Andrew Klavan | The Ben Shapiro Show Sunday Special Ep. 24

Author, screenwriter, and Daily Wire host Andrew Klavan joins me to discuss the craft of writing novels, how he went from being "intellectually agnostic" to deeply religious, and why he decided to out himself as a conservative Christian in Hollywood.
Subscribe to the Daily Wire to watch the bonus question! bit.ly/2q0wopL
Check out Andrew Klavan's fictional podcast Another Kingdom here: bit.ly/2S0BzTf
Check Ben out on:
Daily Wire website: www.dailywire.com
Facebook: / officialbenshapiro
Twitter: / benshapiro
Instagram: officialbenshapiro
Check Andrew Klavan out on:
Twitter: / andrewklavan
Facebook: / aklavan
KZbin: / @andrewklavan
Instagram: theandrewklavan

[@shakespeare4bears]

I mainly come to this site for information about mattresses and strong coffee, but I find I have to listen through a lot of extraneous material to get to those parts.

[@rafrodr]

shakespeare4bears scroll

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

Same here....except I want to here more about how I'm gonna die and need life insurance.

[@TheZymbo]

🤣😂🤣😂

[@mgore90]

After decades of sailing the seven seas, I'm so grateful to be told of an easier way to acquire gold.

[@madisona3907]

🤣👍lmao

[@iWizard]

Andrew Klavan is conservatism's best kept secret. Brilliant as always!

[@cosmogamer9914]

he's actually my favourite conservative voice

[@hohosims5432]

Andrew Klavan is one of my favorite voices

[@jaimeresendiz611]

Klavan’s intro monologue’s are legendary!

[@MerriweatherMcWiggan]

The Best

[@k-mdn4905]

oooo horay hooraa !!

[@TofuBug24]

Trigger Warning :-)

[@dwightpilsner9906]

never fail to make me laugh

[@supervilla06]

You’re legendary.

[@MLouah-gp9ef]

Congrats on getting Klavan on the show, must have been real tough!

[@slobiden.2593]

Love Klavans show. But the important question, when you getting pewdiepie on? Also when are you going to co-host meme review?

[@CycleOfJudges]

A true 9 year old is here. Nice to see 💜👍

[@Legionary42]

Meme 👏 Review 👏

[@mikehunt4080]

That would be amazing

[@salildeshpande7]

Is there a single interview where Pewds hasn't been awkward?

[@strider956]

@@salildeshpande7 tells us Pewds hasn't become one of the lizard people yet.

[@nelsin-nagantkimber-g4760]

Will Ben ever have his wife on? I would like some advice on medical professions from a medical professional.

[@shadybrain3424]

So...ben's wife is a doctor, i wish someone would have said something earlier.

[@jimivey6462]

Nelsin-Nagant Kimber-g I would advise Ben not to have his wife on his show. I have no doubt that she is a wonderful, articulate, intelligent woman. However, the Left has become so venomously evil that they would attack her mercilessly. She is entitled to her privacy and domestic tranquility.

[@CP-os1pc]

Nelsin-Nagant Kimber-g is Bens wife a Doctor 😂😂😂

[@jacoba1475]

I highly doubt Ben will ever have his family on the show. Too many people’s families have been the subjects of online abuse and Ben has stated on the show before he doesn’t want his family to be in the firing line simply because of his politics. I’m sure if he runs for office one day then we’ll see more of his family, mainly because he won’t really have a choice at that point, but I highly doubt we’ll ever see them on the show.

[@CP-os1pc]

Jacob Ambriole it’s unfortunate but the left is unhinged they will go after any weak point

[@LegacyFarmandHomestead]

I want a Klavan and JBP conversation!

[@DannerusMaximus]

There are two distinct times I can remember that JBP and Klavan had a discussion. One was during the 4th of July Daily Wire Backstage special and the other was when JBP was a guest on Klavan's show. I can't remember when that conversation was, but I think it was after the 4th of July special maybe?

