Heavy Things Lightly

This week WAWTAR is joined by nonother than Gregory David Roberts, international best selling author of Shantaram and The Mountain Shadow. He is also a singer/songwriter, speaker, and seeker of deeper meaning and spirituality. This week John and GDR discuss what it means to be truly human, finding deep meaning in life, and a little on sacrifice. Links:Shantaram (AMZN)GDR's Website The Spiritual PathGDR's MusicInterested in joining First Things Foundation? Check out our Join FTF page for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org.We are going to Georgia and you should come! Keipi Journeys by FTF is an immersive 10 trip across the Georgian Republic. Past Journeys have included stops in Kazbegi, Tusheti, Tbilisi, and Kakheti among others. You'll experience the Supra (learn more in the link below), traditional foods like Khachapuri, and fantastic wines. This isn't just a trip, it's cultural deep dive that will leave you wanting more. Click here to find out more and get in contact with us.Gagimargos! Wait, what does that mean? Learn more about the Georgian Supra and its symbolic significance here: https://thesymbolicworld.com/articles/the-symbolism-of-the-supra/.If you like this podcast, please consider leaving a review with your comments. Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion. You can also check out First Things Foundation for more information on who we are and what we do.---CreditsMusic:Intro / Outro Provided by Edward Gares / Pond5.comPhoto of GDR: Empathy Arts Sound effects and additional music:Sounds provided by https://www.zapsplat.comSupport the show2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org for more information.Please leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion."Why Are We Talking About Rabbits?" takes you beyond rhetorical "rabbits" and the shallow approach that the media and most thinkers today take to examine contemporary cultural phenomena. Using theology, history, philosophy and years of travel in Mali, the Republic of Georgia, Haiti, and beyond, John Heers offers a refreshing take to how we got to where we are now. WAWTAR is all about talking about those heavy things… lightly. Credits Music: Intro / Outro Provided by Greg Gilbertson & Band This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnheersftf.substack.com/subscribe

Evan Amato, founder of "Rewire the West" joins WAWTAR today to talk about beauty, truth, and virtue. From his bio: "Evan is passionate about helping others rediscover beauty, truth, and virtue in today's Western culture. To this end he created Rewire the West, wrote and published a free ebook, and now releases weekly videos on YouTube. He is a firm believer in beauty's power to change lives and improve our world."Links:Rewire the WestRewire the West - Explore the Greatest Works of Western CultureThe Bard & the Bees - Shakespeare's Insight on Sex, Evil, and MoreThe Milk MaidInterested in joining First Things Foundation? Check out our Join FTF page for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org.We are going to Georgia and you should come! Keipi Journeys by FTF is an immersive 10 trip across the Georgian Republic. Past Journeys have included stops in Kazbegi, Tusheti, Tbilisi, and Kakheti among others. You'll experience the Supra (learn more in the link below), traditional foods like Khachapuri, and fantastic wines. This isn't just a trip, it's cultural deep dive that will leave you wanting more. Click here to find out more and get in contact with us.Gagimargos! Wait, what does that mean? Learn more about the Georgian Supra and its symbolic significance here: https://thesymbolicworld.com/articles/the-symbolism-of-the-supra/.If you like this podcast, please consider leaving a review with your comments. Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion. You can also check out First Things Foundation for more information on who we are and what we do.---CreditsMusic:Intro / Outro Provided by Edward Gares / Pond5.comSound effects and additional music:Sounds provided by https://www.zapsplat.comSupport the show2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org for more information.Please leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion."Why Are We Talking About Rabbits?" takes you beyond rhetorical "rabbits" and the shallow approach that the media and most thinkers today take to examine contemporary cultural phenomena. Using theology, history, philosophy and years of travel in Mali, the Republic of Georgia, Haiti, and beyond, John Heers offers a refreshing take to how we got to where we are now. WAWTAR is all about talking about those heavy things… lightly. Credits Music: Intro / Outro Provided by Greg Gilbertson & Band This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnheersftf.substack.com/subscribe

