg's Guide to The Prince here: http://louisville.edu/mcconnellcenter/programs/military/meditations/greggs-leadership-guide-to-the-prince/at_download/file Download Dr. Gregg's Guide to The Republic here: http://louisville.edu/mcconnellcenter/programs/military/meditations/greggs-reading-guide-to-thinking-with-plato/at_download/file Please share any thoughts, questions, comments, or concerns with us via email at connor.tracy@louisville.edu
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7.7 America's Autobiography - McCulloch vs. Maryland with Susan Laehn
08/11/2026
7.7 America's Autobiography - McCulloch vs. Maryland with Susan Laehn
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, is a podcast hosted by academics, experts, and guests of the McConnell Center, who will walk you through great texts in human history. Designed to accompany your own reading of the text, Season Seven focuses on exploring the McConnell Center’s newest publication, . For this episode, Susan Laehn joins to talk about the landmark legal case, McCulloch vs Maryland. Susan Laehn is adjunct professor of political science at Iowa State University. She is co-editor of Welcoming the Other: Student, Stranger, and Divine (Lexington Books, 2021), and she has published in Social Science Quarterly and Political Research Quarterly. Her teaching and research interests include ancient and modern political theory, ethics and politics, applied political theory, American government, and research methods. . ABOUT THE MCCONNELL CENTER Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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7.6 America’s Autobiography: Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia with Dr. Kirstin Birkhaug
08/04/2026
7.6 America’s Autobiography: Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia with Dr. Kirstin Birkhaug
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, is a podcast hosted by academics, experts, and guests of the McConnell Center, who will walk you through great texts in human history. Designed to accompany your own reading of the text, Season Seven focuses on exploring the McConnell Center’s newest publication, . For this episode, Dr. Kirstin Birkhaug joins to talk about the importance of Thomas Jefferson. teaches Introduction to American Politics, State and Local Government, and all upper-level political theory courses, including American Political and Social Thought, Ancient and Medieval Political Thought, Modern Political Thought, and Contemporary Political Thought at Hope College. ABOUT THE MCCONNELL CENTER Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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7.5 America’s Autobiography: Henry Clay’s Compromises with Dr. Justin Litke
07/28/2026
7.5 America’s Autobiography: Henry Clay’s Compromises with Dr. Justin Litke
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, is a podcast hosted by academics, experts, and guests of the McConnell Center, who will walk you through great texts in human history. Designed to accompany your own reading of the text, Season Seven focuses on exploring the McConnell Center’s newest publication, . For this episode, Dr. Justin Litke joins to talk about Henry Clay. is an assistant professor of politics and a fellow of the . He has taught at Western Kentucky University, Belmont Abbey College, and George Washington University. ABOUT THE MCCONNELL CENTER Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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7.4 America’s Autobiography: JFK’s Inaugural Address with Dr Barbara Perry
07/21/2026
7.4 America’s Autobiography: JFK’s Inaugural Address with Dr Barbara Perry
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, is a podcast hosted by academics, experts, and guests of the McConnell Center, who will walk you through great texts in human history. Designed to accompany your own reading of the text, Season Seven focuses on exploring the McConnell Center’s newest publication, . For this episode, Dr. Barbara Perry comes to the podium to discuss John F Kennedy's inaugural address. is the J. Wilson Newman Professor of Governance at the Miller Center, where she co-directs the . She has authored or edited 17 books on presidents, First Ladies, the Kennedy family, the Supreme Court, and civil rights and civil liberties. ABOUT THE MCCONNELL CENTER Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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7.3 America’s Autobiography: Ronald Reagan’s First Inaugural Address with Dr. Jonathan den Hartog
07/14/2026
7.3 America’s Autobiography: Ronald Reagan’s First Inaugural Address with Dr. Jonathan den Hartog
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, is a podcast hosted by academics, experts, and guests of the McConnell Center, who will walk you through great texts in human history. Designed to accompany your own reading of the text, Season Seven focuses on exploring the McConnell Center’s newest publication, . For this episode, Dr. Jonathan den Hartog joins to talk about the effect of Ronald Reagan’s first inaugural address. is Professor and Chair of the Department of History at Samford University. His interests are in the religious and political history of the colonial, revolutionary and early national periods of America. His first book, Patriotism and Piety: Federalist Politics and Religious Struggle in the New American Nation, was published by the University of Virginia Press in 2015. ABOUT THE MCCONNELL CENTER Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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7.2 America’s Autobiography: Calvin Coolidge's Speech on the Declaration of Independence with Matthew Denhart
07/07/2026
7.2 America’s Autobiography: Calvin Coolidge's Speech on the Declaration of Independence with Matthew Denhart
