Best Middle Passage Podcasts (2025)

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036 - Gollum can't be trusted in "The Passage of the Marshes" 1:08:44

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9h ago1:08:44

1:08:44

This week we discuss book 4, chapter 2, "The Passage of the Marshes", from The Two Towers. Conversation Topics: The brutal brutality of The Passage of the Marshes and Tolkien’s masterful misery crafting Gollum’s animalistic guide mode and his dual personalities of Smeagol and Gollum The haunting imagery of corpse candles and battlefield ghosts in t…

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035 - Frodo and Sam Struggle with "The Taming of Smeagol" 1:21:16

7d ago1:21:16

1:21:16

Kicking off Book 4 in our brand new podcast set, this week we discuss book 4, chapter 1, "The Taming of Sméagol", from The Two Towers. Conversation Topics: The crew humorously shares their moving day antics and new recording space vibes. How Frodo and Sam cope with being alone in the wilderness. An analysis of Gollum versus Smeagol and the complexi…

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034 - Pippin’s Perilous Night with "The Palantír" 1:17:39

21d ago1:17:39

1:17:39

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 11, "The Palantír", from The Two Towers. Dive into the thrilling conclusion of Book Three with the Fool of a Took Podcast as Pippin's curiosity leads to a dire encounter with the enemy. Conversation Topics: Mispronunciations and playful takes on the word "Palantír" Recap of Saruman's foiled attempts at manipulat…

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The Middle of Everything: When Faith Feels Fragile 31:50

1M ago31:50

31:50

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. Welcome to the Rest, Roots, & Renewal podcast. This season we will explore the topic of midlife, and we are calling this season "The Middle of Everything: Conversations for the midlife soul". This week, Pastor Matt speaks about the doubts and questions that begin to manifest in many during midli…

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033 - Gandalf Has a Plan for "The Voice of Saruman" 1:18:05

28d ago1:18:05

1:18:05

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 10, "The Voice of Saruman", from The Two Towers. Conversation Topics: Understanding the power and magic of Saruman's voice Gandalf's diplomatic showdown with Saruman at Isengard The role of manipulation and perception in Tolkien's world The complexity of Gandalf’s character and his strategic restraint Pippin's u…

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The Middle of Everything: David Zahl & What Our Limits Can Teach Us 43:51

1M ago43:51

43:51

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. Welcome to the Rest, Roots, & Renewal podcast. This season we will explore the topic of midlife, and we are calling this season "The Middle of Everything: Conversations for the midlife soul". This week, we are joined by David Zahl. David is founder and director of Mockingbird Ministries which pr…

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032 - Big Wins for Merry and Pippin in "Flotsam and Jetsam" 1:21:46

1M ago1:21:46

1:21:46

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 9, "Flotsam and Jetsam", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": Pippin's Power Picnic We finally have a meal in the chapter!! Here is my recreation (surprisingly accurate) of the lunch Pippin prepared for Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. -Several slices of toast -Butter -Honey -Some slices of cooked bacon …

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The Middle of Everything: When Friendship Slows Down 1:06:32

1M ago1:06:32

1:06:32

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. Welcome to the Rest, Roots, & Renewal podcast. This season we will explore the topic of midlife, and we are calling this season "The Middle of Everything: Conversations for the midlife soul". This week, pastors Matt and Eric discuss the topic of friendship in midlife. We listen to Dr. Marisa Fra…

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031 - Shadows Fall Upon "The Road to Isengard" 1:20:51

1M ago1:20:51

1:20:51

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 8, "The Road to Isengard", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": Isengard Soup When I pictured the bowl of Isengard all flooded out with wreckage and debris floating everywhere, it reminded me of soup. So I made vegetable soup and assembled some breadsticks into a 4-sided Orthanc to stand in the cente…

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The Middle of Everything - I didn't think it would feel like this! 1:05:47

2M ago1:05:47

1:05:47

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. Welcome to the Rest, Roots, & Renewal podcast. This season we will explore the topic of midlife, and we are calling this season "The Middle of Everything: Conversations for the midlife soul". This week, pastors Matt and Eric sit down with Katie Maddox to discuss our stories and experience enteri…

