Virtue in the Wasteland Podcast
325 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 5 years ago - ★★★★★ - 230 ratingsCulture, religion and ideas that matter.
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Episodes
Summer Reading 2016
May 31, 2016 00:00 - 1 hour - 52.8 MBWe discuss books we are digging and reading through this summer. We also give you a digest of the contents of those books. So, even if you don't end up reading them, you'll get some good summaries and ideas to mull over. Since we are doing research for our own writing projects, you won't be surprised to find that they tend to be related to sexual ethics, addiction, and edgy memoirs. Just take a shot on this one, because we think you'll dig it, but if you don't come back soon for some great i...
Father's Day Special
May 24, 2016 00:00 - 1 hour - 88.4 MBThe poignant importance of the father-child relationship. We discuss Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling, the story of Abraham and Isaac, the Terrance Malick film Tree of Life, and fatherhood in general.
Impossible Christianity
May 17, 2016 00:00 - 1 hour - 70.3 MBWe figured it was time to explain ourselves. We are unashamed to call ourselves Christians in the sense that we cannot deny the hope that is within us. But have any of us really let it sink in that the radical call of Christianity is more devastating and indeed impossible than most of us ever admit to ourselves or others? Come with us on this special show about why we "feel" more Christian than ever but have also come to realize how offensive the the Law and Gospel are to us all. The song at ...
The Wasteland Class
May 10, 2016 00:00 - 1 hour - 76.8 MBDuring the spring 2016 semester, Dan and Jeff team taught an upper division course on several themes from our show, including TS Eliot's "The Wasteland," Zizek, Living in the End Times, Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling, short stories, Bonhoeffer's ethics, C.S. Lewis, The Abolition of Man, the Tao Te Ching etc. We then selected two excellent students to discuss and reflect back on the semester. Sam Leanza's family makes Jeff's favorite incense, which you too can buy here:
Film Kick with the Winterstein Brothers
May 02, 2016 19:59 - 1 hour - 54.2 MBTimothy and Jay Winterstein brothers talk about lastweek's Newport Beach Film Festival, some up and coming filmmakers and new movies, and the post-apocalyptic genre.
Public Memory
April 26, 2016 00:00 - 1 hour - 56 MBThe twenty dollar bill. Holocaust memorials. The confederate flag. How do symbols become important to us as we try to remember and not forget past cultural mistakes? David Schulz is an expert in communication theory and is currently chair and professor of Communication at Trinity Lutheran College. He formerly served as an assistant professor at California State University, where he taught persuasion and rhetoric courses. He has also taught at Penn State, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and ...
Human Trafficking
April 19, 2016 00:00 - 1 hour - 57.2 MBRaleigh Sadler is based in New York city, where he works to fight human trafficking. As a speaker, his work has taken him to universities and churches across the country speaking on how the Christian faith frees us to explore justice and mercy in our communities. With that said, he believes that the church should be leading the way in the fight against human trafficking. The local church, he says, best fights human trafficking by loving those vulnerable to it. With this message, He has worked...
God and Movies
April 12, 2016 00:00 - 1 hour - 73.3 MBTed Giese is our go to guy for movies and theology. We chat about the death of doubt in films of late, and several interesting recent releases. We spend a good deal of time on God Is Not Dead 2. Apologies for occasional audio glitches that resulted from the Skype feed. Apologies also for not having time to bleep two mild profanities. For more from Pastor Giese:
Jesus Movies
April 05, 2016 00:00 - 1 hour - 80.1 MBJesus movies from start to finish, the good and the bad and the compelling. We spend much of our time on the cultural phenomenon and now direct examination of the controversial film, The Last Temptation of Christ, though we also discuss the Jesus Film, the Life of Brian, and some Jesus musicals. Rick Ritchie is a thinking fellow at 1517, and has a long history of contributing to outlets like Modern Reformation magazine and online theological platforms. 1517legacy.com virtuneinthewasteland.com...
Not All Who Wander Are Lost
March 29, 2016 00:00 - 1 hour - 74.2 MBLosing yourself and finding yourself. What kind of self do you have anyway? Self optimization the ViW way. virtuneinthewasteland.com faithfulmasks.org 1517legacy.com
When To Walk Away
March 22, 2016 00:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MBHow to end well. How to end at the right time, and how to keep moving forward even when the grass might look greener on the other side. Kierkegaard, White Sox baseball, Lost, X-Files, Leonard Cohen
America's Political Wasteland
March 15, 2016 00:00 - 1 hour - 68.3 MBTrump, Sanders, Clinton, populism, the media, journalism, and how it all went wrong. Can it be made right? What caused this mess? Is there any earthly hope for American democracy?