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, is a podcast hosted by academics, experts, and guests of the McConnell Center, who will walk you through great texts in human history. Designed to accompany your own reading of the text, Season Seven focuses on exploring the McConnell Center’s newest publication, . For this episode, Matthew Denhart joins to reflect on Calvin Coolidge's interpretation of the Declaration of Independence. serves as president of the Coolidge Foundation. At the , Mr. Denhart has led the development of the Coolidge Scholarship and several other initiatives aimed at sharing the lessons and values of President Coolidge with a broad national audience. ABOUT THE MCCONNELL CENTER Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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7.1 America's Autobiography: The Declaration of Independence with Bradley Birzer
07/02/2026
7.1 America's Autobiography: The Declaration of Independence with Bradley Birzer
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, is a podcast hosted by academics, experts, and guests of the McConnell Center, who will walk you through great texts in human history. Designed to accompany your own reading of the text, Season Seven focuses on exploring the McConnell Center’s newest publication, . For this episode, Gary Gregg welcomes Bradley Birzer to reflect on the power of the Declaration of Independence. is an American historian. He is a history professor and the Russell Amos Kirk Chair in American Studies at Hillsdale College, the author of five books and the co-founder of . Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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6.17 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Final Thoughts
05/13/2024
6.17 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Final Thoughts
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, walks you through great texts in human history. This season, join your host - the Center’s Director, Dr. Gary L. Gregg - as he leads an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. For this episode, Gary reflects back on all of the ground covered this season and offers his closing reflections. "Tocqueville's America - and Ours" is the McConnell Center's 2023-2024 programming, focused on studying Alexis de Tocqueville's 19th century work, "Democracy in America." Long considered a classic consideration of the origins, evolution, and future of democratic self-governance in America, we seek to read, understand, and examine Tocqueville's analysis and its implications for the United States today. Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Find out more about this season: And learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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6.16 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | A Fortnight in the Wilderness
05/07/2024
6.16 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | A Fortnight in the Wilderness
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, walks you through great texts in human history. This season, join your host - the Center’s Director, Dr. Gary L. Gregg - as he leads an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. For this episode, Gary's co-host, Dr. John Wilsey is joined by author Amy H. Sturgis, faculty member at Signum University with a Ph.D. in Intellectual History who specializes in Gothic and Indigenous America Studies. Together they explore Tocqueville's stand-alone work, A Fortnight in the Wilderness. "Tocqueville's America - and Ours" is the McConnell Center's 2023-2024 programming, focused on studying Alexis de Tocqueville's 19th century work, "Democracy in America." Long considered a classic consideration of the origins, evolution, and future of democratic self-governance in America, we seek to read, understand, and examine Tocqueville's analysis and its implications for the United States today. Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Find out more about this season: And learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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6.15 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Equality and Free Institutions
04/22/2024
6.15 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Equality and Free Institutions
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, walks you through great texts in human history. This season, join your host - the Center’s Director, Dr. Gary L. Gregg - as he leads an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. For this episode, Gary's co-host, Dr. John Wilsey is joined by Dr. Sara Henary from Missouri State University to explore the final sections of Tocqueville’s work. "Tocqueville's America - and Ours" is the McConnell Center's 2023-2024 programming, focused on studying Alexis de Tocqueville's 19th century work, "Democracy in America." Long considered a classic consideration of the origins, evolution, and future of democratic self-governance in America, we seek to read, understand, and examine Tocqueville's analysis and its implications for the United States today. Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Find out more about this season: And learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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6.14 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Honor, Patriotism & Pugnacity
04/04/2024
6.14 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Honor, Patriotism & Pugnacity