[@SlipperySandle]

He also was on his show.

[@mariab.774]

Dannerus Maximus, thanks for the info! I’ll look them up

[@lilypenelope2353]

You're in luck. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIe5po2VZbWIirc kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6OceHebjpWNbLc

[@mariab.774]

Thanks a lot, Lily!

[@melaniekaweck3433]

CS Lewis answers so many of these questions “ Mere Christianity “

[@feliciaf8]

love his radio talk too lol his book really got me back on my roots

[@andrewplck]

There are no "E"'s in Klavan.

[@jamesbancroft2467]

RubberKidney - Kleven

[@andrewplck]

nine, ten, KELEVEN, twelve...

[@kevincombos6349]

A mistake plus Keleven gets you home by seven

[@lukesalazar9283]

@@kevincombos6349 what?

[@kevincombos6349]

Luke Salazar - It's a joke from The Office. The accountant named Kevin was fired and when they looked back at his paperwork he would put in a symbol, called a Keleven, that would automatically correct his mistakes so that the books were balanced or something so he didn't have to do the work.

[@user-mz4tn3xd8t]

Best episode yet. Andrew Klavan is an underappreciated genius

[@OJViews]

Get Trump on I’d love to see him drinking leftist tears

[@d4ydr34m3r420]

Trump has NEVER had a single drink in his entire lifetime. Should have been a clue.

[@julieredmond5192]

OJ Basil I bet Trump would be open, Ben! Have you reached out?

[@marshallbushman5954]

I would lose my shit

[@danielvincent1153]

Drinking leftist tears? You mean babbling incoherently and unintelligibly?

[@OJViews]

@@danielvincent1153 yawn

[@Doc_Tar]

Congratulations on the success of "Gosnell: The Trial of Americas Biggest Serial Killer," Andrew.

[@marcuskurschat2417]

Ben should think about having Ravi Zacharias on. Not because I wanna see them clash or either of them convert but because it would be a fascinating conversation

[@julieredmond5192]

Marcus Kurschat Yes!!!

[@feliciaf8]

is he that good?

[@thebrotherhoodisdumb]

I was thinking the same exact thing.

[@jackabel4499]

Exactly really two amazing apologists who would have as much in common as any two people from different religions

[@jj6656]

What did ya think of the conversation between Ravi & Ben in the recent Sunday Special?

[@digitallovee623]

Have Michael Knowles on the Sunday Special. He'll either convince you to fall in love with him, or fire him immediately,

[@thefreshestslice4105]

Ben's already in love with Crowder.

[@jasonbowman9521]

I'm going bald but I just don't have the head shape for it, but what can you do, you know? Knowles sports an ok bald head.

[@aali4929]

He should fire him and rehire him, only so he can fire him again

[@cosmogamer9914]

i'd love to see Matt Walsh on there actually

[@fidusachates9760]

I thought this was going to be good but I didn't realise it was going to be that good. Well done guys, I thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@brianlefebvre1620]

damn klavan reads the gospels in greek. based.

[@feliciaf8]

for real lol it's the best start for it, greeks=theologian language, latin=engineers language. well that's what i got lol

[@waterbuffalo4225]

Why do you have Theodore Kacyzinski as your profile photo

[@jackwolfe8206]

3rd best interview you've had. Andrew's practical reason has really grown on me.

[@mudge002able]

What an unexpected surprise! Great way to start the day 2 of my favorite people.

[@chicoloco341]

Shapiro makes me worry, Klavan lifts my spirits, Knowles makes me laugh. What's team.

[@2xcrzkxk]

It's a good order to have them in too. I'm glad they do it that way.

[@VK2532]

Shapiro makes me worry too, about the leftists future mental state XD

[@cpt.arctourus7950]

Matt then sends you back to ben with a punch in the jaw

[@meaganpatton2261]

Andrew Klavan is one of my favorite people on the planet.

