Nearly Numinous

Religion, Ritual, and Reality TV

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 16:33:11 +0000

Do you love reality TV, or do you love to hate it? This week, Rachel is joined by two friends, Grace and Fiona, to gossip about the relationship between reality TV, ritual and religion. Using examples from The Bachelor, Love Island, and Drag Race, the trio discusses the various rituals and ceremonies that are so intrinsic to reality shows, the devoted followings they acquire, and the parables they tell.

Follow Nearly Numinous on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also find transcripts and past episodes on our website – nearlynuminous.ca.

Religious Experience & Altered States of Consciousness

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 23:41:17 +0000

This week we dive head-first into different types of religious experience when it comes to consciousness. We chat ASCs, Trance, and Mysticism, while trying to understand the difference between the three types of experience. We also talk a lot about how religious experience is often branded as “crazy”, and is therefore used as an excuse to de-platform those that are religious.

In The News: July 2021

CFRC Podcast Network — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 01:03:51 +0000

We’re back with another monthly installment of our “In The News” episode. This week, we chat about a wide range of topics including; the psychology of religion and how religion is studied in the brain, the ethics of AI, and Islamophobia in Canada.

Want to read the articles we talk about?

“Religion on the Brain” from The Scientist

“Can Silicon Valley Find God” from The New York Times

“Trudeau calls out federal agencies during national summit on Islamophobia” from CBC News

Follow Nearly Numinous on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also find transcripts and past episodes on our website – nearlynuminous.ca.

Muslims in Canada with Faezeh Izadi

CFRC Podcast Network — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 15:45:44 +0000

Join Rachel and Jacqueline for a special interview with Faezeh Izadi about Muslims in Canada. Faezeh is an International Ph.D. student of Religious Studies at the University of Calgary, originally from Iran. She got her bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, but after two years of engineering works, Faezeh changed her path to humanities and joined the Comparative Religions and Mysticism MA program at the University of Kashan, Iran. After seven years of teaching and leadership experience in educational institutions in Iran, Faezeh decided to pursue her study abroad. She received her second master’s degree in Religious Studies from Queen’s University, Canada. Faezeh’s current research interests surround the relationship of value systems with benevolent activities. She is also interested in addressing issues related to Islam and Islamic societies through the lens of sociology of religion.

Follow Nearly Numinous on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also find transcripts and past episodes on our website – nearlynuminous.ca.

Religion and Group Identity in The 100 (Part 2)

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 15:55:01 +0000

Welcome to the 2nd episode in our series on CW’s hit show, The 100! If you haven’t listened to the first episode yet, check it out here! And if you haven’t seen Season 1 of The 100, then we recommend watching it before you dive into this episode (otherwise you’ll get a lot of spoilers).

In this episode, we focus more on group identity and cohesion using all our fancy background and language about religion and group identity. Get ready for some 1st year University-level definitions, and also some rants about who would make the best charismatic leader.

As always, you’ll be able to find a transcript shortly after the episode is published on our website – nearlynuminous.ca. There, you can also check out all our past episodes and learn more about us.

Yoga Beyond the Binary with Laura Chaignon

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 13:49:07 +0000

Join your hosts, Steph and Rachel, for an interview with yoga teacher and practitioner Laura Chaignon. We get deep into gender binary language in yoga (and elsewhere) and chat about the effect of the western lens on yoga, gendered language, and the importance of making yoga a safe and comfortable space for everyone.

Resources Laura mentions:

@yogaisdeadpodcast (Hosted by Tejal Patel and Jesal Parikh)

Artist Sarah Cargill from the Tarot for the End of the World podcast,

Yoga instructor and educator @susannabarkataki

Religion, Spirituality, and Apocalypticism in The 100 (Part 1)

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 14:16:24 +0000

Welcome to the first of a special 2-part episode on the hit CW show “The 100”. The show originally premiered in 2014 and ran for seven seasons – but today, we’re only getting into the first season. Of course, there are some spoilers, so feel free to go watch the entire first season and come back to this episode.

In the first part of our series on “The 100,” we introduce the premise of the show, some of our favourite plotholes and burning questions, and most importantly, how it relates to religion—through its apocalyptic themes.

