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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, and the hard question: can America — a country of immigrants with no single ethnic root — ever truly become an Orthodox nation? John and Ben pull from history, theology, and their own experiences to explore what American Orthodoxy might actually require.
Jane is an Echoes of Recovery OG who taught us to call our growth and healing work, “Discovery,” because there is no going back. After six years of podcast appearances, Jane enlightens Sheri and Matt, once again, revealing the connection between working to physically strengthen and heal the body, and working to ease the pain of trauma and loss. What she is doing in the physical health industry is truly revolutionary, but it is also simple enough for us all to incorporate into our busy lives. Please go to UntoxicatedSurvey.org to better understand the impact of alcohol and/or emotional abuse on you and your family. Whether you are the drinker or the partner, whether you feel a lack of emotional safety or don't really know what that means, we can help you feel supported. Take the survey and learn more about our Echoes of Recovery and SHOUT Sobriety programs. You've got this, and we've got you.
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://johnheersftf.substack.com/ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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: https://www.nicoleroccas.com-----------------------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
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 best jerky you'll ever have: https://conradsdeli.com/ use promo code "FIRST THINGS" for 10% off.-----------------------✒ Substack: ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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/-----------------------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
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: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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 as a weekend-long, intimate event that explores the philosophy of true hospitality, community, and the "Old World" way of interaction.Art of the Tamada: https://first-things.org/aot✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/
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
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 the Symbolic World - Plutarch: Symbolism in History. The course reads Plutarch's Lives as a grammar of symbolism embodied in history to better understand the patterns that govern human political order and disorder.▶ Discover more and register here: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/plutarch-symbolism-in-historyEarly bird discount available. Live sessions · Wednesdays · 4–6 PM ET · Starting March 18th-----------------------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
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/@frandrewstephendamickyoutube.com/@mikelandsman8993Conrad'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
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
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 books including The Art of Being Free and Human Forever. He is also the host of Zero Hour at BlazeTV which will be returning soon.Zero Hour: https://www.blazetv.com/series/tHP3lVDtMZku-zero-hour-with-james-poulos?channel=seriesConrad'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
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 books including The Art of Being Free and Human Forever. He is also the host of Zero Hour at BlazeTV which will be returning soon.Zero Hour: https://www.blazetv.com/series/tHP3lVDtMZku-zero-hour-with-james-poulos?channel=seriesConrad'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
We Are All About Craft Beer, Fine Spirits, and Hand Rolled Cigars!!! Cigar Reviews: Nub Double Maduro League Of Fat Bastards Serie O Toro Beer Tasting: False Idol Brewing Company "Crispy By Nature" Pilsner (North Richland Hills, TX) Beer Tasting: Port City Brewing Company "Monumental" IPA (Alexandria, VA) Beer Tasting: Firestone Walker & The Bruery 2022 "Heavy Things" Barleywine (Pasa Robles, CA and Placentia, CA) Spirit Tasting: Casa Mexico Tequila Anejo (Mexico)
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 jerky you'll ever have: https://conradsdeli.com/ use promo code "FIRST THINGS" for 10% off.✒ Substack: ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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 "FIRST THINGS" for 10% off.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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% off.-----------------------------------✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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
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.-----------------------------------------------------------------✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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
Kelly's Lot "Terry" - Late Bloomer www.kellyslot.comKatie Curley "Burning The Midnight Oil" - Penny For My Heartbreak www.katiecurley.comProfessor Louie & The Crowmatix "A Million" - Crowin' Around www.thecrowmatix.comRay Cashman "Rainfall" - Redemption Road www.raycashman.net Donna The Buffalo "Heaven And The Earth" - Dance In The Street www.donnathebuffalo.comShane Martin "Cut From The Same Cloth" - Anywhere www.shanemartin.com The Swaps "Fast Train" - Fast Train www.theswaps.co.ukThe Wildwoods "Hideaway" - Dear Meadowlark www.thewildwoodsband.comRani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem "Heart With No Companion" - Big Old Life www.raniarbo.com ****************************ALBUM FOCUSKeep Me In Your Heart: The Songs Of Warren Zevon www.paradiddlerecords.com Allen Santoriello "I Need A Truck"Caroline Doctorow "Heartache Spoken Here"Gene Casey "It's True"Mick Hargreaves "Searchin' For A Heart"**********************************Keegan McInroe "Either Way Or In Between" - Neon John www.keeganmcinroe.comJoselyn & Don "Wayfarer's Son" - Soar www.joselynwilkinson.comAnnie & Rod Capps "Love Comes Round" - Love & Rain www.annieandrodcapps.comTragedy Ann " Every Morning" - Heirlooms www.tragedyannmusic.comDeanna Knight "Free To Be Me" www.deannaknight.caJohnsmith "Middle Time" - Backroads www.johnsmithmusic.com Chuck Brodsky "Cup Of Coffee" - Gravity, Wings and Heavy Things www.chuckbrodsky.comTerry Klein "A Quiet Place To Sit" - Hill Country Folk Music www.terrykleinmusic.comLia Kohl "In A Specific Room" - The Ceiling Reposes www.liairenekohl.com Closing music: Geoffrey Armes "Vrikshashana (The Tree)" - Spirit Dwelling Running time: 3 hours, 50 minutes.
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://johnheersftf.substack.com/ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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-3ykj9✒ Substack: johnheersftf.substack.comⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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
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://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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
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
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/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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
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
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
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 Pollington: https://www.heatherpollington.com/ Heather and Pageau on Snow White: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/content/the-art-behind-snow-white-and-the-widow-queen-with-heather-pollington ---------- ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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 event in Greenville, SC in October (link below). Discover more of Khouria Frederica here: https://www.holycrossonline.org/khouria-frederica-mathewews-green Art of the Tamada at Keipi, Greenville: https://first-things.org/aot-greenville ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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
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
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/gSf6biV DONT FORGET! Our Ebay store is a great way to give while decluttering your home: https://first-things.org/ebay-store ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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
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.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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 a whole. They also talk about the current education paradigm and maybe what needs to change for the future. Discover Classical Commons here: https://classicalcommons.org/✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
Do Women Still Want Men to Carry Heavy Things by Maine's Coast 93.1
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 today: https://first-things.org/lightometer ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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://x.com/johnfromftf
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: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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 himself doing the same thing. Significant Revelation Ministry: https://significantrevelation.com/ Sell your old stuff and donate the proceeds to FTF! https://first-things.org/ebay-store✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf
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
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
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