Popesplaining

The beautiful, religious, game

Its Men's World Cup finals time! And have you noticed the players praying? We look in to the various ways the sports people pray, and if (and how) this might improve their game.  https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-13575702 / https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6862688/2025/12/05/noni-madueke-arsenal-christian-players/ [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6862688/2025/12/05/noni-madueke-arsenal-christian-players/]

Does religion lead to flourishing?

What makes you flourish? Not just healthy, wealthy and wise; but truly flourish? Today we look in to some surprising results from a recent study, and open up some questions about how religious practice may help with our flourishing as individuals and society.    https://www.abc.net.au/religion/harvard-global-flourishing-index-indonesia-more-than-happiness/106649806 [https://www.abc.net.au/religion/harvard-global-flourishing-index-indonesia-more-than-happiness/106649806]   https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ9m94xDHm3/ [https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ9m94xDHm3/]

What is religion even for?

Why do we need religion? What does it do for our lives? what is it for?   We launch off from some of our previous questions to ramble about what we think a religion is for, and go off on all the usual tangents.

The Pure Land

Do you want to go to Amitaba's pure land? What even is this magical place and how do i get there?!  Today we dive in to one of the most popular versions of buddhism in east asia, and try to find out what it's all about.   https://tricycle.org/buddhism-pure-land/

Whose opinion matters?

Do you worry about the judgement of others? do you care about the opinions of others? Today we ramble on about our own views on who's opinions matter, Tai-Sen shares his new formula for letting go of the opinions of some, and injustice in general.    Post-recording note: In this episode I (Tai-Sen) talk about referring to myself as a Monk. Since recording I have had further reflection and conversations about this, and have changed my opinion. 'Priest-candidate' is a more appropriate term for this life transition.