Heavy Things Lightly - podcast cover

Heavy Things Lightly

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
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Fabio Leite - Brazil, Syncretism and Being All Things at Once | WAWTAR #125

This week Fabio Leite and John sit down to talk Brazil: the mindset, philosophy, history, and everything in between. Mostly they talk about the syncretic nature of Brazil and its eclectic nature. Fabio recommends: Aristotle in a New Perspective, Olavo de Carvalho ( https://tinyurl.com/ms9wn2rf ) Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker for Mozambique! Check out our Join FTF page: https://first-things.org/opportunities for more info, or...

Jan 20, 20231 hr 15 min

Uncle Seth and the Great Experiment | WAWTAR #124

Uncle Seth, after a prolonged hiatus, is back! John shares an interesting video feature a biologist named Jeremy from the World Transformation Movement and, well, things go from there. The Full Interview with Jeremy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-TK6_aWqGU Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker for Mozambique! Check out our Join FTF page: https://first-things.org/opportunities for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first...

Jan 04, 20231 hr 19 min

Voice of the New World | WAWTAR #123

*Apologies for the audio! The problem has been located and since fixed. Thank you for your patience. A.I., machine learning, and where it all leads. What is the deeper meaning behind the drive towards an artificial intelligence? Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker for Mozambique! Check out our Join FTF page: https://first-things.org/opportunities for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org Become a Monthly Don...

Dec 31, 202238 min

Arthur Kwon Lee - Towards a Transcendent Art

John sits down with the very talented Arthur Kwon Lee to talk about beauty, art, and culture. About Arthur (from his website): Arthur Kwon Lee is an American painter whose gestural mark making harmonizes expressive color palettes with world mythologies and religious icons. His work has won awards from George Washington University, the Korean Artists Association, the Corcoran Gallery of Art and most recently the inaugural title of 'Artist of the Year' by the Eileen Kaminsky Family Foundation. Lee...

Dec 20, 20221 hr 4 min

Dr Timothy Patitsas - The Ethics of Beauty

Dr. Timothy Patitsas is the Interim Dean of Hellenic College and the Assistant Professor of Ethics at Holy Cross. His book, "The Ethics of Beauty," attempts "[...] to recover one of the most ancient emphases of Orthodox spirituality, which is the firm priority given to combating the sensual rather than the intellectual passions [and] how this translates into a consoling and liberating Beauty-first approach to Orthodox ethics and life. Links: Ethics of Beauty (book) - https://tinyurl.com/5hpp6s36...

Dec 10, 20221 hr 17 min

Nick Kotar - Art and a Unifying Vision

Deacon Nick Kotar, author & writer, rejoins WAWTAR and Heers to talk about the narratives that shape our lives. The conversation covers modern stories (like Amazon's Rings of Power) and the more Universal story (perhaps the Christian one). Deacon Kotar also talks about his Christmas Kickstarter which you can find out more about here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1402845448/jolabokaflod-christmas-book-flood-in-a-box Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider ...

Dec 02, 20221 hr 11 min

Tim Berg - Test Piloting and Detached Observation (Immersion Series #5)

Today Heers is joined by Tim Berg, retired Navy pilot and current test pilot for Boeing. Tim breaks down what it takes to be a test pilot, the intersection of intuition and understanding, and how any test pilot has to develop the ability to act as a detached observer. Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker for Mozambique! Check out our Join FTF page: https://first-things.org/opportunities for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrn...

Nov 24, 20221 hr 15 min

Neil DeGraide - Storytelling in the New World (Immersion Series #4)

Neil DeGraide of Dirt Poor Robins talks with John Heers about musicianship, storytelling and the making of their film "Queen of the Night." Discover Dirt Poor Robins music: https://www.dirtpoorrobins.com/ Queen of the Night Premiers Nov. 15th. Check out the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpCfelKepVI Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker for Mozambique! Check out our Join FTF page: https://first-things.org/opportunitie...

Nov 15, 20221 hr 16 min

Fr. Turbo & Cyprian - Path to Illumination

This week WAWTAR is honored to bring on Fr. Turbo Qualls and Cyprian of the Royal Path podcast. The Royal Path examines Orthodox Christian Tradition as it informs and manifests to us in our modern world. Today Fr. Turbo, Cyprian, and Heers talk race, the notion of being and how we know where we're going. Along the way they also touch on the process of illumination and how is it's possible. Check out the Royal Path Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheRoyalPath You can also find them on Spo...

Nov 02, 20221 hr 24 min

Kilts Khalfan - The State of the World

Kilts Khalfan is back! John and Kilts talk modern culture, femininity, tradition and what the future holds for unique cultures. An excellent overview of modernity and what it means for all us Old Worlders out there. Don't forget to check out Dragon Common Room: http://dragoncommonroom.com Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker for Mozambique! Check out our Join FTF page: https://first-things.org/opportunities for more info, or email ...

