Dr. Chris Firestone

The Firestone Files

A Philosophy and Society & Culture podcast

About the show

The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University.

Newest episodes

Parker Settecase: From D1 Wrestler to Marquette PhD, and Host of Parker's Pensées

Nov 10, 2026 1 hr 15 min

In October 2020, Parker Settecase sat Dr. Chris Firestone down on his podcast, Parker's Pensées, to talk about Kant's philosophy of religion. In this episode of The Firestone Files, the chair is flipped. Dr. Firestone sits down with his former student from the Trinity days to trace a road that very few people travel: from a Division I wrestling room to a seminary classroom to a fully funded seat in a philosophy PhD program.Parker wrestled at Northern Illinois University, where a campus ministry got hold of his life, and he gave up his final year of eligibility to serve college athletes with Athletes in Action. Then the reading started and never stopped. He earned an M.A. in Philosophy of Religion at Palm Beach Atlantic University and two master's degrees at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, in Systematic Theology and Theological Studies. In the fall of 2026 he began a fully funded PhD in Philosophy at Marquette University, where he is also a teaching assistant. His interests run from philosophy of mind and machine consciousness to transcendental arguments and the philosophy of fiction.Along the way he built one of the most distinctive platforms in Christian philosophy online. Parker's Pensées, a tip of the cap to Pascal, is nearly 300 episodes deep with leading philosophers and theologians. His YouTube channel ParkNotes, on notebooks, study habits, and the life of the mind, made him what his readers call the Notebook Czar. He writes essays at Parker's Ponderings on Substack and philosophical science fiction and fantasy on the side.Teacher and student talk about the wrestler who woke up to philosophy, how to collect mentors well, what a podcast can teach that a seminar cannot, why Marquette, and what Parker wants the next generation of Christian thinkers to inherit from his.Find Parker's work here:Website: https://parkersettecase.comParker's Pensées podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parkers-pens%C3%A9es/id1527286862ParkNotes on YouTube: https://www.yo...

Dr. Charles Howell: A Student, a Mentor, and the Road from Trinity to St Andrews

Nov 10, 2026 39 min

Before he was Dr. Charles Howell, Lecturer in Theology and the Arts at King's College London, he was an undergraduate in the B.A. in Philosophy program at Trinity International University, sitting in Dr. Chris Firestone's classes. In this episode of The Firestone Files, recorded at the AAR/SBL Annual Meetings in Boston in November 2025, teacher and former student sit down to trace the road from Deerfield, Illinois, to St Andrews, Scotland.They look back on their years together at Trinity: the conferences they attended, the papers, the road trips, and the academic adventures that turned a philosophy major into a theologian. Charles then tells the story of his quest for the PhD: an MPhil in Modern Theology at the University of Oxford, a doctorate in Systematic Theology at the University of St Andrews on the theological aesthetics of Eberhard Jüngel, and a post-doctoral post at St Andrews as Research Assistant on the Widening Horizons of Philosophical Theology project. Along the way they talk about what it takes to finish a doctorate, what a mentor owes a student, and what a student owes himself.Dr. Howell worked professionally in architectural drafting and design and as a musician before entering academia, and his scholarship still draws on both. He is the author of Too Sick to Pray: A Theology of Outlaw Country (Fortress Press, 2026) and Beauty in the Absence of God: The Theological Aesthetics of Eberhard Jüngel (Mohr Siebeck, forthcoming), and he has written on theology, music, visual art, and architecture for Religions, Spiritus, Logos, Drawing Matter, Plough, and Transpositions.Find Dr. Howell's work here:King's College London: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/charles-howellAcademia.edu: https://kcl.academia.edu/CMHowellToo Sick to Pray (Fortress Press): https://www.fortresspress.com/store/product/9798889836926/Too-Sick-to-PrayThe Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philoso...

