The BetterPears Podcast

Dr. Jason Fugikawa

Join Dr. Jason Fugikawa for his insights on theology, philosophy, culture, and the verbal expressions we use to relate meaning and reality to one another. This is a podcast for nerds..., but particular nerds who are searching for old wisdom made ever new. This would be a great podcast while "touching grass," folding laundry, or sipping on a cup of hot tea after a long day. Please visit BetterPears.com to learn more about the BetterPears cultural empire. read less
Religion & SpiritualityReligion & Spirituality

Episodes

Obedience (Season 2, Episode 12)
2d ago
Obedience (Season 2, Episode 12)
This season finale episode is on obedience and its expression in the human experience. The purpose of the episode, like all those of the podcast, is to suggest deeper meanings for the words we employ to express reality each day. Thus, while the positions offered in each episode are in no way definitive and at times are rather speculative, it is my hope that they function as timeless attempts at expanding your palette for true and accurate verbal expression. If you disagree with a connection made in the episode, please respond in the comments. If you enjoy this production, I also ask that you like the episode, subscribe to the podcast, and let us know in the comments. This simple task truly helps us reach a wider audience. To receive the transcript of each episode and be the first to learn of BetterPears announcements, please sign-up to our newsletter at the bottom of the page at BetterPears.com. In addition to The BetterPears Podcast, BetterPears also presents The Confederal Reserve our interview series on Rumble.and YouTube. which connects old friends over even older classical works that have shaped the life of each episode’s guest. They are conversations long overdue and designed to model substantive conversations about the great ideas that you too can have with formerly close friends and family who may have become distant since the last election cycle. Visit our video channels through the links in the description. Finally, The BetterPears Podcast is offered free through the wonder of the internet but made possible through the continued contributions of our listener audience. In March, we announced our new crowdfunding program, BetterPears Leaves. The program is simple and some might say elegant in design. Contribute $12 or more each month to BetterPears and receive a thank you Goldback in the mail. It is like a Patreon but with fractional, physical gold instead of BTS and blooper reels. If you have been listening to The BetterPears Podcast or The Confederal Reserve for some time and recognize that the ideas shared stand out from other offering of the internet, are worth sharing, and are worthy of your support, this community driven contribution program is for you. To learn more, visit BetterPears.com/Leaves. Thank you for your continued patronage of attention and federal reserve notes. And now, on with the episode. *** If you enjoy this production, I also ask that you like the episode, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a comment should you be so inclined and able on this listening platform. This simple task truly helps us reach a wider audience. To receive the transcript of each episode and be the first to learn of BetterPears announcements, please sign-up to our newsletter at the bottom of the page at BetterPears.com. BetterPears Leaves. Contribute $12 or more each month to BetterPears and receive a thank you gift in the mail. To learn more, visit BetterPears.com/Leaves. Additional Links: The Confederal Reserve Rumble Link. YouTube Link. Please visit our homepage at BetterPears.com. BetterPears Swag and Gifts are available at the BetterPears Market. Catch up on past episodes of Season 1 at BetterPears.com/preserves. To connect with Dr. Fugikawa on Minnect, please visit his profile at Minnect.
