Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-80-simple-life/
Ever feel caught in an endless cycle of wanting more—more stuff, more achievements, more screen time—only to end up exhausted and overwhelmed? You're not alone.
This episode tackles the age-old question: what does a simple life look like in our demanding modern world? We dive deep into Chapter 80 of the BFG Handbook, a fascinating interpretation of the Tao Te Ching through a Christian lens. Rather than a direct translation, this resource serves as a devotional guide that reveals striking connections between Eastern philosophy and Christian teaching.
The ancient vision of simplicity we explore describes a community where people possess technology but consciously limit its use, find genuine satisfaction in basic necessities, and maintain peaceful relationships with neighbors. This isn't about technological regression or isolation—it's about freedom from the constant chase for wealth, status, and the anxieties they bring. The parallels with Jesus's teachings on trust, contentment, and peace are remarkable.
We unpack a practical framework—the Trinitarian MAP (Mindset-Aim-Practice)—for cultivating this kind of radical simplicity. From shifting how we think about possessions to setting intentional boundaries with technology, from actively seeking reconciliation to finding beauty in everyday moments, these principles offer a pathway to greater peace and fulfillment. Most fascinating is how these same values appear across major world religions, suggesting universal truths that could bring us closer together rather than divide us.
What simple tradition might you embrace more fully today to cultivate deeper contentment? Listen now and discover how ancient wisdom might hold the key to navigating our complex modern lives with more grace, intention, and genuine satisfaction.
Episode Transcript
Do you ever feel that constant pull towards just more
, more things, more achievements, definitely more screen time
and you end up wondering, maybefeeling a bit overwhelmed or
just frankly tired?
Is there like a different way?
What does a simple life evenlook like today in this crazy
demanding world?
That's the really big questionwe're getting into.
(00:20):
Today we're doing a deep diveinto a fascinating source,
chapter 80, called Simple Life,from the BFG Handbook.
It looks at the Tao Te Ching,that ancient wisdom, but through
a Christian perspective.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Exactly, it's not a straight translation more like a
devotional guide, finding theseamazing points of connection
between Eastern philosophy andChristian teaching.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
Yeah, it's pretty unique.
So our mission today is toreally unpack this vision of
simplicity it presents.
We want to pull out the lessonswhich are surprisingly relevant
, maybe even radical, and seehow they can actually help us
navigate our lives right now.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
It's a really rich source, bringing together these
two deep wells of wisdom.
So first we'll try to paint apicture of this simple life from
chapter 80.
What does it actually look like?
Then we'll explore how its coreideas give us a kind of
framework what the handbookcalls a Trinitarian MAP for
changing our thinking, our goals, our daily actions.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
And this is where it gets really interesting.
I think We'll see how thesesame principles pop up in well
lots of major world religions.
It points towards these likeuniversal truths that maybe,
just maybe, could bring us a bitcloser together.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
It really could.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
Okay, let's dive in.
Let's really explore thisvision from chapter 80.
So help us picture this.
It describes this small sort ofidealized country, right with
just a few people, and what'sstriking straight away is their
attitude to well technology.
I guess they have things likelabor saving machines, tools,
even boats and carriages.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
They're not technologically backward.
Speaker 1 (01:47):
No, but they just don't use them to go far or
expand.
They seem content where theyare.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
It's a conscious choice.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
Yeah, and it says they take death seriously so
they avoid risky long journeys.
That's interesting.
They even have armor andweapons, apparently, but
absolutely no need for them.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
Peace is the reality there.
Speaker 1 (02:05):
And they're rooted in tradition.
They go back to simple wayslike tying knots.
Whatever that specificallymeans, it sounds fundamental.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Grounded.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
Totally, and they genuinely enjoy simple things.
Plain food tastes good, simpleclothes are fine.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
It's a deep contentment.
Speaker 1 (02:21):
You feel it in the description Content, in their
homes, enjoying their traditionsand maybe the most powerful
part, neighboring countries aresuper close.
