Summary
Robert welcomes Classical Conversations® Challenge graduate Nathan Burns to the show for a wide-ranging conversation on homeschooling, machine learning, AI, acrobatics, Christian mentorship, and much, much more. Nathan narrates his journey from growing up homeschooled in a military family to studying economics in college to becoming a machine learning engineer and entrepreneur. Together, Robert and Nathan explore how AI can free up our time through automation, the danger in biased AI systems, the timeless wisdom in the book of Proverbs, why faith-based mentorship is needed among young men, the lessons Nathan gained from doing acrobatics through childhood, and his experience competing on America’s Got Talent. Plus, Nathan shares tips for homeschool parents wanting to teach their children to code. Stay tuned after the interview to hear Robert examine the recent acquisition of three major U.S. education companies by a Chinese private equity firm and to listen to Will offer his thoughts on the current state of American politics and crypto.
Quote
“Looking back on my time [in learning to run a business], the two greatest resources have been the book of Proverbs and making mistakes. Those have been the two most valuable resources for me.”
Nathan Burns
Topics
- Intro to Nathan Burns [0:44]
- Why homeschooling was a necessity for Nathan’s family [1:29]
- Nathan’s definition of truth [4:42]
- What is a machine learning engineer? [6:16]
- From earning a degree in economics to developing a skill in machine learning [8:03]
- Suggestions for parents wanting to teach their children to code: start with projects your children are passionate about [10:18]
- How AI can free up our time through automation [11:47]
- Is there a problem with biased AIs? [14:02]
- From CC student to entrepreneur: starting a software automation company [17:53]
- The book of Proverbs [21:03]
- The importance of mentorship [23:09]
- Developing a strong work ethic through acrobatics; downsides of competing seriously in acrobatics [28:06]
- Performing on America’s Got Talent [34:22]
- Farewell to Nathan [35:52]
- “Current Events Discussion”: What do IMG Academy, Tutor.com, and The Princeton Review have in common? [37:10]
- Ad: Classic Learning Test[41:31]
- “Classical Crypto”: Recent politics and crypto [42:39]
- Outro [47:49]
Mentions
- University of California, Irvine (UCI)
- America’s Got Talent | NBC
- AcroArmy | America’s Got Talent Wiki
- Dick and Jane Series
- Ethereum
- Austrian School of Economics: Founders, Key Ideas, and Insights | Investopedia
- Keynesian Economics Theory: Definition and How It’s Used | Investopedia
- Stack Overflow
- ChatGPT | OpenAI
- Who We Are (Craig Anderson) | Imprint Kids
- Imprint Kids
- Episode 38: Trail Life, Where Boys Can Be Boys with Mark Hancock | Refining Rhetoric
- Robert Bortins (@cchomeschooldad) | Instagram
- Challenge IV | Classical Conversations
- AcroArmy: The MOST AMAZING Acrobatic Act | America’s Got Talent Holiday Show 2016 | YouTube
- Dancing With the Stars (American TV series) | Wikipedia
- Email Nathan: nathantburns00@gmail.com
- “Florida’s IMG Academy gets new owner. Endeavor selling for $1.25 billion, report says” | Bradenton Herald
- “Chinese Company Now Owns Tutoring Firm Contracted by Military and Schools in U.S.” | The Wall Street Journal
- Senator Bernie Sanders | Senate.gov
- G7 | Wikipedia
- “Biden won’t accept debt deal from crypto traders” | Cointelegraph
