First Light with James Orr

Rod Dreher, a journalist and author renowned for exploring faith and culture, dives deep into the spiritual crisis of Western civilization. He discusses how the rise of the occult reflects a search for meaning among younger generations. Dreher emphasizes the importance of re-enchantment through a sacramental lens and contrasts it with mere therapeutic comforts. He also highlights the role of Christian communities in fostering renewal and articulates a distinct view of hope over mere optimism.

What if the collapse of Western civilisation isn’t political—but spiritual? Artist and theologian Jonathan Pageau joins James Orr to trace our unraveling to the loss of sacred order. From ancient hierarchies to modern chaos, they explore symbolism, the breakdown of the family, and the war on meaning. Can recovering the 'Great Chain of Being' help restore sanity to our politics, our culture, and our souls?See more of Jonathan here: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/team/jonathan-pageauEpisode Chapters:00:00:00 Trailer00:04:36 Symbols, Scripture & Sacred Texts00:09:20 Reading the Bible Like the Church Fathers00:14:15 The Postmodern-Patristic Paradox00:20:02 Icons, Images & the Return to Orthodoxy00:25:33 Metaphysical Collapse & Modern Politics00:31:00 The Breakdown of Family & Meaning00:36:05 Mental Health or Spiritual Crisis?00:41:50 Christianity as Civilisational Bedrock00:46:40 Hierarchies of the Heart00:52:10 Signs of First Light00:57:10 Like & SubscribeProduced by https://www.arcadia-digital.com/🔵 THIS SERIESFirst Light | Episode #5First Light is a refuge of reason in a restless age—where the hard questions are welcomed, and easy answers are left at the door. Each episode unpacks the fault lines of our culture, from faith and politics to identity and belonging, all through the lens of our civilisation’s enduring wisdom. New episodes fortnightly. 🔵 SUBSTACKIf you value this content, and want to support us in making it, please consider becoming a subscriber over on Substack where you’ll get access to exclusive content.You can join us here:https://www.jamesorr.uk/Thank you, and welcome to the team.🔵 SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtw.orrX: https://www.x.com/jtworrApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-light-with-james-orr/id1837532287Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Wkn5RsDEDW471OVGAKdMj

What if the root of our crisis isn’t politics—but metaphysics? Mary Harrington joins James Orr to explore the ideological revolution behind transgenderism, transhumanism, and the rise of placeless elites. From Aristotle to airport lounges, they trace the collapse of meaning, the erasure of nature, and the urgent need to rediscover human limits.See more of Mary here: https://substack.com/@reactionaryfeministEpisode Chapters:00:00:00 Trailer00:04:36 Exploring Harringtonism: Philosophy and Feminism00:09:28 The Role of Technology in Feminism00:14:55 Human Nature and Metaphysics00:19:34 The Impact of Technological Change on Society00:24:48 The Philosophical Underpinnings of Autonomy00:29:39 The Crisis of Human Identity00:34:44 The Future of Transhumanism and Political Implications00:40:22 Rootlessness and the Global Elite00:46:14 Rediscovering Limits and the Return of Nature00:57:11 Like & SubscribeProduced by https://www.arcadia-digital.com/🔵 THIS SERIESFirst Light | Episode #4First Light is a refuge of reason in a restless age—where the hard questions are welcomed, and easy answers are left at the door. Each episode unpacks the fault lines of our culture, from faith and politics to identity and belonging, all through the lens of our civilisation’s enduring wisdom. New episodes fortnightly. 🔵 SUBSTACKIf you value this content, and want to support us in making it, please consider becoming a subscriber over on Substack where you’ll get access to exclusive content.You can join us here: https://www.jamesorr.uk/Thank you, and welcome to the team.🔵 SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtw.orrX: https://www.x.com/jtworrApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-light-with-james-orr/id1837532287Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5Wkn5RsDEDW471OVGAKdMj