[@JBrandonMercer123]

@Nigrescence Klavan's a genius! If you can't see that, you're an idiot!

[@Leese1801]

Me too. Love him

[@taatrs]

Ha! You think he’s from this planet?

[@JackBurtonsHaulageCo]

Same

[@suprcollider]

We got the Peterson/Harris debate, now we need the Klaven/Peterson debate

[@SwingDancer61]

I would like a Peterson/Adams debate. I heard Scott in a debate with Sam and Scott won easily.

[@JBrandonMercer123]

THERE ARE NO 'E's IN "KLAVAN!"

[@loro9385]

I totally relate to the sleep scenario. It seems like I am the most creative from about 10 PM - 2 AM. I sure enjoy Andrew's process of communication. I've been a Christian since the age of 6. I remember that day very clearly. No one pushed me. It was a genuine choice and God has always been very real in my life.

[@cattycorner8]

Lo Ro me to. I don't understand it. Doesn't matter how much sleep I get.

[@feliciaf8]

yep me too lol, basically most of my friends too even though some astray for a long time then came back to his roots and some born atheists but he's really interested in history/theology, it was a really long time for him to make sense lol

[@cpt.arctourus7950]

Same here but I have insomnia

[@mlw3984]

Klavan has turned into one of my favorite listens

[@stephanies.9620]

I could listen to these two talk all day! Such a great conversation!

[@DrBeatyTunes]

Stephanie S. Me too! Now if I could just understand it...

[@jgarchie4455]

When will Ben have Ben Shapiro on the Sunday special?

[@morbius125]

3 years and still didn't happened

[@katlookingup3625]

Can’t wait for Ben to come to Jesus💕🙏🏻💕

[@merav1624]

Ben Sharp-Hero :-) The leftists Slayer!

[@willsteele793]

Ben. You need to interview Victor Davis Hansen.

[@ryanhunsader7038]

Will Steele id like this a million times if I could.

[@Theseus9-cl7ol]

Yes I agree, that would be a good interview. VDH is great.

[@willsteele793]

Theseus9 Ben is supremely intelligent but VDH has more wisdom lol. I hope it happens.

[@TheKbthakur]

he will i am sure.

[@christianmerante3730]

Ben Shapiro is interviewing Merlin from Kingsman

[@elijahred9881]

Why didn’t this happen earlier?

[@sralinkethiopia]

the best Sunday Special. No formality just decency, honesty and intellect.

[@TheKbthakur]

WOW supreme overlord of universe KLAVEN himself.

[@tomerisraeli2206]

You know, I heard that there are no e's in Klavan 😛

[@TheKbthakur]

wooo that's a surprise.

[@keepclimbing2015]

Drew, I think you mean Douglas Murray. Hope Ben gets him on the show, Douglas is a really interesting guy.

[@strider956]

His book 'the end of Europe' should be mandatory read for every western individual.

[@keepclimbing2015]

I’m working through “the strange death of Europe” now

[@TheKbthakur]

yup by Douglas perry he meant Douglas Murray. And by death of Europe the guy above meant strange death of Europe.

[@jeffsatterthwaite9874]

Fantasic interview! Loved the philisophical discussion. Thanks guys for providing this kind of sincere and thoughtful discussion.

[@gpness]

Ben keep ya chest up, chin down. Help out that Quasimodo back you're developing

[@mimigum6161]

Andrew you are an amazing and inspiring person. I am grateful to the Daily Wire for the chance to get to know you.

[@crazytalk8120]

I completely agree with Klavans critique of the right. I have been saying the same thing for YEARS.

[@allymatsoso2525]

Really enjoyed this. I love JBP but I agree with Klavan that there is something missing from his message...and that is the hope and joy of the gospel. I think Klavan exhibits that joy in his bearing. I am excited to read his autobiography after listening to this.

