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Artwork for The Symbolic World

The Symbolic World

Jonathan Pageau
Christianity
Genesis
Symbolism
Western Civilization
Artificial Intelligence
Christmas
Orthodox Christianity
Ralston College
Identity
Storytelling
Orthodoxy
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 weeklyEpisodes465Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Education

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Artwork for The Symbolic World

Latest Episodes

Spoiler alert. In this video, I offer a full symbolic breakdown of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, going through the entire film sequence by sequence to examine its use of trickery, guilt, hospitality, memory, and the return of the father. I explain... more

Malcolm Guite is a poet and Anglican priest. He is a Life Fellow of Girton College, Cambridge and lives in Norfolk, England. He lectures widely in England and North America on Theology and Literature. His books include Sounding the Seasons; Seventy S... more

In this video, I discuss Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated new film adaptation of The Odyssey after watching it at the premiere.

YouTube version: youtu.be/K3wkrDbRgDs

Sign up for the Universal History Masterclass during the month of Ju... more

I speak with Andrew Stokich, co-founder of Logos Cinema, about building a home for beautiful Christian storytelling. We discuss the limits of modern Christian film, the need to recover deeper symbolic stories, and Logos Cinema’s vision for supporting... more

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Recent Guests

Andrew Stokich
CEO and co-founder of Logo Cinema
Logo Cinema
Episode: 464 - Logos Cinema: Orthodox films, TV shows, and documentaries - streaming now! Get a discount.
Rachel Wilson
Author of occult feminism book; active in online debate space
Author
Episode: 461 - Rachel Wilson - Feminism Is the Political Arm of Witchcraft
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
Seraphim Hamilton
Appears as a guest promoting a course on reading Isaiah and symbolism
Episode: 457 - Backrooms (2026): A Strange Return to Normal
Gavin Ortlund
Theologian and author discussing Orthodoxy and salvation
Episode: 456 - Gavin Ortlund - Who Can Be Saved?
Josiah Trenham
Orthodox priest and theologian
Episode: 448 - Fr. Josiah Trenham - How to Integrate Faith, Family, and Nation
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

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 States2 months 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 States5 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
#116
United States/Education
Apple Podcasts
#93
Canada/Education
Apple Podcasts
#167
United Kingdom/Education
Apple Podcasts
#165
Australia/Education
Apple Podcasts
#66
Finland/Education
Apple Podcasts
#74
Sweden/Education

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

462 - Gregg Hurwitz - The Antihero Meets Christianity
Q: Has writing a character with faith affected your own vision or beliefs?
Yes. Writing about faith and the Exodus seminar shifted his worldview, deepening his understanding of symbolism, community, and the dialogue between secular and sacred narratives.
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.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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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. Jay'sAnalysis
5. Pints With Aquinas

How many episodes of The Symbolic World are there?

The Symbolic World launched 8 years ago and published 465 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. Andrew Stokich
2. Rachel Wilson
3. Deacon Seraphim
4. Seraphim Hamilton
5. Gavin Ortlund
6. Josiah Trenham
7. Kale Zelden
8. Dr. Zach Porcu

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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