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, walks you through great texts in human history. This season, join your host - the Center’s Director, Dr. Gary L. Gregg - as he leads an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. For this episode, Gary's co-host, Dr. John Wilsey, explores the themes of honor, patriotism & pugnacity within Tocqueville’s work while examining the ways in which America has changed since the 19th Century and the many ways in which things have stayed consistent. "Tocqueville's America - and Ours" is the McConnell Center's 2023-2024 programming, focused on studying Alexis de Tocqueville's 19th century work, "Democracy in America." Long considered a classic consideration of the origins, evolution, and future of democratic self-governance in America, we seek to read, understand, and examine Tocqueville's analysis and its implications for the United States today. Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Find out more about this season: And learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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6.13 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Family and the Role of Women
04/02/2024
6.13 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Family and the Role of Women
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, walks you through great texts in human history. This season, join your host - the Center’s Director, Dr. Gary L. Gregg - as he leads an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. For this episode, Gary's co-host, Dr. John Wilsey, welcomes McConnell Scholar Kathleen Price to join him for a discussion exploring how Tocqueville observed the roles of women inside and apart from the function of family in 19th century America. "Tocqueville's America - and Ours" is the McConnell Center's 2023-2024 programming, focused on studying Alexis de Tocqueville's 19th century work, "Democracy in America." Long considered a classic consideration of the origins, evolution, and future of democratic self-governance in America, we seek to read, understand, and examine Tocqueville's analysis and its implications for the United States today. Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Find out more about this season: And learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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6.12 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Sanity, Religion & Politics
03/06/2024
6.12 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Sanity, Religion & Politics
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, walks you through great texts in human history. This season, join your host - the Center’s Director, Dr. Gary L. Gregg - as he leads an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. For this episode, Gary'explores Tocqueville's feelings towards the ideas of sanity and mental health, along with the intersection of religion and politics in America. "Tocqueville's America - and Ours" is the McConnell Center's 2023-2024 programming, focused on studying Alexis de Tocqueville's 19th century work, "Democracy in America." Long considered a classic consideration of the origins, evolution, and future of democratic self-governance in America, we seek to read, understand, and examine Tocqueville's analysis and its implications for the United States today. Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Find out more about this season: And learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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6.11 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Spiritualism and Work
02/28/2024
6.11 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Spiritualism and Work
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, walks you through great texts in human history. This season, join your host - the Center’s Director, Dr. Gary L. Gregg - as he leads an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. For this episode, Gary's co-host, Dr. John Wilsey, welcomes , the Executive Director of the Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy, to join him for a discussion exploring how Tocqueville felt towards the ideas of spiritualism and work in America. "Tocqueville's America - and Ours" is the McConnell Center's 2023-2024 programming, focused on studying Alexis de Tocqueville's 19th century work, "Democracy in America." Long considered a classic consideration of the origins, evolution, and future of democratic self-governance in America, we seek to read, understand, and examine Tocqueville's analysis and its implications for the United States today. Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Find out more about this season: And learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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6.10 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Associations and Self Interest
02/20/2024
6.10 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Associations and Self Interest
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, walks you through great texts in human history. This season, join your host - the Center’s Director, Dr. Gary L. Gregg - as he leads an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. For this episode, Gary's co-host, Dr. John Wilsey, welcomes McConnell Scholar Riley Maddox to join him for a discussion exploring how Tocqueville felt towards the ideas of association and self-interest in America. "Tocqueville's America - and Ours" is the McConnell Center's 2023-2024 programming, focused on studying Alexis de Tocqueville's 19th century work, "Democracy in America." Long considered a classic consideration of the origins, evolution, and future of democratic self-governance in America, we seek to read, understand, and examine Tocqueville's analysis and its implications for the United States today. Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Find out more about this season: And learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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6.9 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Is There an American Mind?
02/12/2024
6.9 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Is There an American Mind?
