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The Symbolic World

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

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 weeklyEpisodes491Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Education

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Artwork for The Symbolic World

Latest Episodes

Part 6. In this episode of Universal History, Deacon Seraphim and I continue our reading of The Cave of Treasures, following the biblical patriarchs from Abraham to Moses. We explore ancient traditions surrounding the sacrifice of Isaac, the mysterio... more

YouTube

Nathan Betz is a research fellow at the University of Regensburg. In this conversation, we talk about how the early fathers saw the heavenly Jerusalem not as a mansion in the sky, but as the point of everything. We discuss why the earliest apse mosai... more

YouTube

~ Full spoilers throughout! ~

Last year, several of you pointed me to Over the Garden Wall, Patrick McHale's 2014 Cartoon Network series. It's ten short episodes about two brothers lost in a dark wood on Halloween. It turns out to be one of the mos... more

YouTube

Part 5. In this episode, Deacon Seraphim Rohlin and I continue the Syriac text of the Cave of Treasures into the fourth age of the world. The text traces the origins of idolatry back to a lack of hope in the resurrection. It tells of a “flood of wind... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Nathan Betz
Research fellow studying the early Christian reception of the New Jerusalem
University of Regensburg
Episode: 492 - Nathan Betz - Cosmic Paradise in the Early Church
Deacon Seraphim Rohlin
Deacon and co-host of the discussion on The Cave of Treasures
Episode: 490 - How Idolatry Began (Universal History)
Rusty Reno
Editor of First Things
First Things
Episode: 483 - R.R. Reno - The Return of the Strong Gods
Dr. Zac Porcu
Instructor offering Symbolic World Class on Demonological History
Episode: 483 - R.R. Reno - The Return of the Strong Gods
Diana Pasulka
Professor of Religious Studies, author of American Cosmic
University (religious studies)
Episode: 481 - Dr. Diana Pasulka - The New Religion
Christian Roy
Expert on Jacques Ellul and the Bordeaux School of critical techno-critique
My Parish / Ellul circles
Episode: 478 - Christian Roy - Technological Madness: The Logic of Domination
Louise Perry
Author and commentator on social and cultural topics
Author
Episode: 477 - Louise Perry - How Progressivism Took Over Our Stories
Matt Rhodes
Artist, illustrator and world-builder behind Dead Gods
Independent creator
Episode: 476 - Matt Rhodes - The World Before the Flood Reimagined
Deacon Seraphim
Presenter of Universal History Masterclass
Episode: 476 - Matt Rhodes - The World Before the Flood Reimagined

Hosts

Jonathan Pageau
Host of The Symbolic World
Deacon Seraphim
Co-host and interviewer; discusses Universal History and related themes

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 2.6k ratings
  • Truth and art

    Truth and art

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Noahmosley
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • 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 States5 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
    7 months ago
  • Excellent

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Plloyd88
    Ireland8 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 Africa8 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Consistently high-quality guests and rigorous symbolic analysis attract long-time followers.
Some listeners feel ads interrupt the flow; others appreciate sponsorships tied to educational programs.
Thoughtful, deep discussions on myth and meaning that feel transformative.
Offers a unique lens on culture through Orthodox-influenced symbolism and mythology, which may polarize some audiences.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#60
United States/Education
Apple Podcasts
#98
Canada/Education
Apple Podcasts
#196
United Kingdom/Education
Apple Podcasts
#93
Australia/Education
Apple Podcasts
#110
Finland/Education
Apple Podcasts
#173
Norway/Education

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

492 - Nathan Betz - Cosmic Paradise in the Early Church
Q: Is the church an image of the heavenly Jerusalem? Is that already there in the interpretation?
Betz says the idea is present in early Christian interpretation, becoming especially explicit in Hippolytus and Origen. Origen presents the New Jerusalem as a nested reality encompassing Christ, the individual soul, the church, and the final consummation.
492 - Nathan Betz - Cosmic Paradise in the Early Church
Q: Has your research tried to show the connection between the fathers interpreting it in their theology and its effect both on liturgy and on the church programs?
Betz says his current research examines the New Jerusalem's reception in literature, liturgy, church art, and monastic life. He describes Roman apse mosaics that combine paradise and the heavenly city, and explains that the Divine Liturgy enacts the heavenly Jerusalem in the church.
490 - How Idolatry Began (Universal History)
Q: What would Ophir be?
The discussion identifies Ophir in the text with Sindh or India, and describes it as one of the lands on Jerusalem's periphery.
490 - How Idolatry Began (Universal History)
Q: What's the difference between an icon and an idol?
They explain that idols are treated as inhabited objects through which people seek power or control, while icons reveal the holiness of a person in Christ and express hope in resurrection and communion.
477 - Louise Perry - How Progressivism Took Over Our Stories
Q: What do you think is gained by maintaining a balance between unity and diversity in culture?
Unity prevents dissolution into chaos, while diversity adds richness; the danger is treating diversity as an end in itself without a shared structure, which undermines social cohesion.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Symbolic World

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

This show explores symbolism across sacred stories, ancient texts, and contemporary culture, often threading philosophy, theology, and mythic analysis through cinema, literature, and politics. Recent episodes dissected mythic journeys (Odyssey), masculine virtue in modern narratives, the ethics of storytelling, and how AI and technology intersect with education, faith, and tradition. A standout is the consistent effort to connect ancient archetypes with modern media, inviting listeners to re-enchant everyday life through thoughtful interpretation and live events like summits and Masterclasses. The format blends rigorous analysis with accessible discussion, frequently featuring guest experts and cross-promotional content aimed at deeper enga... more

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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 491 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. Nathan Betz
2. Deacon Seraphim Rohlin
3. Rusty Reno
4. Dr. Zac Porcu
5. Diana Pasulka
6. Christian Roy
7. Louise Perry
8. Matt Rhodes

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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