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141 reviews

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Modern life is like a desert—a parched and barren expanse where the soul thirsts for the living water Jesus promised at the well. Amid the ceaseless distractions and allurements of materialism, God can seem absent. As the Desert Fathers of old fled the noise of the world to seek God in silence, we too have been been called into the desert. Guided by Bishop Erik Varden, this year-long series—beginning January 1, 2025—invites listeners to encounter the profound wisdom of the Desert Fathers. Drawing from their timeless Sayings, Bishop Varden illuminates the lives of figures like St. Anthony of Egypt, exploring themes such as purity, humility, self-mastery, and repentance. Through their struggles in the wilderness, these early Christians uncovered the transformative power of God’s grace—lessons as relevant today as they were in their time. Though few of us are called to the monastic life, the spiritual combat of the Desert Fathers resonates with all who seek to follow Christ. As Jesus Himself entered the desert to confront temptation, their wisdom offers guidance for our own battles with distraction and despair, helping us find strength in prayer and discipline. Bishop Erik Varden, a Cistercian monk and Bishop of Trondheim, Norway, is one of today’s leading Catholic voices. A convert to Catholicism during his studies at Cambridge, he was drawn to the monastic life, ultimately joining Mount St. Bernard Abbey in England, where he eventually became abbot. Through his writing and teaching, Bishop Varden speaks compellingly to a secular world, using the language of beauty to reveal the centrality of our search for God—even when we wander astray. Join us as we step into the desert together, guided by the wisdom of the ancients, to rediscover the love of Christ that conquers all obstacles. Visit DesertFathers.com to learn more. We owe a special thanks to our partners. The Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden... ...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, CoramFratribus.com ...produced by EWTN Global Catholic Network ...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today and experience uncommon freedom in Jesus Christ with men from around the world.

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Check latest episodes from Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden podcast

Episode 53: Reflection Upon the Desert Journey

2026/01/03

In episode 53, join Jamie Baxter of Exodus 90 and Bishop Erik Varden for a conversation all about filming Desert Fathers, what they learned, how the writings of the Desert Fathers have impacted them, and more. __________ 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! ________

Episode 52: The World in a Ray of Sun

2026/01/01

In the dark of night, while the monastery slept, St. Benedict kept vigil. Standing at his window, he watched a light descend from heaven, brighter than the day itself. And in that light, he saw something extraordinary. For our final episode of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, we stand with St. Benedict in this holy moment. It’s been a blessing to walk on this journey with you. __________ 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! ________

Episode 51: Thunderstruck

2025/12/17

Imagine a voice that shakes the heavens. A light that makes you radiant from within. That’s what St. Benedict wants us to experience. This week, we hear about the divine thunder and deifying light that rouses us into the fullness of life. God doesn’t just illuminate our path, He transforms us into His image. Let’s reflect on what that means for you. __________ 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! ________

Episode 50: Facing the City, Leaving It

2025/12/10

St. Benedict saw the world differently. Others pursued knowledge, pleasure, prestige. He wanted more. Once he grew up and could make his own decisions, he sought only what would last: God. In this week’s episode, we reflect on Benedict’s journey from worldly ease to holy freedom, and how his courage challenges us to ask: “What do I really want?” __________ 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!

Episode 49: From Egypt to Italy

2025/12/03

Imagine a narrow cave. A little bell to signal a visitor. A rope lowered to bring food. Alone, fasting, praying… Benedict spent three years here preparing for his sacred mission. In this episode, we visit the very cave where Benedict emerged to give the world his “little rule for beginners.” We’ll dive into the final chapter of Benedict’s Rule, reflecting on how he distills the desert fathers’ teachings for anyone seeking a life fully devoted to God. __________ 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! ________

Episode 48: Endure Your Mind

2025/11/25

What should we do with intrusive, impure thoughts? The more we try to push them away, the harder they seem to stick. If only we had a mental delete button. It’s exhausting to feel like our own minds are working against us. This week, we see how the Desert Fathers faced this inner battle. They don’t promise quick fixes. But they offer a way to weaken these thoughts over time until they lose their grip. __________ 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! ________

Episode 47: Modes of Combat

2025/11/18

Abba 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! ________

Episode 46: No Angel

2025/11/11

Work 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! ________

Episode 45: Legitimate Rest

2025/11/04

In 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! ________

Episode 44: To Gain a Brother

2025/10/28

When 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 EWTN

Episode 43: Detraction

2025/10/21

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. __________ 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! ________ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Desert Fathers and Detraction 01:09 The Hermit's Vision and Judgment 02:56 The Tragedy of Gossip Among the Consecrated 04:30 The Process of Conversion and Clarity 06:23 The Efficacy of Sacraments and Divine Grace 08:04 Hope and Redemption in the Face of Scandal Tags: Desert Fathers, Bishop Varden, detraction, judgment, gossip, conversion, sacraments, grace, redemption, spirituality

