Best It S Lit Podcasts (2025)

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You Can Be a God. Bam! 1:02:24

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4d ago1:02:24

1:02:24

Find this episode on YouTube: After dropping an article that ruffled some feathers, John had to invite Mathew back on the show. And alongside him Dcn. Seraphim who provides excellent insight to a the idea of theosis. Join us in Greenville or Islamorada for ART OF THE TAMDA: https://first-things.org/aot ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/…

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From Aidyn & Quinn: A Quick Voice Note for Tonight, 6PM local 1:47

14d ago1:47

1:47

Tonight, 6PM local — Reading To Connect Day is here 📚💕 It’s happening. Families around the world are already gathering — and tonight at 6PM your local time, it’s your turn. Reading To Connect Day™ was born from something simple: me and my son Aidyn choosing to read for connection over performance. That choice has grown into proclamations from citie…

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Heather Pollington - Waking Up English and Orthodox 56:29

15d ago56:29

56:29

Find this episode on YouTube: Heather Pollington is a Lead Graphic and Surface Designer working in the television and film industry. Some notable projects she has worked on include the Pirates of the Caribbean, James Bond, The Tourist, Maleficent, and many more. She recently collaborated with Jonathan Pageau to illustrate the story of Snow White. Y…

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Frederica Mathews-Green Enters the Light-O-Meter 55:49

25d ago55:49

55:49

Discover this episode on YouTube: Today we have a most special guest - Frederica Mathewes-Green. A guest who embodies love and joy in equal measure. She is an author of over a dozen books and articles as well as providing film reviews for National Review Online. She is also well known for her speaking engagements across the US and, to our great ple…

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Culture At the Crossroads with Fr. Christian Siskos of Noetic Spring 1:39:49

1M ago1:39:49

1:39:49

Find this episode on YouTube: Fr. Christian Siskos joins John Heers at Keipi Restaurant to sit down and talk about AI, equality of men and women, tradition and the Supra. Discover more Fr. Siskos here: Fr. Christian Siskos ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Sup…

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It’s happening. 6:43

1M ago6:43

6:43

Announcing the first-ever Reading To Connect Day™ I didn’t plan to create a holiday. I just wanted families to feel safe again—to pause, not perform. To read like it mattered beyond the reading. And when I started sharing our story, something happened. Parents from everywhere started joining in. Not for a program. Not for a prize. For a moment. In …

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Martyrdom, MAGA and the Epstein Files 16:21

2M ago16:21

16:21

Find this episode on YouTube: One of our leaders has to get down in the mud. Who's it going to be? See the original video here: ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https://supradinner.com/ 🏖️ Tailormade tours that give back: https://www.gra…

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For some... it's deeper than being tired 9:03

2M ago9:03

9:03

For Some, It’s Deeper Than Being TiredWhy one wrong math answer made her stop reading to her son. She helped him with his math.She got it wrong.It became his lowest grade of the year.So she stopped reading with him. It wasn’t even a reading moment. But it made her feel like her voice didn’t matter—and that maybe she was holding him back. This episo…

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Is Nepotism the Next Great Business Model? - Nicholai Blasing 1:13:46

2M ago1:13:46

1:13:46

Find this episode on YouTube: Nicholai is an expat living and working in South Korea, a convert to Orthodoxy, author, and getting people excited over on X/Twitter for his ideas on nepotism. Is it really bad? Isn't it something we've seen throughout history? John finds out. More Nicholai on X: https://x.com/Nicholai_Korea His work: http://www.monarc…

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Disaster, Detention, and Denial: The Human Cost of This Regime 19:49

2M ago19:49

19:49

Video version available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HKdV0FHSLMQ In this episode of UnWrapped, I sit down to talk plainly about the cruelty and chaos unfolding under this administration—from the deadly flash floods in Texas, to the Epstein investigation’s quiet closure, to the inhumane migrant camp in the Everglades they're calling "Alligator Alcat…

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Bazed Lit Analyzer - 10 Badass Christian Films You Should Watch 1:20:43

2M ago1:20:43

1:20:43

Find this episode on YouTube: Enigmatic movie commentator BLA sits down to talk Christian movies and why so many just get it wrong. Also a little rabbit hole of talking about Christic moments in film, redemtion, and what makes a movie Christian if God isn't in it. Oh and spoiler alert: Gods Not Dead didn't make the list. Find more Bazed Lit Analyze…

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We’re Not Just Reading... 7:57

2M ago7:57

7:57

What My Son—and One Surprising Conversation—Reminded Me About This Movement When my 11-year-old said "I love it because it just feels good...brings us closer" about our reading time, it reminded me why I started all of this. Then a friend shared how my private podcast shifted her from rushed, tense reading to creating intentional moments with her k…

