A weekly walk with Fr. Roderick during which he shares his thoughts as a priest on the struggles and challenges as well as the joys and surprises of day-to-day life.
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A weekly show about faith and culture, with movie/tv reviews, questions and answers about faith, books, cooking, technology and video games.
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The perfect way to start your day with a mix of music, news, movies, tv-series, video games, history, health tips, inspiration, science fiction and more. Hosted by the Dutch Catholic podcasting priest Fr. Roderick.
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This show originally started as The Biggest Loser Fan Podcast and was later rebranded as Balanced Living Weekly. In this podcast, Father Roderick and I shared our individual fitness journeys during this season of our lives. It has been a while since I've listened to these archived episodes. It may be possible that we began covering other areas of our lives, outside of just fitness, when we rebranded to Balanced Living Weekly. This show was produced for nearly two years from September 2009 th ...
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I'm embarking on an exciting journey to Ireland to delve into the lives and wisdom of the men and women who played a crucial role in the evangelization of Europe. By signing up for my new course, you can join me on this adventure! In this course, I'll reveal how the teachings of these Celtic saints can enrich your personal life, deepen your faith, …
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In this episode, I talk about the paralyzing effect of self-limiting thoughts and how they can hold us back from achieving our dreams. Whether you're starting a new career, launching a creative project, or just stepping out of your comfort zone, those inner doubts can be overwhelming. I share personal stories from my journey as a priest and coach a…
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Rings of Power S02E01: The Tenacity of Evil
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Season 2 of Rings of Power shows us a flashback of a moment in the history of Middle-earth during which Sauron seemed to be defeated and eradicated for good. Only to emerge again in another form at another time and place. We may get discouraged to see how humanity falls for the temptation of evil time and again. But Tolkien teaches us an important …
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The Walk: How I Wrote 'Tales of Power'
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I just finished writing and publishing my newest book, "Tales of Power - A Guide to Epic Storytelling". In this episode of The Walk, I share with you a behind the scenes look at my creative process. The book is a journey into the art of storytelling, inspired by the timeless works of J.R.R. Tolkien. It delves into the transformative power of narrat…
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The Break: Why Star Wars: The Acolyte Was Canceled; Lexar's Must-Have iPhone Accessory
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In this episode of The Break, I talk about the supposed cancellation of Star Wars: The Acolyte and about its implications for the future of the franchise in a radically changed media landscape. I also share my thoughts about a ground-breaking iPhone accessory that was launched on Kickstarter by Lexar. Check out my new landing page for my Storytelli…
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The Walk: What If You Could Live Forever?
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Imagine discovering one day that you’re immortal, destined to live for centuries, outlasting everyone you know and love. How would you feel about that? It’s the premise of the 1986 movie Highlander, where Connor MacLeod, a Scottish Highlander born in the 16th century, learns he’s one of a rare few who can only die if beheaded. As he navigates centu…
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The Break: Skeleton Crew, Life on Mars, Hero on a Mission and Dungeons & Dragons
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D23 gave us more information about what to expect from Disney when it comes to Star Wars, but not as much as I hoped. Skeleton Crew may bring an essential element back to the franchise. I'm wrapping up the UK series 'Life on Mars', I am almost done building the LEGO Ghostbusters Fire Station and I share my thoughts about Donald Miller's book 'Hero …
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What I love about my work in television and online is that it brings me into contact with so many different people from all ages and backgrounds. It helps me to constantly broaden my horizon and to keep learning and discovering. In this podcast, I talk a bit more about my work as a TV host and interviewer and I share some thoughts about my future t…
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In this episode of The Walk, I'm sharing with you my recent experiences at the Castlefest fantasy festival. Some visitors I met showed surprise when they discovered that I'm a real priest and not cosplaying as one. What brings so many people to events like these, and why does there seem to be a revival of neo-pagan rituals visitors engage in? And w…
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The Break: Star Wars at D23; Tom Bombadil; Pope Francis About Reading; Retro Arch
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During my break, I look ahead at Disney's D23 Fan Event this week. Will there be new Star Wars announcements? Also in this episode: Daisy Ridley opens up about being diagnosed with Graves' disease Rings of Power season 2 will include an appearance of Tom Bombadil Pope Francis writes a letter about the importance of reading poetry and fiction Retro …
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The Break: Skeleton Crew, Life on Mars, Star Wars Outlaws, Castlefest
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Disney has given us a first look at their upcoming live TV series 'Star Wars: Skeleton Crew'. I share my initial thoughts. I also talk about the TV series 'Life on Mars', I discuss the early reviews of the game 'Star Wars: Outlaws', and I talk about the upcoming Castlefest Fantasy Fair this weekend. Join my new community that replaces this Patreon …