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, walks you through great texts in human history. This season, join your host - the Center’s Director, Dr. Gary L. Gregg - as he leads an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. For this episode, Gary's co-host, Dr. John Wilsey, explores the theme of what Tocqueville believed defined a mindset as specifically "American." "Tocqueville's America - and Ours" is the McConnell Center's 2023-2024 programming, focused on studying Alexis de Tocqueville's 19th century work, "Democracy in America." Long considered a classic consideration of the origins, evolution, and future of democratic self-governance in America, we seek to read, understand, and examine Tocqueville's analysis and its implications for the United States today. Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Find out more about this season: And learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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6.8 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Prescient Mind
12/11/2023
6.8 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Prescient Mind
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, walks you through great texts in human history. This season, join your host - the Center’s Director, Dr. Gary L. Gregg - as he leads an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. For this episode, Gary explores the theme of "prescient mind." "Tocqueville's America - and Ours" is the McConnell Center's 2023-2024 programming, focused on studying Alexis de Tocqueville's 19th century work, "Democracy in America." Long considered a classic consideration of the origins, evolution, and future of democratic self-governance in America, we seek to read, understand, and examine Tocqueville's analysis and its implications for the United States today. Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Find out more about this season: And learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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6.7 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Religion and Race
12/11/2023
6.7 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Religion and Race
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, walks you through great texts in human history. This season, join your hosts - the Center’s Director, Dr. Gary L. Gregg and Dr. John Wilsey - as they lead an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. For this episode, Dr. John Wilsey explores the theme of "religion and race." "Tocqueville's America - and Ours" is the McConnell Center's 2023-2024 programming, focused on studying Alexis de Tocqueville's 19th century work, "Democracy in America." Long considered a classic consideration of the origins, evolution, and future of democratic self-governance in America, we seek to read, understand, and examine Tocqueville's analysis and its implications for the United States today. Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Find out more about this season: And learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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6.6 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | The Dangerous Majority
11/06/2023
6.6 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | The Dangerous Majority
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, walks you through great texts in human history. This season, join your host - the Center’s Director, Dr. Gary L. Gregg - as he leads an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. For this episode, Gary explores the theme of "the dangerous majority." "Tocqueville's America - and Ours" is the McConnell Center's 2023-2024 programming, focused on studying Alexis de Tocqueville's 19th century work, "Democracy in America." Long considered a classic consideration of the origins, evolution, and future of democratic self-governance in America, we seek to read, understand, and examine Tocqueville's analysis and its implications for the United States today. Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Find out more about this season: And learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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6.5 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | The Press
10/31/2023
6.5 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | The Press
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, walks you through great texts in human history. This season, join your host - the Center’s Director, Dr. Gary L. Gregg - as he leads an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. For this episode, Gary welcomes John Wilsey, PhD, to discuss the theme of "the press." "Tocqueville's America - and Ours" is the McConnell Center's 2023-2024 programming, focused on studying Alexis de Tocqueville's 19th century work, "Democracy in America." Long considered a classic consideration of the origins, evolution, and future of democratic self-governance in America, we seek to read, understand, and examine Tocqueville's analysis and its implications for the United States today. Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Find out more about this season: And learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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6.4 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | The Judiciary
10/24/2023
6.4 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | The Judiciary
