Heavy Things Lightly
This podcast examines the disenchantment of modern society with a light and humorous touch. Host John Heers draws on the wisdom of the past to navigate the confusing New World, offering an alternative to hiding out or burying oneself in books. The show aims to teach listeners how to approach heavy topics lightly.
Episodes
Demons, Deception, and Why Your Spiritual Practices Might Be Dangerous
Find this episode on YouTube: "Justine Alter" — a pseudonym — returns to chat with John Heers in a raw Heavy Things Lightly conversation you have to hear to believe.Justine worked for years as a professional psychic, deep in channeling, ceremonial magic, and occult community life. Baptized in 2018 and converted in 2019, she is now Orthodox and lives under obedience to her spiritual father. To stay
The Fox News Reporter Who Quit to Live an Orthodox Homesteading Life
Find this episode on YouTube: Holly Hickman went from Columbia Journalism and Fox News Radio covering NASA and the 2008 election — to milking cows, making cheese, and converting to Orthodoxy.In this episode of Heavy Things Lightly, Holly tells John how news really works: 7am editorial meetings, White House press releases, assignment editors feeding you quotes, and how language in the AP Stylebook
Why They Left NASA to Start St. George's Classical Academy
Can you teach kids the truth AND prepare them for a secular world?On this episode of Heavy Things Lightly, host John Heers talks with James and Juliana Joyce, founders of St. George's Classical Academy in Boxford, Massachusetts — an Orthodox Christian classical school started from nothing in 2024.James went from astrophysicist at NASA to teaching kindergarten math at a little plastic table. Julian
An Odyssean Tale: The Man Who Would Not Quit
Find this episode on YouTube: Crow walked America searching for his father — and found the Father.From West Virginia hollers to LA gangs, from wolves in the Mojave desert to an Orthodox cross, this is an Odyssean tale of wandering, regret, and becoming Lazarus. John Heers sits with Crow (baptism name Lazarus) for his full life arc — with surprise appearances by his childhood friend Jonathan Pageau
From Broadway to the Supra: Carrie Manolakos on Life After Lockdown
Welcome to the first episode of “Save Me a Spot at the Supra” on Heavy Things Lightly where John Heers hosts singer and Broadway performer Carrie Manolakos (best known for her performances in Mama Mia! and Wicked) at his restaurant after she attended a Supra, discussing how the tradition builds community, the role of the tamada, and ways to bring more music into American Supras. Carrie reflects on
Why This App Designer Hides His Face | An Old-World Cure Built as a New-World App
John Heers sits down with "Justin Smith" — an anonymous app designer you'll never see, only hear.His app, This Life, is audio-only and anonymous by design: you record your own voice, then get paired with a stranger for a day to hear three minutes of their life.In this episode John pushes back hard — is a phone app really the cure for the isolation it helped create? Is writing down your thoughts ma
Neil DeGraide: The West Has Forgotten Its Own Roots
Find this episode on YouTube: John Heers sits down with Neil DeGraide for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about why the modern Western church feels so untethered from its own roots — and what the angry internet has to do with it.They unpack:🕊️ How post-WWII culture pushed Christianity toward non-denominationalism and away from the liturgical, experiential faith of the early Church⛪ Why modern
Jay Dyer on the Enlightenment, Americanism & the Religion of Politics
Find this episode on YouTube: Jay Dyer joins John Heers to discuss the decline of 2000s New Atheism, shifting internet culture, the Enlightenment, Americanism, Orthodox Christianity, and the political forces shaping the modern West.They examine growing skepticism toward claims of scientific neutrality and political objectivism, arguing that politics often functions as a substitute religion—complet
Marriage Humility: When Your Intensity Becomes Your Marriage's Biggest Problem | Dr. Malamakis
Find this episode on YouTube: Dr. Philip Mamalakis says you'd take a bullet for your wife. But would you fix the light in the freezer she's been asking about for six weeks?That gap — between the heroic love we imagine and the ordinary love we're actually called to — is exactly what this conversation is about.Dr. Philip Mamalakis teaches the core courses in Pastoral Care at Hellenic College Holy Cr
The Orthodox Cure for Broken Young Men | Fr. Hans Jacobse
Find this episode on YouTube: Father Hans has spent years reaching young men on the edge — men who are economically stuck, spiritually fragmented, and slow to trust. In this conversation, he names what’s really going on: a generation that woke up inside a world already infected with “narcissistic spiritual cancer,” and a culture that gave them consumer identity instead of a soul.They go deep on:*
Orthodoxy in Palestine
In this conversation recorded live at Symbolic World, John Heers sits down with Mother Agapia for a deep, unfiltered account of life on the ground in the West Bank: the building of the wall, the expansion of settlements, the targeting of Christian communities, and the complicated, often beautiful relationship between Orthodox Christians and their Muslim neighbors.Mother Agapia is an American Ortho
Race, Ethnicity & Nationalism: Is an Orthodox America Possible?
