Fire in the Hearth

Note: Near the end of the episode, Ethan's mic recording mysteriously ran into issues. Thus, our thoughts on the final 2 principles of Social Doctrine in the encyclical were left out. We recommend that you read the relevant passages in the encyclical itself (and the rest... seriously, it's good) to familiarize yourself with them.  In this episode, we continue to delve into the Holy Fathe...

In this episode, we discuss the formation of the legendary friendship between Legolas and Gimli. We delve in the different kinds of friendship, the role that Galadriel played in forming their particular friendship, and all that transpired afterwards. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@fireinthehearth Spotify: https://open.spo...

In this episode, we begin to delve into the Holy Father's new encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, and what it means for us regarding AI and it's use. We discuss the choice we have to either build a new Tower of Babel or the City of God, and the roles that each component of society has in the adoption and use of AI. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Y...

In this episode, we honor Memorial Day by discussing two fitting songs from The Lord of the Rings: The Lament for Boromir, and The Lament for the Rohirrim. We delve into the symbolism of the songs, whether death is a good thing, and how one ought to think of our fallen soldiers. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@fireinthehea...

In this episode, we do a deep dive into Boromir and Faramir, and what makes them such great characters in The Lord of the Rings. We discuss Boromir's pride and patriotism, Faramir's prudence and valor, and how each impacted the journey of the Ring and all of Middle Earth. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@fireinthe...

In this episode, we sit down and have a solid, rambling, and properly brotherly chat about sports. We discuss when rookies should start in the NFL, the beauty of sports on the radio, and re-assess our picks for the greatest sports. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@fireinthehearth Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DIgN...

In this episode, we recite the Song of Earendil from the Lord of the Rings and discuss the great story that it is. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@fireinthehearth Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DIgNIilN6ZWwUKmJfKu00?si=759a12cc6b97491f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fire-in-the-hearth/id1824...

In this episode, we reflect on Easter and, as is the usual for us, bring LOTR into things and assess some Easter lessons that can be found there. We discuss the number of endings that LOTR has, reflect on the example of Aragorn and Beregond, and talk about the nature of mercy and justice. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@fi...

In this episode, we reflect on Holy Week and what is coming up for us in short order: The Passion and Death of Christ. We discuss Our Lord's unthinkable agony in the Garden, his path to and death on the cross, and the silence of Holy Saturday. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@fireinthehearth Spotify: https://open.spoti...

In this episode, we attempt to discuss the classic enigma that is the character of Tom Bombadil. We assess the scope and nature of his power, the vanishing countryside from which he originated, and how Tom exemplifies the meaning of authority, responsibility, and marriage. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@fireinthehearth Sp...

In this episode, we return to poetry and discuss more great works of that art, from poets both familiar and new. We relax with a workman who longs for rest, remind ourselves that our hearts are restless until they rest in God, and reflect on the transcendence of music and song. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@fireinthehear...

In this episode, we open some great books and discuss some great passages from them. We explore the power and danger of communication technology with a happy friar, the need to control our passions and be merciful with a wealthy heiress, and the power of love over doubt with a courageous fiancee. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtube...

In this episode, we return to LOTR and the Shire, and discuss why we ought to live more like hobbits in various ways. We discuss the virtue of ordinariness, the simple wonder of hobbit children, the proper role of government, and the beauty of hobbit-work. While they are not a utopian model for living (they have their vices, which we also discuss), there is still a beauty to their way of life that...

In this episode, we embark upon the season of Lent and discuss how to have a great and worthy Lent this year. We discuss the historical origins of Lent, the role of sacrifice and suffering in spiritual growth, and why Lenten resolutions are superior to New Year's resolutions. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@fireintheh...

In this episode, we return to the hearth to discuss more excellent and manly poetry, this week from Rudyard Kipling and other worthy authors. We discuss themes of humility, honest work, and the adventure of life, and reveal how these great poems show us how to be better men and to raise better men. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtu...

In this episode, we explore 2 examples of great poets of our time: G. K. Chesterton and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. We delve into themes of history, patriotism, hard work, perseverance, family-centric living, and the romance of salvation, through the lens of 2 great poets who knew how to live well. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtu...

In this episode, we delve into some of the greatest poems from Tolkien in The Lord of The Rings. We explore the romance of Beren and Luthien, the sorrow of the loss of Gandalf, the history and hope of the dwarves, and the frolicking joy of hobbits on daily adventures. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@fireinthehearth Spotify...

In this episode, we explore the importance and significance of poetry in everyday life. We discuss the heroic nature of manly poetry, how poetry can be accessible to all, and some of the great works of the famous poets Longfellow, Stevenson, and Chesterton. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@fireinthehearth Spotify: https://o...

In this episode, we do a part 2 of our ideas for New Year's resolutions inspired by The Lord of the Rings. We discuss the friendship of Legolas and Gimli, the beauty of friendship shown by the Conspirators, and the bearing of burdens that Frodo does so well. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@fireinthehearth Spotify: htt...

In this episode, we welcome in the new year with some ideas for New Year's resolutions inspired by The Lord of the Rings. We talk about contemplating Our Lord like Elrond, repenting for mistakes we make like Boromir, and being proper and good kings in our lives like Aragorn. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@fireinthehe...

In this Christmas special, we rejoice in Christ's coming and discuss what that means. We lay out why He came in the first place, why He came as a baby and as a king, and what Christmas should be to each of us. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@fireinthehearth Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DIgNIilN6ZWwUKmJfKu00...

In this episode, we do a part 2 of our Advent conversation, discussing how to prepare for Christ's Second Coming during Advent as well as his coming at Christmas. We speak on praying to the Holy Family, share the whiskies that we treasure the most, and provide an Advent reflection based on the Lord of the Rings. (Yes, you read that right.) Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want t...

In this episode, we chat about Advent and the proper role it has in preparing us for Christmas each year. We discuss the problems of secular Christmas preparations, the importance of preparing for Christ as if preparing for a baby and king (which He is), and how to avoid stress and anger this time of year. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our podcast? Youtube: http://w...

In this episode, we set forth that the Lord of the Rings is the greatest work of fantasy ever written. We discuss it's nature as an epic, delve into why it is so real and so transcendental (in other words, why it is so true), and bask in the aspirational beauty of Tolkien's writing and understanding of the human heart. Join us around the fire, wherever you may be.  Want to follow our pod...

In this episode, we pose the question of why everything is political today and set about answering it. We discuss how politics is a religion in America, why liberty is a false god and why no government can be your salvation, and the patriotism proper to a rightly ordered life. Join us around the fire, no matter where you may be.  Want to follow our podcast elsewhere? Youtube: http://www.youtube.co...