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The Walk: What I Learned As A Digital Nomad
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Now that I am back home, I am looking back on what I learned during this first month that I've been living and working abroad as a 'digital nomad'. It has been a very positive and productive experience, and there is one thing I learned that I value above all other aspects of this trip... Join my new community that replaces this Patreon community an…
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The Break: Planet of the Daleks, Demon Slayer, The Acolyte Season 2 and Rummikub
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In this episode of my podcast The Break I sit down for lunch and coffee in the center of Leicester as I review the classic Doctor Who episode "Planet of the Daleks", the anime series Demon Slayer and the future of the story of The Acolyte. I share my thoughts on the importance of rest even in times of high pressure. I talk about my experience playi…
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The Walk: How My Teaching Project Took Shape
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I explore the early traces of Christianity and the remains of the medieval abbey in Leicester as I share with you how my plan to create a video course about storytelling evolved into a new teaching project that brings together many of my goals and talents in the years to come.By Fr. Roderick Vonhögen
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The Break: The Acolyte Season 1 Review; books and prophesies
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During my coffee break, I review the first season of The Acolyte now that the series has wrapped; I talk about some of the books I read this week and I talk about the risk of seeing modern day events as fulfillments of Biblical prophesies or as signs of Divine intervention. Go to fatherroderick.com/storytelling to learn how you can get early access…
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My ideas around the courses I'm producing during my 'digital nomad' weeks are quickly evolving. I'm recording this episode of The Walk at the end of my second week in the UK. I share with you some of my experiences, as well as my early thoughts about how you could join me in my efforts to explore, to learn and to grow during these trips abroad. Go …
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The Break: The London Film and Comic Con, The Acolyte and Die Hard
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In this episode of The Walk, I walk along the Thames in London as I share with you some of the things I've been doing during my first week as a Digital Nomad in the UK. More information about my Storytelling Course and about how to sign up is coming soon!By Fr. Roderick Vonhögen
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The Walk: My First Week as a Digital Nomad
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I share with you my adventures during the first week as a digital nomad in the city of London! More information about my upcoming Storytelling Course and about how to sign up will be coming soon!By Fr. Roderick Vonhögen
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The Break: Celine Dion, The Boys, Bear Grylls and Traveling with Tech
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The new documentary 'I am' in which singer Celine Dion shares the heartbreaking consequences of being diagnosed with the rare 'Stiff People Syndrome' may be one of the most important things she has ever recorded. In this episode, I explain why. I also talk about the controversial superhero series 'The Boys' and how its story reflects the current cl…
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I have always enjoyed traveling, both for work and for leisure. On the other hand, I'm also a bit of a Hobbit who likes to be at home and who is apprehensive of leaving my routines and familiar surroundings behind. But I realize that if that need for comfort and predictability prevents me from pursuing new adventures, I run the risk of making my li…
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The Walk: What Comic Con Taught Me About Myself
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In this episode, I share with you why my visit to Dutch Comic Con was so different from previous years. The migration from Patreon to my new membership community and Premium Podcast feed is now in full swing; all patrons should have received an invitation to migrate. Let me know if you have any issues, I'm here to help!…
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The Break: Star Wars Fandom; Marketing and the Church; VR Nausea
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In this episode, I give you an update about my travel plans for the month of July, I review the Doctor Who season finale, I talk about what's going on with Star Wars fans and I tell you why I think the Catholic Church has a marketing problem. I talk about my experiences with the Pokemon Plus + and about why the Meta Quest makes me nauseous. The mig…
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The Walk: How To Get Out Of The Negativity Loop
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Whether it is about Star Wars: The Acolyte, about politics or about faith: online debate seems to be stuck in a negativity loop that is hard to avoid nowadays. Before you know it, you get sucked into the vortex of online negativity and you feel worse as a result. In this episode, I explore the root causes for this online behavior and I share with y…
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The Break: Doctor Who, Writing For A Living, Lego and VR Time Travel
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During my coffee break I share my thoughts on the new episodes of Doctor Who, I give you an update on my writing, coaching and travel plans, I talk about Lego and I share my recent experiences in VR.By Fr. Roderick Vonhögen
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The Break: The Acolyte, Godzilla, The Princess Bride and WWDC24
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During my coffee break, I talk about how the first episodes of the new Star Wars show 'The Acolyte' touch me on a personal level. I also share my impressions of the movie Godzilla Minus One and I tell you about the surprising connection between Young Sheldon, Toy Story and The Princess Bride. Inconceivable! I also discuss the latest innovations App…
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The Walk: Creating a New Home For My Community
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For months I have been working behind the scenes on creating a new home for my community on my own website. I have finally started the process of bringing people over from Patreon to the new system, and I am ironing out the last wrinkles. It is the kind of work that I always forget to 'count' at the end of the day, because it doesn't immediately re…
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During my coffee break this week I share my thoughts about the new Star Wars series 'The Acolyte' and about the upcoming 'Starfleet Academy' series. I also rave about T. Kingfisher's book 'A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking' and about a VR demo I saw that let's you walk around Hogwarts Castle. To conclude, I talk about my intention to live and wo…
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I am writing a new book about my method to create online content that reaches new people and forms community around my podcasts and videos. I have been developing this method for the past 20 years, from my early days as a Star Wars blogger to my recent adventures as an Anime commentator on TikTok. I talk about the focused way in which I am writing …
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The Break: Star Wars and Anime Life Lessons
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This week, I talk about the real reason I want to discuss Star Wars and Anime on my YouTube and TikTok channels. I also share with you some insights I learned from Alex Hormozi about identifying the dreams and fears of the people you would like to reach and I tell you the surprising treasure I discovered when I cleaned up my kitchen. Lastly, I tell…
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The Walk: Struggling With Your To-Do List? Try This Instead
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Yoda’s famous words—“Do, or do not. There is no try”—resonate beyond the Star Wars universe. But in our daily lives, it’s not always easy to put into practice. Join me as I explore the struggle between productivity and rest. I’ve struggled with endless To-Do lists must as much as with allowing myself some rest and recovery by doing nothing. Like Lu…
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The Break: How Young Sheldon Approaches the Existence of God
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Recently, I've found myself binge-watching the TV show 'Young Sheldon'. This delightful comedy series offers a glimpse into the early life of Sheldon Cooper, the iconic character from 'The Big Bang Theory' sitcom. Sheldon, an exceptionally gifted and nerdy boy, finds the concept of God illogical, as the existence of a deity cannot be empirically va…
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The Walk: About Hobbits, Gardeners and Architects
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I often dream of living like a Hobbit. A life in which the only thing I have to worry about is which meal comes next, or in which I only have to follow a wizard and a bunch of dwarves on an adventure. But in reality, I am very good at worrying about almost everything. Instead of living care-free, I am always planning, strategizing and going over al…
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The Walk: What LEGO Taught Me About Pentecost
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After the first LEGO movie came out, I was so inspired that I created a short animated video with Lego minifigures in which I explained the meaning of Pentecost. It was an instant hit and was viewed hundreds of thousands of times all over the world. It taught me how much of an impact your message can have if you communicate it in a language that yo…
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The Break: Rings of Power Season 2, The Hunt for Gollum and Mastering Notion
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This podcast episode was recorded at a local coffeehouse in my hometown during a break with coffee and apple pie. I share my excitement about all the Tolkien-related news we got this week: the new trailer for Rings of Power Season 2, the announcement of a new Peter Jackson movie set in the world of the Lord of the Rings called 'The Hunt for Gollum'…
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The Break: Baby Reindeer Gets Real; How Gaming Helps My Health; Apple's iPad Pro Misfire
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In this episode of The Break, I take you outside for a visit to my local Italian ice cream parlor. I talk about what happened after the real stalker whose story was used as an inspiration for the Netflix TV-series 'Baby Reindeer' came forward and agreed to an interview with Pierce Morgan. I also share how a couple of life-style changes allow me to …
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The Walk: How Intermittent Fasting Helps Me Become a Storm Trooper
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I share my personal journey of joining the 501st Star Wars cosplay group, along with my commitment to becoming a healthier individual. I share how intermittent fasting not only helps me lose weight, but also reminds me of the importance of setting and prioritizing goals.By Fr. Roderick Vonhögen
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The Break: New iPads, the Ascension, Star Wars and Baby Reindeer
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In this episode of The Break I talk about Apple's new iPads, about Speechify and other text-to-speech technologies, I review the end of The Bad Batch and the beginning of Tales of the Empire, I talk about the Netflix show 'Baby Reindeer' and I explain why catholics celebrate the feast of the Ascension and why it matters.I also announce the next cha…
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The Walk: How a Zoo Visit Made Me Rethink My Workflow
