Reading scores in America are plummeting, and the crisis is deeper than just academics—it’s a cultural and spiritual emergency. Could reading aloud be the antidote? Wall Street Journal children’s book critic Meghan Cox Gurdon joins Raymond Arroyo to reveal how this simple, ancient practice can rewire attention spans, restore family connection, and ignite a lifelong love of learning.

Plus, Raymond sounds off on the controversial production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl, where Tony-winner Cynthia Erivo starred as Jesus. Is this boundary-pushing theater—or a double standard when it comes to religious offense? From the decline in literacy to the rise of performative blasphemy, this episode connects the dots between cultural collapse and spiritual hunger.

You’ll also hear about the push to cancel classic children’s authors like Laura Ingalls Wilder and Dr. Seuss, why smartphones are sabotaging young minds, and how one classroom mystery story sparked Raymond’s own love of reading. If you care about kids, culture, or the written word, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Subscribe to Arroyo Grande now and join the movement to revive faith, imagination, and human connection—one story at a time.

Reading scores in America are plummeting, and the crisis is deeper than just academics&mdash;it&rsquo;s a cultural and spiritual emergency. Could reading aloud be the antidote? Wall Street Journal children&rsquo;s book critic Meghan Cox Gurdon joins Raymond Arroyo to reveal how this simple, ancient practice can rewire attention spans, restore family connection, and ignite a lifelong love of learning.
Plus, Raymond sounds off on the controversial production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl, where Tony-winner Cynthia Erivo starred as Jesus. Is this boundary-pushing theater&mdash;or a double standard when it comes to religious offense? From the decline in literacy to the rise of performative blasphemy, this episode connects the dots between cultural collapse and spiritual hunger.
You&rsquo;ll also hear about the push to cancel classic children&rsquo;s authors like Laura Ingalls Wilder and Dr. Seuss, why smartphones are sabotaging young minds, and how one classroom mystery story sparked Raymond&rsquo;s own love of reading. If you care about kids, culture, or the written word, this is an episode you won&rsquo;t want to miss.
Subscribe to Arroyo Grande now and join the movement to revive faith, imagination, and human connection&mdash;one story at a time.

Raymond Arroyo, host of Arroyo Grande navigates and analyzes the culture with insight, satire, and style.  The New York Times Best Selling author, award-winning producer, chart topping vocalist and broadcaster wades deep into the manners, lifestyle trends, people, faith, and art of the moment-- celebrating the best, while lampooning the rest.  During his surprising conversations with celebrities, thought leaders and culture-makers, you’ll discover life lessons, practical advice, and inspiring examples to live by. This fun, entertaining and unifying show helps listeners transform their lives into a broad, thriving Arroyo Grande.  Each episode bursts its banks- and wait until you hear “How It Ends…”

Raymond Arroyo, host of Arroyo Grande navigates and analyzes the culture with insight, satire, and style.&nbsp; The New York Times Best Selling author, award-winning producer, chart topping vocalist and broadcaster wades deep into the manners, lifestyle trends, people, faith, and art of the moment-- celebrating the best, while lampooning the rest.&nbsp; During his surprising conversations with celebrities, thought leaders and culture-makers, you&rsquo;ll discover life lessons, practical advice, and inspiring examples to live by. This fun, entertaining and unifying show helps listeners transform their lives into a broad, thriving Arroyo Grande.&nbsp; Each episode bursts its banks- and wait until you hear &ldquo;How It Ends&hellip;&rdquo;

Arroyo Grande with Raymond Arroyo

Read-Aloud Revolution: Stopping The Illiteracy Crisis & Blasphemy at the Bowl

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/2e242ce0-2a56-4216-b61c-b3310043bf19/transcript