You can hear their dogs androosters.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
Right explore practically.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
But they just leave each other alone in peace.
They grow old and die withoutvisiting trouble between them.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
The powerful image isn't it yeah.
This chapter from the Tao TeChing originally presents this
ideal of well radical simplicityand peace, and the BFG handbook
sees this as a metaphor reallyfor the kind of life Jesus
talked about.
You know, they're like, freefrom that constant chase for
wealth, status, all theanxieties that just weigh us
down.
(02:59):
Yeah, think about Matthew 6,for example, verses 25 to 34,
where Jesus says you know, don'tworry about what you'll eat or
wear.
Trust God.
These people in chapter 80,they seem to just live that
trust and choosing not to travelfar or not needing weapons.
It's not about being scared orisolated, it's about being free
from worldly ambition, free fromconflict.
Speaker 1 (03:21):
Right.
No need for conquest or defense.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
Exactly, and their contentment with simple things
clothes.
It echoes philippians 4, wherepaul says he learned contentment
in any situation rich or poor,yeah and it reminds me of
jesus's words in matthew 11 cometo me all you who are weary.
My yoke is easy.
There's a lightness there arelease from burden yes, and
that peaceful coexistence withneighbors, even being so close
that that really speaks toRomans 12.
(03:44):
If possible, so far as itdepends on you, live peaceably
with all.
So this chapter isn't just somequaint old story.
It feels like an invitation forus now to maybe rediscover a
simplicity.
God wants for us To push backagainst materialism and all its
stress and find that real peaceand contentment that's actually
on offer.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
That's a really powerful way to frame it,
bringing this ancient idea rightinto today.
So, okay, the million-dollarquestion, then, is how?
How do we actually cultivatethat kind of well radical
simplicity in our own lives,which are, let's face it, pretty
complex?
And the BFG Handbook offersthis practical approach, this
Trinitarian MAP for what itcalls renewal.
(04:24):
And just so everyone's clear,renewal isn't an acronym here,
it's the goal, thetransformation itself.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
Correct, it's the process.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
Where God's love shapes our mindset, trust in
Jesus directs our aim and faithin the Holy Spirit guides our
practice.
Map mindset, aim, practice.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
A really helpful structure.
Speaker 1 (04:41):
So let's dig into that MAP, starting with the M
mindset how we think, how doesthis chapter shape our thinking?
Speaker 2 (04:47):
Mindset is foundational, isn't it when
everything starts?
You can't really changebehavior long term without
shifting the underlying mindset.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
Okay, first mindset point living simply and
contentedly.
Chapter 80 says they find theirplain food pleasant and their
simple clothes fine.
What does that mindset looklike for us beyond just you know
?
Don't be materialistic.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Well, it's deeper than just not wanting stuff.
It's about actively cultivatinga mindset that finds real
satisfaction in the essentials.
It's about thinking what I haveis actually enough, fostering
genuine gratitude for it,rediscovering joy in the small
things.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
Which is hard when we're constantly told we need
the next thing.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
Exactly, it's totally countercultural.
It means mentally resistingthat constant comparison game,
resisting buying things just outof desire or habit.
Think about phones Instead ofthat automatic upgrade itch.
It's shifting your mindset toappreciate the amazing thing you
already have in your pocket.
But godliness with contentmentis great game.
It's a mindset focused on thatinner game piece freedom.
Okay, that makes sense.
But godliness with contentmentis great game.
It's a mindset focused on thatinner game piece freedom.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Okay, that makes sense.
But what about all theconveniences?
We do have the labor-savingmachines?
Chapter 80 says they had thembut didn't use them.
How does that translate into amindset of living with
moderation today, withoutbecoming a Luddite?
Speaker 2 (06:00):
Yeah, it's definitely not about ditching your washing
machine.
It's about the mindset behindhow we use things.
Yeah, it's definitely not aboutditching your washing machine.
It's about the mindset behindhow we use things.
