Floreology

Cultural Theologian: The End of Deconstruction | Paul Anleitner

Simon Ussher — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Paul Anleitner is a cultural theologian whose work focuses on the role of culture and story in our quest for meaning. He has been featured on NewsNation, Fox News, CNN, Christianity Today, and today joins me to discuss his new book, 'Based on a True Story: Vibe Shifts, the End of Deconstruction, and the Reboot of Meaning'.
http://www.paulanleitner.org

🔗 MENTIONS & RESOURCES
Join the discussion: https://floreology.com
Retain What You Read: https://readwise.io/floreology/

⏳ TIMESTAMPS
00:50 Introduction to Cultural Theology
03:23 Understanding the Meaning Crisis
05:58 The Role of Narrative in Meaning
08:34 Embracing the Cringe: A Cultural Shift
11:22 Self-Authoring vs. Shared Stories
15:04 The Intersection of Christianity and Modernity
19:25 The Return to Tradition in Christianity
27:17 Flourishing and Meaning in Life
37:15 The Evolution of Spirituality and Consciousness
40:11 Cultural Renewal and Human Flourishing
44:30 The Global Meaning Crisis
46:18 The Universal Nature of the Christian Story
50:39 The Power of Story in Shaping Culture
55:49 The Role of Power and Leadership in Society

🎙️ ABOUT THE SHOW
Floreology is dedicated to the science of human flourishing, and how it intersects with Christianity. Each week, we sit down with world-class experts to explore faith, science, and flourishing, to help you see the impact of Christianity on every aspect of human experience.

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📝 LEGAL & DISCLOSURES
Some links in this description are affiliate links, meaning I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. The content in this video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

#story #cringe #deconstruction

Evolutionary Psychologist: Feminism Against Women and the End of Civilisation | Dani Sulikowski

Simon Ussher — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:30:33 -0700

Dr. Dani Sulikowski discusses her fascinating research around feminism as intra-sexual competitive behaviour, its consequences for women, and the future of civilisation. Find her at https://x.com/DrDaniS

🔗 MENTIONS & RESOURCES
Join the discussion: https://floreology.com
Retain What You Read: https://readwise.io/floreology/

⏳ TIMESTAMPS
00:48 Introduction to Evolutionary Psychology and Female Interactions
02:28 The Role of Reproductive Suppression in Female Competition
05:11 Intersexual Competition Across Species
08:14 Human Manifestations of Reproductive Suppression
10:47 The Career-Motherhood Nexus and Female Advice
13:30 Feminism's Antinatal Position Throughout History
16:33 Cosmetic Medicine and Social Aggression
22:02 Gender Roles and Social Dynamics in Appearance
25:50 Makeup as Intimidation or Social Leadership
35:16 The Influence of Context on Reproductive Trends
39:40 Economic and Social Factors Affecting Family Dynamics
43:27 Civilizational Collapse: Signs and Symptoms
47:01 Influencers Giving Fake Advice
53:17 Pro-Natalist Policies: What Works and What Doesn't
56:49 Hope Amidst Decline: Communities and Subcultures
01:03:35 Navigating the Inevitable: Preparing for Change

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#feminism #civilisation #women

Emergency Nurse: Voluntary Hardship, Optimizing and Going Deeper | Dom Malgeri

Simon Ussher — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Emergency Nurse, Catholic Podcaster, Father, and Ministry Founder - Dom Malgeri offers insights into walking the path of high calling and a life of service.

www.evangelion.co.nz
https://www.youtube.com/@curiouslycatholic
https://www.instagram.com/evangelion_nz/
https://www.tiktok.com/@curiouslycatholic
https://www.facebook.com/EvangelionNZ

🔗 MENTIONS & RESOURCES
Join the discussion: https://floreology.com
Retain What You Read: https://readwise.io/floreology/

⏳ TIMESTAMPS
00:44 Introduction to Dom's Mission and Work
02:37 The Online Continent
05:48 The Importance of Intimacy in Evangelization
07:01 The Christian Geek Phenomenon
12:21 Navigating Faith and Personal Relationships
14:14 Working as a Chaplain
18:15 Transitioning from Chaplaincy to Nursing
21:10 Its In Your DNA
25:48 Dom's Journey to Catholicism
29:00 The Journey of Faith and Education
31:08 Seeing the Vision
35:00 Theology of the Body: Understanding Our Humanity
37:01 The Mass Inside of Us
42:56 Cultural Currents and the Catholic Church
44:45 Playing Games and Novenas
47:45 Voluntary Hardships and What's Missing
55:12 The Call to Greatness and Voluntary Hardship

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#catholic #greatness #hardships

Dr. Zachary Porcu | The Dark Truth About Modern Technology

Simon Ussher — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:21:34 -0700

Dr. Zachary Porcu, author of 'Journey to Reality', discusses worldviews, the Dark Logos, modern technology and liberating your mind.

https://zacharyporcu.substack.com/

🔗 MENTIONS & RESOURCES
Join the discussion: https://floreology.com
Retain What You Read: https://readwise.io/floreology/

⏳ TIMESTAMPS
00:35 Dr. Zachary Porcu
00:49 Introduction to Sacramental Theology
01:33 Materialism vs. Sacramental Worldview
04:51 The Resurgence of Spiritual Beliefs
07:35 Challenges for Materialism
10:10 The Journey to Reality: Writing the Book
12:40 The Shift in Religious Perspectives
15:24 Historical Context of Materialism
17:53 Technology and Its Impact on Worldview
20:16 The Dark Side of AI and Technology
26:16 The Mirror of Knowledge: Vices and Virtues
30:00 Participatory Knowledge and Community Impact
32:56 The Modern Meaning Crisis and Community Loss
34:14 Balancing Technology and Sacramental Worldview
38:17 Burnout and the Search for Meaning
42:57 Hope in Spiritual Awakening and Community Reconnection

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#worldviews #sacramental #christianity

Harvard Philosopher: Why We Need To Belong | Ian Marcus Corbin

Simon Ussher — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:03:59 -0700

Ian Marcus Corbin discusses the impacts of loneliness, the profound impacts of belonging, and how we can work together, better. His first book, To Arrive Where We Started: Belonging in the Modern World, is available here: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300263626/to-arrive-where-we-started/

http://ianmarcuscorbin.com/

🔗 MENTIONS & RESOURCES
Join the Discussion: https://floreology.com
Retain What You Read: https://readwise.io/floreology/

⏳ TIMESTAMPS
00:58 Introduction to Ian Corbin and His Work
03:51 The Journey of Writing 'To Arrive Where We Started'
08:50 Growing Up in a Pentecostal Family
13:27 Cognitive Metabolism: Understanding Our Interconnectedness
18:22 Loneliness and Solitude: A Philosophical Perspective
23:11 The Impact of Capitalism on Community and Belonging
30:29 The Dehumanizing Nature of Financial Transactions
32:50 The Complexity of Reciprocity in Relationships
35:58 The Emotional Landscape of Community Interactions
38:18 The Complicated Borders of Self and Community
40:09 The Need for Interdependence in Modern Society
42:07 Finding Common Ground Without a Common Enemy
44:29 The Role of Economics in Human Relationships
45:45 Cooperatives as a Model for Community
53:27 The Zosiman Valence: Embracing Shared Responsibility

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#belonging #flourishing #loneliness

Horror, Beauty and the Sacred | Matthew Wilkinson

Simon Ussher — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:58:33 -0700

Discussing horror and the sacred, terror in beauty, music, architecture and the transcendent, with Dr. Matthew Wilkinson.

📱 MATTHEW WILKINSON
https://www.youtube.com/@UCPo3842Pl_Z3Xqo9GYACUzw
https://matthewwilkinson.net
Matthew's Patreon

🔗 MENTIONS & RESOURCES
Join the discussion: https://floreology.com
The Best Way to Retain What You Read and Watch: https://readwise.io/floreology/

⏳ TIMESTAMPS
00:35 - Intro to Matthew
02:37 - The Role of the Organ in Worship
04:47 - Journey into Sacred Music
07:07 - Cultural Context of Sacred Music
09:45 - The Interplay of Music and the Sacred
12:20 - The Human Element in Music
14:47 - Byzantine Chant vs. Gregorian Chant
17:16 - The Communal Aspect of Sacred Music
19:45 - Reflections on Contemporary Sacred Music
26:52 - Understanding Economia in Orthodox Tradition
29:54 - The Role of Music in Worship
32:29 - The Intersection of Beauty and Terror
38:15 - The Relationship Between Beauty and Human Experience
41:42 - AI and the Authenticity of Art
51:14 - Architecture, Beauty, and Community

📱 CONNECT WITH ME
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Substack: https://floreology.com

#sacredmusic #beauty #transcendence

Why Modern Culture is Collapsing (And the Radical Solution) | Brendan Malone

Simon Ussher — Wed, 27 May 2026 23:17:23 -0700

Finding hope for the future with Brendan Malone.

Brendan's Substack https://thecounterculture.substack.com/

🔗 MENTIONS & RESOURCES
Join the Community: https://floreology.com
Remember More of What You Read And Watch: https://floreology.com/readwise

⏳ TIMESTAMPS
01:45 Brendan Malone's Journey into Ministry
05:00 Evolution of Ministry Focus and Cultural Shifts
08:01 What is Christian Anthropology
11:09 The Paradox of Modern Rights and Ethics
18:50 Collapse Within Western Culture
19:44 Fatherhood and the Orientation of Culture
34:30 Young Men and the Fight Within
38:40 Physicality and Spirituality: Boxing and Tradition
42:01 The Spiritual Life and the Life of Virtue
44:10 Understanding Acedia: The Loss of Joy and Purpose
48:50 Burn Out, Moral Injury and the Crisis of Purpose
53:50 The Church's Voice in the Public Sphere
59:10 The Benedict Option: Building Intentional Communities

📱 CONNECT WITH ME
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🎧 YOUTUBE VERSION
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vpSrsMz8h0

#benedictoption #christiananthropology #culture

Addressing The Meaning Crisis | Mahon McCann

Simon Ussher — Wed, 20 May 2026 19:42:28 -0700

Making sense of the meaning crisis with Mahon McCann.

Mahon's Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@UCv51U5T8-aCUchK0oyYggrA
'Raising The Cross' on Substack https://www.mahonmccann.com/

🔗 MENTIONS & RESOURCES
Join the Community: https://floreology.com
Im8 Holistic Nutrition: https://floreology.com/im8
Remember More of What You Read And Watch: https://floreology.com/readwise

⏳ TIMESTAMPS
00:38 Introduction to Mahon McCann
01:03 Journey into Philosophy and Technology Ethics
03:14 Understanding the Meaning Crisis
10:40 Burning It All Down
11:53 Exploring the Meaning Crisis and Its Implications
12:45 The Role of Christianity in Addressing the Meaning Crisis
18:12 Personal Journey to Catholicism
21:00 Hating The Catholic Church
24:13 The Impact of Technology on Meaning
29:31 Cultural Identity and the Catholic Church
35:15 Multiculturalism and Its Challenges
38:25 The Impact of Technology on Communication
47:58 Attention as a Moral Act
52:18 The Role of Pain and Attention in Human Experience
56:34 The Myth of Neutrality in Value Systems
01:02:50 The Hero's Journey in Christianity
01:08:12 The Revival of Catholicism in Modern Society

📱 CONNECT WITH ME
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🎧 YOUTUBE VERSION
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBq0gLwQgMo

📝 LEGAL & DISCLOSURES
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this description are affiliate links, meaning I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Disclaimer: The content in this video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

#meaningcrisis #socialmedia #attention

Young Men Awaken

Simon Ussher — Wed, 13 May 2026 19:00:00 -0700

Young men are flocking to Christianity, and in particular to the more traditional, ancient forms.

🔗 MENTIONS & RESOURCES
Join the Community: https://floreology.com
Im8 Holistic Nutrition: https://floreology.com/im8

⏳ TIMESTAMPS
00:33 – Young Men Becoming More Religious
01:24 – Whats Happening In Finland
01:53 – Catholic Growth In French Males and Females
02:13 – Commitment To Christ In The USA
03:23 – The Stabilization of Ancient Practices
03:44 – What It Means To Be A Man
03:59 – Being Counter Cultural
04:23 – High Demand High Stakes Christianity
04:53 – Moral Grammar, Virtue and Vice
05:57 – The Need For The Transcendent

🔗 REFERENCES
- American Bible Society. (2025). State of the Bible USA 2025. https://stateofthebible.org/
- Barna Group. (2025, April 9). New research: Belief in Jesus rises, fueled by younger adults. https://www.barna.com/research/belief-in-jesus-rises/
- Fulks, J. L., Dunaetz, D. R., & Menzies, R. P. (2025). Experiments in church-based research. Great Commission Research Journal, 17(1). https://place.asburyseminary.edu/gcrj/vol17/iss1/3/
- Li, X., & Chen, Y. (2025). The revival of spiritual practices: Factors influencing the “seeking deities and offering prayers” behavior of China's Generation Z on social media in an atheistic context. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, Article 1536644. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1536644
- Nelson, E., & Bullivant, S. (2026). The turning tide? Recent religious trends on the island of Ireland. Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/The-Turning-Tide-Final-Draft.pdf
- Pew Research Center. (2025, February 26). Decline of Christianity in the U.S. has slowed, may have leveled off. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/02/26/decline-of-christianity-in-the-us-has-slowed-may-have-leveled-off/
- Tervo-Niemelä, K. (2026). Why are young men increasingly drawn to Christianity? A study of Finnish young men. Helda - University of Helsinki. https://helda.helsinki.fi/bitstreams/4558031e-9c04-402d-b612-16f31e74791f/download
- Vukovic, J., & Wilkins-Laflamme, S. (2025). The three stages of religious decline around the world: The P-I-B sequence. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 122(34), e2421356122. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2421356122

📱 CONNECT WITH ME
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🎧 YOUTUBE VERSION
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWIMa46R25Q

