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PODCAST · religion

Hearts and Minds

by Fr. John Oliver, and Ancient Faith Ministries

Fr. John Oliver's thoughtful perspective on culture, society and the Orthodox faith.

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Episodes

  1. The Reprobate Repents: a Story of a Father and a Son

    Father John relates the spiritual fruits that can be found in the most unlikely of places—even in the repentance of one father to his sons.

  2. Of Christ and Conversations

    In this episode, Fr. John highlights how our everyday, one-on-one interactions with others can so often boil down to a choice between self-interest and self-emptying.

  3. Being in Control or Having Control Issues? A Lesson from Trees

    What is the difference between being "'in control" and having "control issues"? St. Joseph the Hesychast and St. Paisios look to the order of nature for the answer.

  4. Thoughts Come with a Tone of Voice

    In this episode. Fr. John explains how the tone of our thoughts can tell us a lot about their origins.

  5. Control Is an Illusion

    In an age of ever increasing anxiety and uncertainty, we can look to the lives of Sts. Peter and Paul as examples of how we can deepen our relationship with Christ--even in the most dire historical moments.

  6. Our Secret Weapon: A Reflection on Joy

    Father John gives us the history and meaning of the most read Psalm in the Orthodox liturgical cycle of prayer.

  7. Dark Basement Syndrome

    Do you suffer from heightened emotion, limited reason, hidden fears, and a general distortion of facts? You might have Dark Basement Syndrome. In this episode, Fr. John walks us through how our subconscious minds can have a dark influence on our thoughts and actions, and ultimately how the light…

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  8. Right or Left, Right or Wrong: the Choices We Make Every Day

    Father John discusses the "both/and" and "either/or" decisions that we often encounter in the spiritual life.

  9. Pentecost: Color in a World of Black and White

    Father John shares a colorful thought experiment that illustrates the meaning of Pentecost and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

  10. What Is Beauty? Wrong Question

    What do a facial scanning website and the Gospel of John have in common? Both claim to have knowledge the nature of beauty, but only one is the product of an encounter with the living incarnation of beauty.

  11. It’s Summer: Where to Store the Leftovers

    Father John explores the unique psychology of wealthy individuals throughout the ages, and the purpose that lies beyond material abundance.

  12. Mavis and Her Strong Feelings

    Father John discusses ways in which we can practice discernment in our inner life, prayerfully separating the thoughts inspired by God from those planted by the demons.

  13. Jesus Saves, But How? The Wonder of Communicatio Idiomatum

    What does it really mean to say “Jesus saves”? In this episode, Fr. John reflects on the first four Ecumenical Councils and the controversy surrounding Nestorius, exploring the mystery of how Christ’s divine and human natures are united in one Person and what that means for receiving Communion,...

  14. ”Hell is Other People"? Not So Fast.

    Fr. John explores the differences between the Christian and secular outlooks on relationships.

  15. Prepping for the Polycrisis

    Fr. John ponders the question, "What do The Ten Lepers, The Poseidon Adventure, and one minute of our life have in common?"

  16. Show of Hands: Who Wants a Cold Universe?

    Fr. John reflects on losing faith, the Gospel of John, the presence of Christ, and perhaps finding faith once again through hope rather than intellect, reason and arguments.

  17. Basketballs, Bells, and a Leather Belt

    Fr. John weaves together the punishment of an entire basketball team for one member's failed prank and the camel hide belts worn by the prophets to teach us about the consequences of the fall and the Incarnation for all of humanity.

  18. Porphyrios Visits the Prostitutes: A Theophany Story

    Fr. John reflects on Theophany, how God regards humanity, and how His perspective differs from the gods of paganism. He shares a story from the life of St. Porphyrios as an example of how one can put God's perspective on humanity into practice in our daily interactions.

  19. Christ Is the Question

    Fr. John reflects on a disastrous diplomatic miscommunication brought about by AI and God's communication through the incarnation of Christ.