The key is avoidingover-reliance, seeing technology
convenience as tools helpfultools even, but not our masters.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
Ah, okay, the distinction is important.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Very.
The mindset challenges us toask is this tool actually
enhancing my life, my presence,my connections, or is it subtly
taking away from them?
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Like endless scrolling versus a real
conversation.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
Precisely so.
A mindset shift might meansetting boundaries with your
phone or social media, not as apunishment, but as a way to
protect your time and attentionfor other things family, nature,
hobbies.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
Things that require focus.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
Yes, proverbs 15.16 says better is a little with the
fear of the Lord than greattreasure and trouble with it.
That little could be lessdigital noise, maybe more peace.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
Okay, let's talk relationships.
The chapter's image ofneighbors living peacefully,
never causing trouble for eachother.
In our often polarized world,how does this become a mindset
of fostering peace and avoidingconflict?
Speaker 2 (07:01):
This mindset puts harmony first.
It's about consciously thinkingpeace is more valuable than
being right here.
It means training your mind totry and understand before
judging, to listen more than youspeak, maybe to choose
reconciliation even when it'stough.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
Letting go of grudges .
That's a mindset shift.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
It's proactive, it's deciding before the conflict
happens that you value unity.
Jesus put it so clearly inMatthew 5.9, right, blessed are
the peacemakers.
It's a mindset aiming for thatblessedness, building bridges,
not walls.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
Yeah, okay, this next one's really interesting,
especially in our sort ofrisk-taking culture.
They take death seriously, sothey do not risk life by
traveling far.
How does that inform a mindsetof living with prudence and
awareness?
Speaker 2 (07:40):
Again, it's not about fear.
I don't think it's about wisdom, a mindset rooted in
appreciating how precious andwell fragile life is.
It encourages a mindset ofthinking through consequences,
not just acting on impulse.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
So like before a big decision.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Exactly Financial, career, personal.
This mindset prompts you topause, reflect, weigh the risks
and rewards thoughtfully.
Does this align with my values,my long-term goals?
Is it just chasing somethingfleeting?
Speaker 1 (08:09):
Instead of just jumping in.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
Right Proverbs 27.1 is blunt Do not boast about
tomorrow, for you do not knowwhat a day may bring.
It's a call for a mindful,intentional approach to life
choices.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Okay, and the last mindset point from that lovely
image.
They return to their simpleways tying knots finding joy in
the ordinary.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
What's the mindset here?
This is about activelycultivating gratitude for and
finding beauty in the simplestuff Tasks, the routines.
It's thinking differently aboutthe mundane.
So making dinner isn't just achore, it's an act of care,
maybe an act of gratitude.
Tidying up is creating peace.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
Seeing the sacred in the ordinary.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
Beautifully put.
It's being present in thosemoments.
Colossians 3.23 says whateveryou do, work at it with all your
heart as working for the Lord.
That elevates everything,doesn't it?
Speaker 1 (08:55):
It really does.
Wow, Okay, so that's mindset, Areally different way of
thinking about life.
Simplicity, peace our choicesNow pivot to the A in MAP.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Right.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
What we focus on, our intentions.
How do these principles shapeour direction?
Speaker 2 (09:10):
Aim is about where we're steering the ship you know
, Intentionally directing ourfocus and energy towards these
values, making them our target.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
So first aim, Building on contentment.
How do we actively aim forsimplicity and contentment when
everything screams more?
Again that line.
They find their plain foodpleasant and their simple
clothes fine.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
The aim here is to consciously prioritize being
content with what we have, todeliberately value simplicity
over excess.
It means aiming to resist thatexternal pressure for the newest
, latest thing.
The aim is internal Cultivatethankfulness for the basics.
Look for the small joys.
You might aim to get creativewith what you own, like your
clothes, instead ofautomatically buying new.
(09:49):
Aim to appreciate your home,your food, your relationships as
blessings, not things to beupgraded.
Speaker 1 (09:56):
Aiming for that great gain from 1 Timothy 6.6 again.
Speaker 2 (10:00):
Exactly Aiming for true wealth, which is
contentment.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
Okay, and if the aim isn't rejecting tech but using
it wisely, how do we aim forbalance and moderation?
What's the modern aimequivalent of having machines
but not using them excessively?
Speaker 2 (10:13):
The aim is deliberate , mindful use, aiming to ensure
technology serves us, not theother way around.
We aim to prevent it fromdominating our time and
disconnecting us from real life,from face-to-face connection,
from the present moment.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
So an aim could be setting specific tech boundaries
.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
Yes, Aiming to not check your phone first thing in
the morning?
Maybe Aiming to carve outdedicated time for relationships
or activities that reallynourish you offline?
Speaker 1 (10:37):
It's aiming for.
That better is a little fromProverbs 15, less noise, more
substance, Precisely Aiming fora truly better quality of life
and for peace.
How do we aim for peace andreconciliation?
The people in the chapter justwere peaceful.
How do we make that an activeaim?
Speaker 2 (10:52):
We have to make peace a primary target in our
relationships, aiming forresolution, for harmony, not
letting bitterness take root.
It means aiming to chooseforgiveness and understanding,
even when our instincts mightscream otherwise.
Speaker 1 (11:05):
So like aiming to be the first to apologize.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
Or aiming to approach conflict with kindness and
patience, seeking a solutiontogether.
It's aiming to embody thatpeacemaker blessing from Matthew
5.9, a conscious, active aim.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
Now for decision-making wisdom.
They take death seriously.
How does that help us aim forwisdom and prudence?
Speaker 2 (11:24):
It directs our aim towards making choices
thoughtfully, considering thelong view.
It's aiming to approach bigsteps, career moves, major
purchases, even travel, with amindful awareness of potential
impacts and our own limitations.
Speaker 1 (11:37):
So the aim is careful consideration.
Speaker 2 (11:39):
Yes, aiming to take time for reflection, maybe
prayer, seeking wise advicebefore leaping.
Aiming to ensure our choicesalign with our deepest values
and goals, not just short-termdesires.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
Aiming to live thoughtfully, remembering
Proverbs 27.1,.
Do not boast about tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Exactly Aiming for enduring well-being, not just
fleeting success.
Speaker 1 (12:01):
And finally, for aim that simple tying knots.
How does that help us aim formindfulness and gratitude in our
really busy lives?
Speaker 2 (12:08):
The aim is to find beauty and purpose in the simple
everyday stuff, To activelycultivate mindfulness in
whatever we're doing.
It means aiming to be fullypresent.
So when you're preparing food,aim to do it with intention,
with thankfulness.
When you rest, aim to reallyrest, not just fill the space
with more noise.
Speaker 1 (12:27):
Aiming to live each moment with heart, like
Colossians.
3.23 suggests yes.
Speaker 2 (12:33):
Aiming to infuse the ordinary with meaning.
Keeping these aims in front ofus helps steer us through the
complexities of modern life withmore focus, more peace.
Speaker 1 (12:41):
Okay, mindset how we think, aim what we focus on.
Now the P's practice, how weactually act.
The rubber hitting the road howdo?
Speaker 2 (12:50):
these principles show up in our daily behavior
Exactly.
Practice is where intentionmeets action.
It's about embodying thesevalues day to day.
It's the discipline of livingit out.
Speaker 1 (12:56):
So let's start with practice simplicity and
contentment, living out thatidea of finding plain food,
pleasant and simple clothes.
Fine, what does that practicelook like?
Speaker 2 (13:06):
It means actively practicing a lifestyle of
gratitude.
It's not just thinking I shouldbe content.
It's doing things thatcultivate contentment.
This might mean practicingdecluttering actually setting
aside time to simplify yourspace, or practicing intentional
spending reduction for a period.
Speaker 1 (13:23):
Tangible actions.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Yes, and practicing.
