Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

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Find wisdom to carry you through all of life's deserts with this weekly podcast from Exodus 90. Led by Bishop Varden, a Cistercian monk and the Bishop of Trondheim in Norway, each episode offers timeless insights from the Desert Fathers for our growth in self-knowledge, charity, and holiness. Bishop Varden directs us to what we need most today: the love of Christ that conquers all obstacles. Learn more at: http://hallow.com/dfiy

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70 sessões

1Episode 44: To Gain a BrotherWhen a friend or relative has been living in sin, how should we respond? Do we confront him and risk pushing him away? Or do we stay silent and thereby condone the sin? In this episode of Desert Fathers, we find a middle way. An elder discovers a brother living a secret double life. Instead of calling him out, the elder waits patiently. When the right moment comes, the elder offers a small but sincere gesture to the brother—which opens the door to repentance. Fraternal correction seeks to win our brother back, rather than assert we’re right. Bishop Varden unpacks the elder’s example so we too can act with patience, wisdom, and love. This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more. Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections. We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is... • 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog • 🎥 ...produced by EWTNDesert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden
2Detraction Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of detraction and judgment through the lens of a hermit's vision. The conversation covers the consequences of gossip, the importance of conversion, and the efficacy of sacraments, emphasizing that divine grace is not hindered by human flaws.Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden: Ep. 43
3Episode 47: Modes of CombatAbba Netras thrived in the desert. Life was simple. His soul was at peace. Then the Church called him to be a bishop in the city. Suddenly his quiet life was over. How did Bishop Netras respond? This week, we see that true discernment means recognizing when your old routines no longer serve you—and having the courage to enter new modes of spiritual combat. __________ This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more. Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections. __________ We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is... • 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog • 🎥 ...produced by EWTN • 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today! ________Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden
4Scope of JudgementIn this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of judgment through the lens of the Desert Fathers' teachings, particularly focusing on the story of Abba Isaac.Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden: Ep. 42
5Episode 46: No AngelWork can seem dull at times. Didn't God create us to praise Him, instead? That seems much preferred to work. Practical life, it can seem, gets in the way of the spiritual life. If only we could live like the angels in a state of constant praise. But the fact of the matter is, we—humans—must attend to practical things as well as spiritual. As Bishop Varden says, "Angels have no need for supper." This week's episode is a good reminder that the petty tasks we must undergo in life should not be a distraction from the spiritual life. We must hold them both in balance. __________ This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more. Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections. __________ We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is... • 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog • 🎥 ...produced by EWTN • 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today! ________Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden
6Rejection In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden reflects on the teachings of the Desert Fathers, focusing on the themes of forgiveness, community, and the transformative power of God's mercy. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden: Ep. 41
7Episode 45: Legitimate RestIn this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden articulates the importance that rest plays in our lives—particularly our spiritual lives. He discusses the monastic idea of "holy leisure," also called "recreation," and the differences between leisure and idleness. Bishop Varden reminds us that to be Christian, we must allow ourselves to constantly be "re-created" by God, which requires that we slow down and spend time in rest and leisure from time to time. __________ This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more. Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections. __________ We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is... • 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog • 🎥 ...produced by EWTN • 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today! ________Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden
8Q&A With Bishop VardenIn this Q&A session with Bishop Erik Varden, Jamie Baxter and Bishop Varden explore: • The nature of love and self-forgetfulness • Philosophical perspectives on progress • The relevance of Stoicism • The implications of artificial intelligence • The importance of maintaining joy in celebratory seasonsDesert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden: Ep. 40
9A Low Profilen this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of humility through the teachings of the Desert Fathers, particularly focusing on Abba Moses and Abba Simon.Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden: Ep. 39
10Professions of HumilityIn this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the themes of humility and vainglory through the teachings of Abba Serapion. He discusses the importance of aligning one's words with actions and the dangers of pride masked as humility. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden: Ep. 38
11At the Baker'sIn this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the teachings of the Desert Fathers, focusing on the themes of humility, the dangers of vanity, and the importance of genuine spiritual practices. Bishop Varden discusses a saying from Abba Theodore, emphasizing that true light comes from God and that self-exaltation can undermine our spiritual efforts.Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden: Ep. 37
12A FallIn this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden reflects on the teachings of the Desert Fathers, particularly focusing on the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden: Ep. 36
13On Hunting DogsIn this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of fortitude through the lens of monastic life, using the analogy of a hound pursuing a hare to illustrate the importance of unwavering focus on Christ amidst distractions and scandals.Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden: Ep. 35
14Living with InfirmityIn this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden and Jamie Baxter explore the theme of fortitude in the face of suffering, particularly through the lens of illness.Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden: Ep. 34
15Xeniteia In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of fortitude through the lens of Xeniteia, a call to solitude and trust in God.Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden: Ep. 33
16PhilosophyIn this episode, Bishop Erik Varden reflects on the virtue of fortitude as taught by the Desert Fathers, emphasizing the importance of enduring hardship in the pursuit of wisdom.Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden: Ep. 32
