Podcasts about traditional western

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!When did Western civilization truly collapse? In this profound interview with Rob from Avoiding Babylon by Chris from Crash Canon, we journey through the critical historical moments that transformed our world from traditional Christendom to post-Christian modernity.Rob makes a compelling case that World War I served as the decisive turning point. More than just a military conflict, it was the death knell for the traditional European monarchical system. We explore how the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand triggered a domino effect that dismantled centuries of Christian governance across Europe. The fall of the Habsburgs, Romanovs, and other royal houses wasn't just political change—it represented a fundamental spiritual and cultural shift.Our discussion takes fascinating detours into biblical translation controversies, examining the theological implications of phrases like "She shall crush thy head" versus "He shall crush thy head" in Genesis. We also share personal stories of faith journeys—how we drifted away from Catholicism and what eventually brought us back.Perhaps most thought-provoking is our examination of modern political terminology. As Rob explains, "To be conservative, you have to be wanting to conserve or restore Christianity." Yet today's political "conservatives" often advance classically liberal ideas that would have been revolutionary two centuries ago.Whether you're a history buff, theology enthusiast, or simply curious about how our world became what it is today, this episode provides rich context for understanding our cultural moment. The echoes of these historical transformations continue to shape our society, politics, and spiritual landscape.Subscribe to Crash Cannon for more stimulating conversations that bridge faith, history, and culture. What other historic turning points have shaped our modern world? Share your thoughts in the comments below.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Our guest, Col. John Alexander, needs no introduction. He is easily one of the most enigmatic and intriguing figures in ufology today. He did this show after he completed another in a series of world-wide journeys and and was invited to The Paracast to share his thoughts on the interconnectedness of paranormal phenomena. He writes, "There is no doubt about the physical reality of some UFOs. The hard evidence, however, suggests they are part of a far greater mystery; one that engulfs many phenomena. Traditional Western science has created blinders and ignores inconvenient facts that are accepted readily in other societies." Alexander has firmly established UFO existence and will "explore their relationship to wonders long known to indigenous shamans all over the world."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-paracast-the-gold-standard-of-paranormal-radio--6203433/support.

Planet Buzz's panel 2024 LEO episode, “JUPITER SATURN 1ST SQUARE - Activating Regulated Growth”.“Jupiter and Saturn's orbits conjunction every 20 years resets social and cultural focuses. The largest planet in the solar system, Jupiter, represents growth and expansion. In contrast, Saturn represents limits because, until Uranus' discovery in 1781, Saturn was the farthest visible planet in our solar system. We can imagine these two planets Like the gas and brake of an automobile, navigating our social directions through their contrasting expansion and contraction consciousness. Jupiter and Saturn conjunctions move through one element for two hundred years. This cycle changed from earth to air on December 21, 2020.” said Sue Minahan, founder, and host of the weekly show. “Since their conjunction at 0° Aquarius, the planets will transit to an action-oriented square aspect of 90° on August 19. The first square after any conjunction is a ‘Crisis in Consciousness'. Mars contributes to this dynamic empowerment a few days earlier in conjunction with Mars. Still in orb, the energies open for enacting big plans for potential growth.”Talk Cosmos Planet Buzz Panel often connects each month with a myriad of new or returning Special Guest Panelists from around the USA and parts of the world. This focused program involves Sue Minahan of Kailua Kona, Hawai'i, with team member Dr. Laura Tadd of Chattahoochee Hills. Georgia and special guest Norma Jean Ream of Kalapana SeaView in Hawai'i to thoroughly contemplate this potent subject concerning us all. The bios are listed below and found on the Talk Cosmos website.LAURA TADD: A spiritually oriented psychological astrologer, Dr. Tadd works as an astrological counselor, writer, teacher, and lecturer both in-person and remotely with people worldwide. She holds a monthly virtual astrology salon on upcoming planetary alignments, their historical significance, and patterning. Laura teaches 6–8-week online courses on astrology and personal mythology and co-facilitates retreats – see her website. https://www.MythicSky.com A board member of the International Association for Ethics in Astrology (IAEA); past board member of WSAA, the Steering Committee of AFAN, and the Planning Committee UAC 2018. She writes for The Mountain Astrologer, Celestial Vibes, and Tarot.com. Dr. Laura Tadd holds a Ph.D. in Human Science. She's been a panel team member on Talk Cosmos Planet Buzz since