Love, lust, mystery & redemption - The Phantom of the Opera has it all! Explore some profound Christian themes in this musical masterpiece and deepen your understanding of these timely concepts
Do you feel stuck in a meaningless pattern or routine with no end in sight? Allow Groundhog Day to shed some spiritual clarity is to what may be happening, and be delighted with the incredible grace on offer!
The assassination of Charlie Kirk has sent shockwaves not just within politics but the church also. This episode, I reflect on the symbolic significance of Charlie Kirk, and the invitation for all of us in an increasingly troubled age.
Rewrite the story of shame in your life. Think your sins and failures disqualify you? Through K-pop Demon Hunters, discover how God redeems shame, retells your story, and turns your mess into message.
Practical Pilgrim exercise with Vinh Giang: "How to become dangerously confident (without faking in it)"
Superman played a pivotal role in birthing the entire superhero genre. What makes him so profound? Explore how Superman serves as a powerful Christ archetype and uncover the deeper meanings behind his story.
Which emotion has gone rogue and stopped listening to you? Today is both a practical and spiritual journey, learning how God models compassion on the parts of us which are the most wounded and exiled? Join the cast of Inside Out 2, and discover a new type of freedom!
"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude."—Viktor Frankl. The Shawshank Redemption provides us a rare glimpse of how to navigate the dark times in life. Explore Andy Dufresne's story alongside the Gospel of hope, love and redemption.
Tolkien once feared dying before completing his life’s work (The Lord of the Rings)—so he wrote a story about it. Leaf by Niggle is that story, and it may be the most inspiring reflection on purgatory and heaven I’ve ever read!
What qualities make relationships flourish or flounder? Explore deep relationship dynamics with Hiccup, Astrid, Stoic and Toothless against the backdrop of Catholic spirituality.
Practical pilgrim exercise:
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The relationship between faith and politics (church and state) is interesting indeed! With the Jedi, we'll explore Catholic Social Teaching alongside the political web of the Star Wars universe.
Be shaken by the God of the Burning Bush, the Plagues of Egypt and the Red Sea! Be challenged and inspired by how The Prince of Egypt portrays the true God of the Bible!
Part 2! Wonder, delight, and magical kingdoms are more than just fun — they are spiritual signposts! In this episode, my good friend TJ Mills and I explore theologically what happens to the soul when it steps into a place like Disneyland!
Wonder, delight, and magical kingdoms are more than just fun — they are spiritual signposts! In this episode, my good friend TJ Mills and I explore theologically what happens to the soul when it steps into a place like Disneyland!
How does hope blaze in the midst of darkness? Enter the Easter Triduum with "Radical Red", an original Easter story by Sr Angela and Br Lawrence MGL
Is progress always a good thing? Explore the timeless themes of hubris, the myth of progress, and the spiritual cost of resurrecting the past. Learn why this 1993 story is still roaring today!
Score used this episode: Jurassic Park OST (John Williams)
Spider-Man tops every poll as everyone's favourite superhero. Why? Join guest speaker Jeremy Wijeyesekera, as we explore the virtues driving Peter Parker, unveiling the Christian ethos permeating his heroism
Stuck in your comfort zone? Follow Marlin and Nemo on their underwater quest, and discover how the classical Hero's Journey parallels the spiritual journey!
A single idea can define us - or destroy us. Rediscover the power of ideas, and how our dreams are powerful messengers from the subconscious! Be mentored by St Thomas Aquinas.
Wicked is a wickedly relevant social commentary! Allow Catholic philosopher Rene Girard to explain the phenomena of mimetic desire and scapegoating in us all. Be prepared to be challenged!
Excerpt: "In Wicked, another moment this mimetic desire is particularly on display is in the ballroom scene. Again, when Glinda mocked Elphaba’s outrageous hat, everyone else mocked Elphaba, because everyone just wanted what Glinda wanted. But then Glinda suddenly has a change in her conscience and begins to feels sorry for Elphaba. She boldly steps out and reaches out to Elphaba on the dance floor, and begins to imitate her awkward dance moves. In that moment, Glinda herself wanted to imitate the courage of Elphaba, and Elphaba became the object of Glinda’s mimesis. And then of course, suddenly everyone else changes their attitude towards Elphaba, not because they like her, but because now Glinda now likes her, and just like that, Elphaba’s awkward, undesirable dancing style becomes desirable. Everyone is imitating everyone… except Elphaba, who is probably the most authentic character in the entire story!"
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In Nov 2024, I was a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago, a journey which took over a month. This episode, I share a testimony of some of the key graces and moments on my mythic pilgrimage!
