My Friend, the Philosopher

"Searching for Hope: Part Two" concludes our discussion on a fatigued Church and what may be her deepest longing. In our season 2 finale, David and Jared consider what it means to rejoice in an anguished world and what hope actually requires in each of us. Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen Episode Music: Brian McMaster Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler

"Searching for Hope: Part One" is the first half of season two's closing conversation. In these final moments, Jared & David ponder whether weary followers of Jesus are truly rejoicing. The Church may be exhausted, but at her core is a longing for the thrill of hope. Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen Episode Music: Brian McMaster Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler

"Praying in a Weary World" is a unique pause amidst our typical conversation. The Christmas season is celebrated by its hope, peace, and joy to the world, but many rather feel the weight of exhaustion and weary. In this episode, David & Jared take a moment to sit and pray for a world we find ourselves in.  Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen Episode Music: Brian McMaster Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler

"Is the Church Honest?" is a reflection on the current state of the Church and how she chooses to operate. Are we being honest about where we are as the people of God? Should we? In this episode Jared & David discuss current discipleship models within the Church, whether it's working, and why it's so difficult for leaders to define reality. Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen Episode Music: Brian McMaster Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler

"How We're Really Doing" is a moment of acceptance, that many have grown uncomfortable with our humanity. In this episode, David & Jared discuss the complexity of a simple question we ask everyday: "How are you?" Should we really take the time to navigate our soul, or would we rather dismiss self-awareness, and with it our very humanity. Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen Episode Music: Brian McMaster Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler

"Alone" explores the great epidemic of loneliness, where many feel invisible within a crowd and disconnected around community. One thing is clear: proximity does not always equal presence. As we consider an alternative path, we find ourselves amidst a world of irony. What if true community is built with isolation and aloneness is what heals our loneliness? Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen Episode Music: Brian McMaster Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler

"Suffering with the Messiah" is a discussion where mystery and certainty collide. Does God actually want us to suffer, and what happens when your version of the Messiah dies? Along with special guest, Brian McMaster, Jared and David sit with these essential questions that are often uncomfortable and avoided. Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen Episode Music: Brian McMaster Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler

"Making Sense of Yourself" navigates the reasons why we may grapple with mistrust, insecurity, and disconnection to those closest to us. In this episode, Jared & David break down the six core needs we all long for, how early life deeply forms our relationships, and why storytelling is a path towards healing the wounded heart.  Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen Episode Music: Brian McMaster Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler

"Welcoming Our Brokenness" questions why we have such a hard time being broken in the presence of God. Who is the Father amidst our own imperfection? Are we truly safe to bring Him our darkness? Is the Father really that good?  As we wrestle with this tension, we find comfort in the simple truth that He's always been there. Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen Episode Music: Brian McMaster Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler 

"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

"Beginnings" is the commencement of a series of conversations revolving around friendship. What it is, what it isn't, and why it's essential to follow Jesus through it. In this special live episode, Jared & David discuss the origin and direction of the podcast as they illustrate the big picture of their pursuit. Production: David Russo & Jared Friesen Episode Music: Brian McMaster Cover Art: Cassie Wurgler