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Podcast Benomtad: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Ben Lundy
Open, philosophically-oriented conversations about almost any topic with almost anyone, but focusing on culture, spirituality and personal growth.
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- 1 weeks ago1h 31m
Why are Zombies Everywhere?
Zombies are everywhere in our culture, in movies and shows, and even in real life, on zombie walks. They’ve gone from being an object of horror to one of fascination, one that seems to reflect something back to us. In “Zombies in Western Culture,” zombies are analyzed as a myth of Western culture and a symbol of the meaning crisis. In this episode, we discuss chapter one, where Vervaeke and his coauthors discuss the zombie as part of the zeitgeist, of something hugely significant in and about our culture. They think this reflects the crisis based in the loss of the “sacred canopy” of Christianity. We briefly summarize the chapter and the riff off it. We compare the zombie with other monsters and discuss its link to consumerism. We discuss other attempts to awaken us from our slumber and the difficulty to doing so, and we talk about returning to the senses, the body, knowledge, and life. “Zombies in Western Culture: A Twenty-First Century Crisis,” by John Vervaeke, Christopher Mastropietro, and Filip Miscevic: http://dx.doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0113 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:31 General Thoughts & the Aesthetic of the Zombie 05:35 “A Choice to Sleep Through Modernity” 16:00 The Hebrew Golem 17:22 Play Acting a Walking Dead 22:15 Zombie Walks and Serious Play 30:15 Muay Thai, Civilization, and “Fight Club” 34:54 No Meaning Out of Consumption 42:42 The Zombie Mirror, Marketing, & Anger in Society Now 48:45 “The White Zombie” 52:15 Everything is Seen from Your Own Need 56:55 The Zombie & Christian Resurrection 1:01:49 Healthy Seeing by Returning to the Body 1:08:01 The Nightmare of Descartes’ Idea 1:10:30 HP Lovecraft’s Monster and the Desacralization of Our World 1:15:10 The Artist as Shaman 1:22:03 The Usefulness of Form in Art & Twisted Messages 1:29:45 Articulate the Meaning of Your Monsters (From a discussion on “Zombies in Western Culture: A Twenty-First Century Crisis,” Ch. 1) Thank you for watching! If you’re interested in the full discussion, see below: The full video episode: https://youtu.be/9Cab_C9YhNk?si=x5SDEOQlL0vAU1Iq The Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMIlJwXEK2vqfEOVgfclRgZNXO4boyP3T The Episode Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMIlJwXEK2vqibKcegyTVC5o4oxLsO4Z7 For more in this podcast, please go to: Podbean: https://benomtad.podbean.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-benomtad/id1748320863 YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@scissorsandpaper/videos Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kJPGlaJjGVyLa9AKhci6t?si=8XXrX9FUT3CU71reCfA5kQ X: https://x.com/Benomtad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benomtad About our guest: Ian Reclusado is currently off exploring the poetic wilds of psychology, neuroscience, and spirituality. He also offers guidance services for those interested in delving into their own inner wilderness. You can find his weekly dispatches at www.thekindknife.com or follow him on Instagram: @ian_reclusado Photo by Jose Rueda on Unsplash I plan to conduct more interviews with various guests, so please check back later for those.
- 1 weeks ago8 min
God is Turned Down (Clip)
At the beginning of the story, the man has had his 13th child, and in a panic he runs out into the street looking for a godfather, and God shows up. He turns him down, pontificating to the Almighty, and showing the creator his puny reasoning and narrow focus. (From a discussion on the Brothers’ Grimm’s “Godfather Death”) Thank you for watching! If you’re interested in the full discussion, see below: The full video episode: https://youtu.be/QMR3sj33mRo Audio episode: https://benomtad.podbean.com/e/the-brothers-grimms-godfather-death/ The Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMIlJwXEK2vqfEOVgfclRgZNXO4boyP3T The Episode Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMIlJwXEK2vpY9MModKJtD9o999pFQ34L For more in this podcast, please go to: Podbean: https://benomtad.podbean.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-benomtad/id1748320863 YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@scissorsandpaper/videos Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kJPGlaJjGVyLa9AKhci6t?si=8XXrX9FUT3CU71reCfA5kQ X: https://x.com/Benomtad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benomtad About our guest: Ian Reclusado is currently off exploring the poetic wilds of psychology, neuroscience, and spirituality. He also offers guidance services for those interested in delving into their own inner wilderness. You can find his weekly dispatches at www.thekindknife.com or follow him on Instagram: @ian_reclusado Illustration by Heinrich Lefler (1863-1919) Illustrations by Otto Ubbelohde, 1909 I plan to conduct more interviews with various guests, so please check back later for those.
