Podcasts about Consumerism

Your favorite Blerds are back brining you all of their thoughts on everything happening in nerd culture. This week, Shannon gives a recap of her experience at this years D23 event. Hear what she thought about all of the announcements. We're also talking the latest in Sony news and how people are taking a stand against a move to all digital gaming. Plus, we're talking all of the upcoming anime announcements made by Netflix at Anime NYC. Plus, the Odyssey and Spider-Man updated box office numbers and more! Catch full episodes of the Blerds and Nerds Podcast on Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your podcast app of choice!   Follow Us!  https://linktr.ee/blerdsnerds   National Resources List https://linktr.ee/NationalResourcesList   Youtube  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK56I-TNUnhKhcWLZxoUTaw   Email us: Blerdsnerds@gmail.com   Follow Our Social: https://www.instagram.com/blerdsnerds/ https://twitter.com/BlerdsNerds https://www.facebook.com/blerdsnerds https://tiktok.com/blerdsnerds_pod   Shannon: https://www.instagram.com/luv_shenanigans James: https://www.instagram.com/llsuavej  Jaja: https://www.instagram.com/jajasmith3  

What if everything that got stripped away last year was never meant to be the destination, just the entry point to your next level? Things are shifting fast right now, and we're all feeling it in the collective. In this episode, Lacy and Jessica explore the Refinement Era: the softer, more feminine energy that has followed last year's "stripped" period, and what it's asking of us now. You'll get a rare peek inside one of our members-only community calls, plus a live channeled message Lacy received in real time on "The Great Pivot." Together, they talk about why authenticity so often gets distorted by our fear of being disliked, and how owning your whole self, including the parts you'd rather hide, is the key to real magnetism. If you've been feeling more sensitive, more tender, or unsure which version of you is making decisions right now, this episode is a gentle reminder that you're not lost—you're being refined. Get access to all of our members-only live calls AND live channelings with Lacy inside the Pathway membership! Full show notes → https://tobemagnetic.com/expanded-podcast   Resources: The Be Seen Challenge Quiet your inner critic, stop playing small, and start manifesting the life you truly want. Now live inside The Pathway.   Free Masterclass: Step Into Your F*ck It Energy If you missed our live masterclass with Lacy and Jessica — don't worry, you can still watch the replay! Learn how to step into your f*ck it energy and feel genuinely safe being seen.   Join the Pathway Membership Use code EXPANDED for 20% off your first month! The Pathway Membership gives you unlimited access to all of our manifestation workshops—including How to Manifest, Unblocking Your Inner Child, Shadow, Love, Money, Rock Bottoms, Ruts, and Energetic Updates —plus 70+ self-hypnosis tracks designed to unlock your full potential. LEARN MORE HERE   Get the latest from TBM Join the Pathway now - Be Seen Challenge, Money Challenge, and Nervous System Reset available now!   New to TBM? Free Offerings to Get You Started Learn the Process! Expanded Podcast - How to Manifest Anything You Desire  Get Expanded! The Motivation - Testimonial Library Ready to find out what's holding you back? Try our Free Clarity Exercise   Be an EXPANDER! Share Your Manifestation Story Submit to Be a Process Guest What did you manifest during the Be Seen Challenge? Share a voice note of your question, block, or Process to be featured in an episode!   This Episode Is Brought to You By:  Bon Charge - 15% off with code MAGNETIC  Red Light Face Mask    PIQUE - Get  20% off your first Pique order at piquelife.com/tbm, and use code TBM at checkout.  Sun Goddess Matcha B•T Fountain | Beauty Electrolyte   In this episode we talk about: The shift from last year's “stripped era” into the new “refinement era” Why refinement feels more feminine and autonomous than the stripping before it How to know what to put on your manifestation list mid-transition Listening to your body over your mind when making decisions Consumerism, “heirloom” purchases, and losing interest in fluff Why owning your whole self (including your shadow) unlocks magnetism The difference between performative authenticity and integrated authenticity Why real authenticity repels as much as it attracts Processing grief and tenderness as old protector parts soften Nervous system regulation as the foundation for being seen A live channeled message on “the great pivot” How protector parts will move aside to let your light be seen everywhere Learning to voice your needs plainly, without shadow or trauma response   Mentioned In the Episode:  Ep. 318 — Speeding Up Your Manifestations in the New Paradigm with Jenna Zoe  Learn more about Signal and authenticity in our Signal Ep Learn more about the energetics of 2026 and 2027 and the Refinement Era in The Hidden Fear Blocking Your Manifestations Right Now Find our Be Seen Challenge plus all our workshops and all workshops mentioned inside our Pathway Membership! (Including the Authenticity Challenge, Express Your Light DI, and the Be Seen Challenge–plus access to our Live Calls and Lacy's Channelings!) HOW TO MANIFEST by Lacy Phillips (with exercises by Jessica Gill)Available now! The Expanded Podcast, from To Be Magnetic™ (TBM), is the leading manifestation podcast rooted in neuroscience, psychology, and energetics. Hosted by TBM's Chief Content Officer Jessica Gill, with monthly appearances from founder Lacy Phillips, Expanded is where science and the mystical meet to help you manifest in the most grounded, practical, and life-changing way.At TBM, we've redefined manifestation through Neural Manifestation™—our proven, science-backed method developed with neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart. This process helps you reprogram limiting beliefs at the subconscious level so you can create the life most aligned with your authenticity.Each week, we take you inside the TBM practice to help you expand your subconscious to believe what you desire is possible. Through expert interviews, thought leader conversations, TBM teachings, and real member success stories, you'll learn how to: – Rewire your subconscious mind and step into your worth – Heal your inner child and integrate shadow work – Set boundaries, strengthen intuition, and reclaim self-worth – Manifest relationships, careers, abundance, and experiences that align with your true selfWith over than 40 million downloads and a global community in over 100 countries, Expanded has become the gold standard in manifestation content. Think of it as your weekly practice for expanding your mind, believing what you want is possible, and manifesting the life you're meant to live.Past guests include leading voices such as Mel Robbins, Lewis Howes, Jenna Zoe, Martha Beck, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Dr. Gabor Maté, Mark Groves, and Brianna Wiest. Where To Find Us!@tobemagnetic (IG)@LacyannephillipsLacy Launched a Substack! - By Candlelight - Join Here@Jessicaashleygill@tobemagnetic (youtube)@expandedpodcast