Son of Sudan
March 08, 2016 01:00 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBWai shares his story and the story of violence in Sudan. He has worked with Sudanese refugees who live in San Diego. sudaneseamericanyouthcenter.org
Who Wears the Pants in God's Family?
March 01, 2016 01:00 - 1 hour - 83.3 MBWomen in conservative Christian communities. Santa Ostapowich is in charge of the Higher Things Conferences (higherthings.org).
Monsters and Addiction
February 23, 2016 01:00 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBJeff interviews Dan about his upcoming book: Monsters.
Poets and Prophets
February 16, 2016 01:00 - 1 hour - 67.7 MBSpoken word artist Emily Joy joins us for a discussion of the ways in which poetry might change our world and help us gain empathy for those whose voices are sometimes silenced or ignored. We chat about Nashville weather, growing up in the evangelical world, adolescent sexuality, and the experiences of women in Christian communities. Our guest doesn't mince words or pull punches, so expect a lively conversation. Check her work out at emilyjoypoetry.com, or buy her albums on Bandcamp or iTunes.
Ash Wednesday Poetry
February 09, 2016 01:00 - 1 hour - 52.3 MBThis year, we are trying out yet another Lenten challenge: reading poetry or listening to it read instead of watching t.v. or playing background music. On this show, we discuss the ways in which poetry can inspire the imagination and also create silence and space for reflection and insight. We talk a bit about psychologist Paul "Stormy" Fairweather, lots about T. S. Eliot, especially his poems "The Hollow Men" and "Ash Wednesday". We also chat a bit about the Superbowl and Jeff's Broncos. Jef...
The Perfect Show
February 02, 2016 01:00 - 1 hour - 72.5 MBWhy does every attempt at a perfect society always become such a drag? We discuss Jeff's run in with some KKK fellows, Zizek's book, Living in the End Times, the backstory to utopian literature, such as that of Thomas More, and some interesting examples of utopian societies.
An Exercise in Criticism
January 26, 2016 01:00 - 1 hour - 79.7 MBIs there an ultimate sublime reality outside of our own opinions, emotions, and sentiments? We think so, but it isn't always easy to identify and like the good. Sometimes we are misguided intellectually, sometimes our hearts are in the right place. Such is life in the wasteland. The medicine is virtue. We discuss: Dudes that Know (DTK), Zizek's Living in the End Times, C.S. Lewis' Abolition of Man, aesthetics, virtue theory, Aristotle, the ethics of belief, ethical habituation, elitism, Yelp...
Why Do The Nations Rage?
January 19, 2016 01:17 - 1 hour - 59 MBCan we really study war no more? Or is war inevitable, a natural and irremovable aspect of our human nature? We don't come to a final answer, but we explore the tough elements of the question with Dr. Caleb Karges, who specializes in military history and war in the eighteenth century. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of St. Andrews. We also throw in a brief bit about the theories of Mark Juergensmeyer on cosmic violence, and René Girard on mimetic violence.
Spoiling Star Wars
January 12, 2016 01:00 - 1 hour - 77.6 MBWe share our reflections, review, and theories, regarding Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Joining us via Skype (sorry the audio gets weird once again because of connections) is Ted Giese, who writes thoughtful film reviews, when he isn't serving in his role as pastor (or maybe, that's part of the role). Spoilers abound, as you might expect from the title. The first half is Jeff and Dan, the second half is Jeff and Ted. Rev. Giese is associate pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church. Born in , he ...
Will this Year Trump 2015?
January 05, 2016 01:00 - 1 hour - 66.7 MBWhat stories really mattered in 2015? What can we expect in 2016 in culture and politics?
Christmas Methadone
December 29, 2015 01:00 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBWhat do we do when the euphoria of Christmas morning is past? We discuss the Persian holiday of Yalda, the future, a bit more about Christmas movies, and share stories about our family Christmases.
