Episode 193: On Conversion, or Arousing the Bodhi-Mind

What this episode covers

How do you become religious? What is a conversion experience? Does it happen all at once or gradually? What's the point of religion, anyway? These are questions that JF (a Catholic) and Phil (a Zennist) have often been asked since starting Weird Studies, and in this episode they attempt some answers. Image: "Small Candle Flame" by Le Priyavrat, via Wikimedia Commons Sign up to attend Shannon Taggart's Lily Dale symposium, July 24-26 REFERENCES Ross Douthat, Believe Dogen, Shobogenzo New Atheism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Atheism Weird Studies, Episode 99 on “Wild, Wild Country” William James, Varieties of Religious Experience George Steiner, Real Presences Patrick Curry, Art and Enchantment Max Picard, The Flight from God Charles Taylor, A Secular Age James Carse, Finite and Infinite Games Richard Wagner, Ring Cycle Gilles Deleuze, The Logic of Sense Weird Studies, Episode 183 on “Siddhartha” Charles Sanders Peirce, American philosopher Leonard Cohen, “Hallelujah” Our Known Friend, Meditations on the Tarot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

35.18 - MU Podcast - From the Mundane to the Magnificent

May 8, 2026 ·77m

35.17 - MU Podcast - Where Science Meets Spirit

May 1, 2026 ·66m

35.16 - MU Podcast - The New Calendar

Apr 24, 2026 ·69m

EP 355 - BEING AN ART MODEL with Shadia Elise

Apr 20, 2026 ·57m

The confession tapes When Confessions Break

Apr 17, 2026 ·16m

35.15 - MU Podcast - The Lunar Question

Apr 17, 2026 ·69m

Similar Podcasts

Creativity Threads Life w/ Mr Benja Mr Benja Welcome creatives! These are discussions, thoughts, case studies, interviews, and lessons about how our creativity relates to life. The host, Mr Benja, is a former video game programmer / designer for Rockstar Games, Sony Santa Monica, The 3DO Company, and others, as well as a fine artist. -- Be sure to check out the website for more. Explicit The Commonality Podcast with Pilar Pilar Lyutfalieva The Commonality Podcast explores what it means to do our best in today’s messy beautiful world. Hosted by Pilar, a personal and professional coach, we dive into it all with a mix of honesty, humor, and heart. Whether it’s solo musings, breaking down weird astro sh*t, or listening to guest stories, this is your space to remember this life is non linear and you're not alone. Explicit Shut Up I Love It Sasha Feiler and Joe Cabello Many years ago, Sasha Feiler and Joe Cabello met in line for an improv show. They were young, dumb, and full of it. What followed were comedy shows so explicit, “genitalia” was practically a term of endearment.Fast forward 5 dogs, 6 cats, and way too many weird inside jokes later, Sasha and Joe are no longer young or dumb—but they’re still brimming with you-know-what. Here, they’ve teamed up to bring you a podcast where they interview a guest who passionately defends something universally hated, misunderstood, forgotten, overlooked, Mandela-effected, canceled—you name it. The key? They LOVE it. From toupees... to B-movies... to aliens, psychedelics, and the occasional surprise character, Sasha and Joe are here to spread love to the world that birthed them (but maybe should’ve used protection).So come and get that love because no one else will give it to you like we do.Also, don’t forget to check out the Patreon Bonus version of the show:https://www.patreon.com/c/ShutUpILoveItP Explicit The Zack Arnold Podcast Zack Arnold Hi I'm Zack, and the purpose of my work is to help you find meaning and purpose in yours (without burning out...or selling your creative soul).If you've built your entire career around your creativity like I have, you may be asking the same question I am: Is there a future for us “creatives,” Or is it game over? I can't promise that I know what the future brings, but I do promise few are working harder to find the answers than I am.You're in the right place if:You live to create. Your work isn't just a job but an expression of who you are.You create to live. Your livelihood depends on your creativity.You love making cool shit (preferably left alone in small, dark rooms).Whether you identify as introverted or neurodivergent (or both, like me)...No matter if you're a misfit, a rebel, an outlier, or a troublemaker...If you've been called weird, nerdy, dorky, quirky, or awkward...Or if you’re an over-thinker, procrastinator, or perfectionist…You are welcome here. 😊Come join me a Explicit

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Weird Studies?

This episode is 1 hour and 28 minutes long.

When was this Weird Studies episode published?

This episode was published on July 9, 2025.

What is this episode about?

How do you become religious? What is a conversion experience? Does it happen all at once or gradually? What's the point of religion, anyway? These are questions that JF (a Catholic) and Phil (a Zennist) have often been asked since starting Weird...

Can I download this Weird Studies episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.