A Christian and a Buddhist walk in to a bar

Does religion lead to flourishing?

What makes you flourish? Not just healthy, wealthy and wise; but truly flourish? Today we look in to some surprising results from a recent study, and open up some questions about how religious practice may help with our flourishing as individuals and society. 
 
https://www.abc.net.au/religion/harvard-global-flourishing-index-indonesia-more-than-happiness/106649806 
 https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ9m94xDHm3/ 

What is religion even for?

Why do we need religion? What does it do for our lives? what is it for?
 
We launch off from some of our previous questions to ramble about what we think a religion is for, and go off on all the usual tangents. 

The Pure Land

Do you want to go to Amitaba's pure land? What even is this magical place and how do i get there?! 
Today we dive in to one of the most popular versions of buddhism in east asia, and try to find out what it's all about.
 
https://tricycle.org/buddhism-pure-land/

Whose opinion matters?

Do you worry about the judgement of others? do you care about the opinions of others? Today we ramble on about our own views on who's opinions matter, Tai-Sen shares his new formula for letting go of the opinions of some, and injustice in general. 
 
Post-recording note: In this episode I (Tai-Sen) talk about referring to myself as a Monk. Since recording I have had further reflection and conversations about this, and have changed my opinion. 'Priest-candidate' is a more appropriate term for this life transition. 

Popesplaining

NEW EPISODE!That's right, we are back with a new episode again, and this time, its fight night. 
 
Sometimes, you need to explain something to someone, something about theology, some clear understanding that you have about important Augustinian doctrine that you've learnt from your recent conversion to Catholicism. But sometimes, the person you're explaining this complex theory to is....the Pope....?
 
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/17/pope-jd-vance-row-iran-just-war
 

Re-release: Violent Buddhism

With so much violence going on in the world right now, we thought it would be a good time to re-release an episode about how religions of all kind, even Buddhism, can lead to violence. And how in any situation, it's probably not a good idea.
Today we ask, is Buddhism, the religion on peace and love? Or... the religion of genocide? We look at why people are shocked at stories of violent Buddhism, and discuss peace in the middle east while we’re at it.  
 
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/05/opinion/buddhists-violence-tolerance.html  

Re-release: The Easter Special

Happy Easter once again! We are doing a big throw back to one of our first season specials, as Tai Sen (Jamal)learns all about Easter and what it really means.  

Pastor Jacob

SOMEONE has become a real live priest! Today we celebrate and talk about Jacob's ordination in to the Lutheran priesthood, how he feels, what's changed and what it all means. https://www.youtube.com/live/8Sw-sq_d9BY?si=16bXogLH94lGXYkr

Reflections on the pilgrimage - Part 2

We continue our discussion on Tai-Sen's recent journey around Shikoku. And talk more broadly about pilgrimages, self and non-self, and spiritual growth. 

Reflecting on the Pilgrimage - Part 1

Tai-Sen is back from Japan. After walking 2000km and visiting 108 temples, he shares his thoughts and reflections on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, what it meant to him, what he learnt, and how he has changed.