March 2020, & special guest appearances since 2018.NORMA JEAN REAM: Passionate about astrology since 1970, Norma Jean has a B.A. in Astrological Studies East and West from Kepler College and NCGR Level 4 Certification. With a specialty in Traditional Western astrology, she writes articles on Mundane (world events) for her website, https://www.AstrologyHawaii.com. For seven years she taught a course she wrote on Traditional Astrology for IAA, an international online college. Norma Jean serves clients with a variety of offerings for personal consultations, including Electional timing, Relocation decisions, Horary questions, and Children's Charts for Parents. She hosted the pilot podcast “Sirius StarTalk” on Pacifica Radio. Norma Jean Ream, a resident of Kalapana SeaView, Hawai'i since 1988.SUE ROSE MINAHAN: Founder of Talk Cosmos since April 7, 2018, engaging weekly with guests for insightful conversations to awaken consciousness for soul growth. Talk Cosmos 7th season 2024 on YouTube channel, Facebook, KKNW-AM, & Podcasts. https://www.TalkCosmos.com Sue is an Evolutionary Astrologer, Consultant, Workshop Facilitator, Speaker, mythologist, artist, and musician, who pursues esoteric philosophies. She is a Dwarf Planet University graduate, a Certified Color Energy Life Coach, and a Charter Member of the Kepler Astrologer Toastmasters Club. Sue has an Associate of Fine Arts Music Degree, a Certificate of Fine Arts in Jazz, and AA Degree. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Planet Buzz's panel 2024 LEO episode, “JUPITER SATURN 1ST SQUARE - Activating Regulated Growth”. “Jupiter and Saturn's orbits conjunction every 20 years resets social and cultural focuses. The largest planet in the solar system, Jupiter, represents growth and expansion. In contrast, Saturn represents limits because, until Uranus' discovery in 1781, Saturn was the farthest visible planet in our solar system. We can imagine these two planets Like the gas and brake of an automobile, navigating our social directions through their contrasting expansion and contraction consciousness. Jupiter and Saturn conjunctions move through one element for two hundred years. This cycle changed from earth to air on December 21, 2020.” said Sue Minahan, founder, and host of the weekly show. “Since their conjunction at 0° Aquarius, the planets will transit to an action-oriented square aspect of 90° on August 19. The first square after any conjunction is a ‘Crisis in Consciousness'. Mars contributes to this dynamic empowerment a few days earlier in conjunction with Mars. Still in orb, the energies open for enacting big plans for potential growth.” Talk Cosmos Planet Buzz Panel often connects each month with a myriad of new or returning Special Guest Panelists from around the USA and parts of the world. This focused program involves Sue Minahan of Kailua Kona, Hawai'i, with team member Dr. Laura Tadd of Chattahoochee Hills. Georgia and special guest Norma Jean Ream of Kalapana SeaView in Hawai'i to thoroughly contemplate this potent subject concerning us all. The bios are listed below and found on the Talk Cosmos website. LAURA TADD: A spiritually oriented psychological astrologer, Dr. Tadd works as an astrological counselor, writer, teacher, and lecturer both in-person and remotely with people worldwide. She holds a monthly virtual astrology salon on upcoming planetary alignments, their historical significance, and patterning. Laura teaches 6–8-week online courses on astrology and personal mythology and co-facilitates retreats – see her website. https://www.MythicSky.com A board member of the International Association for Ethics in Astrology (IAEA); past board member of WSAA, the Steering Committee of AFAN, and the Planning Committee UAC 2018. She writes for The Mountain Astrologer, Celestial Vibes, and Tarot.com. Dr. Laura Tadd holds a Ph.D. in Human Science. She's been a panel team member on Talk Cosmos Planet Buzz since March 2020, & special guest appearances since 2018. NORMA JEAN REAM: Passionate about astrology since 1970, Norma Jean has a B.A. in Astrological Studies East and West from Kepler College and NCGR Level 4 Certification. With a specialty in Traditional Western astrology, she writes articles on Mundane (world events) for her website, https://www.AstrologyHawaii.com. For seven years she taught a course she wrote on Traditional Astrology for IAA, an international online college. Norma Jean serves clients with a variety of offerings for personal consultations, including Electional timing, Relocation decisions, Horary questions, and Children's Charts for Parents. She hosted the pilot podcast “Sirius StarTalk” on Pacifica Radio. Norma Jean Ream, a resident of Kalapana SeaView, Hawai'i since 1988. SUE ROSE MINAHAN: Founder of Talk Cosmos since April 7, 2018, engaging weekly with guests for insightful conversations to awaken consciousness for soul growth. Talk Cosmos 7th season 2024 on YouTube channel, Facebook, KKNW-AM, & Podcasts. https://www.TalkCosmos.com Sue is an Evolutionary Astrologer, Consultant, Workshop Facilitator, Speaker, mythologist, artist, and musician, who pursues esoteric philosophies. She is a Dwarf Planet University graduate, a Certified Color Energy Life Coach, and a Charter Member of the Kepler Astrologer Toastmasters Club. Sue has an Associate of Fine Arts Music Degree, a Certificate of Fine Arts in Jazz, and AA Degree.