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030 - "Helm’s Deep" - Too Many Orcs, Not Enough Wall 1:27:03

2M ago1:27:03

1:27:03

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 7, "Helm's Deep", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": Charcuterie Helm's Deep This chapter needed a map so badly... so I made one. Out of bread, meat, and cheese. You can really go wild with this one- here's what I used. -Cut up bread for the mountains and rock base of Hornburg -A salami stick for t…

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Parent Series - When you've made mistakes and need to repair. 44:31

2M ago44:31

44:31

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. We asked and you answered! A few months ago, we asked the members of our church, The Oaks Community Church in Middletown, Ohio, to give us their parenting questions. Each week for five weeks, pastors Matt and Eric will tackle your questions and release a podcast episode based on the parenting to…

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029 - The Fall (and Rise) of "The King of the Golden Hall" 1:18:09

2M ago1:18:09

1:18:09

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 6, "The King of the Golden Hall", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": Dirt and Wormtongue I couldn't get the idea of gummy worms out of my head when I was trying to figure out what to make for this chapter. Instead of simply presenting my cohosts with a bowl of candy, I jazzed it up with some homema…

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Parenting Series - How do I stay present when they pull away? 50:14

2M ago50:14

50:14

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES We asked and you answered! A few months ago, we asked the members of our church, The Oaks Community Church in Middletown, Ohio, to give us their parenting questions. Each week for five weeks, pastors Matt and Eric will tackle your questions and release a podcast episode based on the p…

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028 - Gandalf is Reborn as "The White Rider" 1:06:44

2M ago1:06:44

1:06:44

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 5, "The White Rider", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": Gandalf the White Russian What else would a White Rider drink? BTW, the white Russian was invented in Belgium! 2 parts vodka 1 part Kahlua 1 part heavy cream (or half and half if you are watching your figure) Mix the vodka and Kahlua in a gla…

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No Home After Time: The Hidden Sentence of Homelessness” 20:20

2M ago20:20

20:20

Episode Description: In this powerful episode of Corrected Felon Podcast, host Inspiretheblocc dives into a rarely addressed but urgent crisis: the staggering rates of homelessness among convicted felons after incarceration. Broadcasted on the Middle Passage Media Network, this conversation exposes how systemic barriers—like housing restrictions, e…

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Parenting your child through faith, doubts, and questions 1:10:24

2M ago1:10:24

1:10:24

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES We asked and you answered! A few months ago, we asked the members of our church, The Oaks Community Church in Middletown, Ohio, to give us their parenting questions. Each week for five weeks, pastors Matt and Eric will tackle your questions and release a podcast episode based on the p…

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027 - "Treebeard" Might Be Isengard's Greatest Foe 1:09:36

2M ago1:09:36

1:09:36

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 4, "Treebeard", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": Treebeard's Ent-Draught This one was a challenge- the drink was like water but "reminded them of the smell of a distant wood borne from afar by a cool breeze at night." Yes, of course. The internet saved me on this one. I based the non-alcoholic dr…

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Carl Jung’s Answer to Job Lecture 1: Introduction to Book of Job (Narcissism, God, and the Shadow) 30:46

3M ago30:46

30:46

Episode 21 of the Harry Venice Psychology Podcast - Season 2, Lecture 1. 🧠 Interested in 1:1 sessions with me? Im Certified to score Adult Attachment Interviews for Reflective Function and can help you repair your attachment security. I m also an Attachment, Trauma, and Jungian Therapist. I work with clients who are ready to heal attachment wounds …

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Parenting Through Hard Questions Around Identity & Sexuality 35:41

3M ago35:41

35:41

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES We asked and you answered! A few months ago, we asked the members of our church, The Oaks Community Church in Middletown, Ohio, to give us their parenting questions. Each week for five weeks, pastors Matt and Eric will tackle your questions and release a podcast episode based on the p…

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026 - "The Uruk-Hai" Are Terrifying 1:10:42

