My Friend, the Philosopher

"The Goal of Friendship" begins a series of discussions exploring what it means for God's light to come into us. As Jared & David set up season 2, they consider what the honest goal of friendship is and how it propels us to step further into God's love. What is our true motivation? Are we aimed at Jesus, or do merely want the treasures of the King?

Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen

Episode Music: Brian McMaster

Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler

"Into the Marketplace: Part Two" is the conclusion of Jared & David's conversation on pursuing God in a loud and hurried world. In this season 1 finale, they center their attention on why encountering Jesus through friendship is full of challenge and how refocusing our perspective can strengthen our faith together.

Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen

Episode Music: Brian McMaster

Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler

"Into the Marketplace: Part One" is the first half of a conversation about pursuing God in a loud and hurried world. As David and Jared discuss the struggles that urge us into forgetfulness, they're reminded of the practices of simplicity and slowness which awaken us to the day-to-day presence of God.

Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen

Episode Music: Brian McMaster

Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler

"Silence & Solitude" addresses a major theme in Jared and David's relationship: contemplative prayer. In this episode they re-enter their ongoing discovery of the hidden life. As they discuss its foundational necessity, they navigate how Jesus followers can realistically practice it among a culture of hurry and noise. 

Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen

Episode Music: Brian McMaster

Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler

"Living as the Beloved" examines the profound, restorative teaching, "The Prodigal Son". As Jared & David ponder this well-known parable, they confront the question that lingers beyond pigpens and triumphal returns. How must we remain home, and ultimately become a home ourselves, when the distant murmurs challenge the beloved?

Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen

Episode Music: Brian McMaster

Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler

"Looking at Him, Looking at Me" is a contemplation of what theologians call "the gaze of the soul." What does it mean to look at God and why is it so important to do so when looking at one's self? In this dialogue, Jared and David compare healthy and unhealthy introspection, finding that these two are as different as the light of the sun and the reflection of the moon.

Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen

Episode Music: Brian McMaster

Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler

"Gratitude & Grief" wrestles with the tension between our sorrows and our joys. Is our pain really authored by "God's plan" or does our dependency on causality prohibit us from meaningful healing? Together, David & Jared maneuver this necessary conversation as they ponder the freedom to deeply feel with God. 

Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen

Episode Music: Brian McMaster

Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler

"One Turn Away" reflects on the voices of light, darkness, and how they regularly coincide; where we often find ourselves amidst the tension of faith. Who do we believe, a God who cherishes trust or an evil who lures control? As we navigate the complexity of these callings, the response is quite simple: we're just one turn away.

Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen

Episode Music: Brian McMaster

Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler

"Who Are My Friends?" is the completion of a 3-part introduction. As David and Jared navigate the dynamics of phileo love, they find themselves confronted by a modern dilemma: friendship has been co-opted by a world of influence and media, and its significance is far greater than we realize. How then must we reclaim true connection?

Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen

Episode Music: Brian McMaster

Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler

"The Light of Love" is the 2nd pillar of a 3-part introduction. Who is this philosopher and his mysterious comrades, and why is it so important that we find ourselves amidst this painting? In this dialogue, Jared & David consider the different characters in Rembrandt’s painting and how they represent postures of the spiritual life.  

Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen 

Episode Music: Brian McMaster 

Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler