

Heavy Things Lightly
John Heers
This “Enlightened” New World utopia isn’t turning out to be all it was cracked up to be. Society is disenchanting, but are the only alternatives hiding out in the hills or burying yourself in books? With an air of levity and a touch of humor, John Heers teaches how to examine the confusing New World by calling upon the mind and wisdom of oft-forgotten Old. Heavy Things, Lightly. johnheersftf.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 14, 2025 • 32min
We Need to Talk
Find this episode on YouTube: Yeah. This needs to be said. HQ: https://www.heavythingslightly.com✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https://supradinner.com/ 🏖️ Tailormade tours that give back: https://www.gratitude-travels.com/home 🔎 Discover the non-profit behind Heavy Things Lightly: https://first-things.org/ ✈ Become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities 📢 First Things Telegram: https://t.me/firstthingsfoundation 🥂 Keipi Restaurant: https://keipirestaurant.org Please leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion. --- This “Enlightened” New World utopia isn’t turning out to be all it was cracked up to be. Society is disenchanting, but are the only alternatives hiding out in the hills or burying yourself in books? With an air of levity and a touch of humor, John Heers teaches how to examine the confusing New World by calling upon the mind and wisdom of oft-forgotten Old. 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

Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 24min
Uncle Seth Hates Stuff
Find this episode on YouTube: Our favorite guest is finally back after months of radio silence. Take a moment and show some support for hltp here:✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https://supradinner.com/ 🏖️ Tailormade tours that give back: https://www.gratitude-travels.com/home 🔎 Discover the non-profit behind Heavy Things Lightly: https://first-things.org/ ✈ Become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities 📢 First Things Telegram: https://t.me/firstthingsfoundation 🥂 Keipi Restaurant: https://keipirestaurant.org Please leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion. --- This “Enlightened” New World utopia isn’t turning out to be all it was cracked up to be. Society is disenchanting, but are the only alternatives hiding out in the hills or burying yourself in books? With an air of levity and a touch of humor, John Heers teaches how to examine the confusing New World by calling upon the mind and wisdom of oft-forgotten Old. 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

Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 39min
Church History is Wild
Find this episode on YouTube: Mathew Namee and Richard Rohlin join John to talk history. But weird history, because it turns out the world has ended. Maybe multiple times. And the way we see history today is not how humanity has always seen it. Mathew Namee is the editor for Orthodox History (https://www.orthodoxhistory.org/) and works closely with the Orthodox Studies Institute. Richard Rohlin is an author, podcast, and manger for the Symbolic World website. ✒ Substack: ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https://supradinner.com/ 🏖️ Tailormade tours that give back: https://www.gratitude-travels.com/home 🔎 Discover the non-profit behind Heavy Things Lightly: https://first-things.org/ ✈ Become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities 📢 First Things Telegram: https://t.me/firstthingsfoundation 🥂 Keipi Restaurant: https://keipirestaurant.org Please leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion. --- This “Enlightened” New World utopia isn’t turning out to be all it was cracked up to be. Society is disenchanting, but are the only alternatives hiding out in the hills or burying yourself in books? With an air of levity and a touch of humor, John Heers teaches how to examine the confusing New World by calling upon the mind and wisdom of oft-forgotten Old. 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

Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Science Behind Orthodox Fasting
Find this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPI-yQCZfKoWe welcome back Dr Pete Patitsas, author of the Athos Diet, to talk more about the science behind intermitent fasting, diet, and the broader implications of fasting. Fasting goes beyond the physical and when applied culturally, may have far reaching benefits.Read more on the Athos Diet here: https://www.theathosdiet.com/** Until End of Jan 2025 please consider supporting families in need in Mozambique - find out more here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/253snb-sup... **🍷Want to throw the best dinner party you've ever experienced? The Supra Dinner Society has you covered: https://supradinner.com/✒ Find articles, John's novel, and even more Heavy Things Lightly at Substack:✈ Tailormade travel adventures in Europe and Africa: https://www.gratitude-travels.com/home🔎 Discover the non-profit behind Heavy Things Lightly: https://first-things.org/🇬🇪 🇬🇹 🇲🇿 🇸🇱 2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Adrian at adrian@first-things.org for more information.📢 Telegram: https://t.me/firstthingsfoundation🥂 And you should definitely check out Keipi Restaurant: https://keipirestaurant.orgPlease leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion.--- This “Enlightened” New World utopia isn’t turning out to be all it was cracked up to be. Society is disenchanting, but are the only alternatives hiding out in the hills or burying yourself in books? With an air of levity and a touch of humor, John Heers teaches how to examine the confusing New World by calling upon the mind and wisdom of oft-forgotten Old. 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