Oct 27, 20221 hr 16 min

Backhoe People

In our shifting world there is a crevice opening up: the ontology of the new world is clashing against the old. The modern "backhoe" idea of I can do, be, and move anything myself is coming up against the idea of "well maybe...if God wills it..." Come along with John as we explore this idea a little more. Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker for Mozambique! Check out our Join FTF page: https://first-things.org/opportunities for mor...

Oct 19, 202226 min

Jimbob - Making Sense of the Old World

JimBob, more commonly known as Made By Jimbob (see links below) is an artist, meme crafter, YouTuber, and someone on a profound journey into Orthodoxy. John and Jimbob sit down to talk about that journey and how it's reacted to the New World. Made by Jimbob (website): https://madebyjimbob.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MadebyJimbob Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker for Mozambique! Check out our Join FTF page: https://fi...

Oct 13, 20221 hr 45 min

Jonathan Pageau - The Fool, Tradition, and the Church

Jonathan Pageau joins the WAWTAR podcast for another relaxed conversation about the state of the world, a Georgian feasting tradition, and the Church. Thank you Jonathan for coming back on! Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker for Mozambique! Check out our Join FTF page: https://first-things.org/opportunities for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org Become a Monthly Donor! - https://first-things.org/donate F...

Sep 27, 202259 min

William Twyaigize - Surviving Rwanda

WAWTAR is honored to have on William Twyaigize, survivor of the Rwandan genocide. William relates the tragic events of Rwanda from his first hand experience living through it and with John, recounts his journey of survival and resilience. He sheds light on this chapter of history most of us know so little about. His story is illuminating, intense, and provides a glimpse into the reality of what happened in '94. To gain even more first hand accounts, please check out "Survivors Uncensored": https...

Sep 20, 20221 hr 23 min

What's a Desk?

No but really, what is a desk? And how did the desk overtake the table? And why did everything go from communal to individual? Join us for a short trip down the rabbit hole of modern cultural artifacts... Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker for Mozambique! Check out our Join FTF page: https://first-things.org/opportunities for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org Become a Monthly Donor! - https://first-thin...

Sep 14, 202230 min

Creation Begins with Sacrifice - Daniel Padrnos

First Things Foundation Executive Countries Director and WAWTAR editor takes over the show today. This pod is from a talk he gave at Montanica 2022 (an Orthodox conference). He breaks down the FTF experience, the Keipi as an icon of our work, and what happens when our Field Workers really immerse themselves in the experience. Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker for Mozambique! Check out our Join FTF page: https://first-things.org/...

Sep 06, 202229 min

Jonathan Jackson - Art, Film, and Orthodoxy (Immersion Series #3)

Jonathan Jackson revisits WAWTAR this week to talk about the intersection of Christianity and art, how authentic pieces of art can be created, and his experience as a professional actor. Jonathan is an award-winning actor and has also started the Theoria Film School, a non-profit venture with a vision of artistic and spiritual empowerment through a Patristic, Orthodox lens. Check out the link below to learn more. Links: Theoria Film School - https://www.theoriafilm.org/about Does the deep immers...

Aug 30, 20221 hr 22 min

Do You Believe In the Bible?

Hello and welcome to WAWTAR! The question today..."do you believe in the bible?" John breaks this down. What does the question really mean? Are we talking literal? Or is something mystical happening. This rabbit hole may go a little deep... Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker for Mozambique! Check out our Join FTF page: https://first-things.org/opportunities for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org Become a...

Aug 25, 202238 min

Uncle Seth and the Alien Invasion

Uncle Seth wants to know what would happen if aliens showed up tomorrow. Would America fall apart or come together? It gets heated, that's what we know for sure! Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker for Mozambique! Check out our Join FTF page: https://first-things.org/opportunities for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org Become a Monthly Donor! - https://first-things.org/donate For all the updates join our ...

Aug 17, 20221 hr 25 min

The Equality Binge Epoch

Ah the crack cocaine of postmodernists. Equality! Heers takes a look at what our modern culture is binging on these days, but also at old world societies and their binges. Equality might be the intellectual food de jour, but history has shown this is just one course in a whole slew of dishes going back in time. Links: Audi #DriveProgress Super Bowl Commercial: “Daughter”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk6VIswOCmU Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a V...

Aug 09, 202238 min

Derran Reese - Protestantism and the New World

WAWTAR is happy to bring back Derran Reese to have a conversation about Protestantism and where it stands in the modern world. Derran Reese is a professor at Abiline Christian in Texas and is the co-author of "Development in Mission: A Guide for Transforming Local Poverty and Ourselves." His experience includes extensive time spent overseas in a missionary capacity as a protestant in addition to his academic work. Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Va...

