Show Notes
In this Q&A session with Bishop Erik Varden, Jamie Baxter and Bishop Varden explore: The nature of love and self-forgetfulness Philosophical perspectives on progress The relevance of Stoicism The implications of artificial intelligence The importance of maintaining joy in celebratory seasons And more!
__________ This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit Exodus90.com to learn more Visit Desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections. __________ We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is... • 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com
• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN
• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios
• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today ________
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context of the Q&A Session 03:07 The Nature of Love and Self-Forgetfulness 09:03 Philosophical Perspectives on Progress and History 18:45 Stoicism and Its Relevance to Christian Living 21:41 Artificial Intelligence and Wisdom from the Desert Fathers 29:19 The Solitary Life and Its Impact on Humanity 35:09 Challenges of Prayer and Asceticism 44:42 Living Joyfully in Celebratory Seasons 49:35 The Discipline of Speech and Communication 54:07 Practical Wisdom for Financial Responsibility 58:38 Navigating Romantic Relationships and Spiritual Priorities 01:07:57 Conclusion and Blessing
Tags:
Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden, Q&A, love, self-knowledge, humility, progress, Stoicism, artificial intelligence, prayer, asceticism, financial responsibility, romantic relationships
More from Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden
In episode 53, join Jamie Baxter of Exodus 90 and Bishop Erik Varden for a conversation all about filming Desert Fathers, what they learned, how the writings of the Desert Fathers have impacted them, and more. __________ This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more. Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections. __________ We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is... • 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog • 🎥 ...produced by EWTN • 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today! ________
In the dark of night, while the monastery slept, St. Benedict kept vigil. Standing at his window, he watched a light descend from heaven, brighter than the day itself. And in that light, he saw something extraordinary. For our final episode of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, we stand with St. Benedict in this holy moment. It’s been a blessing to walk on this journey with you. __________ This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more. Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections. __________ We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is... • 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog • 🎥 ...produced by EWTN • 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today! ________
Imagine a voice that shakes the heavens. A light that makes you radiant from within. That’s what St. Benedict wants us to experience. This week, we hear about the divine thunder and deifying light that rouses us into the fullness of life.
St. Benedict saw the world differently. Others pursued knowledge, pleasure, prestige. He wanted more.
Imagine a narrow cave. A little bell to signal a visitor. A rope lowered to bring food. Alone, fasting, praying… Benedict spent three years here preparing for his sacred mission. In this episode, we visit the very cave where Benedict emerged to give the world his “little rule for beginners.” We’ll dive into the final chapter of Benedict’s Rule, reflecting on how he distills the desert fathers’ teachings for anyone seeking a life fully devoted to God. __________ This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more. Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.