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The Symbolic World

Jonathan Pageau
Christianity
Genesis
Symbolism
Western Civilization
Artificial Intelligence
Christmas
Ralston College
Identity
Orthodox Christianity
Orthodoxy
Storytelling
Jordan Peterson
Dante Alighieri
Iconography
Creation
Holy Week
Marriage
Religion
Philosophy
The Divine Comedy

Jonathan Pageau looks at symbolism in all its forms, from its source in sacred stories and images to contemporary culture and ultimately how it shapes the world we encounter.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes460Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Religion & SpiritualityEducation

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Artwork for The Symbolic World

Latest Episodes

In this conversation I speak with Gregg Hurwitz about his new Orphan X novel, Antihero, and the surprising role Orthodox Christianity plays in the story. We discuss the assassin who is forced to face mercy, the limits of violence, the exhaustion of m... more

YouTube

In this conversation with Rachel Wilson, we discuss the strange inversion at the heart of modern feminism, its occult and anti-Christian roots, and the way it has turned women against motherhood, marriage, the family, and even the feminine itself.

We... more

YouTube

In this conversation with Deacon Seraphim Rohlin, we continue our exploration of Genesis through the Syrian tradition, looking especially at Seth (Adam and Eve’s son after Cain and Abel), the Nephilim, and the fall of the sons of God. What begins as ... more

YouTube

This is a talk I presented at Chesterton Academy of Ottawa earlier this year.

YouTube version: youtu.be/ETaRAauDxS0

Buy Little Red Riding Hood now during the month of June and get the audiobook with for free: store.thesymbolicworld... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Deacon Seraphim
Guest on The Symbolic World, discussing Genesis and universal history
The Symbolic World
Episode: 460 - Dn. Seraphim Rohlin - Universal History: The Origin of the Nephilim
Gavin Ortlund
Theologian and author discussing Orthodoxy and salvation
Episode: 456 - Gavin Ortlund - Who Can Be Saved?
Jonathan Pageau
Public intellectual discussing myth, symbolism, and religion
The Symbolic World
Episode: 452 - Hillsdale talk - Mythological Thinking: The Crossroads of Psychology and Theology
Josiah Trenham
Orthodox priest and theologian
Episode: 448 - Fr. Josiah Trenham - How to Integrate Faith, Family, and Nation
Annie Crawford
CS Lewis scholar and medievalist featured for discussion on alchemical symbolism
Episode: 447 - Annie Crawford - The Cosmic Alchemy of That Hideous Strength
Kale Zelden
Teacher, writer who writes on Substack; involved in This Little Corner; past podcast with Rod Reier
This Little Corner; Substack writer
Episode: 443 - Kale Zelden - There’s Still Time to Read the Great Books
Dr. Zach Porcu
Author of Journey to Reality, Orthodox scholar
Journey to Reality
Episode: 440 - Dr. Zachary Porcu - Journey to Reality: De-Secularize Your Life
Pavel Shchelin
Orthodox Christian, political philosopher
Traditional political theology / Plutarch course
Episode: 439 - Pavel Shchelin - Plutarch: Symbolism of History with Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin
Matthew Wilkinson
Organizer of the concert event and host of the Pursuit of Beauty podcast
Pursuit of Beauty
Episode: 435 - The Song of Creation (Charleston talk)

Host

Jonathan Pageau
Host and primary organizer, focuses on symbolism, Iconography, and cultural critique.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 2.6k ratings
  • Sadly

    Once a show that seemed to bring a beauty to the world and now it is laying a red carpet out for a prideful heart —and a slithering hatred. It breaks my heart

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Summerhills$
    United Statesa month ago
  • The Symbolic World helped renew the eyes I use to see the world, and has continued to help me grow in understanding and in wonder for years. Thank you!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    danielgratz
    3 months ago
  • Excellent

    My go to podcast. So much depth and meaning whilst remaining engaging and entertaining.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Plloyd88
    Ireland4 months ago
  • Mind bending, life changing

    Jonathan Pageau has a very unique perspective and way. Everything is meaningful and part of the fabric of a universal human symbolism. I've been listening to his podcast for years and it's completely changed how I think. Would recommend. 10/10.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Topdogeagle
    South Africa4 months ago
  • Knowledge. Seeking Knowledge.