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Ilya Sutskever Is Not A Biological Computer...Even If He Wants to Be 14:41

3M ago14:41

14:41

Find this episode on YouTube: You are not simply a biological computer. No matter what the latest AI super nerd says. This is an emergency pod - listen up! ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https://supradinner.com/ 🏖️ Tailormade tours tha…

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Why Trump’s War Is Bigger Than Missiles 22:03

3M ago22:03

22:03

Trump just launched airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites—and Congress didn’t approve any of it. In this episode, I break down exactly how we got here, starting with Israel’s attack on Iran, why the U.S. had no business getting involved, and how Trump is following the authoritarian playbook step by step. We’ll talk about Tulsi Gabbard’s sworn testimon…

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John Hammond - American Orthodox Deep Dive 1:22:38

3M ago1:22:38

1:22:38

Find this episode on YouTube: John Hammond is the author and director of 'American Orthodox' which explore the roots of Orthodox Christianity here in the U.S. John is a writer, editor, and (relatively) recent convert to Orthodoxy after a long road searching for the truth. Find out more about the film and screenings here: https://americanorthodoxfil…

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What Does 'Martial Law' REALLY Mean? And Why YOU Need to Pay Attention! 12:33

3M ago12:33

12:33

What does martial law really mean—and why does it keep popping up in moments of protest? In this episode, we break down the truth behind military crackdowns in America, from the Pullman Strike to Lafayette Square, and why the federal response to recent protests in L.A. should have everybody on alert. Spoiler: This isn’t new. And it’s not about “kee…

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Robert Jackson - Education Needs a Rethink 1:08:19

3M ago1:08:19

1:08:19

Dr. Jackson is a professor of English and is the founding partner for Classical Commons - a hub connecting resources and people together that are interested in classical education. Currently, Dr. Jackson serves as senior fellow for both Flagler College and the Chesterton Schools Network. John and Dr. Jackson take a dive into classical ed and look a…

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Book Bans Ain’t About Safety — They’re About Control 25:35

4M ago25:35

25:35

In this episode of UnWrapped, your host Tasha Pierce is cracking open the real story behind a recent headline that should have us all concerned — the U.S. Naval Academy quietly removing nearly 400 books from its library shelves because they were labeled “divisive.” Tasha dives into what this really means, why it matters, and how censorship disguise…

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Rod Dreher - Can We Live Without Lying? 1:07:22

4M ago1:07:22

1:07:22

Find this episode on YouTube: Rod Dreher is the author of the 'Benedict Option' and 'Live Not By Lies' - both exploring how to live as Christians in this modern world. Discover the four part series Live Not By Lies here: https://www.angel.com/shows/live-not-by-lies and stay to the end of the show for one of the best Light-O-Meter tests in a long ti…

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Unwrapped: When AI Tells on Its Creator - Grok's White Genocide Confession 40:29

4M ago40:29

40:29

Unwrapped with Latasha Pierce delivers a no-holds-barred analysis of the week's most controversial topics in politics, technology, and social justice. In this fiery episode, Tasha dives into Elon Musk's manipulation of his AI chatbot Grok, exposing how it was programmed to spread white genocide conspiracy theories about South Africa. She connects t…

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Why Inalienable Rights Still Matter (And Always Will) 30:34

4M ago30:34

30:34

In this episode of UnWrapped, we’re breaking down the concept of Inalienable Rights — what they are, where they come from, and why they matter now more than ever. We take a quick trip through Revolutionary history to understand why the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were written in the first place, and how those foundational documents…

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A Supra Good Time 1:04:30

4M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

Find this episode on YouTube: So we did a pod from the restaurant. And there is a lot we need to fix for the next one, but we thank you for your patience as we work out the kinks! Much love from Keipi restaurant and the crew. If you or someone you know should also get a spot at the Supra, hit us up! We would be interested in hearing from you. ✒ Sub…

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The Strike That Could Save Democracy: GENERAL STRIKE 44:52

5M ago44:52

44:52

What if I told you that real power isn’t in the hands of politicians—it’s in ours? In this special episode of Democracy on the Brink: A Revolution in Real Time, we’re breaking down the true power of the general strike—how everyday people have used it to challenge injustice, topple regimes, and reclaim their futures. We dive into the history of gene…

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A Case for A.I. 1:23:26

5M ago1:23:26

1:23:26

Find this episode on YouTube: DJ Melki Prophet (prophet added by John) joins HTL to make a bid for AI. Is AI the evil overlord waiting for its moment to enslave us all? Or is it a tool to be used with wisdom in service to creation? Well, let's find out shall we? Discover more Melki Prophet here: ⁨@fivezy242⁩ or at https://teegla.com/ Sell your stuf…

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Episode 33: 48 1:04:55

5M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

F O R T Y - E I G H T

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Holy Hypocrisy: Would Jesus Co-Sign MAGA? 23:33