3M ago1:10:42

1:10:42

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 3, "The Uruk-Hai", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": Ugluk's Orc-Draught This drink was described as burning the mouth and giving an unbelievable burst of energy to the hobbits. My best attempt at an unpleasant drink to meet these requirements was a mix of Red Bull and Fireball cinnamon whiskey. T…

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Parenting Series - The Pressure We Carry 42:52

3M ago42:52

42:52

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES We asked and you answered! A few months ago, we asked the members of our church, The Oaks Community Church in Middletown, Ohio, to give us their parenting questions. Each week for five weeks, pastors Matt and Eric will tackle your questions and release a podcast episode based on the p…

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025 - Big, Bad, Blonde Killing Machines...aka "The Riders of Rohan" 1:15:54

3M ago1:15:54

1:15:54

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 2, "The Riders of Rohan", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": The Blondies of Rohan Listen, I wasn't feeling particularly inspired this week, OK? The riders are blond... right...? Honestly, just follow this recipe as written, it is perfect. https://smittenkitchen.com/2006/11/blondies/ For the mix-in…

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023 - We Weren't Ready for "The Departure of Boromir" - S2 PREMIERE 1:05:46

3M ago1:05:46

1:05:46

This week we discuss book 3, chapter 1, "The Departure of Boromir", from The Two Towers. Today's "Food For Thought": Boromir's Cream Horn Yes, that name was meant to be gross. Anyway, a cream horn is a real dessert and it felt right to honor Boromir. Recipe adapted from https://stressbaking.com/cream-horns/#recipe Thaw a sheet of puff pastry and sl…

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024 - BONUS EPISODE: Discussing "THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING" - Tolkien’s Text vs. Jackson’s Vision 1:28:45

3M ago1:28:45

1:28:45

*FYI - This episode is AUDIO only* A special BONUS EPISODE of Fool of a Took Podcast for the season 2 premiere. We sat down and analyzed Peter Jackson's 2001 Oscar winning adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring (the extended versions). We discuss the movie's triumphs, what we loved about it, and what we didn't love so much. Today's "Food For Thou…

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An important message to our fans... 3:18

3M ago3:18

3:18

June 25th - Season 2 - THE TWO TOWERS ---------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the Fool of a Took Podcast — the show where deep lore meets even deeper nonsense! Here's the catch - 2 of the 4 hosts have never read the books before! Join Chris, RJ, Pat and Laura as they dive headfirst into the world of Tolkien. With chapter sna…

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Loneliness, Attention, & the Fight for Connection 1:12:58

4M ago1:12:58

1:12:58

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES In our season finale (we will be back in a couple of weeks with a new season!), join us as we listen to David Brooks teach us "How To Really Know Somebody". David Brooks sits down with Kate Bower on the Everything Happens podcast to talk about how we often think we know someone, under…

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Forgiveness isn't fair...it's better. 1:03:59

4M ago1:03:59

1:03:59

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES Text: Genesis 45 (ESV) - Click HERE to read text Description: In this week's episode, Matt and Eric discuss Genesis 45 where Joseph reveals himself to his estranged brothers and offers forgiveness. How do we find forgiveness for those who have deeply wounded us? What does forgiveness …

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#020 Be an ORIGINAL: "From Trauma to True Self: Reclaim Your Inner Authority" healing attachment trauma through the word "authority" 10:50

4M ago10:50

10:50

Episode 20 of the Harry Venice Psychology Podcast: "Be an ORIGINAL: From Trauma to True Self: Reclaim Your Inner Authority". I trace the word "Authority" to its Latin roots and motivate you towards healing attachment traumas that keep you stuck in the wrong story. I also discuss some Jungian Psychology (Carl Jung's depth psychology), JUngian Analys…

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#019 Healing Trauma and Complex PTSD (CPTSD): Shadow Work and Carl Jung's answer to Trauma 19:35

4M ago19:35

19:35

Hi, I am Harry Venice and I am an Attachment, Trauma, and Jungian Therapist. I am also certified to score Adult Attachment Interviews for Reflective Function for clinical and research purposes. 👉 Book 1:1s with me at www.harryvenice.com Complex PTSD or CPTSD is a real disorder with real consequences. It was recently added to the ICD-11 as a diagnos…

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God, Guilt, and the Gift of Being Found Out 1:06:33

4M ago1:06:33

1:06:33

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES Text: Genesis 42 ESV (click HERE to read) Description: In this week's episode, Katie, Matt, and Eric discuss Genesis 42. Joseph finds himself face to face with his brothers after decades of being estranged from them. Familial wounds bubble to the surface, and Joseph is overcome with e…

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Read Your Story vs Forcing Your Story 58:28

4M ago58:28

58:28

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES Text: Genesis 41 (ESV, click here to read) Description: In this week's episode, Matt and Eric discuss Genesis 41. Joseph has spent the last 13 years, waiting for God to manifest the dream He had given to Joseph. Joseph is able to integrate his story, and also not show up with any expe…

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The Hidden Life: Why Being Seen Feels So Necessary 1:04:22

5M ago1:04:22

1:04:22

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES Text: Genesis 40 Description: In this week's episode, Matt and Eric discuss Genesis 40 where we find the story of Joseph in prison. Joseph shows up with kindness towards his fellow prisoners, and even helps interpret dreams for them. Joseph shows us that even in the "pit", in the dark…

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Why isn’t Integrity more rewarding? 1:08:13

5M ago1:08:13

1:08:13

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES Text: Genesis 39 Description: In this week's launch of season 7, Matt and Eric discuss Genesis 39 where we find the story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife. Joseph's story goes from bad to worse. What should someone do when their life is in crisis? How does someone stay present with thems…

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Confessions of a Pastor at Easter 59:38

5M ago59:38

59:38

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES This is our season ending episode. We will resume with season 7 next month. In this week's episode, Matt and Eric reflect on the Holy Week, Good Friday, and Easter. What does a pastor think of the so-called "Chreasters", the people that show up to church, but only on Christmas and Eas…

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Do Violent Offenders Re-Offend More Than Nonviolent Offenders 18:23

6M ago18:23

18:23

In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the intriguing world of criminal behavior by analyzing the differences between violent offenders and nonviolent offenders. Using the latest statistics from the Department of Justice, we dissect the patterns and factors that influence the likelihood of reoffending. Join us as we explore questions like: A…

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Crucified Projections - Resurrected Lives 1:01:30

6M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES Text: Matthew 25:14-30 Description: In this week's episode, Katie Noble joins Matt and Eric to discuss Jesus' parable of "The Talents". In the parable, Jesus talks about 3 people who are each entrusted with talents, or money, from their master. When the master returns, two were welcom…

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Living everyday ready, not rushed. 44:36

6M ago44:36

44:36

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES Text: Matthew 25:1-13 Description: In this week's episode, Katie Noble joins Matt and Eric to discuss Jesus' parable of "The Ten Virgins". In the parable, Jesus compares those who are ready and waiting for Him and those who will be unprepared. What does it mean to be ready? To wait? S…

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Thank God I know what I'm doing and have all the answers! 53:48

6M ago53:48

53:48

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES Text: Luke 18:9-14 Description: In this week's episode, Kevin, Matt, and Eric discuss Jesus' parable of "The Pharisee and the Tax Collector". In the parable, Jesus gives a shocking revelation about what kind of person is justified in the Kingdom of God. This parable invites into sever…

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Why cruelty should scare the hell out of you. 1:10:30

6M ago1:10:30

1:10:30

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES Text: Luke 16:19-31 Description: In this week's episode, Katie, Matt, and Eric discuss Jesus' parable of "Lazarus and the Rich Man". In the parable, Jesus does much more than just give us some data points about hell, but rather, He reveals that there are two different ways of showing …

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Control Freak? Me too! (And why accountability is a gift.) 1:12:19