Altum (Season 2, Episode 11)
May 19 2024
Altum (Season 2, Episode 11)
This episode is on the Latin word, “altum” and its two disparate meanings. The purpose of the episode, like all those of the podcast, is to suggest a deeper etymology and etiology for the words we employ to express reality each day. Thus, while the positions offered in each episode are in no way definitive and at times are rather speculative, it is my hope that they function as timeless attempts at expanding your palette for true and accurate verbal expression. If you disagree with a connection made in the episode, please respond in the comments. If you enjoy this production, I also ask that you like the episode, subscribe to the podcast, and let us know in the comments. This simple task truly helps us reach a wider audience. To receive the transcript of each episode and be the first to learn of BetterPears announcements, please sign-up to our newsletter at the bottom of the page at BetterPears.com. In addition to The BetterPears Podcast, BetterPears also presents The Confederal Reserve our interview series on Rumble.and YouTube. which connects old friends over even older classical works that have shaped the life of each episode’s guest. They are conversations long overdue and designed to model substantive conversations about the great ideas that you too can have with formerly close friends and family who may have become distant since the last election cycle. Visit our video channels through the links in the description. Finally, The BetterPears Podcast is offered free through the wonder of the internet but made possible through the continued contributions of our listener audience. In March, we announced our new crowdfunding program, BetterPears Leaves. The program is simple and some might say elegant in design. Contribute $12 or more each month to BetterPears and receive a thank you Goldback in the mail. It is like a Patreon but with fractional, physical gold instead of BTS and blooper reels. To learn more, visit BetterPears.com/Leaves. Thank you for your continued patronage of attention and federal reserve notes. And now, on with the episode. *** If you enjoy this production, I also ask that you like the episode, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a comment should you be so inclined and able on this listening platform. This simple task truly helps us reach a wider audience. To receive the transcript of each episode and be the first to learn of BetterPears announcements, please sign-up to our newsletter at the bottom of the page at BetterPears.com. BetterPears Leaves. Contribute $12 or more each month to BetterPears and receive a thank you gift in the mail. To learn more, visit BetterPears.com/Leaves. Additional Links: The Confederal Reserve Rumble Link. YouTube Link. Please visit our homepage at BetterPears.com. BetterPears Swag and Gifts are available at the BetterPears Market. Catch up on past episodes of Season 1 at BetterPears.com/preserves. To connect with Dr. Fugikawa on Minnect, please visit his profile at Minnect.
Perdition (Season 2, Episode 10)
May 11 2024
Perdition (Season 2, Episode 10)
This episode is on perdition (and by extension forgiveness). The purpose of the episode, like all those of the podcast, is to suggest a deeper etymology and etiology for the words we employ to express reality each day. Thus, while the positions offered in each episode are in no way definitive, it is my hope that they function as timeless attempts at expanding your palette for true and accurate verbal expression. If you disagree with a connection made in the episode, please respond in the comments. If you enjoy this production, I also ask that you like the episode, subscribe to the podcast, and let us know in the comments. This simple task truly helps us reach a wider audience. To receive the transcript of each episode and be the first to learn of BetterPears announcements, please sign-up to our newsletter at the bottom of the page at BetterPears.com. In addition to The BetterPears Podcast, BetterPears also presents The Confederal Reserve our interview series on Rumble.and YouTube. which connects old friends over even older classical works that have shaped the life of each episode’s guest. They are conversations long overdue and designed to model substantive conversations about the great ideas that you too can have with formerly close friends and family who may have become distant of late. Visit our video channels through the links in the description. Finally, The BetterPears Podcast is offered free through the wonder of the internet but made possible through the continued contributions of our listener audience. In March, we announced our new crowdfunding program, BetterPears Leaves. The program is simple and some might say elegant in design. Contribute $12 or more each month to BetterPears and receive a thank you Goldback in the mail. To learn more, visit BetterPears.com/Leaves. Thank you for your continued patronage of attention and federal reserve notes. And now, on with the episode. *** If you enjoy this production, I also ask that you like the episode, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a comment should you be so inclined and able on this listening platform. This simple task truly helps us reach a wider audience. To receive the transcript of each episode and be the first to learn of BetterPears announcements, please sign-up to our newsletter at the bottom of the page at BetterPears.com. BetterPears Leaves. Contribute $12 or more each month to BetterPears and receive a thank you gift in the mail. To learn more, visit BetterPears.com/Leaves. Additional Links: The Confederal Reserve Rumble Link. YouTube Link. Please visit our homepage at BetterPears.com. BetterPears Swag and Gifts are available at the BetterPears Market. Catch up on past episodes of Season 1 at BetterPears.com/preserves. To connect with Dr. Fugikawa on Minnect, please visit his profile at Minnect.
