First Light with James Orr

Arcadia
  • 4.9 (12)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

First Light is a refuge of reason in a restless age—where the hard questions are welcomed, and easy answers are left at the door. Each episode unpacks the fault lines of our culture, from faith and politics to identity and belonging, all through the lens of our civilisation’s enduring wisdom. Join host James Orr as he connects the dots between past and present, revealing why ideas matter, why tradition endures, and why rediscovering truth is the most radical act of all.

Episodes

  1. 12/16/2025

    Churchill and the War on History | Larry Arnn

    What happens when a civilisation forgets what it stands for? Larry Arnn joins James Orr to defend the legacy of Churchill, confront the cultural revolution in elite education, and explore why truth, tradition and national memory must be fought for and taught. See more of Larry here: https://www.hillsdale.edu/ Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 Trailer 00:03:06 Leadership Lessons from Churchill and Aristotle 00:09:02 The Role of Universities in Society 00:14:56 The Crisis in Higher Education 00:21:04 The 1776 Commission and American Identity 00:24:01 Constitutional Reflections and National Identity 00:40:42 The Identity Crisis of Nations 00:44:58 Churchill Revisionism and His True Legacy 00:50:54 America's Foreign Policy Evolution 01:01:04 Churchill's Perspective on War 01:10:13 Finding Hope in Challenging Times 01:14:00 Like & Subscribe Produced by https://www.arcadia-digital.com/ 🔵 THIS SERIES First Light | Episode #7 First Light is a refuge of reason in a restless age—where the hard questions are welcomed, and easy answers are left at the door. Each episode unpacks the fault lines of our culture, from faith and politics to identity and belonging, all through the lens of our civilisation’s enduring wisdom. New episodes fortnightly. 🔵 SUBSTACK If you value this content, and want to support us in making it, please consider becoming a subscriber over on Substack where you’ll get access to exclusive content.You can join us here:https://www.jamesorr.uk/ Thank you, and welcome to the team. 🔵 SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtw.orr X: https://www.x.com/jtworr Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-light-with-james-orr/id1837532287 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5Wkn5RsDEDW471OVGAKdMj

    1h 14m

  2. 11/25/2025

    Why Gen Z Is So Unhappy | Freya India

    Why are so many young women anxious, medicated, and adrift? Writer and cultural critic Freya India joins James Orr to explore why Generation Z is the loneliest, least happy, and most overdiagnosed generation in recent history. From the rise of therapy culture and digital commodification to the failures of feminism and the collapse of moral language, they examine how a generation has been failed by liberalism’s empty promises. Can freedom through constraint offer a way out? See more of Freya here: https://www.freyaindia.co.uk/ Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 Trailer 00:01:55 Finding a Voice in the Wilderness 00:05:45 The Confusion of Gender Roles 00:09:52 The Impact of Feminism on Happiness 00:14:14 Technology and the Commodification of Women 00:26:11 The Loss of Moral Language 00:32:07 Navigating Modern Relationships and Morality 00:38:51 Courtship vs. Modern Dating Practices 00:46:38 Generational Shifts in Values and Relationships 00:50:26 The Dangers of Pathologizing Normal Emotions 00:54:51 The Rise of Therapeutic Culture 01:02:14 Signs of Hope in Modern Relationships Produced by https://www.arcadia-digital.com/ 🔵 THIS SERIES First Light | Episode #7 First Light is a refuge of reason in a restless age—where the hard questions are welcomed, and easy answers are left at the door. Each episode unpacks the fault lines of our culture, from faith and politics to identity and belonging, all through the lens of our civilisation’s enduring wisdom. New episodes fortnightly. 🔵 SUBSTACK If you value this content, and want to support us in making it, please consider becoming a subscriber over on Substack where you’ll get access to exclusive content.You can join us here:https://www.jamesorr.uk/ Thank you, and welcome to the team. 🔵 SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtw.orr X: https://www.x.com/jtworr Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-light-with-james-orr/id1837532287 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5Wkn5RsDEDW471OVGAKdMj