Jan 7, 2025 • 28min
Why is your dog in a stroller? Pet mania and the New World
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zSipCRWg5uoPets in prams. Cats in specialized plastic comfort domes on wheels. Dogs on ADHD medicine. Today we take a journey into the absurd. To the far reaches of pet ownerdom, where there is no conveyance too fancy, no medication too specialized, no diagnosis left unexplored. Welcome to part 1 of a 3 part series where I tackle the pet mania. Is this unprecedented? What is the history of pet ownership look like? And what does it all mean?🍷Want to throw the best dinner party you've ever experienced? The Supra Dinner Society has you covered: https://supradinner.com/✒ Find articles, John's novel, and even more Heavy Things Lightly at Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/✈ Tailormade travel adventures in Europe and Africa: https://www.gratitude-travels.com/home🔎 Discover the non-profit behind Heavy Things Lightly: https://first-things.org/🇬🇪 🇬🇹 🇲🇿 🇸🇱 2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Adrian at adrian@first-things.org for more information.📢 Telegram: https://t.me/firstthingsfoundation🥂 And you should definitely check out Keipi Restaurant: https://keipirestaurant.orgPlease leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion.--- This “Enlightened” New World utopia isn’t turning out to be all it was cracked up to be. Society is disenchanting, but are the only alternatives hiding out in the hills or burying yourself in books? With an air of levity and a touch of humor, John Heers teaches how to examine the confusing New World by calling upon the mind and wisdom of oft-forgotten Old. 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

Dec 31, 2024 • 1h 26min
Sovereign State: Andrew Favorov
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Yn3kveaCt-oToday we sit down with Andrew Favorov, who had the luck (good or bad) to be in the path of Rudy Giuliani and the Trump shenanigans surrounding energy and natural gas during the previous election cycle. An Orthodox Christian, Andrew has worked extensively overseas in the energy sector and helps us understand the narrative surrounding Ukraine, politics, and the ideas of sovereignty.🍷Want to throw the best dinner party you've ever experienced? The Supra Dinner Society has you covered: https://supradinner.com/✒ Find articles, John's novel, and even more Heavy Things Lightly at Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/✈ Tailormade travel adventures in Europe and Africa: https://www.gratitude-travels.com/home🔎 Discover the non-profit behind Heavy Things Lightly: https://first-things.org/🇬🇪 🇬🇹 🇲🇿 🇸🇱 2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Adrian at adrian@first-things.org for more information.📢 Telegram: https://t.me/firstthingsfoundation🥂 Visit us in person at Keipi Restaurant: https://keipirestaurant.orgPlease leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion.--- This “Enlightened” New World utopia isn’t turning out to be all it was cracked up to be. Society is disenchanting, but are the only alternatives hiding out in the hills or burying yourself in books? With an air of levity and a touch of humor, John Heers teaches how to examine the confusing New World by calling upon the mind and wisdom of oft-forgotten Old. 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

Dec 19, 2024 • 57min
The Working Songwriter, Beer, and God: Joe Pug
Find this episode on YouTube: A singer-songwriter known for his lyrical acumen and plaintive harmonica style, Joe Pug has released a string of critically acclaimed albums since 2008. Additionally, Joe is the creator and host of the popular podcast The Working Songwriter. John and Joe explore what it means to be an artist, what Joe notices in the myriad conversations he has on his podcast about working artists, and a little impromptu guitar at the end. Please take a look at one of the best podcasts on the web: https://theworkingsongwriter.com/ 🍷Want to throw the best dinner party you've ever experienced? The Supra Dinner Society has you covered: https://supradinner.com/ ✒ Find articles, John's novel, and even more Heavy Things Lightly at Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ✈ Tailormade travel adventures in Europe and Africa: https://www.gratitude-travels.com/home 🔎 Discover the non-profit behind Heavy Things Lightly: https://first-things.org/ 🇬🇪 🇬🇹 🇲🇿 🇸🇱 2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Adrian at adrian@first-things.org for more information. 📢 Telegram: https://t.me/firstthingsfoundation 🥂 And you should definitely check out Keipi Restaurant: https://keipirestaurant.org Please leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion. --- This “Enlightened” New World utopia isn’t turning out to be all it was cracked up to be. Society is disenchanting, but are the only alternatives hiding out in the hills or burying yourself in books? With an air of levity and a touch of humor, John Heers teaches how to examine the confusing New World by calling upon the mind and wisdom of oft-forgotten Old. 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