[@cap-lelite246]

Klavan > Knowles Change my mind

[@aybskirmish6217]

@@monikakar9656 exactly

[@danotorioushoneybadger1760]

They’re both wicked smart and have great senses of humor.

[@zambonijesus296]

Under klavans sturdy guidance knowles could be greater at klavans age

[@LeGeNdxReject]

Why would i want to change your mind

[@Blizzhoof]

Klavan > Knowles > Shapiro > Walsh

[@BuckFieri]

I love hearing Ben talk philosophy. We need more talks like this.

[@darrengagliardi1540]

I couldn't agree more.

[@sakurauchiha03]

Save money! Let's invite someone I already hired.

[@georgehennon7781]

Shalom from the UK, nothing like a Sunday Special to get through A Level History essays. G-d bless everyone and welcome!

[@wkqdehhvkhhh545]

Banzingo NE I'm doing a GCSE one now lol, on Weimar Republic in case your wondering

[@georgehennon7781]

@@wkqdehhvkhhh545 I got 100% in my GCSE History, love it. Hope you plan on doing it at A level, it is so interesting especially the Tudors. Also, around exam time make sure you just do past paper after past paper. G-d willing I should be doing Economic History at Edinburgh next year.

[@cosmogamer9914]

why do you take the O out of God

[@wkqdehhvkhhh545]

Banzingo NE I want to do it at a level and then study history and politics at Warwick but good luck w a levels and Edinburgh

[@georgehennon7781]

@@wkqdehhvkhhh545 Thanks & you too. G-d bless

[@kingraul3186]

Larry Elder on the next Sunday Special!

[@rafrodr]

Scott Adams is scheduled for next Sunday

[@cosmogamer9914]

how do you know this

[@Maikigai]

For the record, this has been my favorite SS yet.

[@jmomm]

Good Morning all!

[@CelticSoccer06]

good morning, praise God!

[@laurentheheiress98]

Julie jmomm :)))))))

[@bubbanc01]

Not a fan of Sam. He is misleading at best when he tries to bash the Bible and people of faith. I would like to see Ravi Zacharia on the Daily Wire. I think he would be a great guest for any show. I believe he has been speaking out about postmodernism long before political pundits.

[@julieredmond5192]

Jeremy Wood YES!!! Ravi Zacharius, Ben! Please do!!

[@moeberrn8363]

I heard he’s having William Lane Craig in the very near future, cannot wait for that!

[@feliciaf8]

even though he's bashing the bible, but he's still misleading of it lolol ex: about the bring the man and slay that man in front of me, even though it was just a parable not exactly Jesus' command

[@feliciaf8]

i never knew about him, is he that good?

[@princesskassandra4253]

Man, I love these two guys so much. What geniuses. And what’s more, what happy warriors.

[@GodSaveTheClothes]

I love klavan and his buttery voice!

[@yishislassieswaiting4748]

Yeah, Ben, the phrase "Consent and obey, and you will eat the best of the land" transformed my inner life when I was a young Christian mom reading carefully through the O.T.. I have sought to do just that all of these years, and now have the privilege of living near the land of its origin. This show was a breath of fresh air.

[@dashdigital5869]

the klavan is by far my favorite of the DW crew. i love how he always connects classical literature with the issues of the modern world. definitely the philosopher of the bunch.

[@LegacyFarmandHomestead]

This was one of the most engaging and interesting conversations thus far.

[@jordano8753]

Andrew has the perfect pirate radio voice.

[@torceridaho]

Andrew and Ben, you are both heroic. May God protect both of you.

[@stefaniaponitz5738]

Absolutely loved the episode!!! Definitely will watch it again :)

[@MerriweatherMcWiggan]

Klavan is better than Shapiro...