Beatitude (Season 2, Episode 9)
Apr 26 2024
Beatitude (Season 2, Episode 9)
This week’s episode is on beatitude, but first a few announcements concerning the podcast. A little over a year and a half ago, we began distributing this podcast to the world and today’s episode is of some historic significance. As a connoisseur of podcasts, perhaps you might recall a certain statistic floating around the internet that 90% of podcasts fail to ever be produced, dying in the idea phase. Of the remaining 10%, a whopping 90% end by the 20th episode. Today’s episode marks the 21st of The BetterPears Podcast making it a statistical success and among the top 1% of all podcast ideas to make it this far. This success could not have happened without the support and encouragement of our listeners. The BetterPears Podcast is certainly a niche program but one that speaks to the human heart and our desire to discern meaning in our language and reality. If you have been listening to the podcast for some time, could you pause the episode in a moment and write down five people you know whom you think might enjoy this program. After the episode, could you send them a link and invite them to listen. Perhaps you have a favorite episode or one you think would really speak to them. Nothing quite helps a program grow like the recommendation of a friend or relative. Pause now and join us after you write your list. Welcome back. The other important way to assist the podcast and BetterPears as a whole is to become a monthly contributor to BetterPears Leaves, our crowdfunding program, at BetterPears.com/Leaves. The program is simple. For your monthly contribution of $12 or more, you will receive a Goldback in the mail during the following month for as long as you continue your support. You can learn more about Goldbacks through the video on the webpage. If you have been hearing about gold in the news and wanted to learn more about this asset class but did not know where to start, nothing whets your interest like actually owning physical gold. Furthermore, the program funds the work of BetterPears including this podcast, The Confederal Reserve, and in-person Greenhouse fellowships. Although it is clear on the website, I will also note that BetterPears is a for-profit enterprise and your support is not tax-deductible. There is one last thing to mention about BetterPears Leaves. As a special perk for supporters starting or continuing their support in April 2024, you will be receiving a ballot by email in which you can cast your vote for the Season 3 premiere episode from a short list of topics in the running. Play a part in the future of The BetterPears Podcast by joining BetterPears Leaves today! Thank you again for your continued patronage of attention and federal reserve notes. And now, on with the episode. *** If you enjoy this production, I also ask that you like the episode, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a comment should you be so inclined and able on this listening platform. This simple task truly helps us reach a wider audience. To receive the transcript of each episode and be the first to learn of BetterPears announcements, please sign-up to our newsletter at the bottom of the page at BetterPears.com. BetterPears Leaves. Contribute $12 or more each month to BetterPears and receive a thank you gift in the mail. To learn more, visit BetterPears.com/Leaves. Additional Links: Please visit our homepage at BetterPears.com. BetterPears Swag and Gifts are available at the BetterPears Market. Catch up on past episodes of Season 1 at BetterPears.com/preserves. To connect with Dr. Fugikawa on Minnect, please visit his profile at Minnect.
