In Episode 336 of Breaking Waves, Riley and John explore the idea of companions. They look at the people, animals and even unseen presences that share our lives. They start with the original meaning of the word — “one who breaks bread with another” — and show how companionship has moved from the dinner table into many parts of modern life. Today we find companions in our friends, workmates, carers, sober companions, support workers and NDIS-funded helpers.
They move through examples from culture and history. Doctor Who’s sidekicks, ladies’ companions from the past, Alexander the Great’s cavalry, ship crews and even modern “company men” all reveal how groups form and how people stay connected. Riley and John also talk about egregores and legal “personhood” and how new entities can grow from people gathering together.
Animals play a major part in their discussion. Guide dogs, assistance Labradors, emotional support animals and anxious pets all offer different kinds of comfort. They share stories about monkeys, imaginary friends, guardian angels and the quiet company of birds, lizards and insects. These small companions matter most when human contact is rare.
Warm, curious and gently philosophical, this episode invites listeners to think about the company they keep. Riley and John encourage us to hold our companions close — human or not — while we have them.