
This is a show about contemporary culture. First Things editors Virginia Aabram and Germán S. Díaz del Castillo discuss modern, online trends. Are they good, bad, or a secret third thing?
| Publishes | Monthly | Episodes | 8 | Founded | 9 months ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BooksArtsReligionReligion & Spirituality | |||

Further reading:
• "Your Phone Isn’t a Drug. It’s a Portal to the Otherworld," by Katherine Dee (New York Times)
• "The Kirkification of Our Troubled Times," by Brady Brickner-Wood (New Yorker)
Further reading:
• What Happened at Vatican II by John W. O'Malley
• If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies, by Eliezer Yudkowsky
• Work in Progress: Confessions of a busboy, dishwasher, caddy, usher, factory worker, bank teller, corporate tool, and pri... more
Further reading:
• Kelly's X profile
• Kelly's Substack
• Secret Ballot
Further reading:
• "Magnifica Humanitas" by Leo XIV
• "AI Doesn’t Know What It’s Doing" by Thomas Fowler (First Things)
• "The Future of Reading" by Wessie Du Toit (First Things)
• "A Boomer, But An Augustinian" by Jacob Phillips (First Thing... more
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As an avid reader and listener to all that First Things puts out - this show disappoints. Making repulsive comparisons of women’s body parts in the Timothee Chalamet episode is worse than vulgar. It insults all women. Reality check, Diaz del Castillo- there is more to women than body type.Even secular culture knows this. Expected more from a publication that seeks to honor the imago dei and further human flourishing.
The covid bragging and figure skating takes were boring and lame. Weirdo.
Really enjoying this new show. The Dave Greene episode in particular made me feel sane and less alone. Virginia and Germán complement one one another very well. Keep it coming!
Next generation of First Things talent provide thoughtful commentary on trends impacting our social fabric. Superb. A fun hang.
Excited to hear more from this show!
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.










Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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A culture-focused show hosted by two First Things editors explores trends in contemporary culture, online discourse, and what they consider the “secret third thing” shaping society. Episodes frequently center on culture, religion, politics, and media, with guests who bring conservative or culturally conscious perspectives. Noteworthy is how conversations blend sharp cultural analysis with a willingness to grapple with complex tech, art, and public life, often linking ideas to broader social implications. Listeners seeking thoughtful takes on culture, media, and religion—especially from a traditional or Thomistic vantage—will likely find this show engaging, though it may challenge mainstream narratives at times.
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These podcasts share a similar audience with Secret Third Thing:
1. First Things Podcast
2. Conversations
3. The Thomistic Institute
4. Godsplaining
5. Pints With Aquinas
Secret Third Thing launched 9 months ago and published 8 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Secret Third Thing include:
1. Katherine Dee
2. Father James Martin
3. Kelly Chapman
4. Dan Hitchens
5. Dave Greene
6. Suzy Weiss
7. Nick Allen
8. Vicki Clarke
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