What happens when a civilisation forgets who it is? Jordan Peterson joins James Orr to explore the metaphysical roots of the West’s decline, the enduring power of the Bible, and why recovering the sacred is now a political imperative.See more of Jordan here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@JordanBPeterson⁠Episode Chapters:00:00:00 Trailer00:01:25 Exploring the Bible's Archetypes00:02:40 The Importance of Narrative in Understanding Reality00:06:11 Consciousness: Beyond Biological Reductionism00:10:06 The Biblical Account of Consciousness00:12:24 Material vs. Immaterial: Understanding Human Existence00:14:10 The Relationship Between Time and Consciousness00:15:31 The Role of Sacrifice in Civilization00:19:08 The Depth of Sacrifice in Biblical Narratives00:22:41 The Evolution of Sacrifice in Human Culture00:29:28 Transformative Sacrifice: The Story of Abraham00:35:41 The Ultimate Sacrifice: Christ's Role in Ending Sacrifice00:42:41 Political Flux and Future Directions00:49:04 The Gender Debate and Its Implications00:51:59 Liberalism's Challenges and Future00:54:08 Conservatism and Its Foundations01:01:10 The Nature of Sacrifice and Redemption01:15:34 Hope Amidst Challenges01:20:33 Like & SubscribeProduced by https://www.arcadia-digital.com/🔵 THIS SERIESFirst Light | Episode #3First Light is a refuge of reason in a restless age—where the hard questions are welcomed, and easy answers are left at the door. Each episode unpacks the fault lines of our culture, from faith and politics to identity and belonging, all through the lens of our civilisation’s enduring wisdom. New episodes fortnightly. 🔵 SUBSTACKIf you value this content, and want to support us in making it, please consider becoming a subscriber over on Substack where you’ll get access to exclusive content.You can join us here:https://www.jamesorr.uk/Thank you, and welcome to the team.🔵 SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtw.orrX: https://www.x.com/jtworrApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-light-with-james-orr/id1837532287Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5Wkn5RsDEDW471OVGAKdMj

What happens when institutions abandon the people they serve? Matt Goodwin joins James Orr to expose the crisis in British universities, the rise of new media, and the urgent demand for political realignment.See more of Matt here: @drmatthewgoodwinEpisode Chapters:00:00:00 Trailer00:01:50 The Crisis in Higher Education00:20:18 The Rise of New Media and Its Impact00:34:44 The Role of GB News in Political Discourse00:37:55 The Need for Political Change and New Leadership00:39:25 The Call for a Political Revolution00:43:07 Rebuilding Trust in Political Institutions00:49:49 The Rise of Reform UK and Its Potential00:56:06 The Future of the Conservative Party and Political Realignment01:01:16 Defining the Movement: National Conservatism and Beyond01:04:52 Hope for the Future: A New Political Landscape01:08:24 Like & SubscribeProduced by https://www.arcadia-digital.com/This episode was recorded on 1 May 2025.🔵 THIS SERIESFirst Light | Episode #2First Light is a refuge of reason in a restless age—where the hard questions are welcomed, and easy answers are left at the door. Each episode unpacks the fault lines of our culture, from faith and politics to identity and belonging, all through the lens of our civilisation’s enduring wisdom. New episodes fortnightly. 🔵 SUBSTACKIf you value this content, and want to support us in making it, please consider becoming a subscriber over on Substack where you’ll get access to exclusive content.You can join us here:https://jamesorr1.substack.com/Thank you, and welcome to the team.🔵 SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtw.orrX: https://www.x.com/jtworrApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-light-with-james-orr/id1837532287Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5Wkn5RsDEDW471OVGAKdMj

What happens when a civilisation loses faith in itself? Konstantin Kisin joins James Orr to discuss the future of the West, from Trump 2.0 and Ukraine to Britain’s immigration failures.See more of Konstantin here: @triggerpod.Episode Chapters:00:00:00 Trailer00:03:00 Cultural Shifts in Comedy and Free Speech00:06:13 The Political Landscape: Trump and Wokeness00:09:05 Geopolitical Dynamics: The US and Europe00:12:05 Understanding the Russian Mindset00:14:58 The Ukraine Conflict: A Complex Reality00:17:49 Negotiating Peace: Challenges Ahead00:21:06 The Future of Global Security00:30:49 Putin's Legacy and Russia's Strategic Interests00:32:05 Central Asia: Stability and Autocracy00:33:56 Immigration: Perceptions and Realities00:35:46 Islamism vs Islam: Understanding Extremism00:39:58 The Paradox of Tolerance in Liberal Democracies00:42:59 Political Will and the Challenge of Extremism00:47:56 The Future of Political Discourse in Britain00:53:47 Hope for a Balanced Society00:59:21 Like & SubscribeProduced by https://www.arcadia-digital.com/This episode was recorded on 2 May 2025.🔵  THIS SERIESFirst Light | Episode #1First Light is a refuge of reason in a restless age—where the hard questions are welcomed, and easy answers are left at the door. Each episode unpacks the fault lines of our culture, from faith and politics to identity and belonging, all through the lens of our civilisation’s enduring wisdom. New episodes fortnightly. 🔵  SUBSTACKIf you value this content, and want to support us in making it, please consider becoming a subscriber over on Substack where you’ll get access to exclusive content.You can join us here: https://jamesorr1.substack.com/Thank you, and welcome to the team.🔵  SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtw.orrX: https://www.x.com/jtworrApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-light-with-james-orr/id1837532287Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5Wkn5RsDEDW471OVGAKdMj