Refugee Neighbors
December 22, 2015 01:00 - 1 hour - 66 MBThe obligations of virtuous citizens, with respect to the Syrian refugee situation, Trump, Angela Merkel, journalism, and American self-imposed ignorance. Uwe is a lay theologian and internationally-renowned journalist. Siemon-Netto was born in Leipzig, Germany, where his devoutly Lutheran grandmother was the pivotal figure in his childhood in World War II. He is the former religion editor of . He began his journalism career 1956 as a trainee at Westfalenpost, a large regional newspaper in ...
Extremism and the Limits of Hospitality
December 15, 2015 01:00 - 1 hour - 64.6 MBExpert in the history of Christian-Muslim relations, Dr. Francisco chats with us about the perplexing circumstances of our era. How do we balance our love for neighbor with our concern for our neighbors' safety. How do we juggle religious freedom and obvious threats from radicalized believers. We discuss Trump, ISIS, ISIL, jihad, refugees, and radical Islam.
Santa and Other Demonic Lies
December 08, 2015 01:00 - 1 hour - 65.6 MBMany atheists and conservative Christians have one thing in common this Christmas season: they worry about whether they should tell their kids a benevolent but not exactly true tale about Santa Claus. There are economic, mythic, religious, and cultural issues at play. We learn about the history and development of the Santa legend.
Why Can't We Talk to Each Other?
December 01, 2015 01:00 - 1 hour - 77.6 MBTwitter, public vitriol, shrill rhetoric, journalism, the history of political debate, postmodern thought, the linguistic turn, analytic philosophy and speech act theory.
Hey Thanks
November 24, 2015 01:00 - 1 hour - 82.8 MBGive thanks for even the things you think you resent. Hear how Jeff, Dan, the 1517 crew, and sports radio all interconnect.
Star Wars
November 17, 2015 01:00 - 1 hour - 55 MBThe cultural, philosophical, and religious significance of Star Wars, as we anticipate the reboot in December. virtueinthewasteland.com 1517legacy.com faithfulmasks.org thejaggedword.com
I Told You So
November 10, 2015 01:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MBAre you a Chicken Little, always shouting about impending doom? Are you an ostrich with your head in the sand, not attending to the threats on the horizon? What kind of bird are you? This week, Dan and Jeff reset after several shows about societal collapse and discuss various aspects--all in free-form--of the phenomenon of being right but not having any satisfaction once vindicated. We mess about but have some fun.
The Art of Faith
November 03, 2015 01:00 - 1 hour - 138 MBModern art and art critic and author, Dr. Daniel Seidell, all while we watch a muted game 2 of the World Series. What does art provide? Is there a way in which beauty might bring us back to truth? And what does that mean? Maybe our favorite show. This cat is the real deal. Too much fun amidst profound exploration of ideas.
History of the Fall Part 4
October 27, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 155 MBDr. Deen is a Faithful Masks Fellow, a 1517 Thinking Fellow, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Concordia University, Irvine, and a dude who specializes in the ethics of belief. We think virtue is the way out of the intellectual wasteland, and we discuss ways to move forward with respect to perplexing issues like science and religion, and reproductive ethics.
History of the Fall Part III
October 20, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 122 MBWorld War I, the Lost Generation, postmodernity, continental philosophy, and the US presidential contenders, like Trump, Clinton, Bush, and Sanders. We don't recount all the events, we just put them into context. virtueinthewasteland.com faithfulmasks.org 1517legacy.com
The Health Fad Hustle
October 13, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 124 MBDr. Olson is chair of Exercise Sports Science at Concordia University, where he also serves as Assistant Dean. He helps us sort out the confusion of the idea of getting healthy. We learn that we don't know a lot. Nor do many of the famous gurus. We unlearn some things and learn other things. And we have a bit of fun.
History of the Fall Part 2
October 06, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 98 MBAfter back tracking to discuss monasticism as an option for cultural (dis)engagement, we discuss the valuable contributions of the Enlightenment, ending with a warning that, despite its gifts, not all was well during the autumn of the progressive era.
The Fall of Fatherhood
September 29, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 111 MBFatherhood, the Prodigal Son, and grace in the home. Scott Keith is an Associate Dean of Students and Adjunct Professor of Theology at Concordia University, Irvine. He is also a Thinking Fellow of 1517 The Legacy Project. Here, he discusses his new book On Being Dad, available at and on Amazon.
