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Artwork for The Symbolic World

The Symbolic World

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

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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes446Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Religion & SpiritualityEducation

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Artwork for The Symbolic World

Latest Episodes

I sat down with Fr. Josiah Trenham to talk about something that’s becoming harder to ignore: how to properly order your loyalties.

We discussed the tension between faith, nation, family, and personal identity, and what happens when those come into co... more

YouTube

In this conversation with Annie Crawford, we explore the role of alchemy in C.S. Lewis’ That Hideous Strength. While alchemy is often dismissed as occult or irrelevant, Lewis uses its symbolism in a precise and meaningful way.

We look at how the nov... more

YouTube

This is the final episode of our Universal History series on the American Religion. Deacon Seraphim Rohlin and I look at the religious ideas behind the American project, especially the influence of Kabbalah and the search for a “pure” and universal m... more

YouTube

This is a repost of a past video where I discussed the icons of Holy Week in the Orthodox Church and how they relate to each other as a unified symbolic pattern. Have a blessed Pascha.

YouTube version: youtu.be/h55O4Kxs6tU

Join us at the Sy... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

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)
Joshua Sturgill
Bookseller, world traveler, and educator
Eight Day Books
Episode: 431 - Joshua Sturgill & Dcn Seraphim Rohlin - The Art of Imitating Heaven: Structure and Meaning in Ancient Cosmology
Jean-Philippe Marceau
The author of 'Poultre Ductionist Christianity, A Way Out of the Meaning Crisis'
Episode: 430 - JP Marceau - The Mythology of Demographic Collapse
Dr. Iain McGilchrist
Chancellor of Ralston College, psychiatrist, and neuroscientist
Ralston College
Episode: 427 - Dr. Iain McGilchrist - Artificial Intelligence, Possession, and Mental Illness
Andrew Gould
Explorer of symbolism related to orthodoxy and piracy
Episode: 426 - Andrew Gould - Monks and Pirates: Two Extremes that Explain the Rest of Us

Host

Jonathan Pageau
A prominent speaker and author focusing on symbolism and its implications for culture. He offers deep insights into various facets of storytelling, spirituality, and mythology.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 2.5k ratings
  • 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
    16 days ago
  • Excellent

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Plloyd88
    Ireland2 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 Africa2 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 States2 months ago
  • Occultism wrapped in a thin veneer of Scripture.

    Your very well read sir and have an impressive amount of knowledge in your head. Your ability to articulate your thoughts is also admirable.

    But your inability to explain the need for the tree of good and evil, in under 45mins perplexes me.

    One might simply understand it’s necessity in Christ Jesus’s gift of Freewill. Your explanation put my Gnostic teachings alarm on red. I see little difference in your gospel and that of the Kabbalist.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    sheepDog part Wolf
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Many express that the content challenges their worldview, leading to personal growth and deeper understanding.
The storytelling approach is frequently highlighted as an engaging method to convey profound insights, resonating well with creative individuals.
Critics sometimes denote a perceived bias in approaching certain cultural narratives, suggesting a need for broader perspectives.
Listeners appreciate the exploration of complex themes related to spirituality, symbolism, and mythology, often finding the discussions enriching and thought-provoking.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#201
United States/Education
Apple Podcasts
#221
Canada/Education
Apple Podcasts
#142
Brazil/Education
Apple Podcasts
#181
Finland/Education

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
441 - Mary Harrington - Technology, AI, and Cultural Memory
Q: So Mary, thanks for talking to me.
Mary responds by outlining her background as a writer and how her perspective has evolved over years, stressing that her core worldview remains consistent even as public discourse has changed.
439 - Pavel Shchelin - Plutarch: Symbolism of History with Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin
Q: And my question for you would be something like, why Plutarch?
Plutarch is compelling because his Lives foreground human desires and actions, offering a universal grammar of political symbolism that transcends time and helps readers understand contemporary power dynamics through character and story.
440 - Dr. Zachary Porcu - Journey to Reality: De-Secularize Your Life
Q: What motivated the writing of Journey to Reality?
The guest explains it was to provide college freshmen and later general readers with a concise, high-school-level introduction to metaphysics and epistemology that reframes basic religious categories, making the material accessible and relevant to everyday life.

Audience Metrics

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

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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?

Focusing on the intricate relationship between symbolism and various aspects of life, this show examines how symbols influence personal belief systems and societal narratives. Episodes often intertwine themes from sacred stories, historical contexts, and contemporary culture, aiming to unpack the meanings behind symbols in a way that resonates with personal and collective experiences. Topics range from Christianity and mythology to modern societal issues, offering a deep exploration of how historical wisdom can shape current perspectives and practices.

A noteworthy aspect is its emphasis on storytelling, which serves as a vehicle for unpacking complex ideas, making them accessible to diverse audiences. This approach not only invites listen... 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. Pints With Aquinas
5. First Things Podcast

How many episodes of The Symbolic World are there?

The Symbolic World launched 8 years ago and published 446 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. Annie Crawford
2. Kale Zelden
3. Dr. Zach Porcu
4. Pavel Shchelin
5. Matthew Wilkinson
6. Joshua Sturgill
7. Jean-Philippe Marceau
8. Dr. Iain McGilchrist

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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