Menial Labor (Season 2, Episode 8)
Apr 6 2024
Menial Labor (Season 2, Episode 8)
We begin this episode with a dedication to a late family friend whose legacy of abiding with the Fugikawas over half a century, impressed me as a young man. This week’s topic is Menial Labor which in my arrangement of podcast topics is categorized as “words often used and rarely considered.” The purpose of the episode, like all those of the podcast, is to suggest a deeper etymology and etiology for the words we employ to express reality each day. Thus, while the positions offered in each episode are in no way definitive, it is my hope that they function as timeless attempts at expanding your palette for true and accurate verbal expression. If you disagree with a connection made in the episode, please respond in the comments. If you enjoy this production, I also ask that you like the episode, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a comment should you be so inclined and able on this listening platform. This simple task truly helps us reach a wider audience. To receive the transcript of each episode and be the first to learn of BetterPears announcements, please sign-up to our newsletter at the bottom of the page at BetterPears.com. New upcoming BetterPears Greenhouse Fellowships, participatory dramatic readings of Shakespeare’s greatest plays have been added to the website. Each fellowship consists of two reading sessions in a domestic setting featuring an experienced guide, delicious food, and a Shakespearean masterpiece all for a fixed price. In addition, some of our weekend fellowships are now designated for Coffee, Tea, and fresh Pear service in lieu of our regular refreshments at a reduced cost to fellows. To learn more, watch our introductory video, and register please visit BetterPears.com/Greenhouse. If you enjoy the BetterPears Podcast somewhere downrange from OKC and would like to host a BetterPears Fellowship in your hometown, please let us know by leaving a comment or emailing me through the contact page of the website. Finally, the BetterPears Podcast is offered free through the wonder of the internet but made possible through the continued contributions of our listener audience. Last month we announced our new crowdfunding program, BetterPears Leaves. Contribute $12 or more each month to BetterPears and receive a thank you gift in the mail. To learn more, visit BetterPears.com/Leaves. Thank you for your continued patronage of attention and federal reserve notes. And now, on with the episode. Links: Please visit our homepage at BetterPears.com. BetterPears Swag and Gifts are available at the BetterPears Market. Catch up on past episodes of Season 1 at BetterPears.com/preserves. To connect with Dr. Fugikawa on Minnect, please visit his profile at Minnect.
Father and Mother (Season 2, Episode 7)
Mar 13 2024
Father and Mother (Season 2, Episode 7)
This week’s episode titled “Father and Mother” pushes beyond the limits of Big Lexi and even some now conventional discussions of sexual complementarity influenced by St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. While some in the audience might disagree with one or several of the connections offered in the episode between language and the foundational relations of father and mother to their children. I am also aware that pleasing everyone is statistically unlikely given the topic. I do kindly ask those seeking to summarily cancel me from polite or even impolite society to at least like the episode and subscribe to podcast in an act condignly hypocritical to complement your disordered desire for kratos. The purpose of the episode, like all those of the podcast, is to suggest a deeper etymology and etiology for the words we employ to express reality each day. Thus, while the positions offered in each episode are in no way definitive, it is my hope that they function as timeless attempts at expanding your palette for true and accurate verbal expression. For those so sated, I also ask that you like the episode, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a comment should you be so inclined and able on this listening platform. This simple task truly helps us reach a wider audience. To receive the transcript of each episode and be the first to learn of BetterPears announcements, please sign-up to our newsletter at the bottom of the page at BetterPears.com. New upcoming BetterPears Greenhouse Fellowships, participatory dramatic readings of Shakespeare’s greatest plays have been added to the website, including a Friday/Saturday fellowship on Romeo and Juliet for spring break. Each fellowship consists of two reading sessions in a domestic setting featuring an experienced guide, delicious food, and a Shakespearean masterpiece all for a fixed price. In addition, some of our weekend fellowships are now designated for Coffee, Tea, and fresh Pear service in lieu of our regular refreshments at a reduced cost to fellows. This will better accommodate fellows seeking to dine for the evening, think date night, prior to the fellowship session. To learn more, watch our introductory video, and register please visit BetterPears.com/Greenhouse. If you enjoy the BetterPears Podcast somewhere downrange from OKC and would like to host a BetterPears Fellowship in your hometown, please let us know by leaving a comment or emailing me through the contact page of the website. Finally, the BetterPears Podcast is offered free through the wonder of the internet but made possible through the continued contributions of our listener audience. Later this week, I will be announcing a new and profitable way to support the work of BetterPears on the BetterPears website and social media platforms. If you have not yet registered to receive the BetterPears newsletter, please do so at the bottom of the page at BetterPears.com, so that you are the first to know of new episodes and exciting developments. Thank you for your continued patronage of attention and federal reserve notes. Links: Please visit our homepage at BetterPears.com. To support the BetterPears Podcast for as little as $10 a month, please visit our Community Supported Analysis page: BetterPears.com/CSA BetterPears Swag and Gifts are available at the BetterPears Market. Catch up on past episodes of Season 1 at BetterPears.com/preserves. To connect with Dr. Fugikawa on Minnect, please visit his profile at Minnect.
