app01 Sat, 05 Sep 2026 20:45:53 +0000 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Nostalgium Arcanum - Episodes Tagged with “Religion” https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/tags/religion Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700 Each episode we add a new entry to the Nostalgium Arcanum, a repository for the movies, tv, music, games, and other pop culture that still enchants us today. Find us on the socials by googling "Nostalgium", and support us (and get bonus content) at www.patreon.com/nostalgium. en-us episodic A Repository For The Pop Culture That Made Us Who We Are Doug Lief Each episode we add a new entry to the Nostalgium Arcanum, a repository for the movies, tv, music, games, and other pop culture that still enchants us today. Find us on the socials by googling "Nostalgium", and support us (and get bonus content) at www.patreon.com/nostalgium. yes nostalgia, 1980s, 80s, 1990s, 90s, movies, tv, television, music, toys, video games, games, nerd, geek Doug Lief djlief@gmail.com Final Fantasy X https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/210 43d8b658-9a46-4ed9-91be-f988f88672f1 Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700 Doug Lief full Doug Lief Final Fantasy X dives deep into complex themes of religion and race, love and sacrifice. From the opening strains of its memorable score, the game immediately grabs its audience with its narrative ambition, and unique aesthetic beauty. We recruit game critic Luis Aguasvivas (NPR) and podcaster Dave Jackson (Tales From The Backlog, https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/) to join our pilgrimage to slay god, religion itself, and some scrub Blitzball teams along the way. 3:00:47 yes <p>Final Fantasy X dives deep into complex themes of religion and race, love and sacrifice. From the opening strains of its memorable score, the game immediately grabs its audience with its narrative ambition, and unique aesthetic beauty. We recruit game critic Luis Aguasvivas (NPR) and podcaster Dave Jackson (Tales From The Backlog, <a href="https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/</a>) to join our pilgrimage to slay god, religion itself, and some scrub Blitzball teams along the way. </p> <p>Support us, join the discussion, and get bonus content at <a href="http://www.patreon.com/nostalgium" rel="nofollow noopener">www.patreon.com/nostalgium</a>!</p> <p>Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (<a href="https://playingbyear.fireside.fm" rel="nofollow noopener">https://playingbyear.fireside.fm</a>) and our limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod).</p> <p>If you have feedback, find us on the socials here:<br> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/</a><br> The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod<br> BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social<br> Threads: <a href="https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_</a><br> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/</a></p> <p>You can also use YouTube, if that's your thing: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts</a></p> <p>Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.</p> <p>Musical Credits: </p> <p>Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)<br> All music from Final Fantasy X by - Nobuo Uematsu, Masashi Hamauzu, and Junya Nakano </p> square, religion, final fantasy, playstation, ps2, rpg, jrpg, rpgs, jrpgs, fantasy, game, games, gaming, gamer, gamers, videogames, videogame, videogaming, videogamer, videogamers, retrogame, retrogames, retrogaming, retrogamer, retrogamers, 2000s, 00s, nobuo uematsu Final Fantasy X dives deep into complex themes of religion and race, love and sacrifice. From the opening strains of its memorable score, the game immediately grabs its audience with its narrative ambition, and unique aesthetic beauty. We recruit game critic Luis Aguasvivas (NPR) and podcaster Dave Jackson (Tales From The Backlog, https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/) to join our pilgrimage to slay god, religion itself, and some scrub Blitzball teams along the way.

Support us, join the discussion, and get bonus content at www.patreon.com/nostalgium!

Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (https://playingbyear.fireside.fm) and our limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod).

If you have feedback, find us on the socials here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/
The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod
BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/

You can also use YouTube, if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits:

Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
All music from Final Fantasy X by - Nobuo Uematsu, Masashi Hamauzu, and Junya Nakano

]]> Final Fantasy X dives deep into complex themes of religion and race, love and sacrifice. From the opening strains of its memorable score, the game immediately grabs its audience with its narrative ambition, and unique aesthetic beauty. We recruit game critic Luis Aguasvivas (NPR) and podcaster Dave Jackson (Tales From The Backlog, https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/) to join our pilgrimage to slay god, religion itself, and some scrub Blitzball teams along the way.

Support us, join the discussion, and get bonus content at www.patreon.com/nostalgium!

Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (https://playingbyear.fireside.fm) and our limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod).

If you have feedback, find us on the socials here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/
The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod
BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/

You can also use YouTube, if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits:

Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
All music from Final Fantasy X by - Nobuo Uematsu, Masashi Hamauzu, and Junya Nakano

]]> Monty Python's Life of Brian https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/191 404327b6-662e-468c-87dc-3157552f3319 Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700 Doug Lief full Doug Lief For Easter we look on the bright side of life with Monty Python's satirical masterpiece, "Life of Brian". Controversial and hilarious, the film uses Python's trademark silliness as a scalpel to slice open dogma and the perils of fame. We're joined by improviser Rich Baker, podcaster and magician Ned Record, and Reverend Sarah Heath (the "RevCovery" podcast) to worship at the Church of Briantology and celebrate the life of a man who's not the messiah. He's a very naughty boy. 2:22:07 yes <p>For Easter we look on the bright side of life with Monty Python's satirical masterpiece, "Life of Brian". Controversial and hilarious, the film uses Python's trademark silliness as a scalpel to slice open dogma and the perils of fame. We're joined by improviser Rich Baker, podcaster and magician Ned Record, and Reverend Sarah Heath (the "RevCovery" podcast, @revsarahheath) to worship at the Church of Briantology and celebrate the life of a man who's not the messiah. He's a very naughty boy.</p> <p>To dive deeper into this films, the Pythons, and religion, consider watching The Great Life of Brian Debate: (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUYhtJINiaY&amp;t=4s" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUYhtJINiaY&amp;t=4s</a>)</p> <p>For more on Ned's magic go to <a href="http://www.damnedrecord.com" rel="nofollow noopener">www.damnedrecord.com</a>.</p> <p>If you want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to <a href="http://www.daretofailimprov.com" rel="nofollow noopener">www.daretofailimprov.com</a> (first class is free!).</p> <p>Support us, join the discussion, and get bonus content at <a href="http://www.patreon.com/nostalgium" rel="nofollow noopener">www.patreon.com/nostalgium</a></p> <p>Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (<a href="https://playingbyear.fireside.fm" rel="nofollow noopener">https://playingbyear.fireside.fm</a>) and our limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod).</p> <p>If you have feedback, find us on the socials here:<br> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/</a><br> The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod<br> BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social<br> Threads: <a href="https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_</a><br> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/</a></p> <p>You can also use YouTube, if that's your thing: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts</a></p> <p>Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.</p> <p>Musical Credits:</p> <p>Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)<br> All music from "Month Python's Life of Brian" by Geoffrey Burgon<br> "Brian Song" and "Always Look On The Bright Side of Life" </p> faith, Monty Python, religion, Christ, Christianity, Easter, satire, comedy, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam, graham Chapman, bible For Easter we look on the bright side of life with Monty Python's satirical masterpiece, "Life of Brian". Controversial and hilarious, the film uses Python's trademark silliness as a scalpel to slice open dogma and the perils of fame. We're joined by improviser Rich Baker, podcaster and magician Ned Record, and Reverend Sarah Heath (the "RevCovery" podcast, @revsarahheath) to worship at the Church of Briantology and celebrate the life of a man who's not the messiah. He's a very naughty boy.

To dive deeper into this films, the Pythons, and religion, consider watching The Great Life of Brian Debate: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUYhtJINiaY&t=4s)

For more on Ned's magic go to www.damnedrecord.com.

If you want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to www.daretofailimprov.com (first class is free!).

Support us, join the discussion, and get bonus content at www.patreon.com/nostalgium

Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (https://playingbyear.fireside.fm) and our limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod).

If you have feedback, find us on the socials here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/
The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod
BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/

You can also use YouTube, if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits:

Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
All music from "Month Python's Life of Brian" by Geoffrey Burgon
"Brian Song" and "Always Look On The Bright Side of Life"

]]> For Easter we look on the bright side of life with Monty Python's satirical masterpiece, "Life of Brian". Controversial and hilarious, the film uses Python's trademark silliness as a scalpel to slice open dogma and the perils of fame. We're joined by improviser Rich Baker, podcaster and magician Ned Record, and Reverend Sarah Heath (the "RevCovery" podcast, @revsarahheath) to worship at the Church of Briantology and celebrate the life of a man who's not the messiah. He's a very naughty boy.

To dive deeper into this films, the Pythons, and religion, consider watching The Great Life of Brian Debate: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUYhtJINiaY&t=4s)

For more on Ned's magic go to www.damnedrecord.com.

If you want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to www.daretofailimprov.com (first class is free!).

Support us, join the discussion, and get bonus content at www.patreon.com/nostalgium

Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (https://playingbyear.fireside.fm) and our limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod).

If you have feedback, find us on the socials here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/
The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod
BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/

You can also use YouTube, if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits:

Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
All music from "Month Python's Life of Brian" by Geoffrey Burgon
"Brian Song" and "Always Look On The Bright Side of Life"

]]> Monty Python and the Holy Grail https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/135 7dc4d776-3ec0-4ae5-b5e8-f1609fa905e6 Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0700 Doug Lief full Doug Lief We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of Monty Python and the Holy Grail as some podcasting nerds should, by quoting it to death. Guest comedians Rich Baker and Ned Record (of the Lost & Confounded podcast and www.nedrecord.com) join us to discuss the unyielding hilarity and exceptional longevity of a film that just won't take "Ni" for an answer. And there was much rejoicing! 1:57:16 yes <p>We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of Monty Python and the Holy Grail as some podcasting nerds should, by quoting it to death. Guest comedians Rich Baker and Ned Record (of the Lost &amp; Confounded podcast and <a href="http://www.nedrecord.com" rel="nofollow noopener">www.nedrecord.com</a>) join us to discuss the unyielding hilarity and exceptional longevity of a film that just won't take "Ni" for an answer. And there was much rejoicing! </p> <p>If you want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to <a href="http://www.daretofailimprov.com" rel="nofollow noopener">www.daretofailimprov.com</a> (first class is free!).</p> <p>If you have feedback, find us on the socials here:<br> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/</a><br> The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod<br> BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social<br> Threads: <a href="https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_</a><br> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/</a></p> <p>Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.</p> <p>Musical Credits</p> <p>Intro - Dark Flute - Jim Guthrie<br> All Music From Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Neil Innes (songs) and De Wolfe Music </p> monty python, python, Britain, England, medieval, mythology, religion, flying circus, nerd, geek, sketch, skit, comedy, sketch comedy, bbc, absurd, absurdism, logic, john cleese, graham chapman, eric idle, terry jones, terry gilliam, michael palin, spam, dead parrot, snl, saturday night live, britcom, british, taskmaster We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of Monty Python and the Holy Grail as some podcasting nerds should, by quoting it to death. Guest comedians Rich Baker and Ned Record (of the Lost & Confounded podcast and www.nedrecord.com) join us to discuss the unyielding hilarity and exceptional longevity of a film that just won't take "Ni" for an answer. And there was much rejoicing!

If you want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to www.daretofailimprov.com (first class is free!).

If you have feedback, find us on the socials here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/
The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod
BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits

Intro - Dark Flute - Jim Guthrie
All Music From Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Neil Innes (songs) and De Wolfe Music

]]> We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of Monty Python and the Holy Grail as some podcasting nerds should, by quoting it to death. Guest comedians Rich Baker and Ned Record (of the Lost & Confounded podcast and www.nedrecord.com) join us to discuss the unyielding hilarity and exceptional longevity of a film that just won't take "Ni" for an answer. And there was much rejoicing!

If you want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to www.daretofailimprov.com (first class is free!).

If you have feedback, find us on the socials here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/
The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod
BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits

Intro - Dark Flute - Jim Guthrie
All Music From Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Neil Innes (songs) and De Wolfe Music

]]> ActRaiser https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/65 a1906253-74f0-4ec8-b5ea-e306e7727e85 Mon, 18 Dec 2023 01:00:00 -0800 Doug Lief full Doug Lief Lo and behold! In ActRaiser you get to play God, literally. In this SNES classic combines two different gameplay modes (hack/slash and city-building sim) to create an overall experience that is still worshipped today. 35:58 yes <p>Lo and behold! In ActRaiser you get to play God, literally. This SNES classic combines two different gameplay modes (hack/slash and city-building sim) to create an overall experience that is still worshipped today.</p> <p>If you have feedback, beseech unto us on the socials here:<br> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/</a><br> The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod<br> BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social<br> Threads: <a href="https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_</a><br> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/</a></p> <p>Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.</p> <p>Musical Credits:</p> <p>Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)<br> All score from ActRaiser and ActRaiser: Renaissance by Yuzo Koshiro </p> square, enix, video games, videogames, videogaming, games, gaming, gamer, gamers, retrogames, retrogaming, retrogamer, retrogamers, snes, supernintendo, nintendo, rpg, rpgs, sim-city, urban planning, religion, god, faith Lo and behold! In ActRaiser you get to play God, literally. This SNES classic combines two different gameplay modes (hack/slash and city-building sim) to create an overall experience that is still worshipped today.

If you have feedback, beseech unto us on the socials here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/
The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod
BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits:

Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
All score from ActRaiser and ActRaiser: Renaissance by Yuzo Koshiro

]]> Lo and behold! In ActRaiser you get to play God, literally. This SNES classic combines two different gameplay modes (hack/slash and city-building sim) to create an overall experience that is still worshipped today.

If you have feedback, beseech unto us on the socials here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/
The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod
BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits:

Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
All score from ActRaiser and ActRaiser: Renaissance by Yuzo Koshiro

]]>