Find this episode on YouTube: Is American Orthodoxy even possible? John Heers sits down with Ben Michael (Orthodox Luigi) to talk about race, ethnicity, what it means to be an American — and whether there's a future for Orthodox Christianity in a nation built on rootlessness.This conversation goes where most won't — deep into the tension between ethnic identity and faith, the rise of nationalism,
The Ancient Christianity That is Alive and Well in Georgia
Georgia's ancient faith is still alive — and it demands more than just going through the motions.Professor Levan Gigineishvili joins John to discuss the importance of continuous personal growth as an Orthodox Christian, the ultimate answer to avoiding complacency and transforming our lives in Christ. A medievalist, philosopher, and one of Georgia's most respected public intellectuals — walks us th
Online and American Orthodoxy w/ Fr. Paul Girgis
Find this episode on YouTube: Fr. Paul Girgis joins HTL to talk about American Orthodoxy, what's happening culturally, Lebanon and the Hezobollah question among many more.Discover more about Fr. Paul here: @Floridoxy -----------------------Conrad's Deli - The best jerky you'll ever have: https://conradsdeli.com/ use promo code "FIRST THINGS" for 10% off.-----------------------✒ Substack: https://
Time and Despondency w/ Nicole Roccas
Find this episode on YouTube:Dr. Nicole Roccas has been researching and writing about time from both a historical and theological perspective for nearly ten years. In addition to being a writer and editor, she lectures at the Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College (Toronto). You can find more of her writing on her Ancient Faith podcast and blog, Time Eternal.Discover more about Nicole: htt
Pageau talks Hegseth, Pulp Fiction, Clown World, and more...
Jonathan Pageau is back for a short chat, because we have to talk about clown world and Hegseth, and what in the world is going on in American politics. BUT! Also, we have to mention Symbolic World and especially the upcoming conference. Hope to see you all in Ohio, follow the link below for more info!Symbolic World Summit: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/-----------------------Conrad's Deli - The
Pete Hegseth, I'm not sure that was a prayer.
Find this episode on YouTube: Jonathan Pageau is back for a short chat, because we have to talk about clown world and Hegseth, and what in the world is going on in American politics. BUT! Also, we have to mention Symbolic World and especially the upcoming conference. Hope to see you all in Ohio, follow the link below for more info!Symbolic World Summit: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/------------
Old Testament or No Testament War?
Find this episode on YouTube: Let's take a look at what's happening in Iran, Israel, Ukraine. How are we 'waging' war? Well, the answer is more nuanced than you think. And St. Basil has a couple of words for us near the end.-----------------------Conrad's Deli - The best jerky you'll ever have: https://conradsdeli.com/ use promo code "FIRST THINGS" for 10% off.-----------------------✒ Substack: ht
Frederica Mathews Green | Art of the Tamada Talks
Find this episode on YouTube (subbed in Russian as well): Frederica Mathews Green on what it means to be a guest or a host at the Art of the Tamada event in Greenville, SC 2025."The Art of the Tamada" by the First Things Foundation (FTF) is a transformational cultural experience and fundraising event modeled on the traditional Georgian Supra (a feast led by a toastmaster or Tamada). It is designed
State of Reality (oh wait, Union) with Uncle Seth
Find this episode on YouTube: Let's all be calm and cool and watch the recent State of the Union address with Uncle Seth, because obviously that is a good idea. -----------------------Conrad's Deli - The best jerky you'll ever have: https://conradsdeli.com/ use promo code "FIRST THINGS" for 10% off.-----------------------✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf🍷The
Eros Unbound: the story of Donald Marc Antony Trump
