JUST FYI POD: Conversations about Culture, Ideas, and Life

The main task of JUST FYI POD: CULTURE's second season is to discuss "Ten Novels That Changed Our Lives." On today's episode, my cohost Amy Welborn and I resume our countdown, this time focusing -- at long last! -- on the #1 novel on our respective lists. I begin by examining Fyodor Dostoevsky's last and greatest novel THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV (Братья Карамазовы, 1880). Next, Amy delves into THE POWER AND THE GLORY (1940), arguably the magnum opus of British author Graham Greene. Both novels are considered classics of world literature. However, as Amy and I discuss, they are also theologically insightful and, in a unique way, spiritually transformative.Please visit JUST FYI (cbarnett.substack.com) for more details and much more content. Subscribe for free today, and, as ever, consider following, liking, rating, and sharing our work. Your generosity and support are much appreciated!

The hosts dive into the transformative power of two monumental novels. They discuss 'Don Quixote,' highlighting Cervantes' life and its mix of humor and idealism. Listeners are taken on a journey through its societal injustices and enduring relevance. The conversation also explores 'Brideshead Revisited,' navigating themes of faith, class struggles, and complex family relationships. The dynamics between characters reveal deep personal and spiritual journeys, making these literary classics resonate with today's world.

Dive into a playful discussion on the success of a tilapia farm and sports news. Explore the evolution of philosophy, focusing on Alasdair MacIntyre's influence on virtue ethics and Stephen Mulhall's take on key thinkers. Reflect on travel regrets and the allure of Scotland's distilleries, where plans for live podcast sessions are teased. Delve into the challenges of moral discourse in a fragmented world, plus insightful haikus and encounters at prestigious academies, all peppered with humor and cultural observations.

A spontaneous trip to Rome sets the tone for a thrilling announcement as Robert Francis Prevost is elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American pope. The hosts dive into the emotional atmosphere at St. Peter's Square, sharing the joy and reverence of the crowd. Discussion shifts to Leo XIV’s cultural roots, financial challenges facing the Vatican, and the hope for a transformative leadership. They also explore the implications for the Church's role in politics and the anticipation surrounding his inaugural homily.

The main task of JUST FYI POD: CULTURE'S second season is to discuss "Ten Novels That Changed Our Lives." On today's episode, my cohost Amy Welborn and I resume our countdown, this time focusing on the #3 novel on our respective lists. Amy begins by examining Flannery O'Connor's darkly comic debut WISE BLOOD (1952). Next, I explore Cormac McCarthy's fêted late masterpiece THE ROAD (2006). These two works are very different in tone, and yet both ponder the possibility of a godless world -- and why only the eternal can sustain human beings amid their existential suffering. Please visit JUST FYI (cbarnett.substack.com) for more details and much (much!) more content. Subscribe for free today, and, as ever, consider following, liking, rating, and sharing our work. Your generosity and support are much appreciated!

The main task of Just FYI Pod: Ideas’ second season is to discuss "Our Ten Favorite Works of Philosophy." On today's episode, my cohost Clark Elliston and I explore two key works from the transformative years of the mid 20th Century. First, I dive into Simone Weil's posthumously published classic The Need for Roots: Prelude Towards a Declaration of Duties Towards Mankind (L'Enracinement, prélude à une déclaration des devoirs envers l'être humain). Next, Clark turns to Iris Murdoch's 1970 exploration of moral philosophy entitled The Sovereignty of Good. Two great texts by two of the previous century's most creative and incisive intellects!As always, additional content and links can be found at JUST FYI (cbarnett.substack.com). Please subscribe for free today, and, as always, consider following, liking, rating, and sharing our work. Your generosity and support are much appreciated!

The main task of JUST FYI POD: CULTURE's second season is to discuss "Ten Novels That Changed Our Lives." On today's episode, my cohost Amy Welborn and I resume our countdown, this time focusing on the #4 novel on our respective lists. I begin by examining Joris-Karl Huysmans' fascinating (and disturbing!) 1891 novel THE DAMNED (Là-Bas). Next, Amy explores Shūsaku Endō's famous (and controversial!) 1966 novel SILENCE (沈黙). Both works dare to probe the darkest corners of human life, albeit with an eye to rekindling a faith forgotten or misunderstood.Please visit JUST FYI (cbarnett.substack.com) for more details, and much more content. Subscribe for free today, and, as ever, consider following, liking, rating, and sharing our work. Your generosity and support are much appreciated!

The main task of Just FYI Pod: Ideas’ second season is to discuss "Our Ten Favorite Works of Philosophy." Today's episode, however, will be different. In a wide-ranging conversation, my cohost Clark Elliston and I speak with George Pattison -- one of the world's leading philosophical theologians, who, among other things, has served as Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity at the University of Oxford (2004-13) and 1640 Professor of Divinity at the University of Glasgow (2013-19). The occasion for our discussion is the publication of George's excellent new book Conversations with Dostoevsky: On God, Russia, Literature, and Life (Oxford University Press, 2024). However, George's erudition and geniality allowed us to touch on a number of subjects, including his role as an Anglican priest, the Russo-Ukrainian War, and why drunken football supporters are full of surprises. As always, additional content and links can be found at JUST FYI (cbarnett.substack.com). Please subscribe for free today, and, as always, consider following, liking, rating, and sharing our work. Your generosity and support are much appreciated!

The main task of Just FYI Pod: Culture's second season is to countdown "Ten Novels That Changed Our Lives." However, on this episode, my cohost Amy Welborn and I sat down on a stormy Mardi Gras afternoon to discuss two major news stories, both of which significantly intersect with Christianity in general and the Catholic Church in particular. First, we consider the recent concerns about Pope Francis' health -- as of this recording, the Holy Father has been in hospital for a few weeks -- and we ponder his legacy and what it means for the Church going forward. Second, we breakdown the so-called Ordo Amoris controversy, which erupted when U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance (a Catholic) invoked a Catholic theological concept to defend the Trump administration's policy on illegal immigration. Finally, we conclude with a few thoughts about the recent Academy Awards ceremony, which led many viewers to ask the questions: "What is Anora? And can I stream it somewhere?" As always, additional content and links can be found at Just FYI (cbarnett.substack.com). Please subscribe for free today. Your interest and support are much appreciated! Also, please consider following, liking, rating, and/or sharing our work.

The main task of JUST FYI POD: IDEAS' second season is to discuss "Our Ten Favorite Works of Philosophy." On today's episode, my cohost Clark Elliston and I explore two classics from the 19th Century. First, Clark offers an analysis of Democracy in America (De la démocratie en Amérique, 1835 and 1840 ) by the French political philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-59). Next, I turn to the existentialistic novella Notes from Underground (Записки из подполья, 1862-64) written by the great Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-81). As always, additional content and links can be found at JUST FYI (cbarnett.substack.com). Please subscribe for free today. Your interest and support are much appreciated! Also please consider following, liking, rating, and/or sharing our work.