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A masked Fen faces the trials of family. Elsewhere, Carmen, Cedar, and Atlas plan to approach Protocol's sponsors. Check out the pay-what-you-want version of Umdaar: Rebel Broadcast Edition from our Sponsors over at Evil Hat Productions! For Transcripts, our Tip Jar, merch, and the official Discord Server: https://bloomandblight.com/ Theme Songs: "PRESS/LEAD" and "PRESS/LEAD (Jazz Lounge Vers.)" by Harper S.K. Songs featured courtesy Epidemic Sound: "Fresh Pastrie" by Lofive, "Night Shuttle" by Max Anson, "Chromatic People" by Max Anson, "Cruising with You" by Lope, "Subtract" by Lofive, "All Emotions (Instrumental Version)" by ELFL, "Temple of Runha" by ELFL, "Darker Shades" by ELFL, "Rose's Nerve" by True Messenger, "Suburbia" by True Messenger, "Lucidity" by True Messenger, "7 Magnets" by Luhawks, "Modules" by Of Water, "Pick Up Your Phone" by baegel.
Today Rachel is joined by Ryann Bailey star of Seeking Persephone Follow Ryann at https://www.instagram.com/ryannrinabailey/?hl=en Watch Seeking Persephone on amazon https://amzn.to/4u7NYa8 (ad) Our interview with Jake Stormoen https://youtu.be/sn1eTPGMrhg Our interview with director John Lyde https://youtu.be/V_usAckLhQs Sign up for the Haven newsletter https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/pages/haven Get all the Haven romance books https://amzn.to/4u52Wgr (ad) Get A Deal with a Debutante at https://amzn.to/4tIZzLy (ad) Seeking Persephone recap https://youtu.be/seqE-Ee_cyo Follow us on ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hallmarkies-podcast/id1296728288?mt=2 https://twitter.com/HallmarkiesPod on twitter @HallmarkiesPodcast on Instagram HallmarkiesPodcast.com Check out lots of Hearties inspired merch https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hallmarkies?utm_campaign=Hallmarkies&utm_medium=8581&utm_source=affiliate Please support the podcast on patreon at https://www.patreon.com/hallmarkies1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Persephone is making waves in AEW, and now she's joining Women's Wrestling Talk for an exclusive conversation with host TK Trinidad. In this interview, Persephone opens up about her journey into professional wrestling, the experiences that shaped her career, and what motivates her every time she steps into the ring. She also shares her thoughts on Mercedes Moné, discusses the legacy she hopes to leave behind in the wrestling industry, and reveals her top three luchadoras who have inspired her throughout her career.
Joel & Jeremy always consult each other before big decisions. Steve Maclin departs TNA, who then ignore his request to keep it quiet. GUNTHER gets his WWE title rematch on his terms Hazuki and Persephone clash in Owen Cup quarterfinal, Mercedes gets last laugh Battle For The Brave review and notes Mystery Wrestling was really fun this weekend! WWE RAW Preview & MORE! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SP3 (@TruHeelSp3) and Cresta (@CrestaTHEEStarr) bring you tonight's AEW Collision post show, June 6th, 2026, including: AEW Collision (June 6, 2026) Venue: Covelli Centre City: Youngstown, OH Time: 8 pm ET Channel: TNT, HBO Max Lineup AEW Women's World Tag Team Title: TayJay vs. The Divine Dominion Women's Owen Hart Cup Quarterfinal: Persephone vs. Hazuki and more to be added Buy two months of BlueChew Gold, and get the third for FREE with promo code FIGHTFUL! Visit BlueChew.com, code FIGHTFUL! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This Week Opens Your Highest Timeline — But Only If You Choose It. A rare convergence of fate, truth, and magic is unfolding. This week brings one of the most powerful astrology alignments of the year: Venus conjunct Jupiter, Hecate on the North Node, Uranus square the Nodes of Fate, and a Gemini New Moon that opens the door to an entirely new chapter. The question is: Will you choose the safe path… or your highest timeline? In this astrology forecast for June 8–14, Sabrina Lynn explores the profound crossroads energy moving through the collective. We dive into how Hecate, the Queen of the Crossroads, is activating destiny pathways, why Venus conjunct Jupiter is amplifying joy, abundance, and soul-aligned opportunities, and how the Warrior for Truth (Eris) is demanding radical authenticity before the blessings can fully land. This isn’t just another astrology week. It’s a week of awakening. A week of reclaiming your wildness. A week of choosing the future your soul has been calling you toward. Watch now to understand the shift and reclaim your wildness. Inside This Transmission: • The Hecate Crossroads: Why the “safe road” is now the most dangerous place to be. • The Eris Truth-Bomb: Shattering the pedestal of false authority in your life. • Shadow Alchemy: Purifying the “Good Girl” identity to reclaim your wildness. • The Golden Seed: How to plant for the Gemini New Moon as your reclaimed self. Support for the Crossroads Return to Magic The feminine doesn’t open through force. She opens through safety, presence, and devotion. This month’s BONES workshop helps you regulate the nervous system, reclaim your connection to the miracle field, and awaken the deeper magic that is calling you forward. → Instant Access The Reclaimers Path Lilith. Medusa. Eris. Three Dark Goddesses guiding the return of your wildness, truth, and unapologetic power. If this week’s astrology is stirring something ancient within you, this is where you meet it face-to-face. → Enter the Path The Evolution of the Masculine The feminine is awakening rapidly. What is happening to the masculine in response? Sabrina and Stab explore the heart-opening, shadow work, and evolutionary pressures transforming the masculine archetype in real time. → Watch the Conversation Listen to “A Higher Timeline Is Opening… “ podcast here… Topics Explored in “A Higher Timeline Is Opening… ” podcast: (Times based off audio version) The Journey Through the Crossroads: (00:00) – Big Magic & Astrological Alignments (June 8–14) (01:10) – Hecate on the North Node: Opening Your Highest Timeline (02:15) – Venus Conjunct Jupiter & Eris: Why Truth is the Key to Bliss (03:15) – Preparing for the Gemini New Moon (Sunday, June 14th) (05:50) – Monday's Energy: The Demand for Masculine Evolution (07:10) – Black Moon Lilith & The Wildest Aspects of the Feminine (08:35) – Hecate & Medicine Woman Capacities: Reclaiming Your Magic (10:20) – Tuesday's Peak: Heart's Desires & The Truth-Bombing Warrior (13:20) – Lilith & Sedna: Shaking Off Social Norms & “Good Girl” Roles (15:10) – Workshop Spotlight: Return to Magic & Nervous System Safety (17:25) – Wednesday's Depth: Pluto, Merlin, & Alchemizing the Shadow (21:10) – Thursday's Initiation: Venus Square Chiron & Shamanic Wounds (26:40) – Uranus & the Kundalini Awakener: Shockwaves of Awakening (31:20) – Practical Examples: Shaking Off Career & Relationship Norms (34:20) – Venus Moves into Leo: Finding the Brave Heart to Shine (38:50) – New Moon Seed Planting: Owning Your Full Butterfly Self You can leave a comment or question for Sabrina on the YouTube version of this episode. Listen to after “A Higher Timeline Is Opening… “: June Is Changing the Rules: The Return of Magic This Week Marks the Crossing… The Old You Cannot Come With You Shadow Work with the Goddess (Kali, Lilith, Persephone, Hecate, Medusa) STAY CONNECTED ReWilding Weekly (free, embodied astrology) IG Website Disclaimer: Educational/spiritual perspectives; not medical/mental-health advice. #2025Shift #NewHuman #SpiritualAwakening Welcome to ReWilding with Sabrina Lynn & ReWilding for Women! A gifted facilitator of revolutionary inner work and the world's leading archetypal embodiment expert, Sabrina Lynn is the creator of the groundbreaking ReWilding Way and founder of ReWilding For Women. Sabrina has led more than 100,000 people through programs based on the ReWilding Way, a modality of healing and awakening that strips away the false, the deep wounds from early life, and the fears that hold people back, to reveal their true and unique soul light and help them build their innate capacity to shine it in the world. Her work includes in-person retreats and events, the monthly ReWilding Membership, Living Close to the Bone, Priest/ess Trainings, Mystery Schools, the ReWilding with the Archetypes, and the wildly popular 6 Faces of the Feminine workshop series. Welcome to ReWilding! The post 385 – A Higher Timeline Is Opening… What You Choose This Week Matters (June 8–14) appeared first on Rewilding for Women.
Join Alicia & Meekz for an all-new edition of The Sunday Special w/The Sizzlin Syndicate reviewing the episode of AEW Collision.Go to slamchats.com or send a superchat to donate & show your support to the team.Leave your thoughts on these episodes and review in the live chat and comments section.Like, share and subscribe to support! #AEWCollision #AEW
Basically just an hour and a half of Blackheart Lio Rush impressions. (00:00:00) Newsy bits and pieces including the upcoming RevPro Women's Grand Prix, Progress's new owners, Beyond drama, and losing the Butcher and the Blade (00:17:38) Mercedes Moné is back in AEW! (00:23:22) Give us Persephone on commentary every week forever (00:29:26) All hail the Toxic Spider, her live promos are everything (00:32:57) We're Best Friends girlies (gn) forever and you can't stop us (00:37:50) Lio Rush is a gremlin and we love him (00:46:04) Bye bye now Rush, we don't need any more from you (00:54:35) Don Callis is taking over the show and his amorphous blob of men only grows (01:07:17) TayJay survived five with the tallest women alive (01:11:13) Happy times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June is changing the rules. Are you ready for the Return of Magic? After a relentless period of shedding, truth-bombing, and “rip-the-Band-Aid-off” energy, the first week of June brings a massive, fated frequency shift. We are moving out of the cocoon and into a three-point arc of initiation, grace, and new human embodiment. In this episode, Sabrina Lynn reveals the “Return to Magic” arc moving through June 1st–7th, showing you how to stop watching the “avalanche” of the old world and start attuning to the gold veins of abundance available right now. The 3-Point Arc of June 1st–7th: 1⃣ The Nervous System Exhale (Mon-Tue): As Mercury enters Cancer and the Sun sextiles Saturn, a sacred reprieve opens. This isn’t just rest; it's the “landing” required to access your deepest intuitive gold. 2⃣ The Return to Magic (Wed-Sat): The “Grace-Bombing Magicians” (Venus, Isis, Osiris, & Hygeia) are in a high-initiatory conjunction. We explore how to stop watching the “avalanche” of the old world and start attuning to the miracles hidden in the collapse. 3⃣ The Crossroads of Destiny (Sun): Hecate and Mary Magdalene meet on the Nodes of Fate while Uranus squares the destiny line. This is the “Chicken Wings” moment—the choice to stop crawling and finally start using your wings. What we dive into: • The Avalanche vs. The Gold Veins: Why where you place your life force this week determines your next 6 months. • High-Voltage Initiations: Why you might feel “crunchy” or “on the edge” right before a massive breakthrough. • The Mother of Magic: An invitation into the vast mystery school of the Goddess Isis. • Embodying the New Human: Moving from deconstruction to actual frequency embodiment. It's time to move from deconstruction to actual frequency embodiment. Are you ready to claim the magic? RESOURCES FOR THE SHIFT: FREE Isis Activation: Get your private transmission to help you attune to high-voltage magic here: → Watch here Bones Membership: Join the “Return to Magic” June 1st Live Workshop and receive the juice for your next level of initiation: → Join BONES ReWilding Weekly: Get daily energetics, journal prompts, and deeper support delivered to your inbox. → Subscribe here Listen to “June Is Changing the Rules: The Return of Magic“ podcast here… Topics Explored in “June Is Changing the Rules: The Return of Magic” podcast: (Times based off audio version) The Transmission Map: (00:00) – The June Frequency Shift: Moving from “Truth-Bombing” to Grace (02:50) – Monday: Mercury in Cancer: Dropping into Intuitive Body Wisdom (06:19) – Tuesday: Sun Sextile Saturn: Creating a Safe, Sacred Environment (11:31) – State of Being: Why Safety is the Gateway to Magic (15:21) – Wednesday: The Language of Intuition: Mercury Trines the Nodes of Fate (20:02) – The 2-Month Intuition Cycle: Feminine Wisdom & Womb Awakening (22:01) – Thursday-Saturday: The Return to Magic: Non-Ordinary Reality Becomes Ordinary (25:00) – The Avalanche vs. The Gold Veins: Choosing Your Focus During Global Collapse (27:01) – High Magic Conjunctions: Venus, Isis, Osiris, and Hygeia (33:20) – The Next Level Initiation: Finding the “Juice” for Your Spiritual Breakthrough (41:25) – Sunday: The Crossroads of Destiny: Hecate & Mary Magdalene on the Nodes (47:10) – Embodying the New Human: Cracking the Cocoon & Getting Your Wings You can leave a comment or question for Sabrina on the YouTube version of this episode. Listen to after “June Is Changing the Rules: The Return of Magic”: Sabrina & Stav Conversation on Relationships Richard Rudd & the 2026–27 Great Shift Shadow Work with the Goddess (Kali, Lilith, Persephone, Hecate, Medusa) STAY CONNECTED ReWilding Weekly (free, embodied astrology) IG Website Disclaimer: Educational/spiritual perspectives; not medical/mental-health advice. #2025Shift #NewHuman #SpiritualAwakening Welcome to ReWilding with Sabrina Lynn & ReWilding for Women! A gifted facilitator of revolutionary inner work and the world's leading archetypal embodiment expert, Sabrina Lynn is the creator of the groundbreaking ReWilding Way and founder of ReWilding For Women. Sabrina has led more than 100,000 people through programs based on the ReWilding Way, a modality of healing and awakening that strips away the false, the deep wounds from early life, and the fears that hold people back, to reveal their true and unique soul light and help them build their innate capacity to shine it in the world. Her work includes in-person retreats and events, the monthly ReWilding Membership, Living Close to the Bone, Priest/ess Trainings, Mystery Schools, the ReWilding with the Archetypes, and the wildly popular 6 Faces of the Feminine workshop series. Welcome to ReWilding! The post 383 – June Is Changing the Rules: The Return of Magic appeared first on Rewilding for Women.
Join us on the latest Whisper in the Wings from Stage Whisper, we welcomed on the team behind a fantastic new show Persephone. This fabulous work being presented in Astoria, Queens is being put on by an entirely Italian cast/creators, and is sure to inspire and entertain audiences and artists alike. . So be sure that you tune in and turn out to support this fantastic production!Thymos Productions Presents:PersephoneJune 9th, 13th, and 14th@The Hellenic Cultural Center (Astoria, NY)Tickets and more information are available at eventbrite.com And be sure to follow our guests to stay up to date on all their upcoming projects and productions: thymus.productions@gmail.comthymosproductions.com@thymos.productions@lucia_sapienzasapeinzalucia.com @francesca_pecchifrancescapecchi.com @elisabettadaveniaelisabettadavenia.comariannastendardo.com@tiny_meatballl
Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL — the clean, zero-sugar, zero-crash energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Whether it's a late-night pay-per-view, a marathon gaming session, or just getting through your day, G FUEL has you covered. Right now, you can save 20% instantly with code TAVERN at checkout at GFUEL.com. Fuel up, save big, and always… keep it Tavern. Turnbuckle Tavern is also proudly powered by the one-of-a-kind Official Dick Lazer — a wild, over-the-top gag gift that's guaranteed to get a reaction. With the flip of a switch, it projects five laser images, plus a red-dot laser, flashlight, and blacklight all packed into a sleek USB-C rechargeable pen weighing just 1.4 ounces. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20% off your order today. Light up the room, get some laughs, and always… keep it Tavern. Episode 187 covers one of the biggest weeks wrestling has seen all year as AEW Double or Nothing completely reshapes the company's championship picture, WWE heads toward its historic Clash in Italy premium live event, major injuries continue piling up inside The Vision faction, and the independent wrestling landscape sees a massive ownership shift. We break down the full fallout from AEW Double or Nothing 2026 from Queens, New York as MJF regains the AEW World Championship in a brutal Title vs. Hair main event against Darby Allin. We discuss the violent structure of the match, Darby's terrifying Coffin Drop off the stage scaffolding, the hardway bleeding controversy under the New York State Athletic Commission, and Kevin Knight's shocking heel turn after attacking Darby while he was strapped to a stretcher. We also look at the end of Darby's chaotic 40-day title reign after seven successful defenses and MJF beginning his third AEW World Championship run. We also cover the massive Stadium Stampede spectacle involving Jericho, The Hurt Syndicate, The Elite, Ricochet, The Don Callis Family, and The Dogs, plus Konosuke Takeshita defeating Kazuchika Okada for the AEW International Championship before Kyle Fletcher returned and betrayed Takeshita to officially end Protoshida. We discuss Jon Moxley retaining the Continental Championship against Kyle O'Reilly, Thekla surviving a four-way Women's World Championship match, Cage and Cope winning the AEW World Tag Team Championship in a violent "I Quit" street fight against FTR, and the latest Owen Hart Cup tournament developments involving Will Ospreay, Swerve Strickland, Athena, Mina Shirakawa, Samoa Joe, Bandido, Sareee, Persephone, Hazuki, and the mystery Wild Card entrant replacing the injured Willow Nightingale. Outside the ring, AEW officially announced the new AEW Redemption pay-per-view for July 26 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, bringing the company to ten annual pay-per-views for the first time ever. We discuss Tony Khan's comments about Montreal's wrestling history, Mick Foley potentially appearing at the event, and what the continued expansion of AEW's pay-per-view calendar means moving forward. We also break down the major independent wrestling business story of the week as former WWE stars Big Damo and Nikki Cross officially acquire ownership of PROGRESS Wrestling and co-ownership of DEFY Wrestling. We discuss their vision for the companies, expansion plans across the UK, relationships with Pro Wrestling NOAH and other promotions, the future of women's wrestling under Cross' leadership, and why this move could become one of the most important independent wrestling developments of the year. On the WWE side, we preview Clash in Italy, WWE's first-ever premium live event in Italy taking place from Turin at the Inalpi Arena. We break down Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Gunther, Roman Reigns facing Jacob Fatu in Tribal Combat for the World Heavyweight Championship, Rhea Ripley defending the WWE Women's Championship against Jade Cargill in a WrestleMania rematch, Becky Lynch defending the Women's Intercontinental Championship against Sol Ruca, and Brock Lesnar returning to face Oba Femi after appearing to retire at WrestleMania 42. We also discuss Saturday Night's Main Event fallout as The Vision retained the World Tag Team Championship against The Street Profits before WWE later announced Logan Paul suffered a torn triceps that will sideline him for months. We cover Bron Breakker replacing Paul as Austin Theory's tag team partner, Theory's brutal chair attack on Joe Hendry, Brie Bella and Paige retaining the Women's Tag Team Championship, Penta retaining against Ethan Page, Jade Cargill pinning Rhea Ripley ahead of Clash in Italy, and Sol Ruca officially earning her Women's Intercontinental Championship opportunity against Becky Lynch. Plus, we discuss WWE officially launching the 2026 King & Queen of the Ring tournaments next week on Raw from Turin, LA Knight declaring himself for the tournament while targeting Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso defending the modern Bloodline, and the increasing likelihood that this year's finals once again culminate at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia. We also preview AAA Noches de Grandes, NJPW/CMLL Fantasticamania, Raw, NXT, Dynamite, Collision, SmackDown, TNA Impact, NWA Powerrr, and the entire week ahead across professional wrestling. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed.
Come and Trial My New Living with Nature Collective for Free at: https://www.skool.com/adambarralet Have you ever wondered how you truly give and receive care? In today's episode, we are diving deep into the profound, mystical, and deeply nurturing world of the dwarf planet Ceres (the Roman counterpart to the Greek goddess Demeter).As the goddess of the harvest, agriculture, and mothering, Ceres' placement in your birth chart acts like a cosmic love language. It reveals exactly how you show care to others—and more importantly, how you can truly nurture yourself beyond generic self-care trends.Join us as we explore the deeper mythological cycles of Demeter and her daughter Persephone, the ancient secrets of the Melissae (the bee priestesses), and how a Ceres retrograde can trigger deep emotional shifts or feelings of loneliness.We also discuss how to utilize powerful plant medicine to harmonize with her unique energy, covering:
Why Isn't Everyone Talking About Mitochondria? with Jennifer Scheinman Most people learned the word in 10th-grade biology and never thought about it again. That, argues registered dietitian and longevity expert Jennifer Scheinman, is exactly the problem. In this episode of Why Isn't Everyone Doing This?, Emily Fletcher sits down with Jennifer, a nutritionist with over 25 years of experience and a longevity expert at Timeline, the company behind the clinically studied Urolithin A supplement MitoPure, for a conversation that reframes everything from fatigue to aging to consciousness through the lens of your cells. Jennifer explains how the mitochondria work, why their decline accelerates in your 40s and 60s, and what you can actually do to slow that process. They cover the 12 biological hallmarks of aging, the cellular recycling system (mitophagy) that breaks down over time, why so many people can't produce Urolithin A on their own, and how to evaluate supplements in an industry the FDA doesn't fully regulate. They also connect it all to meditation, to stress, to perimenopause, and to the Greek myth of Persephone and the pomegranate. And at the very end: a fact about mitochondrial DNA that changes the way you think about your mother, your grandmother, and the feminine line you carry. In this episode, they explore: – What mitochondria are, what they do, and why they're more like a CEO than a powerhouse – The cellular recycling process (mitophagy) and why it slows with age – Zombie cells, inflammaging, and the 12 hallmarks of biological aging – Why aging isn't linear — and what the research says about the 40s and 60s – How meditation reduces the inflammation driving cellular decline – Urolithin A: what it is, how your gut should be making it, and why most people's isn't – How to read supplement labels and avoid "fairy dusting" and borrowed science – Timeline's clinical research: what the trials showed and how long results take – The topical MitoPure skincare line and UV-related skin aging – Why mitochondrial DNA is inherited exclusively through the maternal line – Persephone, pomegranates, 108 seeds, and the convergence of myth and molecule Key Moments: 00:00 — The question that opens the episode 03:00 — Mitochondria 101: what they really are 08:15 — Every cell except red blood cells runs on mitochondrial energy 10:00 — Mitophagy: your body's cellular cleanup crew 13:00 — Why aging accelerates in the 40s and again in the 60s 16:00 — Zombie cells and the inflammaging hallmark 19:00 — Meditation's effect on cellular inflammation — the Ziva link 25:00 — Fasting and perimenopause: what the science says for women 29:00 — How to evaluate supplements when labels aren't regulated 35:00 — Urolithin A: gut-made, often missing, and why it matters 40:00 — Why food alone won't get you there (6 cups of pomegranate juice a day) 44:00 — The clinical trials: muscle endurance at 2 months, strength at 4 months 53:00 — Urolithin A + exercise: a likely additive effect 58:00 — How Dr. Gabrielle Lyon first put this on Emily's radar 01:01:00 — The skincare line: bringing MitoPure topically 01:03:00 — Mitochondrial DNA and the matrilineal inheritance 01:05:00 — Persephone, pomegranates, and the place where science meets spirit About Jennifer Scheinman Jennifer Scheinman is a registered dietitian and nutritionist with over 25 years of experience. She is a longevity and nutrition expert at Timeline, the company behind MitoPure — a clinically researched Urolithin A supplement backed by over $50 million in human studies. Her mission is making the science of longevity accessible, practical, and connected to how you actually feel. Follow Jennifer: @jenscheinmanrdLearn more: https://timelinenutrition.com This episode is sponsored by Timeline. Support your mitochondrial health and get 20% off Mitopure at http://timeline.com/ziva. ✨ The Portal is open. If this conversation stirred something in you — around energy, consciousness, and what becomes possible when your body is resourced — you may be ready for what's next. The Portal is Ziva's newest immersive experience, with a VIP weekend for those who want to go further. If you feel the pull, follow it.
The Rats try and live a normal "second life." The city changes. The detectives interview a witness. Rat City by Night is a six part Vampire: The Masquerade miniseries. Content warnings include: Kidnapping, muggings, organized crime, vampire genre typical violence, death, mentions of blood, suicidal ideation, teenaged NPCs in violent situations, religious references, and of course, rats. Please take care of yourself and enjoy the show. StarringJenna Daggers as Carmella La CervaSupriya "Zoup" Agrawal as AnandGina Susanna as PidgeFrederic Powers as Barry SundersonFeaturing Kendrick Smith as Bellamy RexAbby Yazzie as Peachie La RouxGrant Nordine as StorytellerRosalie Mullican as DramaturgThis week we are happy to hype our friends at RPG: Major! The musical murder mystery actual play! Come for the bangin' songs, stay for the thrilling adventures.We are also supporting Bloom&Blight and their exciting new season Persephone! Come for the racing action, stay for the emotional devastation!
The Mamas are bringing the mayhem with ghosts, goddesses and general goofiness in newish Middle Grade and YA books. The Mamas may be in their crone era but they can still vibe with the best. Book Chat:X Marks the Haunt by Lindsay Currie. (ages 8-12)Persephone's Curse by Katrina Leno (ages 13 & up)www.twolitmamas.com
Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL — the clean, zero-sugar, zero-crash energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Whether it's a late-night pay-per-view, a marathon gaming session, or just getting through your day, G FUEL has you covered. Right now, you can save 20% instantly with code TAVERN at checkout at GFUEL.com. Fuel up, save big, and always… keep it Tavern. Turnbuckle Tavern is also proudly powered by the one-of-a-kind Official Dick Lazer — a wild, over-the-top gag gift that's guaranteed to get a reaction. With the flip of a switch, it projects five laser images, plus a red-dot laser, flashlight, and blacklight all packed into a sleek USB-C rechargeable pen weighing just 1.4 ounces. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20% off your order today. Light up the room, get some laughs, and always… keep it Tavern. Episode 186 covers one of the busiest weeks wrestling has seen all year as the fallout from John Cena's major WWE announcement, growing TKO criticism, AEW's loaded Owen Hart Cup, and major roster uncertainty across multiple companies all collide at once. We break down the increasingly divided reaction to the John Cena Classic, including criticism from Jeff Jarrett and Lance Storm over WWE replacing wins and losses with fan voting. We also discuss WWE's growing ad issues under TKO after O'Shea Jackson Jr. called the current presentation "almost unwatchable," plus the return of WWE house shows and why the company is suddenly prioritizing more affordable live events again. We also cover Andrew Yang supporting Kevin Nash's push for WWE wrestlers to consider SAG-AFTRA representation, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Asuka's WWE future, and the latest confusion regarding TKO's Arizona partnership after reports involving Survivor Series and Royal Rumble were corrected. Outside WWE, AEW officially revealed the 2026 Owen Hart Foundation Tournament brackets featuring Will Ospreay vs. Samoa Joe, Swerve Strickland vs. Bandido, and a stacked women's field led by Athena, Mina Shirakawa, Sareee, and Willow Nightingale. We also discuss Tony Khan addressing AEW's relationship with Jazwares, confidence in Nielsen ratings, injury concerns surrounding Sareee and Persephone, and the growing speculation that Mick Foley could potentially appear at Double or Nothing in Queens. Plus, we preview ROH Supercard of Honor, Raw, NXT, Dynamite, Collision, SmackDown, TNA Impact, NWA Powerrr, and the full week ahead in wrestling. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed.
Make sure to check the rest of the description for all of our social media links, including our Patreon (patreon.com/DoNotRelent)! Slidewhistle, Immunization, and Aaron talk about one of their favorite games, the World of Warcraft, cracking wise about some new systems and tough battles they've fought. Then the conversation drifts to...other places... It's fun, we swear Please send all your love mail, hate mail, and presents for Persephone the Cat (it's her 7th birthday!) to @DoNotRelentPod (Twitter) or on gmail at DoNotRelentPod@gmail.com! We will respond to literally anything and read it on the pod. Find us at: Patreon: patreon.com/DoNotRelent Linktree: donotrelent.com (go here for our Discord) YouTube: @donotrelent on YouTube (the link is long and ugly) Instagram: www.instagram.com/donotrelent Twitter: twitter.com/DoNotRelentPod Livejournal: donotrelentpod.livejournal.com E-Mail: DoNotRelentPod@gmail.com Finally, if you feel so inclined, please rate us on iTunes and bonusroll.gg. We will take a shot on air in your honor! Every rating helps! :D
Out of danger for now, Persephone Protocol's priorities shift ahead of the Hades Cup. Check out Stewpot and the Dice, Dungeons, and Delicacies expansion from our Sponsors over at Evil Hat Productions! Use code STARTINGLINEUP for 10% off for a limited time at shop.bloomandblight.com Stick around after the episode for a word from our friends at MageHandHighFive! For Transcripts, our Tip Jar, and the official Discord Server: https://bloomandblight.com/ Theme Songs: "PRESS/LEAD" and "PRESS/LEAD (Jazz Lounge Vers.)" by Harper S.K. Songs featured courtesy Epidemic Sound: "Rescue Mission" by Lupus Nocte, "Echoes of Eternity" by Tellsonic, "Reversed Beginning" by Luwaks, "We All Die Young" by Hampus Naeselius, "surrender to Me" by Got Happy, "Over Again (Instrumental Version)" by Martin Hall, and "You're a Believer (Instrumental Version)" by Stonekeepers.
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with David Adam Burns, a transformational coach, artist, and founder of The Mysteries, about what may be missing from today's psychedelic conversation. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-355/?ref=278 David challenges the emphasis on insight in psychedelic work, suggesting that deeper transformation comes through presence, healing, and embodied evolution. He outlines a framework for healing through integration, purification, and emotional "thawing," and explains why presence may be the most important skill for navigating psychedelic experiences. They also explore myth and storytelling as tools for collective growth, including David's work with The Mysteries and Earthsong, a retelling of the Persephone myth, and discuss the role of community, leadership, and stewardship in shaping the future of psychedelics. David Adam Burns is a transformational coach, artist, and facilitator devoted to helping human beings remember who they are. Since 2015, he has guided leaders through deep personal transformation in his one-on-one practice and co-founded The Mysteries, an artists' collective dedicated to expressing the ineffable through myth and performance. Highlights: Why insight is often overvalued Healing as integration, purification, and thawing Presence as the core psychedelic skill Story and myth as collective technologies The role of community in transformation Why leadership determines long-term outcomes Episode Links: David Adam Burns Website The Mysteries / Earthsong David on LinkedIn Episode Sponsors: The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.
As adults, we think we’re too old for fairytales… but they hold such important lessons about strength, transformation and compassion. In this episode we listen to modern fairytales… a modern rendition of the ugly duckling, and a transformation in an enchanted forest. Water Off a Swan’s Back by Persephone Waxman In a modern retelling of an ugly duckling, Persephone reminds us that its all just water off a swans back. Written & Produced by Persephone Waxman Sound design and score by Julian Smith Gard The Voice Actors were Persephone Waxman as Swanathon; Gabrielle Angelone as Sweenie; Sofia Morreale as Diana; Thomas Von Rein as Duckworth; Marceline Di Bartolomeo as Dr Ribbit; Mark Spencer as Geese 1; Alex Clouston and Thomas Khulmann as Geese 2 and 3 This story was produced as part of audio fiction collective Script Roulette, who are based in Naarm and want you to make radio plays with them. Check out https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2026/festivals-and-series/play/script-roulette-podcast or their on their insta @scriptroulettepodcast Where The Water Knows Your Name by Luca Gambirasio/Sound Commons Project A wanderer takes a sip from a magical forest stream and wakes up in someone else’s feathers. Because we all need to be taken care of sometimes, because really, we are all just reflections of one another. That story was produced by the Sounds Common Project Find more of their work Writer, voice over, and composer Charity Rosario Producer and composer Luca Gambirasio This story was produced as part of All The Best’s 24 Hour Radio Race back in November 2025. Check out some previous episodes on the radio race https://allthebestradio.com/featured/617-beneath-the-surface/ , https://allthebestradio.com/featured/676-mirrored/ and the second story, Hook, Line & Sinker in https://allthebestradio.com/featured/622-sunburned/ All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Kwame Slusher is our Production Manager. Catarina Fraga Matos is our Community & Programming Manager The All The Best Executive Producer is Mel Bakewell. Imogen Brosnan is our Digital Media Trainee, Patrick McKenzie writes our newsletter, and a special shout-out to all our amazing volunteers Shining Bird composed our theme music, and Annie Hamilton designed the artwork. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this Flower Full Moon episode, Amy Anthony (NYC aromatherapist) explores how instinct rises in May — not as chaos, but as young yang emerging. Through a mythic ecological lens, she turns to Artemis and Pan to understand this seasonal polarity shift: mature yin creating the boundary that protects new vitality.Amy begins with a reading of Carol Tufts' “Hades and Persephone,” then traces how winter's containment gives way to spring's full-on blossoming of play, appetite, and instinct. She explores Jung's instinctual map, the ecology of protection, and shares a new myth she wrote for this season — a tale of Artemis and Pan that reveals what happens when instinct ignores the boundary that holds it.The episode closes with Violet Leaf, the Artemis of plants: cool, shaded, and uninterested in anyone's nonsense. A plant ally for Flower Moon time, Violet moderates rising yang with cool clarity rather than control.This episode weaves aromatherapy, myth, seasonal ecology, and psyche into one seasonal teaching: young-yang vitality stays whole only when a clear, unsentimental boundary holds it — not coddling, not controlling, simply holding the field so instinct doesn't collapse into chaos.Read the companion article — with two poems for Artemis and more information on Violet Leaf.Access: Amy's Free Online Library of classes and articles.
With too many hands in the pot, Persephone Protocol's racers get creative as they try to make it out alive. Check out the Fate Accessibility Toolkit from our Sponsors over at Evil Hat Productions! Use code STARTINGLINEUP for 10% off for a limited time at shop.bloomandblight.com Stick around after the episode for a word from our friends at MageHandHighFive! For Transcripts, our Tip Jar, and the official Discord Server: https://bloomandblight.com/ Theme Songs: "PRESS/LEAD" and "PRESS/LEAD (Jazz Lounge Vers.)" by Harper S.K. Songs featured courtesy Epidemic Sound: "Solarium" by Max Anson, "Mute" The Yard Woman, "The Wolf" by Heyson, "The Adder" by Heyson, and "You're a Believer (Instrumental Version)" by Stonekeepers.
This week on The Hamilton Review Podcast, we're pleased to welcome Dr. Stephanie Culler. Stephanie Culler, Ph.D., is the co-founder and CEO of Persephone Biosciences Inc., a biotechnology company reimagining patient health through the development of microbiome-based medicines. In this episode, Dr. Culler shares about all about the company, including how a first-of-its-kind combination of probiotics and prebiotics replenishes key Bifidobacterium linked to healthier digestion, improved sleep and immune development for your baby. Parents, don't miss this informative conversation. Stephanie Culler, Ph.D., is the co-founder and CEO of Persephone Biosciences Inc., a biotechnology company reimagining patient health through the development of microbiome-based medicines. Her microbiome interests span applications ranging from infant health to oncology and food as medicine. She has shared her work at TEDx San Diego, has been published in Science Magazine, and is a scientific pioneer in the field of synthetic biology. Stephanie holds a Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology and has authored over twenty publications and patents on synthetic biology and microbial-based technologies. How to contact Stephanie Culler: Persephone Biosciences, Inc. Persephone on Instagram Persephone on LinkedIn Persephone on TikTok How to contact Dr. Bob: Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/ Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656 Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/ Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/ Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/
What does the story of Demeter really tell us about loss, power, and the human experience? In this episode, renowned translator and classicist Diane Rayor unpacks the Homeric Hymn to Demeter: one of the most powerful and enduring myths from ancient Greece. Far more than just a story about gods, this hymn explores grief, motherhood, identity, and the fragile balance between life and death. Diane Rayor brings her deep expertise and fresh translation work to the conversation, revealing layers of meaning that are often missed in traditional readings. Together, we explore how this ancient text speaks to universal human emotions, and why it still resonates thousands of years later. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN The core story of the Homeric Hymn to Demeter and its significance How Demeter's grief shapes the natural world and human experience The role of Persephone and what her story represents Why this hymn was central to ancient Greek religion and ritual How translation choices affect our understanding of ancient texts What this myth can (and can't) tell us about life today TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction & Diane Rayor 01:30 What is the Homeric Hymn to Demeter? 04:10 The story of Demeter and Persephone 08:45 Themes of grief, loss, and motherhood 12:20 The Eleusinian Mysteries and religious context 16:00 Translation choices and interpretation 20:10 Why this myth still matters today If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about ancient texts and their meaning, subscribe for more episodes with leading scholars and translators. What does this myth mean to you? LINKS
In this episode, Nikki sits down with Dr. Erin Nitschke and Jessica H. Mauer, co-hosts of the Fit and Flustered podcast, for a raw, real, and hilarious conversation about what it actually feels like to be a woman navigating midlife.Time Stamp:[0:00] Intro & meet your guests[5:50] Navigating midlife in the fitness industry[6:20] Midlife clarity: values & what you'll no longer tolerate[7:30] Rediscovering joy in movement, food & everyday life[9:00] The "Fuck It List" vs. the bucket list[10:30] Perimenopause & the gift of not giving a f*ck[11:45] Whimsy, rage & the Persephone meme[12:00] Self-care vs. self-preservation — a spa day is CPR, not care[13:15] Showering is NOT self-care. That's hygiene.[14:30] Notification overload & protecting your energy[16:00] Why "balance" is a myth — the tide analogy[17:50] Setting boundaries without guilt — two ways to say no[20:15] What Gen Z already figured out about boundaries[21:20] Where to find Erin & JessJessica H. Maurer and Dr. Erin M. Nitschke Podcast: Fit and Flustered — subscribe wherever you listen!Bios:Dr. Erin M. Nitschke is a nationally recognized leader in health coaching, exercise science, and fitness education, with more than 23 years of experience spanning higher education, industry leadership, and direct client care. Erin Nitschke, NFPT-CPT, NSCA-CPT, ACE Health Coach, ACE-CPT, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Therapeutic Exercise Specialist, Pn1, FNMS, and DSWI Master Health Coach, is a seasoned college professor in health and human performance dedicated to advancing evidence-based practice and professional education. As Dean of Workforce and Curriculum at Lionel University, she leads the development and implementation of certificate through graduate-level programs, shaping the next generation of health and exercise professionals. She holds a Doctor of Education in Adult and Post-Secondary Education, along with graduate and undergraduate degrees in kinesiology and exercise science from the University of Wyoming. To connect with Dr. Nitschke, email her at erinmd03@gmail.com or connect on Instagram @nitschkeerin.Blog: http://www.belivestaywell.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belivestaywell/Twitter: @belivestaywell1 or @erinmd03Jessica H. Maurer is a recognized wellness business consultant, strategist, and keynote speaker dedicated to helping professionals overcome burnout and cultivate mental wellness. Through international presentations, workshops, and consultations, she empowers individuals and organizations to move from overwhelm to clarity, resilience, and sustainable success. With a dynamic stage presence, Jessica delivers actionable insights, fresh ideas, and inspiring strategies that drive personal and professional transformation. Her expertise in wellness, leadership, and career growth positions her as a sought-after voice for fostering balance, emotional health, and lasting impact in high-pressure industries. Jessica has over 20 years of experience delivering long-form workshops and keynote presentations, emceeing events, and consulting with clients across industries and audiences of all sizes. She has presented on international stages for leading conferences and organizations, authored widely published content, and continues to shape the way fitness and wellness professionals approach both physical and mental well-being. Jessica is the IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year 2026, and now serves as Director of Education for the Mental Wellbeing Association, where she develops innovative programs and content that blend science-based strategies with a holistic, uplifting approach to wellness.Jessica H. Mauer
Kelle Sparta hosts a sacred business calibration with Heather Carroll, a somatic breath, movement, and tapping practitioner and creator of the Emerald Soul method, who is facing a revenue drop and a looming pivot. Heather shares a long-held but hard-to-discuss calling to channel divine feminine energies connected to figures like Mary Magdalene, Persephone, Isis, and Celtic lineage guides. Kelle advises making channeling the primary brand—positioned as a Divine Feminine Channel—with optimized YouTube and a podcast, and all other offers as offshoots. This sacred business calibration reveals how to pivot fast, attract aligned clients, and rebuild income as a spiritual entrepreneur—without abandoning your gifts.00:00 Welcome and Setup00:21 Meet Heather and Emerald Soul01:25 Why a Pivot Now03:17 The Hidden Calling06:13 Lead With Divine Feminine07:48 YouTube and Podcast Strategy08:53 Brand Umbrella and Offers12:21 Audience and Spiritual Depth14:24 Slow Down and Trust15:22 Traffic and Conversion Basics18:02 Offer Ladder and Scheduling21:41 Wrap Up and Where to Find HerKeywords:spiritual entrepreneurspiritual coachingdivine femininebusiness pivotspiritual business growthspiritual business coachenergy healing businesschanneling divine femininespiritual awakening businessbuild a spiritual businessspiritual entrepreneur strategyhealing business marketingonline spiritual businesssoul purpose businessintuitive business growthspiritual leadershipdivine feminine embodimentspiritual business tipsget clients spiritual businessspiritual business incomeTo learn more about Sacred Profits, Join Here: https://learn.kellesparta.com/sacredprofitsJoin the community on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KelleSpartaIf you would like to learn more please book a Discovery Call here: https://kellesparta.com/discovery-call/Licensing and Credits:“Spirit Sherpa” is the sole property of Kelle Sparta Enterprises and is distributed under a Creative Commons: BY-NC-ND 4.0 license. For more information about this licensing, please go to www.creativecommons.org. Any requests for deviations to this licensing should be sent to kelle@kellesparta.com. To sign up for, or get more information on the programs, offerings, and services referenced in this episode, please go to www.kellesparta.com
Join SP3, Miss Krssi Luv & Tru Draw Josh for an all-new edition of our flagship podcast Tru Heel Heat 377 discussing the latest wrestling news including: TIME STAMPS: 0:00 SP3 reenacts Cody Rhodes & CM Punk love fest on SmackDown 1:49 Intro 5:27 SP3, Miss Krssi Luv & Tru Draw Josh welcome you to the show 15:44 Oba Femi beating Brock Lesnar? / AEW & Indies taking over WrestleMania week? / some highlight matches of Mania week / love for Brodie Lee Jr. / WWE Hall of Fame talk / Roll Call 31:21 AEW Collision (4/11/26) recap 32:35 AEW Dynasty recap ft. MJF surviving Kenny Omega to retain 37:25 More Dynasty talk / Harlem run-ins to take over / more women's wrestling please 54:03 AEW Dynamite: Spring BreakThru recap ft. Darby Allin becoming new AEW World Champ 1:05:16 Another Harlem run-in / more Darby title win talk 1:06:35 Did AEW make the right decision with how Darby Allin became AEW World Champion? 1:17:34 Headlock takeover lore w/MJF vs Darby feud 1:19:03 AEW World Title best booked title in wrestling & best story right now? 1:23:30 AEW Collision: Spring BreakThru ft. Thekla retaining AEW Women's World Title 1:25:25 MJF's schedule & reaction after losing AEW World Title / analysis on MJF's character 1:37:38 AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door on same day as TNA Slammiversary? 1:48:14 More AEW news - AEW Redemption coming soon, Swerve Strickland update, AEW Dynasty PPV numbers 1:58:50 ROH TV recap ft. Supercard of Honor matches announced / MyAEW recommendation 2:02:10 GCW The Collective - Wrestlecon Supershow, Josh Barnett's Bloodsport XV & Joey Janela's Spring Break 10 recaps 2:13:42 NJPW Death Vegas Invitational & STARDOM American Dream recaps 2:16:34 Gabe Kidd injury causes changes to NJPW Wrestling Dontaku / Bayley to AEW or no? 2:25:00 CMLL Martes Populares, Slam Fest show & Viernes Espectacular recaps 2:27:38 Persephone getting WWE interest? 2:30:14 TIK TOK TIME - Who Had The Better WrestleMania Career? 2:43:51 ESPN's Andres Hales blocked from WrestleMania 42 media credentials? 2:45:25 WWE SmackDown recap ft. final go-home show before WrestleMania 3:01:15 Has WWE hit rock bottom creatively yet? 3:02:55 WWE Raw on Netflix recap ft. Roman Reigns & CM Punk final messages before Mania 3:13:30 Has Roman Reigns been exposed without Paul Heyman? 3:16:25 Is Roman leaving WWE after WrestleMania? / Is this the worst build to Mania of the decade? 3:24:28 Paige returning to WWE? 3:28:13 Did Triple H bury his own roster? 3:35:59 More WWE news - The Rock status for Mania, Mania ticket & results update, Austin return, IYO SKY vs Asuka scrapped, Paul Heyman not in main event 3:46:44 WWE NXT Revenge, Evolve, AAA on FOX, TNA Rebellion & IMPACT recaps 3:53:35 Best, Worst, Moments & Matches of the Week 3:59:43 WrestleMania 42 final predictions 4:06:21 Outro #WWE #WrestleMania #AEW #DarbyAllin #MJF #AEWDynasty #TNARebellion #KennyOmega #TripleH #CMPunk #RomanReigns Welcome to the Tru Heel Heat Wrestling YouTube channel where we cover the sport of professional wrestling including all WWE TV shows (Raw, Smackdown, & NXT), AEW Dynamite/Dark, IMPACT Wrestling, NJPW, ROH, Dark Side of the Ring and more. Our weekly podcast hosted by SP3, Top Guy JJ & Miss Krssi Luv breaking down the weekly wrestling news and present unfiltered, honest thoughts and opinions for wrestling fans by wrestling fans, drops every Saturday. We also include PPV reviews, countdowns, and exclusive interviews with wrestlers from all promotions hosted by a wide range of personalities such as Romeo, Chris G, Ness, StatKing, Drunk Guy JJ, J-News and more. Subscribe and enable ALL notifications to stay posted for the latest wrestling WWE news, highlights, commentary, updates and more.Become a member of Tru Heels Facebook community: www.facebook.com/groups/1336177103130224/Subscribe to Tru Heel Heat on YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC0AmFQmsRyQYPKyRm5hDwNgFollow Tru Heels on Twitter: twitter.com/truheelheat
Taxidermied dogs. A CIA agent's hat. A perfume that made strangers on elevators lose their composure. This is what happens when you pull names from a vase at a brewery and say: show us something you love, and tell us why. Our fourth live Show and Tell at Little Red Barn Brewers in Winsted, Connecticut delivered exactly what this format always delivers: stories that are intimate, hilarious, and impossible to predict. Even for us. Suggested episodes: Audacious Live! Show & Tell in Stamford Audacious Live! Show & Tell birthday bash in Hartford Audacious Live! Show & Tell in Willimantic: From rare computers to hand grenades GUESTS: Jon Barbagallo: Director of Sales at Little Red Barn Brewers, who brought a styrofoam curling rock that was used as a movie prop Jill Bowen: New Haven resident, who brought Doggie, her stuffed animal Lauren Pierson-Gallagher: New Milford resident, who brought a bottle of Shalimar perfume, her late mother’s signature scent Gerri Griswold: Director of Administration & Development at the White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield, who brought a taxidermied dog in a display case Nils Johnson: Co-founder & President of Little Red Barn Brewers, who brought an 1861 one-dollar note issued by The Winsted Bank Theresa Taylor: Canton resident, who brought her late father’s British bowler hat Nora Pasco: New Britain resident, who brought her Persephone rosary beads Caroline Christensen: Winsted resident, who brought a conch shell Alex Harper: Winsted resident, who brought her service dog’s harness Terry Wolfisch Cole: Simsbury resident, who brought a tin of 100-year-old Ramses condoms from her late uncle’s collection of antique pharmaceutical containers Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rachel Tzvia Back joins Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about living with depression, losing a sister, when a mother is emotionally and psychologically absent, how myths can be cloaks, listening to our language and what it offers, thinking in image, when stories don't match, giving our children the space to tell their version of stories about us, incorporating four recurring elements in a hybrid memoir, the architecture of our books, representing children in our work but not speaking for them, creating a womb for our writing process, leaning into poetry, approaching material methodically, how trauma is handed down generation by generation, the vast divides between us, and her new memoir The Dark-Robed Mother. Also in this episode: -writing residencies -the Persephone and Demeter myth -not torturing yourself in the writing process Books mentioned in this episode: -The Dead Mother: The Work of Andre Green edited by Gregoria Kohon -Darkness Visible by William Styron -The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression by Andrew Solomon -Metamorphoses Narrative poem by Ovid -Letter collections/poetry collections by Emily Dickinson Rachel Tzvia Back is a poet, translator, professor of literature, and the author of twelve books. Her poetry and translations have received numerous honors, including winner of the TLS–Risa Domb/ Porjes Prize, shortlisted for the National Translation Award in Poetry (ALTA), and finalist for the PEN Translation Award and National Jewish Book Award in Poetry. Her memoir, The Dark-Robed Mother, is being published by Wesleyan University Press. Purchase book: racheltzviaback.com https://www.weslpress.org/author/rachel-tzvia-back/ – Ronit's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Rumpus, The New York Times, Poets & Writers, The Iowa Review, Hippocampus, The Washington Post, Writer's Digest, American Literary Review, and elsewhere. Her memoir WHEN SHE COMES BACK about the loss of her mother to the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and their eventual reconciliation was named Finalist in the 2021 Housatonic Awards Awards, the 2021 Indie Excellence Awards, and was a 2021 Book Riot Best True Crime Book. Her short story collection HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE won Hidden River Arts' 2020 Eludia Award and the 2023 Page Turner Awards for Short Stories. She earned an MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Pacific University, is Creative Nonfiction Editor at The Citron Review, and teaches memoir through the University of Washington's Online Continuum Program and also independently. She launched Let's Talk Memoir in 2022, lives in Seattle with her family of people and dogs, and is at work on her next book. More about Ronit: https://ronitplank.com Subscribe to Ronit's Substack: https://substack.com/@ronitplank Follow Ronit: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ https://www.facebook.com/RonitPlank https://bsky.app/profile/ronitplank.bsky.social
An explosive situation sends Team Persephone scrambling. Check out the Rocket Club playtest a from our Sponsors over at Evil Hat Productions! For Transcripts, our Tip Jar, and the official Discord Server: https://bloomandblight.com/ Be sure to stick around after our credits for a word from friends of the show, Game Master Monday! Theme Songs: "PRESS/LEAD" and "PRESS/LEAD (Jazz Lounge Vers.)" by Harper S.K. Songs featured courtesy Epidemic Sound: "End Game Throwdown" by Max Anson, "What Love Do (Instrumental)" by DAJANA, "Yessir" by Bonkers Beat Club, "Zero Hour" by Hampus Naeselius, "Metal Under Tension" by Hampus Naeselius, "Cosmo's Cosmos" by Ben Elson, and "Solarium" by Max Anson.
A while back, I received a message that stopped me in my tracks and perfectly captured why learning how to make confident homeschool decisions can feel so surprisingly hard — even when you already know what you need to do. “I would love to hear you say, ‘Persephone, you don’t need permission to allow some of your children to attend public school. You don’t have to let old hurts and fears deprive them and yourself of peace. This time is what you need to regroup. You can work on your mental health. It’s okay, at least for now, to consider other ways of getting their education.’ I need permission. Would you please give me permission—even though I don’t need that from you—I feel like I need to hear it from you.” Prefer to listen? I recorded a full episode on this — press play below. The Message That Stopped Me I sat with those words for a long time. Not because I was deciding what to tell her. Persephone already knew what she needed to do—she’d practically written my response for me. No, I sat with it because of that remarkable phrase tucked in the middle: “even though I don’t need that from you.” She already knew what she needed to do — she’d had the authority, wisdom, and right to choose what was best for her family all along. And yet she was still asking. She Already Knew But knowing it and feeling it are two very different things. I hear versions of this all the time from the moms I work with. One mom put it simply and beautifully: “When I trust my intuition, I feel more connected to my children and more confident in my choices.” That’s not a small thing — it’s the whole thing. And it’s what becomes available when you stop outsourcing your authority and start leading yourself. The Permission Problem: Why Self-Leadership Is the Key to How to Make Confident Homeschool Decisions If you’ve homeschooled for any length of time, you’ve probably been where Persephone is. Maybe not asking yourself about public school—maybe it was about switching curriculum mid-year, or dropping a subject that wasn’t working, or saying no to a co-op everyone else was joining, or admitting you need help, or choosing to take a break when you’re burned out. The details change, but the pattern is the same: You know what you need to do. You can articulate it clearly. And you might even be able to explain all the reasons why it’s the right choice. But you still find yourself second-guessing your homeschool decisions, waiting—for permission, for validation, for someone else to tell you it’s okay. You might be seeking permission from: Your partner Your mother or mother-in-law That homeschool friend who seems to have it all together Curriculum guides or scope & sequence Online groups where everyone else seems certain Experts, authors, podcasters, or coaches And here’s what makes this so exhausting: we’re often seeking permission for decisions that only we have the context, the knowledge, and the authority to make. This pattern—this constant second-guessing and seeking external validation—is why so many homeschool moms struggle to make confident decisions. We experience decision fatigue from the hundreds of daily choices we face. We have all the information we need. Or we know our children better than anyone else does. But we still can’t pull the trigger on decisions without someone else telling us it’s okay. The problem isn't lack of information. It's lack of trust—trusting yourself to make the right homeschool choices for your family. The problem is that we don’t trust ourselves to make the right homeschool choices. Seeking permission vs. trusting yourself What Becomes Possible When You Trust Yourself… Why Confident Homeschool Decision-Making Feels So Hard What Persephone is bumping up against—what many of us are bumping up against—is not a lack of information. It’s not even a lack of confidence, exactly. It’s a lack of self-leadership. Self-leadership is the practice of intentionally directing your own thinking, feelings, and actions toward your goals. It’s taking responsibility for the direction of your life rather than waiting for external circumstances or other people to do it for you. What is Self-Leadership for Homeschool Moms? Leadership researcher Charles Manz, who pioneered this concept in the 1980s, put it simply: “Self-leadership is about influencing ourselves, creating the self-motivation and self-direction we need to accomplish what we want to accomplish.” Edith Eger echoes this truth from a far deeper crucible when she writes, “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.” A Holocaust survivor and psychologist, Eger reminds us in her book, The Choice, that even when circumstances strip us of control, our inner freedom remains intact. Self-leadership begins not with changing our situation, but with recognizing that our choices—especially in the hardest moments—are where our true power lives. More recently, Brené Brown has brought the courage piece into focus, reminding us that “you can’t get to courage without rumbling with vulnerability.” Brown, author of Dare to Lead, insists that we cannot lead others—including our children—to places we haven’t been ourselves, particularly when it comes to authenticity and self-acceptance. But here’s what makes self-leadership so important for making confident homeschool decisions: You are making dozens of significant choices every single day that no one else can make for you. No expert has your exact children, your specific circumstances, your family’s unique combination of charms and challenges. The curriculum that works beautifully for your friend’s daughter might be completely wrong for yours. The routine that keeps one mom sane might make you feel trapped. You cannot outsource these decisions. You can gather information, seek advice, learn from others’ experiences—but ultimately, you have to lead yourself through the decision and into action. Why Homeschool Moms Struggle to Trust Their Own Decisions Most of us weren’t taught self-leadership. We were taught to follow the path: do well in school, get into college, find a good job, follow the societal rules. External validation is baked into the system—grades, promotions, approval from authority figures. Many of us became very good at meeting others’ expectations and very uncertain about setting our own. Then we chose homeschooling, which is the opposite of following the path. It’s pioneering. It requires us to set our own standards, create our own structures, and trust our own judgment as a homeschool mom. No wonder we feel off-balance and struggle with homeschool mom self-doubt. Add to that the emotional intensity of teaching your own kids—the fear of failing them, the weight of responsibility, the isolation, the criticism from others who don’t understand your choice. It’s so much easier to look for someone else to tell us we’re doing it right. Every time we seek external permission, we: Reinforce the belief that someone else knows better than we do Teach ourselves not to trust our own discernment Give away our authority over our lives and our ability to make confident homeschool choices And our children are watching. What Self-Leadership Looks Like for Homeschool Moms Self-leadership doesn’t mean you never ask for help or input. It doesn’t mean you make decisions in isolation or that you refuse to be influenced by others. Self-leadership means you: Recognize yourself as the decision-maker. Gather information, listen to advice, consider your values, and then decide. Notice when you're seeking permission vs. information. Pause and ask, “Who actually has the authority?” Usually, it's you. Practice self-awareness. Recognize your emotions, understand triggers, know when fear is driving you. Extend yourself grace. Treat yourself as you would a friend—allowing permission to take breaks, adjust plans, or regroup. Persephone’s message showed remarkable self-awareness: she could see that “old hurts and fears” were driving her hesitation. That’s self-leadership starting to emerge. It means you extend yourself the same grace you’d extend to a friend. If Persephone had come to you with her situation, you’d tell her it’s absolutely okay to consider public school for some of her children while she regroups. You’d tell her that protecting her mental health isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Self-leadership means giving yourself that same permission. As Brené Brown reminds us, “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” Self-leadership is the practice of showing up for ourselves first—being seen by ourselves, accepting ourselves, and then leading from that place of wholeness rather than from our wounds or fear. How to Start Making Confident Homeschool Decisions If you’re reading this and recognizing yourself in Persephone’s message—if you’ve been waiting for permission you don’t actually need—I want you to know something: You’re standing at the edge of growth. That discomfort you’re feeling? That’s the gap between knowing you have authority and actually stepping into it. The gap is called self-leadership. You don’t need me or anyone else to tell you what’s right for your family. What you need is to learn to trust what you already know. You need to practice leading yourself with the same compassion, wisdom, and strength you’re trying to model for your children. The most important thing you’ll teach your kids isn’t in any curriculum. It’s how to direct their own lives. You’re teaching them to live their lives on purpose. They learn that by watching you do it. That’s what it actually looks like to make confident homeschool decisions — not from certainty or permission or someone else’s approval, but from a deepening trust in yourself. Here’s what I want you to sit with after reading this: Your intuition already knows what you need for the next step. What is it speaking to you? Not what the Facebook group thinks. Not what the curriculum guide says. And not what your mother-in-law would prefer. What is your own inner knowing — the quiet, persistent voice underneath all the noise — actually saying? This episode is part of our 2025 series, The 1% Pivot — because small shifts in how you lead yourself create the biggest changes in your homeschool. Where to Begin: Your First Step Toward Confident Homeschool Decisions Reflect on these questions today: What decision am I waiting for permission to make? Who do I believe has more authority over my life than I do—and why? What would I do if I trusted myself the way I want my children to trust themselves? You don’t need anyone’s permission to begin leading yourself. You already have everything you need to make confident homeschool decisions. When you learn how to make confident homeschool decisions, you stop outsourcing your authority—and start modeling self-trust for your children. That’s the work. And it’s worth doing — not just for your homeschool, not just for your peace of mind, but for what you model for your children every single ordinary day. Tend to yourself. Trust yourself. Lead your homeschool life from the inside out. If something in this post is sitting with you — a decision you’ve been circling, a knowing you’ve been ignoring — I’d love to talk. Book a free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session and let’s look together at what’s keeping you from stepping into your own authority. The link is below. Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session I help homeschool moms trust themselves, edit expectations, and make intentional choices that create a more confident, connected, and present homeschool life. Book your Reset Session with Teresa (function(m,a,i,l,e,r){ m['MailerLiteObject']=e;function f(){ var c={ a:arguments,q:[]};var r=this.push(c);return "number"!=typeof r?r:f.bind(c.q);} f.q=f.q||[];m[e]=m[e]||f.bind(f.q);m[e].q=m[e].q||f.q;r=a.createElement(i); var _=a.getElementsByTagName(i)[0];r.async=1;r.src=l+'?v'+(~~(new Date().getTime()/1000000)); _.parentNode.insertBefore(r,_);})(window, document, 'script', 'https://static.mailerlite.com/js/universal.js', 'ml'); var ml_account = ml('accounts', '1815912', 'p9n9c0c7s5', 'load'); Connect & Share If this episode resonated, hit subscribe so you don't miss what's coming next. And if you know another homeschool mom who's craving peace, confidence, or just a moment to breathe — share this with her. It might be exactly what she needs today. Until next time — take care of yourself, nurture the nurturer, and lead your homeschool life from the inside out.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Romantasy before it was cool? In this episode, I sit down with Elly Blake to talk about her journey writing fantasy romance—and how the genre has completely transformed over the years.We chat about the evolution from YA fantasy to adult romantasy, what readers really want (hint: it's the romance), and how Elly built her newest Thirstwood series from fairy tales, folklore, and a haunting “bloodthirsty forest” idea. If you love enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance, and magical worlds with high emotional stakes, this episode is for you.
The downtime between races continues, forcing the team to consider their bonds off the track. Atlas tunes up KillerByt3, and remembers their legacy. Carmen snoops around the garage, and Eloise opens up about magic and its risks. Cedar finds himself in a high-stakes family reunion. Check out Girl by Moonlight from our Sponsors, Evil Hat Productions! For Transcripts, our Tip Jar, and the official Discord Server: https://bloomandblight.com/ Be sure to stick around after our credits for a word from friends of the show, QueeRPG! Theme Songs: "PRESS/LEAD" and "PRESS/LEAD (Jazz Lounge Vers.)" by Harper S.K. Songs featured courtesy Epidemic Sound: "Shibuya Bullet Train" by baegel, "LEGACY" by Maine, "1978" by Tellsonic, "Feeling New" by Max Anson, "A Nebula Inside" by ELFL, "Not Safe Anymore" by Phillip Ayers, "End Game Throwdown" by Max Anson, and "You're a Believer (Instrumental Version)" by Stonekeepers.
This is the second of a series of posts about the literary alchemy of J. K. Rowling, a discussion jumpstarted by a post by ‘Iris' at a Strike fan website, an article that championed a Jungian perspective on this subject. The first post in this series, Literary Alchemy – A Primer for Those Interested in J. K. Rowling's Artistry, both explained what the ‘Iris' post asserted and reviewed much of the critical literature that the brevity of the S&E Files article prevented her from discussing. See that post for links to this material. The conversation between Nick Jeffery and John Granger above was recorded in the same spirit as the first post was written, namely, simultaneously a welcome to Strike fans and Rowling readers who have learned about literary alchemy only recently and an introduction to the work of the last twenty five years on this subject. Upcoming posts in the series will include a counter-point discussion in the debate Rowling is fostering about whether a psychological or spiritual perspective is better for understanding art and life and a review of the alchemical signatures that crowd Rowling-Galbraith's Hallmarked Man.This post is largely links to sources for points Nick and John discuss in their naturally enthusiastic and contrarian conversation, question by question. Enjoy!1. Welcome to the Conversation! (Nick) I just sent out an article about literary alchemy, John, in response to an article written by ‘Iris' and posted on the Strike-Ellacott Files website, a piece titled ‘What is Literary Alchemy? Spotting symbols that map Strike and Robin's growth.' What advice or guidance would you give to, say, Cormoran Strike readers who are brand new to the subject? * There are three types of alchemy and it is important to understand the common ground they share and the differences between them;* The first type is alchemy proper, which is to say ‘metallurgical alchemy,' the sacred science of purifying metals and the adept's soul via the creation of a Philosopher's Stone that will transform lead to gold and exude an elixir of life, the drinking of which will bestow immortality;* The second and third types of alchemy derive from interpretations of metallurgical alchemy's aims and the symbolic texts detailing the work in the hermetic laboratory;* Literary alchemy is the use of metallurgical alchemy's language, colors, sequences, and symbols in plays, poetry, and story to foster an edifying and transformative experience in the artist's theater or reading audience;* Psychological alchemy is Carl Jung's use of metallurgical alchemy's texts during and after WWII to illustrate his ideas of the integration of the conscious and unconscious aspects of the human mind;* Metallurgical alchemy was practiced in China, the Levant, India, and Europe within the revealed religious traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity until its degeneration in the late Medieval period and eventual evolution into the strictly materialist chemistry we know today;* Literary alchemy has been a continuous stream in literature from Dante, Chaucer, Shakespeare, and the Metaphysical poets through to Dickens, Yeats, the Inklings, Joyce, Nabokov, and J. K. Rowling;* The academic study of “alchemy in literature” was the province of Baconian and allegorical readings of Shakespeare (cf., Beryl Pogson, Peter Dawkins, Martin Lings) until the late 20th Century and the advent of academic specialists in ‘Hermetic Studies,' e.g., Stanton Linden, Lyndy Abraham, and Charles Nicholl (cf., Cauda Pavonis: A Journal of Hermetic Studies, 1982-2000).* Jung and his followers used their psychological interpretations of metallurgical alchemy as allegories of the soul to interpret mythology (cf., Erich Neumann, Marie-Louise Von Franz, Robert Johnson);* Jungian analysis of story using Jung's ideas of subconscious archetypes within a collective unconscious was popularized by Joseph Campbell in his guides to Joyce's Ulysses and his more well known works on mythology (e.g., The Hero With a Thousand Faces);* ‘Isis' in her S&E Files article, ‘What is Literary Alchemy?,' suggests that Rowling-Galbraith is writing an allegory of soul transformation in the Cormoran Strike series using metallurgical alchemy's symbols and sequences as understood by Carl Jung and his disciples rather than as used by English writers since the 13th Century;* It's a challenging theory, the depth of which is hard to grasp without an appreciation of the types of alchemy, what they have in common, and their differences in approach and subject matter.2. The Lake: (John) What I found most fascinating in your post, Nick, was your best guesses about where Rowling would have learned about literary alchemy. She claimed in 1998 that she'd read a lot of alchemical texts from which she set the “magical parameters” of the Hogwarts Saga; if you had only three chances to name one of those books, what would you choose? * Charles Nicholl's The Chemical Theatre;* Titus Burckhardt's Alchemy: Science of the Cosmos, Science of the Soul (or Mirror of the Intellect: Essays on Traditional Acience and Sacred Art);* Lyndy Abraham Summerhaze's Marvell and Alchemy or her Dictionary of Alchemical Imagery;* Martin Lings' The Secret of Shakespeare3. Carl Jung, Alchemy: (Nick) I see you're chafing at the bit, John, with book titles I haven't mentioned so let me name-drop the author not on my list because, as you pointed out, he wasn't really a literary alchemist so much as a psychologist who discussed alchemy as a means of illustrating his own ideas about the ‘Great Work.' You've written, though, that literary alchemy as with metallurgical alchemy is a subset of soul-allegories or Psychomachia. Don't Jung's ideas jibe with that? * Yes and no!* Jung's ideas of the soul and archetypes (or archetypal forms) are based on late 19th Century Volkischer German ideas, which is to say, modern and materialist (some say ‘vitalist') premises. His hostility to Christianity and Judaism was grounded in his acceptance of Darwinian evolution and derived philosophically from Nietzsche (see Richard Noll's The Jung Cult and The Aryan Christ).* He conflates the spiritual with the psychological, consequently, and embraces integrated individual psychological health as the telos of human existence, none of which is consistent with traditional metallurgical or literary alchemy (see Titus Burckhardt's Mirror of the Intellect, Philip Sherrard's ‘An Introduction to the Religious Thought of C. G. Jung,' and Harry Oldmeadow's ‘C.G. Jung & Mircea Eliade: ‘Priests without Surplices'? Reflections on the Place of Myth, Religion and Science in Their Work.'* Psychological alchemy, insomuch as it is ‘Jungian,' is well removed from the other two types of alchemy. Which is not to say that Rowling is not a Jungian and hence a Jungian psychological alchemist.4. Back into the Lake: (John) You covered in your article, though, Nick, the several reasons to think it possible, even probable that the evidence from Rowling's life suggests she is using Jungian ideas in her literary alchemy. Iris over at S&E Files obviously thinks that is the case. What are the for and against ideas with respect to Rowling being a Jungian? There's Plenty of Evidence That Rowling IS a Jungian Writer:John Granger's discussion in Troubled Blood: A Jungian Reading* Robin's name-dropping Jung in conversation about astrology;* The Jungian notes sounded throughout Strike 5: Archetypes, Synchronicity, Persona;* The connection between Jung's illustrated ‘New Book' and Talbot's ‘True Book;' and* Pointers to Cupid-Psyche myth as understood by Jungians (see below)The Advent of Prudence Dunleavy, Jungian Psychologist, in Ink Black Heart* Hard to imagine a more sympathetic portrait of a Jungian than half-sister Prudence!* She clearly was the genius behind the Rokeby reconciliation in Hallmarked ManThe Cupid and Psyche myth underpinning the Strike series* A Mythological Key to Cormoran Strike? The Myth of Eros, Psyche, and Venus (note the discussion here of the Jungian understanding of this specific myth)* Ink Black Heart: Strike as Zeus to Robin's Leda and as Cupid to Mads' Psyche* ‘Rowling Points to Myth of Cupid and Psyche in order to Console Strike Fans Disappointed with Hallmarked Man‘* The Hallmarked Man‘s Mythological Template (Nick Jeffery, John Granger)Anything Else? Oh, yeah —* Rowling studied mythology in her ‘Classical Studies' program at UExeter and almost certainly encountered Jungian interpretation of myths there (e.g. the work of Neumann, Johnson, Campbell).* Rowling told Val McDermid if she had not become a successful writer she would have sought training and certification as a psychologist. * Her work reflects a broad reading in psychology (cf., Louise Freeman Davis' ‘J. K. Rowling and the Phantoms in the Brain,' ‘Cormoran Strike and the Itch that Cannot Be Scratched') and it is likely that she has read her fair share of Jung and Jungian authors during her studies.* Rowling benefited from psychological therapy and exercises herself when suffering from depression, the experience of and recovery from which she depicted in story via the Azkaban Dementors and Robin Ellacott's treatment for PTSD in Lethal White.And There is Plenty of Evidence That Rowling Is NOT a Jungian Writer:* Rowling has never been asked or revealed how she learned about literary alchemy; this includes, of course, any reference to Carl Jung, whose work was not focused on literary alchemy per se but a psychological interpretation or explanation of metallurgical alchemy's symbolism.* All that Rowling has revealed about her experiences as a patient seeking help with depression are about Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which treatment modality owes nothing to Jung or to Jung's students.* It is possible that Rowling encountered esoteric metallurgical alchemy, the precursor to literary alchemy, in her study of astrology, the complementary traditional sacred science to alchemy, a skill-set with which we know she was accomplished. That route to alchemy would have led her to Perennialist interpretations of alchemy, most notably Titus Burckhardt‘s Alchemy, Science of the Cosmos, Science of the Soul; the paperback cover of the Penguin Metaphysical Library edition of that book (1974) features an androgynous giant named REBIS standing on a dragon and a winged golden sphere (i.e., Rubeus, Norbert, Snitch).* As mentioned above, it is more likely that she encountered literary alchemy in her study of Shakespeare. The year she was studying for her A Levels, she traveled to see a production of King Lear which has prompted the idea that it was on her list of texts to prepare for her tests. The most challenging interpretation of Lear then in print was Charles Nicholl's The Chemical Theatre (1980), a book that explains almost every scene in perhaps Shakespeare's greatest tragedy as a parallel step in the Great Work of alchemy. If the budding astrologer was fascinated by this allegorical interpretation of the Bard, the most popular work in print at that time that championed reading Shakespeare as the author of soul allegories was Perennialist Martin Lings‘ The Secret of Shakespeare (1984).* Literary Alchemy is a tool set employed not only by Shakespeare but by a host of Rowling favorite authors to include Dickens, Nabokov, Lewis, and Tolkien. This view of alchemy, that is, as an allegorical depiction of the soul's transformation that affects that same cathartic experience in its theater or reading audiences, is the one found in Rowling's work, which is well removed from psychological alchemy, an analytic art which, though it springs from metallurgical alchemical texts, does not aim at the transformation at work in the sacred art or the science of traditional alchemy. * Rowling's use of chiastic structures and psychomachian allegory, tools that complement literary alchemy in spiritual perspective and aim, make a Jungian rather than a literary and Perennialist view of alchemy seem unlikely.* Alchemy: Jung, Burckhardt, or Maclean? John Granger, April 2007* Rowling's Soul Triptych Psychomachia: Is It From Shakespeare's ‘Macbeth'? John Granger, September 20245. The Debate at King's Cross: (Nick) So, John, you've mentioned Jung quite a few times in your posts about the Mythological framework of the Strike series and even written about the Jungian ideas of animus and anima with respect to Cormoran and Robin's relationship. You seem fairly confident, though, that Rowling is writing from the traditional esoteric ideas of alchemy a la Shakespeare rather than Jung's. Why is that? * Everything you just said!* As noted, Jung's ideas are modern and psychological while the stream of literary alchemy in English Literature is almost exclusively more Medieval and pointedly spiritual;* The Most Notable Exception: Angela Carter's The Passion of the New Eve (1977), that reads like a Jungian ‘Red Book' slide-show (think Bombyx Mori) or a transgender Odyssey written for feminists. Rowling has never mentioned her to my knowledge but it would be surprising if she hadn't read this book more than once. What Alana Bolton Cooke wrote about Carter's Passion could be said about Rowling's literary alchemy if she is a Jungian writer (or about Galbraith's fictional Elizabeth Tassel?):Angela Carter in The Passion of New Eve (1977) uses the exoteric phases of alchemy and Carl G. Jung's theory of esoteric alchemy as a means of demonstrating allegorically the idea ofrebirth and renewal. The purpose of this allegorical method is to produce an 'alchemical' change of thought in the reader about sexuality and gender associated with women's repression and liberation. In the novel Carter develops themes and ideas explored in her essay, The Sadeian Woman: An Exercise in Cultural History (1979), an analysis of the Marquis de Sade's pornography and its affect on the roles of men and women in society. The clash of opposites involved in combining alchemical symbolism, feminism and pornography within the fiction can be seen as representative of the state of chaos present in alchemy before the beginning of change. The circular narrative and alchemical structure of the fiction creates a literary version of the alchemical process as it brings together opposites involved in chaos, represented by events and characterisation that the protagonist, Evelyn/Eve, experiences, until, in the manner of alchemy, harmony is reached. The harmony created represents women's empowerment. Carter uses Evelyn's individuation process to encourage growth within the reader by altering patterns of thought to bring about change through self-confrontation and self-knowledge. The structure of Carter's fiction, thus, corresponds to the process of esoteric alchemy contained within the structure, imagery and symbolism of exoteric alchemy. The fiction is designed to stimulate the unconscious of the reader and make conscious hitherto unknown and repressed thoughts about gender and sexuality to bring about change in the lives of men and women.* I think what Rowling said she was trying to do with Harry Potter's meeting with Dumbledore at the dream-like King's Cross strongly suggests she is aware of the two approaches and wants readers to discuss them – but that she has made her own choice, however conflicted she may be.* In her 2008 interview with Adeel Amini, Rowling said that her hope for Harry's post-mortem conversation with Dumbledore at King's Cross was to stimulate “a debate” among readers about whether it was a psychological moment, that is, a fantasy in which Harry understands what he's been missing all along, or a spiritual event in which he is actually speaking with the late Headmaster:Enough Potter-plot, I think. Moving on to a slightly more contentious issue, Rowling has categorically said that she does believe in a higher power, a statement reinforced by her childhood church-going (“Till I was 17,” she clarifies). It must be difficult to reconcile her religious beliefs with those that denounce Harry Potter as anti-Christian, I wonder aloud. Rowling's expression does not change a fraction. “There was a Christian commentator who said, which I thought was very interesting, that Harry Potter had been the Christian church's biggest missed opportunity. And I thought, there's someone who actually has their eyes open.“I think he said it before the publication of the seventh book, and with the publication of the seventh book I think that clarified a lot of people's view on where I was standing. But I should emphasise that I am not pushing a specifically Christian agenda, and indeed till the very last moment in book seven, one can interpret what happens to Harry after he presents himself with death as him going into an unconscious state in which his subconscious reveals to him what he already knew.” I hum in faux-comprehension of what she's referring to; luckily my clued-in companion is nodding wildly. Proceed. “Any re-reading of Chapter 35 will show you that there's nothing that the Dumbledore he sees tells him that he couldn't have guessed for himself or already realised, and of course there's a key piece of information that Dumbledore doesn't articulate that Harry has realised. So you can deliberately interpret it that way, or you can say that he did go into a state of limbo beyond which there was another life, and that idea was expressed repeatedly, and most explicitly at the end of book five, Order of the Phoenix, where Harry understands that there is an ‘on', that you do go on. “I wanted there to be a debate there, so of my three main characters - when they come into the room which examines death at the Ministry of Magic - Hermione, the ultimate sceptic and a hyperrational person, hears nothing behind the veil and is scared of it. Ron is just uneasy; Ron is someone who does not grapple with anything deeper than beer, if he can avoid it. Harry's drawn to it, and therein lies Harry's slightly reckless, almost morbid streak, because Harry does have a hint of that dangerous adolescent trait which is the attraction to death.” Heavy. Obviously with this ambiguity, you do get a fair degree of misinterpretation as well; there is a certain section that does dislike Harry Potter intensely. “Oh, vehemently,” says Rowling, before muttering under her breath “…and they send death threats.”* I think that “debate” she's trying to foster is between the psychological, call it ‘Jungian' “just inside your head” subconscious perspective, and the authentically spiritual view of her work (well, of art and human existence, too, of course). And that this debate is one she has had for most of her life. Check out her comments about the “greatest missed opportunity” and explain to me how that doesn't line up with her preferring the spiritual, albeit “not explicitly Christian,” to the psychological and humanist. 7. Jungian Readings of Rowling's Work: (Nick) John, you're familiar with what has been written by Potter Pundits because of your PhD critical literature surveys; what are the better ones about Rowling and Jungian psychology and what do they emphasize? Here are seven off the top of my head (and Thesis ‘Works Cited' drafts):* Grynbaum, G.A. (2000). The Secrets of Harry Potter. The San Francisco Jung Institute Library Journal: Reviews From a Jungian Perspective of Books, Films and Culture, [online] 19 (4) pp. 17-48* Patrick, Christopher and Sarah (2007), ‘Exploring the Dark Side: Harry Potter and the Psychology of Evil,' in Mulholland (ed.), The Psychology of Harry Potter, BenBella Books, pp 221-232* Gerhold, C. (2011). The Hero's Journey Through Adolescence: A Jungian Archetypal Analysis of “Harry Potter.” PsyD. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. * Rectenwald, Bob (2019). ‘Carl Jung's Impact on the Work of J. K. Rowling' * Skipper, Alicia and Kate Fulton (2021) ‘Out from the Shadows into the Light: Persona and Shadow in Harry Potter‘ in Anne Mamary (ed.) The Alchemical Harry Potter: Essays on Transfiguration in J. K. Rowling's Novels, McFarland, Jefferson, NC, 2021, pp 79-96* The Unfolding Journey, Jung's Shadow Self in Harry Potter: Confronting the Darkness Within (YouTube video)* My own Troubled Blood: A Jungian ReadingBob Rectenwald's piece is the best of the six I didn't write but it shares the several faults all the Jungian pieces make:* the first failing of even the best Jungian readers is the assumption that Rowling is a Jungian, which is an open question;* the next is that Jung's ideas (and Joseph Campbell's) are indisputably true; and* the last is, when alchemy is mentioned, the critics do not clarify either the commonalities of or the differences between literary alchemy, psychological alchemy, and Jungian analytic psychology. * Note, though, that Rowling, while aware of such Jungian tropes as the Hero's Journey, tweeks it shamelessly, adding a symbol of Christ and resurrection scene in every Potter story (cf., How Harry Cast His Spell, ‘The Harry's Journey,' pp 21-28).* Read her brief PotterMore piece on alchemy and note that it is written in such a way that it can be read as confirmation of either a psychological or spiritual perspective on alchemy and art:One interpretation of the ‘instructions' left by the alchemists is that they are symbolic of a spiritual journey, leading the alchemist from ignorance (base metal) to enlightenment (gold). There seems to have been a mystical element to the work the alchemist was engaged upon, which set it apart from chemistry (of which it was undoubtedly both an offshoot and forerunner).This “original writing” by Rowling, especially the words “spiritual” and “mystical,” suggests that she is a Perennialist rather than a Jungian, at least with respect to her understanding of alchemy. But the debate is still possible with Jungians who read those words as cyphers for the subsconscious contact they hold we have with archetypes.8. Back to the Alchemy: (John) I think the real question of whether Rowling's literary alchemy is predominantly literary and spiritual or psychological in orientation comes down to the postmodern confusion about the immaterial aspects of the human person, which is to say, the soul (or mind, psyche) and the spirit. Rowling's recent work may seem prosaic or secular to a casual reader who compares it to the relatively otherworldly and “obviously” symbolic Potter books, but she loads each Strike book with Shakespearean romance of soul and spirit, i.e., alchemical dramas, and hermetic tropes. I'm writing a piece now about the lions, dogs, incest, and the red man and white woman in Hallmarked Man, each of which are touchstones of alchemy. I think, though, that your work with Rowling's favorite books and her epigraph sources, Nick, point to a strong spiritual rather than psychological foundation in Rowling's work —* Louisa May Alcott, Little Women* Dodie Smith, I Capture the Castle* The Victorian Women Poets in Running Grave* Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Aurora Leigh* Robert Browning, The Ring and the Book* The Jungian love of the I Ching, Running Grave's epigraph source9. Jung in Running Grave: (Nick) Rowling's favorite writers, from Shakespeare and Nabokov to C. S. Lewis and Victorian Women poets, all clearly believe in a world-transcending spiritual realm. Given the quantity of the Jungian scholarship in Rowling Studies that Iris referred to and you've mentioned, it's curious -- if Rowling is aware