- 2 weeks ago1h 38m
The Power of Foresight in Grimm's "Godfather Death"
A man works very hard but there is no one left to ask to be the godfather as his 13th child is on the way. He rushes out into the street and is approached by three prospects. The first is God, whom he rejects because of the unfair assortment of lots, the second, the Devil, he rejects because of his trickery. The third, however, he accepts because he treats everyone equally: Death. The boy starts to grow up, and his godfather gives him a gift that will make him rich and famous: he will be a physician who will be able to tell who will die and who won’t. His fame spreads, and when the king is ill, he sees that the king will die. However, thinking the godfather will be indulgent with him, the physician uses trickery to save him. He does get a pass, but then when he sees that the beautiful daughter of the king is sick and he can marry her if he saves her, he counts on his relationship with Death to spare him once again. This time, Death grips him with his icy hand and takes him down into a cavern filled with candles. These, he explains, are the lives of each human on earth, and the more one is burned down, the less that person has to live. The physician asks to see his own, and it’s a mere nub. He asks to be saved, and he is told another would have to die in his place. When Death goes to light the big candle with the little one’s flame, he drops it and kills his wayward godson. Chapters: 00:00 Reading of “Godfather Death” 07:27 The Original Tale Without Death’s Trick 09:00 Death is Friendly 11:36 God Shows Up at the Beginning 20:00 First Thought, Best Thought 25:50 The Devil as Godfather? 30:49 Why He Says No to God’s Offer 35:36 Death’s Gift of Life 47:25 “Be on Time, Death” 48:18 Why Does the Physician want to Save the King? 57:58 Death’s Revenge 1:06:31 The Doctor and his Godfather, Death 1:16:24 Living in the Present and Learning how to Die 1:25:10 Religious Need for a Figure of Death 1:26:43 Does Closeness to Death Help the Physician Heal? 1:28:46 There’s No Changing Your Nature 1:34:42 Trying to Control Others is Like Necromancy’s Dark Side Thank you for watching! Please check out: The full video episode: https://youtu.be/QMR3sj33mRo The Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMIlJwXEK2vqfEOVgfclRgZNXO4boyP3T The Episode Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMIlJwXEK2vpY9MModKJtD9o999pFQ34L For more in this podcast, please go to: Podbean: https://benomtad.podbean.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-benomtad/id1748320863 YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@scissorsandpaper/videos Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kJPGlaJjGVyLa9AKhci6t?si=8XXrX9FUT3CU71reCfA5kQ X: https://x.com/Benomtad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benomtad About our guest: Ian Reclusado is currently off exploring the poetic wilds of psychology, neuroscience, and spirituality. He also offers guidance services for those interested in delving into their own inner wilderness. You can find his weekly dispatches at www.thekindknife.com or follow him on Instagram: @ian_reclusado I plan to conduct more interviews with various guests, so please check back later for those.