Aug 02, 20221 hr 5 min

Jeremy Firth - The Mormon Missionary Experience (Immersion Series #2)

Jeremy Firth of Salt Lake City joins John Heers to talk about what it was like being a Mormon missionary and the important lessons learned from the experience. What is it like knocking on doors all day? Being rejected constantly? And doing it for months at a time? Come find out in our second installment of the Immersion Series. Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker for Mozambique! Check out our Join FTF page: https://first-things.or...

Jul 20, 20221 hr 16 min

Fr. Peter Heers & Fr. Silouan Justiniano - Perennialism Pt. 2

Fr. Peter Heers is an Orthodox priest, author, and founder of the "Orthodox Ethos" website and podcast. He is joined by Fr. Silouan Justiniano, a monk and iconographer in the Orthodox tradition. In part two the discussion turns to "covidism" and perennialism in the Orthodox church. Links: The Orthodox Ethos - https://orthodoxethos.com Hieromonk Silouan Iconography - https://hieromonksilouan.org/ Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker...

Jul 12, 202236 min

Fr. Peter Heers & Fr. Silouan Justiniano - Perennialism Pt. 1

Fr. Peter Heers is an Orthodox priest, author, and founder of the "Orthodox Ethos" website and podcast. He is joined by Fr. Silouan Justiniano, a monk and iconographer in the Orthodox tradition. Today in pt 1 of this 2 part series they talk about perennialism, its temptation, and what it means for us New Worlders. Links: The Orthodox Ethos - https://orthodoxethos.com Hieromonk Silouan Iconography - https://hieromonksilouan.org/ Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider...

Jul 07, 20221 hr 5 min

Daniel Padrnos - The Field Worker Experience (Immersion Series #1)

Daniel Padrnos, Executive Field Director for First Things Foundation and previously a Field Worker in Sierra Leone comes on for an honest take at what deep cultural immersion does to you. Daniel spent 2 years living and working in Sierra Leone, sometimes in the capital, but mostly in the remote village of Kailahun. During that time he underwent a profound change which he discusses. Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker for Mozambiqu...

Jun 28, 20221 hr 2 min

The Immersion Series - An Intro

Welcome back and welcome to a small announcement. This week we kick off a monthly (maybe biweekly series) talking about immersion and something like "flow." WAWTAR will bring on Field Workers, artists, and people who are looking to talk about deep immersion. Think you are a person like that? Reach out to Andrew at andrewschwark@first-things.org and let him know with a small pitch. For all the updates join our Telegram channel: https://t.me/firstthingsfoundation And you should definitely check ou...

Jun 21, 202222 min

Kilts Khalfan - Vending Machine Culture

Today John talks with Kilts Khalfan (a pen name, see bio below) to talk about how the West has lost its nations and instead adopted the corporation as its uniting principle. In effect, the West has become populated with Vending Machine People . Today is a dive into that idea. Bio (from the Dragon Common Room website): "Anticonservative, but definitely not antiChrist, Kilts is a Medieval thinker, poet, concept artist, and co-author of two books (and counting) published by the Dragon Common Room. ...

Jun 17, 20221 hr 17 min

Paul Kingsnorth - Entering Into Orthodoxy

Hello and welcome back to "Why Are We Talking About Rabbits?" Paul Kingsnorth returns as a guest to talk about his path to Orthodoxy, what it took to get there and what Orthodoxy is in the modern world. Kingsnorth is an English writer and thinker currently living in Ireland. Growing up he was actively involved in protests, at one point going so far to chain himself to a bridge. He has worked for Greenpeace, openDemocracy, and EarthAction, is an honorary member of the Lani tribe and was infamousl...

Jun 07, 20221 hr 12 min

Raskolnikov and Ozark

This week WAWTAR takes a brief look at the telos underpinning almost all modern stories. The show Ozark provides a great contrast to that of Crime and Punishment by Feydor Dostoevsky. Redemption vs nihilism. Beauty vs chaos. The material vs the spiritual. You should definitely check out Keipi Restaurant 👉 www.keipirestaurant.org WAWTAR now has a Facebook group: Why Are We Talking About (More) Rabbits? Join us for more conversation at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/797121200908155 If you like ...

Jun 02, 202226 min

Uncle Seth and Uber Monsters

Welcome back Uncle Seth! This week it's monsters and how we deal with them in our culture. Also abortion and what the heck is going on there. But really, the question Heers and Seth try to come to grips with is, "What ideal is our country elevating above all else?" WAWTAR now has a Facebook group: Why Are We Talking About (More) Rabbits? Join us for more conversation at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/797121200908155 If you like this podcast, please consider leaving a review with your comments....

May 25, 20221 hr 37 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android