This week on Breaking Waves, Riley and John explore angels, guardian spirits and the many ways heavenly beings have appeared across religion, art, film, television and everyday life.
The conversation begins with familiar images of angels as beautiful winged figures, benevolent guides and messengers from the divine. Riley and John discuss why children, dogs and particularly loving people are often described as angelic, connecting the idea of angels with innocence, loyalty, beauty and protection.
They also examine the stranger and more frightening angels described in ancient religious texts. Rather than gentle human figures with white wings, cherubim and seraphim are sometimes depicted as powerful beings with many eyes and overwhelming forms. This raises a broader question: are angels comforting guardians or terrifying protectors of the heavenly realm?
From there, Riley and John explore how angels have been represented on screen. Their discussion includes Wim Wenders’ Wings of Desire and its Hollywood remake City of Angels, along with classic films such as It’s a Wonderful Life and Here Comes Mr Jordan. Riley also recommends Kevin Smith’s Dogma, which combines philosophical questions about religion with crude 1990s comedy.
The episode moves through television history as well, including The Twilight Zone, Highway to Heaven, Touched by an Angel and the miniseries Angels in America. Riley and John consider why stories about guardian angels remain so popular, particularly when characters are grieving, lost or searching for another chance.
They also discuss fallen angels, the devil, redemption and unusual portrayals of heavenly beings in films such as Noah. The conversation expands into spiritualism, Rudolf Steiner, Rupert Sheldrake and the belief that unseen beings may watch over or influence human lives.
Finally, Riley shares a family story about a mysterious voice heard through his baby monitor, while John reflects on whether a guardian angel may have protected his father through years of potentially dangerous falls.
Thoughtful, funny and personal, this episode asks why angels continue to inspire hope, fear, curiosity and powerful stories across cultures.