If you've ever lost everything (a business, a marriage, your sense of who you are) this conversation is proof that the collapse isn't the end of your story. Rick Trimmer walks through the exact math he and his wife used to climb out of $640,000 in debt: the thousand-day stretch with no pay, the decade of living on a thousand dollars a month, and the brutal conversations he had with himself and his wife about what they actually wanted. If you're in the hole right now, or you're scared of ever being in it, this is the blueprint for how a man digs out without excuses and without quitting on his family. But this isn't just a comeback story; it's a lesson in delayed gratification and what winning the game really looks like. We'll cover how to build passive income, take advantage of opportunities that scare you, and chose freedom over the appearance of success. If you're tired of chasing a lifestyle you can't afford, or you're ready to start building something that actually lasts, this conversation gives you the mindset and the moves to get there. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Episode Introduction 03:05 - Introduction to Rick Trimmer and Real Business Owners 05:08 - What Sets Entrepreneurs Apart: IQ, Drive, and Delusion 07:10 - Overcoming Weaknesses and the Power of Mentorship 09:12 - Leaving Corporate Life and Betting on Yourself 11:23 - The Reality of Financial Risk and Losing It All 13:32 - Repaying $640k Debt and Working 1,000 Days Straight 17:01 - Sacrifice, Top Ramen, and Building a Foundation 23:08 - Living on $1,000 a Month to Buy Freedom 29:05 - Getting Started in Real Estate and Finding Mentors 37:49 - Creative Financing and Acquiring Rental Properties 43:30 - Hitting the Passive Income Goal and Traveling the World 49:19 - Why Financial Freedom and Time with Family is Worth the Grind 54:57 - Consumerism vs. Real Wealth 01:00:55 - The Men's Forge and the Power of Live Events 01:04:29 - Saying "Yes" to New Opportunities 01:08:36 - Where to Connect with Rick Trimmer   Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready  

With so many factors that lead to multidimensional poverty, what does it look like to scale family flourishing around the world? It's a core question to all of human society. In this episode, Brandon Stiver interviews Jessica Ray who oversees International Programs for the Global Orphan Project to talk commerce, tech and family strengthening. Together they explore the complex issues of global fashion supply chains, fair trade practices, and the Strong Family program and tech that is supporting communities throughout the world. Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel Podcast Sponsors Are you ready to take your impact to the next level? Then join this year's OneAccord conference October 13th-15th in Washington, D.C.! Use Code "Global" for Discount Register for OneAccord 2026 The MA in Global Development and Justice at Multnomah Seminary (part of Jessup University) is a fully online, accredited graduate program designed for practitioners and advocates seeking meaningful, sustainable change in today's world. Learn More About MAGDJ Resources and Links From The Show Strong Family Online GOEX Apparel Strong Family White Paper Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger Video Conversation Notes (AI Generated) 02:12 Jessica Ray's Journey into International Work and Fair Trade 04:20 The Impact of Consumerism on Global Fashion Supply Chains 08:29 The Rise of Fast Fashion and Its Global Effects 12:20 Fair Trade Practices and Ethical Supply Chains 16:11 The Complexities of Global Textile Supply Chains 21:10 Creating a Culture of Fair Trade and Ethical Fashion 26:14 Family Strengthening and Orphan Prevention Strategies 31:12 The Strong Family Model and Community Impact 35:58 Scaling Solutions and Partnering with Churches 42:03 Technology and Data in Family and Community Programs 46:59 Research and Evidence Supporting Family Strengthening 51:18 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

RISC associate community organizer Pai Koehler-Masavisut leads our reflection on the first chapter of Ecclesiastes. If "there is nothing new under the sun" (1:9), what can ancient wisdom traditions teach us about consumerism, creation, and despair? And how can community help us find a way into hope and new creation?

Do you possess possessions, or do your possessions possess you? This is a difficult question to answer honestly in our modern age of easy one-click shopping, social media flaunting of lifestyles we secretly covet, and endless advertising that follows us all over our internet searches urging us to buy, buy, buy. What's a person to […] The post Consumerism, or The Cross appeared first on Rockpointe Community Church.

GTA 6 is going to be more than a video game release. Millions of people are preparing to enter the same artificial city, spend real hours earning imaginary money, build virtual identities, obsess over fictional property, and temporarily live inside one of the biggest shared simulations ever created.That is where this episode starts getting weird.I wanted to look at Grand Theft Auto VI less as “a game with occult symbols” and more as a cultural phenomenon that accidentally resembles a modern ritual. Vice City as digital carnival. GTA as a commercial egregore. The player as a kind of possessing spirit inside a manufactured world. Consumerism, shadow psychology, simulation theory, Gnosticism, hyperreality, social media, Florida as the American unconscious, and the slightly uncomfortable fact that an imaginary world can sometimes feel more responsive than real life.There is also the question of time. If somebody spends 500 hours improving a fictional body, building a fictional business and accumulating fictional wealth, those are still 500 real hours taken from the person sitting behind the controller. Entertainment is part of life, and I fully intend to play GTA 6 myself, but at some point it becomes worth asking which side of the screen is receiving most of our energy.This isn't a satanic-panic episode and I'm not claiming Rockstar has hidden an occult conspiracy inside GTA 6. The interesting part is much closer to the surface.Maybe the strangest thing about Vice City isn't what Rockstar put into it.Maybe it's what millions of us are about to put into it.

Reclaiming Medicine: The Ancient Practices That Offer Holistic Healing Has modern science erased a world of holistic healing? Our expert this week argues that true health must reunite scientific advancements with ancient teachings, including community, nature, and cultural traditions. She explores the root causes of why traditional wisdom was pushed to the margins of science, and how we can reclaim these historical practices. Guest: Dr. Geeta Maker-Clark, director of integrative nutrition & advocacy, Endeavor Health, co-director of the culinary medicine program, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, author, Medicine for All People Host and Producer: Kristen Farrah   Who Pays For Innovation? The Fragile State Of Federal Research Funding Universities serve as the vital engines driving groundbreaking scientific discovery. Our experts explore the cutthroat world of securing research grants and explain why the future of global innovation hinges on highly competitive federal funding. Guests:  Sally Kornbluth, President, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Darren Lipomi, professor & chair of the department of chemical & sustainability engineering, University of Rochester, author, Science Nonfiction Host: Greg Johnson Producer: Kristen Farrah Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Do you possess possessions, or do your possessions possess you? This is a difficult question to answer honestly in our modern age of easy one-click shopping, social media flaunting of lifestyles we secretly covet, and endless advertising that follows us all over our internet searches urging us to buy, buy, buy. What's a person to […] The post Consumerism, or The Cross appeared first on Rockpointe Community Church.

Who Pays For Innovation? The Fragile State Of Federal Research Funding Universities serve as the vital engines driving groundbreaking scientific discovery. Our experts explore the cutthroat world of securing research grants and explain why the future of global innovation hinges on highly competitive federal funding. Guests:  Sally Kornbluth, President, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Darren Lipomi, professor & chair of the department of chemical & sustainability engineering, University of Rochester, author, Science Nonfiction Host: Greg Johnson Producer: Kristen Farrah Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are Americans Obsessed with Consumerism and Acquiring Stuff? (full show) full 7572 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:15:06 +0000 p896vhlS0WB4ZSKh9NJSBmROp587CiSZ society & culture,news,government The Annie Frey Show Podcast society & culture,news,government Are Americans Obsessed with Consumerism and Acquiring Stuff? (full show) Nothing is more important to this born and raised Illinoisan working mom of four small children than the future of this great country. Annie may be a millennial, but she's far from the caricature. Proving that young people can harness attributes of self-determination, hard work, and true conservatism, Annie loves discussing the latest news and events with people of all walks of life. Don't agree? Great! Love what she's saying? Perfect! The Annie Frey Show is Younger. Smarter. Better. 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. Society & Culture News Government https://player.amperwa

Have we turned the Church into a product to consume? In a culture where we can shop for churches the same way we shop on Amazon, it's easy to show up for the music, the preaching, or the atmosphere—and completely miss Jesus in the process. This message will challenge us to step away from chasing temporary spiritual highs and return to what truly satisfies a hungry soul.

