EPISODE · Mar 16, 2026 · 44 MIN
Return of the Gods
from Midnight Radio · host James A. Reeves
Read the full post.I often think about Leonard Cohen's observation that religion is the greatest form of art. When I'm moved by a painting, I am not thinking about its veracity. I do not question whether my emotional response is true.With thoughts like this in my head, I'm grateful that Martin Essig will join us tonight to talk about the history of faith.M. first appeared in episode 23 to tell us that desire is a demon. Because synchronicities abound, he came into my life at a time when I was grappling with the meaning of me, and he was hellbent on making sure I understood symbolic failure and the Lacanian Real. Along the way, he became a reliable friend, ensuring that I never wander too far into doubt or belief but instead learn to enjoy the dance.Tonight M. will discuss animism and disenchantment on top of some songs he selected, several of which I've bludgeoned into unrecognizable shapes. But first, he must answer the Very Special Guest Question.Do you believe in god or any spiritual dimension to the universe?"I guess the real question is: Does God believe in Himself? I prefer a God who isn’t really sure if He exists or not. In all the best religious experiences, nobody’s certain about what’s going on, including and especially God."XDCVR - Psalm 68I Hate That Shit, I Hate All That Shit • Ooh Sounds, 2026 • BandcampLuke Slater - Love (Burial)Love Remixes • Mote Evolver, 2019 • BoomkatSun Electric - Episode VIEpisodes • Detuned, 2026 • BandcampBlawan - 993Nutrition • Ternesc, 2017 • BandcampJürgen Paape - So Weit Wie Noch Nie (Midnight Radio Edit)Total 3 • Kompakt, 2001 • BandcampThe Field - Reflecting Lights (Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith Remix)Reflecting Lights Remixe | Kompakt, 2016 | BandcampKakuhan - Kak-JukKAK • Nakid, 2026 • BoomkatPatche - Motorik (60% slower)Patche • Popop, 2023 • BandcampCan - I Want More (500% slower + filtered)Flow Motion • Harvest/Mute, 1976 • BandcampBabe Ruth - The Mexican (21% slower)First Base | Harvest, 1972 | MoreThe request lines are open.Enjoy life and get the full Midnight Radio experience delivered directly to your inbox ’round midnight on the 1st and 15th of each month.
What this episode covers
Read the full post. I often think about Leonard Cohen's observation that religion is the greatest form of art. When I'm moved by a painting, I am not thinking about its veracity. I do not question whether my emotional response is true. With thoughts like this in my head, I'm grateful that Martin Essig will join us tonight to talk about the history of faith. M. first appeared in episode 23 to tell us that desire is a demon. Because synchronicities abound, he came into my life at a time when I ...
NOW PLAYING
Return of the Gods
No transcript for this episode yet