In this episode, hosts John and Jason dive into a book club discussion on "Aflame" by travel writer Pico Iyer. They explore why this book—written by a non-religious "pilgrim" who has visited a Benedictine monastery for forty years—is a valuable resource for anyone interested in silence, solitude, and the art of being a guest in another’s tradition. The conversation unpacks the book's central metaphor of fire, contrasting the destructive threat of California wildfires with the Desert Fathers' call to "become aflame" of inner spiritual life. They also discuss the "new monk" perspective and the modern struggle to endure true silence without the distraction of technology.

In this episode, hosts John and Jason explore Mount Marty University's fourth and final core value: Lifelong Learning. Far from being a simple endorsement of continuing education or accruing degrees, they reveal that this value is actually a translation of the obscure Benedictine vow conversatio morum—the commitment to the continual transformation of one's life. The hosts discuss the Benedictine "rule for beginners," emphasizing that true learning requires the humility to admit you are never finished and the willingness to "read" reality—nature, relationships, and oneself—with the same intensity as scripture (Lectio). They also touch on the tension between intellectual elitism and true wisdom in American culture.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro: Canned Intros and "Spending Money"

00:01:24 - The Fourth Core Value: Lifelong Learning

00:06:08 - The "Secret" Vow: Conversatio Morum (Conversion of Life)

00:08:12 - The Rule for Beginners: Why We Are Never Experts

00:09:15 - Lectio of Life: Reading Reality and Relationships

00:18:43 - Education in America: Elitism vs. Populism

00:35:01 - The Practice of "Going Back to Square One"

00:44:51 - Conclusion

In this episode, hosts John and Jason explore Mount Marty University's third core value: Hospitality. Moving far beyond simple politeness or "being nice," they dig into the radical Benedictine instruction to "treat every guest as Christ." They discuss the inherent difficulty of this command—noting that historically, welcoming Christ got people crucified—and share a striking story about how true intimacy and being "known" can sometimes be terrifying. The conversation covers the "germs" of community life, the necessity of conflict for "sharpening iron," and how real hospitality means holding space for others even when it is difficult.

Chapters

00:00:01 - Intro: Night Projects and Dolly Parton Covers

00:02:16 - The Third Core Value: Hospitality & Treating Guests as Christ

00:05:14 - The Challenge: Why "Welcoming" Can Be Dangerous

00:30:49 - Community Dynamics: Navigating Conflict and "Sharpening Iron"

00:39:07 - Film Discussion: Ushpizin and Final Thoughts