The Future Looks Bright: Thoughts on the 2024 Election

Join us on Locals: https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/ Fill out The Excellent Life Program Application: https://forms.gle/VwuvqEpKrWSLLLeR7 Summary In this episode of the Seeking Excellence Podcast, Nathan Crankfield discusses the current political landscape, expressing a shift from pessimism to optimism regarding the future. He reflects on the influence of media on public perception, the changing ideologies within the Democratic Party, and the emergence of a delusional progressive base. Nathan emphasizes the importance of cultural identity and the Overton window in shaping political discourse, ultimately concluding that the next four years hold promise for positive change and growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Optimism for the Future 03:05 PBD Podcast Influence and Positive Perspectives 05:25 Pessimism About Current Political Climate 11:01 Surprising Election Outcomes and Media Influence 18:47 Shifts in Democratic Party Dynamics 24:46 The Future of Progressive Politics and Its Challenges 30:00 The Future of Conservative Leadership 33:04 Cultural Conversations and Identity Politics 39:38 The Impact of Progressive Ideals on Society 46:52 Understanding the Overton Window 51:35 The Implications of Economic Policies 55:05 Personal Growth and Future Aspirations --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/seekingexcellence/support

Subscribe to the podcast for more excellent content! Want to watch this episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/KZkP9dKu4MA Summary In this episode of Seeking Excellence, Nathan Crankfield discusses the upcoming election, the mindset needed during political uncertainty, and the importance of faith and action in times of turmoil. Chapters 00:00 Election Day Anticipation 03:00 Mindset for Uncertain Times 05:54 Faith and Political Turmoil 08:30 Taking Action Amidst Anxiety 10:19 The Importance of Local Influence 15:37 Political Commentary and Generational Concerns 22:48 Responses to Political Pressure 25:40 Mockery and Political Discourse 31:53 The Burden of Responsibility 35:04 Equity vs. Meritocracy in Education 38:22 Welfare Reform and Work Ethic 41:45 Gender Equality and Selective Service 45:47 The Role of Women in Society 48:58 Cultural Shifts and Voting Priorities 58:54 Reflections on Reformation Day --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/seekingexcellence/support

Summary In this conversation, Nathan Crankfield discusses the importance of voting in the upcoming 2024 elections, emphasizing the need for Catholics to understand their civic duty. He shares insights from a recent conversation with a Seattle liberal on an airplane, exploring differing perspectives on immigration and social issues. Crankfield critiques the comparison between abortion and immigration policies, arguing that the moral implications of each issue are vastly different. He stresses the necessity for Catholics to vote based on their values, particularly regarding life and family, and encourages open dialogue about these critical topics. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Voting in 2024 02:17 Conversations Across the Divide 04:34 Catholic Perspectives on Voting 07:36 Generational Wealth and Societal Values 11:45 Immigration Policies and Catholic Teachings 16:41 The Human Cost of Immigration Policies 21:45 Immigration and Civic Responsibility 26:30 The Right to Life and Abortion Debate 31:08 Voting as a Moral Obligation 35:58 Racism and Its Misconceptions 40:53 The Republican Platform vs. Democratic Policies --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/seekingexcellence/support

Want to watch Seeking Excellence rather than simply listening to it? Subscribe to our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@seekingexcellence_ Summary In this conversation, Nathan Crankfield explores the complexities of personal control, judgment, and the false dichotomy of Catholic approaches to worship and excellence. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding lukewarmness in faith, the need for reverence in worship, and the impact of small actions on spiritual growth. Nathan addresses the challenges of being labeled a Pharisee for caring about church practices and traditions, while advocating for a balance between personal sanctification and communal responsibility. The discussion highlights the significance of discipline in faith and the necessity of maintaining a reverent attitude towards worship and the Eucharist. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/seekingexcellence/support

Save 15% on spiritual classics at https://tanbooks.com/ with code Nathan15 Join us on Locals to support Seeking Excellence and for more great content! https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/ Learn more about John Frankman at https://www.johnfrankman.com/ Summary In this episode of Seeking Excellence, Nathan Crankfield engages in a deep conversation with John Frankman, discussing his military background, advocacy for pro-life issues, and the current political landscape as the 2024 elections approach. They explore the implications of recent comments made by Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, the role of the Catholic Church in politics, and the importance of local elections. The discussion also touches on economic policies, the principle of double effect in voting, and the call for personal responsibility in civic engagement. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Recent Experiences 09:10 Advocacy for Military Accountability 10:36 Pro-Life Efforts in Florida 13:12 Meeting President Trump 15:06 Trump's Recent Catholic Posts 17:44 Catholic Perspectives on Abortion 21:22 The Role of the Church in Politics 23:13 Comparing Immigration and Life Issues 28:47 Critique of the Pope's Statements 33:51 Voting and Political Responsibility 38:36 Taxation and Government Spending 44:06 The Concept of Fair Share in Taxation 52:31 Writing Jesus on the Ballot 58:25 Practicality in Faith and Politics 01:02:45 Conclusion and Call to Action --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/seekingexcellence/support