7M ago1:12:19

1:12:19

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES Text: Matthew 21:33-46 Description: In this week's episode, Katie , Matt, and Eric discuss Jesus' parable of The Wicked Tenants. The parable confronts and convicts the religious elite and how they have refused to listen to God through the prophets and messengers He had sent their way.…

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Why changing your mind is so hard, yet so freeing. 1:07:51

7M ago1:07:51

1:07:51

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES Text: Matthew 21:28-32 Description: In this week's episode, pastors Kevin, Matt, and Eric discuss Jesus' parable of The Two Sons. Through the parable, Jesus confronts the religious elite in their unwillingness to change their mind and thinking about Him. When is the last time you chan…

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The Kingdom Is A Party 1:03:52

7M ago1:03:52

1:03:52

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. Text: Luke 14 Description: In this week's episode, Matt and Eric discuss Luke 14, where Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a party. What kind of people reject an invitation to the Kingdom of Heaven? What kind of people end up going to the party in the Kingdom? What about holiness? Is God mo…

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President Trump EO on Gun Control in America 28:52

7M ago28:52

28:52

In this gripping episode, we dive deep into President Donald Trump’s recent Executive Order targeting the constitutionality of gun control measures in America. With heated debates raging over Second Amendment rights, public safety, and federal overreach, we unpack the implications of this bold political move. Is the EO a necessary pushback against …

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Dismantling the God Complex: Relaxing in, Being Known, and Remembering Our Poverty 1:14:31

7M ago1:14:31

1:14:31

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES Description: In this week's episode, pastors Matt and Eric discuss the significance of Rest, Roots, and Renewal. Where did these values come from? Why do they matter individually? Why do they matter for the local church? Aren't these values just for the privileged? And what if I am an…

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022 - Unimaginable Consequences from "the Breaking of the Fellowship" - S1 FINALE 1:28:54

7M ago1:28:54

1:28:54

As season one concludes, Frodo does an exposition dump, Chris nearly dies, and Sam forces Frodo to relive this childhood trauma. This week we discuss book 2, chapter 10, "The Breaking of the Fellowship", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": The Eye of Sugar I've been waiting a whole book to make these, so the final episode o…

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#018 The Final step to overcome Trauma and Complex PTSD (CPTSD): Neuroscience, Flashbacks Carl Jung's answer to Trauma 19:07

7M ago19:07

19:07

How does the Neuroscience of Complex PTSD meet with Carl Jung?! I explore that in this episode. Neuroscience provides the foundations. Carl Jung provides a final step. Complex PTSD or CPTSD is a real disorder with real consequences. It was recently added to the ICD-11 as a diagnosis. CPTSD is similar to PTSD, but is much more complicated due to the…

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Jesus Loves The Wrong People (And That's Good News) 1:02:06

8M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

Send us your questions and feedback by clicking HERE. SHOW NOTES Text: Luke 15 - The Prodigal Son Description: In this week's episode, pastors Katie, Matt, and Eric discuss Jesus' parable of The Prodigal Son. The younger son left home because he felt something was missing. Have you ever experienced a season where you felt restless—like there had to…

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021 - It's Either Death or Drowning in "The Great River" 1:02:28

8M ago1:02:28

1:02:28

Sam has a "crappy" time on the boat, Pat can't tell what color his shirt is, and Boromir gaslights the fellowship. This week we discuss book 2, chapter 9, "The Great River", from The Fellowship of the Ring. Today's "Food For Thought": Mini Swiss Rolls with Eyes (What Sam Saw) The Cake: 6 large eggs, separated, room temp 1/4 tsp cream of tartar, 3/4…

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#017 Psychology and Alchemy: an introduction to Carl Jung’s Psychology secret (Intensity, heat, CONFLICT, Shadow) 18:54

8M ago18:54

18:54

In Psychology Deep Dive podcast episode 17, Harry Venice provides a mini lecture which is an ‘Introduction to Carl Jung’s Alchemy’. We focus on Carl Jung’s text ‘Alchemical Studies’ (Collected Work 13) because it is a great introductory text for this difficult topic. In the beginning of this book, Jung discusses the classic Alchemical text: 'The Se…