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, walks you through great texts in human history. This season, join your host - the Center’s Director, Dr. Gary L. Gregg - as he leads an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. For this episode, Gary welcomes John Wilsey, PhD, to discuss Chapter 6 and the theme of "judicial power." "Tocqueville's America - and Ours" is the McConnell Center's 2023-2024 programming, focused on studying Alexis de Tocqueville's 19th century work, "Democracy in America." Long considered a classic consideration of the origins, evolution, and future of democratic self-governance in America, we seek to read, understand, and examine Tocqueville's analysis and its implications for the United States today. Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Find out more about this season: And learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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6.3 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Townships
10/06/2023
6.3 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Townships
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, walks you through great texts in human history. This season, join your host - the Center’s Director, Dr. Gary L. Gregg - as he leads an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. For this episode, Gary welcomes John Wilsey, PhD, to discuss Chapter 5 and the theme of "townships." "Tocqueville's America - and Ours" is the McConnell Center's 2023-2024 programming, focused on studying Alexis de Tocqueville's 19th century work, "Democracy in America." Long considered a classic consideration of the origins, evolution, and future of democratic self-governance in America, we seek to read, understand, and examine Tocqueville's analysis and its implications for the United States today. Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Find out more about this season: And learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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6.2 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Getting Going
10/05/2023
6.2 Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America | Getting Going
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, walks you through great texts in human history. This season, join your host - the Center’s Director, Dr. Gary L. Gregg - as he leads an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. In this episode, Dr. Gregg starts the journey into what is considered one of the greatest books on democracy ever composed. Find out more about this season: And learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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6.1 Alexis de Tocqueville in Space and Time
10/04/2023
6.1 Alexis de Tocqueville in Space and Time
Vital Remnants, a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, walks you through great texts in human history. This season, join your host - the Center’s Director, Dr. Gary L. Gregg - as he leads an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. For this episode, Gary welcomes John Wilsey, PhD, to deliver a lecture titled "Alexis de Tocqueville in Space and Time." Dr. Wilsey, associate professor of church history and philosophy at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, speaks as part of the "Tocqueville's America - and Ours" series. "Tocqueville's America - and Ours" is the McConnell Center's 2023-2024 programming, focused on studying Alexis de Tocqueville's 19th century work, "Democracy in America." Long considered a classic consideration of the origins, evolution, and future of democratic self-governance in America, we seek to read, understand, and examine Tocqueville's analysis and its implications for the United States today. Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles—leadership, scholarship and service—guide us as we (1) prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders; (2) offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and (3) conduct strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Find out more about this season: And learn more regarding the work of The McConnell Center:
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5.12 The Roots of American Order | Contending Against Disorder with Dr. Richard Gamble
07/01/2022
5.12 The Roots of American Order | Contending Against Disorder with Dr. Richard Gamble
In this final episode of Season 5, McConnell Center Director Dr. Gary Gregg and , Anna Margaret Ross Alexander Chair in History and Politics at Hillsdale College, discuss Russell Kirk's use of the term "membership," his storytelling, and the three great figures he includes in his final chapter of The Roots of American Order. Corresponding Reading Chapter 12, pp. 441-477 of Russell Kirk, The Roots of American Order Important Links Download the corresponding reading guide to The Roots of American Order Learn more about The Roots of American Order at and receive McConnell Center updates directly in your mailbox McConnell Center Podcast, "" This podcast is a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville. For more information, including upcoming events, please visit us online at mcconnellcenter.org or on social media at: Facebook: @mcconnellcenter Instagram: @ulmcenter Twitter: @ULmCenter Contributors Host: Dr. Gary L. Gregg II, McConnell Center Director Guest: Dr. Richard Gamble, Hillsdale College Producer and Editor: Will Randolph, McConnell Scholar
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5.11 The Roots of American Order | The Declaration and the Constitution with Dr. Michael Federici
06/01/2022
5.11 The Roots of American Order | The Declaration and the Constitution with Dr. Michael Federici
McConnell Center Director Dr. Gary Gregg and , Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Middle Tennessee State University, explore the two foundational documents of the American founding period and discuss the nature of America's political order. Corresponding Reading Chapter 11, pp. 393-440 of Russell Kirk, The Roots of American Order Important Links Download the corresponding reading guide to The Roots of American Order Learn more about The Roots of American Order at and receive McConnell Center updates directly in your mailbox Pauline Maier, Michael P. Federici, This podcast is a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville. For more information, including upcoming events, please visit us online at mcconnellcenter.org or on social media at: Facebook: @mcconnellcenter Instagram: @ulmcenter Twitter: @ULmCenter Contributors Host: Dr. Gary L. Gregg II, McConnell Center Director Guest: Dr. Michael Federici, Middle Tennessee State University Producer and Editor: Will Randolph, McConnell Scholar
