
Beneath the Headlines
Our culture seems more interested in the last two minutes than the last two thousand years. This is unfortunate. It’s also avoidable. Join Mike Woodruff each month as he speaks with authors and thought leaders to understand the ideas shaping our world. Beneath the Headlines is hosted by Lakelight Institute. Mike Woodruff is the senior pastor at Christ Church with campuses in the north suburbs of Chicago. Learn more at https://www.christchurchil.org
Beneath the Headlines
Populism, Trust, and the Future of Higher Education: A Conversation with Dr. Nathan Hatch
In this insightful episode of Beneath the Headlines, host Mike Woodruff sits down with Dr. Nathan Hatch—renowned historian, former president of Wake Forest University, and scholar of American religious history. They delve into the parallels between today’s populist movements and the 19th-century democratization of American Christianity, exploring how grassroots religious movements shaped democracy and culture.
Dr. Hatch reflects on the current crisis of trust in institutions, from higher education to politics, and offers a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing universities today. He shares personal stories of leadership, the importance of character formation in education, and why he remains hopeful about the role of faith in academia. The conversation also touches on the shifting landscape of college athletics, the loneliness of academic life, and the enduring value of deep friendships.
Whether you’re interested in history, leadership, or the future of education, this episode offers wisdom for navigating a fragmented cultural moment. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that goes beneath the headlines.
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Beneath the Headlines is a production of the Lake Light Institute. For more resources, visit lakelight.com.