Planet Buzz's panel 2024 LEO episode, “JUPITER SATURN 1ST SQUARE - Activating Regulated Growth”. “Jupiter and Saturn's orbits conjunction every 20 years resets social and cultural focuses. The largest planet in the solar system, Jupiter, represents growth and expansion. In contrast, Saturn represents limits because, until Uranus' discovery in 1781, Saturn was the farthest visible planet in our solar system. We can imagine these two planets Like the gas and brake of an automobile, navigating our social directions through their contrasting expansion and contraction consciousness. Jupiter and Saturn conjunctions move through one element for two hundred years. This cycle changed from earth to air on December 21, 2020.” said Sue Minahan, founder, and host of the weekly show. “Since their conjunction at 0° Aquarius, the planets will transit to an action-oriented square aspect of 90° on August 19. The first square after any conjunction is a ‘Crisis in Consciousness'. Mars contributes to this dynamic empowerment a few days earlier in conjunction with Mars. Still in orb, the energies open for enacting big plans for potential growth.” Talk Cosmos Planet Buzz Panel often connects each month with a myriad of new or returning Special Guest Panelists from around the USA and parts of the world. This focused program involves Sue Minahan of Kailua Kona, Hawai'i, with team member Dr. Laura Tadd of Chattahoochee Hills. Georgia and special guest Norma Jean Ream of Kalapana SeaView in Hawai'i to thoroughly contemplate this potent subject concerning us all. The bios are listed below and found on the Talk Cosmos website. LAURA TADD: A spiritually oriented psychological astrologer, Dr. Tadd works as an astrological counselor, writer, teacher, and lecturer both in-person and remotely with people worldwide. She holds a monthly virtual astrology salon on upcoming planetary alignments, their historical significance, and patterning. Laura teaches 6–8-week online courses on astrology and personal mythology and co-facilitates retreats – see her website. https://www.MythicSky.com A board member of the International Association for Ethics in Astrology (IAEA); past board member of WSAA, the Steering Committee of AFAN, and the Planning Committee UAC 2018. She writes for The Mountain Astrologer, Celestial Vibes, and Tarot.com. Dr. Laura Tadd holds a Ph.D. in Human Science. She's been a panel team member on Talk Cosmos Planet Buzz since March 2020, & special guest appearances since 2018. NORMA JEAN REAM: Passionate about astrology since 1970, Norma Jean has a B.A. in Astrological Studies East and West from Kepler College and NCGR Level 4 Certification. With a specialty in Traditional Western astrology, she writes articles on Mundane (world events) for her website, https://www.AstrologyHawaii.com. For seven years she taught a course she wrote on Traditional Astrology for IAA, an international online college. Norma Jean serves clients with a variety of offerings for personal consultations, including Electional timing, Relocation decisions, Horary questions, and Children's Charts for Parents. She hosted the pilot podcast “Sirius StarTalk” on Pacifica Radio. Norma Jean Ream, a resident of Kalapana SeaView, Hawai'i since 1988. SUE ROSE MINAHAN: Founder of Talk Cosmos since April 7, 2018, engaging weekly with guests for insightful conversations to awaken consciousness for soul growth. Talk Cosmos 7th season 2024 on YouTube channel, Facebook, KKNW-AM, & Podcasts. https://www.TalkCosmos.com Sue is an Evolutionary Astrologer, Consultant, Workshop Facilitator, Speaker, mythologist, artist, and musician, who pursues esoteric philosophies. She is a Dwarf Planet University graduate, a Certified Color Energy Life Coach, and a Charter Member of the Kepler Astrologer Toastmasters Club. Sue has an Associate of Fine Arts Music Degree, a Certificate of Fine Arts in Jazz, and AA Degree.

Matt was born in Florida and went to the University of Florida for undergrad and medical school (Go Gators!). He got tired of the flatlands of Florida and hiked the Appalachian Trail before medical school, which started his love of hiking.  His wife, the great Laura Buchanan, is also a family medicine resident at Wake. They share a passion for metabolic health and wellness. When not checking their blood sugar by their continuous glucose monitors, they can be seen lifting weights, cycling, playing tennis, hiking, and walking around town. They also enjoy experimenting with their diets and seeing how their metabolic markers change - so far Matt has done 3 months of ketogenic diet and 10 days of whole food plant-based diet. But most of all, they enjoy spending time with their co-residents in the wonderful city that is Winston-Salem! (https://school.wakehealth.edu/residents-and-fellows/c/matthew-william-calkins)   It was wonderful to gain some insight from Matt and learn from him, and I know you'll enjoy this conversation, too.   What you'll hear:   Will's background and passion for family medicine (4:53) Bridging the gap between traditional and functional medicine (9:37) Healthcare system incentives and profit margins (11:16) Medical billing and compensation for physicians (17:02) Nutrition and lifestyle design for diabetes management (19:57) Lifestyle changes for improving metabolic health in urgent care settings (21:39) Nutritional interventions and food addiction (31:31)  Food addiction and its application in medicine and the Yale food addiction scale (32:03) The acceptance of low-carb diets in medicine, with a focus on patient education and practitioner pushback (35:45) Using lifestyle interventions for weight loss and improving health outcomes (41:42) Benefits and risks of a ketogenic diet to treat mental illness (47:09) Healthcare system challenges and the importance of patient advocacy (49:45) Diabetes management and the importance of low-carb diets (52:17) Incentivizing doctors to have longer patient conversations for better health outcomes (58:01)   Where to learn more:   Twitter

Send us a textI'm so grateful for my guest Kimberly Mathis and this week's fascinating conversation. Kimberly is a queer therapist-turned-general life coach with an ADHD brain who helps people change what feels unchangeable. She teaches her clients how to make their own decisions and navigate difficult relationships - including the one they have with themselves. She works with clients 1:1, loves sharing her work and life with her community on Instagram, and hosts a podcast called, "Decisions Change Everything." Healthy, respectful relationships can come in many forms. Traditional Western society pushes a heteronormative narrative about what makes a “successful” relationship- where longevity is valued more than quality. It IS possible to explore attractions and relationship dynamics in ways that are healthy, respectful, and respect your autonomy and someone else's. Communication is key, along with being vulnerable and tolerating discomfort. Can't wait for you to listen.  Find Kimberly here:https://www.kimberlymathis.comhttps://www.instagram.com/thekimberlymathis/https://www.facebook.com/thekimberlymathis Find Sara here:https://sarafisk.coachhttps://pages.sarafisk.coach/difficultconversationshttps://www.instagram.com/sarafiskcoach/https://www.facebook.com/SaraFiskCoaching/https://www.tiktok.com/@sarafiskcoachhttps://www.youtube.com/@sarafiskcoaching1333 What happens inside the free Stop People Pleasing Facebook Community? Our goal is to provide help and guidance on your journey to eliminate people pleasing and perfectionism from your life. We heal best in a safe community where we can grow and learn together and celebrate and encourage each other. This group is for posting questions about or experiences with material learned in The Ex-Good Girl podcast, Sara Fisk Coaching social media posts or the free webinars and trainings provided by Sara Fisk Coaching. See you inside!Book a Free Consult