Episode 42: Scope of Judgement

2025/10/14

In 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. He discusses the dangers of judging others, the importance of humility, and the potential for personal growth through self-reflection and repentance. __________ 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! ________ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Desert Fathers' Wisdom 01:58 The Danger of Judgment 02:50 The Lesson from Abba Isaac 06:18 The Path to Humility and Grace Tags: Desert Fathers, judgment, humility, grace, Abba Isaac, Christian teachings, mercy, self-reflection, spiritual growth, forgiveness, Bishop Varden

Episode 41: Rejection

2025/10/07

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. Through the story of Abba Anthony, Bishop Varden emphasizes the importance of hope and redemption in the Christian life. __________ 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, Coram Fratribus • 🎥 ...produced by EWTN • 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today! ________ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Desert Fathers' Wisdom 02:51 The Story of Abba Anthony and Forgiveness 05:33 The Role of Community in Redemption 08:10 Hope and Transformation in Christian Life Tags: Desert Fathers, Bishop Eric Varden, forgiveness, community, transformation, mercy, Abba Anthony, Christian teachings, spiritual growth, redemption

Episode 40: Q&A w/ Bishop Varden

2025/10/01

In this Q&A session with Bishop Erik Varden, Jamie Baxter and Bishop Varden explore: The nature of love and self-forgetfulnessPhilosophical perspectives on progressThe relevance of Stoicism The implications of artificial intelligenceThe importance of maintaining joy in celebratory seasonsAnd more! __________ 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, coramfratribus.com • 🎥 ...produced by EWTN • 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios • 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today ________ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of the Q&A Session 03:07 The Nature of Love and Self-Forgetfulness 09:03 Philosophical Perspectives on Progress and History 18:45 Stoicism and Its Relevance to Christian Living 21:41 Artificial Intelligence and Wisdom from the Desert Fathers 29:19 The Solitary Life and Its Impact on Humanity 35:09 Challenges of Prayer and Asceticism 44:42 Living Joyfully in Celebratory Seasons 49:35 The Discipline of Speech and Communication 54:07 Practical Wisdom for Financial Responsibility 58:38 Navigating Romantic Relationships and Spiritual Priorities 01:07:57 Conclusion and Blessing Tags: Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden, Q&A, love, self-knowledge, humility, progress, Stoicism, artificial intelligence, prayer, asceticism, financial responsibility, romantic relationships

Episode 39: A Low Profile

2025/09/24

In 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. He discusses how these figures exemplified humility by avoiding fame and recognition, and how Léonie Martin's story parallels this theme. Bishop Varden emphasizes the importance of self-deprecation and the dangers of seeking personal glory in spiritual life. __________ 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, coramfratribus.com. • 🎥 ...produced by EWTN • 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios • 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today ________ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Desert Fathers and Humility 02:42 The Story of Abba Moses and Humility 05:20 The Role of Abba Simon in Avoiding Fame 07:53 The Example of Léonie Martin and Self-Deprecation Tags: Desert Fathers, humility, Abba Moses, Abba Simon, Léonie Martin, self-deprecation, Christian teachings, spiritual growth, authority, simplicity

Podcast reviews

Read Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden podcast reviews

4.9 out of 5

141 reviews

★★★★★

amy _lou 2025/08/05

Inspiring dive into ancient wisdom

Learning the desert father’s has been a gift so far this year. Grateful you aimed this offering at men and women. Having a guide through it has been ...

★★★☆☆

DeacRipps 2025/06/12

No Roundtable

Bishop Varden is great. The Roundtables are predictably underwhelming.

★★★★★

Komencanto 2025/04/19

This show changed my life

I was listening to an early episode and you said “hurry does damage to the soul.” I realized I was listening to that episode on 2X while speeding to w...

★★★★☆

Midwest Norske 2025/03/27

Dig for the nuggets!

I appreciate and learn from Bishop Varden’s reflections but agree that the intro and outre are frequently distracting. As a 70 year old man , I find t...

★★★★★

DC Suit/Tie Guy 2025/03/24

Perfect balance

Thank you for developing this series and bringing us Bishop Varden’s wisdom and example. Focusing on and reemphasizing the purpose and motivations of...

★★★★★

LarsCLarsen 2025/02/21

Desert Fathers

I honestly never heard of this side of the Church before this podcast. Really grateful for the chance to learn and grow spiritually.

★★☆☆☆

SojournerInExile 2025/02/18

Just an Exodus90 Ad

I had high hopes for this podcast. Clearly, Ascension should have trademarked the “in a year” tag. The main episodes with Bishop Varden are good but b...

★★★★★

maui jim tx 2025/02/13

Thx for the spotlight!

The Desert Fathers have always been somewhat of a murky and inaccessible topic for me. Thank you for taking this topic up and illuminating this part o...

★★★★★

MMagdalene 2025/02/06

Beautiful, One Suggestion

These are wonderful. Bishop Varden is a treasure. His voice is calming and the writing excellent. It will bring you peace. One frustration - the voi...

★★★★★

RCP II 2025/01/18

A year with the Desert Fathers

I’ve listened to a few episodes and I’m looking to continue learning and praying with the desert Fathers. On the Feast of St. Antony I felt called to ...

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