[@mariab.774]

I also prefer him, though I arrived to his show through Ben's

[@CycleOfJudges]

I agree

[@kanteannightmare]

The wisdom of age. It's why your supposed to honor your elders…

[@elijahred9881]

Agreeed

[@elijahred9881]

Richard Landerman lately Ben has gone downhill in regards to his podcast I think

[@kanteannightmare]

14:10 the moment when klavan blew Shapiros mind.

[@mongo1176]

I love listening to this, but have to say, not all christian fiction is boring. Read Stephen Lawhead

[@crazytalk8120]

Should reach out to James Woods...

[@andrewwright2812]

How could people not like this? So interesting.

[@mayboy128]

Klavan is so full of joy and love.. it just exudes from him!!!

[@joeycarlson6411]

When is Drew gonna turn Catholic

[@nobledpm]

When he starts adding something to divine revelation.

[@cl.j.1605]

Are you Josef?

[@jthemagicrobot3960]

why would any sane person become catholic - catholicism is socialism with a Christian veneer

[@gorioecho9789]

Peterson (14:00) in stating to live as though there were a God, is not a literal statement and as used is out of context - he’s concludes living as if there were a God as reference to the fact that we all already do within our written systems of law - as an example, the US Constitution and Bill of Rights have a heavy overlay, from a 30000ft level prospective, of Christian derived ideologies and philosophical lifestyle (it’s for another example not developed upon the Islamic intolerance of diversity of thought) without micromanaging how we live life (very macro) - we then within our families and or communities decide from witch text we draw direction from (whether that comes from a chosen biblical selection or the “12 rules for life”)

[@glennanderson9340]

Ben, get John Lennox on.

[@FakeAnarchist]

Andrew Klavan is a deeply underrated thinker, he has many great insights about all kinds of things

[@chrisdriver7776]

Ben is a Ferrari.... Klavan is a Rolls Royce.

[@cassiaprior453]

10:45 just two and a half coffees a day. No biggie. But, how strong is that coffee? Cuality over quantity, mate.

[@joeycarlson6411]

Y'all my guys

[@brianramirez8255]

Klavan is a master of rhetoric. So precise and mathematical and yet brilliantly humorous.

[@necoom]

Is he even a guest if he is your own employee?

[@mrsclevermoniker]

Sure, because every employee is technically a guest until their employer decides otherwise.

[@reddchan]

WLC soundly dismantled Sam Harris during a theology debate at Notre Dame

[@spaghettijoeroganspowerful4803]

Didn't expect it to be this early

[@Raptanax]

I think the best Christian fiction is symbolic, even if the symbolism is fairly obvious, like in the Chronicles of Narnia. I'd like to see a sci-fi story that does the same thing, and I may even write one. I already have a novel that points in that direction. Any recommendations? Any thoughts on challenges specific to Christian science fiction?

[@freenate0425]

Orson Scott Card is a Mormon so much of his deep moral pondering in his science fiction draws on a Christian world view. If you want to see how deep it can get, CS Lewis (Narnia author) wrote a space trilogy. (perelandra is especially challenging to read, with a lot of philosophy, but I love it).

[@DrBeatyTunes]

freenate 04 I listened to the first of the plea era series on audiobook. Maybe it's just not the right format, but I was disappointed. It couldn't hold my attention.

[@mariab.774]

@Samuel Foreman If you're interested in symbolism you should watch Jonathan Pageau's YT videos

[@ebriggs3498]

Samuel Foreman; read Frank Perretti’s books. My favorite is The Oath, but Piercing the Darkness and This Present Darkness are great too!

[@allieisirish5883]

PS God bless all here!

[@GarikaiGumbo]

Awesome discussion

[@beclear2473]

Klavan, does not sound like a Christian. He sounds only like an intellectual.

[@brianclemensmusic]

I’m a staunch agnostic/religion critic but I have to say that this conversation happens to be one of the best I’ve heard on religion and one of the most compelling regarding believing in its value. Ben is great here, but Andrew really leads this conversation to some great moments. I would love to here both of them sit down with someone like Sam Harris or Steven Pinker and debate on this topic for hours. Seems like the closest thing we have right now is the Jordan Peterson/Sam Harris debates. Hopefully there will be more similar conversations in the future!