Send us a Text Message.I'm so grateful for my guest Kimberly Mathis and this week's fascinating conversation. Kimberly is a queer therapist-turned-general life coach with an ADHD brain who helps people change what feels unchangeable. She teaches her clients how to make their own decisions and navigate difficult relationships - including the one they have with themselves. She works with clients 1:1, loves sharing her work and life with her community on Instagram, and hosts a podcast called, "Decisions Change Everything." Healthy, respectful relationships can come in many forms. Traditional Western society pushes a heteronormative narrative about what makes a “successful” relationship- where longevity is valued more than quality. It IS possible to explore attractions and relationship dynamics in ways that are healthy, respectful, and respect your autonomy and someone else's. Communication is key, along with being vulnerable and tolerating discomfort. Can't wait for you to listen.  Find Kimberly here:https://www.kimberlymathis.comhttps://www.instagram.com/thekimberlymathis/https://www.facebook.com/thekimberlymathis Find Sara here:https://sarafisk.coachhttps://www.instagram.com/sarafiskcoach/https://www.facebook.com/SaraFiskCoaching/https://www.youtube.com/@sarafiskcoaching1333https://www.tiktok.com/@sarafiskcoach What happens inside the free Stop People Pleasing Facebook Community? Our goal is to provide help and guidance on your journey to eliminate people pleasing and perfectionism from your life. We heal best in a safe community where we can grow and learn together and celebrate and encourage each other. This group is for posting questions about or experiences with material learned in The Ex-Good Girl podcast, Sara Fisk Coaching social media posts or the free webinars and trainings provided by Sara Fisk Coaching. See you inside!Book a Free Consult

 Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with cancer? Statistics say one in two women, and one in three men, will be given that diagnosis at some point in their life. Our guest today, author and health coach, Chris Wark was just 26 years old when doctors discovered a golf-ball size tumor in his colon. After surgery, Chris decided that he would go against his oncologist's advice and not take part in chemotherapy or radiation. After deep prayer and consideration, he decided that he would radically change his diet and explore natural healing modalities. Diet and lifestyle therapy show that healing can indeed occur. So why would doctors not share this information? Could it be because of the pharmaceutical industry and their influence? Traditional Western doctors are not typically required to study nutrition as part of their training. In Part 1 of today's interview, Chris Wark shares his findings and offers hope to help those struggling with disease. Info: ChrisBeatCancer.com. 

Revolutionary Witchcraft- Sarah Lyons  Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit Emergence Magazine podcast  https://www.ejnet.org/ej/principles.pdf   S4E32 TRANSCRIPT:----more----   Yucca: Welcome back to the Wonder Science Paganism. I'm your host, Yucca. Mark: and I'm Mark. Yucca: And today we are honored to have another guest. So Lauren, who is a new member of the Atheopagan Society Council. So, welcome, Lauren. Lauren: Thanks. I'm so glad to be here. Yucca: Yeah. Mark: We're really excited to have you, so thank you for taking the time to come on the show. Lauren: Yeah, no, my pleasure. Thanks for inviting me. I'm so tickled to be here. Yucca: Yeah. So, Lauren, will you tell us a little bit about you and your, I guess, so we were saying atheopagan origin story? Lauren: Sure. And you know, I think like a lot of these stories, it's a little long, so forgive me if I get kind of long-winded here, but I hope that, you Yucca: so much fun. We love to listen to it, so. Lauren: I'm glad. Yeah, I'm sort of hopeful that some of what I talk about could just help someone else. So I figured I would lay it all out there. So yeah, I'm I'm from New York, I'm from New York City, and I grew up in a, I would say, fairly Catholic family. We went to Mass regularly outside of just like Christmas and Easter. I was an altar girl I had my first communion, sort of like the whole, all the steps that you do as a child in the Catholic Church. And I really loved it, like I loved being an altar girl, I loved, being part of rituals and ceremonies and made me feel important and special, and I really loved the community that we had in the church as a kid. But as I got a little bit older when I was sort of like in early adolescence, my mom came out as a lesbian. And, as you can imagine, this was like the early 2000s being part of the LGBTQ plus community, and the Catholic Church didn't really mix, so, we left that community. And at the same time, again, early 2000s, there was a lot of just like witch stuff happening in pop culture, like the Harry Potter books were like exploding, all this stuff was going on. And I expressed an interest in that. And an adult in my life was like, Oh, hey, you like it. Thank you. Witchy things, like let me bring you to this New Age bookstore. So, I went to this New Age bookstore and I bought a couple of books on Wicca, and it was just like a complete revelation for me. I was so enamored with, with Wicca, with Learning about this whole religious practice that was, it, it felt magical and empowering and, you know, feminist and accepting and all of these things, and I was just still a really deeply faithful person like, you Completely believed in God, and I remember reading a passage in one of the books that I got that was like, you can imagine God as a diamond, and in Christianity, you're just looking at one facet of the diamond, and this was a way to like, look at all of these other facets, and I just loved that. So throughout my, my whole teenage era, I had this like fairly serious solitary practice. I never tried to build any sort of real life community. I think the stigma was just like too high for me to ever even try, but I would like