  20. Where Meaning Gathers Its Strength

    Fr. John reflects on a simple cake mix, a marketing failure, the nature of effort, and our need for meaning in our salvation.

  21. Why Listening is Better than Knowing

    Fr. John reflects on road trips, vacations, and an unusual wedding homily about journeying as husband and wife under God's mysterious directions.

  22. The Mourner and His Message: Every Day is A Special Occasion

    Fr. John reflects on the incarnation, Christ's healing ministry, and our understanding of every human person as a "special occasion" that calls us to rise above our preoccupation with de-humanizing religious regulations.

  23. The Trail and the Tree: Understanding Who We Are and What Needs to Heal

    Fr. John reflects on our hearts as the center of our spiritual life, as the Nativity season prepares our hearts for the grace of the eight Beatitudes.

  24. To the Young Men Searching for Orthodoxy

    Fr. John reflects on the convert surge and spiritual warfare. As "prisoners of war," do we pursue rescue according to our earthly expectations, or higher, spiritual realities?

  25. The Big Reveal: This Shows Who You are Becoming

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on the need for Christians to exercise self-control over our speech.

  26. Charlie and the Church: A Brief Reflection on a Public Execution

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on the death of St. Telemachus.

  27. When Love Is Not Enough

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on ways to translate love into action.

  28. I Feel Dead Inside: Now What?

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on compassion.

  29. Christ in a Flood of Pain

    Fr. John offers a reflection on turning to Christ in the midst of disappointment.

  30. A Theology of Place: Why You Might Want to Stay Where You Are

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on God's presence in all our circumstances.

  31. Blindfolded But Not Alone

    Fr. John Oliver reminds us that God is always with us.

  32. The Greatest Tool for Evangelism is Not What You Think It Is

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on suffering and humility. The works of C.S. Lewis are considered.

  33. The Rhythm of the Saints

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on how we can find simplicity.

  34. To Whom Do You Cling in the Middle of the Night?

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on how to deal with rejection.

  35. Proud or Teachable: Pick One

    Fr. John Oliver presents us with the examples of Apollos and Simon the Sorcerer and the key difference in how they responded to corrective teaching.

  36. Accept that You Are Accepted

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on how inner piece is found.

  37. The Chains of Thankfulness

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on the Chains of St. Peter.

  38. On Flashlights, Jesus, and The Low Time

    Christ came to be with us in our darkness.

  39. Sturdy Ark, Gathering Storm: Why the Details About Jesus Matter

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on what is essential for facing any storm that may be coming.

  40. Seeing Angelically, Seeing Demonically

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on the Exodus story as a metaphor for our journey of faith.

  41. Killing the Non-Persons

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on the ramifications of Professor Peter Singer's brand of utilitarianism.

  42. I'll Be Content When Everything Changes

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on simplicity.

  43. Which is Stronger: Your Faith or Your Feelings?

    Christians are called to live life differently.

  44. Helping Others Heals Ourselves

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on how helping others helps us fight our own battles.

  45. God: The Sender of Unwanted Gifts

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on suffering.

  46. On Hurricanes and Holy Communion

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on the recent hurricanes.

  47. Blame Game

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on the need to take responsibility for one's own sins.

  48. Christ: the Artist and the Art

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on the connection between Creation and the Cross.

  49. Below the Summit of Pride

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on pride and humility.

  50. The Freedom to Be in Bondage

    Fr. John Oliver reflects on the true meaning of freedom.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Fr. John Oliver's thoughtful perspective on culture, society and the Orthodox faith.

HOSTED BY

Fr. John Oliver, and Ancient Faith Ministries

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Hearts and Minds have?

Hearts and Minds currently has 238 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Hearts and Minds about?

Fr. John Oliver's thoughtful perspective on culture, society and the Orthodox faith.

How often does Hearts and Minds release new episodes?

Hearts and Minds publishes regularly with 238 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Hearts and Minds?

You can listen to Hearts and Minds on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Hearts and Minds?

Hearts and Minds is created and hosted by Fr. John Oliver, and Ancient Faith Ministries.
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