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On Monday, I got a tour behind the scenes of the Tropical Reef Aquarium of Burger's Zoo in Arnhem. It was a fascinating experience. Our guide explained how the zoo makes its own, high quality sea water, eight million liters in total! This water is first distributed to the most important and most demanding part of the Aquarium: the thriving, colorfu…
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The Break: Daisy Ridley's Return to Star Wars; Atlas, Transformers One and Twisters
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In this episode of the Break I discuss what Daisy Ridley says about reprising the role of Rey in the upcoming Star Wars movie; I talk about The Bad Batch, Fallout and Star Trek and I react to the trailers for Atlas, Transformers One and Twisters. In the Premium part of the episode, available to my patrons, I talk about returning to reading and work…
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The Walk: How To Have Engaging Conversations With Total Strangers
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Last weekend I spent two full days at the biggest fantasy and costuming festival in Europe: Elfia. In this episode of the Walk, I share how over the years, I have managed to overcome my social restraints and how I'm learning to engage with total strangers on a deeply personal level. I also share what the new communities will offer you now that we a…
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The Break: Why I Love Fantasy Festivals; X-Men 97, Fallout and the Vatican
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This weekend, I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of my cosplaying friends again at Haarzuilens Castle during the Elfia Fantasy Festival. I vividly remember my first visit to this festival and how out of place I felt as a priest among thousands of people dressed in fantasy costumes. But I kept coming back year after year, and made lots of friends t…
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I recently discovered why social activities often wear me out: in many situations, I feel that I have to 'put on my happy face' instead of being fully myself. It is an ingrained habit of 'masking', and I have noticed that the more I feel free to 'unmask', the more I actually enjoy social company. What are some of the reasons that we sometimes force…
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The Break: Tales of the Empire and the one thing lacking in Star Wars: Outlaws
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In this episode of The Break, I review the movie 'Tenet' by Christopher Nolan, I watch and review the trailer for Tales of the Empire and I share the one thing that is missing in the story trailer for the game Star Wars: Outlaws. In the premium part of the show, available to my patrons, I talk about Acceptance and Commitment Coaching, I discuss vac…
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The Walk: How to 'sit' with your emotions
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I was staring at the shelves of my fridge. What would I eat? I couldn't decide, and for a reason: I had just had dinner an hour before. And yet, I had felt this urge to grab a snack even though I wasn't hungry at all. Time to pause and to ask myself what was going on. I had been struggling with an important decision I had to take and instinctively …
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The Break: The future of Star Trek, the Star Wars Prequels today, when does faith become superstition?
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There is one aspect of Star Trek Discovery that keeps bugging me now that the series enters its final season. And looking back on the Star Wars Prequels: do those movies still hold up after all these years? I answer a listener question about a particular form of prayer that borders on superstition. In the premium part of the show for my patrons, I …
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In this first episode of The Walk of the second quarter of the year, I look back on all the developments of my online ministry since the start of 2024 and I share with you the exciting next steps I am taking to improve the way in which I help my followers.By Fr. Roderick Vonhögen
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The Break: Holy Week and Easter Explained, Fallout, Alien Romulus and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
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In this week's episode of the Break I talk about Alien: Romulus, about the Fallout TV series and about the trailer for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. I also explain the background of Holy Week and Easter. In the premium part of the show, available to all my patrons, I talk about Tolkien Reading Day, the AI short film 'Airhead' and about what Ap…
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I recorded this episode of the Walk at the start of Holy Week, and I share with you some thoughts on how I hope to better serve you and the rest of my followers after Easter. In the premium part of the show, available to my patrons, I talk about my travel plans in April and during the rest of the year. Have a blessed Holy Week and a Happy Easter!…
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The Break: The Acolyte, The Three Body Problem and Wonka
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In this episode of the Break I share my impressions of the trailer for Star Wars: The Acolyte, I review the first two episodes of the Netflix series The Three Body Problem and I tell you what I thought of 'Wonka'. In the Premium version of the show, available to all my patrons, I talk about the new Dungeons and Dragons Lego set, I solve a clothing …
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The Walk: What To Do With Your Weekends (And What Not To Do)
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In this episode of the Walk I share with you an insight that transformed the way I experience and organize my weekends. In the premium part of the show, I talk about the structure of my next book and how it reflects the core philosophy of my mission in the media.By Fr. Roderick Vonhögen
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