Is your church full of attendees but short on disciples? In episode 350 of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott and A.J. dig into one of the most common and quietly damaging patterns in church life: the consumerism cycle. They walk through three concrete red flags that signal your congregation may be consuming church rather than contributing to it, and then offer a practical framework for shifting the culture toward ownership and discipleship. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to helping churches across North America thrive. Scott and A.J. bring a mix of pastoral insight and practical strategy to each episode, making the show a go-to resource for pastors and church leaders navigating real challenges in ministry today. [4:04] Red Flag 1: Preference-driven complaints as a sign of a consumer mindset [7:02] Red Flag 2: Low volunteerism and the gap between attendance and participation [9:36] Red Flag 3: Giving culture and what it reveals about congregational ownership [15:43] Culture shift framework: Reframing belonging, language, and what your church asks of people [19:20] Leveraging low-bar entry points to build high commitment over time Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article (Ep. 350): https://malphursgroup.com/350 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Keith Moser, professor in the Department of Classical & Modern Languages and Literatures. Dr. Moser researches all types of cool stuff; including 20th and 21st century French and Francophone literature, social and ecological justice, globalization, ecocriticism, and environmental philosophy, among many other important topics. As part of his research, Dr. Moser has become an expert in monster studies. This episode highlights his recent article “Capitalism's Haunted Screens: The Hyperreal Spectacle in Dawn of the Dead and Thanksgiving” as well as the summer's recent horror movie releases.

In this episode of Just So You Know, Jamie and Justina sit down for one of their most personal and fun episodes yet. No guests, no agenda, just two girls spilling everything they actually use, eat, and swear by.This conversation goes deeper than surface level takes. Because being vegan isn't just about what's on your plate; it's your skincare, your makeup, your hair, your supplements, your clothes, and the way you think about consuming everything.We get into:• The vegan food products we actually keep in our fridges• Skincare routines, fungal acne, and the brands we trust• Vegan makeup that actually works (and won't break the bank)• Hair care for every texture and why it keeps changing• Deodorant, supplements, and the stuff nobody talks about• Justina's raw and honest journey with food addiction and bulimia• How going vegan for the animals actually healed her relationship with food• Thrifting, vegan fashion, and why we don't need more stuff• The truth about greenwashing in beauty and why labels lieThis isn't a sponsored haul. It's two real women sharing what actually works and getting surprisingly deep along the way.If you've ever wondered how vegans actually live day to day… or felt overwhelmed trying to find products that align with your values,this episode is for you.⸻IF THIS EPISODE RESONATED

Behind Closed Doors: Male Victims Of Intimate Partner Violence Men make up nearly half of the victims of intimate partner violence, so why do so many survivor programs focus only on women? Our experts shed light on this frequently overlooked crisis, exploring the heavy realities of male victims of intimate partner violence and challenging the gender stereotypes that surround domestic abuse. Guests:  Dr. Denise Hines, Elizabeth Shirley Enochs Endowed Professor of Social Work, George Mason University College of Public Health Aaron Ellis, survivor & advocate Host and producer: Kristen Farrah   A World Of Silence Pt.2: Is Early Intervention Safe For Infant Hearing Loss? The FDA recently lowered the age criteria for children to receive cochlear implants to just seven months old, a shift that promises better developmental outcomes but leaves many parents deeply hesitant. Our experts this week demystifies the procedure – including why the actual surgical recovery might be far easier than families expect. Guests:  Dr. Nancy Young, medical director of Audiology and Cochlear Implant Programs, The Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Lillian S. Wells professor in pediatric otolaryngology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Doug and Eva Tweedy, parents Host: Greg Johnson Producer: Kristen Farrah Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The FDA recently lowered the age criteria for children to receive cochlear implants to just seven months old, a shift that promises better developmental outcomes but leaves many parents deeply hesitant. Our experts this week demystifies the procedure – including why the actual surgical recovery might be far easier than families expect. Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A World Of Silence: Navigating Infant Hearing Loss & Cochlear Implants The ability to listen is the very first skill we develop in the womb, and it's crucial for cognitive growth. Thankfully, infants born with hearing loss have a few options to keep their development on track. Our experts this week explore the science of pediatric audiology, how to make an early diagnosis, and the cochlear implant journey. Guests:  Dr. Nancy Young, medical director of Audiology and Cochlear Implant Programs, The Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Lillian S. Wells professor in pediatric otolaryngology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Eva Tweedy, parent Doug Tweedy, parent   Chronic Disease Is Threatening Your Vision – Here's How To Prevent It Millions of people are currently facing vision loss, and so many more are at risk due to a rise in chronic illnesses. Our experts reveal how common conditions like diabetes threaten our sight, and how proper management can stop this preventable damage in its tracks. Guests:  Jeff Todd, president & CEO, Prevent Blindness Dr. Paul Chan, chair, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, board member, Prevent Blindness   Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chronic Disease Is Threatening Your Vision – Here's How To Prevent It Millions of people are currently facing vision loss, and so many more are at risk due to a rise in chronic illnesses. Our experts reveal how common conditions like diabetes threaten our sight, and how proper management can stop this preventable damage in its tracks. Guests:  Jeff Todd, president & CEO, Prevent Blindness Dr. Paul Chan, chair, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, board member, Prevent Blindness Host: Greg Johnson Producer: Kristen Farrah   Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A World Of Silence: Navigating Infant Hearing Loss & Cochlear Implants The ability to listen is the very first skill we develop in the womb, and it's crucial for cognitive growth. Thankfully, infants born with hearing loss have a few options to keep their development on track. Our experts this week explore the science of pediatric audiology, how to make an early diagnosis, and the cochlear implant journey. Guests:  Dr. Nancy Young, medical director of Audiology and Cochlear Implant Programs, The Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Lillian S. Wells professor in pediatric otolaryngology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Eva Tweedy, parent; Doug Tweedy, parent Host and Producer: Kristen Farrah Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Start Your Transformation Now  In this episode of The Jim Fortin Podcast, Jim opens a new series comparing North Korea's overt, state-mandated ideological conditioning — its real "Ten Principles for the Establishment of a Monolithic Ideological System" — to the covert brainwashing many Westerners experience through consumerism, nationalism, and religion. The difference, he argues, isn't whether brainwashing exists, but how visibly it's enforced.  Jim details North Korean practices like mandatory portrait care and weekly self-criticism, then shows how Western consumerism and the need to feel "good enough" condition people just as thoroughly, only without coercion. His goal: separating listeners' true identity — their consciousness — from the conditioned "container" of the body and ego.  This first episode in a multi-part series is an essential starting point for anyone ready to question who they really are.  What You'll Discover in This Episode:  (00:00) The hidden link between North Korea and the West — Jim reveals that the only real difference between a brainwashed North Korean citizen and most Westerners is the name and method of the conditioning.  (05:18) Who gave you your thoughts? — Jim challenges listeners to question who actually taught them their fears, preferences, and even their own name.  (14:31) Inside North Korea's Ten Principles — Jim details real mechanisms like mandatory portrait care and weekly self-criticism as a mirror for subtler Western conditioning.  (19:49) Consumerism as covert brainwashing — Jim traces his own teenage desire for Polo shirts to a culture that uses advertising to convince people they're incomplete.  (28:22) Who chose your reality? — Using a scene from The Devil Wears Prada, Jim shows how decisions we believe are our own were often shaped long before we could choose them.  (30:17) You are consciousness first — Jim reveals the series' foundational truth: listeners are consciousness that inhabits a body, not a body that has consciousness.  Listen, apply, and enjoy!  Transformational Takeaway  Most of us believe we are free-thinking, autonomous beings, but the truth is that nearly every thought, preference, and fear we carry was downloaded into us by family, media, culture, and society long before we were old enough to question it. Recognizing this isn't a cause for despair — it's the first step toward real freedom. The body is a container, conditioned and shaped by the world around it, but the listener is not that container; they are the consciousness, the life force, that inhabits it. Reclaiming that truth is where authentic power begins.  Let's Connect:  Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn  LIKED THE EPISODE?  If you're the kind of person who likes to help others, then share this with your friends and family. If you have found value, they will too. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts so we can reach more people.  Listening on Spotify? Please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!  With gratitude, Jim 