Eric Capaci: A Mayoral Candidate's Love Letters to Hot Springs

Oct 26, 2026 47 min

Every campaign has to answer one question before it earns the right to argue anything: who is this man, and does he love the place he wants to lead? In August 2026, Eric Capaci's campaign for Mayor of Hot Springs, Arkansas, answered it the simplest way we could think of. Before a single issue was raised, we sent Eric to the places every person in this city knows by heart and let him talk. The dam and the two lakes. Bathhouse Row and the thermal water. Magic Springs, the Alligator Farm, the Northwoods trails, the ballfields where Babe Ruth trained, and the corner of Third and South, where he and Carolann started a church in 1992 with $700 and a God-sized dream. Seventeen reels, shot often with one take, one place at a time. Love letters to a city. Together they drew more than 200,000 views on a page with 1,800 followers, in a city of 38,000. More than that, they reintroduced a man the city thought it knew, and showed something a platform never can: his heart, his humor, and the way he leads, from the sidewalk rather than the podium. This episode runs those reels as one film, in tour order, and hands out the hardware: Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Comedy (to the alligators), Best Metaphor, and a Lifetime Achievement award for the most-watched video the campaign has made. The introduction is short. The reels do the talking.Full disclosure: I am not neutral. I wrote these love letters with him, and I believe in the man who delivered them. THE TEAM Eric, on-screen personality and director, mayoral candidate Chris, lead writing and producing volunteer Lucas, lead camera and editing volunteer All reels courtesy of The Committee to Elect Capaci for Mayor. Watch the originals at facebook.com/CapaciForMayor. Early voting in Hot Springs runs through Monday, November 2. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The Firestone Files is hosted by Dr. Chris L. Firestone. New episodes drop on Mondays at 8:00 a.m. Central.

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All episodes

Parker Settecase: From D1 Wrestler to Marquette PhD, and Host of Parker's Pensées

Nov 10, 2026 1 hr 15 min

Dr. Charles Howell: A Student, a Mentor, and the Road from Trinity to St Andrews

Nov 10, 2026 39 min

Eric Capaci: A Mayoral Candidate's Love Letters to Hot Springs

Oct 26, 2026 47 min

Teaching, Homeschooling, and the Family Life

Oct 19, 2026 56 min

In Season 2, Episode 8 of The Firestone Files, Dr. Chris Firestone talks with his wife, Elizabeth (Beth) Firestone, about her teaching career, their family's homeschooling years, choosing curriculum, supporting different learners, and deciding when to transition to public school. Beth shares lessons from raising and educating their children, along with her later work in children's ministry. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: @FirestoneFiles Spotify: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Dr. Vanedson Ximenes: From Brazil’s Largest Beach Ministry to Champion Christian College

Oct 19, 2026 1 hr 8 min

Before he was Vice President for International Affairs at Champion Christian College, Dr. Vanedson Ximenes was a young Baptist pastor in Vila Velha, Brazil, who took his preaching out of the church and onto the beach. In this episode of The Firestone Files, Dr. Chris Firestone sits down with his friend and colleague to trace the road from the coast of Espírito Santo to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Dr. Ximenes tells the story of Jesus Vida Verão, the summer outreach he started in 1992 with a handful of people from his church. Today it is known as the largest beach gospel event in Brazil, drawing tens of thousands of people a night every January. He also talks about his years of pastoral ministry in Brazil, the move to the United States, and how he started the Dual Language program at Champion, which now serves hundreds of Portuguese-speaking students. The conversation closes with the two things underneath all of it: his family and his faith. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: @FirestoneFiles Spotify: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

"Monster" Michael Todd: From Hot Springs "Redneck" to Arm Wrestling World Champion

Oct 9, 2026 26 min

Before he was "Monster" Michael Todd, world champion arm wrestler, he was a redneck kid growing up in Hot Springs, Arkansas. In this episode of The Firestone Files, Dr. Chris Firestone sits down with Michael to trace the road from his hometown to the top of the sport. Michael talks about his early years in Hot Springs, what first pulled him to the table, and what it took to climb to a world championship. He also shares why, after competing all over the world, he still calls Hot Springs home — and what he loves most about the city. The conversation closes with a look at the Hot Springs mayoral race and what is at stake for the city's future. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: @FirestoneFiles Spotify: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