read stuff online and, and I would do ritual by myself. When I was in my, I guess, around 20 years old late teens to, to 20, sort of two things happened that kind of pushed me to a different place. So, unfortunately I had this tragic experience where my best friend from childhood passed away. And that triggered like a classic crisis of faith where it's, you know, why does God let bad things happen to good people? And I couldn't find a satisfying answer to that question. And I also met the person who would become my, my life partner and now spouse. who just moved at that time from the UK to the U. S. and I think sort of found himself in this place of like, wow, like, everything is really Christian here in this way that I feel really uncomfortable with. And he was sort of one of the first, like, loud atheists that I'd ever encountered. So for the rest of sort of my early 20s, I just I was in this process of deconstructing, and I remember being about 25, and I, I totered around like those same books I bought from that New Age shop, like to all these different apartments, all these different moments in my life, and I recycled them because I couldn't reconcile the idea of hanging on to that stuff with just not believing in God anymore. And I cried, like it was a really painful moment, but it just sort of felt like this is what I have to do to be. to not have that cognitive dissonance in my mind. So that's where like this other big thread of, I guess, my origin story picks up, which is like the environmental activism piece. So I've, I've always been involved in social justice movements of various kinds, like basically from childhood. I'd always done environmental and sustainability work through like high school and college. And then I was living in New York City when Hurricane Sandy hit in 2012. And for people who aren't particular, aren't familiar with that particular climate disaster, it was really devastating. So after that, I, I was trying to figure out how to make climate action my job and how to like make a, a career fighting for a livable planet. So, eventually, it took me a couple years, but that led me to law school, and I decided to try to become an environmental lawyer. I started law school in the fall of 2016 in Washington, D. C. And people listening from the U. S. probably remember that we had a liberal election that year, and Donald Trump was elected basically right as I started law school. So... I spent those three years that I was in law school just like completely burning the candle at both ends, 110 percent in on like all of the things. So during the day I was like interning at environmental law organizations and taking classes. And evenings and weekends I was like, if you can think of a way to take like civic action, like I did it. I attended protests. I organized at least one. I called Congress. I worked in Congress. Like, I just did all of those things. It was a really crazy three years, but I think a lot of us who were in law school, in particular at that time in DC, felt like we had this huge responsibility being physically there to, like, do everything we could both on the democracy front and on the climate front. So, I was, I was glad to be there and glad to do it. So after I graduated, I spent a year working for a judge in New York. We were trying to come back to New York and we were able to do that. It's this thing called clerking, where you spend a year working for a judge. And when you're clerking, you're not allowed to do any political activity at all. And You could do a whole separate podcast about why that's like unfair and a little bit silly, but it is what it is. So it was this strange sort of pause in my life where I couldn't do all of the things that I had been doing, you know, basically for the previous decade. And then in the spring of my clerkship year, COVID happened. So it was like a doubling down where it felt like You know, I think maybe in some ways, particularly where we were, right in the heart of it for many months, everything was falling apart and I felt like I could do nothing about it. And that was really hard. I was, I think, tired and scared and I remember saying to my partner, like, I, I need to pull on something that is not myself. And I don't know if that makes sense outside of my own head, but... It was this moment where I think I was really longing to like turn to prayer like I would have when I was a person of faith and I just like couldn't do that. So it just tugged me back towards paganism and thinking like, is there, is there any way that I could work this back into my life in a way that feels authentic? The other thing that was sort of happening that year too was we had just gotten married and we were thinking seriously about starting a family. And that raises all sorts of questions too about like, well, how, how are we going to raise this kid? And we're two people who don't believe in God, but we want community around our kid and thinking hard about those questions and the sort of life that we wanted to build in that way. So I just started poking around on the internet and I think, you know, many Googles in, I found the sass Reddit page and On some, some post, I saw a comment that mentioned atheopaganism, and I like, found the community from there. So, I guess I've only really been in the community, I think it's been like, less than a year, but I've just been, you know, it was such a wonderful moment when I found it, because it's like, oh my gosh, not only are there other people who like, believe how I believe, but... They've like built a community and a whole thing and just the more I read the more excited I got. So, I've just been really thrilled to be here even though, you know, it took me a long time to find it. I'm really glad that I'm here now. Yeah, so that's my origin story. Yucca: That's wonderful,  Mark: that is, that's a great story, wow. Myself, I got bitten by a radioactive spider, but that's, we'll, we'll talk about that another time. Yucca: For those who aren't familiar, Stas. Lauren: Oh yeah, I think it's something called, it's something like skeptical atheist and science seeking witches. So it's folks who are into sort of, Rituals and practices to help them develop themselves, but they don't believe in what I would call like Harry Potter style magic. It's sort of the magic of working with your own psyche. So that, that really resonated with me. And I think there's a fair amount of crossover, like folks who are in that community and folks who are in this one. Yeah. Mark: yeah, yeah. Yucca: And what were some of the things that when you found the atheopagan community that really stood out to you, that you were like, Oh, this is, this part is what I'm connecting with. Lauren: Yeah. You know, I think just sort of the basic framework that we are all folks who are here because we think the earth is sacred. Yeah. And we want to find ways to celebrate that and celebrate life and community and, and just a rejection of things