Real Estate (Season 2, Episode 6)
Feb 24 2024
Real Estate (Season 2, Episode 6)
This week’s episode on real estate is prefaced by a dedication to my first Latin teacher. I continue to offer my gratitude to you our audience for continuing to listen each week. If you enjoy The BetterPears Podcast, could you please like and subscribe to the podcast on your platform of choice? This simple task truly helps us reach a wider audience. To receive the transcript of each episode and be the first to learn of BetterPears announcements, please sign-up to our newsletter at the bottom of the page at BetterPears.com. New, upcoming BetterPears Greenhouse Fellowships, participatory dramatic readings of Shakespeare’s greatest plays have been added to the website, including a Friday/Saturday fellowship on Romeo and Juliet for spring break. Each fellowship consists of two reading sessions in a domestic setting featuring an experience guide, delicious food, and a Shakespearean masterpiece all for a fixed price. In addition, some of our weekend fellowships are now designated for Coffee, Tea, and fresh Pear service in lieu of our regular refreshments at a reduced cost to fellows. This will better accommodate fellows seeking to dine for the evening, think data night, prior to the fellowship session. To learn more, watch our introductory video, and register please visit BetterPears.com/Greenhouse. If you enjoy the BetterPears Podcast somewhere downrange from OKC and would like to host a BetterPears Fellowship in your hometown, please let us know by leaving a comment or emailing me through the contact page of the website. Finally, the BetterPears Podcast is offered free through the wonder of the internet but made possible through the continued contributions of our listener audience. Please consider a monthly contribution for as little as $10 per month or a one-time contribution of whatever you can responsibly afford. Thank you for your continued patronage of attention and federal reserve notes. And now, on with the episode. Links: Please visit our homepage at BetterPears.com. To support the BetterPears Podcast for as little as $10 a month, please visit our Community Supported Analysis page: BetterPears.com/CSA BetterPears Swag and Gifts are available at the BetterPears Market. Catch up on past episodes of Season 1 at BetterPears.com/preserves. To connect with Dr. Fugikawa on Minnect, please visit his profile at Minnect.
Knight Errantry (Season 2, Episode 5)
Feb 14 2024
Knight Errantry (Season 2, Episode 5)
This week’s episode after a short, mid-winter hiatus is on Knight Errantry. I continue to offer my gratitude for our audience, for continuing to listen each week. If you enjoy The BetterPears Podcast, could you please like and subscribe to the podcast on your platform of choice? This simple task truly helps us reach a wider audience. To receive the transcript of each episode and be the first to learn of BetterPears announcements, please sign-up to our newsletter at the bottom of the page at BetterPears.com. Earlier this month we announced our upcoming BetterPears Greenhouse Fellowships, participatory dramatic readings of Shakespeare’s greatest plays. Each fellowship consists of two reading sessions in a domestic setting featuring an experience guide, delicious food, and a Shakespearean masterpiece all for a fixed price. Our first fellowships are being held in the Oklahoma City metro area. To learn more, watch our introductory video, and register at BetterPears.com/Greenhouse. If you enjoy the BetterPears Podcast somewhere downrange from OKC and would like to host a BetterPears Fellowship in your hometown, please let us know by leaving a comment or emailing me through the contact page of the website. Finally, the BetterPears Podcast is offered free through the wonder of the internet but made possible through the continued contributions of our listener audience. Please consider a monthly contribution for as little as $10 per month or a one-time contribution of whatever you can responsibly afford. Thank you for your continued patronage of attention and federal reserve notes. And now, on with the episode. Links: BetterPears Swag and Gifts are available at the BetterPears Market. Catch up on past episodes of Season 1 at BetterPears.com/preserves. Please visit our homepage at BetterPears.com. To connect with Dr. Fugikawa on Minnect, please visit his profile at Minnect. To support the BetterPears Podcast for as little as $10 a month, please visit our Community Supported Analysis page: BetterPears.com/CSA
