The Thick and Mystic Moment

Episode 319 - DIAPERS AND SEWING MACHINES In this episode of the "Thick and Mystic Moment" podcast, host Robert John Hadfield shares a reflective story about a memorable road trip taken approximately twenty years ago. The central theme revolves around a rented car and the incessant use of its horn by Hadfield's friend, sparking musings on the nature and significance of car horns. Thi...

Episode 318 - INSPIRATION AND A PROMISE In this profound episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment," host Robert John Hadfield welcomes Malory Ruesch, a motivational speaker with a powerful story of overcoming addiction and personal transformation. Malory delves into her challenging upbringing, marked by familial alcoholism and an absent father, which set the stage for her later struggles...

Episode 317 - MORE SEASONS OF COMMITMENT In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the historic and impactful visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Westminster Hall in 2010. Marking a profound moment in history, the Pope's speech highlights the enduring legacy of Thomas More, a key historical figure opposing the Church of England's separation from the Catholic Church. This episode delves into...

In this episode of the "Thick and Mystic Moment" podcast, host Robert John Hadfield interviews Emily Holt, a notable figure in the Saint George theater and acting community and a dedicated schoolteacher. Emily discusses her involvement in film festivals, particularly highlighting her recent project—a documentary about a significant event in her life, the death of her mother. The conversa...

Episode 315 - FRICTION AND PHASE SHIFTS In this episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment," host Robert John Hadfield shares his personal journey from a young ukulele player to becoming engrossed in rock music, sparked by his father's influence and his early experiments with making music. Robert recounts how his initial musical experiments led to his passion for the guitar, detailing h...

Episode 314 - CANVAS OF COMMUNICATION Explore the fascinating intersection of art, history, and technology in this episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment," hosted by Robert John Hadfield. In this thought-provoking discussion, we delve into the transformative role of art in preserving history and personal identity, highlighting how innovations over centuries have altered our perception a...

Episode 313 - HEAVINESS BARRIER Join host Robert John Hadfield on "The Thick and Mystic Moment" as he delves into a fascinating exploration of literature, value, and perception through a retelling of Leo Tolstoy’s humorous and insightful short story, "The Prisoner." Adapted from the lesser-known "Too Dear," this narrative unfolds in a quaint kingdom, where the high co...

Episode 312 - DARE MIGHTY THINGS In this episode of the "Thick and Mystic Moment" podcast, host Robert John Hadfield discusses the intriguing life and career of Joie Chitwood and Evel Knievel. Hadfield starts by sharing historical tidbits about Joie Chitwood, a race car driver and stunt performer from the mid-20th century. Chitwood was notable for his participation in the Indianapolis 50...

Episode 311 - MUSES OF MEMORY 🎬 Dive into the enchanting world of muses, memory, and the magic of the arts in this captivating episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment." Join host Robert John Hadfield as he embarks on a nostalgic journey back to the vibrant era of the '70s and '80s, starting with the iconic film "Grease." Revel in the spectacular performances of John Tr...

Episode 310 - THE SENATOR AND THE PIG Join us on this episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment" where host Robert John Hadfield delves into the historical impact and personal significance of learning about Joseph McCarthy and McCarthyism. Reflecting on his own educational experiences, Robert explores how these historical events were taught and their portrayal through a decidedly negative...

Episode 309 - COOLING AND WISDOM In this profound episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment," host Robert John Hadfield delves into the inspiring life of Dr. Ben Carson. Reflecting on Carson's upbringing and pivotal life events, Hadfield explores the concept of transformative moments — instances that drastically alter the course of life, whether by choice or circumstance. From Carson&#...

Episode 308 - DRIFTING TO PURPOSE Join host Robert John Hadfield on "The Thick and Mystic Moment" as we delve into the remarkable life of Eddie Rickenbacker, an iconic figure whose legacy stretches across racing tracks and battlefields. Born in 1890 in Columbus, Ohio, Rickenbacker rose from humble beginnings to become a famed racecar driver and a decorated World War I fighter pilot. Desp...

Episode 307 - SESAME STREET AND CYNICISM Join host Robert John Hadfield in this nostalgic and thought-provoking episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment" as he reminisces about a memorable Sesame Street skit featuring Kermit the Frog as a field reporter. This particular skit showcases the trials of Don Music, an endlessly frustrated composer struggling to find the perfect rhyme for his so...

Episode 306 - SINGULARITIES AND FOUNDATIONS In this thought-provoking episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment," host Robert John Hadfield explores the concept of singularity in multiple contexts, sparking a deep dive into the transformative moments in human history and technology. He discusses with Neil deGrasse Tyson the singularity of black holes and contrasts it with the technological...

Episode 305 - THE HENRY OF EXCELLENCE Join host Robert John Hadfield on "The Thick and Mystic Moment" as we delve into the incredible story of Sir Frederick Henry Royce, a visionary who, alongside Charles Stewart Rolls, founded the iconic Rolls-Royce Limited in 1906. Despite being born into a modest family and facing numerous hardships, Henry's unyielding pursuit of excellence transf...

Episode 304 - DAY-TIGHT COMPARTMENTS In this profound episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment," host Robert John Hadfield takes us on a personal journey that touches the core of living in the present. Starting with a childhood memory that led to the discovery of his severe nearsightedness, Robert unfolds the narrative to reveal how this physical limitation became a powerful metaphor for...

Episode 303 - ONE MOMENT OF REALITY This episode of the "Thick and Mystic Moment" podcast, hosted by Robert John Hadfield, delves deeply into the life, philosophy, and impact of Edward Steichen, a pioneering figure in photography. Steichen, born in 1879, initially pursued painting but shifted his focus to photography, profoundly influencing the medium. Hadfield recounts how Steichen'...

Episode 302 - THE WILL TO GROW In this episode of the "Thick and Mystic Moment" podcast, host Robert John Hadfield discusses the themes of growth, hope, and progress through the lens of gardening. He begins by sharing his own experiences with gardening, detailing his process of starting plants from seeds in a homemade greenhouse, emphasizing his initial ignorance but keen interest in the...

Episode 301 - LEARNING TENDERNESS FOR THE UNLUCKY In this episode of the "Thick and Mystic Moment" podcast, host Robert John Hadfield dives deep into the inspiring and tumultuous life of William Sidney Porter, better known by his pen name, O. Henry. Hadfield begins by sharing his personal connection with O. Henry's story "The Last Leaf," a tale that captures the essence of...

Episode 300 - HAVE OR HAVE NOT PATIENCE In this captivating episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment," host Robert John Hadfield delves into the profound lessons on patience and persistence drawn from iconic moments in the Star Wars saga, particularly focusing on Luke Skywalker's training with Yoda in "The Empire Strikes Back." Hadfield intertwines his personal reflections o...

Episode 299 - YOU AND WALTER MITTY In this enlightening episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment," host Robert John Hadfield delves into the intriguing world of daydreams and their impact on our lives, inspired by "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." Join us as we explore the transformational journey of Walter Mitty, portrayed by Ben Stiller, from a life of unfulfilled dreams to o...

Episode 298 - HOW TO GET AN A IN SCHOOL AND LIFE In this captivating episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment," host Robert John Hadfield takes listeners on a journey through the pivotal lessons he learned about education, curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge. Drawing from his experiences speaking to youth groups and his own educational journey, Hadfield delves into the essence of lear...

Episode 297 - ARE YOU FREE? In this inspiring episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment," host Robert John Hadfield delves into the profound themes of freedom and institutionalization, inspired by the classic film "The Shawshank Redemption." Hadfield begins by sharing his personal connection to the movie and its unforgettable storytelling, highlighting the journey of Andy Dufresn...

Episode 296 - HOW TO LOVE YOUR JOB Join Robert John Hadfield on "The Thick and Mystic Moment" podcast as he explores the profound impact of daily interactions, leadership, and personal initiative on our work lives and overall happiness. This episode, inspired by a routine greeting at the Summit Athletic Club and a thought-provoking story by Simon Sinek about a barista named Noah at the F...

Episode 295 - KATHERINE'S NON REFLECTION In the latest episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment," host Robert John Hadfield delves into the fascinating world of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and its transformative impact on manufacturing. He shares his early career experiences working for a CAD training company, emphasizing the role of CAD systems in designing virtually every manufactur...