that aren't verifiably real in a way that didn't feel, I guess, demeaning or, or like there was any ridicule. And that mattered a lot to me because like some of the most important people in my life are people of like deep faith and I've, I've never been super comfortable with the sort of like, let's all just like make fun of. Christian sort of tact. And I didn't feel like I saw that here a lot. And I was also really struck, like, when I joined the Facebook group, there are those three screening questions that basically, I think, are designed to, like, weed out folks who, you know, are not ready to say, Black Lives Matter, or to, you know, be willing to live their values. So the fact that those were right up front, I think, immediately put me at ease. Yeah, it's, you know, probably not obvious to listeners, but I'm a Black and Latina person, and I think, you know, the pagan world, as I've encountered it, it's like a fairly white space, so there's a little bit of guarding that I have coming into any sort of Pagan community. So there were signals right off the bat that like, this was a place where it was going to feel comfortable. And I think once I kind of got past the screening questions, all of that, that held true. Mark: I'm, I'm really delighted to hear you say that, because it's a really important priority for us. You know, we're, we just had our quarterly meeting of the Atheopagan Society Council, so you had your first meeting there, and we're working on our strategic plan, and our number one goal of the three goals we've identified for our upcoming couple of years is a focus on belonging, equity. Diversity, inclusion, justice. The, the activism element of atheopaganism is something that that's really important to me, the idea that we're not just doing this to be the best people we can, but also to make the best world we can. You know, to redress wrongs and to live in sustainable harmony as best we can with, with the ecosystem the biosphere. Lauren: yeah. Mark: I'm really excited, you know, to hear you articulate, you know, all that political passion, because I have a ton of it myself, and it's, it's just, it's just so important at this time. Yucca: Hm. Lauren: Yeah, I think so too. And I think something that has been so wonderful for me coming into this community I think I didn't know it, but I was really looking for some way to both soothe my own eco anxiety and, and climate anxiety, and, and sort of elevate the work that I do, like during the day and sort of the organizing I still do in the evenings, as something sacred and something that, you know, wasn't just an intellectual exercise. Mark: Yeah. Lauren: I was always... During like the Trump D. C. era of my life, when I would go to actions that were led by, you know, like progressive Christian groups or, or sometimes indigenous folks, and they would bring that element of a spiritual connection, I think there was Like a longing on my part that I felt those things too, but I had no, I felt like I couldn't lay claim to those feelings in any way, and being part of the atheopagan community I think is a way to sort of, like, say loud and proud, the earth is sacred, and we all believe that, and we're here for that, and Thank you. Thank you. And you can do that without appropriating anyone's culture or sort of claiming things that aren't yours to claim, but by, I think, acknowledging what's, what belongs to all of us as human beings it's a framework to access that, and I really appreciate that about this community. Yucca: Hm. Mark: Ah, yeah, it's wonderful to hear you say that. I just kind of like to sit with it for a while, it's the because we're living in quite a time, you know? It's gotten very late on, on a number of fronts, and and it's been far too long on other fronts, and it's just, A lot of things are coming to a boil now at the same time, and so being active participants in that is just so essential. I've been really encouraged to see how much interest there is in, in the community, in, you know, standing up for those principles, standing up for for, for inclusion and for environmentalism and for feminism and for the LGBTQ community and the BIPOC community and, you know, really saying, you know, drawing a line in the sand and saying, this is where we stand. Lauren: yeah, it's really great and really special. And I think one thing that I would love to bring to the community as in part of my role, I guess, on the council is just helping people. Find their voice if they're having trouble doing that, or otherwise facilitate or provide opportunities to act on our principles. I don't know, I don't know if I said this at any point, but, you know, in my day job now I am an environmental attorney. I bring, thank you, it's, it's pretty awesome, I'm not gonna lie. I do a lot of legal work to try to protect communities facing environmental racism or to try to protect ecosystems and I think that As an attorney, part of my job is to make sure that people who aren't attorneys know that the attorneys can't do everything, right? And not that I'm accusing anyone in the community of having those sentiments, but sometimes I, I worry a little bit, but it's like, ah, someone will just sue and it'll be fine. Like, no, it won't. And there are a million ways that everybody has to stand up for, for things they care about and places they care about. And those places aren't just like the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls or whatever. They're like that polluted block down your street or, you know, the water coming out of your tap. I mean, there is, there is something to protect and fight for wherever you live. You know, I don't exactly know yet how I can be that sort of resource in the community, but that's, that's my intention, I guess, just starting out now. Yucca: And you've also been active in the affinity groups, right? Lauren: Yeah, so, I noticed that we had these things called affinity groups when I first joined, and that there wasn't a BIPOC group, so I, I guess I started that. You know, I think that in predominantly white spaces, often, At least, you know, speaking purely for myself, there's this sort of impulse to be like, Alright, where are the people of color? How do I find them? You know, because it's, it's sort of a, it's another layer of like, signal that like, this is an okay place to be if there are already other people there who look like you. So, I didn't really know how to do that without an affinity group, so I just made one. And it's been really great. It's, it's a, it's a great community of folks. We're reading a book together now, which is, is fun. And we're hoping to do sort of a book club type meeting soon. I will say like, you know, speaking particularly as a Black person, I think that atheopaganism has this particular appeal as like an explicitly modern creation. And. think, you know, again, speaking from a distance, I've never been in a community like this before, but I see a lot of hints of sort of pagans