Join us on Locals: https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/ Fill out The Excellent Life Program Application: https://forms.gle/VwuvqEpKrWSLLLeR7 Summary In this conversation, Nathan Crankfield explores the complexities of life, the illusion of equality, and the entitlement mindset prevalent in modern society. He discusses the moral implications of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the tension between scientific advancements and faith. Nathan emphasizes the importance of understanding life as a gift rather than a right, and the challenges of maintaining moral consistency in the face of personal circumstances. He draws connections between entitlement, the teachings of Christianity, and the significance of the Eucharist in navigating these dilemmas. Chapters 00:00 The Entitlement Mindset and Lack of Control 04:41 The Dangers of Creating Equal Outcomes 09:05 IVF as the Modern-Day Tower of Babel 15:46 The Hardest Catholic Teaching: IVF 18:48 Entitlement in Christianity and the Need for Consistency --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/seekingexcellence/support

Learn more about John and Keoni at https://www.serviaminstitute.com Follow them on social media @serviamcounseling @the_man_on_fire_ Want more great SE content? Join us on Locals! https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/ Chapters 00:00 Defining Authentic Masculinity 09:10 The Call to Excellence 12:08 Mediocrity in Modern Culture 15:17 The Role of Virtue in Daily Life 17:58 Personal Transformation and Healing 23:55 Father-Son Dynamics and Growth 31:52 Coaching for Virtue and Grace 39:52 Navigating Ambition and Identity 45:57 Political Perspectives and Masculinity 01:00:54 Conclusion and Resources --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/seekingexcellence/support

Join Seeking Excellence on Locals for more (and better!) content at seekingexcellence.locals.com Use code Nathan15 for 15% off at tanbooks.com to order the Stigmatists today! Dr. Paul Kengor is a professor at Grove City College and the executive director of the College’s The Center for Vision and Values. He is also a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace at Stanford University. Kengor is a frequent television political commentator and opinion page contributor, as well as the author of several best-selling books. In this episode, we discuss his new book The Stigmatists. It's an incredible read about the lives of several great saints who were willing to suffer in immense ways for the salvation of souls. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/seekingexcellence/support

Join us on Locals for exclusive content and to become a supporter Interested in taking your life to the next level? Fill out the form to get more information on The Excellent Life program! Use code NATHAN15 for 15% off amazing Catholic books at tanbooks.com Summary Nathan Crankfield discusses the importance of having multiple streams of income and evaluating opportunities. He emphasizes the need to be open to opportunities and discern which ones to pursue. He also highlights the balance between providing for the family and fulfilling the vocation of fatherhood. Tim Urban shares his personal experience of juggling multiple businesses, a firefighting career, and an MBA program, and how he managed his time by delegating tasks and adjusting his schedule. He encourages finding a balance between pursuing passion projects and fulfilling duties. In this conversation, Tim and Nathan discuss the balance between work and family life, the importance of time management, and the role of faith in achieving success. They emphasize the need to delegate tasks and focus on leadership rather than micromanagement. They also discuss the importance of open communication with spouses and the support of a supportive wife. They highlight the importance of focusing on virtues and character development rather than solely pursuing professional success. They also discuss the tension between greed and providing, emphasizing the need to set goals and prioritize virtues over financial success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Tim Urban 05:20 Tim's Personal Upbringing and Background 08:06 Tim's Entrepreneurial Journey and Balancing Work and Family 12:53 Challenges and Support in San Francisco 16:16 Transitioning and Managing Multiple Ventures 25:13 Focusing on Opportunities and Evaluating Priorities 27:04 Creating Opportunities and Multiple Streams of Income 30:29 Discerning Opportunities and Finding a Balance 36:41 Time Management and Balancing Work and Family Life 39:59 Balancing Ambition and Contentment 48:08 Faith as a Guiding Force in Work and Family Life 53:24 The Importance of Open Communication with Spouses 59:43 The Role of a Supportive Partner in Personal and Professional Growth 01:04:35 Finding the Balance: Ambition, Greed, and Prioritizing Family --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/seekingexcellence/support

This episode discusses the troubled history of NFL player Tyreek Hill, focusing on his violent past in his personal life. Nathan criticizes the media's rush to make the situation about race and highlights the importance of considering all perspectives before forming an opinion. The comparison between Hill and another athlete, Scottie Scheffler, is deemed absurd. Nathan emphasizes the need to be cautious about defending individuals with a history of violent behavior and not automatically giving them the benefit of the doubt. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and discussion of Tyreek Hill's situation 01:53 The tendency to jump to race in incidents involving black individuals and the police 03:44 Comparing the incidents involving Tyreek Hill and Scottie Scheffler 06:37 The importance of hearing both sides of the story 09:56 Examining Tyreek Hill's character and behavior 14:40 Considering the individual's history and actions in evaluating behavior 15:16 Tyreek Hill's Troubled History 18:55 Comparing Treatment of Tyreek Hill 21:12 Propping Up Troubled Individuals 23:07 Different Reactions to Police Contact 25:59 Forcing Compliance with Police 28:36 Caution Against Giving the Benefit of the Doubt --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/seekingexcellence/support