A sermon preached by Rev. Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli with Foundry UMC, June 28, 2026, fifth Sunday after Pentecost. “We Know Who We Are” series. ​​​ Texts: Romans 6:3-11; Luke 24:28-35​​​​   Humans are storytelling creatures. Our stories help us understand who we are and how life works. They teach us how people have lived and thought and loved and struggled through the ages. They give us a framework for how to be in relationship. Humans are also ritual-making creatures. Just as the stories we tell shape our sense of identity and reality, so too rituals shape our actions and the way we embody our values. Every culture has stories that shape human imagination and understanding. Every culture has rituals that shape human desires and loyalties. While powerful, formative, and often positive, we know stories can be told in ways that distort truth and do harm. And rituals can include habits that are unhealthy or destructive to persons or communities. Consumerism tells a certain story and has its rituals. White Christian Nationalism tells a certain story and has its rituals. Political tribes tell their own stories and have their rituals. Social media…well… All these things and more tell us who we are and what matters most. Christians also tell a story and practice rituals—it's a story of God's grace, mercy, and liberating love. And the rituals? Water. Bread. Cup. A few weeks ago, as we began focusing on the United Methodist way of living the Christian story, we thought together about the means of grace and the practices that shape us. We reflected on how we are all being formed by something. The question is: What is forming us? What stories, rituals, and practices are shaping our imagination, our desires, and our values? The sacraments are among the primary ways God shapes us into the people we are called to be. And because these rituals are so familiar, it is easy to participate in them without ever stopping to ask what they mean. Why do we call themsacraments? What do United Methodists actually believe is happening when we baptize someone or come to the Lord's Table? These are important questions to ask. Because if we are going to know who we are, then we need to understand the practices that have formed Christians for centuries and the theology that stands behind them. Let's begin with the word sacrament itself. United Methodists define a sacrament as “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.” In other words, sacraments are the places where the invisible grace of God takes visible form. I could reasonably argue that, with that definition, every act of beauty, love, tenderness, and justice are sacramental acts. But the two liturgical sacraments recognized by our tradition are those Jesus specifically commanded his followers to practice in the stories recorded in scripture: baptism and communion. Here again, our rituals are embedded in our stories and our stories are embedded in our rituals. Stories and rituals belong together. In many cultures, stories are not merely told. They are enacted. Danced. Sung. The story becomes part of the people through repeated actions that connect memory to the body. Christians do something similar. We do not merely tell the story of God's grace.We enact it. We embody it. In baptism, we tell not just one story, but many: the story of dying and rising with Christ, of being washed by grace and mercy, and of being claimed and named as God's beloved and part of the Body of Christ. The beauty of sacrament is that it can hold multiple meanings at once. And we don't simply talk about those things. We pour water. We listen for the sound of the flow. We feel the water on our skin. In communion, we tell the stories of Christ's sacrificial, self-giving love, of God's provision and faithfulness; we reaffirm the story of God's mercy—of forgiveness, reconciliation, and belonging. But we do not simply describe those things. We break bread. We share the cup. The story is embedded in these rituals. The rituals carry the story. And over time, the story carried by the ritual shapes the people who practice it. One United Methodist resource describes the sacraments as God's “show and tell.” I love that image. If you've ever watched a child during show and tell, you know that simply describing something isn't the same as holding it in your hands. God doesn't simply tell us that grace is real. God shows us. Think about it: God showed us by drawing near in flesh, in Jesus of Nazareth. Andthat is just the most extraordinary way God has revealed a willingness to work through physical things. The God who came to us in a body still meets us through tangible signs: Water. Bread. Cup. So let's linger with some of the stories our sacraments tell. First, baptism tells the story of grace that comes before our response. In many churches, baptism is understood primarily as a public declaration of faith—as a person's decision to accept God's love and to follow Christ. There is truth in that. But United Methodists begin somewhere else. We begin with God's action. Before we choose God, God chooses us. Before we respond to grace, grace is already at work in our lives. Before we seek God, God is seeking us. That conviction lies behind one of the practices that often raises questions: infant baptism. Why do we baptize babies who cannot yet profess faith for themselves?Because baptism is first and foremost a story about God's grace, not our achievement. It is a visible reminder that grace comes first. Before a child can speak a word, God has already spoken a word over them: Beloved. Of course, each person must eventually respond to God's grace for themselves. But regardless of age, baptism reminds us that the first move always belongs to God. Baptism also tells the story of belonging—to God and to one another. In baptism, God claims me. And God joins us. When we baptize someone, we are not simply celebrating an individual spiritual experience or handing someone a ticket to heaven. We are welcoming a new member into the Body of Christ. That is why the congregation makes promises. We promise to nurture, encourage, teach, pray, and journey alongside one another. Baptism tells us who we are—beloved children of God. And baptism tells us who we are together—a people, a community, a body, a family bound together by grace and by a shared story. Baptism also tells the stories of forgiveness and liberation. The waters are a sign of God's mercy and cleansing, assuring us that nothing we have done or will do lies beyond God's capacity to forgive, that we are not bound to the worst things in our past or present, but freed for better things in our future. And the waters tell yet another story. Paul tells us in Romans that in baptism we are united with Christ in his death and resurrection. We die to an old way of being.We are raised into new life. Baptism is not simply about where we have been. It is about who we are becoming. It's about claiming the freedom and power God gives us to live a new kind of life. So baptism is the sacrament that initiates us into the Christian life both as persons and community. And Communion is the sacrament that nourishes us along the wayand continually reconnects us to Christ, to one another, and to our neighbors. We call it the Lord's Supper because Christ is the host. We call it Holy Communion because we are united with God and one another. We call it Eucharist (from the Greek word for thanksgiving) because it is an act of thanksgiving. But perhaps the most important thing to understand is that communion is more than remembering a dead prophet. It is being present with a living Christ. Certainly, we remember Jesus at the table. But United Methodists believe something more is happening—that communion is more than merely symbolic. We believe Christ is truly present. We call it a holy mystery precisely because we don't claim to fully understand how. But we trust that Christ meets us here and offers grace through the sacramental meal. Once again, as with Baptism, the sacrament is both personal and communal. At thetable Christ invites, forgives, and nourishes me. At the table Christ forms, nourishes, and sends us. Personally, we come seeking grace, forgiveness, strength, comfort, courage, and renewal. But communion is never merely about “me and Jesus.” Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10 that because there is one bread, we who are many are one body. At the table we practice belonging to one another. We remember that our lives are bound together. We learn gratitude, humility, reconciliation, and love. The table does not simply feed individuals. It forms a community. This conviction also helps explain why United Methodists practice an open table.You do not have to be a member of this church, or a United Methodist, or to have everything figured out, or even to be baptized. The invitation belongs to Christ our host. And because grace comes before worthiness, Christ's table remains open. I will never forget the moment when a committed atheist who had been attendingthe congregation I served with her fiancé for more than a year, presented herself in line to receive the elements saying, “I have no idea why I am here, but I just felt that I needed to come.” People might encounter Christ for the first time in the midst of the gathered Body of Christ around the Table. Because sometimes people are moved to respond before they have language for what is happening. Sometimes grace reaches us before we understand it. John Wesley strongly encouraged frequent communion because he believed it was one of God's most powerful means of grace. Early American Methodists often received communion only quarterly because circuit-riding preachers and ordained elders were scarce. What began as necessity became habit. The church I grew up in still practiced quarterly communion! But in recent decades we have reclaimed Wesley's conviction that we need all the sacramental grace we can get! And so we return again and again to water, bread, and cup. Simple, ordinary things.Yet through them the story of God's grace is told, embodied, and practiced.Through them God reminds us who we are. Through them God reminds us whose we are. And through them God continues to shape us—both as individuals and as a community—into the likeness of Christ. Because over time, the stories embodied in our rituals become the lives we learn to lead. Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God.