meticulously recreating their own genealogy to, like, figure out what gods they should worship or what practices they should have or whatever trying to reconstruct these, like, ancient practices. And if you're a Black person in America, odds are that's not even an option for you, right? There's only so far back you can go. So I think that there's a, there's a little psychic relief that I found and like, oh, well, I don't even have to worry about my ability to know, you know, exactly what corner of what place my ancestors came from to like use these tools. I can just focus on the now and focus on the land that I'm on. And I'll say too, now I'm just sort of riffing, but Mark: hmm. Lauren: you know, I would really love to just serve as an example that, That this space isn't just for, like, crunchy white people, and I think that that is a stereotype of paganism that I've encountered in the Black community, personally, that, like, you know, it's, it's just a stereotype that's out there. Like, we have just as much need and, and right to access these practices as anyone else. So, I think there's maybe some unlearning that I had to do and, and some unlearning that lots of us have to do to be Anything we want to be and not just what society says we should be or should stay away from. So, I like to, I would like to think that I can help just make explicit that this is a path that is open to everyone no matter what your origin, no matter what your skin color. Mark: Absolutely. And I was so grateful when you created the BIPOC Affinity Group, because I really wanted there to be one. Obviously I couldn't have anything to do with the creation of that. And other people in the community were just too busy they, they, you know, they weren't going to make the lift in order to make that happen, but it was so important that it be there. I will say a thing about what you were riffing on, which is that when I first created atheopaganism, it was just for myself. As, you know, an American who doesn't have any, like, family legacy of English or Irish or Scottish things, just kind of a person plunked here on Turtle Island with a relationship with land, but no inheritance of culture other than capitalism, and so I, you know, I crafted it with the idea that it would be modern and informed by modern values. But there are people in the community for whom, you know, like Indigenous people, for example, you know, for whom drawing back on those cultural threads is really important. And so, it's not... It's not that you can't do that, it's that you don't have to. You can still have a powerful practice that's very meaningful to you, starting from modernity and your own life and your own experience. Lauren: Yeah, Mark: yeah. Lauren: yeah, I completely 1000 percent agree. And I should say, like, the, you know, some of the folks in the BIPOC group are like reading a book about hoodoo, which is a magical practice developed by people who came to America through enslavement. And, yeah, I definitely see value in looking back and drawing on, on traditions and, you know, white, white American culture in the last 400 years, that's a culture too. And there's, there's stuff to draw from everywhere. I think that, sorry, I'm losing my train of thought here. No, there, there's something to draw from. And, and there, in every culture, right, there are magical traditions in your, in your family tree, right? And often for people of color, I think they're a little bit overlooked. One great little fact that I read in trying to educate myself more about these traditions in the African American community was that when folks were escaping slavery on the Underground Railroad, they would carry magical totems with them to give them bravery. And I just love the idea that You know, sure, there, maybe there's no quote unquote real magic there, but the bravery is real and the political action it led to is real, so, yeah, I absolutely don't mean to say, like, working, looking backwards isn't, isn't good or isn't worth it or anything, but I, I really appreciate the, the emphasis on modernity and, and that you can make this what you want, whether or not you have access to looking back in your own ancestry. Mark: Mm hmm. Yucca: And we've been using the term BIPOC, I think that might be a little bit new for some people. Some people are familiar with it, but can you define that for our listeners who haven't come across this term before, or have only seen it written? Lauren: Absolutely. Thanks for that flag. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, BIPOC. That's what that stands for. And I should say too, you know, our community, the BIPOC group is, is small, it's still developing, as it should, and I think that we aren't necessarily committed to using that term forever. There are Interesting debates happening within various cultural groups in, you know, I can only speak about, I think, the U. S., but within the U. S. about what umbrella term we should use to refer to ourselves and, and those things are in flux. So that name isn't chiseled in stone, but it's a handy shorthand, I think, for racialized groups in the United States to, to come together in this moment for the purposes of this community. Yeah. Mark: Yeah, that's great. Thank you. You know, I, I was just in DC a few weeks ago on a lobby trip. And I had the good fortune of getting a reservation to go to the National Museum of African American Culture and History. I've I mean, honestly, I think every American should be marched through there the, it was profound and infuriating and tragic and inspiring and just an extraordinary experience and I really recommend it to anyone who doesn't feel that they have a grounding in, in what that experience is, at least to the degree that I can get my mind around it as not being that kind of person  Lauren: got the chance to go before we left DC and it's, it's an amazing museum. Hard recommend. Yeah. Mark: So, you're now on the Atheopagan Society Council and you've talked a little about, you know, some of your, some of the roles that you kind of see yourself as playing within the community. Where, where do you see us going? What I mean, we're, we're relatively recent. We I, I published the essay that became the book in 2009 which is now starting to be some years ago but time is slow that way Yucca: council's been around four years at this point. Mark: right, right, the, we only just got our non profit Thank you. You know, status a couple of years ago and but that was an important step to say this is more than about individuals that are working within this community now. We want to create a container and a vehicle for these ideas, you know, to be sustained into the future. So, you've, I know you've been to one meeting, but do you have  Yucca: a member of the community for quite a while now as well, Lauren: Yeah, yeah, a year ish or so. Yeah. Man, I, I guess my hopes are really simple, that it just keeps growing, and it stays inclusive, and that it We become