

Deep Talks with Paul Anleitner
Paul Anleitner
Deep Talks is a podcast dedicated to exploring the integral relationship between religion, culture, philosophy, and science. Featuring long-form discussions and lectures about culture, theology, philosophy, science , and the pursuit of meaning in life.
Paul Anleitner is a cultural theologian whose work focuses on the role of culture and story in our quest for meaning. His unique interdisciplinary approach integrates theology, philosophy, and science to help individuals and institutions navigate cultural shifts and address perennial religious longings.
Paul Anleitner is a cultural theologian whose work focuses on the role of culture and story in our quest for meaning. His unique interdisciplinary approach integrates theology, philosophy, and science to help individuals and institutions navigate cultural shifts and address perennial religious longings.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 40min
Did C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy predict Elon Musk, AI, & Aliens? | Annie Crawford
Annie Crawford, co-founder of Vine Classical Community and a notable writer on C.S. Lewis, dives into the relevance of his 'Space Trilogy' amidst today's cultural challenges. She explores themes of masculinity and femininity, linking space travel to Christian ideals. The discussion highlights the clash between materialism and spirituality, and how these ideas resonate with modern pursuits like space exploration. Crawford draws parallels to our current technological myths, suggesting that Lewis's insights provide guidance for navigating contemporary moral dilemmas.

Jan 20, 2025 • 30min
Is Wrestling America's Best Philosophy?
This may sound absurd to some of you, but professional wrestling might be America's best barometer on cultural shifts and changes.
Paul reacts to the WWE Raw on Netflix trailer and discusses why the WWE should not be overlooked as one of America's most important cultural influences.
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Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast.
Become a Patreon member today and receive bonus episodes, Q & A opportunities, and more! https://www.patreon.com/c/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Jan 13, 2025 • 2h 4min
How Postmodernism Killed Superman | Parker Settecase
Parker Settecase is the host of @ParkersPensees and @ParkerNotes
In this episode, we discuss the rise of cynicism and deconstruction in pop culture, the philosophical roots of these postmodern shifts, and what may be coming next in the hero's stories of our culture.
Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast.
Become a Patreon member today and receive bonus episodes, Q & A opportunities, and more! https://www.patreon.com/c/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Jan 2, 2025 • 1h 25min
Fallen Angels Backstory? "Gabriel and the Guardians" creator Jason Moody
Jason Moody is the creator of Angel Studios brand-new fantasy anime series Gabriel and the Guardians, which tells an incredible fantasy story inspired by the book of Genesis, the book of Enoch, and the mythological context of the Ancient Near East.
It's part Chronicles of Narnia, part Similrillion, part Dragon Ball Z, and it's deeply informed by the biblical scholarship you'd find in from Michael Heiser, John Walton, and the Bible Project.
Jason Moody is the Founder and Creative Director of Colossul Studios and the visionary creator behind the highly anticipated animated series, Gabriel and the Guardians.
In this episode, Paul Anleitner discusses with Jason Moody the strange contextual world of the Bible and how he was inspired to create a fantasy series that could explore some of that world and some of the deepest ideas of the Bible.
Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast. Become a Patreon member today and receive bonus episodes, Q & A opportunities, and more!
https://www.patreon.com/c/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Dec 10, 2024 • 43min
The Culture Shift | Paul talks with Tudor Dixon, former Michigan candidate for governor
In a first for me, I sit down for a deep discussion about religion and culture... with a politician!
Tudor Dixon was the first female Republican nominee for governor in the state of Michigan. Long-time followers of my work know that I don't do political endorsements, nor do I demonize candidates or politicians. But when her team reached out for an interview, and I expressed my convictions, they expressed sincere respect for those convictions and clear indicators of a good-faith dialogue.
But give it a listen and tell me what you think in the discussion forum on Patreon!
Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast that is free of advertisements. Become a member on Patreon today:
https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Nov 26, 2024 • 49min
Are We a Spiritual Species? (Part 2) | Dr. Clay Routledge
Dr. Clay Routledge is a leading expert in existential psychology. He is a highly cited scholar who has published more than 100 scholarly papers, co-edited three books, authored two books, and received numerous awards for his academic research and student mentorship. He is the Vice President of Research and Director of the Human Flourishing Lab at the Archbridge Institute and the coeditor of Profectus Magazine.
https://www.clayroutledge.com/
Ben Wilterdink is the Director of Programs at the Archbridge Institute, whose work focuses on the connection between economic and social policy and existential meaning.
https://profectusmag.com/author/ben/
Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast that is free of advertisements. Become a member on Patreon today:
https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Nov 20, 2024 • 56min
Are We a Spiritual Species? (Part 1) | Dr. Clay Routledge
Dr. Clay Routledge is a leading expert in existential psychology. He is a highly cited scholar who has published more than 100 scholarly papers, co-edited three books, authored two books, and received numerous awards for his academic research and student mentorship. He is the Vice President of Research and Director of the Human Flourishing Lab at the Archbridge Institute and the coeditor of Profectus Magazine.
https://www.clayroutledge.com/
Ben Wilterdink is the Director of Programs at the Archbridge Institute, whose work focuses on the connection between economic and social policy and existential meaning.
https://profectusmag.com/author/ben/
Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast that is free of advertisements. Become a member on Patreon today:
https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast

8 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 59min
Joe Rogan is Changing His Mind on Religion
Joe Rogan's recent shift towards valuing the Kingdom of God marks a noteworthy cultural transition in attitudes towards religion. The discussion highlights how many modern substitute religions like sports and politics often fail to fulfill deeper human needs. It emphasizes the search for meaning in secular life and critiques the existential crises posed by a lack of transcendent narratives. Furthermore, it advocates for the communal and moral benefits of traditional religions while exploring the innate human longing for spirituality and community engagement.

Oct 29, 2024 • 15min
Halloween: Why We Long to Be Haunted
Delve into the cultural significance of Halloween and its evolving role in society. Explore how the holiday connects with religious beliefs and classic monster movies, revealing deep existential questions. Discover the transition from deism to atheism as reflected in these narratives, highlighting our yearning for the transcendent. The conversation also emphasizes how monsters symbolize societal fears, sparking meaningful engagement with the themes of the season.

Oct 8, 2024 • 2h 12min
Psychedelics & Christianity: Roundtable Discussion with Ashley Lande, Paul Risse, and Joe Welker
In this roundtable discussion, I talk with 3 experienced former psychonauts about their experiences with psychedelics and why each of them eventually left psychedelics to practice Christianity.
Ashley Lande is an artist and writer. She is the author of The Thing That Would Make Everything Okay Forever: Transcendence, Psychedelics & Jesus Christ.
https://www.ashleylande.com/
Paul Risse is a modern-day Renaissance man. He is an author, speaker, skilled craftsman, and boutique home builder. He is the author of The Psychedelic Christian. https://a.co/d/aSPxrRs
Joe Welker is a pastor and writer from Vermont who writes on Christian spirituality with Reformed mysticism and psychedelic subculture.
https://www.psychedeliccandor.org
Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast that is free of advertisements. Become a member on Patreon today:
https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast