Shows
The Plunge with Derek HolserTolkien's Greatest Characters: Cormallen + Fatty Bolger | Michael WardWelcome to Episode Thirteen of our series entitled "Tolkien's Greatest Characters. Today's conversation features Dr. Michael Ward, discussing his fantastic essay Peak Middle Earth: Why Mount Doom is not the Climax of The Lord of the Rings, with a bonus discussion on the oft-overlooked Hobbit hero, Fredegar "Fatty" Bolger.
Michael Ward is Associate Member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford, and Professor of Apologetics at Houston Christian University, Texas.
https://anunexpectedjournal.com/peak-middle-earth-why-mount-doom-is-not-the-climax-of-the-lord-of-the-rings/
He i...
2025-12-191h 01The Plunge with Derek HolserTolkien's Greatest Characters: Gandalf | Alison MilbankWelcome to Episode Twelve in our Tolkien's Greatest Characters series! This episode is a delightful defense of the glory and goodness found in that great wizard, Gandalf.
Today's conversation features Rev'd Canon Dr Alison Milbank. Alison is a British Anglican Priest, who served as Canon Theologian of Southwell Minster and is Professor Emeritus of Theology and Literature at the University of Nottingham. Over the years, Dr. Milbank was the John Rylands Research Institute Fellow at the University of Manchester, and held lectureships at Cambridge and the University of Middlesex. She also taught...
2025-12-1258 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserAdvent Interlude: The Implications of the Incarnation | Jordan Daniel WoodWelcome to our Advent interlude, as we take a one-episode hiatus from our Tolkien's Greatest Characters series. I was recently in Nashville and took the opportunity to record with the incomparable Jordan Daniel Wood.
In this episode, Jordan and I discuss The Implications of the Incarnation. Listen to the very end (or fast forward to the 1:15 mark for Jordan's brilliant expository take on Dickens' The Christmas Carol).
Jordan Daniel Wood is Assistant Professor of Theology at Belmont University. He holds an M.A. from...
2025-12-051h 20The Plunge with Derek HolserTolkien's Greatest Characters: Samwise Gamgee | Brenton DickiesonWelcome to Episode Eleven in our Tolkien's Greatest Characters series.
Today's conversation features Brenton Dickieson. Brenton is a returning guest and a great friend. In this episode, we discuss the beloved and heroic Samwise Gamgee.
Brenton is a father, husband, friend, university lecturer, and freelance writer from Prince Edward Island, Canada. You can follow him on X, @BrentonDana:
https://x.com/BrentonDana
As the author of more than 1,100 articles, blog posts, and reviews...
2025-11-281h 12The Plunge with Derek HolserTolkien's Greatest Characters: Eärendil | Taylor CrandallWelcome to Episode Ten in our Tolkien's Greatest Characters Series.
Joining me today is Taylor Crandall. Taylor is a thoughtful and insightful Tolkien aficionado, and she brings a clearly illuminated perspective to the character Eärendil, the half-Elven mariner depicted in The Silmarillion. We hope you enjoy this engaging discussion on the life and adventures, the meaning and the magnificence of the "Star of Middle-Earth."
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📲 Connect with Derek Holser:
🐦 Twitter / X: https://X.com/derekholser
📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@derekh...
2025-11-2159 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserTolkien's Greatest Characters: Éowyn | Holly OrdwayWelcome to Episode Nine of Tolkien's Greatest Characters.
Joining me for today's fabulous conversation on the shieldmaiden of Rohan, the ever-inspiring Éowyn, is Holly Ordway. Among the many riveting aspects of this discussion, Holly provides meaningful insight about Tolkien's deft nuance in character development and his accurate yet noble portrayal of the human condition. We also discuss Éowyn's heroic moments (seen and unseen) and Éowyn's love for Aragorn and ultimately, her love for Faramir.
Holly Ordway is the Cardinal Francis George Professor of Faith and Cu...
2025-11-141h 05The Plunge with Derek HolserTolkien's Greatest Characters: Treebeard | Eugene TerekhinWelcome to Episode Eight in our Tolkien's Greatest Characters Series.
Today's episode features Eugene Terekhin. Eugene is a philologist, philosopher, translator, as well as the author of Elven Hidden Gems and the Works of the Inklings, The Music of Illuvatar in the Worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Owen Barfield.
Check out Eugene's Substack: https://substack.com/@eugeneterekhin
Eugene and I discuss Treebeard and the life of the Ents, fascinating creatures and symbols...
2025-11-071h 00The Plunge with Derek HolserHalloween Interlude: George MacDonald's Imagination | Jordan Daniel WoodWelcome to our Halloween interlude, as we take a one-episode hiatus from our Tolkien's Greatest Characters series. I was recently in Nashville and took the opportunity to record with the incomparable Jordan Daniel Wood.
In this episode, Jordan and I discuss George MacDonald's essay "The Imagination: Its Function and Culture," explore the meaning and magic of wearing masks, and the nature of identity and reality — and, as always, we add a dash of hope and a bit of Maximus.
Jordan Daniel Wood is Assistant Pr...
2025-10-311h 35The Plunge with Derek HolserTom Bombadil: Tolkien's Greatest Characters | Brian ZahndWelcome to Episode Seven in our Tolkien's Greatest Characters series. Today's conversation is enlightening and uplifting, a discussion of the whimsical and winsome Tom Bombadil.
Joining me today is Brian Zahnd. Brian is the founding pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. He is the author of twelve books; most recently the forthcoming "Unseen Existences: Of Heaven, Earth, and the Divine Mystery in All Things".
https://substack.com/@brianzahnd
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📲 Connect with Derek Holser:
🐦 Twit...
2025-10-2452 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserTolkien's Greatest Characters: Aragorn | Robert HulettWelcome to Episode Six in our Tolkien's Greatest Characters Series. Today's conversation is an inspired yearning for the true nobility within it us all. Today's conversation features the king-to-be, Aragorn.
Today's guest is Robert Hulett. Robert is a former student of mine and a long-time friend. He and his wife Jessica have three children and re in the throes of the typical myteries and meanderings of young parents.
Robert is a writer, an astute judge of cultural dynamics, and is a passionate defender of the...
2025-10-171h 00The Plunge with Derek HolserTolkien's Greatest Characters: PIPPIN | Bradley J. BirzerWelcome to Episode Five in our Tolkien's Greatest Characters Series. Today's conversation is a wide-ranging one, featuring the hobbit prince, Pippin.
Today's guest is Bradley J. Birzer. Brad is the Russell Amos Kirk Chair in American Studies and Professor of History, Hillsdale College. He loves his family, his college, western civilization, American history, the American west, biography, photography, and progressive rock music.
In addition to Pippin, Bradley and I discuss American history, western civilization, heroic deeds, and the marvel of Tolkien's universe.
...
2025-10-101h 14The Plunge with Derek HolserTolkien's Greatest Characters: Frodo's Dreme | Bret van den BrinkWelcome to Episode Four of Tolkien's Greatest Characters.
This week's episode is an insightful presentation of The Sea Bell, or Frodo's Dreame, the poem by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Today's guest is Bret van den Brink. Bret is a PhD student at the University of Toronto, where he also earned his MA. He earned his BA, with Honors, at Trinity Western, Vancouver. Bret is a poet & lover of poetry from Spenser to Stevens.
To learn more and read...
2025-10-0355 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserTolkien's Greatest Characters: Bilbo Baggins | Thalia TohaWelcome to Episode Three of Tolkien's Greatest Characters.
This week's episode is a lively conversation about Bilbo Baggins, the meaning and nature of place, and the opportunity for everyone to determine where their story ends. We touch on the Shire, the Ring, and Bilbo's journey There and Back Again!
Today's guest is Thalia Toha. Thalia is an architectural historian, geographer, and preservationist. She believes that everyone should be able to choose how their story ends, regardless of where they're placed in life. Her interest...
2025-09-261h 11The Plunge with Derek HolserTolkien's Greatest Characters: Frodo Baggins | Dr. Andrew SnyderWelcome to Episode Two of Tolkien's Greatest Characters. This week's episode is an inspiring discussion of Frodo Baggins, the humble hobbit thrust into a quest for the ages.
Joining me is Dr. Andrew Snyder, a professor of philosophy and theology, author of the forthcoming book Divine Honour in the Lord of the Rings, host of the Mythic Mind Podcast, and leader of the Mythic Mind Fellowship, a Christian humanitites-based community.
Andrew enjoys discussing the wisdom found in stories from ancient myths to contemporary pop culture...
2025-09-191h 08The Plunge with Derek HolserTolkien's Greatest Characters: The Narrator | Dr. Sørina HigginsWelcome to Episode One of our mega-series entitled Tolkien's Greatest Characters. Each week for the next sixteen weeks, we will host a conversation exploring the virtues, flaws, symbolism, and story development advanced by a unique character from the J.R.R. Tolkien Universe.
This week's episode is a lively conversation about The Narrator. Is the voice of the storyteller of The Lord of the Rings the voice of Tolkien? How does the Narrator advance the story, reveal aspects of Tolkien's worldview, and more.
Dr. Sørina...
2025-09-121h 13The Plunge with Derek HolserA Child of God Perhaps: Cormac McCarthy | Joel J. Miller"He moves in the dry chaff among the dust and slats of sunlight with a constrained truculence. Saxon and Celtic bloods. A child of God much like yourself perhaps."
Today's episode is a singular one, for a singular writer. This is a conversation about Cormac McCarthy, and his novel Child of God. This novel explores the uttermost depravity of humanity, and wrestles with the idea that "perhaps" Lester Ballard is a child of God like me...
Joining me for this conversation is the incompa...
2025-09-051h 24The Plunge with Derek HolserA Pint with Derek | Hosted by David BatesToday's episode flips the script. Turns the tables. I recently sat down with David Bates, host of Pints with Jack, a popular YouTube channel featuring C.S. Lewis and all things Inklings.
We chatted about why I started the Plunge and how I came to explore Owen Barfield.
I hope you'll enjoy this guest episode, and subscribe to https://www.youtube.com/@PintsWithJack
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📲 Connect with Derek Holser:
🐦 Twitter / X: https://X.com/derekholser
...
2025-08-2933 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserBroken & Beloved: The Human Series | Bethany Dearborn HiserWelcome to Episode Seven in The Human Series: Season One. Today's guest is Bethany Dearborn Hiser.
Bethany currently works as the Director of Soul Care for Northwest Family Life, a network of therapists trained to work with survivors of domestic violence and sexual trauma. As a bilingual social worker, chaplain, and pastoral advocate, Bethany has worked in a variety of ministry and social service settings with people affected by addiction, sexual exploitation, incarceration, and immigration.
After experiencing her own burnout, she has become passionat...
2025-08-221h 06The Plunge with Derek HolserWorld Without End: The Human Series | Justin BryeansWelcome to Episode Six of The Human Series. Today's conversation features Justin Bryeans, a dear friend and a kindred spirit.
Justin Bryeans is a southern boy at home in the great Pacific Northwest. He spends his days as a pastor and spiritual director, and is graced by the long haul companionship of his wife Hannah (married 29 years) and the joy of bearing witness to his four children as they continue to become themselves - Ethan, Noah, Tait, and Lucy.
Among other things, Justin and I discuss the endl...
2025-08-151h 16The Plunge with Derek HolserThe Soul of Psychology, 2: The Human Series | Dr. Don LichiWelcome to Episode Five of The Human Series. I continue my conversation with Dr. Donald A. Lichi entitled: "The Soul of Psychology, 2."
Dr. Don is a licensed psychologist in Ohio and is Vice President Emeritus of Emerge Counseling Ministries where he served for over 30 years. Dr. Don is a frequent speaker at both sacred and secular conferences and seminars across the country.
He is a seasoned clinician with years of rich experience in counseling and consulting pastors and leaders. He directs the ministers' enrichment team at Emerge, which...
2025-08-0853 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserThe Soul of Psychology, 1: The Human Series | Dr. Don LichiWelcome to Episode Four of The Human Series. I'm joined by Dr. Donald A. Lichi for "The Soul of Psychology, 1."
Dr. Don is a licensed psychologist in Ohio and is Vice President Emeritus of Emerge Counseling Ministries where he served for over 30 years. Dr. Don is a frequent speaker at both sacred and secular conferences and seminars across the country.
He is a seasoned clinician with years of rich experience in counseling and consulting pastors and leaders. He directs the ministers' enrichment team at Emerge, which is a group...
2025-08-011h 03The Plunge with Derek HolserRadical Acceptance: The Human Series | Dr. Heather HuckettWelcome to Episode Three of The Human Series: Radical Acceptance.
Today's guest is Dr. Heather Huckett, a psychotherapist with a PhD in Clinical Sexology, a Licensed Couple and Family Therapist, and an AASECT-certified Sex Therapist.
Dr. Huckett specializes in addressing sexual health within the context of identity, relationships, and individual well-being. As co-owner of Kaiun Wellness on Bainbridge Island, she provides integrated care that supports mental, emotional, and sexual wellness. Dr. Huckett's approach centers on whole-person wellness, emphasizing the complexity and richness of the human experience in both p...
2025-07-251h 10The Plunge with Derek HolserLifespan Integration and Restoration: The Human Series | Sarah KardelenWelcome to Episode Two of The Human Series: Lifespan Integration and Restoration.
Today's guest is Sarah Kardelen (she/her), a licensed mental health counselor and founder of Tapestry Therapy. She is passionate about individual and collective liberation, and desires that people experience safety and healing so that they can come to their authentic selves and experience life-giving relationships.
https://www.tapestry-therapy.com
Sarah provides therapy, advocacy and consultation in English and Turkish. She works with teen and adult surv...
2025-07-181h 03The Plunge with Derek HolserFormation, Identity, Sexuality: The Human Series | Margaret FayWelcome to Episode One of The Human Series: Formation, Identity, Intimacy, and Sexuality.
Today's guest is Margaret Fay, a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor based in St. Louis, Missouri, with a practice rooted in the integration of mind, body, and spirit. Since 2014, she has guided adolescents and adults through anxiety, trauma, and life transitions using approaches like Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and Polyvagal-informed therapy.
Her work invites clients to explore deep self-awareness, healing, and meaning - often at the intersection of psychology and spi...
2025-07-111h 28The Plunge with Derek HolserThe End is Music: George MacDonald for Every Generation | Stephanie StaplesWelcome to the final episode in our series George MacDonald for Every Generation.
Joining me today is Stephanie Staples, a Nashville based singer-songwriter. Stephanie has spent over half of her life writing, recording and sharing her songs all over the world.
She has recorded ten full-length records and multiple EP's. Stephanie's studio albums tell part of her story but it is in her live performances that she truly shines, captivating audiences and fostering a reflective and prayerful atmosphere. She pours the full depth of her life experiences into h...
2025-07-041h 19The Plunge with Derek HolserLegacy: George MacDonald for Every Generation | Erik Ritschard & Jenni CannariatoWelcome to Episode Seven in our series George MacDonald for Every Generation.
Joining me is a father-daughter duo: Erik Ritschard and Jenni Cannariato. We discuss growing up in a MacDonald-enriched household, and the power of the legacy of a healthy an loving image of our heavenly father.
Erik is a lifetime educator who's taught "just about every subject offered." Now Head of Schools at Grace Cascade Christian Schools in Medford, Oregon, Erik and his wife Jani enjoy dogs, goats, working at school, getting out the the coast as often as p...
2025-06-2754 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserGeorge MacDonald for Every Generation: Aging & Death | Kerry DearbornWelcome to Episode 6 in our series George MacDonald for Every Generation, Aging & Death with Kerry Dearborn.
This episode is dedicated to my father, Neil Holser, who passed away on June 18, 2025.
Kerry Dearborn is the very grateful wife of Tim Dearborn, mother of three amazing daughters, Alison, Andrea, and Bethany,
mother-in-law of their wonderful husbands, and grandmother of their 8 delightful children.
She completed her PhD at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland on Theology and Imagination, with particular focus on George MacDonald.