Transhumanism
September 22, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 114 MBTranshumanism, theology, cyborgs, and what to do about it all. We discuss H+ as a movement, focussing on the ideas of super-longevity, super-intelligence, and super-wellbeing. Ray Kurtzweil's dream of living forever on a digital platform may come true; if it does, Jeff requests his consciousness be kept on a Mac OS not a PC. Dr. Oesch is Associate Professor of Theology and director of the MA in Theology at Concordia University, Irvine. He is also the creator and essayist on fishingforlev...
History of The Fall Part I
September 15, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 132 MBWe look for the resources from sages past to see how they figured out how to live at peace and find virtue in our cultural wasteland. A bit of ancient philosophy like Taoism and a discussion of Seneca, Sextus Empiricus, Luther, and Calvin.
The Fall
September 08, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 88.4 MBThis one's a bit of a downer. We explore some reasons why we are all, whatever we think about the grass on someone else's side, terribly stuck. We are stuck in this penultimate world hoping for ultimate victory but sometimes unable to see it. We still believe everything is going to be ok. That doesn't mean every day between now and our deaths will be an easy road. No sir. No ma'am. We begin a theme for fall: the Fall. Why can't we expect political, ecclesiastical, and mental health ut...
Get Outside Yourself, also, You're Going to Have to Eat the Entire Dog
September 01, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 117 MBJeff and Dan discuss the personal development that occurs through travel and by being open to new people and experiences even near home. Jeff shares a series of insights he and his son Auggie drafted while watching the sun set over the Yulong river.
Krime
August 25, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 129 MBAre things getting better or worse? What do the statistics say about crime and can we trust them. Faithful Masks fellow Dr. Kristen Koenig helps answer these questions.
Back to School Fashion
August 18, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 138 MBWhat to wear and the history of style just in time for back to school wardrobe upgrades. Maybe deeper stuff too.
What Does It Mean To Be American?
August 11, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 106 MBBy letting three outside observers reflect on American culture, we reflect on the nature of the American spirit, our anxieties, and our hopes. History, religion, and politics. Join our expedition. virtueinthewasteland.com faithfulmasks.org 1517legacy.com
The F Word
August 04, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 127 MBThe history, famous personalities, and social importance of fundamentalism in America. virtueinthewasteland.com faithfulmasks.org 1517legacy.com
Go Set a Watchman
July 28, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 112 MBIs Harper Lee's novel worth reading? Does it disappoint us about the complexity of racism in America? Listen up and find out.
The Underdog Pastor
July 21, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBReinke discusses the back story and aftermath of the circumstances surrounding the critically-acclaimed documentary, "The Overnighters" (2014), winner of several awards, including the Sundance special award for best documentary. This is an amazing conversation, reflecting on the work of Reinke and his LCMS congregation to help displaced workers who came to North Dakota to benefit from the fracking boom. Reinke is by no means a perfect guy, he never claims to be. But he also has a way of in...
When Your Job Sucks
July 14, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 129 MBWhat do you do when you hate what you do? Before that, we discuss emails and feedback related to our previous show. We share a bit about what's been going on this summer with our family vacations. We reveal a dream Jeff's dad had about the nature of this life's journey. We read through and discuss a letter a young Hunter S. Thompson wrote to a friend. virtueinthewasteland.com faithfulmasks.org 1517legacy.com
Marriage Morality and the Law
July 07, 2015 00:03 - 1 hour - 138 MBGay marriage, the constitution, ethics, Christianity, and America. Will the 14th Amendment threaten the 1st Amendment? Is there a difference between what is legal and what is moral? Should conservative Christians be as upset as they are about the recent Supreme Court decision? On this show, we risk upsetting everyone from right to left. We challenge the conservative view that the sky is falling. We challenge the view of those who want to use the state to further biblical positions. W...
Pietism
June 30, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 171 MBWhat is pietism, who were the Pietists, and why does this all matter for contemporary American culture? We chat about Wesley, Zinzendorf, Spener, Arndt, Haugee etc.
On C. S. Lewis
June 23, 2015 00:00 - 1 hour - 109 MBNarnia, myth, mere Christianity, and how to be both faithful and willing to play nice with others. Dr. Mueller is Dean of Christ College, Concordia University Irvine, where he is also a Prof. of Theology. He is the author of several books, including Called to Believe, Teach, and Confess: An Introduction to Doctrinal Theology (Wipf & Stock, 2005), Not a Tame God (CPH, 2002), and The Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary (CPH, 2015).