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our world in far reaching and profound ways. Perhaps overlooked is the spiritual impact it has had on all of us. Namely, the ubiquitous mask, which prior to this was reserved for thieves, select medical persons, and old world cultures. To help us make sense of all of this John invited Fr. Silouan back on. As an iconographer and someone well versed in traditional art, he sheds some light on the symbolic and iconic aspects of the mask.Links:Fayoum PortraitsHieromonk Silouan3Souls: An Ancient Uptown Love TriangleThe Aesthetics Of COVID-19Monastery of Saint Dionysios the AreopagiteInterested in joining First Things Foundation? Check out our Join FTF page for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org.Like writing? Like this podcast? Find out how you can continue the discussion further by submitting a blog over at First Things Foundation here.Gagimargos! Wait, what does that mean? Learn more about the Georgian Supra and its symbolic significance here: https://thesymbolicworld.com/articles/the-symbolism-of-the-supra/.If you like this podcast, please consider leaving a review with your comments. Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion. You can also check out First Things Foundation for more information on who we are and what we do.---CreditsMusic:Intro / Outro Provided by Edward Gares / Pond5.comSound effects and additional music:Sounds provided by https://www.zapsplat.comSupport the show2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org for more information.Please leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion."Why Are We Talking About Rabbits?" takes you beyond rhetorical "rabbits" and the shallow approach that the media and most thinkers today take to examine contemporary cultural phenomena. Using theology, history, philosophy and years of travel in Mali, the Republic of Georgia, Haiti, and beyond, John Heers offers a refreshing take to how we got to where we are now. WAWTAR is all about talking about those heavy things… lightly. Credits Music: Intro / Outro Provided by Greg Gilbertson & Band This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnheersftf.substack.com/subscribe

While there could easily be parts three through infinity, we are ending our foray into evolution here. But hold on, because on this episode we take a look at the philosophical and rational underpinnings of evolution. We examine the idea as it transitions from theological into its post-enlightenment rational theory. Also featured is the Birmingham Lunar Society. What?Links:Kenya bishop leads anti-evolution fight | ScienceA PHILOSOPHICAL ROMANCE: Thomas DayDenis Diderot and science: Enlightenment to modernityNatural selection: The evolutionary struggleCreation and Evolution Orthodox View of CreationInterested in joining First Things Foundation? Check out our Join FTF page for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org.Like writing? Like this podcast? Find out how you can continue the discussion further by submitting a blog over at First Things Foundation here.Gagimargos! Wait, what does that mean? Learn more about the Georgian Supra and its symbolic significance here: https://thesymbolicworld.com/articles/the-symbolism-of-the-supra/.If you like this podcast, please consider leaving a review with your comments. Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion. You can also check out First Things Foundation for more information on who we are and what we do.---CreditsMusic:Intro / Outro Provided by Edward Gares / Pond5.comSound effects and additional music:Sounds provided by https://www.zapsplat.comSupport the show2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org for more information.Please leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion."Why Are We Talking About Rabbits?" takes you beyond rhetorical "rabbits" and the shallow approach that the media and most thinkers today take to examine contemporary cultural phenomena. Using theology, history, philosophy and years of travel in Mali, the Republic of Georgia, Haiti, and beyond, John Heers offers a refreshing take to how we got to where we are now. WAWTAR is all about talking about those heavy things… lightly. Credits Music: Intro / Outro Provided by Greg Gilbertson & Band This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnheersftf.substack.com/subscribe

In part one of this two part exploration of evolution, John dives into the idea of evolution as seen from the past and present. We also learn a bit about how many people actually believe in evolution both in the States and abroad. The numbers may surprise you!For a deep dive into WAWTAR, register for our weekly "WAWTAR Podcourse". This semester's course is called "Are you a Communist, a Capitalist, or a Christian?" Find out more about the course and how to join (it's never to late!) here.Interested in joining First Things Foundation? Check out our Join FTF page for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org.Like writing? Like this podcast? Find out how you can continue the discussion further by submitting a blog over at First Things Foundation here.Gagimargos! Wait, what does that mean? Learn more about the Georgian Supra and its symbolic significance here: https://thesymbolicworld.com/articles/the-symbolism-of-the-supra/.If you like this podcast, please consider leaving a review with your comments. Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion. You can also check out First Things Foundation for more information on who we are and what we do.---CreditsMusic:Intro / Outro Provided by Edward Gares / Pond5.comSound effects and additional music:Sounds provided by https://www.zapsplat.comSupport the show2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org for more information.Please leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion."Why Are We Talking About Rabbits?" takes you beyond rhetorical "rabbits" and the shallow approach that the media and most thinkers today take to examine contemporary cultural phenomena. Using theology, history, philosophy and years of travel in Mali, the Republic of Georgia, Haiti, and beyond, John Heers offers a refreshing take to how we got to where we are now. WAWTAR is all about talking about those heavy things… lightly. Credits Music: Intro / Outro Provided by Greg Gilbertson & Band This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnheersftf.substack.com/subscribe

Are we suffering from a thanksgiving problem? Is giving thanks irrational (but really...is it?). Today John and Dan look at a bunch of hardcore "light" people (post-enlightenment people) who argue that in fact, your gratitude may be something akin to a vestigial organ. Of course the Old World will have something to say about that. Welcome to episode 43 of WAWTAR!Links:5 Things You Should Do First Thing In The Morning To Be Happier All DayThe Mayan ceremony: Mystico MayanDawkins talk at 30:55Thanksgiving for AtheistsDo atheists feel grateful? At Thanksgiving, or anytimeMoral Clarity by Susan NeimanThe Surprising Spirituality of Richard Dawkins – The Spiritual Naturalist SocietyBelieving in Dawkins: The New Spiritual Atheism: Steinhart, EricHow cultures around the world show gratitude in their ceremonies of thanksgivingI'm Not 'Blessed.' I'm An Atheist And I Don't Need God To Give Thanks Or Show GratitudeVolunteering and Generosity are no Substitutes for Government ProgramsFor a deep dive into WAWTAR, register for our weekly "WAWTAR Podcourse". This semester's course is called "Are you a Communist, a Capitalist, or a Christian?" Find out more about the course and how to join (it's never to late!) here.Interested in joining First Things Foundation? Check out our Join FTF page for more info, or emaSupport the show2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org for more information.Please leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion."Why Are We Talking About Rabbits?" takes you beyond rhetorical "rabbits" and the shallow approach that the media and most thinkers today take to examine contemporary cultural phenomena. Using theology, history, philosophy and years of travel in Mali, the Republic of Georgia, Haiti, and beyond, John Heers offers a refreshing take to how we got to where we are now. WAWTAR is all about talking about those heavy things… lightly. Credits Music: Intro / Outro Provided by Greg Gilbertson & Band This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnheersftf.substack.com/subscribe

You read it right. Uncles Seth is both A) back again and B) calculating how long he has left on this earth. Things are light despite the topic so we hope you'll join us yet again as everyone wonders aloud, "Why are we talking about rabbits?"---For a deep dive into WAWTAR, register for our weekly "WAWTAR Podcourse". This semester's course is called "Are you a Communist, a Capitalist, or a Christian?" Find out more about the course and how to join (it's never to late!) here.Interested in joining First Things Foundation? Check out our Join FTF page for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org.Like writing? Like this podcast? Find out how you can continue the discussion further by submitting a blog over at First Things Foundation here.Gagimargos! Wait, what does that mean? Learn more about the Georgian Supra and its symbolic significance here: https://thesymbolicworld.com/articles/the-symbolism-of-the-supra/.If you like this podcast, please consider leaving a review with your comments. Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion. You can also check out First Things Foundation for more information on who we are and what we do.---CreditsMusic:Intro / Outro Provided by Edward Gares / Pond5.comSound effects and additional music:Sounds provided by https://www.zapsplat.comSupport the show2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org for more information.Please leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion."Why Are We Talking About Rabbits?" takes you beyond rhetorical "rabbits" and the shallow approach that the media and most thinkers today take to examine contemporary cultural phenomena. Using theology, history, philosophy and years of travel in Mali, the Republic of Georgia, Haiti, and beyond, John Heers offers a refreshing take to how we got to where we are now. WAWTAR is all about talking about those heavy things… lightly. Credits Music: Intro / Outro Provided by Greg Gilbertson & Band This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnheersftf.substack.com/subscribe

This week WAWTAR is proud and honored to be hosting Eugene Vodolazkin. John and Eugene explore topics related to time and history, memory and of course, Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Mr. Vodolazkin is an internationally recognized author, having written Laurus and The Aviator (links below), and has submitted published articles to the First Things magazine. Enjoy this wonderful talk with Eugene and make sure to check out his works.Links:Articles for First Things MagazineLaurusThe AviatorFor a deep dive into WAWTAR, register for our weekly "WAWTAR Podcourse". This semester's course is called "Are you a Communist, a Capitalist, or a Christian?" Find out more about the course and how to join (it's never to late!) here.Interested in joining First Things Foundation? Check out our Join FTF page for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org.Like writing? Like this podcast? Find out how you can continue the discussion further by submitting a blog over at First Things Foundation here.Gagimargos! Wait, what does that mean? Learn more about the Georgian Supra and its symbolic significance here: https://thesymbolicworld.com/articles/the-symbolism-of-the-supra/.If you like this podcast, please consider leaving a review with your comments. Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion. You can also check out First Things Foundation for more information on who we are and what we do.---CreditsMusic:Intro / Outro Provided by Edward Gares / Pond5.comSound effects and additional music:Sounds provided by https://www.zapsplat.comSupport the show2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org for more information.Please leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion."Why Are We Talking About Rabbits?" takes you beyond rhetorical "rabbits" and the shallow approach that the media and most thinkers today take to examine contemporary cultural phenomena. Using theology, history, philosophy and years of travel in Mali, the Republic of Georgia, Haiti, and beyond, John Heers offers a refreshing take to how we got to where we are now. WAWTAR is all about talking about those heavy things… lightly. Credits Music: Intro / Outro Provided by Greg Gilbertson & Band This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnheersftf.substack.com/subscribe

Hello and welcome (back!) to WAWTAR. After a week off we are back and talking about something on everyone's mind, wait, face. Of course we had to talk about masks at some point and we finally got around to it. What are they really? What are they in the "Old World?" And for us... what are they in the "New World?"Links:Behind the Mask: The History and Symbolism of the Pandemic IconHow Face Masks Became A Powerful Symbol Of Expression In Dark TimesMASKS OF THE SPIRIT - by Peter and Roberta MarkmenA little on Joseph CampbellFor a deep dive into WAWTAR, register for our weekly "WAWTAR Podcourse". This semester's course is called "Are you a Communist, a Capitalist, or a Christian?" Find out more about the course and how to join (it's never to late!) here.Interested in joining First Things Foundation? Check out our Join FTF page for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org.Like writing? Like this podcast? Find out how you can continue the discussion further by submitting a blog over at First Things Foundation here.Gagimargos! Wait, what does that mean? Learn more about the Georgian Supra and its symbolic significance here: https://thesymbolicworld.com/articles/the-symbolism-of-the-supra/.If you like this podcast, please consider leaving a review with your comments. Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion. You can also check out First Things Foundation for more information on who we are and what we do.---CreditsMusic:Intro / Outro Provided by Edward Gares / Pond5.comSound effects and additional music:Sounds provided by https://www.zapsplat.comSupport the show2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org for more information.Please leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion."Why Are We Talking About Rabbits?" takes you beyond rhetorical "rabbits" and the shallow approach that the media and most thinkers today take to examine contemporary cultural phenomena. Using theology, history, philosophy and years of travel in Mali, the Republic of Georgia, Haiti, and beyond, John Heers offers a refreshing take to how we got to where we are now. WAWTAR is all about talking about those heavy things… lightly. Credits Music: Intro / Outro Provided by Greg Gilbertson & Band This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnheersftf.substack.com/subscribe

Most of us live in one, but what is it really? A place to live? A place to work? What about a place to become human? Or discover your purpose? Yikes. Don't worry though, Heers keeps things light as we dip into the idea of a city.Links:The Line - A Linear City in Saudi ArabiaThe Republic - PlatoCoomaraswamy, Ananda (Amazon Link)For a deep dive into WAWTAR, register for our weekly "WAWTAR Podcourse". This semester's course is called "Are you a Communist, a Capitalist, or a Christian?" Find out more about the course and how to join (it's never to late!) here.Interested in joining First Things Foundation? Check out our Join FTF page for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org.Like writing? Like this podcast? Find out how you can continue the discussion further by submitting a blog over at First Things Foundation here.Gagimargos! Wait, what does that mean? Learn more about the Georgian Supra and its symbolic significance here: https://thesymbolicworld.com/articles/the-symbolism-of-the-supra/.If you like this podcast, please consider leaving a review with your comments. Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion. You can also check out First Things Foundation for more information on who we are and what we do.---CreditsMusic:Intro / Outro Provided by Edward Gares / Pond5.comSound effects and additional music:Sounds provided by https://www.zapsplat.comSupport the show2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org for more information.Please leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion."Why Are We Talking About Rabbits?" takes you beyond rhetorical "rabbits" and the shallow approach that the media and most thinkers today take to examine contemporary cultural phenomena. Using theology, history, philosophy and years of travel in Mali, the Republic of Georgia, Haiti, and beyond, John Heers offers a refreshing take to how we got to where we are now. WAWTAR is all about talking about those heavy things… lightly. Credits Music: Intro / Outro Provided by Greg Gilbertson & Band This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnheersftf.substack.com/subscribe