In this thought-provoking episode of Breaking Waves, John and Riley dive deep into the meaning of passion — how the word has evolved from ancient ideas of suffering and spiritual possession to modern notions of love, desire, creativity and motivation.

Drawing on philosophy, religion, psychology and popular culture, the conversation traces passion from its Greek and Latin roots (pathos), through the Christian concept of the Passion of Christ, to today’s obsession with “following your passion” in work, relationships and everyday life. Along the way, the pair unpack crimes of passion, emotional intensity, romantic obsession and the psychological concept of limerence.

The episode also explores how language changes over time, how spiritual explanations gave way to psychological ones and why passion can be both life-giving and destructive. From drive-in movie “passion pits” to passionfruit, passionflower, pop culture and courtrooms, this wide-ranging discussion blends humour, insight and reflection.

A classic Breaking Waves conversation — curious, philosophical and surprisingly practical — about why passion still shapes how we love, work and make sense of ourselves.