Find this episode on YouTube: Pavel Schelin sits down once more with John to talk about the tragic story of Marc Antony and those characters around him. What happens when massive Dionysian energy has no true master? It's a story of a bad Tamada, or Trump, or crazy college parties - and understanding this can help us all order our lives a little better.We invite you to join Pavel's new course at th
Engaging the Other: Fr. Andrew Damick & Rev. Mike Landsman
Find this episode on YouTube: Fr. Andrew Damick and Rev. Mike Landsman of the Areopagus podcast (https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/areopagus/) join the show to talk the state of Protestantism in America, what's happening in the world of Christianity in general, and the different flavors of folks coming into the church.Discover more of these fine gentlemen here:youtube.com/@frandrewstephendamic
The Svanes: A Missionary Tale
Discover more about the Svanes, their mission and support their efforts here:The Story:Support: https://helligebebudelsen.no/en/help-us-build-a-sacred-space-in-norway/Conrad's Deli - The best jerky you'll ever have: https://conradsdeli.com/ use promo code "FIRST THINGS" for 10% off.-----------------------✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf🍷The best dinner part
Wrestling the Tech Monster: James Poulos
Find this episode on YouTube: Reupload** The internet spirits inhabited our audio on the previous upload - we think we have it fixed this time around.John and James tackle the modern technology empire that seems to be consuming all of us. James sums it up pretty well during our convo: "...we are all slowly becoming cyborgs."James Poulos is the Editor of The American Mind and author of multiple boo
Alex Sorin seems too nice for debates
Find this episode on YouTube: Alex Sorin joins the show today to talk about debating and defending the Orthodox Church, a little on Cicero, and a lot on the Protestant mindset in America. Also Alex is equal parts intelligent and nice. 10/10 would recommend as your lawyer. Find more Alex here: https://www.youtube.com/@Alex_Ortodoxie or on X: https://x.com/Alex_OrtodoxieConrad's Deli - The best jerk
Andrew McLuhan: Media, Modernity and The McLuhan Legacy
Andrew McLuhan is the son of Eric McLuhan, a grandson of Marshall McLuhan, founder and director of The McLuhan Institute (founded 2017). TMI was founded to conserve and continue media studies in the McLuhan tradition, which arguably began with "Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man" published in 1964.Conrad's Deli - The best jerky you'll ever have: https://conradsdeli.com/ use promo code "FIR
Baby Jesus Night in America (aka Christicamfest)
I'll say it one more time, this pod chose me! We weren't planning on doing this episode, but then the curse of the Old Calendar and Christmas being on different days...well, it all conspired to deliver this. A pod where I sound like a jerk, but I'm really not. Baby Jesus Night! Lets go!Conrad's Deli - The best jerky you'll ever have: https://conradsdeli.com/ use promo code "FIRST THINGS" for 10% o
Romance and the Holidays with the Heers Girls
Find this episode on YouTube: The Heers Girls join HTL to educate us on what cuffing is, what women look for in men (kinda) and if body odor is a deal breaker. Also, there is singing.Conrad's Deli - The best jerky you'll ever have: https://conradsdeli.com/ - use promo code "FIRST THINGS" for 10% off.✒ Substack: ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Supra Dinne
The End of Christicans? Lt. Colonel Dan Horst
Find this episode on YouTube: Lt. Colonel Dan Horst joins the show as both a veteran and Tamada at our Keipi restaurant. We chat about the changing Christian landscape in America and drill down into what makes America...America.Conrad’s Deli - The best jerky you’ll ever have: https://conradsdeli.com/ use promo code “FIRST THINGS” for 10% off.--------------------------------------------------------
Old World Candace vs New World Whites
Find this episode on YouTube: Pt. 2 following up on last episodes exploration of materialism and Gnosticism as we se them playing out in modern culture. Conrad’s Deli - The best jerky you’ll ever have: https://conradsdeli.com/ - use promo code “FIRST THINGS” for 10% off.-----------------------------------✒ Substack: ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf🍷The best dinner party you’ve ever experienced - Supra
Why Candace sounds crazy...but isn't.
Find this episode on YouTube: Let’s figure out reality. No really, let’s try and understand where reality exists as per an ancient understanding. And then maybe, we can understand why Candace might sound crazy, but really isn’t. Conrad’s Deli - The best jerky you’ll ever have: https://conradsdeli.com/ use promo code “FIRST THINGS” for 10% off.-----------------------------------✒ Substack: https://
Ceremonial Magician Justine Alter
Find this episode on YouTube: Ceremonial magician Justine Alter talks and what a talk it is. Extremely fascinating (terrifying?) look into what is happening just out of site. After a life of being a psychic, extreme artist, and cult leader Justine converted to Orthodoxy. Her story is wild.Discover “Outside of the World” at New Martyr Press: https://www.newmartyrpress.com/books/blog-post-title-two-
Halloween, Martyrs, and the MAGA Men
Find this episode on YouTube: A tale of ancient Christians, modern celebrations, and what it says about our current culture. The best jerky you’ll ever have: https://conradsdeli.com/ use promo code “FIRST THINGS” for 10% off.✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you’ve ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https://supradinner.com/ 🏖️ T
Dr. Ian McGilchrist Breaks the Light-O-Meter
Dr. Ian McGilchrist, best known for his books “The Matter with Things” (2021) and “The Master and His Emissary” (2009), is a psychiatrist, philosopher, and neuroscientist well known around the world. He comes on today, not only to take the (in)famous Light-O-Meter test, but also to talk about reality, about how we relate to reality, and the old vs new schools of thought. ✒ Substack: https://johnhe
We Are Not Alone - Grizwald Grim
Find this episode on YouTube: Welcome to a different side of the internet. A side where we are all fire ants banding together to create a life raft to navigate the raging electronic riverways of the internet. It’s a strange world out there and Grim is here to light the way. More Grizwald: @GrimGriz ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you
Uncle Seth is Mad About Charlie Kirk Stuff
Find this episode on YouTube: Yeah, Uncle Seth isn’t thrilled with all the Charlie Kirk stuff and we get into that and more. I mention it at the end, but Art of the Tamada Greenville and Islamorada are both on the horizon. Check out dates and tickets at: https://first-things.org/aot -------- ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you’ve ev
It's Not What You Think It Is
This story changes things. Or maybe it’s better to say, it returns things to where they should be. It’s a story made possible by the Supra. It’s the story of what it means to be human. What is a Supra and where can you join one? Visit Supra Dinner Society to discover this ancient tradition and get involved. It might just change your life. Supra Dinner Society: https://supradinner.com/ ------------
Man, Machine, and God: A Conversation with Paul Kingsnorth
Find this episode on YouTube: Discover more about Paul and his new book ‘Against the Machine’ here: https://www.paulkingsnorth.net/ Photos used for Spruce Island by Ralph H. Sidway, from his book, ‘The North American Thebaid: https://thebaid.org ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you’ve ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https://
Battling Doomerism with DJ Melki Prophet
Find this episode on YouTube: Come join us on a journey through the machine and modernity to discover doomerism, the time lord, and more with DJ Melki Prophet. You need come to Art of the Tamda: https://first-things.org/aot ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https://supradinner.com/ 🏖️ Ta
You Can Be a God. Bam!
Find this episode on YouTube: After dropping an article that ruffled some feathers, John had to invite Mathew back on the show. And alongside him Dcn. Seraphim who provides excellent insight to a the idea of theosis. Join us in Greenville or Islamorada for ART OF THE TAMDA: https://first-things.org/aot ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner part
Heather Pollington - Waking Up English and Orthodox
Find this episode on YouTube: Heather Pollington is a Lead Graphic and Surface Designer working in the television and film industry. Some notable projects she has worked on include the Pirates of the Caribbean, James Bond, The Tourist, Maleficent, and many more. She recently collaborated with Jonathan Pageau to illustrate the story of Snow White. You can discover more about Heather below. Heather
Frederica Mathews-Green Enters the Light-O-Meter
Discover this episode on YouTube:Today we have a most special guest - Frederica Mathewes-Green. A guest who embodies love and joy in equal measure. She is an author of over a dozen books and articles as well as providing film reviews for National Review Online. She is also well known for her speaking engagements across the US and, to our great pleasure, will be speaking at the Art of the Tamada ev