- 3 weeks ago4 min
Corruption in the Garden (Clip)
The queen bathes in the stream in the garden with her angelic babe, a scene of pure life and innocence. Into this scene slinks the power-hungry cook, who manipulates the scene to look like that of a beastly killing, leading to the imprisonment of the mother and his absconding with the young princeling. The story goes from one of God's grace to one of greed and justice. (From a discussion on the Brothers’ Grimm’s “The Pink (Carnation)”) Thank you for watching! If you’re interested in the full discussion, see below: The full video episode: https://youtu.be/1a8GjTiQYNM Audio episode: https://benomtad.podbean.com/e/the-pink-carnation-by-the-brothers-grimm/ The Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMIlJwXEK2vqfEOVgfclRgZNXO4boyP3T The Episode Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMIlJwXEK2vqg2DhM7puvzo3VNwUsShLf For more in this podcast, please go to: Podbean: https://benomtad.podbean.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-benomtad/id1748320863 YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@scissorsandpaper/videos Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kJPGlaJjGVyLa9AKhci6t?si=8XXrX9FUT3CU71reCfA5kQ X: https://x.com/Benomtad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benomtad I plan to conduct more interviews with various guests, so please check back later for those. Pink Carnation Girl Photo by Alka Rautela on Unsplash
- May 6, 202659 min
"The Pink (Carnation)," by the Brothers Grimm
A queen was without child, and an angel came to her and told her she would have a child who would have the power of wishing. After she had the child, the cook, who knew of the son’s ability, staged the son’s death and blamed the queen, who was imprisoned by the king for seven years. The cook, who was afraid the son would have him discovered, had the boy wish for a palace to live in, and then a beautiful companion. The cook would go out and hunt like a nobleman every day. But soon, he was again afraid the boy would tell the truth, and told the girl to kill him, on pain of death. She refused, but he persisted, and she eventually told the boy of the plan. He had her kill a hind and present the cook with the heart and tongue. He had the cook turned into a poodle The girl was afraid to accompany him back to his kingdom, so he turned her into a carnation and put her in his pocket, and they walked with the poodle chained behind him. He visited his mother in the tower, then worked as a huntsman for the king, and during a feast he wished for others to bring up the topic of his mother. He revealed the truth to the king, who rejoiced and freed the queen. Hot coals were poured down the poodle’s throat, and then he was executed; the father and queen soon died of grief and relief. The boy and girl were married. Chapters: 00:00 Reading of the Story 10:25 The Ambivalent Power of Wishing 12:25 Like the Garden of Eden and Corruption of Greed for Power 16:34 The King’s Gullibility 18:40 The Upside Down Kingdom 22:41 The Cook Feels Himself Losing Control 29:21 Why Does the Boy Turn the Cook into a Black Poodle? 36:26 Returning Home and Seeing Mother in the Tower 40:11 Why Does the Prince Refuse to Sit Next to his Father? 43:19 The Prince Wishes His Mother Into the Room 50:33 The Queen’s Virtue 53:32 The Ironic Power of Wishing 54:58 Final Reflections Thank you for watching! If you’re interested in the full discussion, see below: The full video episode: https://youtu.be/1a8GjTiQYNM The Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMIlJwXEK2vqfEOVgfclRgZNXO4boyP3T For more in this podcast, please go to: Podbean: https://benomtad.podbean.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-benomtad/id1748320863 YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@scissorsandpaper/videos Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kJPGlaJjGVyLa9AKhci6t?si=8XXrX9FUT3CU71reCfA5kQ X: https://x.com/Benomtad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benomtad I plan to conduct more interviews with various guests, so please check back later for those. Pink Carnation Girl Photo by Alka Rautela on Unsplash
- Apr 29, 20264 min
Death Reveals the True Bride
When the false bride finally arrives, the true bride again almost dies. Ian sees this as a kind of initiation, a test to see if he will finally know who she is and remember his promise--and who he really is. (From a discussion on the Brothers’ Grimm’s “The Twelve Huntsmen”) Thank you for watching! If you’re interested in the full discussion, plese see below: The full video episode: https://youtu.be/-yZySp8Qshs?si=pDyETKJjS7546OZC Audio episode: https://benomtad.podbean.com/e/on-the-brothers-grimms-the-twelve-huntsmen-the-guys-of-truth/ The Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMIlJwXEK2vqfEOVgfclRgZNXO4boyP3T The Episode Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMIlJwXEK2vr3DwaH1OZBg239-GJ7AE6x For more in this podcast, please go to: Podbean: https://benomtad.podbean.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-benomtad/id1748320863 YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@scissorsandpaper/videos Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kJPGlaJjGVyLa9AKhci6t?si=8XXrX9FUT3CU71reCfA5kQ X: https://x.com/Benomtad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benomtad I plan to conduct more interviews with various guests, so please check back later for those. Huntsman Photo by Kam on Unsplash Lion Photo by Alexas_Fotos on Unsplash Princess Silhouette Photo by Baran Lotfollahi on Unsplash