Why are suicide rates increasing? What about modern life might cause someone to lose hope? In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss why suicide rates are higher now.If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to someone or call the hotline at 988Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening!  Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.com

Amyloidosis: The Hidden Threat Of Aging After a 12-year NFL career, Art Still assumed his post-retirement medical issues were simply the natural price of football and aging. But he soon discovered that his failing health was due to a hidden, potentially fatal condition known as amyloidosis. Our experts explain the two main types of this disease, who's at risk, and the treatments that are available. Guests:  Art Still, former NFL player, founder, Still 4 Life Dr. Raymond Comenzo, professor of medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine   The Cost Of Care: The Alarming Rise Of Violence In Healthcare Hospitals are meant to be places of healing, but rising tension and uncertainty have turned them into environments of fear and conflict. Healthcare workers are now facing a terrifying surge of on-the-job physical assaults. Our experts explore the escalating severity of workplace violence and the prevention efforts being made. Guests:  John Voight, Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center Mike Shore, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Enterprise, Axon Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Cost Of Care: The Alarming Rise Of Violence In Healthcare Hospitals are meant to be places of healing, but rising tension and uncertainty have turned them into environments of fear and conflict. Healthcare workers are now facing a terrifying surge of on-the-job physical assaults. Our experts explore the escalating severity of workplace violence and the prevention efforts being made. Guest:  John Voight, Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center Mike Shore, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Enterprise, Axon Host: Greg Johnson Producer: Kristen Farrah Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Does capitalism create a desire to act unethically? Can you have ethics in capitalism? In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss the ethics of capitalism.Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening!  Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.com

Is Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk still relevant today? In this month's Bookmarked Book Club, Marisa Serafini and I dive into one of the most influential novels of the past 30 years and discuss why its themes of consumerism, toxic masculinity, loneliness, identity, violence, and anti-capitalism remain just as provocative today as they were in 1996.We compare the original novel with David Fincher's iconic film adaptation starring Edward Norton and Brad Pitt, explore the psychology behind Tyler Durden and the Narrator, unpack Project Mayhem, and discuss why Fight Club has become one of the most misunderstood stories in modern pop culture. We also examine what the book is actually saying—and what many audiences have mistakenly taken away from it.Book vs. Movie Comparison: https://lucyvhayauthor.com/book-versus-film-an-epic-study-of-fight-club/We also share what we've been reading outside of book club, including Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, TJ Klune, Pride Month book discoveries, and our upcoming reading list.Upcoming Book Club Picks: La Belle Sauvage (Book 1 of The Book of Dust) — Philip Pullman (July 2026) Fairest — Meredith Talusan (August 2026) Nervous Conditions — Tsitsi Dangarembga (September 2026) TBD (October 2026) Maus: A Survivor's Tale — Art Spiegelman (November 2026)Topics Covered Why Fight Club still resonates nearly 30 years later The real meaning behind Tyler Durden Why the Narrator doesn't have a name Consumerism as the novel's central villain The psychology of repression and split identity What Project Mayhem actually represents The male loneliness epidemic and modern relevance Why audiences often misunderstand Fight Club Biggest differences between the book and movie The symbolism behind the soap Our favorite moments from the novel What we're reading next

Saving The World From Soda: How ‘Big Soda' Has Made The World Sicker Would you believe that the soda industry's success is largely built on the manipulation of data and scientists? Our guest this week details all the behind-the-scenes scheming that created a billion-dollar industry. She discusses how Big Soda schemed their way into American homes by controlling how scientists studied nutrition, diets, and obesity. Guest: Susan Greenhalgh, author, Soda Science, John King & Wilma Cannon Fairbank Research Professor of Chinese Society Emerita, Harvard University   The Fungal Frontier: How Fungi Could Trigger A Zombie Pandemic Human bodies are normally too hot for dangerous fungi to survive, creating a natural shield that protects us from infection. However, rising global temperatures are forcing these microscopic organisms to adapt and survive in hotter environments. Our guest this week breaks down the terrifying reality of what could happen if these heat-resistant fungi evolve to conquer our immune systems and trigger a real-world pandemic. Guest: Dr. Arturo Casadevall, microbiologist, infectious disease expert, Chair of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Bloomberg Distinguished Professor, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, author, What If Fungi Win? Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Fungal Frontier: How Fungi Could Trigger A Zombie Pandemic Human bodies are normally too hot for dangerous fungi to survive, creating a natural shield that protects us from infection. However, rising global temperatures are forcing these microscopic organisms to adapt and survive in hotter environments. Our guest this week breaks down the terrifying reality of what could happen if these heat-resistant fungi evolve to conquer our immune systems and trigger a real-world pandemic. Guest: Dr. Arturo Casadevall, microbiologist, infectious disease expert, Chair of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Bloomberg Distinguished Professor, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, author, What If Fungi Win? Host: Greg Johnson Producer: Kristen Farrah Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Saving The World From Soda: How ‘Big Soda' Has Made The World Sicker Would you believe that the soda industry's success is largely built on the manipulation of data and scientists? Our guest this week details all the behind-the-scenes scheming that created a billion-dollar industry. She discusses how Big Soda schemed their way into American homes by controlling how scientists studied nutrition, diets, and obesity. Guest: Susan Greenhalgh, author, Soda Science, John King & Wilma Cannon Fairbank Research Professor of Chinese Society Emerita, Harvard University Host and Producer: Kristen Farrah   Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Luke Duecey with more on World Cup in Seattle // Seattle scientists seek answers as colorectal cancer trends younger // AGREE TO DISAGREE: Starbucks revives their fan-favorite Bearista cup with a summer twist. Do you even care about Prime Day? // WE HEAR YOU! and WORDS TO LIVE BY

True Crime Trauma: The Mental Toll Of Exposing The Truth Some jobs force employees to carry a heavy emotional burden that's hard to put down when you clock out. Filmmaker Colin Browen's daily work involves uncovering decades of ignored and horrifying crimes against children. Browen details the mental toll of his career and how he's maintained his mental wellbeing while working on his upcoming true crime docuseries. Guest: Colin Browen, filmmaker, host, Murder in America & The Paranormal Files   How Writing By Hand May Make You Smarter And More Creative In an era dominated by keyboards, it is easy to think handwriting is a skill of the past. But are we shortchanging our brains by abandoning this ability? Our guests this week explore the critical cognitive benefits of handwriting and discuss how the physical act of writing by hand significantly boosts literacy, memory retention, and idea generation. Guests:  Dr. Danny Oppenheimer, professor of decision sciences, Carnegie Mellon University Dr. Virginia Wise Berninger, professor emerita, University of Washington Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How Writing By Hand May Make You Smarter And More Creative In an era dominated by keyboards, it is easy to think handwriting is a skill of the past. But are we shortchanging our brains by abandoning this ability? Our guests this week explore the critical cognitive benefits of handwriting and discuss how the physical act of writing by hand significantly boosts literacy, memory retention, and idea generation. Guests:  Dr. Danny Oppenheimer, professor of decision sciences, Carnegie Mellon University Dr. Virginia Wise Berninger, professor emerita, University of Washington Host: Greg Johnson Producer: Libby Foster   Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

True Crime Trauma: The Mental Toll Of Exposing The Truth Some jobs force employees to carry a heavy emotional burden that's hard to put down when you clock out. Filmmaker Colin Browen's daily work involves uncovering decades of ignored and horrifying crimes against children. Browen details the mental toll of his career and how he's maintained his mental wellbeing while working on his upcoming true crime docuseries. Guest: Colin Browen, filmmaker, host, Murder in America & The Paranormal Files Host and Producer: Kristen Farrah Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! What would Nietzsche think of the world today? Would he find any of the social changes positive or negative? In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss what Nietzsche would think of the world today.Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening!  Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.com 

This Is Not About Running: Highlighting Abuse In Youth Sports When youth running prodigy Mary Cain was scouted by top universities in the eighth grade, she thought she was chasing her athletic dreams – but the reality of the elite sports pipeline would cost her far more than she ever imagined. This week she pulls back the curtain on the toxic culture of high-stakes youth athletics, detailing how top-tier programs often exploit young prodigies. Guest:  Mary Cain, author, This Is Not About Running   Before The World Forgot: A Look At The Women Who've Advanced Society Throughout history, the female trailblazers who have made monumental achievements in science, literature, and innovation have been systemically minimized or forgotten. Our guests this week discuss how societal biases erased women's intellectual contributions and why recognizing these female geniuses is essential to completing our understanding of human progress. Guests:  Janice Kaplan, author, The Genius of Women Catherine Whitlock, author, Ten Women Who Changed Science and the World Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