Culture At the Crossroads with Fr. Christian Siskos of Noetic Spring
Find this episode on YouTube: Fr. Christian Siskos joins John Heers at Keipi Restaurant to sit down and talk about AI, equality of men and women, tradition and the Supra. Discover more Fr. Siskos here: Fr. Christian Siskos ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https://supradinner.com/ 🏖️ Tai
Martyrdom, MAGA and the Epstein Files
Find this episode on YouTube: One of our leaders has to get down in the mud. Who's it going to be? See the original video here:✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https://supradinner.com/ 🏖️ Tailormade tours that give back: https://www.gratitude-travels.com/home 🔎 Discover the non-profit b
Is Nepotism the Next Great Business Model? - Nicholai Blasing
Find this episode on YouTube: Nicholai is an expat living and working in South Korea, a convert to Orthodoxy, author, and getting people excited over on X/Twitter for his ideas on nepotism. Is it really bad? Isn't it something we've seen throughout history? John finds out. More Nicholai on X: https://x.com/Nicholai_Korea His work: http://www.monarchcybersolutions.net/ And his book: https://a.co/d/
Bazed Lit Analyzer - 10 Badass Christian Films You Should Watch
Find this episode on YouTube: Enigmatic movie commentator BLA sits down to talk Christian movies and why so many just get it wrong. Also a little rabbit hole of talking about Christic moments in film, redemtion, and what makes a movie Christian if God isn't in it. Oh and spoiler alert: Gods Not Dead didn't make the list. Find more Bazed Lit Analyzer: @BAZEDLITANALYZER ✒ Substack: https://johnheers
Ilya Sutskever Is Not A Biological Computer...Even If He Wants to Be
Find this episode on YouTube: You are not simply a biological computer. No matter what the latest AI super nerd says. This is an emergency pod - listen up! ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https://supradinner.com/ 🏖️ Tailormade tours that give back: https://www.gratitude-travels.com/hom
John Hammond - American Orthodox Deep Dive
Find this episode on YouTube: John Hammond is the author and director of 'American Orthodox' which explore the roots of Orthodox Christianity here in the U.S. John is a writer, editor, and (relatively) recent convert to Orthodoxy after a long road searching for the truth. Find out more about the film and screenings here: https://americanorthodoxfilm.com/✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.co
Robert Jackson - Education Needs a Rethink
Dr. Jackson is a professor of English and is the founding partner for Classical Commons - a hub connecting resources and people together that are interested in classical education. Currently, Dr. Jackson serves as senior fellow for both Flagler College and the Chesterton Schools Network. John and Dr. Jackson take a dive into classical ed and look at the philosophical underpinnings of education as
Rod Dreher - Can We Live Without Lying?
Find this episode on YouTube: Rod Dreher is the author of the 'Benedict Option' and 'Live Not By Lies' - both exploring how to live as Christians in this modern world. Discover the four part series Live Not By Lies here: https://www.angel.com/shows/live-not-by-lies and stay to the end of the show for one of the best Light-O-Meter tests in a long time! Visit the Light-O-Meter and change your life t
A Supra Good Time
Find this episode on YouTube: So we did a pod from the restaurant. And there is a lot we need to fix for the next one, but we thank you for your patience as we work out the kinks! Much love from Keipi restaurant and the crew. If you or someone you know should also get a spot at the Supra, hit us up! We would be interested in hearing from you. ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https:
A Case for A.I.
Find this episode on YouTube: DJ Melki Prophet (prophet added by John) joins HTL to make a bid for AI. Is AI the evil overlord waiting for its moment to enslave us all? Or is it a tool to be used with wisdom in service to creation? Well, let's find out shall we? Discover more Melki Prophet here: @fivezy242 or at https://teegla.com/ Sell your stuff! https://first-things.org/ebay-store ✒ Substack:
Can Anyone Be An Exorcist?
Find this episode on YouTube: John sits down with Pastor Mark to talk demons, exorcism, prayer, what is Christianity and more from our very own Keipi restaurant. Before entering into Christianity fully, Pastor Mark was a fraud investigator with more than 30 years experience. And when he heard about demons being cast out he was naturally skeptical, but fast forward to the present and he finds himse
What's a Boomer Really?