    1h 5m

  3. 11/04/2025

    Hope In the Shadow of Collapse | Rod Dreher

    What if the collapse of Western civilization isn’t political—but spiritual? Journalist and cultural critic Rod Dreher joins James Orr to trace our unraveling to the loss of sacred order. From the crisis of meaning to the return of enchantment, they explore the occult’s rise, the emptiness of modern Christianity, and the necessity of Christian community. Can recovering a sacramental vision of the world help restore hope in an age of cultural darkness? See more of Rod here: https://roddreher.substack.com/ Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 Trailer 00:01:30 Christianity After Atheism 00:07:20 Why Young People Are Turning to the Occult 00:16:14 Enchantment Without Submission 00:21:33 How the West Lost the Sacred 00:38:59 The Role of Politics in Renewal 00:52:51 Hope Beyond Optimism 00:57:34 Like & Subscribe Produced by https://www.arcadia-digital.com/ 🔵 THIS SERIES First Light | Episode #6 First Light is a refuge of reason in a restless age—where the hard questions are welcomed, and easy answers are left at the door. Each episode unpacks the fault lines of our culture, from faith and politics to identity and belonging, all through the lens of our civilisation’s enduring wisdom. New episodes fortnightly. 🔵 SUBSTACK If you value this content, and want to support us in making it, please consider becoming a subscriber over on Substack where you’ll get access to exclusive content. You can join us here:https://www.jamesorr.uk/ Thank you, and welcome to the team. 🔵 SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtw.orr X: https://www.x.com/jtworr Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-light-with-james-orr/id1837532287 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5Wkn5RsDEDW471OVGAKdMj

    58 min

  4. 10/21/2025

    Can Christianity Still Rebuild the World? | Jonathan Pageau

    What if the collapse of Western civilisation isn’t political—but spiritual? Artist and theologian Jonathan Pageau joins James Orr to trace our unraveling to the loss of sacred order. From ancient hierarchies to modern chaos, they explore symbolism, the breakdown of the family, and the war on meaning. Can recovering the 'Great Chain of Being' help restore sanity to our politics, our culture, and our souls? See more of Jonathan here: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/team/jonathan-pageau Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 Trailer 00:04:36 Symbols, Scripture & Sacred Texts 00:09:20 Reading the Bible Like the Church Fathers 00:14:15 The Postmodern-Patristic Paradox 00:20:02 Icons, Images & the Return to Orthodoxy 00:25:33 Metaphysical Collapse & Modern Politics 00:31:00 The Breakdown of Family & Meaning 00:36:05 Mental Health or Spiritual Crisis? 00:41:50 Christianity as Civilisational Bedrock 00:46:40 Hierarchies of the Heart 00:52:10 Signs of First Light 00:57:10 Like & Subscribe Produced by https://www.arcadia-digital.com/ 🔵 THIS SERIES First Light | Episode #5 First Light is a refuge of reason in a restless age—where the hard questions are welcomed, and easy answers are left at the door. Each episode unpacks the fault lines of our culture, from faith and politics to identity and belonging, all through the lens of our civilisation’s enduring wisdom. New episodes fortnightly. 🔵 SUBSTACK If you value this content, and want to support us in making it, please consider becoming a subscriber over on Substack where you’ll get access to exclusive content. You can join us here:https://www.jamesorr.uk/ Thank you, and welcome to the team. 🔵 SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtw.orr X: https://www.x.com/jtworr Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-light-with-james-orr/id1837532287 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Wkn5RsDEDW471OVGAKdMj