- Apr 23, 20261h 33m
On the Brothers Grimm's "The Twelve Huntsmen:" The Guys of Truth
Death of the King A Prince, betrothed to his Beloved, is called away, for his father the King is dying. He gives his ring to his love and says he will marry her when he is king. The Promise At his father’s deathbed, bereaved, he promises to marry the King’s chosen bride for him. He forgets his previous promise. The Disguise The princess almost dies of sadness, and her father says he will do whatever he can, and she asks that eleven maidens like herself in form and face be found. Together with her, the twelve are dressed as huntsmen and presented to the new King, who does not recognize any of them but accepts them as his company. The Tests However, the wise Lion advises the King that they are no ladies. Two tests are devised, but another advisor on the ladies’ side helps them pass them, and the monarch dismisses the beast. Truth Revealed, the Prince is Made Whole The king and the Huntsmen spend time together well, but the soon-to-be Queen arrives, and the true beloved almost dies again. The king rushes to her and recognizes her, taking off her glove and seeing his ring. They marry, the other princess is dismissed, and the lion is brought back into the king’s company. Please join us for this tale of disguised truth, true disguises, getting lost at home and finding the truth in the woods! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:13 Reading of the Story 05:54 The Symbolism of a Dish vs. a Key 08:05 The Dying King vs. a True Love 15:15 Forgetting the Wish 22:20 A Wily Leader in a Sick Social Order 27:42 The Power of Twelve 30:45 The Truth Revealed in a Challenge 34:35 Death & The Prince’s Character 41:35 Suddenly, the Magical Talking Lion 48:29 The Lion’s Relaxed Character 49:45 The Lion’s Tests 55:55 Why the Women are Disguised as Huntsmen 57:55 Why the Princess Almost Dies Twice 1:00:58 Why are the Girls Hunters? 1:05:05 Hunting in Stories and Maturity 1:08:40 The Prince Almost Loses All 1:10:55 Our Suspicion of Instinct and the Narrowing of Rationality 1:21:17 The Truth of a Disguise 1:26:12 True Compassion Leads to Insight 1:30:11 Compassion: The Lifeblood of Society Thank you for watching! I love and have faith in dialogue. Please leave a suggestion for new guests, topics, or this conversation. How I can expand this Open Minded Thought and Discussion? And if you’re interested, please check out the following: The full video episode: https://youtu.be/-yZySp8Qshs?si=pDyETKJjS7546OZC The Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMIlJwXEK2vqfEOVgfclRgZNXO4boyP3T The Episode Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMIlJwXEK2vr3DwaH1OZBg239-GJ7AE6x For more in this podcast, please go to: Podbean: https://benomtad.podbean.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-benomtad/id1748320863 YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@scissorsandpaper/videos Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kJPGlaJjGVyLa9AKhci6t?si=8XXrX9FUT3CU71reCfA5kQ X: https://x.com/Benomtad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benomtad I plan to conduct more interviews with various guests, so please check back later for those.
- Apr 15, 20269 min
People are Alienated from Religion and the Real (Clip)
I summarize John Vervaeke (& Allan Bloom) on problems of religion in modernism. They often focus on identity, dogma, or stand for nothing. People don't go to it because it does not speak to them. So why are people turning more to Orthodox Christianity? (From a discussion on Religious Revival and Renewal) Pew Article: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/12/08/religion-holds-steady-in-america/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Richard Reeves’ Post: https://x.com/RichardvReeves/status/2002400790208463046?s=20 AP Article about Modern Orthodoxy: https://apnews.com/article/young-converts-online-eastern-orthodoxy-eef496dcd83a061d90a0b7aba33b6113 Thank you for watching! I love and have faith in dialogue. Please leave a suggestion for new guests, topics, or this conversation. How I can expand this Open Minded Thought and Discussion? And if you’re interested, please check out the following: The full video episode: https://youtu.be/LP-tJ1JhOyg Audio episode: https://benomtad.podbean.com/e/religious-revival-for-cultural-renewal/ The Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMIlJwXEK2vqfEOVgfclRgZNXO4boyP3T The Episode Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMIlJwXEK2vr3DwaH1OZBg239-GJ7AE6x For more in this podcast, please go to: Podbean: https://benomtad.podbean.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-benomtad/id1748320863 YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@scissorsandpaper/videos Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kJPGlaJjGVyLa9AKhci6t?si=8XXrX9FUT3CU71reCfA5kQ X: https://x.com/Benomtad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benomtad I plan to conduct more interviews with various guests, so please check back later for those. Cathedral Photo: Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
About Podcast Benomtad
Open, philosophically-oriented conversations about almost any topic with almost anyone, but focusing on culture, spirituality and personal growth.
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