Cogito Ergo Pod

Daniel Poole

'Cogito Ergo Pod' is a podcast dedicated to discussing, delving and dissecting a variety of areas of theology, philosophy, mysticism, and the esoteric. Each episode will explore ranging topics from well known figures, concepts, and beliefs, to the maybe not unknown, but definitely misunderstood!

  1. Episode 39: Valentinus & Valentinian Gnosticism

    12h ago

    Episode 39: Valentinus & Valentinian Gnosticism

    What if the history of early Christianity had taken a radically different path? What if a brilliant poet and mystical theologian, rather than a traditional institutionalist, had become the Bishop of Rome? In Episode 39 of Cogito Ergo Pod, your host Daniel takes you on a deep dive into the enigmatic and beautiful world of Valentinus and Valentinian Gnosticism. For centuries, this movement was buried under the scathing critiques of early heresy hunters like Irenaeus and Tertullian. But the 1945 discovery of the Nag Hammadi library changed everything, revealing a deeply psychological, sophisticated theology that completely re-frames the human condition. In this episode, we dissect: The Man Who Almost Became Pope: The brilliant life, Alexandrian education, and Roman influence of Valentinus. The Cosmic Drama of the Pleroma: The 30 divine Aeons, the tragic fall of Sophia (Wisdom), and the creation of our world by the ignorant Demiurge. Awakening from the Nightmare: Why Valentinians believed salvation isn't about escaping legalistic "sin," but waking up from spiritual amnesia through gnosis. The Lost Voices: What primary texts like the Gospel of Truth and the Tripartite Tractate actually teach us about their optimistic view of universal restoration. Whether you're a history buff, a philosophy nerd, or a seeker of ancient mysteries, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about early Church history. Support the Show:If this episode got your cognitive gears turning, please take a moment to follow, rate, and review the podcast on your listening platform! Connect With Us:For daily doses of esoteric history, philosophical memes, and behind-the-scenes clips, follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @CogitoErgoPod

    16 min
  2. Episode 38: Spear of Destiny

    4d ago

    Episode 38: Spear of Destiny

    What if a single, rusted piece of iron held the power to conquer the world—and curse anyone who loses it? In this episode of Cogito Ergo Pod, your host Daniel traces the bloody, mystical timeline of the Spear of Destiny, also known as the Holy Lance. From a standard-issue Roman weapon at the crucifixion to a coveted prize sought after by history’s most powerful rulers, we explore how a singular artefact blurred the lines between sacred relic, imperial talisman, and dark obsession. In this episode, we unpack: The Biblical Origin: The story of the centurion Longinus in 33 AD and the miracle that sparked a 2,000-year-old legend. The Conqueror’s Talisman: How titans like Constantine the Great, Charlemagne, and Frederick Barbarossa used the spear to forge empires—and the lethal consequences when they let it go. The Darkest Chapter: Adolf Hitler’s obsession with the lance, the Nazi seizure of the Austrian treasury, and the eerie timing of its recovery by Allied forces in 1945. The Scientific Verdict: What happened when metallurgist Dr. Robert Feather put the Vienna Lance under the microscope in 2003. (Spoiler: The truth is more complex than you think!) Whether you view it as a holy relic or a brilliant piece of historical propaganda, the story of the Spear of Destiny is a masterclass in humanity’s hunger for power. 🔗 CONNECT WITH US: Follow & Rate: If you love the esoteric, philosophy, and theology, hit that follow button and leave us a 5-star review! TikTok & Instagram: Join the community at @CogitoErgoPod for visual deep-dives, historical artefacts, and episode extras.

    11 min
  3. Episode 35: John Knox - The Thundering Scot

    May 2

    Episode 35: John Knox - The Thundering Scot

    In this episode, we step out of the Celtic mist and into the gale-force wind of the Scottish Reformation. Host Daniel unpacks the life and legacy of John Knox, a man who carried a two-handed broadsword as a bodyguard before he ever carried a pulpit as a reformer. From his humble beginnings in Haddington to his rigorous academic training under the philosopher John Major, we trace the unlikely path of a Catholic priest who became the voice of a national revolution. This isn't just a story of theology; it’s a saga of survival, political intrigue, and the birth of a new identity. What to Expect in This Episode: The Galley Chains: Witness Knox’s 19 months as a French galley slave, where he famously defied his captors by throwing a "kiss of veneration" into the sea. The "Monstrous" Controversy: We tackle the fallout of his infamous pamphlet against female rulers and how it accidentally made a lifelong enemy of Elizabeth I. The Holyrood Showdowns: Revisit the high-tension interviews with Mary, Queen of Scots, where Knox asserted that the conscience of a subject belongs to God, not the monarch. A Radical Blueprint: Learn how Knox’s vision for universal education and social welfare transformed Scotland from a medieval kingdom into a global intellectual powerhouse. Parking Space 23: Discover why the man who "never feared any flesh" now rests beneath a parking lot behind St Giles’ Cathedral. Support the Show: Join the conversation on Instagram and TikTok for behind-the-scenes content and visual deep dives into the world of 16th-century Scotland. Please support the podcast by following and rating us on your favourite platform!

    12 min

About

'Cogito Ergo Pod' is a podcast dedicated to discussing, delving and dissecting a variety of areas of theology, philosophy, mysticism, and the esoteric. Each episode will explore ranging topics from well known figures, concepts, and beliefs, to the maybe not unknown, but definitely misunderstood!