Dec 10, 2024 • 1h 17min
Pavel Schelin
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0BisN-lw4ewJohn talks with Pavel Schelin ( @PavelShchelin ) about modernity, the war in Ukraine, and what this means for America and Russia. Pavel is a Russian, Orthodox Christian and political philosopher.✒ Find articles, John's novel, and even more Heavy Things Lightly at Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/✈ Tailormade travel adventures in Europe and Africa: https://www.gratitude-travels.com/home🔎 Discover the non-profit behind Heavy Things Lightly: https://first-things.org/🇬🇪 🇬🇹 🇲🇿 🇸🇱 2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Adrian at adrian@first-things.org for more information.📢 Telegram: https://t.me/firstthingsfoundation🥂 And you should definitely check out Keipi Restaurant: https://keipirestaurant.orgPlease leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion.--- This “Enlightened” New World utopia isn’t turning out to be all it was cracked up to be. Society is disenchanting, but are the only alternatives hiding out in the hills or burying yourself in books? With an air of levity and a touch of humor, John Heers teaches how to examine the confusing New World by calling upon the mind and wisdom of oft-forgotten Old. 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

Nov 15, 2024 • 1h
The Miracles of Fasting
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/306z2Ezv6MwDr. Pete Patitsas ( @theathosdietdrpete2600 ) is an emergency medicine physician who, after visiting Mount Athos, took to a rigorous study of the monks diets. What he (re)discovered was a diet that allowed for weight loss, lots of energy, and an abundance of health. He would later transform his research into 'The Athos Diet.' Discover more about the Athos Diet here: https://www.theathosdiet.com/✒ Find articles, John's novel, and even more Heavy Things Lightly at Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/✈ Tailormade travel adventures in Europe and Africa: https://www.gratitude-travels.com/home🔎 Discover the non-profit behind Heavy Things Lightly: https://first-things.org/🇬🇪 🇬🇹 🇲🇿 🇸🇱 2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Adrian at adrian@first-things.org for more information.📢 Telegram: https://t.me/firstthingsfoundation🥂 And you should definitely check out Keipi Restaurant: https://keipirestaurant.orgPlease leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion.--- This “Enlightened” New World utopia isn’t turning out to be all it was cracked up to be. Society is disenchanting, but are the only alternatives hiding out in the hills or burying yourself in books? With an air of levity and a touch of humor, John Heers teaches how to examine the confusing New World by calling upon the mind and wisdom of oft-forgotten Old. 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

Nov 6, 2024 • 54min
Make America Joyful Again
Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JCaReT9X6BkNino joins us today from Georgia to talk about the history of the Supra, it's significance in Georgian history and it's importance today. Discover Nino's work here: https://www.academia.edu/34293446/LITURGIC_NATURE_OF_THE_GEORGIAN_TRADITIONAL_FEASTS_EXULTATION_AND_FESTIVE_HYMNSWhy is the Supra important here in the US? Find out here: https://supradinnersociety.substack.com/p/the-life-giving-power-of-a-georgian✒ Find articles, John's novel, and even more Heavy Things Lightly at Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/✈ Tailormade travel adventures in Europe and Africa: https://www.gratitude-travels.com/home🔎 Discover the non-profit behind Heavy Things Lightly: https://first-things.org/🇬🇪 🇬🇹 🇲🇿 🇸🇱 2 years. Deep cultural immersion. Intense personal discovery. See what it means to become a Field Worker with FTF: https://first-things.org/opportunities or email Adrian at adrian@first-things.org for more information.📢 Telegram: https://t.me/firstthingsfoundation🥂 And you should definitely check out Keipi Restaurant: https://keipirestaurant.orgPlease leave a review with your comments! Your support keeps this podcast alive and allows us to broaden our discussion.--- This “Enlightened” New World utopia isn’t turning out to be all it was cracked up to be. Society is disenchanting, but are the only alternatives hiding out in the hills or burying yourself in books? With an air of levity and a touch of humor, John Heers teaches how to examine the confusing New World by calling upon the mind and wisdom of oft-forgotten Old. 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