Finding joy in the everyday,making time for that family meal
, that walk, that quiet moment,and consciously appreciating it
is practicing 1 Timothy 6.6,actively seeking that great gain
.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
Right and for moderation with technology.
They had machines, but didn'tuse them.
How do we practice moderationand balance?
Speaker 2 (13:43):
The practice here is setting and sticking to actual
boundaries, using our resources,including tech, wisely.
So practice having specifictimes for email or social media
and then turning them off.
Practice replacing some screentime with face-to-face
interaction or exercise or ahobby.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
It's about actively choosing balance.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
Actively practicing it, making it a habit.
This practice helps us livemore fully, more presently,
embodying that wisdom fromProverbs 15, choosing the little
with peace over treasure withtrouble.
Speaker 1 (14:11):
And living peaceably with neighbors, like in chapter
80.
How do we practice peace andreconciliation daily?
Speaker 2 (14:17):
We have to practice being peacemakers.
It's an active role.
Practice forgiving quickly.
Practice seeking understandingwhen there's conflict.
Practice letting go of the needto be right.
Speaker 1 (14:28):
Taking the first step .
Speaker 2 (14:28):
sometimes Absolutely Practice initiating
reconciliation if there's amisunderstanding, even if it's
hard.
It's the daily practice ofliving out Matthew 5.9, being
those children of God who makepeace.
Speaker 1 (14:40):
Okay, and regarding wise decisions, they take death
seriously.
How does that guide ourpractice of wisdom and
discernment?
Speaker 2 (14:47):
The practice is making thoughtful
decision-making a habit,considering long-term effects.
So practice pausing before bigchoices.
Practice praying or meditatingon it.
Practice seeking advice frompeople you trust.
Practice evaluating optionsagainst your core values and
goals.
Speaker 1 (15:02):
Not just reacting.
Speaker 2 (15:04):
Right, it's practicing James 1.5, actively
asking for and acting withwisdom in our choices.
Speaker 1 (15:10):
And finally, that tying knots idea, again for
practice, mindfulness andgratitude.
Speaker 2 (15:15):
The practice is about bringing intentional awareness
into everyday moments.
Practice appreciating smallthings daily, maybe.
Practice seeing chores likehousework as service, as caring
for your space.
Practice really tasting yourfood and being thankful for it.
Practice putting your phoneaway during conversations to be
fully present.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
Making mindfulness a conscious action.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
Yes, it's practicing Colossians 3.23, doing whatever
you do with all your heart.
As for God, these practices,done consistently, are how we
really align our lives withthese deep principles and find
that fulfillment.
And you know, what's reallystriking as we lay all this out
is how much these core ideassimplicity, moderation, peace,
wisdom, mindfulness echo acrossso many different spiritual
traditions.
(15:55):
It's not just a Christian orTaoist thing.
This leads us naturally intoour final section Respawn,
looking at how these sharedtruths can actually foster unity
.
Speaker 1 (16:04):
Okay, I'm really interested in this part.
Speaker 2 (16:06):
universal truths, let's take simplicity and
contentment, that idea of plainfood, pleasant, simple clothes,
fine.
Well, islam, in the Quran 25.67, praises those who are balanced
, neither wasteful nor stingy.
Buddhism's Dhammapada flat outsays contentment is the greatest
wealth, and Hinduism'sAgatthava Gita, 4.22, talks
(16:29):
about being satisfied withwhatever comes free from envy.
And how does this unite us?
Shifts the focus, doesn't it?
Away from competing for stufftowards shared values like inner
peace and spiritual growth.
Speaker 1 (16:39):
Less division over material things.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
Exactly.
Think about communities workingtogether based on simple living
, sharing resources rather thanjust consumption.
It fosters practicalunderstanding when we reassess
our desires together.
Speaker 1 (16:51):
Okay, what about moderation and balance?
Not using those machinesexcessively?
Speaker 2 (16:56):
Also universal Islam, through Hadith, like Sahih
Bukhari, often emphasizesconsistency and avoiding
extremes.
