Posts

THINGS HIDDEN 31: Jonathan Pageau on Satanic Inversion and the Anti-Christ

In this edition of THINGS HIDDEN, David Gornoski is joined by renowned icon carver Jonathan Pageau, host of the Symbolic World podcast. David and Jonathan talk about the anthropology of Rene Girard as seen from a symbolic perspective. They also cover the peculiar situation of the modern world with its weird shift in narratives, the […]

THINGS HIDDEN 30: Rene Girard Converts Atheist Philosopher to Christianity

David Gornoski sits down with academic Leigh Fetter who discusses his journey from secular atheism to Christianity by discovering the works of Rene Girard. David and Leigh discuss a variety of topics such as the Christian undermining of ancient myths; the possibility of Orwellian totalitarianism; the Nietzschean problem of recreating values; how Girard provides a […]

THINGS HIDDEN 29: Andrew McLuhan on Marshall McLuhan, Rene Girard, and How Media Becomes Us

David Gornoski sits down with Andrew McLuhan, director of the McLuhan Institute and grandson of Marshall McLuhan. The two discuss the overlaps between Marshall McLuhan and Rene Girard; how Marshall McLuhan rose to fame; the relation between technology and language; pandemic mask-wearing as a theatrical gesture; how changes in technology impact desire; and more. How […]

THINGS HIDDEN 28: “Reagan’s Terrible Sword” Donald J. Devine on Rene Girard, The Enduring Tension

David Gornoski sits down with Donald J. Devine, political scientist and author of The Enduring Tension. David and Dr. Devine touch on a variety of topics such as the deep political divide in America, the decline of conservative influence in media, the impact of Rene Girard’s work on anthropology, Dr. Devine’s experience of working with […]

THINGS HIDDEN 27: How Rene Girard Explains Our Chaotic Times

David Gornoski is joined by University of Scranton professor Duane Armitage, author of Big Ideas for Little Philosophers. David and Duane Armitage talk about the work of Rene Girard and apply Mimetic insights to the religiosity of political correctness, the growing undifferentiation in Western society, victim narratives as a pretext for starting wars, the effects […]

THINGS HIDDEN 26: The Gospel of Jesus vs the Gospel of Caesar

What did Caiaphas mean when he said, “it is better that one man die than the whole nation perish?” David Gornoski sits down with writer Michael Plaisted and, together, they attempt to tackle this question for our times. Was there any semblance of socialism during the time of Christ? And if there was how did […]

THINGS HIDDEN 25: The Christ-Haunted Faith of Socialism

David Gornoski sits down with Dr. Andrei Znamenski, a professor of history with an interest in anthropology. Znamenski starts the discussion by breaking down the evolution of human society from the Marxist perspective and makes the case that Marxism is fundamentally a religious philosophy. Like all religions, Marxism is based on the scapegoat mechanism. How […]

THINGS HIDDEN 24: Alex Kaschuta on Why We Have Outcasts

David Gornoski sits down with podcaster Alex Kaschuta, host of Subversive–”the podcast for outcasts.” David and Alex discuss some of the important topics of our day such as the importance of Rene Girard’s work; growing undifferentiation; the redefinition of the outcast in current society; the mythology behind gender relations; Trump as a scapegoat for the […]

THINGS HIDDEN 23: Exorcizing the Spirit of Cannibalism

In this brand new episode of THINGS HIDDEN, David Gornoski sits down with stuntman and fellow student of Girard, Eric Jacobus. The two have an exciting conversation on the resurgence of 80s aesthetics in pop culture; our society’s fascination with underdogs; the comedian’s role as a scapegoat; the ancient understanding of catharsis; spirit possession; and […]

THINGS HIDDEN 22: Twilight of the American Gods

Shannon Braswell and David Gornoski return for another exciting episode of THINGS HIDDEN. The two address Kanye West’s appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast, the concept of the holy fool, the cultural decline in France, the rise of suicide terrorism, the rise of troll culture, the need for distinctions and role models in society, and […]