David Elginbrod: https://tinyurl.com/tuusu8jy
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2025-06-201h 01The Plunge with Derek HolserHospitality & Community: George MacDonald for Every Generation | Kirstin Jeffrey JohnsonWelcome to Episode Five in our series George MacDonald for Every Generation.
Today's episode features Dr. Kirstin Jeffrey Johnson, renowned George MacDonald scholar, and in my estimation, the living embodiment of Hospitality, Community, & Ecology.
Kirstin is a Georeg MacDonald scholar who lives on a farm in the Ottawa Valley, Canada. She writes and lectures internationally on MacDonald, The Inklings, the 19th century, and Faith & the Arts.
https://www.kirstinjeffreyjohnson.com/
She is on the Advisory Board of Ink...
2025-06-131h 21The Plunge with Derek HolserGeorge MacDonald, Matchmaker: Jenni & Thomas CannariatoWelcome to Episode Four of our series, George MacDonald for Every Generation.
Today's episode is entitled "George MacDonald, Matchmaker". That's right, my guests today, Jenni and Thomas Cannariato, began dating and were later married as a direct result of George MacDonald!
Jenni and Thomas share this story and many more, as we discuss courtship, marriage, and raising young children in light of George MacDonald's influence.
Jenni spends her days raising three rambunctious and creative boys. In the small spare moments, she works as...
2025-06-0657 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserTransition & Vocation: George MacDonald for Every Generation | Amanda VernonWelcome to Episode 3 in our series George MacDonald for Every Generation.
This episode features a new friend to the Plunge, Amanda B. Vernon. Amanda is winsom, jolly, hopeful, and quite learned. We discuss the transition of young adults to discovering their vocation, purpose and meaning in life. In particular, how young people today are moving toward what she calls the beginning of the end of the post-critique, post-critical era.
Amanda is a writer, teacher, and academic working at the intersection of 19th-century literature and theology. She is a teac...
2025-05-301h 11The Plunge with Derek HolserBoy to Man: George MacDonald for Every Generation | Bret van den BrinkWelcome to Episode Two in our series George MacDonald for Every Generation. This episode focuses on the journey every one takes from childhood to early adulthood.
Joining me today is Bret van den Brink. Bret is an MA (and future PhD) student in English at the University of Toronto. He completed his BA at Trinity Western University, where he twice received its C.S. Lewis and Friends Scholarship. He has presented on the Inklings and related authors at events organized by the Inklings Institute of Canada, the George MacDonald Society, and the Conference on Ch...
2025-05-231h 08The Plunge with Derek HolserChildhood: George MacDonald for Every Generation | Julie CanlisWelcome to Episode One in our series George MacDonald for Every Generation. This episode features Julie Canlis and Leah Holser.
Today's conversation reviews George MacDonald's background and his own experience within a community that embraced Federal Calvinism, a very strong and austere derivative of Calvinism. We explore how MacDonald gently resisted some of these ideas, and how his imaginative works brought to life the inherent hypocrisy and danger that lurked within the constructs of Federal Calvinism.
We discuss how our ideas of God are shaped in childhood and ho...
2025-05-161h 02The Plunge with Derek HolserAll Things New: Jordan Daniel Wood | Part TwoWelcome to episode two of two featuring Jordan Daniel Wood, Assistant Professor of Theology at Belmont University.
In this conversation, Jordan and I conclude our discussion of Time and Trauma and the work of the Incarnation in his to-be-published essay: The End of Trauma: The Patristic Doctrine of Deification and Trauma Theory.
Jordan holds an M.A. from St. Louis University and a Ph.D. from Boston College, both in Historical Theology. His interests range from Greek patristic theology to modern philosophy, especially Idealism. He is mar...
2025-05-091h 05The Plunge with Derek HolserAll Things New: Jordan Daniel Wood | Part OneWelcome to episode one of two, featuring Jordan Daniel Wood, Assistant Professor of Theology at Belmont University.
In this conversation, Jordan and I discuss Time and Trauma in light of his to-be-published essay, The End of Trauma: The Patristic Doctrine of Deification and Trauma Theory.
Jordan holds an M.A. from St. Louis University and a Ph.D. from Boston College, both in Historical Theology. His interests range from Greek patristic theology to modern philosophy, especially idealism. He is married to Alexis, a registered nurse, with whom he ha...
2025-05-021h 19The Plunge with Derek HolserRelentless Curiosity: Owen Barfield | Derek HolserWelcome to the final episode in our 12-part series on Owen Barfield: The First and Last Inkling.
Today's episode is short and sweet. It's just a few of my reflections on what I learned in conversations about the magnificent Owen Barfield. As well as an admonition to take risks, swing big, and be relentlessly curious!
Connect with Derek:
X: https://X.com/derekholser
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@derekholser
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplungewithderekholser/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derekholser
New Book! Lightgliders: http...
2025-04-2528 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserAn Irresistible Imagination: Owen Barfield | Landon LoftinWelcome to episode eleven in our twelve part series on Owen Barfield: The First & Last Inkling.
Today's episode features a conversation with Landon Loftin, PhD, professor at Gravitas: A Global Extension of The Stony Brook School.
Landon and I discuss Barfield and C.S. Lewis's infamous "The Great War" and Barfield's instrumental role in helping create the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC).
Landon is a deep thinker and a brilliant scholar, with helpful insights into the life and ideas of...
2025-04-1858 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserThe Rise of Romanticism: Owen Barfield | Jeffrey HipolitoWelcome to the tenth episode in our twelve part series on Owen Barfield: The First and Last Inkling.
Today's conversation features Jeffrey Hipolito. Jeffrey is an independent scholars from Seattle.
Jeffrey and I discuss Barfield's Anthroposophical vision, his relationship with the ideas of many thinkers, his dedication to the heritage of Romanticism, and life and meaning in a world with "virtual" reality.
Jeffrey earned his PhD from the University of Washington and has published numerous articles and essays in the Oxford Handboo...
2025-04-111h 16The Plunge with Derek HolserLove & Consciousness: Owen Barfield | Stephen DunningWelcome to episode nine in our twelve epiose series on Owen Barfield: The First & Last Inkling.
Today's conversation features Stephen Dunning, PhD. We discuss Charles Williams, perception, consciousness, love, romance, and a host of philosophical insights and literary figures.
Stephen is a writer of fiction. His new series, The Perilous Times Saga, was recently published, with book one, entitled: Suzy and the Magic Turnip.
You can purchase it here: https://tinyurl.com/5yhdxc2k
Stephen received his PhD in literatu...
2025-04-041h 26The Plunge with Derek HolserEager Spring: Owen Barfield | Laura Van DykeWelcome to episode eight in our twelve episode series on Owen Barfield: The First & Last Inkling.
Today's episode features Laura Van Dyke, PhD. Laura teaches in the Department of English and Creative Writing at Trinity Western University in Langley, B.C. Her interests are in the environmental humanities, 20th-century British and Canadian literature, and the writings of the Inklings. She helps direct the Inklings Institute of Canada, and is a co-editor of Inklings and Culture (2020), the first essay collection to treat all seven Inklings-related authors.
In this episod...
2025-03-281h 09The Plunge with Derek HolserBarfield and BBQ: Owen Barfield | Nate HileWelcome to episode seven in our twelve episode series on Owen Barfield: The First & Last Inkling.
Today's episode features Nate Hile, creator and curator of Grail Country, a popular YouTube and Substack channel.
https://www.youtube.com/@grailcountry
https://grailcountry.substack.com/
Our conversation dives into such luminaries as Kurt Cobain, Valentin Tomberg, Emil Bock, Bernardo Kastrup, Karl Polanyi, Esther Lightcap Meek and Martin Shaw, to name a few; on topics as wide-ranging as universal consciousness, the longevity of dancers, symbolism, the Tarot, Oklaho...
2025-03-211h 05The Plunge with Derek HolserThe Middle Way: Owen Barfield | Owen A. BarfieldWelcome to episode six in our twelve part series on Owen Barfield: The First and Last Inkling.
Today's episode features Owen A. Barfield, the only grandchild of Owen Barfield and the Trustee of the Owen Barfield Literary Estate. https://www.owenbarfield.org/
Our conversation covers Barfield's life experiences, his abiding friendship with Cecil Harwood and C.S. Lewis, his marriage to Maud Douie, a variety of Barfield's works, Anthroposophy, Barfield's role in guiding C.S. Lewis from atheism to theism, and the importance of finding balance in polar...
2025-03-1453 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserThe Poetic Life: Owen Barfield | Michael Di FucciaWelcome to Episode Five in our Twelve Episode series on Owen Barfield: The First & Last Inkling
Today's episode features Michael Di Fuccia, director of the Cultura Fellowship at the Martin Institute (Westmont University) and Research Fellow for the Centre of Theology and Philosophy, Nottingham, UK.
Michael is certified as a spiritual director through the Anglican diocese of New England. He is the author of Owen Barfield: Philosophy, Poetry, and Theology. Michael is also a board member at Platform to Table, a community of Christian leaders sojourning together from pe...
2025-03-071h 11The Plunge with Derek HolserA Material Word: Owen Barfield | Michael Di FucciaWelcome to Episode Four in our Twelve Episode series on
Owen Barfield: The First & Last Inkling
In today's episode, Michael Di Fuccia, Director of the Cultura Fellowship at the Martin Institute (Westmont University) and Research Fellow for the Centre of Theology and Philosophy, Nottingham, UK.
Michael is certified as a spiritual director through the Anglican diocese of New England. He is the author of Owen Barfield: Philosophy, Poetry, and Theology
https://www.amazon.com/Owen-Barfield-Philosophy-Theology-Veritas/dp/1498238726
Michael is also a...
2025-02-281h 38The Plunge with Derek HolserBeyond the Veil: Owen Barfield | Eugene TerekhinWelcome to Episode Three in our 12-week series:
Owen Barfield: The First & Last Inkling
In today's episode, Eugene Terekhin, a philologist, philosopher, translator, and author of Eleven Hidden Gems in the Works of the Inklings: The Music of Iluvatar in the Worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Owen Barfield as well as Forty-Four Mystical Insights into the Books J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Owen Barfield: Philosophy Behind the High Fantasy of the Inklings
Eugene is thoughtful, gracious and wise. He freely shares his insights on Barfield's vision and the final participation awaiting us all...
2025-02-211h 03The Plunge with Derek HolserSeers Of A New Age: Owen Barfield | Max Leyf TreininWelcome to Episode Two in our 12-week series:
Owen Barfield: The First & Last Inkling
In today's episode, Max Leyf Treinin, a certified Rolfer and Professor of Philosophy from Anchorage, Alaska, joins me and provides tremendous insight into the work of Owen Barfield, his connection to Rudolf Steiner, the evolution of human consciousness, language, and our need for reintegration of the whole human.
Max is an exceptional thinker and communicator with a gracious spirit and a winsome soul.
His mos...
2025-02-141h 20The Plunge with Derek HolserOwen Barfield: The First & Last Inkling | Introductory EpisodeWelcome to our newest series.
Owen Barfield: The First & Last Inkling.
This episode provides a brief introduction to Barfield's life and work. In the weeks to come, we will host thoughtful conversations with 10 different guests, each providing a unique perspective on Barfield's philosophy, spirituality, and the imagination.
We will discuss the influence of Rudolf Steiner on Barfield, the interaction between C.S. Lewis and Barfield (dubbed "The Great War"), and Barfield's understanding of the evolution of consciousness. No person is complete without the full integration of r...
2025-02-0716 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserLightglider Origins: Technology, Faith, and VirtueToday's episode is a special bonus! Joining me is my good friend and co-author of Bryce and the Lost Pearl, the first book in the Lightglider Origins series, a seven-book Middle Grade fantasy fiction series published by New Growth Press.
In this episode, Zach and I discuss the work of cultivating a faithful imagination in the next generation, and the importance of story in technology, faith and virtue.
To learn more about Zach and the Lightgliders, go to https://lightgliders.com
To order your copy of Bryce and the L...
2025-01-2856 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserSurprised by Joy: The Great Divorce | Jess LedermanWelcome to the 9th and Final Episode in our series on C.S. Lewis's novel, The Great Divorce. Join us as we explore the ideas presented by Lewis in this fantastic tale, a dream vision, written in response (according to Lewis) to William Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell.
Today's conversation features Jess Lederman. In this episode, Jess and I discuss how he came to faith in Jesus Christ, how The Great Divorce portrays purgatory, the difficulty with some ideas presented by Reformed theology, C.S. Lewis's rendering of George MacDonald, and why Jess belie...
2025-01-241h 01The Plunge with Derek HolserSurprised by Joy: The Great Divorce | Jess LedermanWelcome to the 9th and Final Episode in our series on C.S. Lewis's novel, The Great Divorce. Join us as we explore the ideas presented by Lewis in this fantastic tale, a dream vision, written in response (according to Lewis) to William Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell.
Today's conversation features Jess Lederman. In this episode, Jess and I discuss how he came to faith in Jesus Christ, how The Great Divorce portrays purgatory, the difficulty with some ideas presented by Reformed theology, C.S. Lewis's rendering of George MacDonald, and why Jess belie...
2025-01-221h 01The Plunge with Derek HolserThe Moment Contains All Moments: A Conversation w/Joel Wentz on Lewis's Great DivorceWelcome to Episode 8 of 9 in our series on C.S. Lewis's novel The Great Divorce.
Today's conversation features Joel Wentz. In this episode, Joel and I discuss the miracle of the redemption of disordered desires, why The Great Divorce is a great book for a neighborhood book club, the proper terror of A Wrinkle in Time, and possible reasons for the manner in which Lewis portrayed George MacDonald's theology of the ultimate redemption of all people (Christian universalism).
Joel and his wife Jill live with their two children in Portland, Maine. Joel h...
2025-01-141h 07The Plunge with Derek HolserThis Life Is Merely The First Page: A Conversation w/Elizabeth Hardy on Lewis's Great DivorceWelcome to Episode 7 of 9 in our series on C.S. Lewis's novel The Great Divorce. Join us as we explore the ideas presented by Lewis in this fantastic tale, a dream vision, written in response (according to Lewis) to William Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell.
Today's conversation features Elizabeth Baird Hardy. Elizabeth is Instructor of English at western North Carolina's Mayland Community College. In addition to composition and literature courses, she teaches humanities courses including Myth in Human Culture and Introduction to Film.
In this conversation, Elizabeth and I discuss the...
2025-01-071h 04The Plunge with Derek HolserHide No More: A Conversation w/Stephen Dunning on Lewis's Great DivorceWelcome to Episode 6 of 9 in our series on C.S. Lewis's novel, "The Great Divorce." Join us as we explore the ideas presented by Lewis in this fantastic tale, a dream vision, written in response (according to Lewis) to William Blake's "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell."
Today's conversation features Stephen Dunning. Stephen received his PhD in literature from the university of Cambridge, which he attended as a Commonwealth scholar. For many years, he was an English instructor at Douglas college in New Westminster, British Columbia. In 2007 he joined the English faculty of Trinity Western University and he taught there un...
2025-01-011h 19
The Plunge with Derek HolserThe Gift of the Magi: A Christmas InterludeMerry Christmas from the Plunge!
We interrupt our regularly scheduled series to bring you a special Christmas edition of The Plunge. Today's episode features a reading of that beloved Christmas tale of love and generosity - O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi.
The Gift of the Magi was first published in the New York Sunday World in December 1905, and was later included in his 1906 short story collection "The Four Million."
For more on the life of the author and the circumstances surrounding the crea...
2024-12-2417 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserThe Great & Terrible Afterlife: A Conversation w/Karen Scheffler on Lewis's The Great DivorceWelcome to Episode 5 in our 9-part series on C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce. Thank you for joining us as we explore the ideas presented by Lewis in this fantastic tale, a dream vision, written in response to William Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell.
Today's conversation features Karen Scheffler, who is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Half a lifetime ago, she moved to Vermont where she and her husband raised two boys. Karen has been a teacher, an artist, a wildflower, and a business owner. She's the person who stands in the back of th...