Regular small actions arebetter than erratic big ones.
Buddhism is famous for themiddle way Dhammapada 223,
avoiding both self-indulgenceand severe asceticism.
And the Bhagavad Gita says aspiritual person is moderate in
(17:17):
eating, sleeping, recreationwork.
Speaker 1 (17:19):
Balance everywhere.
Speaker 2 (17:21):
Yes, it unites us.
By promoting this shared wisdomabout sustainable living, about
well-being, it stops thependulum swings to extremes that
cause suffering.
Practicing this across cultures, setting boundaries with tech
work, making time for rest,could lead to a healthier global
society really.
Speaker 1 (17:35):
Makes sense and peace and reconciliation leaving
neighbors untroubled.
Speaker 2 (17:43):
Oh, huge one.
Islam's Quran, 49.9, directlycommands making peace between
conflicting groups.
Buddhism's Dhammapada 5 hasthat incredibly powerful line
groups.
Buddhism's Dhammapada 5 hasthat incredibly powerful line
hatred never ceases by hatred,but by love alone.
Hinduism's Gita 16.3 listsfreedom from anger and malice as
divine qualities.
Speaker 1 (17:55):
Love over hate, peace over conflict.
It's fundamental.
Speaker 2 (17:58):
Absolutely.
Conflict divides, peace unites.
Practicing this dialogue,forgiveness seeking,
understanding, isn't justpersonal.
It's the foundation forinterfaith harmony, for global
peace, isn't just personal.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
It's the foundation for interfaith harmony, for
global peace, yeah, Okay.
Fourth prudence and discernmentTaking life seriously, not
risking it needlessly.
Speaker 2 (18:21):
Again echoes everywhere.
We mentioned Proverbs 22.3about the prudent seeing danger.
Islam's Quran 2.195 warnsagainst throwing oneself into
destruction.
Buddhism's Dhammapada 63 says afool who knows they're a fool
is wise.
For that reason it's aboutawareness.
And the Gita 2.47, advisesacting wisely, considering
consequences, not just chasingresults.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
So thoughtfulness is a universal virtue.
Speaker 2 (18:40):
You seem so.
It unites us by promoting ashared ethic of responsibility
in finance-health relationships.
Making careful choices benefitseveryone.
It fosters stability.
Speaker 1 (18:49):
Right and finally, mindfulness and gratitude, that
tying knots idea.
Speaker 2 (18:53):
So resonant.
Islam's Quran, 73.8, speaks ofremembering God's name with
complete devotion being present.
Buddhism's Dhammapada urgesfocusing the mind, being
watchful.
Mindfulness is central.
Hinduism's Gita, 18.19,describes the mode of goodness
involving control of the mindand senses implying presence.
Being present, being grateful.
(19:14):
It connects us all.
It cuts through anxiety aboutpast and future, grounding us in
the now, fostering thankfulness, deepening our connection to
the divine, however weunderstand it.
Practicing this together,really listening, savoring
moments, builds a morecompassionate, connected human
family.
Speaker 1 (19:28):
Wow, what an amazing thread running through all these
different paths, this wholedeep dive into just one chapter.
Chapter 80 of the BFG handbookhas really opened up so much it
feels like these principlessimplicity, peace, moderation,
wisdom, mindfulness they aren'tjust old ideas, they're like
living pathways for us now Pract, practical pathways to maybe
find some real peace and, youknow, fulfillment in this
(19:50):
complicated world and seeingthem echoed everywhere.
So as we wrap up, here'ssomething for you, our listener,
to maybe mull over today whatsimple, not tying tradition or
maybe just an everyday activitycould you intentionally return
to, or perhaps embrace morefully, something simple in your
own life that might help youcultivate a deeper sense of
peace and contentment, right inthe middle of everything else.
(20:12):
What could that be for you?
