Calmversations

Benjamin Boyce
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Jul 28, 2025 • 2h 41min

s07e89 | Rethinking the Political Compass, with Aethemplar

Dive into a captivating discussion with Aethemplar as they reframe the political landscape through historical lenses. Explore the nostalgic 'ghost dancing' of political identity and how crises reshape ideologies. Delve into the complexities of American values and the potential for unity amidst division. The interplay of faith and immigration highlights our shared humanity, while archetypes in leadership reveal the need for environmental awareness. Finally, consider the transformative power of myth and the evolution of governance in today’s political climate.
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Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 45min

S07E88 | Post-Culture War Comedy with Graham Linehan & Cori Cohn

Join Graham Linehan, celebrated writer of The IT Crowd, and Cori Cohn, co-host of Heterodorx, as they explore the evolution of comedy in today's changing cultural landscape. They tackle the impact of censorship on humor, juxtapose British and American comedic styles, and lament the decline of liberal humor. The duo also dives into gender fairness in sports, sharing Cori's personal experiences with activism. With sharp insights into storytelling and the complexities of societal discourse, their candid discussions navigate the challenges facing creators in a polarizing world.
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Jul 20, 2025 • 1h 30min

s07e87 | Orthodox Histories & Mysteries, with Father Michael Lillie

Father Michael Lillie, an Orthodox priest and host of the @OrthodoxExperience YouTube channel, shares his transformative journey from Catholicism to Orthodoxy. He discusses the importance of confession and the Eucharist, reflecting on the spiritual significance of feast days and personal struggles. Lillie delves into the complexities of clergy hierarchies and the doctrine of the Trinity, revealing how these beliefs shape personal faith. He highlights the vital role of community and the transformative power of spiritual practices in fostering a deeper connection with God.
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Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 34min

s07e86 | Political Awakening of a Social Worker, with Pamela Garfield-Jaeger

Pamela Garfield-Jaeger, an author and former social worker, shares her journey from progressive beliefs to activism against gender affirming care for minors. She discusses her children's book, "Froggy Girl," which promotes self-acceptance while critiquing contemporary gender ideology. Garfield-Jaeger opens up about her struggle with thoracic outlet syndrome, highlighting resilience and the importance of community. She also reflects on the personal trauma linked to historical events like 9/11 and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her evolving identity and therapeutic approach.
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Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 51min

s07e85 | Vectors of Political Realignment: Economics, Israel, Christianity, with PF Jung

PF Jung, an enlightened centrist and political content creator, dives into today's heated political climate. He unpacks the factors behind political realignment, including economic disparities, Israel's influence, and Christian ideologies. The conversation offers a unique lens on the interplay of identity and politics, as well as the implications of wealth inequality on societal stability. Jung addresses the need for balanced discourse and critiques of neoliberal capitalism, all while weaving in personal anecdotes that shed light on navigating these complex topics.
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Jul 13, 2025 • 1h 27min

s07e84 | Exploring Boardgames, with John LaRuffa

John LaRuffa, a passionate board game enthusiast and YouTuber, discusses his journey through the world of board gaming, focusing on the rise of solo gaming, especially during the pandemic. He shares his personal evolution from casual family games to strategic titles like Settlers of Catan. The conversation dives into the intricacies of game mechanics, the art of board game design, and the balance between strategy and engagement. LaRuffa also reflects on his content creation journey, highlighting the unexpected successes and challenges in reviewing complex games.
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Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 21min

s07e83 | The Metaphor of Gender, with Sasha Ayad

Sasha Ayad, a licensed counselor specializing in gender dysphoria among adolescents, shares insights from her extensive experience with youth and their families. She explores the metaphor of gender, emphasizing the need for nuanced discussions around identity. The conversation highlights the impact of family dynamics on gender exploration and the importance of self-compassion. Sasha also reflects on her digital journey and the challenges of maintaining a consistent identity online, advocating for open and compassionate dialogues in today’s rapidly evolving societal landscape.
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24 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 28min

s07e82 | Dying Myths, Undying Gods, with Jonathan Pageau

Jonathan Pageau, an expert in symbolism and narrative patterns, dives deep into themes of identity and storytelling. He examines the symbolic role of Israel throughout history and debates the complexities of nationalism and globalism, especially in Quebec. The conversation also critiques modern music's portrayal of rebellion and the co-opting of cultural movements. Pageau discusses Christianity's integration of pagan influences and the significance of storytelling in understanding cultural narratives. This thought-provoking dialogue weaves together personal, historical, and philosophical threads.
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Jun 30, 2025 • 2h 15min

s07e81 | Orthodoxy & The New Right, with Matt Erickson, aka Kingpilled

Matt Erickson ( @kingpilled ) and I discuss his religious and political journeys.https://x.com/realKingpilled https://www.youtube.com/@kingpilled  Support this channel:https://www.paypal.me/benjaminboycehttps://cash.app/$benjaminaboycehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/benjaminaboyce
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Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 4min

s07e80 | Science of the Soul, with Scott Barry Kaufman

Scott Barry Kaufman, an author and psychologist known for his work on intelligence and creativity, shares his transformative journey from special needs to cognitive science. He explores overcoming victimhood narratives for personal growth, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and empathy. The conversation delves into celebrating individuality, the interplay of spirituality and science, and the impact of personal beliefs on understanding others. Kaufman also discusses the emotional complexities of adolescence and the non-linear path of self-actualization.

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