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5.10 The Roots of American Order | Eighteenth-Century Intellects with Dr. Khalil Habib
05/02/2022
5.10 The Roots of American Order | Eighteenth-Century Intellects with Dr. Khalil Habib
McConnell Center Director Dr. Gary Gregg and , Associate Professor of Politics at Hillsdale College, explore four of the leading intellects of the Eighteenth Century who influenced American Order: Baron de Montesquieu, Edmund Burke, William Blackstone, and David Hume. Corresponding Reading Chapter 10, pp. 347-391 of Russell Kirk, The Roots of American Order Important Links Download the corresponding reading guide to The Roots of American Order Learn more about The Roots of American Order at and receive McConnell Center updates directly in your mailbox Russell Kirk, This podcast is a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville. For more information, including upcoming events, please visit us online at mcconnellcenter.org or on social media at: Facebook: @mcconnellcenter Instagram: @ulmcenter Twitter: @ULmCenter Contributors Host: Dr. Gary L. Gregg II, McConnell Center Director Guest: Dr. Khalil Habib, Hillsdale College Producer and Editor: Will Randolph, McConnell Scholar
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5.9 The Roots of American Order | The Colonial Order with Dr. Thomas Mackey
04/05/2022
5.9 The Roots of American Order | The Colonial Order with Dr. Thomas Mackey
McConnell Center Director Dr. Gary Gregg and , Professor of History at the University of Louisville, explore the history of colonial America and provide context for Kirk's chapter on the period. Corresponding Reading Chapter 9, pp. 301-345 of Russell Kirk, The Roots of American Order Important Links Download the corresponding reading guide to The Roots of American Order Learn more about The Roots of American Order at and receive McConnell Center updates directly in your mailbox Additional Resources Bernard Bailyn, Gordon Wood, Jack Greene, Jack Rakove Pauline Maier Mary Beth Norton, Richard B. Bernstein Peter C. Hoffer Alan S. Taylor John P. Demos Timothy H. Breen Fred Anderson This podcast is a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville. For more information, including upcoming events, please visit us online at mcconnellcenter.org or on social media at: Facebook: @mcconnellcenter Instagram: @ulmcenter Twitter: @ULmCenter Contributors Host: Dr. Gary L. Gregg II, McConnell Center Director Guest: Dr. Thomas Mackey, University of Louisville Producer and Editor: Will Randolph, McConnell Scholar
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5.8 The Roots of American Order | The Constitution of Church and State with Dr. Susan Hanssen
03/01/2022
5.8 The Roots of American Order | The Constitution of Church and State with Dr. Susan Hanssen
McConnell Center Director Dr. Gary Gregg and , Associate Professor of History and Chair of the History Department at the University of Dallas, explore the roots of church and state in American order. The two discuss the history of 17th century Britain and the English Civil War, Hobbesian and Lockean political theory, and more. Corresponding Reading Chapter 8, pp. 259-300 of Russell Kirk, The Roots of American Order Important Links Download the corresponding reading guide to The Roots of American Order Learn more about The Roots of American Order at Martin J. Wiener, Russell Kirk, David Hackett Fischer, and receive McConnell Center updates directly in your mailbox Please share any thoughts, questions, comments, or concerns with us via email at This podcast is a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville. For more information, including upcoming events, please visit us online at mcconnellcenter.org or on social media at: Facebook: @mcconnellcenter Instagram: @ulmcenter Twitter: @ULmCenter Contributors Host: Dr. Gary L. Gregg II, McConnell Center Director Guest: Dr. Suan Hanssen, University of Dallas Producers and Editors: Connor Tracy, McConnell Center SBS Coordinator & Will Randolph, McConnell Scholar
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5.7 The Roots of American Order | The Protestant Reformation with Dr. Glenn Moots
02/01/2022
5.7 The Roots of American Order | The Protestant Reformation with Dr. Glenn Moots
McConnell Scholar and assistant podcast producer Will Randolph is joined by , Professor of Political Science and Philosophy at Northwood University, to discuss the significance of the Protestant Reformation. The two explore the history of the Reformation, the different groups and strands of thought that it produced, and how the ideas of the Reformation impacted American order. Corresponding Reading Chapter 7, pp. 221-258 of Russell Kirk, The Roots of American Order Important Links Download the corresponding reading guide to The Roots of American Order Learn more about The Roots of American Order at Glenn Moots, and and receive McConnell Center updates directly in your mailbox Please share any thoughts, questions, comments, or concerns with us via email at This podcast is a production of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville. For more information, including upcoming events, please visit us online at mcconnellcenter.org or on social media at: Facebook: @mcconnellcenter Instagram: @ulmcenter Twitter: @ULmCenter Contributors Host: Will Randolph, McConnell Scholar Guest: Dr. Glenn Moots, Producers and Editors: Connor Tracy, McConnell Center SBS Coordinator & Will Randolph, McConnell Scholar
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