2024-12-171h 00The Plunge with Derek HolserThe Curious Case of Clive's Archangelic Letter: A Great Divorce Conversation w/Brenton Dickieson (Episode IV)Welcome to Episode 4 of 9 in our series on C.S. Lewis's novel, "The Great Divorce." Join us as we explore the ideas presented by Lewis in this fantastic tale, a dream vision, written in response (according to Lewis) to William Blake's "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell."
Today's conversation features Brenton Dickieson, a father, husband, friend, university lecturer, and freelance writer. Brenton lives in the nearly magical land of Prince Edward Island with his superstar kindergarten teacher wife, Kerry, and their son, Nicolas, a singer-songwriter.
You can follow Brenton on X, @BrentonDana.
Brenton and I discuss the curious case of the Archan...
2024-12-101h 42The Plunge with Derek HolserCourage, Dear Heart: A Conversation w/Monika Hilder on Lewis's Great Divorce (Episode III)Welcome to Episode 3 of 9 in our series on C.S. Lewis's novel, "The Great Divorce." Join us as we explore the ideas presented by Lewis in this fantastic tale, a dream vision, written in response (according to Lewis) to William Blake's "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell."
Today's conversation features Monika B. Hilder, an author, professor and speaker who specializes in Fantasy and Children's Literature, with a particular focus on the writings of C.S. Lewis and other Inklings-related writers.
Monika and I discuss the importance of listening to Aslan, of trusting God, the dangers of hell and the interaction betwee...
2024-12-031h 14The Plunge with Derek HolserFather and Son: A Conversation on Lewis's Great Divorce (Episode 2)Welcom to Episode 2 of 9 in our series on C.S. Lewis's novel, "The Great Divorce."
We will explore and I hope you enjoy, the ideas presented by Lewis in this fantastic tale, a dream vision, written in response (according to Lewis) to William Blake's "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell."
Today's conversation features a father and son duo, David and Turner Burnett.
We discuss the lasting solidity of heaven, the work of becoming our true selves, and learn a bit about a man named Emmanuel Swedenborg.
We hope you'll enjoy our splendid romp through the realm...
2024-11-261h 51The Plunge with Derek HolserC.S. Lewis's "The Great Divorce" Introductory Episode: All Aboard to Grey TownThis is the introductory episode of our nine-episode series on C.S. Lewis's novel, "The Great Divorce."
We will explore and I hope you enjoy, the ideas presented by Lewis in this fantastic tale, a dream vision, written in response (according to Lewis) to William Blake's "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell."
Our guests include notable scholars, theologians and friends. In no particular order, they are as follows: Monika Hilder, Brenton Dickieson, Stephen Dunning, David Burnett, Turner Burnett, Elizabeth Hardy, Jess Lederman, Karen Scheffler, and Joel Wentz.
Thi...
2024-11-121h 06The Plunge with Derek HolserThe End of Evil: A LILTH Conversation w/Chris Green and Jordan Daniel WoodHappy Halloween 2024!
Welcome to The End of Evil, the Finale of our 8-part series entitled LILITH: George MacDonald's Tale of Life Through Death.
This is the conclusion of our 8-part series on the theology, history and culture through which MacDonald's final great novel was crafted.
This episode features a conversation with Bishop Chris Green and Theologian Jordan Daniel Wood.
Chris is a Bishop in the Continuing Anglican Movement and is Professor of Public Theology at Southeastern University.
He is the author of numerous books, most recently The Fire and Th...
2024-10-3159 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserJesus Is The Multiverse: A LILITH Conversation w/Jordan Daniel WoodIn Christ himself, eternity and time are one, which means that He himself becomes the bridge from one moment to all other moments. So now all moments on the timeline open up to all other ones in a way that, as a timeline, wouldn't be possible. It's barely conceivable.
In essence, Jesus is the Multiverse.
This is Part 7 of the 8-part series exploring the themes, theology, history and culture through which MacDonald's final great novel was crafted.
This episode features a conversation with theologian Jordan Daniel Wood, author of The Whole Mystery of Christ...
2024-10-2552 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserA LILITH Conversation with Jordan Daniel Wood: Reality & TheosisThis is Part 6 of the 8-part series exploring the themes, theology, history and culture through with Lilith, George MacDonald's final great novel was crafted.
This episode features a conversation with theologian Jordan Daniel Wood, author of The Whole Mystery of Christ: Creation as Incarnation in Maximus Confessor.
https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Mystery-Christ-Incarnation-Confessor/dp/0268203474
In this episode we discuss the nature of reality, dualistic thinking, metamorphosis and theosis and how George MacDonald illuminates the deepest and truest realities of existence through the journey of Mr. Vane...
2024-10-1854 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserLILITH: The Child Against the Vampire of Fundamentalism - A Conversation with John de JongThis is Part 5 of the 8-part series exploring the themes, theology, history and culture through which MacDonald's final great novel was crafted.
This episode features a conversation with John de Jong, author of The Theology of George MacDonald: The Child Against the Vampire of Fundamentalism. (Available on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/wmp27hpc)
John de Jong is from Cambridge, England where he is involved in the Anglican community. After a degree in physics and a career in audio engineering, John studied philosophy and religious studies at the Open University - alongside his church work as a music director - before ga...
2024-10-111h 17The Plunge with Derek HolserLILIITH: George MacDonald's Tale of Life Through Death, Part IVThis is Part IV of the 8-part series exploring the themes, theology, history and culture through which MacDonald's final great novel was crafted.
This episode features a conversation with Thomas Cannariato and Turner Burnett.