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

#brianclemens94 (Just Saying) Unlike Andrew I did become a Christian when I hit rock bottom (I think this is true for most Believers). This happened May 1973. Thing is the reason I am still a Believer 46 years later is, Christianity gives me the answers to 3 questions with the Smallest Leap Of Faith. 1. How Do You Get Something From Nothing? 2. How Do You Get Life From Non-Life? 3. What Happened To The Body (of Jesus)?

[@therougesage7466]

So spot on almost perfect, I wonder how an orthodox Christian sees this conversation -that’s so close to hitting every right note

[@kw1199]

Andrew is one of the MOST important conservative voices out there.. Hes much better than Shapiro imo

[@2xcrzkxk]

He radiates joy & buttery warmth with his knowledge of the truth of God & the conviction of what is right that's why. Better than the derisive cynicism we get from Shapiro more often than not. Both are necessary. Shapiro first, wash it down with Klavan & then Knowles for the handsome fellow with the enthusiastic covfefe.

[@cypresse1620]

How can I clone a Ben Shapiro and smuggle him to London??

[@cypresse1620]

J Mathews: Operation Get Our Jew 😂😂😂!!

[@cynthiafeick]

Best Sunday Special discussion thus far! Andrew Klavan is that rare breed of intellectual that embodies both brilliance and humility. I love listening to him and really enjoy "The Andrew Klavan Show," too. Thanks for this post, Ben!

[@CP-os1pc]

After watching Knowles I searched for this 👍

[@SMRogers]

Thank you for this insight into a fascinating man.

[@Zichronot]

I actually had that bunny, who died and then Jesus saved. Not even kidding. But I don't write books! LoL

[@MikeDindu]

Klavan 2036: Heaven needs a President too.

[@fokana1]

Really wanted to give it a thumbs up but being forced to listen to paid advertisement is a little below what I'd expect from someone already making millions from his followers/listeners

[@chuglyc]

lol Even Ben needs advertising I guess.

[@Alexdengmusic]

When you couldn't find anyone to interview so you interview your coworker.

[@2xcrzkxk]

When your coworker is the Lord of the Multiverse so you just have to have him on.

[@echails7900]

"You can't write a good Christian novel." *Tolkien has entered the chat*

[@alexutz1957]

Do Tomi Lauren or Gavin Mcginnes

[@thomasturtle7207]

hmm?

[@namelessfire]

I haven't clicked on a Sunday Special this fast since Mike Rowe.

[@thundergrace]

I'm a Christian.

[@jennielyra3694]

Andrew Klavan. I don't know if you will see this, so many comments on so many videos. I saw the Gosnell movie, saw your writing credit. Thank you for working on that movie. It could not have been more tastefully done. God bless you, you grown ass man. :D

[@basedghostcoasttocoast]

There are no E's in Klavan!!

[@zealous121]

39:40 I had to pause it and compose myself. It's amazing how different ways of spelling out the oldest truths can be so stunningly beautiful and impactful. Thanks, Andrew.

[@Albinoafroman316]

I love this. Andrew Klavan and Ben Shapiro, two great minds that make knowledge easy to obtain.

[@ratonsito2836]

Quite profound talk. Love it!

[@macroevolve]

Next Michael Knowles and/or Elisha Krauss.

[@thecanberean]

Great stuff. What an entertaining, informative and engaging conversation. A real treat.

[@benausda99]

What is Ben Shapiro's Wife doing?

[@wyldjay479]

I think she's a dentist or something. He doesn't really talk about it much.

[@elijahred9881]

She’s taking a rough ploughing from Michael Knowles

[@kelsonrogers]

Elijah Red oof

[@hankhooper1637]

Such a great conversation!!!