    I will admit at times this show is out of my lane, but when we are exploring scripture, Mr Pageau fills in the color where previous teachings have left blank. I listen as a podcast and occasionally YT.

    Gloria.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Glory1212
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

What you get is a uniquely symbolic lens on culture that rewards careful attention.
Listeners praise deep, transformative insights and thoughtful interviews.
Some episodes are challenging but consistently rewarding for those open to complex ideas.
A few listeners criticize perceived bias or esoteric focus, especially for newcomers.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#89
United States/Education
Apple Podcasts
#82
Canada/Education
Apple Podcasts
#79
Australia/Education
Apple Podcasts
#20
Finland/Education
Apple Podcasts
#105
India/Education
Apple Podcasts
#142
New Zealand/Education

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

456 - Gavin Ortlund - Who Can Be Saved?
Q: Do Protestants have a place in Orthodox soteriology, or are they categorically outside?
Historically the Church has viewed Protestants as outside the canonical ecclesial communion, but there is recognition that individuals can be transformed by grace and that God desires all to be saved; the debate centers on how to classify these groups rather than denying God's mercy entirely.
456 - Gavin Ortlund - Who Can Be Saved?
Q: Why does the Synod of Jerusalem contain harsh language about outsiders, and how is that reconciled with a broader mercy?
The harsh language reflects attempts to preserve the truth of the Church and the reality that the Church is the means by which salvation is most fully realized; however, there are later non-normative sentiments and ecumenical movements that emphasize God's mercy and the possibility of salvation for non-Orthodox in certain conditions.
456 - Gavin Ortlund - Who Can Be Saved?
Q: What is the Orthodox understanding of salvation beyond simply getting to heaven?
Salvation is seen as a holistic process—healing, transformation into the image of God, and union with God (theosis)—that encompasses the whole life in Christ within the Church, though there are acknowledged non-normative paths through which God may also work outside the canonical channels.
443 - Kale Zelden - There’s Still Time to Read the Great Books
Q: Why is the epic important for modern students?
The epic gives us a framework for meaning beyond the merely personal, showing how individuals respond to calls or temptations and how literature can anchor us in a shared human condition against a backdrop of modern irony.
443 - Kale Zelden - There’s Still Time to Read the Great Books
Q: What do you do with your students to make these old texts come alive?
I establish a baseline that I don't care about their immediate feelings; I want them to understand the text on its own terms, using analogy to connect to their lives and to reduce the distance between ancient and modern readers.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Symbolic World

What is The Symbolic World about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful exploration of symbolism across religion, history, literature, and culture, with a steady focus on how archetypes, myths, and sacred imagery shape contemporary life. Conversations often bridge Orthodox Christian perspectives with wider cultural critique, touching on faith, politics, technology, education, and art. Notably, the host and frequent guests curate a distinctive lens that connects ancient wisdom to modern meaning, sometimes featuring deep-dive analyses of texts, icons, and historical ideas, and regularly promoting a symbolic World Summit. The show stands out for its invitation-only, idea-forward approach that appeals to listeners seeking meaningful, context-rich discussions rather than surface-level commentary.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Symbolic World?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Symbolic World:

1. The Lord of Spirits
2. The Whole Counsel of God
3. The Arena
4. First Things Podcast
5. Pints With Aquinas

How many episodes of The Symbolic World are there?

The Symbolic World launched 8 years ago and published 460 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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What guests have appeared on The Symbolic World?

Recent guests on The Symbolic World include:

1. Deacon Seraphim
2. Gavin Ortlund
3. Jonathan Pageau
4. Josiah Trenham
5. Annie Crawford
6. Kale Zelden
7. Dr. Zach Porcu
8. Pavel Shchelin

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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