5M ago23:33

23:33

It’s Resurrection Sunday, and in this episode of Unwrapped, Tasha Pierce brings the heat to the pulpit. With Easter in full swing, she asks a pointed question to MAGA-aligned Christians: Would Jesus co-sign the cruelty we’re seeing today? From immigration policies to the treatment of federal workers, Tasha takes a look at the actions of the current…

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Can Anyone Be An Exorcist? 1:33:49

5M ago1:33:49

1:33:49

Find this episode on YouTube: John sits down with Pastor Mark to talk demons, exorcism, prayer, what is Christianity and more from our very own Keipi restaurant. Before entering into Christianity fully, Pastor Mark was a fraud investigator with more than 30 years experience. And when he heard about demons being cast out he was naturally skeptical, …

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The Dictator’s Checklist: Trump’s Not-So-Secret Playbook 29:23

5M ago29:23

29:23

In this raw and unapologetic episode of Tasha Pierce: UnWrapped, Tasha breaks down the terrifying pattern playing out in real time: Donald Trump checking off the dictator to-do list like it’s a damn grocery run. From weaponizing the economy and flouting Supreme Court rulings to building a cult of personality and silencing opposition—this ain't cons…

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What's a Boomer Really? 1:06:29

5M ago1:06:29

1:06:29

Find this episode on YouTube: Discover more Jay @JayDyer You have stuff. Sell it and donate the earnings here: https://first-things.org/ebay-store ...And sleep better at night knowing your Light-o-Meter score: https://first-things.org/lightometer ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you'v…

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More Than A Moment: Keeping the Resistance Lit 25:40

5M ago25:40

25:40

In this episode of Unwrapped, Tasha Pierce dives deep into the themes of resistance, power, and the role of storytelling in social change. She reflects on the energy of recent protests, the government's reaction, and the importance of sustained activism. From the power of memes to the lessons in sci-fi, Tasha explores how pop culture shapes our und…

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Caving to Trump: Law Firms, Universities, and the Death of Accountability 21:22

6M ago21:22

21:22

In this episode of Unwrapped, Tasha delves into the troubling developments under the second Trump administration, emphasizing the importance of holding those in power accountable. Pierce addresses the unlawful detention of Rumeysa Ozturk for her support of Palestinian human rights, the capitulation of major law firms and universities to Trump's age…

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Controlling Minds: The Real Reason They Want to Kill Public Schools 24:41

6M ago24:41

24:41

"If you wanted to control the future, where would you start? With the minds of the next generation." In this episode of Sinister Silhouettes, we break down the current administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and expose the deeper motives behind it. Is it really about cutting costs and giving power back to the states, or is…

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Pet Mania Pt 2 26:02

6M ago26:02

26:02

Let's walk our doggy strollers a little further down this path shall we? What was going on in the ancient world with pets? Did we have them? Worship them? Eat them perhaps? And what can it tell us about our pet situation today? ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced …

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Trump: Making the Arts Great Again? 11:47

6M ago11:47

11:47

In this episode of UnWrapped Weekly Wrap-Up, Tasha dives into the latest power grab in the arts: Donald Trump’s unprecedented takeover of the Kennedy Center. From stacking the board with his loyalists to dictating programming and taking shots at Hamilton, Trump is making it clear that his version of the arts won’t include anything he deems “too wok…

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Who’s Running Social Security? The DOGE Kids and the Privatization Push 35:15

6M ago35:15

35:15

Until things have gotten back to normal in the US, I will be talking about the CRIMES that are being committed against the American people. Thanks for being my sounding board for DEMOCRACY. RESIST!!! A group of young tech recruits—dubbed the "DOGE Kids"—have taken over key government operations under the Department of Government Efficiency, a Trump…

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Staying Connected: Friendship, Challenges, and the Stories That Help Us Understand 31:08

6M ago31:08

31:08

Join me in this episode of Reading To Connect as I sit down with Hope Larson, New York Times bestselling and multi-Eisner award-winning cartoonist, to talk about her new middle-grade graphic novel, Very Bad at Math. We dive into the power of shared reading experiences, the impact of learning differences like dyscalculia, and how books can help kids…

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ARC, Kingsnorth, and a small Georgian village 22:19

6M ago22:19

22:19

Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Jzkza56gamU I recently had the chance to attend the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship's 2025 conference in Europe. After spending a few days watching and observing the goings-on from behind the curtain, I have a few thoughts on all of this. ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.…

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USAID: We Know All About It 37:47

7M ago37:47

37:47

Find this episode on YouTube: Seeing as First Things Foundation does international aid, not to mention personal experience with other international aid organizations, I thought I might chime in with my two cents. Also, check out Gratitude Travels (gratitude-travels.com) for incredible adventures. And Art of the Tamada has two upcoming events which …