    57 min

  5. 10/07/2025

    Liberalism’s War on the Body | Mary Harrington

    What if the root of our crisis isn’t politics—but metaphysics? Mary Harrington joins James Orr to explore the ideological revolution behind transgenderism, transhumanism, and the rise of placeless elites. From Aristotle to airport lounges, they trace the collapse of meaning, the erasure of nature, and the urgent need to rediscover human limits. See more of Mary here: https://substack.com/@reactionaryfeminist Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 Trailer 00:04:36 Exploring Harringtonism: Philosophy and Feminism 00:09:28 The Role of Technology in Feminism 00:14:55 Human Nature and Metaphysics 00:19:34 The Impact of Technological Change on Society 00:24:48 The Philosophical Underpinnings of Autonomy 00:29:39 The Crisis of Human Identity 00:34:44 The Future of Transhumanism and Political Implications 00:40:22 Rootlessness and the Global Elite 00:46:14 Rediscovering Limits and the Return of Nature 00:57:11 Like & Subscribe Produced by https://www.arcadia-digital.com/ 🔵 THIS SERIES First Light | Episode #4 First Light is a refuge of reason in a restless age—where the hard questions are welcomed, and easy answers are left at the door. Each episode unpacks the fault lines of our culture, from faith and politics to identity and belonging, all through the lens of our civilisation’s enduring wisdom. New episodes fortnightly. 🔵 SUBSTACK If you value this content, and want to support us in making it, please consider becoming a subscriber over on Substack where you’ll get access to exclusive content. You can join us here: https://www.jamesorr.uk/ Thank you, and welcome to the team. 🔵 SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtw.orr X: https://www.x.com/jtworr Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-light-with-james-orr/id1837532287 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5Wkn5RsDEDW471OVGAKdMj

    57 min

  6. 09/23/2025

    What the West Forgot | Jordan Peterson

    What happens when a civilisation forgets who it is? Jordan Peterson joins James Orr to explore the metaphysical roots of the West’s decline, the enduring power of the Bible, and why recovering the sacred is now a political imperative. See more of Jordan here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@JordanBPeterson⁠ Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 Trailer 00:01:25 Exploring the Bible's Archetypes 00:02:40 The Importance of Narrative in Understanding Reality 00:06:11 Consciousness: Beyond Biological Reductionism 00:10:06 The Biblical Account of Consciousness 00:12:24 Material vs. Immaterial: Understanding Human Existence 00:14:10 The Relationship Between Time and Consciousness 00:15:31 The Role of Sacrifice in Civilization 00:19:08 The Depth of Sacrifice in Biblical Narratives 00:22:41 The Evolution of Sacrifice in Human Culture 00:29:28 Transformative Sacrifice: The Story of Abraham 00:35:41 The Ultimate Sacrifice: Christ's Role in Ending Sacrifice 00:42:41 Political Flux and Future Directions 00:49:04 The Gender Debate and Its Implications 00:51:59 Liberalism's Challenges and Future 00:54:08 Conservatism and Its Foundations 01:01:10 The Nature of Sacrifice and Redemption 01:15:34 Hope Amidst Challenges 01:20:33 Like & Subscribe Produced by https://www.arcadia-digital.com/ 🔵 THIS SERIES First Light | Episode #3 First Light is a refuge of reason in a restless age—where the hard questions are welcomed, and easy answers are left at the door. Each episode unpacks the fault lines of our culture, from faith and politics to identity and belonging, all through the lens of our civilisation’s enduring wisdom. New episodes fortnightly. 🔵 SUBSTACK If you value this content, and want to support us in making it, please consider becoming a subscriber over on Substack where you’ll get access to exclusive content.You can join us here:https://www.jamesorr.uk/Thank you, and welcome to the team. 🔵 SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtw.orr X: https://www.x.com/jtworr Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-light-with-james-orr/id1837532287 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5Wkn5RsDEDW471OVGAKdMj