An Interview with Eric Capaci: Candidate for Mayor of Hot Springs, AR

Sep 28, 2026 57 min

In episode fifty-seven, Dr. Firestone welcomes Pastor Eric Capaci back for a second conversation about his background and his candidacy for mayor of Hot Springs, Arkansas. They discuss his years in ministry, education, and business, along with the experiences that led him to run for office again. Capaci shares his views on the mayor’s role, local development, transparency, and communication with residents. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: @FirestoneFiles Spotify: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Faith, Mentorship, and Legacy: Dr. Firestone's Story

Sep 21, 2026 1 hr 35 min

In episode fifty-six, Dr. Firestone welcomes longtime family friend Laurie to reflect on their lengthy, intergenerational friendship and the legacy of faith that shaped both families. They trace Chris's upbringing on Chicago's South Side, his early church experiences, and the pivotal mentorship of high school coach Larry Stillwell, who guided him toward a deeper commitment to Christ and influenced his decision to attend Trinity International University. The conversation explores how these formative relationships laid the groundwork for a lasting friendship in ministry and family life. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: @FirestoneFiles Spotify: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Charlie Kirk's Message for High School Students

Sep 15, 2026 46 min

In episode fifty-five, Dr. Firestone carries the Charlie Kirk material out of the studio and into a room full of high schoolers, one year to the day after Kirk's death. He puts the three points of orientation — the Bible, the Western intellectual tradition, and the American founding documents — in front of an audience young enough to still be choosing what they will stand on, and he makes the case that faith seeking understanding is not one option among many but the ordinary human way of knowing anything at all. Working from Kirk's own convictions that there is no neutral vantage point and that no one is a finished product, the episode asks what a seventeen-year-old actually inherits from a man who took questions at a folding table, and what it would cost to accept that inheritance. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: @FirestoneFiles Spotify: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Charlie Kirk's 3 Fixed Points: Bible, Western Tradition, and the Founding Documents

Sep 7, 2026 1 hr 4 min

In episode fifty-four, Dr. Firestone examines Charlie Kirk’s three fixed points of orientation — the Bible, the Western intellectual tradition, and the American founding documents — as they shape his campus dialogues. He revisits the four philosophical commitments he shared with Kirk, linking them to Kant’s four human superpowers. The episode analyzes clips where Kirk deploys cosmological, moral, teleological, and ontological arguments for God’s existence in conversation with students. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: @FirestoneFiles Spotify: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

A Phone Call from Charlie Kirk

Aug 31, 2026 1 hr 6 min

In episode fifty-three, Dr. Firestone reflects on the first anniversary of the Firestone Files by recounting an in-depth phone conversation with Charlie Kirk in late 2023. He describes their discussion of Immanuel Kant's philosophy, the concept of a Lyceum-style educational program, and the planned classroom visit that never occurred due to Kirk's death. Firestone connects their dialogue to his decades of work on an affirmative reading of Kant and the challenges facing Christian higher education. Dr. Firestone's past episodes on the work and philosophy of Charlie Kirk can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9_AVU89VH0&list=PL82LUY9b9WIv394HE9h9YrU5XsTMAad7o The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: @FirestoneFiles Spotify: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Only You Can Understand Your Dreams

Aug 24, 2026 1 hr 24 min

In episode fifty-two, Dr. Firestone concludes the dream interpretation series by offering a practical framework for understanding personal dreams. He reviews the philosophical and biblical foundations covered earlier and outlines a step‑by‑step method for recording, analyzing, and discerning the meaning of symbolic and prophetic dreams. The episode emphasizes the dreamer’s unique context as the key to interpretation. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: @FirestoneFiles Spotify: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Dreams in the New Testament

Aug 17, 2026 1 hr 9 min

In episode fifty-one, Dr. Firestone continues his dream interpretation series by turning from Old Testament dreams to the New Testament. He explores how Matthew serves as a dream-driven counterpart to Genesis and traces the striking parallels between Joseph of Egypt and Joseph of Nazareth—two righteous sons of Jacob whose lives are shaped by divine dreams and journeys involving Egypt. Along the way, Dr. Firestone contrasts Joseph the interpreter with Joseph the silent actor and previews the role of dreams and visions in Acts, Paul’s letters, and Revelation. Find the full Dream Interpretation series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbdR6_a2RAKs The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles X: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Dreams in the Old Testament: Divine Communication

Aug 10, 2026 1 hr 19 min

In episode fifty, Dr. Firestone continues his dream interpretation series by turning from modern psychological theories to the biblical worldview of dreams. Drawing on Seymour Rossell’s Bible Dreams, he explores how the Old Testament presents dreams as a meeting place between the natural and supernatural—and as a possible means of divine communication. Along the way, he challenges the modern sacred-secular divide and asks whether dreams might reveal more than the workings of the individual mind. Find the full Dream Interpretation series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbdR6_a2RAKs The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles X: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Dream Interpretation After Jung: Kant, Calvin Hall, and Fritz Perls

Jul 23, 2026 1 hr 9 min

In episode forty-nine, Dr. Firestone continues his series on dream interpretation by exploring two influential but often overlooked approaches to understanding our dreams. Building on his previous discussion of Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler, and Carl Jung, he examines the theories of Calvin Hall and Fritz Perls, showing how their approaches differ from the depth psychology of the Vienna School. Along the way, Dr. Firestone explains the pivotal role of Immanuel Kant in the development of modern psychology, the emergence of experimental psychology through Wilhelm Wundt, and the competing philosophical assumptions that continue to shape how we think about dreams today. Should dreams be decoded as symbols pointing to hidden meanings, or should they be understood as direct reflections of our lived experience and personal growth? Find the full Dream Interpretation series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbdR6_a2RAKs The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: @FirestoneFiles Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles X: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

What Our Dreams Tell Us: Freud, Adler, and Jung

Jul 13, 2026 1 hr 16 min

In episode forty-eight, Dr. Firestone presents part two of his dream interpretation series. He discusses the interpretive frameworks of Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler, and Carl Jung. Despite largely different approaches to the subject, all three agree that there is something meaningful behind our dreams and that we can access it through careful examination. Find part one of the dream interpretation series here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Gof9bqp17IpVoNJZzuF0U?si=98fa352baa934bd1 The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: @FirestoneFiles Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Washington DC: The Center of Our Republic

Jul 6, 2026 37 min

In episode forty-seven, Dr. Firestone visits Washington, D.C., with a group of his student. They visit the National Mall, view the White House, and tour the Capitol Building with Congressman Bruce Westerman of Arkansas' fourth congressional district. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: @FirestoneFiles Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

An Exceptional Nation: The Form and Substance that Made America Last

Jun 29, 2026 51 min

In episode forty-six, Dr. Firestone presents a talk he gave to a large body of potential foreign students. He discusses American exceptionalism, which is a not just a product of our great founding documents and philosophy, but also of our disposition as people imbued with the American spirit. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: @FirestoneFiles Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

