While intentionally seeking more daily silence, I’m also grateful for the invention of earbuds.
They’re not not entirely a blessing, of course. Earbuds can further the ever-growing problem of isolation. They can override the “still, small voice” by drowning it in mindless noise.
But selective listening is a gift. Plugging in to the right sources can enriches the mind and lifts the spirit, giving us greater control over moments when we’re already surrounded by noise we don’t appreciate. I’m always in search of podcasts that will enrich these moments, allowing thoughtful minds to accompany me in the car or at the kitchen sink.
I have some great podcasts to share with you.
I hope Sparrowfare’s offerings will help you find an unforgettable voice, a great suggestion for reading or viewing, a beautiful thought to contemplate or an inspiration to feed your soul.
My favorite podcasts offer a thoughtful, civil presentation of cultural trends, interviews with thinkers, book discussions and/or intelligent, inspiring discourse on faith.
My very favorite podcast? The Word on Fire Show with Bishop Robert Barron.
When Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron sat for an interview with Dave Rubin on The Rubin Report earlier this year (see Dialog in a Divisive Time: Bishop Barron, Dave Rubin and the Space Between), a number of atheists commented that this was a man they could talk to.
Bishop Barron is the embodied antithesis of the dorky Bible-thumping Christian so often portrayed on TV sitcoms. His wide-ranging erudition, joy in finding God’s truth throughout the popular culture and his loving, reasoned articulation of orthodox Christian belief have made The Word on Fire Show the podcast I never miss.
I love the variety of topics Bishop Barron discusses with host Brandon Vogt week by week.
In the first episode (Pope Francis and His Four American Heroes), Barron discussed the life and work of each of the four Americans (Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton) highlighted in Pope Francis’ address to a joint session of Congress in September of 2015.
Barron’s lively discussion of Cohen brothers films is a must-listen for movie lovers (Episode 76: Caesar, The Dude and a Serious Man). His episode on the work of Michelangelo (Episode 42: Michelangelo Buonarroti, The Artist) sent me straight to the visually stunning video episode of his series Catholicism: The Pivotal Players to view the art discussed on the podcast episode. Here’s a preview:
A two-part episode (Episodes 43 and 44: Faithful and Intelligent?) is a profound reflection on the depth and intellectual cohesion of Christianity. It’s a recording of Barron’s lecture to Duke University students in an event hosted by the Duke Catholic Center.
I listened to Episode 44, Part 2 of Faithful and Intelligent? several times to absorb Barron’s reflection on the nonviolence of God (see also Christian vs. Christian: Stop Tearing Each Other Apart). You don’t hear such depth of thought every day, and you’ll never hear it if you don’t search for it. It is a feast for the mind and the soul.
A further feast awaits those who go to The Word on Fire Show’s show notes each week. Barron has been producing books, articles, video series and Youtube videos on Catholicism, popular culture and contemporary issues for almost twenty years.
Listening week by week and checking out the notes for your favorite episodes is an education in books, beauty, theology, philosophy and pop culture.
The Word on Fire website is another rich source of reflection and cultural commentary. You’ll find links to new articles, Youtube videos and the full catalog of Barron’s books and video series.
Word on Fire offers a consistent presentation of Christian truth for all lovers of goodness, truth and beauty. This is one podcast to prioritize. Your mind and heart will thank you.
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Reading is faster than listening, so I rarely listen to podcasts. These, Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron’s, will be an exception.
I’ve heard some of his other media work. He makes sense. And – although as you say, he doesn’t “dumb down” faith – he doesn’t present logically coherent faith in a way that’s weighed down with academese. I’ve found that clear and concise can be profound, too. 😉 And that’s another topic. Thanks for sharing!
Yes he has a rare gift for accessibility while maintaining rigor. But even more precious, his words are often touched with that Holy Spirit wind. I want to be holy when I listen to him. I need that most of all! Thanks for commenting!
I’ve been looking for some good listening recently. Excited to see what you have to share!
Awesome! Please let me know what you like as well. I often think of you when I listen to Bishop Barron, and also Haley Stewart’s podcast, “Fountains of Carrots,” which I plan to write about soon. Thanks for the comment Kate!