"Media truly has the power to create and shift culture.” - Tessa Thompson
The proliferation of media over the past 25 years has been astounding. Information is increasingly available, and the internet removes some of the barriers to sharing news and ideas with one another. Along with this great expanse, it’s important to discern which media we should consume. Assessing the accuracy of information is a good starting point; measuring other motivations of a source can be trickier. It helps to discuss our sources of information with others who we trust. They may help affirm a good source or shed light on something we haven’t yet realized.
This interest in sharing media has grown as our options have expanded. We still discuss news sources and books but now also have many online options. In the last two weeks, I have had several conversations with friends and family about podcasts. If you aren’t familiar with this medium, I’d encourage you to check it out. There are podcasts about nearly every topic, and most of them can be accessed for free via phone, computer, or tablet. I like to think of podcasts as narrated journeys through new and interesting material.
Whether you’re an avid podcast listener or are exploring this tool of engagement for the first time, I’d like to suggest “The Happiness Lab” (https://www.happinesslab.fm/). My wife Sarah shared this podcast with me over Christmas break. We were already familiar with the host, Dr. Laurie Santos, from a family Coursera class we took during the first months of the pandemic. The podcast explores happiness and our pursuit of it, as well as our other emotions. I found it encouraging that many of the values and principles raised meshed well with faith and church life. I’d love to hear from you about podcasts you’ve found to be inspiring and formative, and I invite you to share your recommendations with me. Let’s continue to learn and grow together.
Blessings,
Fr. Paul
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