From LSD to Orthodoxy: From Artist to Scholar to Filmmaker

Jun 29, 2026 2 hr 14 min

Episode forty-five of The Firestone Files is a special crossover episode with the Nathan Jacobs Podcast! What happens when a profound, perspective-shifting experience forces a young artist to completely re-evaluate everything? In this deep-dive, long-form interview, Dr. Firestone sits down with his long-time friend and student-turned-colleague, Dr. Nathan Jacobs, to unpack his journey from artist to philosopher, and ultimately to the world of filmmaking and mainstream Hollywood. Do you like this content? Join Jacobs Premium to get exclusive access to essays, lecture series, monthly Q&A Zoom calls, and our book club. Use code: LEWIS to get a discount: ⁠⁠https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/⁠⁠ Support the East West Series: ⁠⁠http://theeastwestseries.com/⁠⁠ Referenced content: Episode 5 of The Nathan Jacobs Podcast, titled "The Myth of Enlightenment | Dr. Chris Firestone": ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkFzbRVsTWE⁠⁠ Dr. Nathan Jacobs & The Nathan Jacobs Podcast: The Theological Letters (Substack): ⁠⁠https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/⁠⁠ Instagram:⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcast/⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠https://x.com/NathanJacobsPod⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/nathanandrewjacobs⁠⁠ Academia: ⁠⁠https://cabasilasinstitute.academia.edu/NathanJacobs⁠⁠ Dr. Chris Firestone & The Firestone Files: YouTube: ⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@FirestoneFiles⁠⁠ Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/thefirestonefiles/⁠⁠ X (Twitter): ⁠⁠https://x.com/FirestoneFiles⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@thefirestonefiles

Can the Non-Orthodox Be Saved? A Dialogue

Jun 21, 2026 2 hr 1 min

Episode forty-four of The Firestone Files is a special crossover episode with the Nathan Jacobs Podcast! Is there salvation outside the boundaries of the Eastern Orthodox Church? As the internet remains ablaze with the recent theological clash between Gavin Ortlund and Jonathan Pageau over historic Orthodox exclusivity, the answer remains heavily contested. In this deep-dive dialogue, Drs. Nathan Jacobs and Chris Firestone cut through the online noise to unpack the exact theological and historical nuances underlying this question. From the Protestant desire to be grafted back into the historic tree to the cognitive dissonance Orthodox converts face regarding the salvation of non-Orthodox loved ones, this conversation tackles the tension head-on. Recorded before the recent social media debate exploded, this episode provides a refreshing, uncompromised, and deeply scholarly look at what Eastern Orthodoxy actually teaches about the church, its boundaries, and who can be saved. Do you like this content? Join Jacobs Premium to get exclusive access to essays, lecture series, monthly Q&A Zoom calls, and our book club. Use code: LEWIS to get a discount: ⁠https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/⁠ Support the East West Series: ⁠http://theeastwestseries.com/⁠ Referenced content: Episode 5 of The Nathan Jacobs Podcast, titled "The Myth of Enlightenment | Dr. Chris Firestone": ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkFzbRVsTWE⁠ Dr. Nathan Jacobs & The Nathan Jacobs Podcast: The Theological Letters (Substack): ⁠https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/⁠ Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcast/⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/NathanJacobsPod⁠ Facebook: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/nathanandrewjacobs⁠ Academia: ⁠https://cabasilasinstitute.academia.edu/NathanJacobs⁠ Dr. Chris Firestone & The Firestone Files: YouTube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@FirestoneFiles⁠ Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...⁠ Instagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/thefirestonefiles/⁠ X (Twitter...

The LIE about Modern Philosophy

Jun 15, 2026 1 hr 34 min

Episode forty-three of The Firestone Files is a special crossover episode with the Nathan Jacobs Podcast! In this interview, Dr. Jacobs sits down with his long-time friend, colleague, and frequent co-author, Dr. Chris Firestone. For 27 years, these two have been collaborating, pushing intellectual boundaries, and challenging the status quo in the academic world. In this deep-dive conversation, they unpack a massive misconception: the myth that the Enlightenment was a purely secular movement that successfully killed off theological thinking. Do you like this content? Join Jacobs Premium to get exclusive access to essays, lecture series, monthly Q&A Zoom calls, and our book club. Use code: LEWIS to get a discount: https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/ Support the East West Series: http://theeastwestseries.com/ Referenced content: Episode 5 of The Nathan Jacobs Podcast, titled "The Myth of Enlightenment | Dr. Chris Firestone": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkFzbRVsTWE Dr. Nathan Jacobs & The Nathan Jacobs Podcast: The Theological Letters (Substack): https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcast/ X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanandrewjacobs Academia: https://cabasilasinstitute.academia.edu/NathanJacobs Dr. Chris Firestone & The Firestone Files: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirestoneFiles Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirestonefiles/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/FirestoneFiles TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefirestonefiles

Why We Never Discuss Our Dreams

Jun 1, 2026 1 hr 6 min

In episode forty-two, Dr. Firestone introduces the practice of dream interpretation from a philosopher's perspective. He discusses the profound ubiquity of dreams in our lives and the paradoxical lack of attention we give them in modern life. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Turning Point Education Prep Year Commencement Address

May 25, 2026 41 min

In episode forty-one, Dr. Firestone shares his commencement address for the inaugural year of Turning Point Education's Prep Year program. He discusses the origins of the program, the highs and lows of the year, and what he hopes the students got out of it. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Philosophy as De-Mythology

May 18, 2026 52 min

In episode forty, Dr. Firestone discusses Philosophy as de-myth. He summarizes his Philosophy as Myth episode and explores how good philosophy can be done by de-mythologizing and interpreting the stories we tell. He closes by briefly discussing the work that Jordan Peterson has done in this area. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Philosophy as Myth

May 11, 2026 56 min

In episode thirty-nine, Dr. Firestone discusses what may be the earliest practice of philosophy: myth. He summarizes the What is Philosophy series and dives into the work of Joseph Campbell on the hero's journey. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Episode 38 | The Achievements of an Oldest Sibling

May 4, 2026 55 min

In episode thirty-eight, Dr. Firestone interviews his eldest child, Hannah. They discuss growing up as a oldest child, Hannah's early endeavors (such as starting a babysitting business in high school), her time studying at Amherst, and her academic and career work since graduating. Check out her current endeavors by visiting https://www.globalcapitalallocation.com/ Check out The Firestone Files Facebook page for weekly livestreams discussing the week's topic. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Episode 37 | Logic and Ethics: The Foundation of Philosophy

Apr 27, 2026 27 min

In episode thirty-seven, Dr. Firestone concludes his discussion of the question, "What is philosophy?" He describes "The Tree of Philosophy" and makes the argument that logic and ethics are the two pillars of good philosophy. Check out The Firestone Files Facebook page for weekly livestreams discussing that week's topic. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. YouTube: ⁨@FirestoneFiles⁩ Spotify: The Firestone Files Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Episode 36 | Philosophy and Faith

Apr 20, 2026 26 min

In episode thirty-six, Dr. Firestone continues discussing the question, "What is philosophy?" Using the definition he settled on in last week's episode, he focuses now on how philosophy is done and comes to the culminating question, "Does philosophy require faith?" Check out The Firestone Files Facebook page for weekly livestreams discussing that week's topic. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. YouTube: ⁨@FirestoneFiles⁩ Spotify: The Firestone Files Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Episode 35 | What is Philosophy?

Apr 13, 2026 24 min

In episode thirty-five, Dr. Firestone discusses the question, "What is philosophy?" He explores many definitions posited throughout the ages (starting with the ancient Greeks: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle), dispels a number of misnomers, and finally settles on a singular, definitive definition from Immanuel Kant, a definition that you cannot unhear once you have heard it. Check out The Firestone Files Facebook page for weekly livestreams discussing that week's topic. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. YouTube: ⁨@FirestoneFiles⁩ Spotify: The Firestone Files Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Episode 34 | The Military Vocation and Social Dancing: An Unexpected Pathway

Apr 6, 2026 48 min

In episode thirty-four, Dr. Firestone interviews his eldest son, Matthew. They discuss growing up in a large family, fostering an intellectual family atmosphere, Matthew's discover of a vocation in the military, and his recent turn to country swing dancing. Check out The Firestone Files Facebook page for weekly livestreams discussing that week's topic. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: @FirestoneFiles Spotify: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Episode 33 | Everyone is Wrong about Immanuel Kant

