The Spiritual Hedgehog

The spiritual hedgehog is a weekly conversation hosted by two friends that have known each other for over 20 years since their kids were on the same T-ball team. Eric is a Lutheran Pastor at St. Mark's church in Spokane Washington and Ira is a fine art photographer and teacher at a community college. Each week they explore a facet of their lives or what is happening in their community and look at how philosophy and faith play an important role in addressing the challenges we all face. Season 1 topics include: Covid 19, Existential Crisis, End of Life, and Finding Your Calling.

Episode 11: Who would Jesus vote for?

As the presidential elections come near and the rhetoric becomes heated Ira and Eric contemplate whether or not Jesus would be a conservative or liberal.  They also look at the historical definitions of liberalism and look uncover the shared values that could unite both sides and create an opportunity for productive debate instead of discord. 

10-01
51:28

Episode 10: Are church buildings necessary?

As many churches have been forced to host virtual services Eric and Ira discuss whether or not we really need church buildings.

10-01
42:50

Episode 9:Kierkegaard's concept of despair and emotional wellbeing PART 2

This is the continuation of the conversation from episode 8.  The show notes are available at www.thespiritualhedgehog.com.

09-24
42:24

Episode 8:Kierkegaard's concept of despair and the path to enlightenment PART 1

In this episode Ira and Eric review Kierkegaard's concept of despair and talk about the research being done about how to attain emotional wellbeing  by Dr. Jeffrey Martin.

09-24
41:25

Episode 7: Saying Goodbye

In this episode Pastor Eric reveals that he his leaving St. Marks and moving to Eugene Oregon. Eric and Ira discuss the spiritual meaning of the word GOODBYE and ways in which we say goodbye to one another in a variety of life situations.

07-13
46:57

Episode 6: Black Lives Matter

In this episode Ira and Eric respond to recent events related to the Black Lives Matter movement in a candid and difficult conversation.

07-13
54:31

Episode 5: How do we draw out the wisdom without drawing out the poison

In this episode Ira and Eric have a completely unscripted and raw conversation about prejudice and religious teachings that can spark conflict and division or unity and acceptance for diverse perspectives.

07-13
45:43

Episode 4: End of Life

In this episode Eric and Ira talk about end of life issues. Eric talks about the recent death of his father and Ira shares a near death experience of his own and what it is like to care for his aging parents.

05-23
54:03

Episode 3: Finding a Calling

In this episode Eric and Ira talk about the journey to finding a calling in life. They look at the role faith plays in discovering your calling and why this topic has become an important issue in the world of business and careers. Ira shares a video interview he recently did of Dr. Trish Michaels as part of a project about callings for St. Mark’s church.

05-23
47:53

Episode 2: Existential Crisis

In this episode Eric and Ira talk about effective strategies for dealing with an existential crisis. Topics include the role creativity plays in sublimation and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

05-23
51:42

Episode 1: Introduction to the Spiritual Hedgehog

Welcome to a new podcast about the role philosophy and faith plays in our daily lives.  In this episode we meet the host Eric Dull and Ira Gardner.  Eric is a Lutheran pastor and Ira is a fine art photographer.  They have been friends for over 20 years and have started this podcast to have a weekly discussion about the important life issues that require a philosophical and spiritual approach.  

05-23
25:01

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