Thomas is a writer, a musician, an academic, and much more; a jack of all trades and a master of one. Originally from Long Island, Thomas currently lives in
Northern California, where he cooks all his favorite Italian meals out of desperation for good food. He is on a pilgrimage to discover the Father’s heart and reveal the heart of the Father to hi...
2024-10-041h 19The Plunge with Derek HolserLILITH: George MacDonald's Tale of Life Through Death, Part IIIText within this block will maintain its original spacing when published
This is Part III of the latest series from The Plunge, hosted by Derek Holser. This 8-part series will be published weekly and includes exploration of the themes, theology, history and culture through which MacDonald's final great novel was crafted.
This episode features a conversation with Ron Dart, University of the Fraser Valley professor emeritus, who taught in the Department of Political Science, Philosophy, and Religious Studies. Ron has authored over 40 books that deal with the interface between literature, spirituality, and politics.
Ron and Derek discuss the deep connection...
2024-09-271h 12The Plunge with Derek HolserLILITH: George MacDonald's Tale of Life Through Death, Part IIThis is Part II of the latest series from The Plunge, hosted by Derek Holser. This 8-part series will be published weekly and includes exploration of the themes, theology, history and culture through which MacDonald's final great novel was crafted.
This episode features a conversation with Kirstin Jeffrey Johnson, noted MacDonald scholar who lives on a farm in the Ottawa Valley, Canada. https://www.linlathen.com/about
She writes and lectures internationally on MacDonald, the Inklings, the Nineteenth century, and Faith & the Arts. She is on the Advisory Board of Inklings Journal VII, a founding Board Member of the C...
2024-09-221h 26The Plunge with Derek HolserLilith: George MacDonald's Tale of Life Through Death, Part IThis is the introductory episode for the latest series from The Plunge, hosted by Derek Holser. This 8-part series is entitled Lilith: George MacDonald's Tale of Life Through Death.
This episode includes excerpts and highlights from the entire series, featuring the following guests: Kirstin Jeffrey Johnson, Ron Dart, John de Jong, Chris Green, Thomas Cannariato, Turner Burnett, and Jordan Daniel Wood.
This episode also includes a reading of the introduction, written by Kirstin Jeffrey Johnson, for Jess Lederman's edition of Lilith, illustrated by Gabrielle Ragusi, https://www.worksofmacdonald.com/lilith
2024-09-1459 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserC.S. Lewis's Greatest Influence, the Final ChapterC.S. Lewis's Greatest Influence: The Life & Work of George MacDonald was originally recorded for students of Seapointe College, and is now available through The Plunge with Derek Holser.
This episode features a conversation with Bishop Chris Green and Jordan Daniel Wood. Chris is a Bishop in the Continuing Anglican Movement and is Professor of Public Theology at Southeastern University. He is the author of numerous books, most recently The Fire and The Cloud, A Biblical Christology. His podcast and various essays can be found on his substack, Speakeasy Theology.
Dr. Jordan Daniel Wood is associate professor of theology...
2024-09-061h 16The Plunge with Derek HolserC.S. Lewis's Greatest Influence, Part IVText within this block will maintain its original spacing when published
C.S. Lewis's Greatest Influence: The Life & Work of George MacDonald was originally recorded for students of Seapointe College, and is now available through The Plunge with Derek Holser.
This episode features a conversation with Monika Hilder, Trinity Western University English professor, and co-founder and co-director of The Inklings Institute of Canada. Monika is a first Canadian -born member of her family and as such she explores the meanings of homeland, the plight of the refugee and identity, in short, the importance of story. And in her own work...
2024-08-2842 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserC.S. Lewis's Greatest Influence, The Life and Work of George MacDonald, Part 3C.S. Lewis's Greatest Influence: The Life & Work of George MacDonald was originally recorded for students of Seapointe College, and is now available through The Plunge with Derek Holser.
This episode features a conversation with Ron Dart, University of the Fraser Valley professor emeritus, who taught in the Department of Political Science, Philosophy, and Religious Studies. Ron has authored over 40 books that deal with the interface between literature, spirituality, and politics.
Ron and Derek discuss C.S. Lewis's full spectrum of work and ideas, the co-opting of his thought by modern Evangelicals in North America...
2024-08-2342 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserC.S. Lewis's Greatest Influence, Part IIC.S. Lewis's Greatest Influence: The Life & Work of George MacDonald was originally recorded for students of Seapointe College, and is now available through The Plunge with Derek Holser.
This episode features a conversation with Ron Dart, University of the Fraser Valley professor emeritus, who taught in the Department of Political Science, Philosophy, and Religious Studies. Ron has authored over 40 books that deal with the interface between literature, spirituality, and politics.
Ron and Derek discuss C.S. Lewis's full spectrum of work and ideas, the co-opting of his thought by modern Evangelicals in North America, and the cultural reasons for...
2024-08-1648 minThe Plunge with Derek HolserC.S. Lewis's Greatest Influence: The Life & Work of George MacDonaldC.S. Lewis's Greatest Influence: The Life & Work of George MacDonald was originally recorded for students of Seapointe College, and is now available through The Plunge with Derek Holser. This episode features a conversation with Kerry Dearborn, Seattle Pacific University theology professor emerita, author of Baptized Imagination: The Theology of George MacDonald.
Derek and Kerry discuss the ideas and stories of George MacDonald, their profound influence on C.S. Lewis and many others, and their critical importance for human flourishing today.
2024-08-1047 min