17GoldIn this episode of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, Bishop Varden explores the teachings of the Desert Fathers on the theme of possessing nothing, emphasizing the dangers of materialism and the importance of generosity.Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden: Ep. 31
18Foresight & ProvidenceIn this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of possession and trust through the story of a gardener who learns the importance of relying on God rather than hoarding wealth. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden: Ep. 30
19Lovely BooksIn this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Eric Varden explores the themes of unity in early Christianity, the significance of books in monastic life, and the balance between possession and purpose in knowledge.Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden: Ep. 29
20Lacerated BodyJoin Bishop Erik Varden, a Trappist monk and Bishop of Trondheim, Norway, in this episode of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, where he unpacks the timeless wisdom of the Desert Fathers through the lens of Abba Antony’s striking lesson. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden: Ep. 28
21Q&A with Bishop VardenIn this special Q&A episode of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, host Jamie Baxter welcomes Bishop Varden to answer listener questions, offering profound insights from the Desert Fathers’ wisdom. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden: Ep. 27
22SympathyWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 26
23The Source of StrengthWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 25
24Discussion: Three ApproachesJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 24
25On Discernment: Three ApproachesWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 24
26Discussion: LustJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 23
27LustWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 23
28Discussion: Austerity at HomeJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 22
29Austerity at Home, Charity AbroadWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 22
30Discussion: Necessary WordsJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 21
31Necessary WordsWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 21
32Discussion: Words that WoundJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 20
33Words that WoundWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 20
34Discussion: Donkey on the LooseJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 19
35Donkey on the LooseWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 19
36Q&A - Ask Bishop VardenIn this special episode of Desert Fathers in a Year, we mark the one-third milestone of our series with a listener Q&A featuring Bishop Erik Varden. Desert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 18
37Discussion: The Fear of GodJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 17
38The Fear of GodWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 17
39Discussion: The Monk and the ActressJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 16
40The Monk and the ActressWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 16
41Discussion: PenthosJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 15
42PenthosWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 15
43Discussion: CompunctionJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 14
44CompunctionWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 14
45Discussion: Silence in GriefJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 13
46Silence in GriefWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 13
47Discussion: Staying PutJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 12
48Staying PutWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 12
49Discussion: Flee, and Be SavedJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 11
50Flee, and Be SavedWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 11
51Discussion: PeaceJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 10
52PeaceWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 10
53Discussion: Singing with the AngelsJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 9
54Singing with the AngelsWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 9
55Discussion: What Defines a ChristianJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 8
56What Defines a ChristianWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 8
57Discussion: Take Up Your CrossJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 7
58Take Up Your CrossWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 7
59Discussion: Pursuit of PerfectionJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 6
60Pursuit of PerfectionWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 6
61Q&A with Bishop VardenWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. This week, we take a short break from the usual weekly format to hear directly from Jamie and Bishop Varden in dialogue on questions that have been submitted from listeners. hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 5
62Discussion: A Strength to OthersJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection on the fruitfulness of Antony's solitude. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 4
63Antony - A Strength to OthersWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. In today's passage from Athanasius's Life of Antony, Bishop Varden reflects on an encounter Antony had with a monk who often came to visit him. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 4
64Discussion: Become Who You AreJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's second reflection on the effects that Antony's asceticism had on his life and nature. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: DesertFathers.comBonus Roundtable on Ep. 3
65Become Who You AreWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. In today's passage from Athanasius's Life of Antony, Bishop Varden reflects on the effect that asceticism and prayer can have on us. Far from distorting our nature, holiness makes us wholly who God created us to be. Through his Incarnation, God became a human being so that we may become like God. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 3
66Discussion: Antony's TemptationJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's second reflection on Antony's temptations. Temptation will come for each of us, at one time or another, and we must respond with courage. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: http://hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 2
67Facing Antony's TemptationsWelcome back to Desert Fathers in a Year. Today, Bishop Varden reads a short passage from Athanasius's Life of Antony and reflects on the nature of the devil and his means of temptation. Like St. Antony, we will face temptation as we seek to grow and improve. Let us take courage and respond with hope. Learn more at: hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 2
68Discussion: The Life of AntonyJamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's first reflection and what practical takeaways we can glean from it and apply to our lives. The group will host a Roundtable Discussion each week of 2025. Learn more at: http://hallow.com/dfiyBonus Roundtable on Ep. 1
69Changed by the Life of AntonyWelcome to Desert Fathers in a Year! Today, Bishop Varden reads a short passage from Augustine’s Confessions and offers a reflection on the life of Antony. The first four episodes of DFIY were filmed at the Cistercian abbey of Nový Dvůr in Czechia two hours from Prague. Learn more at: http://hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year: Ep. 1
70Introducing DFIYWelcome to Desert Fathers in a Year by Bishop Erik Varden and Exodus 90. Listen to the introduction of this new weekly podcast, which can become a deep source of spiritual renewal. The first episode launches January 1, 2025. Learn more at: http://hallow.com/dfiyDesert Fathers in a Year