of it and is resistant to it -- that she doesn't push back against it explicitly in her work. Can you think of a character that seems something like Jung in the books, someone as bad as Prudence Dunleavey is good? I can think of three:* United Humanitarian Church's guru Jonathan Wace in Running Grave: his “psychologizing of religion,” the comparative religion avenue to denial of any true faith, the psychological critical analysis of a patient using mythological tropes (”Artemis”), the cult leader, and the abuser of women and children -- he's a ringer for Jung! * Paul Satchwell, one-eyed serpent with a one-track mind, in Leamington Spa, a true Jungian artist working psycho-sexual motifs graphically on canvas:Naked figures twisted and cavorted in scenes from Greek mythology. Persephone struggled in the arms of Hades as he carried her down into the underworld; Andromeda strained against chains binding her to rock as a dragonish creature rose from the waves to devour her; Leda lay supine in bulrushes as Zeus, in the form of a swan, impregnated her.Two lines of Joni Mitchell floated back to Robin as she looked at the paintings: “When I first saw your gallery, I liked the ones of ladies…”Except that Robin wasn't sure she liked the paintings. The female figures were all black-haired, olive-skinned, heavy-breasted and partially or entirely naked. The paintings were accomplished, but Robin found them slightly lascivious. Each of the women wore a similar expression of vacant abandon, and Satchwell seemed to have a definite preference for those myths that featured bondage, rape or abduction. (Troubled Blood, 542)* And then there are the Masons, kind of an old school Jungian cult in Hallmarked Man. Like the UHC and “harmless” fraternal and charitable group with Christian touches but which doesn't change a man or human nature per Hardacre (and which harbors the rich and powerful like Lord Branfoot). * Coupled with Prudence, the Front of Jungian Beliefs, we get the front and back of Jung in Rowling's work, a characteristic touch of Rowling nuance as she did with Islam in Hallmarked Man.10. Conclusion: (John) I'm obviously not a Jung fan and I don't think Rowling is writing Jungian psychomachia in alchemical symbols a la Angela Carter, but I see how people would come to a contrary conclusion; Rowling's ‘spiritual not religious' public statements and political positions with respect to Same Sex Attraction and abortion line up much more easily with New Age and Jungian types than with any kind of orthodox Christianity. The great thing about essays like Isis' at S&E Files is that it brings more people into the conversation of what literary alchemy is and the various approaches to it. You've been reading about literary alchemy for several years now, Nick; what do you think the person whose first encounter with the subject was the S&E Files article do to hone their alchemy detection skills? * “Read your books and online talks, John!”* How Metallurgical Alchemy Worked and How it Became Literary Alchemy (from Deathly Hallows Lectures, Chapter 1):Alchemy, in a nutshell, was the science for the perfection or sanctification of the alchemist's soul. This heroic venture I need to say straight off is all but impossible today because the way we look at reality, at ‘things' per se makes the Great Work itself almost an absurdity. Unlike the medieval alchemists, we moderns and postmoderns see things with a clear subject/object distinction, that is, we believe that you and I and that table are entirely different things and between them is there is no connection or relation. The knowing subject is one thing and the observed object is completely ‘other.'To the alchemist that is not the case. His efforts in changing lead to gold are based on the premise that he as the subject will go through the same types of changes and purifications as the materials he is working with. In sympathy with these metallurgical transitions and resolutions of contraries, his soul will be purified in correspondence as long as he is working in a prayerful state within the Mysteries (sacraments) of his revealed tradition.Now, historically there was an Arabic alchemy, a Chinese alchemy, a Kabbalistic, as well as a Christian alchemy; each differs superficially with respect to their spiritual traditions but in every one, the alchemist was working with a sacred natural science or physics to advance his spiritual purification. This was only possible because he looked at the metal he was working with as something with which he was not ‘other' but with which he was in relationship, artifex and artifact in sacred art imitating and accelerating the work of the Creator creating a bridge, so that, as lead changes to gold or material perfection, his soul was going through similar transformations and purifications.The common ground is the logos in every created thing, to include persons (cf. John 1:9), which are all continuous with the Logos fabric of reality. As much as the alchemist identifies with this metaphysical ground, purifying himself of the ‘old man' or ego-driven individual and identifying himself with the spiritual Heart or light within him, that light will become his dominant quality, hence his “illumination” or “enlightenment”. And lead or solid darkness turning into gold, hard light.How does this edifying magic become the scaffolding for Harry's adventures? Largely through the genius of William Shakespeare. Hermetic wisdom and alchemical efforts were such commonplaces in Elizabethan England that Shakespeare and his contemporaries recognized, I think. that the magic of staged drama is essentially alchemical. If we groundlings are all watching what's going on up on the stage and everything is working the way it's supposed to, the subject-object distinction dissolves inasmuch as we identify with the characters and their agonies through our logos-imaginations. As they go through their changes, like the metals in a crucible, we identify with them and pass through the same cathartic moment.As the great dramatists of that period realized, “if what we're doing is alchemical, why don't we use alchemical imagery and language, too?” And, voila, literary alchemy is born. This stream of English literature in which narrator or characters and the reader or audience in correspondence pass through the stages of the alchemical work, the black the white and the red (basically dissolution, purification, and then perfection) runs through the next five centuries of poetry, stage work, stories and novels. You may not have recognized it, but its a big part of things you have read.* Literary Alchemy: Sacred Science, Sacred Art, and ‘The Alembic of Story':A Perennialist Explanation of J. K. Rowling's Signature Hermetic Symbolism This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hogwartsprofessor.substack.com/subscribe
Today Rachel is joined by actor Jake Stormeon star of new films Sleeping Beauty Next Door and Seeking Persephone Watch Seeking Persephone on amazon https://amzn.to/4u7NYa8 (ad) Watch Sleeping Beauty Next Door on amazon https://amzn.to/4m0VfoF (ad) Follow Jake on instagram https://www.instagram.com/jakestormoen Follow us on ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hallmarkies-podcast/id1296728288?mt=2 https://twitter.com/HallmarkiesPod on twitter @HallmarkiesPodcast on Instagram HallmarkiesPodcast.com Check out lots of Hearties inspired merch https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hallmarkies?utm_campaign=Hallmarkies&utm_medium=8581&utm_source=affiliate Please support the podcast on patreon at https://www.patreon.com/hallmarkies1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Life returns because death has done its work.” In this episode of Essential Aromatica, NYC-based aromatherapist Amy Anthony explores the seasonal shift of spring emergence through the Persephone archetype.We meet Persephone not as a victim, but as the living axis between the Great Below and the Great Above. Through mythic ecology, seasonal intelligence, and sensory awareness, we follow her movement from winter's watery unconscious into the first stirrings of spring and new consciousness.The pomegranate appears as both symbol and botanical teacher. Its fixed oil, resilient and desert-adapted, offers nourishment for the skin and mirrors the regenerative truths of the season.Episode Highlights:[0:00] Seasonal & Archetypal Grounding: Early spring's shift from Lilith's stirring to Persephone's emergence. [4:15] A Three‑Part Truth: Life returns because death has done its work; decay feeds emergence; return is the law.[9:10] A Restored Persephone: A retelling of the myth, that returns agency to Persephone and reframes her descent as necessary initiation.[20:10] Pomegranate Seed Oil: Chemistry, sustainability, and how this arid‑adapted fixed oil supports skin health and topical aromatherapy formulations.Image credit: Pomegranate photograph by Mark Kirsch. Used with permission. @_markkirsch | Web: MARK|KIRSCH Resources Mentioned:Explore the free aromatherapy library Fou Gallery: Sensing the Space Mother Earth Living Article: Carrier Oils Sources:Parker, S. (2014). Power of the Seed. Port Townsend: Process Media.Ramadan, M. (2020). Cold Pressed Oils: Green Technology, Bioactive Compounds, Functionality, and Applications. London: Academic Press.Ronnberg, A. (. (2010). The Book of Symbols: Reflections on Archetypal images. Taschen.
Make sure to check the rest of the description for all of our social media links, including our Patreon (patreon.com/DoNotRelent)! Slidewhistle, Immunization, and Aaron have braved the wilds of the Voidstorm yet again as they do battle with fierce foes, wax poetic about the future of our Blood Elven hosts, and go on all manner of fun lil' side adventures that'll just tickle your fancy! Please send all your love mail, hate mail, and good vibes for Persephone (her skin's getting flaky again) to @DoNotRelentPod (Twitter) or on gmail at DoNotRelentPod@gmail.com! We will respond to literally anything and read it on the pod. Find us at: Patreon: patreon.com/DoNotRelent Linktree: donotrelent.com (go here for our Discord) YouTube: @donotrelent on YouTube (the link is long and ugly) Instagram: www.instagram.com/donotrelent Twitter: twitter.com/DoNotRelentPod Livejournal: donotrelentpod.livejournal.com E-Mail: DoNotRelentPod@gmail.com Finally, if you feel so inclined, please rate us on iTunes and bonusroll.gg. We will take a shot on air in your honor! Every rating helps! :D
What if a Greek-underworld adventure could help middle grade readers name anxiety, see hidden home struggles, and believe they're worthy of rescue too?In this episode, Dr. Diane talks with author and former costume designer Shana Targosz about Relic of Thieves, a companion to River of Spirits that can stand on its own and sits comfortably beside Percy Jackson on the shelf. Shana shares why Anya's story—turbulent home life, deep anxiety, and the shattering loss of a best friend—is so personal, and how sending Anya (and Lizzie) into the Greek underworld lets readers watch a quiet, fearful girl discover her own strength and worth.They dig into friendship and empathy (what it means to “be a Lizzie” for someone whose home life might be hard), a fresh, agency-centered take on Hades and Persephone, and how Shana's years in theater and costume design shape her vivid, read-aloud-friendly worldbuilding—including a sentient cloak that becomes a character in its own right. Shana also teases Book 3, featuring the youngest Fate, talks about writing for and with her son as first ideal reader, and reflects on turning old wounds into stories that offer kids safety, second families, and hope.Timestamps01:32 :Companion novel magic: reading Book 2 first and meeting Anya03:19:Why Anya's story is personal and why kids in hard homes need it07:22:Lizzie, friendship, and helping readers build real-world empathy08:27:Rethinking Hades and Persephone and giving Persephone more power10:41:Writing across ages: trauma, grief, loss, and “a dollop of hope”11:21:Read-aloud goodness: opening lines and raspberry jam doom15:50:From costume design to the page: theater, visuals, and voice18:33:Charon's sentient cloak and turning clothing into a character19:44:Returning to the Underworld: evolving shops and settings20:49:Big reveal: Book 3, the youngest Fate22:41:Writing for her son and sharing emotional moments as he reads26:18:Advice for young writers: your story matters, even when it's hard27:32:Writing from past pain toward safety, second families, and hope29:08:What's currently bringing Shana hopeInvitation / LinksIf you love Greek and Roman mythology, character-driven fantasy, or books that hold both darkness and healing for middle graders, this conversation is for you.Listen to Episode 181 on your favorite podcast app.Ask your library or local indie bookstore to order Relic of Thieves,and River of SpiritsSupport the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.
This is part 1 of our new deep dive into the Greek pantheon where we are this week exploring the gods of the underworld: Hades, Persephone, and Hecate. We break down their mythology, including the true structure of the underworld, Persephone's descent and rise to power, and Hecate's role as the torchbearer and guide between worlds.We also explore how modern interpretations have reshaped these myths, the themes of shadow work, transformation, and duality, and what these deities represent today. Plus, we share signs that these gods may be reaching out to you and simple ways to begin working with their energy.If you're curious about Greek mythology, deity work, or the deeper meaning behind the underworld, this episode is your starting point.Support your local bookstore and this podcast by grabbing your audiobooks through Libro.fm. If you're a NEW Libro.fm member you can use the code DEMYSTIFY to get 3 audiobooks for the price of 1 when you sign up. Click here to sign up https://tidd.ly/44l9SdQ Order Molly's book Mundane Magic A Lazy Witch's Guide to Hacking Your Brain, Building a Daily Practice, and Getting Stuff DoneJoin our Patreon for bonus episodes, magical downloads, and unhinged side quests: https://www.patreon.com/demystifymagic
What can Greek goddesses teach us about self-love, boundaries and personal power?In this episode of The Infinite Life Podcast, host Katische Haberfield speaks with spiritual writer, mixed-media artist and goddess teacher Isaya Gabriel about the role of divine feminine archetypes in personal growth and healing.Isaya has spent more than twenty years working with the Greek goddess archetypes including Artemis, Aphrodite, Hera, Persephone and Athena. In this conversation she explains how these mythological figures can function as psychological and spiritual archetypes that help women understand emotions, boundaries, self-leadership and embodiment.Through mythology, storytelling and personal experience, Isaya shares how reconnecting with the divine feminine can help women move from disempowerment into self-trust, self-love and personal sovereignty.In this episode• How Greek goddess archetypes can guide emotional healing and personal growth • The deeper meaning behind goddesses like Artemis, Hera, Aphrodite and Persephone • Why mythological archetypes still resonate in modern spiritual practice • How the Persephone myth reflects transformation through life's darker periods • The connection between archetypes, embodiment and personal development • Why self-love must be expressed through practical daily actions • How women can reclaim boundaries, sovereignty and emotional awarenessThis episode is for listeners interested in divine feminine spirituality, goddess archetypes, self-love, women's empowerment and mythological approaches to personal transformation.Support the showFollow Katische on: Facebook, LinkedIn, Goodreads, YouTube and AmazonLove Ancient Rome?Love Ancient Rome? salvēte amīcī! Explore what it meant to be Roman over the centuries. On YouTube and Instagram.