Vaccination (Season 2, Episode 4)
Jan 27 2024
Vaccination (Season 2, Episode 4)
This week's episode is on Vaccination. If you enjoy The BetterPears Podcast, could you please like and subscribe to the podcast on your platform of choice. To receive the transcript of each episode and be the first to learn of BetterPears announcements, please sign-up to our newsletter at the bottom of the page at BetterPears.com. On the in-person courses front, we hope to have a big announcement next week as much is being developed behind the scenes to make our in-person events in the Oklahoma City metro-area a new highlight of your week. I can announce now that the in-person sessions coming to Oklahoma City in the coming weeks will be part of our BetterPears Greenhouse Courses, which maintain our focus on reading classical texts in their original language and in this case English. So, if you have been on the fence about attending a BetterPears course because Latin and Ancient Greek were lingua incognita, our Greenhouse Courses were designed with you in mind. This is just another reason to sign-up for our newsletter so that you can know when our limited registration window opens. Finally, the BetterPears Podcast is offered free through the wonder of the internet but made possible through the continued contributions of our listener audience. Please consider a monthly contribution for as little as $10 per month or a one-time contribution of whatever you can responsibly afford. Thank you for your continued patronage of attention and federal reserve notes. And now, on with the episode. Links Mentioned in the Episode: BetterPears Swag and Gifts are available at the BetterPears Market. Catch up on past episodes of Season 1 at BetterPears.com/preserves. Please visit our homepage at BetterPears.com. To connect with Dr. Fugikawa on Minnect, please visit his profile at Minnect. To support the BetterPears Podcast, please visit our Community Supported Analysis page: BetterPears.com/CSA
Bellum Gerere (Season 2, Episode 3)
Jan 20 2024
Bellum Gerere (Season 2, Episode 3)
Season 2 rages on this week with “Bellum Gerere,” a reflection on both war and its waging, but first we have a few announcements. Yesterday was the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. and to further the cultural restoration of the Pro-Life Movement, BetterPears has launched a new IYKYK mug recalling the portion of the Hippocratic Oath which pledges not to provide abortifacients to pregnant mothers. The excerpt is presented in Ancient Greek and in this way is a conversation starter which roots your Pro-Life reasoning to a classical precedent. Act now! These mugs are on sale this weekend at our cost of production and shipping through the BetterPears Market. A link to the mug is in the description of this episode. In other BetterPears news, in-person courses will be returning to the Oklahoma City metropolitan area later this winter and early spring. To stay informed on these offerings, please subscribe to our newsletter at BetterPears.com. Also, as a reminder, the podcast has been establishing its presence on Rumble and YouTube, although new episodes of the podcast will continue to premier on exclusively audio platforms and the website where you can continue to read along at BetterPears.com/Preserves. Finally, the BetterPears Podcast is offered free through the wonder of the internet but made possible through the continued contributions of our listener audience. Please consider a monthly contribution for as little as $10 per month or a one-time contribution of whatever you can responsibly afford. Thank you for your continued patronage of attention and, as we learned last week, federal reserve notes. And now, on with the episode. Links Mentioned in the Episode: BetterPears Swag and Gifts are available at the BetterPears Market. The Hippocratic Oath Mug, on sale this weekend, can be purchased online by clicking here. Catch up on past episodes of Season 1 at BetterPears.com/preserves. Please visit our homepage at BetterPears.com. To connect with Dr. Fugikawa on Minnect, please visit his profile at Minnect. To support the BetterPears Podcast, please visit our Community Supported Analysis page: BetterPears.com/CSA