#youngmen #christianity #catholicism

Why Thoreau Helps Us Thrive | Samuel Alexander

Simon Ussher — Wed, 06 May 2026 00:37:47 -0700

Samuel Alexander discusses Thoreau, simplicity, degrowth, and meaning.
Read more of his work at https://SamuelAlexander.info

🔗 MENTIONS & RESOURCES
Join the Floreology Community: https://floreology.com
Im8 Holistic Nutrition: https://floreology.com/im8

⏳ TIMESTAMPS
01:25 The Vision of Prosperous Descent
03:00 Material Standard of Living vs Quality of Life
04:25 The Double and Triple Dividend
05:05 Living More With Less
08:50 Individualism vs. Collectivism in Economics
10:44 What To Do With Our Lives?
14:03 Enlightened Self Interest
15:07 Suburbs as Sites of Transformation
15:23 What is Degrowth?
17:53 Degrowth in the Suburbs
19:21 What If Contraction is Unplanned?
21:57 Are We See Early Civilizational Deterioration?
23:36 Value Shifts and Technological Tools
29:22 Technology Can Be Seductive

📱 CONNECT WITH ME
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🎧 PODCAST VERSIONS
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/floreology/id1888102939
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7585zSgny23cfx4vwRdeta

#thoreau #degrowth #gametheory

Turning Trauma Into Flourishing | Frank Ritchie

Simon Ussher — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Frank Ritchie is a man who has lived his life at the intersection of the sacred and the everyday. For years, you’ve heard his voice as a broadcaster on Newstalk ZB, podcasts, and across Christian media such as Life FM and Rhema, but his deeper work happens in the quiet spaces, working as a media chaplain.

After years of serving as an ordained minister in a Protestant denomination, Frank recently followed a long, winding road into the Catholic Church—a move that reflects his deep love for ancient liturgy and the "old tech" of tradition. Today, he writes at Along the Way, where he explores a lived faith, and how we can find a sense of home in a world that feels increasingly fragmented.

Frank's Substack: https://frankritchie.substack.com/
Christian Broadcasting Association: https://cba.org.nz/

🔗 MENTIONS & RESOURCES
Join the Floreology Community: https://floreology.com
Im8 Holistic Nutrition: https://floreology.com/im8

⏳ TIMESTAMPS
01:30 - The Birth of Floreology
03:30 - Nature vs. Nurture: The Soil of Our Lives
07:57 - Embracing Struggles: The Path to Flourishing
12:20 - The Role of Chaplaincy: Listening and Presence
16:20 - Navigating the Media Landscape: A Love-Hate Relationship
20:55 - The Screwtape Letters
22:00 - Benevolence vs. Malevolence: The Impact of Media Consumption
27:30 - The Physicality of Faith
30:45 - Bridging the Gap: Commentary vs. Real Struggles
34:30 - The Art of Conversation: Authenticity and Curiosity
37:55 - A Broader Vision of Salvation
46:45 - The Significance of the Eucharist
49:10 - Yearning for Ritual and Tradition

📱 CONNECT WITH ME
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🎧 PODCAST VERSIONS
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/floreology/id1888102939
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7585zSgny23cfx4vwRdeta

Metaphors We Live By | Joey Millington

Simon Ussher — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:50:00 -0700

Joey Millington is a Lecturer at Laidlaw College and a PhD student whose research explores 'metaphor theory'—how the mental images we use to describe our communities actually shape the way we lead and live as Christians.

Joey's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorjoey

🔗 MENTIONS & RESOURCES
Join the Floreology Community: https://floreology.com
Im8 Holistic Nutrition: https://floreology.com/im8

⏳ TIMESTAMPS
01:35 - Foundational Metaphors
06:40 - Missteps of the Enlightenment
12:55 - The Mystery of the Gospel
22:00 - The Given-ness of the World
29:30 - The End of Religion
31:35 - Adam-Christ Typology
41:10 - The Deconstruction of Secularism
50:53 - The Consequence of the Wrong Metaphors
1:01:12 - How we Position Ourselves in the World

📱 CONNECT WITH ME
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🎧 PODCAST VERSIONS
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/floreology/id1888102939
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7585zSgny23cfx4vwRdeta

Praying The Rosary: Better than Mindfulness?

Simon Ussher — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:36:29 -0700

Praying the Rosary is an ancient technique, but largely ignored in the research community. A recent study, published in 2025 by Oviedo et al. challenges that, and suggests that the Rosary may be a highly effective tool for human flourishing, possibly more so than mindfulness.

Floreology - The Science of Human Flourishing

Simon Ussher — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 01:25:36 -0700

Floreology - the science of human flourishing.

Join Dr. Simon Ussher to explore human flourishing through the insights of neuroscience and psychology, philosophy and theology, biology and medicine, economics and culture.

In all this, examine how these fields intersect with the practice of Christianity, and whether that helps, or hinders, human flourishing.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam