Spe Salvi Institute Podcast

On this week’s episode of the "Spe Salvi Institute Podcast," Andrew and Bobby chat with Trevor Cribben Merrill (producer) and Sam Sorich (producer and director) to discuss their compelling new documentary, "Things Hidden: The Life and Legacy of René Girard." We encourage listeners to view the documentary for content before listening to the podcast episode: https://youtu.be/L-vB1HaBsog?feature=shared  René Girard stands as one of the most insightful thinkers of the late 20th century, and Trevor and Sam illuminate precisely why Girard's ideas remain profoundly relevant today.

April 2, 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the death of St. John Paul II. In commemoration of this great saint, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa reflect on his life and enduring legacy—particularly his engagement with Europe. They also explore the Christian Humanism expressed in his writings and its relevance for our time.

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa sit down with Fr. Robert Imbelli to discuss his recent article in Catholic World Report, "Henri de Lubac: Pilgrim of Hope, Witness to Jesus Christ." Fr. Imbelli shares his experiences as a seminarian in Rome during Vatican II and reflects on its lasting legacy. We explore Henri de Lubac’s Christo-centric vision, the influence of Joachim of Fiore, Louis Bouyer’s insights on the mystical, and so much more. Join us for a rich conversation on theology, tradition, and the enduring impact of Vatican II.

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa dive into Vice President JD Vance’s provocative speech at the 2025 Munich Security Conference, where he challenged Europe’s leaders on free speech, immigration, and internal threats—while sidestepping Ukraine and Russia. They unpack the significance of Vance’s concern about “the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values, values shared with the United States of America.” Plus, they explore how his Catholic faith and the concept of Ordo Amoris (the “order of love”) might shape his worldview, influencing his call for a reset in transatlantic relations.

Roy Peachey joins Robert Mixa and Andrew Petiprin to discuss his new book Travels in Radical Christianity which explores various communities, movements, and religious orders that seek to live out the radicality of the Gospel. Additionally, they discuss Roy’s work on Catholic education and practical ways to transform it step by step.

In this engaging discussion, novelist Joshua Hren, also the founder of Wise Blood Books, and Trevor C. Merrill delve into Michel Houellebecq's provocative novel, "Annihilation." They explore the book's themes of mortality, free speech, and euthanasia against a backdrop of a collapsing society. Hren shares insights on the characters' emotional journeys and their relationships, revealing how love and tragedy intertwine. The conversation also touches on the moral implications of modernity, spirituality, and the responsibilities of writers within this context.

Józef Tischner, a Polish priest, philosopher, and chaplain for the Solidarność trade union, remains a relatively unknown figure outside of Poland. However, thanks to Artur Rosman’s translation of his major work, The Philosophy of Drama, Tischner’s profound insights are beginning to reach a broader audience. As a student of Karol Wojtyła (Pope John Paul II), Tischner grappled deeply with the complexities of the human condition, particularly as they unfolded in 20th-century Poland. His philosophy is marked by a remarkable depth and an immunity to superficiality, making him a significant yet underappreciated thinker. Join Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa as they explore Tischner’s ideas, discovering his unique perspective on life, suffering, and solidarity for the first time.

D.C. Schindler, a professor of metaphysics and anthropology, dives deep into the connection between work and the Theology of the Body. He argues that work is not theologically neutral, contrasting ancient Greek and Jewish views. Schindler critiques modernity's distortion of these perspectives, highlighting the importance of rediscovering meaningful work. He discusses the impact of AI on creativity and emphasizes the need for human touch in the arts. Additionally, he advocates for vocational education that aligns academic learning with practical skills for fulfilling careers.

Larry Chapp spent the last month in Rome commentating on the Synod on Synodality. His letters on the Synod were published at First Things. In this episode, Larry shares his thoughts on the Synod and his experiences in Rome. Near the end of the episode, he explains why we need to “re-weird” Christianity and the importance of enchantment.

The Church has a long legacy in Europe. It is a legacy mixed with triumphs and trials, particularly in 20th century Poland. In this episode, historian and translator Filip Maczurach introduces the life of Bl. Cardinal Wyszyński who boldly stood up to the Communists and became a national hero. We discuss of Filip’s translation of Wyszyński’s book “Love and Social Justice: Reflections on Society”  https://aroucapress.com/wyszynski . Later in the discussion, we talk about the state of the Church in Europe and some recent attacks on the legacy of JP2 by the Polish Left.