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When I Hear Spirituals: A Children’s Book Rooted in the Beauty and Deep History of Black Music 42:18

7M ago42:18

42:18

Join me in this episode of Reading To Connect as I sit down with Cheryl Willis Hudson, author of When I Hear Spirituals and co-founder of Just Us Books, to explore how music, storytelling, and Black history come together in children’s books. We dive into the rich legacy of spirituals, how they carry the voices of our ancestors, and why these songs …

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More to Life than Stardom 1:19:07

7M ago1:19:07

1:19:07

Find this episode on YouTube: Christian Ray Flores was at one point, the most famous pop star in Russia. But his rise to fame and subsequent search for something more is a story even wilder than the 90's. Discover more of Christian's story at his website including his book: ✒ Substack: ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever …

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We Need to Talk 32:25

7M ago32:25

32:25

Find this episode on YouTube: Yeah. This needs to be said. HQ: https://www.heavythingslightly.com ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https://supradinner.com/ 🏖️ Tailormade tours that give back: https://www.gratitude-travels.com/home 🔎 Disc…

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A 10-Year-Old’s Take on Trump: What Sandcastles Teach Us About Power and the Power of Story 8:22

7M ago8:22

8:22

Can Stories Build a More Just World for Our Children? In this heartfelt episode, I share a powerful conversation with my 10-year-old son, Aidyn, sparked during our morning drive to school. His reflection on Donald Trump’s proposal to eliminate the Department of Education stopped me in my tracks: “What does he think America is? His playbox? All he’s…

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Resisting Erasure: The Power of Black Stories & Women’s History in Children’s Books 37:04

7M ago37:04

37:04

Join me in this episode of Reading To Connect as I sit down with Rio Cortez, author of The ABCs of Black History and The ABCs of Women’s History, to explore how children’s books can resist erasure and bring diverse voices to the forefront of history. We dive into the power of representation in children’s literature, the thought process behind selec…

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Uncle Seth Hates Stuff 1:23:51

7M ago1:23:51

1:23:51

Find this episode on YouTube: Our favorite guest is finally back after months of radio silence. Take a moment and show some support for hltp here: ✒ Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/ ⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf 🍷The best dinner party you've ever experienced - Supra Dinner Society: https://supradinner.com/ 🏖️ Tailormade tours that give ba…

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Let’s Read Together—The 28-Day Read Black Voices Challenge 📚💕 15:07

7M ago15:07

15:07

Join Our 28-Day Read Black Voices for BHM Reading Challenge! 📚✨ It’s here! Our 28-Day Read Black Voices for BHM Reading Challenge invites you to read books featuring Black main characters or written by Black authors—one intentional moment of reading at a time. But don’t worry—it’s not about finishing the book. The goal is simple: start reading, con…

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Church History is Wild 1:39:00

8M ago1:39:00

1:39:00

Find this episode on YouTube: Mathew Namee and Richard Rohlin join John to talk history. But weird history, because it turns out the world has ended. Maybe multiple times. And the way we see history today is not how humanity has always seen it. Mathew Namee is the editor for Orthodox History (https://www.orthodoxhistory.org/) and works closely with…

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Building the Future: Kids as Social Change Makers in a Complex World 32:01

8M ago32:01

32:01

Join me in this episode of Reading To Connect as I chat with Deepa Iyer, author of We Are The Builders!, about introducing kids to social change in a way they can understand and act on. Deepa’s book inspires children to see themselves as active change makers in their communities, whether through roles like "experimenter" or "caregiver." We dive int…

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The Science Behind Orthodox Fasting 1:08:28

8M ago1:08:28

1:08:28

Find this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPI-yQCZfKo We welcome back Dr Pete Patitsas, author of the Athos Diet, to talk more about the science behind intermitent fasting, diet, and the broader implications of fasting. Fasting goes beyond the physical and when applied culturally, may have far reaching benefits. Read more on the…

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When Family Reading Feels Like a Struggle 📚💕 7:00

8M ago7:00

7:00

In this episode, Quinn Cummings dives into the heart of family reading. If you’ve ever felt guilty about not reading enough with your kids, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you. Quinn challenges the idea that literacy alone is enough to motivate busy parents, especially when kids are surrounded by books and reading in school. Instead, she s…

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A reminder to stay open 📚💕 4:55

8M ago4:55

4:55

In this heartfelt episode, host Quinn shares a touching story about a quiet Saturday spent with her son, Aidyn. While engrossed in Ta-Nehisi Coates' "A Beautiful Struggle," Quinn is drawn into an unexpected and profound conversation initiated by Aidyn's curiosity about the Bible and the wildfires in LA. This moment of connection reveals the incredi…