All Saints of North America and Antioch St. Matthew 4:18-23 On the Sunday of All Saints of North America and Antioch, Fr. Anthony reflects on how the same American instincts that often lead people to Orthodoxy can become obstacles to spiritual growth once they arrive. While habits of inquiry, comparison, and evaluation help many converts discover the Church, the Christian life requires a transition from constantly judging and analyzing to trusting the Church's proven path of formation. Drawing on examples from marriage, culture, and the lives of the saints, he argues that the Church has been making saints for two thousand years and invites us to relax into that process of transformation. --- In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory to Jesus Christ! This is the Second Sunday after Pentecost, which means we celebrate the saints. Now, some of you are thinking, "Father, wasn't that last Sunday?" Yes—but this Sunday we celebrate the saints who are the fruit of the Christian faith in particular places. Here in the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, we commemorate both the Saints of Antioch and the Saints of North America. Antioch is where the followers of Christ were first called Christians. North America is where that same faith has borne fruit in our own land. Today we celebrate what happens when the Holy Spirit takes root in a people and a place and brings forth holiness. The saints were not abstractions. They were not merely names in books or faces in icons. They had families, homes, occupations, and daily struggles. They lived in particular places and faced particular temptations, just as we do. Their lives remind us that holiness is not reserved for another age or another people. It is the calling of every Christian. I know some people who are jealous of Christians who lived in other times and places. I understand the temptation. We imagine what it must have been like to live in a culture where everyone was Christian, where theology, marriage, friendship, and worship were reinforced by the world around you. It can seem as though faith would come naturally in such a setting. But every culture has its own strengths and weaknesses. Every age has its temptations. Ours certainly does. This is one reason I often speak about the long, slow slog of salvation. It takes time for Christ to gain traction in our lives. It takes time for the Holy Spirit to draw us out of our sins, reorder our desires, and teach us to see the world according to the truth. As much as we may romanticize other places and times, the reality is that the whole world groans under the weight of sin. Consider the relationship between Church and state. Some Christians look with envy at times when governments openly supported the Church. One of my favorite examples is Saint Volodymyr of Kyiv. The church he built became known as the Church of the Tithes because he dedicated a tenth of his wealth to support it. That kind of patronage can be a tremendous blessing. It keeps the doors open. It provides a place where people can encounter Christ. But there is also a danger. If people do not intentionally offer themselves to the life of the Church, they can begin to take it for granted. Historians, sociologists, and political scientists have repeatedly observed that when the Church becomes too dependent on state support, participation often becomes passive. The buildings remain full, the clergy remain funded, but the active fellowship of the faithful can become hollowed out unless people are deeply intentional about their commitment. In modern language, we might say that people need some "skin in the game." Faith must become personal. It must become sacrificial. We cannot simply inherit it; we must offer ourselves to it. The same pattern appears elsewhere. My Greek friends often point out that Hellenistic culture provided many of the intellectual tools that helped people understand and articulate the Christian faith. Concepts such as the Logos and the philosophical vocabulary of the ancient world became powerful instruments in the service of theology. And yet those same intellectual strengths carried their own dangers. Some Christians were tempted toward Gnosticism. Others drifted into excessive rigorism. The very strengths of a culture can become weaknesses if they are not transformed by Christ. The same is true for us as Americans. There is much about our culture that I celebrate. We are approaching the 250th anniversary of our nation, and as a son of the American Revolution, I appreciate the freedoms we enjoy. The First Amendment protects our ability to seek the truth and worship God according to our conscience. Many of us found Orthodoxy precisely because we were free to look beyond the assumptions of our surrounding culture. But there is another characteristic of American life that deserves our attention: consumerism. Consumerism is not merely an economic system; it is a pattern of thought. It trains us to compare, evaluate, and choose. Every trip to the grocery store involves a series of cost-benefit analyses. We compare quality and price. We examine options. We decide which product best meets our needs. That habit of evaluation has actually helped many converts find Orthodoxy. Most of us arrived here because we became dissatisfied with something. We sensed that something was missing. We began asking questions. We read books, listened to lectures, watched videos, and compared alternatives. We weighed ideas the same way we weigh products. Eventually, we discovered Orthodoxy and recognized that it offered something we had not found elsewhere: a way of life capable of leading us into deeper communion with Christ. For many of us, that process was a blessing. Without it, we might never have escaped the assumptions we inherited from our surroundings. We might never have realized that another way was possible. Now here is the challenge. The same habits that helped many of us find Orthodoxy can become obstacles once we are inside the Church. Let me explain through an analogy. Think about the way Americans approach courtship today. We live in a culture of options. Dating apps, personality profiles, compatibility scores, and endless advice all encourage us to evaluate potential spouses through a kind of cost-benefit analysis. We compare possibilities and try to determine which person is the best match. Now, thank God, many people eventually find someone they love. They build a life together, get married, and begin a family. But what happens if they never leave behind that consumer mindset? What happens if they continue to evaluate their spouse the way they once evaluated potential spouses? Sooner or later they discover something unexpected. They find an imperfection they did not anticipate. They encounter a habit they dislike. They discover a weakness that was not apparent before. At that point the consumer instinct kicks in. Some begin looking around, wondering whether there might be something better. Others begin trying to "fix" their spouse, treating the relationship like a renovation project. After thirty-six years of marriage, I can tell you that my wife became much happier when she gave up trying to fix me. There are some things that simply cannot be fixed. More importantly, that is not how healthy relationships work. A good marriage is not built through constant evaluation. It is built through trust, commitment, patience, sacrifice, and love. At some point you stop analyzing the relationship from the outside and begin living it from the inside. You relax into it. You allow yourself to be formed by it. That does not mean you stop growing. It means growth happens through love rather than manipulation. The same principle applies to the Church. I celebrate the fact that many of us found Orthodoxy because we were willing to ask questions, compare alternatives, and search for the truth. Those habits served us well. But once we arrive, we must be careful. If you have ever been a catechumen with me, you have heard me say something that may sound strange: don't become a catechumen unless you are ready to trust. You do not have to know everything before becoming Orthodox. No one does. We make sure people understand the essentials. We address the major questions and objections. But eventually there comes a point where a person must decide whether this is a place where he can be formed. If we carry the spirit of consumerism into the Church, we begin treating everything the same way we treated products on a shelf. We evaluate constantly. We compare constantly. We judge constantly. Combined with the polarization that already infects our culture, this can become spiritually destructive. We begin dividing ourselves into camps. We become critics rather than disciples. Instead of allowing the Church to form us, we place ourselves above it as evaluators. Now, that does not mean we stop improving things. We are always working to improve parish life. We renovate buildings. We develop ministries. We solve problems. But there is a profound difference between building up and tearing down. One spirit seeks to serve. The other seeks to dominate. One spirit acts from love. The other acts from judgment. One spirit strengthens communion. The other undermines it. At some point we must surrender the very habit of analysis that helped bring us here, just as a husband and wife must eventually stop evaluating one another and begin living together in trust. Once you have given your life to Christ and entered His Church, relax. You are in the right place. This is not a pig in a poke. Most of my catechumens know that expression. For those who do not, a "poke" is an old word for a bag. If you were buying a pig at market, you always looked inside the bag before handing over your money. Otherwise you might discover later that someone had sold you something entirely different. Orthodoxy is not a pig in a poke. You have looked inside the bag. You have examined the evidence. You have read the books. You have asked the questions. You have seen what the Church is. Now trust it. The Church has been forming saints for two thousand years. It has done so in Syria and Lebanon, in Greece and Romania, in Kyiv and Moscow, in Alaska and North America. It has formed saints in every culture, every language, and every century. It can form saints here. It can form saints out of us. But only if we allow it to do its work. There are very few places left in modern life where we can lower our defenses, let go of constant evaluation, and simply receive. The Church should be one of those places. This is one reason our worship is so carefully ordered. The prayers have been tested by generations. The hymns have been handed down through centuries. The services have been shaped by the wisdom of the saints. The Church knows what she is doing. Now, I still tell my catechumens and students to keep a little filter active during the homily. The prayers have been vetted by the Church. The sermon comes from me, and I am still a work in progress. But the larger point remains. Let the Church form you. The Church has been creating saints for two thousand years. It is not a cookie-cutter process. Saint Nicholas, Saint Tikhon, and Saint John were very different men. Yet all were united in Christ. The Church knows how to confront our sins. It knows how to heal anger, lust, despondency, pride, and despair. It knows how to help us become more patient, more loving, more peaceful, and more faithful. You do not need a guru. You do not need another internet rabbit hole. You do not need endless searches for the next great spiritual secret. The saints have already shown us the way. Pray. Love sacrificially. Open yourself to God's grace in the sacraments. Love God. Love your neighbor. This is the calling of every human being. This is the vocation of the royal priesthood. This is the path walked by the saints of Antioch, the saints of North America, and the saints throughout the world. And it is the path set before us today. May God strengthen us as we walk it together. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The New Rules Of Political Comedy Political comedy used to feel like a shared national pressure valve, but it feels far more fractured now. This story looks at how satire is changing in Trump's second term and why the freedom to mock people in power still matters beyond the punchline. Guests:  Patrick Giamario, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Anthony Fowler, Professor in the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago Linktr.ee | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | SpotifyFacebook: @ViewpointsOnlineX: @viewpointsradioInstagram: @viewpointsradioFull ArchiveContact UsAffiliates & National Syndication Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! If Marcus Aurelius traveled to our time, what would he think of it? Would he be amazed by our scientific and technological progress? Would he find our political leaders lacking? In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss what Marcus Aurelius would think of the world today.Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening!  Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.com

