Episodes
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In his provocative new novel Annihilation, celebrated and controversial French author Michel Houellebecq brings readers to a France in 2027, grappling with economic collapse and moral decline. In this episode, novelists Joshua Hren and Trevor C. Merrill join the podcast to dive into Houellebecq’s darkly insightful world, exploring why he is hailed as one of the most perceptive writers of our time.
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Józef Tischner, a Polish priest, philosopher, and chaplain for the Solidarność trade union, remains a relatively unknown figure outside of Poland. However, thanks to Artur Rosman’s translation of his major work, The Philosophy of Drama, Tischner’s profound insights are beginning to reach a broader audience.
As a student of Karol Wojtyła (Pope John Paul II), Tischner grappled deeply with the complexities of the human condition, particularly as they unfolded in 20th-century Poland. His philosophy is marked by a remarkable depth and an immunity to superficiality, making him a significant yet underappreciated thinker.
Join Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa as they explore Tischner’s ideas, discovering his unique perspective on life, suffering, and solidarity for the first time.
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In this episode, D.C. Schindler elaborates on why he sees a theology of work as the second part of John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Perceptions of work are not theologically neutral. The Greeks and Jews had different perceptions of work. Schindler claims Christianity is a synthesis of both but sees modernity as a distortion of the Christian synthesis. Learn more how to retrieve a healthy understanding of work and its role in the brave new world of A.I..
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Larry Chapp spent the last month in Rome commentating on the Synod on Synodality. His letters on the Synod were published at First Things. In this episode, Larry shares his thoughts on the Synod and his experiences in Rome. Near the end of the episode, he explains why we need to “re-weird” Christianity and the importance of enchantment.
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The Church has a long legacy in Europe. It is a legacy mixed with triumphs and trials, particularly in 20th century Poland. In this episode, historian and translator Filip Maczurach introduces the life of Bl. Cardinal Wyszyński who boldly stood up to the Communists and became a national hero. We discuss of Filip’s translation of Wyszyński’s book “Love and Social Justice: Reflections on Society” https://aroucapress.com/wyszynski . Later in the discussion, we talk about the state of the Church in Europe and some recent attacks on the legacy of JP2 by the Polish Left.
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In this episode, we are joined by novelist and critic, Joshua Hren, to discuss his new novel Blue Walls Falling Down. The novel has already received much praise. Publisher Angelico Press describes the novel as follows:
“Written with a style and sensibility that have been compared to David Foster Wallace and Dostoevsky, James Joyce and Saul Bellow, Blue Walls Falling Down chronicles the eternal questions that agitate our subterranean frequencies and demand more than the human spirit can give or answer alone."
In addition to discussing the novel, Andrew and Joshua explore the place of the novel in art and the role the novelist plays in capturing in words the depths of reality. Learn more about Joshua Hren and his writings at his website.
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"The last things all hinge on death. Death is the passage that leads to judgment, purgatory, resurrection, and so forth,” writes theologian Andrew T.J. Kaethler, Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Theology at Catholic Pacific College, in his recent article “Eschatology: Dying to Live.” In this episode, we discuss with Prof. Kaethler this article and his book The Eschatological Person: Alexander Schmemann and Joseph Ratzinger in Dialogue.
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In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Rodney Howsare, a professor of theology, to discuss his recent thought-provoking article in Catholic World Report titled "Secularism and Catholic Higher Education in America.”
Dr. Howsare explores the challenges facing Catholic universities and colleges in the U.S., as they navigate an increasingly secular culture and how secularism has, in many respects, become the “social imaginary” of Catholic schools, distorting religion into a voluntary, private affair. Dr. Howsare points us beyond this social imaginary and to a better idea of religion.
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Nathan Pinkoski delves into his thought-provoking perspectives on the intersections of religion, culture, and politics. Pinkoski discusses his recent talk, “Catholicism and the Necessity of Nationalism,” where he explores the crucial role of Catholicism in shaping national identity and its potential to revitalize a sense of community and purpose in the modern world.
The conversation also touches on his provocative articles, “The Spiritual Death of the West” and “Fukuyama vs. Fukuyama.” Pinkoski analyzes the profound spiritual and cultural crises facing Western civilization, examining how secularism and the abandonment of tradition have led to a deeper existential void. Furthermore, he offers a critical take on Francis Fukuyama’s evolving views on liberalism and the end of history, providing insightful commentary on the ideological shifts that have shaped the contemporary political landscape.
Nathan is an assistant professor at Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida.
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In this interview, we sit down with renowned theologian and philosopher, John Milbank, to discuss his recent article in the Catholic Herald, "Taking Stock of the UK Riots: Catholicism and the Crisis of Anglo-Celtic Identity." Milbank delves into the underlying cultural and spiritual crises that he believes have contributed to the social unrest and identity struggles in the UK.
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Check out our in-depth exploration of Theology of the Body!
In this video, we take a deep dive into the profound teachings of Pope John Paul II on the Theology of the Body. This series of lectures, delivered between 1979 and 1984, offers a revolutionary understanding of human sexuality, love, and the human body through a theological lens. Whether you’re new to this topic or looking to deepen your understanding, this discussion will provide you with valuable insights into how these teachings apply to modern life.
What You’ll Learn:
-The Origins of Theology of the Body: Discover how John Paul II developed these teachings and the biblical foundations that underpin them.
-Key Themes and Concepts: Explore the central themes, including the meaning of the body, the significance of human sexuality, and the call to love as God loves.
-Practical Applications: Learn how these teachings can transform your approach to relationships, marriage, and personal identity.
-Theological Impact: Understand why Theology of the Body is considered one of the most important contributions to Catholic theology in the 20th century
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In this episode, Tracey Rowland, a prominent theologian and winner of the prestigious Ratzinger Prize (2020), discusses her book Beyond Kant and Nietszche: A Munich Defence of Christian Humanism, where she explores the limitations of modern philosophy and the contributions of six Christian humanists.
She also reflects on her extensive work on Pope Benedict XVI, highlighting his theological insights and contributions to the Church, especially in understanding the modern challenges to faith and reason.
Additionally, Rowland discusses her commencement speech to Christendom College and the courageous witness to the faith required in our times.
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Theologian and expert on the Camino de Santiago Fr. Piotr Roszak explores with us the nature of pilgrimage and its significance in religious history. In recent years, making pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago has become very popular. Fr. Roszak explains why pilgrimage unveils our humanity and is an expression of hope. Pilgrimage just might be the practice needed in our despairing times.
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Join us for an insightful discussion on the current state of European politics! In this episode, François Valentin delves into various political landscapes, starting with an in-depth analysis of France. He explores the nuances of French politics and extend their conversation to broader European political themes.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Overview of the French political scene
- The impact of recent 2024 elections and political movements
- Comparative analysis of European political strategies
- Predictions and future trends in European governance
François shares his expert insights and offers a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics at play within European politics. Whether you're a political enthusiast, a student of international relations, or simply curious about the current political climate in Europe, this video is packed with valuable information and perspectives.
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In this podcast, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the books that have profoundly influenced their lives and why they believe these works are essential reading for our times. Join us as we explore the timeless wisdom found in these literary masterpieces.
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Dr. Jared Zimmerer, the Content Marketing Director and Great Books adjunct professor for Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, joins us to discuss the value of studying the Humanities, especially the Great Books, and the formation of the moral imagination. Additionally, we discuss the significance of Russell Kirk and Christian humanists who were trying to remind the West of what T.S. Eliot called “the Permanent Things”.
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In this episode, Kathleen Carr, founder of the Catholic Art Institute, joins us to discuss a pressing issue in the world of art education – the decline of teaching great art in contemporary art schools. Join us as we explore the rich legacy of classical art education, the skills and techniques that defined masterpieces, and why these traditional methods are fading away in modern curricula.
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Dr. Richard DeClue, Professor of Theology at the Word on Fire Institute, joins Bobby Mixa and Andrew Petiprin to discuss his new book The Mind of Benedict XVI: A Theology of Communion. Richard’s systematic presentation of Benedict’s thought demonstrates why Benedict should be considered one of the great theological minds of the last century.
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In this conversation, Bobby and Andrew talk to Philip Bess, Professor of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame, about his recent article "Buildings, Polis, Landscape, Cosmos: Two Counter-Cultural Christian Humanist Academic Case Studies” and the basics of classical humanist urban design. Professor Bess introduces Our Lady’s Plan of Chicago 2109, explaining why we will have to move from suburb sprawl to a design that is more sustainable and durable. It so happens that classical humanist design principles best meet those criteria, much better than modernism and hypermodernism do.
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Bobby and Andrew talk to Dr. Kenneth Craycraft about his new book Citizens Yet Strangers: Living Authentically Catholic in a Divided America. Dr. Craycraft explains why Catholics in the United States today are liberal Protestants before they are anything else and why Catholic Social Doctrine matters for healing the divisions in contemporary America.
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