Mar 30, 2026 1 hr 21 min

In episode thirty-thee, Dr. Firestone shares an interview of himself by Parker Settecase of the show Parker's Pensées. They discuss Immanuel Kant, his importance to recent history of Western though, and why Dr. Firestone believes he is terribly misunderstood by the majority of modern thinkers. Check out The Firestone Files Facebook page for weekly livestreams discussing that week's topic, and visit Parker's Pensées on Spotify! The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: @FirestoneFiles Spotify: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Episode 32 | An Introvert in an Extended Household: An Interview with Emma Firestone

Mar 23, 2026 45 min

In episode thirty-two, Dr. Firestone interviews his middle child and daughter, Emma Firestone. They discus growing up homeschooled, living with other families, childhood mishaps, and her experience as a teacher. Check out The Firestone Files Facebook page for weekly livestreams discussing that week's topic! The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files YouTube: @FirestoneFiles Spotify: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles TikTok: @thefirestonefiles

Episode 31 | The Superpowers We Forget We Have

Mar 16, 2026 39 min

In episode thirty-one, Dr. Firestone shares an impromptu presentation he gave to his extended family of nieces and nephews. In it, he describes what he calls, "The Four Human Superpowers." Drawing on the work of Immanuel Kant, he discusses these operative powers which we all have but that we take for granted. He then applies Aristotle's idea of the development of virtue through habit, showing the way we can all cultivate these powers within ourselves to live more complete lives. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

Episode 30 | Virtue and Success

Mar 9, 2026 45 min

In episode thirty, Dr. Firestone discusses virtue as understood by Aristotle. He shares some anecdotes from his own life wherein he succeeded and failed it at, and talks about how you can apply it to your own life. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

Episode 29 | Public School, Running, and the Amtrak: Dr. Firestone's Youngest Daughter

Mar 2, 2026 44 min

In episode twenty-nine, Dr. Firestone interviews Rebekah Firestone, his youngest daughter and second youngest child. They discuss Rebekah's youth, her experience as a Firestone kid, and her plans for the future. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

Episode 28 | The Make Heaven Crowded Tour

Feb 23, 2026 34 min

In episode twenty-eight, Dr. Firestone takes you along on his trip to the Turning Point Faith Make Heaven Crowded event in Murfreesboro, TN. He meets attendees, gets a feel for the tour, and brings his own memory of the church in American to bear in analyzing the event from a philosopher's perspective. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

Episode 27 | Teaching Kids to Think Well

Feb 16, 2026 1 hr 3 min

In episode twenty-seven, Dr. Firestone shares a talk he gave the Turning Point Education Educators Summit several years ago. He discusses teaching kids to think like philosophers, drawing on the likes of Socrates, Descartes, and Kant, and using his practical experience cultivating a culture of deep thought with his own kids. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

Episode 26 | Growing Up the Youngest Firestone

Feb 9, 2026 1 hr 14 min

In episode twenty-six, Dr. Firestone interviews Andrew Firestone, his youngest child and second son. They discuss family dynamics, formative experiences, and what it means to be a Firestone. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

Episode 25 | Taking Young People Along for the Journey

Feb 2, 2026 50 min

In episode twenty-five, Dr. Firestone talks about the importance of bringing young people along with you. He discusses the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle as they pertain to educating young people, and talks about why it is important to bring kids alongside you even when they might not be ready to contribute yet. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

Episode 24 | Kant and Love

Jan 27, 2026 46 min

In episode twenty-four, Dr. Firestone shares a paper of his entitled "Rational Religious Love" on the topic of love and the philosophy of Immanuel Kant. This presentation was given to the Evangelical Philosophical Society during their annual conference partnered with the Evangelical Theological Society in Boston in November, 2025. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

Episode 23 | The Firestone Files Fitness Episode

Jan 19, 2026 37 min

In episode twenty-three, Dr. Firestone discusses personal fitness with his daughter Rebekah and his son Matthew. He lays out some personal goals for the new year and documents the beginning of the journey. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

