In this episode, Oliver and Ante explore themes of biblical lamentations, trauma, divine silence, and hope. They analyze the structure and theology of Lamentations, connect it to contemporary suffering, and discuss how faith persists amidst unanswered prayers and divine absence.

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring the Book of Lamentations
• 13:30 The Meaning of 'No Resting Place'
• 22:15 The Structure and Chaos of Lamentations
• 30:35 Divine Wrath and Confusion
• 36:16 Exploring the Intensity of Lamentations
• 48:13 The Concept of God's Solidarity
• 57:07 The Role of Lamentations in the Community of Faith
• 01:09:27 The Silence of Faith in the Absence of Answers

Olive and Ante are discussing the meaning of Easter and how, paradoxically, it addresses both human doubt and comfort. Along the way, they explore whether doubt is beneficial, whether it might be "demonic," and what role certainty plays in a mature Christian faith.

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In this podcast, we engage in free-ranging conversations about life, faith, philosophy, ethics, relationships, culture, experience, and all matters existential. As the show’s title suggests, we approach these topics “in the middle of things”—grabbing hold of them unsystematically and provisionally. As for who we are: we are friends, verbal sparring partners, and colleagues at Andrews University. - Oliver Glanz and Ante Jerončič

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It has been nearly a year since Oliver and Ante recorded their last episode. During this time, much has happened both in the world and in their personal lives. They have decided to engage in a free-flowing conversation about various aspects of their lives to reconnect, catch up, and set the stage for future discussions. For the first time, there is a transcript of the episode, which may be of interest to some listeners. Until next time!

* * * * * NEW TO THE PODCAST?
In this podcast, we engage in free-ranging conversations about life, faith, philosophy, ethics, relationships, culture, experience, and all matters existential. As the show’s title suggests, we approach these topics “in the middle of things”—grabbing hold of them unsystematically and provisionally. As for who we are: we are friends, verbal sparring partners, and colleagues at Andrews University. - Oliver Glanz and Ante Jerončič

Send us your comments. We appreciate those!

In this episode of IMR Bites, Ante turns to the theme of wisdom, central to Scripture, moral philosophy, and the moral life. Drawing on biblical texts, especially the wisdom literature and Paul’s letters, as well as insights from psychology, he explores how wisdom involves discernment, moral perception, and the ability to navigate complexity. In a time flooded with information but lacking clarity, the episode asks what it means to live wisely—and how wisdom is both something we cultivate and something we receive

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In this first episode of In Medias Res Bites, Ante introduces a new short-form format within the IMR podcast. These occasional reflections, offered by either Oliver or Ante, and possibly guest contributors in the future, complement the longer dialogues with focused meditations on themes central to the art of living.

Edited episode transcript

In this opening reflection, Ante explores the idea of archetypes—not as abstract roles or fixed types, but as existential ideals that help shape who we are becoming. Drawing on figures like Jung, Plato, the Stoics, and Scripture, he considers how certain archetypes—such as the hero, the sage, or the pilgrim—awaken in us a longing for the good and invite us to align with our deepest aspirations. He shares five archetypes that have come to orient his own journey and reflects on how such patterns of being can offer clarity, coherence, and moral direction amid the complexities of life. This episode sets the stage for a series of future reflections, each delving into one of these archetypes in greater depth.

* * * * * NEW TO THE PODCAST?
In this podcast, we engage in free-ranging conversations about life, faith, philosophy, ethics, relationships, culture, experience, and all matters existential. As the show’s title suggests, we approach these topics “in the middle of things”—grabbing hold of them unsystematically and provisionally. As for who we are: we are friends, verbal sparring partners, and colleagues at Andrews University. - Oliver Glanz and Ante Jerončič

Send us your comments. We appreciate those!

In recent years, "manifesting" has gained significant traction in pop culture and social media. It is the idea of willing the universe to bring into being our desires, in the sense of already possessing them in the act of wishing. As this rides on many interesting ideas and has a lot to say about our current cultural moment, Oliver and Ante have decided to discuss the issue to wrap their minds around it somewhat. What is this phenomenon about? Why is it so popular at this time? Should we understand it psychologically or sociologically? Does it contain some kernel of truth? What are its darker aspects? How is it related to anxiety and narcissism? What are some of its religious permutations, and what has the Bible to say about it?...

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* * * * * NEW TO THE PODCAST?
In this podcast, we engage in free-ranging conversations on life, faith, philosophy, ethics, relationships, culture, experience, and all matters existential. As the show title points out, we approach these things "in the middle of things" by grabbing hold of them unsystematically and provisionally. Concerning "about us," we are friends and verbal sparring partners who also happen to be colleagues at Andrews University. - Oliver Glanz and Ante Jerončič

Send us your comments. We appreciate those!

Continuing in the spirit of Kant's 300th anniversary, Oliver and Ante are taking another crack at this monumental thinker. This time, they focus more specifically on his moral thought, running with the contention, partially tongue in cheek, that a consistent application of his principles of morality might lead to a revival in Christian communities. Among others, they discuss Derek Parfit's reformulation of Kant's formula: "It is wrong to treat anyone in any way to which this person could not rationally consent." Whether that is indeed the supreme principle of morality is debatable. Still, one can imagine all kinds of life circumstances where following such a thought experiment would lead one to act in drastically different ways. They also tackle Kant's universalism, Omri Boehm's acclaimed book Radikaler Univesalismus, Kant's stress on individuality, his decontextualizing of Christian morality, and other topics.

CONNECT WITH US
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Website

* * * * * NEW TO THE PODCAST?
In this podcast, we engage in free-ranging conversations on life, faith, philosophy, ethics, relationships, culture, experience, and all matters existential. As the show title points out, we approach these things "in the middle of things" by grabbing hold of them unsystematically and provisionally. Concerning "about us," we are friends and verbal sparring partners who also happen to be colleagues at Andrews University. - Oliver Glanz and Ante Jerončič

Send us your comments. We appreciate those!

This time around, Oliver and Ante take a slightly different track by tackling the theme of health and fitness, sharing some of the lessons learned concerning fasting, the psychology of fitness, exercise protocols, diet, and wholeness in general. While their sharing should not be taken as medical advice, they hope to share some insights and encouragement to people finding themselves on different stations in their health journey.

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Peter Attia, Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
Ratey and Hagerman, Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain

CONNECT WITH US
Email
Website

* * * * * NEW TO THE PODCAST?
In this podcast, we engage in free-ranging conversations on life, faith, philosophy, ethics, relationships, culture, experience, and all matters existential. As the show title points out, we approach these things "in the middle of things" by grabbing hold of them unsystematically and provisionally. Concerning "about us," we are friends and verbal sparring partners who also happen to be colleagues at Andrews University. - Oliver Glanz and Ante Jerončič

Send us your comments. We appreciate those!