Find this episode on YouTube: Discover more Jay @JayDyer You have stuff. Sell it and donate the earnings here: https://first-things.org/ebay-store ...And sleep better at night knowing your Light-o-Meter score: https://first-things.org/lightometer ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https:/
Pet Mania Pt 2
Let's walk our doggy strollers a little further down this path shall we? What was going on in the ancient world with pets? Did we have them? Worship them? Eat them perhaps? And what can it tell us about our pet situation today? ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https://supradinner.com/ 🏖
ARC, Kingsnorth, and a small Georgian village
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Jzkza56gamUI recently had the chance to attend the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship's 2025 conference in Europe. After spending a few days watching and observing the goings-on from behind the curtain, I have a few thoughts on all of this.✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf🍷The best dinner party you've ever exp
USAID: We Know All About It
Find this episode on YouTube: Seeing as First Things Foundation does international aid, not to mention personal experience with other international aid organizations, I thought I might chime in with my two cents. Also, check out Gratitude Travels (gratitude-travels.com) for incredible adventures. And Art of the Tamada has two upcoming events which you can get the details on here: first-things.org/
More to Life than Stardom
Find this episode on YouTube: Christian Ray Flores was at one point, the most famous pop star in Russia. But his rise to fame and subsequent search for something more is a story even wilder than the 90's. Discover more of Christian's story at his website including his book: ✒ Substack: ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https://supr
We Need to Talk
Find this episode on YouTube: Yeah. This needs to be said. HQ: https://www.heavythingslightly.com✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https://supradinner.com/ 🏖️ Tailormade tours that give back: https://www.gratitude-travels.com/home 🔎 Discover the non-profit behind Heavy Things Lightly: h
Uncle Seth Hates Stuff
Find this episode on YouTube: Our favorite guest is finally back after months of radio silence. Take a moment and show some support for hltp here:✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https://supradinner.com/ 🏖️ Tailormade tours that give back: https://www.gratitude-travels.com/home 🔎 Discov
Church History is Wild
Find this episode on YouTube: Mathew Namee and Richard Rohlin join John to talk history. But weird history, because it turns out the world has ended. Maybe multiple times. And the way we see history today is not how humanity has always seen it. Mathew Namee is the editor for Orthodox History (https://www.orthodoxhistory.org/) and works closely with the Orthodox Studies Institute. Richard Rohlin is
The Science Behind Orthodox Fasting
Find this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPI-yQCZfKoWe welcome back Dr Pete Patitsas, author of the Athos Diet, to talk more about the science behind intermitent fasting, diet, and the broader implications of fasting. Fasting goes beyond the physical and when applied culturally, may have far reaching benefits.Read more on the Athos Diet here: https://www.theathosdiet.com/** Un
Why is your dog in a stroller? Pet mania and the New World
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zSipCRWg5uoPets in prams. Cats in specialized plastic comfort domes on wheels. Dogs on ADHD medicine. Today we take a journey into the absurd. To the far reaches of pet ownerdom, where there is no conveyance too fancy, no medication too specialized, no diagnosis left unexplored. Welcome to part 1 of a 3 part series where I tackle the pet mania. Is thi
Sovereign State: Andrew Favorov
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Yn3kveaCt-oToday we sit down with Andrew Favorov, who had the luck (good or bad) to be in the path of Rudy Giuliani and the Trump shenanigans surrounding energy and natural gas during the previous election cycle. An Orthodox Christian, Andrew has worked extensively overseas in the energy sector and helps us understand the narrative surrounding Ukraine
The Working Songwriter, Beer, and God: Joe Pug
Find this episode on YouTube: A singer-songwriter known for his lyrical acumen and plaintive harmonica style, Joe Pug has released a string of critically acclaimed albums since 2008. Additionally, Joe is the creator and host of the popular podcast The Working Songwriter. John and Joe explore what it means to be an artist, what Joe notices in the myriad conversations he has on his podcast about wor
Pavel Schelin
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0BisN-lw4ewJohn talks with Pavel Schelin ( @PavelShchelin ) about modernity, the war in Ukraine, and what this means for America and Russia. Pavel is a Russian, Orthodox Christian and political philosopher.✒ Find articles, John's novel, and even more Heavy Things Lightly at Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/✈ Tailormade travel adventures in
The Miracles of Fasting
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/306z2Ezv6MwDr. Pete Patitsas ( @theathosdietdrpete2600 ) is an emergency medicine physician who, after visiting Mount Athos, took to a rigorous study of the monks diets. What he (re)discovered was a diet that allowed for weight loss, lots of energy, and an abundance of health. He would later transform his research into 'The Athos Diet.' Discover mor
Make America Joyful Again
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JCaReT9X6BkNino joins us today from Georgia to talk about the history of the Supra, it's significance in Georgian history and it's importance today. Discover Nino's work here: https://www.academia.edu/34293446/LITURGIC_NATURE_OF_THE_GEORGIAN_TRADITIONAL_FEASTS_EXULTATION_AND_FESTIVE_HYMNSWhy is the Supra important here in the US? Find out here: https:
The End of Baseball
Find this episode on YouTube: It seems Strauss has finally managed to kill baseball. Its logo is ubiquitous. Everywhere and on everyone's heads. And I'm here to talk about it. 🍷Want to throw the best dinner party you've ever experienced? The Supra Dinner Society has you covered: https://supradinner.com/ ✒ Find articles, John's novel, and even more Heavy Things Lightly at Substack: https://johnheer
What is Marriage?
Find this episode on YouTube: Recently a certain scientific paper out of Nigeria is making (made?) waves in its attempt to disprove same-sex marriage. On the opposite side is the question of religion and state and everything is quite confusing. But at the end of the day...what is marriage? Here comes the Old World with an answer... ✒ Find articles, John's novel, and even more Heavy Things Lightly
The Road to Hell Ep. 4
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/csAaELRuPy4The fourth and final installment of our exploration on the phrase "the road to hell is paved in good intentions."Find articles, John's novel, and even more Heavy Things Lightly at Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/Tailormade travel adventures in Europe and Africa: https://www.gratitude-travels.com/homeDiscover the non-profit behin
Jonathan Pageau
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1mUdGqSNnm8Jonathan Pageau talks about mediating the Orthodox Christian life and being in a world that is majority non-Christian. How do we navigate this reality and make decisions? That's the discussion today!Don't miss Jonathan Pageau and Jordan Hall in Florida for the Art of the Tamada: https://first-things.org/aotFind articles, John's novel, and e
Jordan Hall
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2lemBCvOFacJordan Hall rejoins the show to talk about our upcoming Art of the Tamada event in Islamorada and dives into what exactly is happening right now in history. The levels of technology, power, and knowledge are unprecedented, but what does that mean for us?Get tickets to the latest Art of the Tamada event feat. Jonathan Pageau and Jordan Hall:
Knowledge vs Wisdom
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3H9pIf_fjNAWhat are we building towards? What do the most incredible engineering projects around the world, from ancient times until now, point to? Would and ancient culture understand the Large Hadron Collider? Do we moderns really understand the deeper reality of the Temple of Hara? Let's find out.Get tickets to the latest Art of the Tamada event fe
Simon Scionka
After much traveling and all things FTF John returns and welcomes Simon Scionka. Simon has been making films since 1997 at the age of 17. Today he has had over 20 years in documentary film production, having visited 40 countries in the course of telling stories. He has filmed feature documentaries like Poverty Inc (a highly recommended film for anyone who wants a deeper insight into foreign aid) a
Intentions, Outcomes, and CERN
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1epb8MOU59EMaking pilgrimage to CERN, ancient oracles, auguries, and more. John continues his exploration into intentions and how we are aligning ourselves to a good (or God depending!). And you might be surprised to find that the Old World folk and their entrail readings are that far removed from Physics Girl making pilgrimage to the ultimate science
Uncle Seth: Light Person Extraordinaire Insults Our Listeners!
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8BNf5N4c318Uncle Seth returns...with a vengeance! But please be kind, because we truly do love him.Visit us at https://first-things.org/2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org for more info
The Road to Hell
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IGUbH5TEUrMThe Road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Is it though? Is this a truism or just a clever quote with a particular amount of omph behind it. Today we start down that road - paved or not - and dive into CERN and physics and all these things were we ask ourselves, why are we doing this again?Visit us at https://first-things.org/2 years.
Artistry and Aiming for the Higher Things
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3t98_ghU2JcStephen Roach of the Makers and Mystics podcast joins the show to talk about artistry, how to be comfortable with the paradox that Christianity calls people towards, and developing the arts as a language to talk about the higher things. Makers and Mystics is a podcast exploring the intersections of faith, culture, and art. It is tied to the
Are Movies Redemptive?
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3t4deihkPykPerhaps no type of modern media has had the level of impact as movies. But from their inception until now so much has changed. Are movies redemptive? Can modern movies be redeemed? John talks to the Bazed Lit Analyzer to find out.More on Bazed Lit: @BAZEDLITANALYZERVisit us at https://first-things.org/2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Inte
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