Before The World Forgot: A Look At The Women Who've Advanced Society Throughout history, the female trailblazers who have made monumental achievements in science, literature, and innovation have been systemically minimized or forgotten. Our guests this week discuss how societal biases erased women's intellectual contributions and why recognizing these female geniuses is essential to completing our understanding of human progress. Guests:  Janice Kaplan, author, The Genius of Women Catherine Whitlock, author, Ten Women Who Changed Science and the World Host: Greg Johnson Producer: Polly Hansen Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This Is Not About Running: Highlighting Abuse In Youth Sports When youth running prodigy Mary Cain was scouted by top universities in the eighth grade, she thought she was chasing her athletic dreams – but the reality of the elite sports pipeline would cost her far more than she ever imagined. This week she pulls back the curtain on the toxic culture of high-stakes youth athletics, detailing how top-tier programs often exploit young prodigies. Guests: Mary Cain, author, This Is Not About Running Host: Kristen Farrah Producer: Polly Hansen   Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why Plastic Keeps Winning Even When We Want Less Plastic may feel like a problem of personal habits, but this story pulls the lens back to the industry that keeps making more of it. Journalist Beth Gardiner explains how disposable plastic became one of Big Oil's biggest future bets and why so much of the cost lands far from the companies that profit from it. Guest: Beth Gardiner, journalist, author, Plastic Inc: The Secret History and Shocking Future of Big Oil's Biggest Bet   The New Rules Of Political Comedy Political comedy used to feel like a shared national pressure valve, but it feels far more fractured now. This story looks at how satire is changing in Trump's second term and why the freedom to mock people in power still matters beyond the punchline. Guests:  Patrick Giamario, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Anthony Fowler, Professor in the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago Linktr.ee | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | SpotifyFacebook: @ViewpointsOnlineX: @viewpointsradioInstagram: @viewpointsradioFull ArchiveContact UsAffiliates & National Syndication Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How Young Lupus Patients Can Cope With Physical And Mental Health Issues Lupus is a chronic condition where a person's immune system attacks their healthy tissue. But while the physical toll is obvious, the extreme mental health issues that can arise are too often ignored. Our experts this week explain the connection between lupus and mental health, and discuss a program that's finally addressing these issues in young patients. Guests:  Natoshia Cunningham, Red Cedar Distinguished professor & associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University, founder, TEACH Program Isabella Colindres, consumer advocate, TEACH Program Host and Producer: Kristen Farrah   Genetic Testing Is The Key To Optimizing Your Health Health optimization has become a huge focus in recent years, but many people are skipping the foundational step – genetic testing. Knowing the core of who you are helps direct you to the best medicine, diet, and exercise for you. Our expert explains the benefits of genetic testing and how to make sure you're getting quality results. Guest: Dr. Puya Yazdi, Chief Science & Medical Officer, SelfDecode Host: Greg Johnson Producer: Kristen Farrah Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Genetic Testing Is The Key To Optimizing Your Health Health optimization has become a huge focus in recent years, but many people are skipping the foundational step – genetic testing. Knowing the core of who you are helps direct you to the best medicine, diet, and exercise for you. Our expert explains the benefits of genetic testing and how to make sure you're getting quality results. Guest: Dr. Puya Yazdi, Chief Science & Medical Officer, SelfDecode Host: Greg Johnson. Producer: Kristen Farrah Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John welcomes back Democratic Senator Chris Murphy to discuss his new book “Crisis of the Common Good: The Fight for Meaning and Connection in a Broken America.” Murphy lays out his book's argument that America is in the grip of a set of interlocking cults (the Cult of Profit, Cult of Everywhere, Cult of Technology, Cult of Consumerism, Cult of Credentialism, and Cult of Corruption) that have undermined our culture and democracy—and suggests creating a Cult of the Common Good to remedy what ails us. He also weighs in on the diplomatic quagmire in Iran and Donald Trump's wildly prolific, deeply suspicious penchant for day trading. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When it comes to church, how do you know if it's time to leave or time to finally commit? What's the difference between healthy discernment and consumer Christianity? Have we turned church into another product built around our preferences? Ben and Luke wrestle with one of the biggest tensions facing Christians today: how to find a healthy church without approaching faith like a consumer. They explore loneliness, commitment, spiritual formation, and the uncomfortable reality that many of us bring baggage into every church we attend.----------------------Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Culture in Crisis—a must-read guide for anyone longing to reach those who may never step foot in a church. Packed with real-world insights and practical strategies, this book could be the breakthrough you've been searching for.Don't wait—get your copy today!Click HERE to check it out on Amazon.For more information, go to: jesusinthesecularworld.com------------------------Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org, or send us a message on Instagram.Click HERE to receive news, thought-provoking articles, and stories directly in your inbox from Ben, David, Luke, and Chad!Click below to follow the regulars on Instagram!Ben PierceDavid PierceChad JohnsonLuke GreenwoodSend us Fan MailNewest Midroll

What do you expect from church—and what should your church biblically expect from you? In this episode, Shanda takes an honest look at consumerism within the American church and challenges believers to evaluate whether they approach church like a spiritual family or like a membership-based service built for personal convenience. From coffee shops and children's programs to worship preferences and polished productions, modern church culture can easily prioritize comfort over commitment. But is that what Scripture teaches? By comparing the Western church to persecuted churches around the world and examining biblical expectations for both church leadership and church members, this episode calls Christians back to active discipleship, service, and biblical community. Find Shanda www.shandafulbright.com Instagram & Facebook: @shandafulbright Email: hello@shandafulbright.com Free Resources: https://shandafulbright.com/links YouTube: http://bit.ly/ShandaYT2021 Store: www.Shandafulbright.com/shop  

This is The Briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.On today's edition of The Briefing, Dr. Mohler discusses the trend of the rise of church attendance, the life and legacy of Ted Turner, and the politics, morality, and ridiculous fashions of the Met Gala.Part I (00:13 – 13:38)Church Attendance is Higher in New Report– What is Going on with the Trend of the Rise in Church Attendance?Study: In-person worship attendance in U.S rises for first time in decades by NPR (Jason DeRose)Worship attendance at churches up for the first time in decades, according to new report by Religion News Service (Bob Smietana)Signs of Rebound Amid Uneven Recovery: The Changing Congregational Landscape by Hartford Institute for Religion Research“This Place Means Everything to Me”: Key Findings From a National Survey of Post-Pandemic United States by Hartford Institute for Religion ResearchPart II (13:38 – 22:58)Media Titan “Mouth of the South” Dies at 87: The Life and Legacy of Ted TurnerTed Turner, Creator of CNN and the 24-Hour News Cycle, Dies at 87 by The New York Times (Jonathan Kandell)Part III (22:58 – 27:37)Carnality, Consumerism, and the Cultural Elites at Their Most Elite: The Politics, Morality, and Ridiculous Fashions of the Met GalaMet Gala isn’t frivolous. Fashion matters more than ever. by USA Today (Kofi Mframa)Sign up to receive The Briefing in your inbox every weekday morning.Follow Dr. Mohler:X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeFor more information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to sbts.edu.For more information on Boyce College, just go to BoyceCollege.com.To write Dr. Mohler or submit a question for The Mailbox, go here.

Mike talks with Simon Glassman, the writer-director of the 2025 Canadian horror-comedy Buffet Infinity, a feature debut that premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival to instant cult acclaim.Buffet Infinity takes place in the fictional Alberta town of Westridge County, where an all-you-can-eat restaurant chain arrives alongside a mysterious sinkhole and begins swallowing the local community whole — literally and figuratively. The film is constructed almost entirely from mock television commercials and news bulletins, building its cosmic horror narrative through the grammar of low-budget local advertising. Follow https://www.instagram.com/buffetinfinitymovie/ for more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth--5513239/support.Become a supporter of The Projection Booth at http://www.patreon.com/projectionbooth 

Is everything getting worse? Well, yes! Julia and Nick break down enshittification, planned obsolescence, and the long history of things being made worse on purpose. From disposable culture to Facebook AI slop, they break down how we've all been conditioned to waste our time and money while being trained to expect basically nothing in return. Digressions include the implications of boyfriends entering the girls' rag hang unannounced, a brief stay in frog paradise, and the AI fridge that watches your baby. This episode was produced by Julia Hava and Kylie Finnigan and edited by Livi Burdette.  To support the podcast on Patreon and access 50+ bonus episodes, mediasodes, and more, visit patreon.com/binchtopia and become a patron today. SOURCES Enshittification by Cory Doctorow How the Deadly 1918 Flu Pandemic Brought Dixie Cups to Easton  Made to Break: Technology and Obsolescence in America by Giles Slade  OFFICIALS EXPLAIN WAR SAVINGS PLAN; McAdoo and Vanderlip Open $2,000,000,000 Campaign at "Frugality Dinner." DIRECTORS THEIR GUESTS Speakers Predict National Response to the Appeals of These Patriotic Business Leaders.  Pierre Bourdieu, Distinction, A Social Critique on the Judgement of Taste, 1984  Prospect Theory: An Analysis of Decision under Risk  Pushbutton Magic - 1948  The Age of Enshittification  The Waste Makers  Toward a Throw-Away Culture. Consumerism, 'Style Obsolescence' and Cultural Theory in the 1950s and 1960s  Understaffing as a form of enshittification  1956 Frigidaire Refrigerator ice box Commercial