Episode 22 | An Interview with Rick Green

Jan 12, 2026 49 min

In episode twenty-two, Dr. Firestone interviews Rick Green, founder and president of Patriot Academy and former Texas State Representative, lawyer, and entrepreneur. They discuss Rick's life and work, as well as parallels between him and Dr. Firestone. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

Episode 21 | AmericaFest 2025: Experiencing the Heart of a Movement

Jan 5, 2026 1 hr 32 min

In episode twenty-one, get an inside look at Turning Point USA's AmFest 2025. Join Dr. Firestone on his journey as he meets major figures, listens to keynote speakers, and soaks in the atmosphere at the heart of the conservative movement. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

Episode 20 | Rene Descartes Conclusion

Dec 31, 2025 20 min

Join The Firestone Files this December for Descartes December. Each week Dr. Firestone will release a segment of his lecture series on Rene Descartes for Academia.edu. This week, Dr. Firestone concludes the series with a review of Descartes' meditations. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

Episode 19 | Lessons from Dad: Celebrating Dr. Firestone's 60th Birthday

Dec 29, 2025 41 min

In episode nineteen, Dr. Firestone’s five children celebrate his 60th birthday with a surprise takeover of the podcast. They discuss Dr. Firestone’s character, his quirks, his influence on each of them, and the lessons they learned from him that they hope to pass on to their own children. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

Episode 18 | Clear and Distinct Perception of the External World: Descartes Meditations Five and Six

Dec 22, 2025 24 min

Join The Firestone Files this December for Descartes December. Each week Dr. Firestone will release a segment of his lecture series on Rene Descartes for Academia.edu. This week, Dr. Firestone breaks down meditations five and six, wherein Descartes solidifies his confidence in the existence of the God and the external world. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

Episode 17 | The Most Important Sentence in the Western Canon: Descartes Meditations Three and Four

Dec 15, 2025 24 min

Join The Firestone Files this December for Descartes December. Each week Dr. Firestone will release a segment of his lecture series on Rene Descartes for Academia.edu. This week, Dr. Firestone breaks down meditations three and four, wherein Descartes arrives at what Dr. Firestone describes as arguably "the most important singular sentence in all of Western philosophical tradition." The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

Episode 16 | Descartes Meditations One and Two: I Think, Therefore I Am

Dec 8, 2025 24 min

Join The Firestone Files this December for Descartes December. Each week Dr. Firestone will release a segment of his lecture series on Rene Descartes for Academia.edu. This week, Dr. Firestone dives into meditations one and two, culminating with Descartes watershed incite so often paraphrased, "Cogito, ergo sum" — I think, therefore I am. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

Episode 15 | Introduction to Rene Descartes

Dec 1, 2025 24 min

Join The Firestone Files this December for Descartes December. Each week Dr. Firestone will release a segment of his lecture series on Rene Descartes for Academia.edu. This week, Dr. Firestone introduces Descartes and sets the context for the turn in the Western tradition from metaphysics as first philosophy to epistemology. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

Episode 14 | An Interview with Eric Capaci

Nov 24, 2025 1 hr 14 min

In episode fourteen, Dr. Firestone interviews Pastor Eric Capaci, senior pastor of Gospel Light Church, president of Champion Christian College, and the owner of several businesses. They discuss Pastor Capaci’s life and work as well as their own friendship and professional relationship. The Firestone Files: Letters to My Grandchildren is a podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Firestone. In it, Dr. Firestone uses his expertise in philosophy and worldview to bring answers to profound questions to bear on the mundane of life through personal anecdotes and family stories. Dr. Firestone is Vice President of Academic Excellence and Strategic Partnerships as well as Director of The Great Writings Honors Program at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, and former Director of the Humanities Division at Trinity College in Trinity International University, where he taught and conducted research for over twenty-five years. Facebook: The Firestone Files Instagram: @TheFirestoneFiles Twitter: @FirestoneFiles

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Podcast details

Created by: Dr. Chris Firestone
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 10, 2026
Episodes: 63
Release period: Weekly
Avg. episode length: 54 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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