Join us next episode for the rest of our discussion on Season 1 of “The 100” where we compare culture and religiosity in three different communities: The Sky People, The 100, and the Grounders!

Interested in learning more about apocalypticism and rapture theology? Check out these sources:

Jesus: Apocalyptic Prophet of the New Millennium by Bart D. Ehrman
The Apocalypse: A Brief History by Martha Himmelfarb
Ultimate Things: An Introduction to Jewish and Christian Apocalyptic Literature by Greg Carey
The Apocalyptic Imagination: An Introduction to Jewish Apocalyptic Literature by John J Collins
The Apocalyptic Literature by Stephen L Cook

Don’t forget to follow us on your favourite social media platforms – just look up Nearly Numinous. To check out past episodes, learn more about us, sign up for our newsletter, or get in touch with us, head to our website – nearlynuminous.ca.

The Co-option of Religious Symbols & the History of COEXIST

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 12:46:23 +0000

This week, jump in with Rachel and Steph while they talk about different religious symbols being taken from their original meaning and used in either dangerous ways or just taken out of context. We also get pretty deep into the COEXIST bumper sticker’s history.

As always, don’t forget to check out nearlynuminous.ca for previous episodes, to subscribe to our newsletter, or get in touch with us! You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – just search Nearly Numinous.

In The News: June 2021

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 13:36:53 +0000

After weeks of recording snags (long distance podcasting is hard!) we’re back! This week it’s the June edition of “In The News”. Join ALL THREE of your hosts (for the first time in months) while we try to stay on topic about the blood flower super moon and pride but end up in side chats about if reading the bible from front to back is a good idea.

Check out Church Clarity at: https://www.churchclarity.org/

Don’t forget to follow us on social media and head to our website nearlynuminous.ca for transcripts and more episodes.

Matriarchal Religions

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 10 May 2021 15:40:35 +0000

Where do women fit in the world of modern spiritualities and religions? What exactly does it mean for a religion to be matriarchal? In honour of Mother’s Day, Steph and Rachel chat about matriarchal religions, the Goddess movement, and a whole lot of feminism!

For more previous episodes, information, and transcripts go to nearlynuminous.ca. And don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcasting platform!

In The News: May 2021

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 03 May 2021 14:11:50 +0000

We’re back (well…Steph and Rachel are! Jacqueline will be soon!). Join us while we catch up on what’s been happening in the news. We give some background about Quebec’s Bill 21 and the most recent ruling. We also chat about Peloton’s religiously infused classes and how that plays into the wellness and exercise brand.

Want to read the articles from today’s episode?

Read about Bill 21:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/bill-21-religious-symbols-ban-quebec-court-ruling-1.5993431?fbclid=IwAR2zYMKCb2eXn8QyDg1H3rS_17g2cji2aBqtpTP9ksOcct9Mr3zrdAnkGHE

Read about Peloton:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/road-to-recovery/2021/02/05/peloton-ally-love-robin-christianity-covid/

As always – catch up with us and check out old episodes on our website – nearlynuminous.ca. Or check us out on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter – just search Nearly Numinous.

Manifestation and The Law of Attraction: What is it and does it really work?

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 12:00:27 +0000

Join your three hosts this week to talk all about the latest trend – manifestation and the Law of Attraction. We go into the history of the practice, all the way back to the dawn of the New Thought and New Age movements. Then we chat about how people actually partake in it, if it works as its own religious tradition or as part of other religious traditions, and then we chat about how spiritual bypassing functions within the world of manifestation.

Check our website for full transcripts and past episodes! Find us at nearlynuminous.ca

St. Patrick: the fancy and historical Saint

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 22:13:16 +0000

Happy St. Patricks’ Day everyone! Celebrate with us by learning all about the history and mythology behind the St. Patrick we know (and drink to) today. Also, make sure you take Jacqueline’s leprechaun quiz along with us!

Orientalism in Movies

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 12:00:26 +0000

This week join your hosts while they talk about different ways Orientalism has creeped into pop-culture for the past few centuries. They chat Mulan, Freaky Friday, and Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone. Find the episode anywhere you get your podcasts! Just search Nearly Numinous.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram! We’re @nearlynuminous. Also check our website for more resources and transcripts of each episode – nearlynuminous.ca.

Cults & Charismatic Leaders

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 13:59:12 +0000

Ever wonder what it is about cult leaders that draw people to them? This week, join your hosts Rachel, Steph, and Jacqueline as they dive deep into the charismatic leader and what makes people so willing to follow them, even when their ideas might seem radical or outlandish to outsiders. We discuss the specific terminology surrounding “cults,” if charisma is a dangerous characteristic, and whether or not the charismatic leader archetype is gendered.

Pancake Tuesday & a Casual Catch-Up with the Hosts

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 11:43:37 +0000

This week, join all three of your hosts while they have some pancakes and catch up! We talk a bit about the history of pancake Tuesday – and then get into what we’ve been up to lately, some awesome episodes to look forward to for the spring season, and a lot of updates on our pets.

Religion in Diet Culture

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 13:00:28 +0000

This week, join Rachel and Steph as they discuss all things eating and not-eating and how it relates to religion. They give some historical examples of fasting and other ascetic practices, but also get into the religious language we use surrounding the modern food and dieting industry.

Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – just search Nearly Numinous.

Transcripts of the episode will be available soon at nearlynuminous.ca

The Feminist Fire of Celtic Christianity: A History and Storytelling of St Brigid

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 13:00:15 +0000

Join Steph and Jacqueline while they give you a ton of history on the beginning of Celtic Christianity and the history and contemporary relevance of St Brigid! And for an added surprise (like when St Brigid turns water into Ale, or when Jesus turns water into wine, or when Jacqueline turns water into Hot Chocolate) Rachel retells the greatest hits from the life of this beloved feminist and environmentalist Irish icon, who also happens to be a great Celtic Christian Saint and shares some traits (and maybe more?!) with the Celtic Pagan goddess of the same name.

Find the transcript and other episodes on our website – nearlynuminous.ca – and don’t forget to subscribe to us on your favourite podcasting app!

And definitely don’t forget to find us across all social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) to keep up to date on episodes and any fun research we’re doing!

The Mindful Enneagram: An Interview with Steve Van Kleeck

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 13:00:16 +0000

We’re baaaack! After an extended break from lockdowns and holidays and all things, we’re here with an all-new Enneagram themed episode! Before the holidays, we interviewed Enneagram coach Steve Van Kleeck about his practice called The Mindful Enneagram. We discuss the spiritual approach to the enneagram, as well as the various spiritual and personal development uses that the personality theory can be used for.

Interested in the approach that Steve uses? Check out his website at mindfulenneagram.coach

You can also find the list of resources he mentioned on our website at nearlynuminous.ca

Is Christmas Religious?

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 17:10:30 +0000

This week, the hosts gather around eggnog lattes and hallmark movies (and some other classics) and chat about all things festive, Christmas, and holiday-esque. After getting nostalgic about their own traditions, they question; is Christmas a religion of its own? Is it only a Christian holiday? Or is it completely areligious? Listen in to find out the verdict!

Disclaimer – we may be on the edge of “mythbusting” when it comes to some favourites like Santa Claus. If you don’t want your little one to hear that, then wait until they’re sound asleep on Christmas Eve to listen to this episode

Want to give us a Christmas gift? Subscribe to our podcast! We appreciate all the support our listeners have given us this year and can’t wait to dive into more awesome content for you in January.

Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching @NearlyNuminous. You can also find transcripts for all our past episodes on our website – nearlynuminous.ca. Don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes every Monday!

Singing Together: An Interview with Rev. Wendy Luella Perkins

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 13:00:05 +0000

This week on Nearly Numinous, Steph interviews Reverend Wendy Luella Perkins, a chaplain at Queen’s University. They chat about her Soulful Singing meditation practice, and the importance of singing together in community with others.

The Enneagram Personality Test

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 05:53:12 +0000

This week, the hosts talk all about the enneagram personality test. They chat about what each type is, the history of the test, and get into how it’s used in spiritual growth and development circles. They also have short clips from listeners about how they interact with their enneagram type and how it has influenced their personal growth and development.

Special thanks to everyone who took the time to fill out our survey or send us a reflection on the enneagram!

Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching @NearlyNuminous. Don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes every Monday!

Stigmata, Sainthood, and the Catholic Church with Sam Maclennan

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 13:00:09 +0000

This week we chat with fellow MA graduate, Sam Maclennan, all about his research – and some other semi-related topics. We chat stigmata, the canonization of saints, and the idea of “healthy” religious practices and if those labels are detrimental. We also chat a bit about COVID and its impact on religions and various religious practices.

Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

Harry Potter … as a religion?

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 13:27:15 +0000

This week, join Rachel, Jacqueline, and Steph as they talk about Harry Potter as it’s own religious movement, Harry Potter as religious, and if the religion of fictional characters matters or not. They talk about some Durkheim (nerdy theory stuff), what house they all belong to, and what to do when the creator of your world/religion turns out to kinda suck (we’re looking at you – J.K. Rowling).

For a full transcript of this episode, check out our website – nearlynuminous.ca . Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching @NearlyNuminous. Don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes every Monday!

Featured image from Unsplash

In God We Trust: Calvinism, Capitalism, and the American Dream

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 15:30:48 +0000

This week on Nearly Numinous, Jacqueline, Steph and Rachel are talking all about the historic roots of Protestantism, capitalism, and the American Dream. We dive deep into the theologies of Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Puritanism, and discuss the impact these theologies have had on the American political identity — as well as the negative impact capitalism has had on marginalized communities.

Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching @NearlyNuminous. Don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes every Monday!

Modern Witchcraft with Meghan O’Sullivan

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 16:18:32 +0000

Happy Halloween! It’s spooky season, and with spooky season comes all our favourite movies about witches (anyone else a Twitches fan?). This week’s episode is for all of you that want to know why witches aren’t just all spooky pointy hats and old ugly villains trying to steal your youth. Come listen to Jacqueline and Rachel interview their first practitioner, Meghan O’Sullivan, about her beliefs and experiences surrounding witchcraft. Meghan tells what a modern witch looks like to her, some of her favourite witchy books, movies, and tv shows, and then astrologically profiles the hosts!

Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching @NearlyNuminous. Don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes every Monday!

Vampires: History, Mythology, and Religious Movements

CFRC Podcast Network — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 18:55:42 +0000

Join Jacqueline, Rachel, and Steph while they get into the spooky season mood and chat all about the history and mythologies surrounding Vampires before diving into contemporary depictions of vampires (a.k.a. swooning over them) and talking about the New Religious Movements surrounding Vampirism.

Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching @NearlyNuminous. Don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes every Monday!

Communal Meals with Dr. Richard Ascough

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:41:36 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving! Come listen to the 3rd episode of Nearly Numinous where we are joined by Dr. Richard Ascough from the School of Religion at Queen’s University. We focus specifically on ritual and communal meals, but also discuss ancient methods for snubbing your frenemies, Harry Potter, the diet industry, and more!

Find us across all podcasting and social media platforms by searching Nearly Numinous.

Down to Earth with Dr. M Shobhana Xavier

CFRC Podcast Network — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 12:33:35 +0000

In this episode of Nearly Numinous, join Steph, Jacqueline, and Rachel as they have a roundtable discussion with Dr. M Shobhana Xavier all about Zac Efron’s new travelogue – Down to Earth. We chat about the idea of sacred spaces, religious healing, and ecospirituality – all sprinkled with a little bit of swooning over Zac Efron and carbs. We also ask the question of how Netflix and other pop culture media has a lasting impact on religious experience.

Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching @NearlyNuminous. Don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes every Monday!

Introducing the Nearly Numinous Podcast

CFRC Podcast Network — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 02:29:11 +0000

Curious about what “numinous” means? Want to know more about your hosts? Interested in what we mean when we say “religion”? Check out our first episode featuring Steph, Jacqueline, and Rachel!

https://podcast.cfrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/EP-1-Intro-The-WRP.mp3