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The Burden
The Burden is a documentary series that takes listeners into the hidden places where justice is done (and undone). It dives deep into the lives of heroes and villains. And it focuses a spotlight on those who triumph even when the odds are against them. Season 5 - The Burden: Death & Deceit in Alliance On April Fools Day 1999, 26-year-old Yvonne Layne was found murdered in her Alliance, Ohio home. David Thorne, her ex-boyfriend and father of one of her children, was instantly a suspect. Another young man admitted to the murder, and David breathed a sigh of relief, until the confessed murderer fingered David; “He paid me to do it.” David was sentenced to life without parole. Two decades later, Pulitzer winner and podcast host, Maggie Freleng (Bone Valley Season 3: Graves County, Wrongful Conviction, Suave) launched a “live” investigation into David's conviction alongside Jason Baldwin (himself wrongfully convicted as a member of the West Memphis Three). Maggie had come to believe that the entire investigation of David was botched by the tiny local police department, or worse, covered up the real killer. Was Maggie correct? Was David’s claim of innocence credible? In Death and Deceit in Alliance, Maggie recounts the case that launched her career, and ultimately, “broke” her.” The results will shock the listener and reduce Maggie to tears and self-doubt. This is not your typical wrongful conviction story. In fact, it turns the genre on its head. It asks the question: What if our champions are foolish? Season 4 - The Burden: Get the Money and Run “Trying to murder my father, this was the thing that put me on the path.” That’s Joe Loya and that path was bank robbery. Bank, bank, bank, bank, bank. In season 4 of The Burden: Get the Money and Run, we hear from Joe who was once the most prolific bank robber in Southern California, and beyond. He used disguises, body doubles, proxies. He leaped over counters, grabbed the money and ran. Even as the FBI was closing in. It was a showdown between a daring bank robber, and a patient FBI agent. Joe was no ordinary bank robber. He was bright, articulate, charismatic, and driven by a dark rage that he summoned up at will. In seven episodes, Joe tells all: the what, the how… and the why. Including why he tried to murder his father. Season 3 - The Burden: Avenger Miriam Lewin is one of Argentina’s leading journalists today. At 19 years old, she was kidnapped off the streets of Buenos Aires for her political activism and thrown into a concentration camp. Thousands of her fellow inmates were executed, tossed alive from a cargo plane into the ocean. Miriam, along with a handful of others, will survive the camp. Then as a journalist, she will wage a decades long campaign to bring her tormentors to justice. Avenger is about one woman’s triumphant battle against unbelievable odds to survive torture, claim justice for the crimes done against her and others like her, and change the future of her country. Season 2 - The Burden: Empire on Blood Empire on Blood is set in the Bronx, NY, in the early 90s, when two young drug dealers ruled an intersection known as “The Corner on Blood.” The boss, Calvin Buari, lived large. He and a protege swore they would build an empire on blood. Then the relationship frayed and the protege accused Calvin of a double homicide which he claimed he didn’t do. But did he? Award-winning journalist Steve Fishman spent seven years to answer that question. This is the story of one man’s last chance to overturn his life sentence. He may prevail, but someone’s gotta pay. The Burden: Empire on Blood is the director’s cut of the true crime classic which reached #1 on the charts when it was first released half a dozen years ago. Season 1 - The Burden In the 1990s, Detective Louis N. Scarcella was legendary. In a city overrun by violent crime, he cracked the toughest cases and put away the worst criminals. “The Hulk” was his nickname. Then the story changed. Scarcella ran into a group of convicted murderers who all say they are innocent. They turned themselves into jailhouse-lawyers and in prison founded a lway firm. When they realized Scarcella helped put many of them away, they set their sights on taking him down. And with the help of a NY Times reporter they have a chance. For years, Scarcella insisted he did nothing wrong. But that’s all he’d say. Until we tracked Scarcella to a sauna in a Russian bathhouse, where he started to talk..and talk and talk. “The guilty have gone free,” he whispered. And then agreed to take us into the belly of the beast. Welcome to The Burden.