    1h 21m

  7. 09/10/2025

    Britain's Institutions Are Failing | Matt Goodwin

    What happens when institutions abandon the people they serve? Matt Goodwin joins James Orr to expose the crisis in British universities, the rise of new media, and the urgent demand for political realignment.See more of Matt here: @drmatthewgoodwinEpisode Chapters:00:00 Trailer01:50 The Crisis in Higher Education20:18 The Rise of New Media and Its Impact34:44 The Role of GB News in Political Discourse37:55 The Need for Political Change and New Leadership39:25 The Call for a Political Revolution43:07 Rebuilding Trust in Political Institutions49:49 The Rise of Reform UK and Its Potential56:06 The Future of the Conservative Party and Political Realignment01:01:16 Defining the Movement: National Conservatism and Beyond01:04:52 Hope for the Future: A New Political Landscape01:08:24 Like & SubscribeProduced by https://www.arcadia-digital.com/This episode was recorded on 1 May 2025.🔵 THIS SERIESFirst Light | Episode #2First Light is a refuge of reason in a restless age—where the hard questions are welcomed, and easy answers are left at the door. Each episode unpacks the fault lines of our culture, from faith and politics to identity and belonging, all through the lens of our civilisation’s enduring wisdom. New episodes fortnightly. 🔵 SUBSTACKIf you value this content, and want to support us in making it, please consider becoming a subscriber over on Substack where you’ll get access to exclusive content.You can join us here:https://jamesorr1.substack.com/Thank you, and welcome to the team.🔵 SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtw.orrX: https://www.x.com/jtworrApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-light-with-james-orr/id1837532287Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5Wkn5RsDEDW471OVGAKdMj

    1h 9m

  8. 09/09/2025

    Can Britain Still Be Saved? | Konstantin Kisin

    What happens when a civilisation loses faith in itself? Konstantin Kisin joins James Orr to discuss the future of the West, from Trump 2.0 and Ukraine to Britain’s immigration failures. See more of Konstantin here: @triggerpod. Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 Trailer 00:03:00 Cultural Shifts in Comedy and Free Speech 00:06:13 The Political Landscape: Trump and Wokeness 00:09:05 Geopolitical Dynamics: The US and Europe 00:12:05 Understanding the Russian Mindset 00:14:58 The Ukraine Conflict: A Complex Reality 00:17:49 Negotiating Peace: Challenges Ahead 00:21:06 The Future of Global Security 00:30:49 Putin's Legacy and Russia's Strategic Interests 00:32:05 Central Asia: Stability and Autocracy 00:33:56 Immigration: Perceptions and Realities 00:35:46 Islamism vs Islam: Understanding Extremism 00:39:58 The Paradox of Tolerance in Liberal Democracies 00:42:59 Political Will and the Challenge of Extremism 00:47:56 The Future of Political Discourse in Britain 00:53:47 Hope for a Balanced Society 00:59:21 Like & Subscribe Produced by https://www.arcadia-digital.com/ This episode was recorded on 2 May 2025. 🔵  THIS SERIES First Light | Episode #1 First Light is a refuge of reason in a restless age—where the hard questions are welcomed, and easy answers are left at the door. Each episode unpacks the fault lines of our culture, from faith and politics to identity and belonging, all through the lens of our civilisation’s enduring wisdom. New episodes fortnightly. 🔵  SUBSTACK If you value this content, and want to support us in making it, please consider becoming a subscriber over on Substack where you’ll get access to exclusive content. You can join us here: https://jamesorr1.substack.com/ Thank you, and welcome to the team. 🔵  SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jtw.orr X:  https://www.x.com/jtworr Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-light-with-james-orr/id1837532287 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Wkn5RsDEDW471OVGAKdMj

    59 min
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

First Light is a refuge of reason in a restless age—where the hard questions are welcomed, and easy answers are left at the door. Each episode unpacks the fault lines of our culture, from faith and politics to identity and belonging, all through the lens of our civilisation’s enduring wisdom. Join host James Orr as he connects the dots between past and present, revealing why ideas matter, why tradition endures, and why rediscovering truth is the most radical act of all.

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