Send a textIn this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Dr. Stephanie Culler, co-founder and CEO of Persephone Biosciences, to explore one of the most rapidly evolving frontiers in modern health science: the human microbiome. From early immune development to cancer therapy, the conversation reveals how the trillions of microbes living in our bodies may shape health in ways scientists are only beginning to understand.Dr. Culler's path into microbiome research began with a personal mission to understand disease after losing both of her grandmothers to cancer. Following her PhD at the California Institute of Technology, where she studied gene therapy approaches to cancer, she moved into industrial biotechnology and microbial engineering. That work eventually led her to co-found Persephone Biosciences, a company focused on translating microbiome science into real-world therapeutics and consumer health solutions.A major focus of the discussion centers on the infant microbiome and its role in shaping immune development. Dr. Culler explains how microbes transferred during birth and nourished through breast milk help “train” the immune system in the earliest stages of life. Yet modern research suggests that key beneficial bacteria—particularly Bifidobacterium infantis—have dramatically declined in Western infants. In large-scale studies conducted by Persephone, only a small percentage of U.S. infants carry adequate levels of this once-dominant microbe.The conversation also explores how microbiome balance may influence responses to cutting-edge cancer treatments like immunotherapy. Emerging research suggests that gut bacteria can significantly affect how patients respond to checkpoint inhibitors, opening the door to microbiome-based interventions that could enhance treatment outcomes.Listen to the full episode to hear Dr. Stephanie Culler explain how microbiome science is transforming our understanding of immunity, disease prevention, and the future of medicine.Learn more about Persephone BiosciencesDon't forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.Reach out to us through email with any questions.Sign up for our newsletter!Shop all our episodes and products mentioned through our ShopMy Shelf!Support the show
This week's returning podcast guest is my friend Aepril Schaile, who is an astrologer, performance artist, dancer, poet and mythologist. Aepril Schaile is a neurodivergent poet, dancer, performance artist, astrologer and mythologist living in Co. Sligo, Ireland. She works with Persephone and the Eleusinian Mysteries as devotional practice, artistic research, and living mythology. A pilgrim to Eleusis, she guides meditative and oracular creative journeys rooted in Jungian and archetypal psychology. Recently, she has performed at the Cairde Festival's Wandering Voices in Sligo, A Tide of Ghosts at the University of Copenhagen. Her poems are forthcoming or have appeared in Oscail and Coven Poetry Journal. Aepril holds an MFA in Interdisciplinary Art.In this episode we speak about the Persephone: Entering Living Mystery (Spring authentic voice initiation). Around the Spring Equinox, the ancient Mysteries honored Persephone's return from the depths of the earth. Her movement between worlds revealed a profound truth: life continually renews itself through cycles of descent, listening, and emergence.Within each of us there is a similar mystery: a place where creativity, instinct, intuition, and soul voice gather beneath the surface. Through meditation, divination, and intuitive writing practices, we will explore the regenerative current that moves through both psyche and body: the place where vulnerability becomes creative power and authentic voice is felt and heard.Read more and join here: https://www.aeprilsastrology.com/store/p68/Persephonelivingmystery.html Check out Aepril and her work in the links below.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aeprilsastrology YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AeprilsastrologyWebsite: http://www.aeprilschaile.com/Astrology Website: https://www.aeprilsastrology.com/#/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aeprilraven/Visit Law of Positivism:https://www.instagram.com/lawofpositivism/Website: https://www.lawofpositivism.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawofpositivism/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/lawofpositivismTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lawofpositivism
On this lively episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty welcomes two fantastic guests who are using story to spark big conversations with kids and families. First up is Shana Tartogsz, author of the middle grade fantasy The Under Wild: Relic of Thieves. Shana takes us deep into her richly imagined world, where the realm of the living and the realm of the dead are separated by wild, shifting landscapes and mythical creatures. We meet Anya, a living girl dealing with the heartbreak of her best friend moving away, and learn how her story connects with Senka, the underworld-dwelling apprentice from Book One. Shana shares how her childhood fascination with Greek mythology, from Cerberus to Pegasus to Persephone, inspired the series—and how she loves flipping classic myths on their heads to ask new "what if?" questions that families can explore together. Then Jed is joined by Tiffany Obeng, attorney, mom, and powerhouse behind Sugar Cookie Books. Tiffany introduces her clever chapter book series Fairy Tales Versus, where famous stories head to court. In The Three Pigs vs. The Wolf and Goldilocks vs. The Three Bears, kids see both sides presented before Judge Olivia Odemere, an owl who's smart, thoughtful, and a little unsure of herself—just like real people. Through playful legal battles, Tiffany helps kids think about fairness, perspective, and the idea that there's always more to the story. Together, these conversations celebrate the power of books to open doors: to ancient myths, to big ideas like justice, and to meaningful family discussions that go far beyond the final page.
Today Rachel talks with director John Lyde about his career and new projects Seeking Persephone and Sleeping Beauty Next Door For all of our director interviews https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXv4sBF3mPUBlik8iWDeZHnwT0-SZkxyM Check out all our interviews https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXv4sBF3mPUA_0JZ2r5fxhTRE_-RChCj5 Send us your feedback at feedback@hallmarkiespodcast.com or the twitter call +1 (801) 855-6407 Check out the merch store and get our #hashtag shirts! http://dashery.hallmarkies.teepublic.com/ Please support the podcast on patreon at https://www.patreon.com/hallmarkies Follow us on ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hallmarkies-podcast/id1296728288?mt=2 https://twitter.com/HallmarkiesPod on twitter @HallmarkiesPodcast on Instagram Check out our website HallmarkiesPodcast.com Follow Rachel's blog at http://rachelsreviews.net Follow Rachel on twitter twitter.com/rachel_reviews Follow Rachel's Reviews on youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/rachelsreviews Follow Rachel on facebook www.facebook.com/smilingldsgirlreviews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we are starting a new series Rachel's Friday Flicks where I share my thoughts on all the new releases for the week. My guests today are Sari Cohen and Kit Stone See all your movies at Fatcats with fun centers for the entire family https://www.fatcatsfun.com/ Follow Kit on twitter https://x.com/bykitstone Follow Sari on twitter https://twitter.com/ask_sari Check out her website http://thesaricohen.com/ Get all our movie and theatre inspired merch at https://hallmarkies.dashery.com/ Check out OnStage Blog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213 Please support us and help us make more podcasts at our patreon. Cool benefits! https://www.patreon.com/hallmarkies Follow Rachel Reviews on Itunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/rachels-reviews/id1278536301?mt=2 To see all my Family Movie Night reviews https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py6obIJMCfE&list=PL7wz447AgL4yAT7WALhqQASaJPunxdFoW Follow my blog at http://rachelsreviews.net Follow me on twitter http://www.twitter.com/rachel_reviews Follow me on facebook http://www.facebook.com/smilingldsgirlreviews Listen to Hallmarkies Podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hallmarkies-podcast/id1296728288
Jason Blitman talks with singer-songwriter and queer icon Ani DiFranco about her reading life and the story behind her new book, The Spirit of Ani.ANI DiFRANCO is a Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter and musician who has released twenty-three albums, traversing genres and addressing a range of autobiographical, political, and social issues. She is widely considered a feminist icon, and created her own record label, Righteous Babe Records, in 1990. She regularly releases new music, and continues her decades-long career as a major touring artist. DiFranco released a collection of poems and paintings titled Verses in 2007. Her memoir, No Walls and the Recurring Dream, was a New York Times bestseller, and she is the author of two children's books, The Knowing and Show Up and Vote. In 2024, she completed a five-month run on Broadway in the role of Persephone in Hadestown.Sign up for the Gays Reading Book Club HERESUBSTACK! MERCH! WATCH! CONTACT! hello@gaysreading.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today Rachel and Mary are here to talk about the new series Seeking Persephone Watch Seeking Persephone on amazon https://amzn.to/4u7NYa8 (ad) Follow Mary at https://x.com/_maryrichards Follow us on ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hallmarkies-podcast/id1296728288?mt=2 https://twitter.com/HallmarkiesPod on twitter @HallmarkiesPodcast on Instagram HallmarkiesPodcast.com Check out lots of Hearties inspired merch https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hallmarkies?utm_campaign=Hallmarkies&utm_medium=8581&utm_source=affiliate Please support the podcast on patreon at https://www.patreon.com/hallmarkies1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With The Dark-Robed Mother: A Memoir (Wesleyan University Press), poet-translator-professor Rachel Tzvia Back explores her life with high-functioning depression, weaving Ancient Greek myth, poetry, family history, interviews, and more into an amazing tapestry of life in the dark forest. We talk about the challenge of structuring the arc-less nature of depression, the shame of not being completely debilitated by her illness, how the myth of Demeter and Persephone helped her translate and understand her experience as a mother and a daughter, what it means to be the mother who fails and why she included interviews with her adult children in the book, whether there's a therapeutic aspect to writing a memoir like this, and how much of a departure this book was from her poet-roots. We also get into how she found herself in Greek and Roman myths in contrast to her orthodox Jewish upbringing, how she manages to bridge the Athens and Jerusalem divide as a teacher, her family's roots in Israel and what the country has become since she moved back 40+ years ago, what it's like to live life under rockets and how normalizing it affects us, our takes on Achilles and Odysseus, and more. More info at our site • Support The Virtual Memories Show via Stripe, Patreon, or Paypal, and subscribe to our e-newsletter
This eclipse is an initiation — and inside BONES (Living Close to the Bone), we're walking the Surrender Doorway together in a live, embodied Circle. → Join here Mercury retrograde in Pisces meets a Virgo Full Moon South Node Eclipse in one of the most karmic weeks of March. With Black Moon square the Nodes and Venus activating relationship evolution, this eclipse portal amplifies psychic sensitivity, shadow purification, feminine reclamation, and identity shifts. Expect ego scaffolding to crumble as limitless potential meets real-world embodiment. The invitation? Release what's complete, mature your magnetism, and surrender into something wiser than the small self. Episode Highlights: Psychic Sensitivity Overload — Pisces + Mercury Retrograde amplifies intuition, dreams, and disorientation. Black Moon Activation — The deep sacred feminine rises to reclaim power during this karmic eclipse. Relationship Evolution — Venus + Persephone demand a mature, soul-aligned expression of love and magnetism. Ego Deconstruction — Inner scaffolding collapses as identity shifts during this South Node eclipse. The Eclipse Wormhole — Surrender to higher wisdom… or cling and get pulled under. Ready to Work With This Eclipse Energy? If this week's astrology is activating something in you… don't process it alone. BONES — Monthly Embodiment Workshop We gather live on the first of every month for a 2-hour embodied activation designed to help you integrate the current astrology into your nervous system, your relationships, and your leadership. Replay available instantly if you can't attend live. → Join BONES here The Path of the Priest/ess In-Person Retreat This is our only in-person Priestess Training offered this year — a 5-day advanced retreat in Ibiza, Spain (22–26 April 2026), limited to 24 participants and available by application only. Early Bird Pricing available through March 15th, 2026. → Details & application here Listen to “This Full Moon Eclipse Ends Who You've Been | March 2–8 Astrology“ podcast here… Topics Explored in “This Full Moon Eclipse Ends Who You've Been | March 2–8 Astrology” podcast: (Times based off audio version) (0:00) March Astrology Forecast: Mercury Retrograde + Full Moon Eclipse (1:18) Theme 1 — Psychic Sensitivity & Pisces Overload (4:28) Theme 2 — Virgo Full Moon, Black Moon, Nodes of Fate & Divine Feminine Power (8:28) Theme 3 — Relationship Evolution: Venus, Mercury Retrograde & Persephone (9:31) Third-Stage Feminine Power: Mature Magnetism & Soul-Aligned Love (13:25) Theme 4 — Jupiter Expansion: Limitless Potential Meets Reality Check (16:38) Theme 5 — Shadow Work & Eclipse Purging (Psychic + Karmic Detox) (19:01) Theme 6 — Ego Deconstruction & Dark Night of the Soul Energy (21:09) Inner Scaffolding Collapse: Identity Shifts & Soul Awakening (25:00) Theme 7 — The Eclipse Wormhole: Surrender vs. Clinging (30:19) Work With the Energy: Bones Workshop + Eclipse Integration You can leave a comment or question for Sabrina on the YouTube version of this episode. Listen to after “Eclipse Corridor Astrology: The Choice That Alters Everything (Feb 23–Mar 1)”: What’s Done is Done Eclipse Portal Opens Leo Full Moon & Eclipse Portal Watch Part 1 — “Are You in the First Wave?” STAY CONNECTED ReWilding Weekly (free, embodied astrology) IG Website Disclaimer: Educational/spiritual perspectives; not medical/mental-health advice. #2025Shift #NewHuman #SpiritualAwakening Welcome to ReWilding with Sabrina Lynn & ReWilding for Women! A gifted facilitator of revolutionary inner work and the world's leading archetypal embodiment expert, Sabrina Lynn is the creator of the groundbreaking ReWilding Way and founder of ReWilding For Women. Sabrina has led more than 100,000 people through programs based on the ReWilding Way, a modality of healing and awakening that strips away the false, the deep wounds from early life, and the fears that hold people back, to reveal their true and unique soul light and help them build their innate capacity to shine it in the world. Her work includes in-person retreats and events, the monthly ReWilding Membership, Living Close to the Bone, Priest/ess Trainings, Mystery Schools, the ReWilding with the Archetypes, and the wildly popular 6 Faces of the Feminine workshop series. Welcome to ReWilding! The post 367 – This Full Moon Eclipse Ends Who You've Been | March 2–8 Astrology appeared first on Rewilding for Women.
Happy 10 Year Anniversary from your friends at Spirits! To celebrate, we're revisiting the subject of our first ever episode: Persephone and Hades. We look at the story through a decade of new experiences, life changes, and so much more. Thanks for joining us. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of racism, death, animal death, blood, pedophilia, abduction, sexual assault, misogyny, and incest. Housekeeping- Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests' books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Send in those urban legend emails as you head home for the holidays!- Submit Your Urban Legends Audio: Call us! 617-420-2344Minneapolis Spotlight- Birchbark Books & Native Arts - Support a local Minneapolis small business by purchasing books or gift cards from Birchbark Books & Native ArtsFind Us Online- Website & Transcripts: spiritspodcast.com- Patreon: patreon.com/spiritspodcast- Merch: spiritspodcast.com/merch- Instagram: instagram.com/spiritspodcast- Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiritspodcast.com- Twitter: twitter.com/spiritspodcast- Tumblr: spiritspodcast.tumblr.comCast & Crew- Co-Hosts: Julia Schifini and Amanda McLoughlin- Editor: Bren Frederick- Music: Brandon Grugle, based on "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod- Artwork: Allyson Wakeman- Multitude: multitude.productionsAbout UsSpirits is a boozy podcast about mythology, legends, and folklore. Every episode, co-hosts Julia and Amanda mix a drink and discuss a new story or character from a wide range of places, eras, and cultures. Learn brand-new stories and enjoy retellings of your favorite myths, served over ice every week, on Spirits.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.