a place where folks from all walks of life feel comfortable. I should say I'm also part of the parents affinity group. I have a young child and we've been talking about some really cool stuff, like maybe a scouting program. And... I think that there are so many people who are in a similar boat to me, where like they're, they're parenting, they didn't necessarily grow up with a pagan, much less an atheopagan, orientation towards things, and they're trying to figure out how to raise kids with these values, so I hope that that space in particular continues to grow. I think I've, I've heard you, Mark, maybe on another episode talk about a book of rituals that you're coming out with. I think it would be wonderful if... We start seeing folks sharing examples of how they celebrate the seasons and, and life transitions, and I know that like some of that is out there already, but I think for, for lots of people, including myself, there's both. There's like a path paving there that can be really helpful to see examples of how you actually like do atheopaganism. And. And also a sense of community when you know, you know, of course, like, you know, a ritual for me here in New York City probably wouldn't relate with the land and in the same way that it would for either of you in different parts of the world, but it's nice to think about some commonality, because I think You know, Mark: mm hmm, Lauren: when you're in Catholic Mass and you know that this Mass is really similar to a Mass happening hundreds of miles away, that, that builds that sense, so, finding common threads if we can, I think, would be a nice way to keep the community cohesive, even as it continues to grow and, and spread and, and morph based on the geography of, of the particular atheopagan or atheopagan family. Yeah. Mark: Yeah, now that you mention it the idea comes to mind, I mean, my book is coming out in April, and it's much more of a how to book than the first Atheopaganism book, which was, the first half of which is theory, really and then the second is about the principles and, you know, doing rituals and the holidays and all that kind of stuff. But maybe another project would be editing a crowdsourced ritual book. Yucca: like an anthology, Mark: Yeah, so, you  Yucca: out to the community and getting Mark: yeah, Yucca: not everybody, but whoever wants to share their insights and sharing that, that could be really, that could be amazing, I Mark: That could be really good. Yeah, I mean, the other thought that I had that I floated a while ago, and it just seems that nobody has the spoons for it, is a parenting book that I would edit. But I can't write because I'm not a parent. Yucca: Well, I am really interested in that one. It just needs to, gotta get the timing to work on that if other people are interested as well. Mark: I really  Yucca: I can't do the whole book, but I think that there's some sections that I'd be able to do. Mark: great, yeah, and I mean, I, I think the, one of the things that we are presented with now as an opportunity is the whole question about families and kids and how we engage families and, you know, basically build Culture within family units, right? Which I just think is so exciting. And I know John Cleveland Host, who's currently the chair of the Atheopagan Society, I mean, his, he kind of stumbled into all of this because of wanting to have culture for his children. So, yeah, it's that really presents a, a great opportunity, I think. Yucca: And we're getting folks now with different ages. I mean, his kids, his oldest are probably going to be off to college soon, right? And a lot of, I know there's a lot of us with real little ones, but there's a good range of... of ages as well. Mark: Mm hmm. Mm hmm. Yeah oh, I'm just, I, I can see the book sitting on a shelf right now, and it's not, it's not very thin either. There's a, there's a lot in it. Yucca: Well, and even just within the, the umbrella of paganism in general, there aren't a lot of parent books. I mean, there's Circle Round, there's, Lauren, can you think of any others that Lauren: I mean, when I was pregnant, I looked and I have Circle Round sitting on my bookshelf. Mark: too. Lauren: I think there's I'm, I'm blanking on the title, but there was another book with sort of like things for, you know, stories for kids. Of course, I think there's all sorts of. of material for kids to engage with the seasons, but in terms of actual parenting tips or, or guides, no, family practices, no, no. I don't think there's, if there's stuff out there that I haven't found it, so I would be really grateful for some sort of anthology coming out of the community. Yucca: Yeah. Mark: Gotta happen. Yucca: And then, of course, I don't think there's anything specifically from an atheist point of view. Right, there's plenty of like you were saying, the seasonal kind of secular stuff that's like, yes, it's fall and the leaves are changing, but not really something that is, that's coming at it from that angle. Mark: right. Lauren: Yeah. And I know that Like I know some folks who are involved in like Unitarian Universalist congregations, and I think they might have some curriculums and things for kids, but, so there, and I think the Humanist Society, I don't know, they might have some stuff. So there's probably like things out there that we could draw from, but nothing that weaves together all of the pieces that make the atheopagan community special. So I think it would be neat if we could make a contribution like that. Yucca: And I like books, I like to have a book in my, like I appreciate podcasts and blogs and all of that, but there's something very different in terms of the experience of turning a page and sitting on the You know, sitting cuddled under the blankets with the kitty cat next to you as you, like, turn the pages and sip your warm drink. It's just a very different experience. Yeah, Mark: Yeah, Lauren: yeah. And I will say I think Mark mentioned the John Cleland Host and Pagan Families episode, and Arwen, I think you were on that one too, right? Yucca: it was, Lauren: I bookmarked it and listened to it several times because, like, oh, there's so much in here! Yeah, I think that there's, there's endless wisdom that folks who have been parenting in the atheopagan community could pass on to folks like me who are just starting out and it would be wonderful to have it as a book that you could cuddle up with for sure. Yucca: How old's your little one, by the way? Lauren: He's one and a half. Yucca: and a half. Oh, Mark: tiny.  Yucca: That is a Lauren: little.  Yucca: so fun, though, right? Everything is opening up now. Lauren: yeah, tons and tons of fun. Yeah, we're, we've been really happy as parents and Yeah, I just hope that we're able to raise him with a sense of community and I think we have that in lots of ways, but I would love for him to feel a connection to this community if that feels right to him and to you. To give him the good parts of being raised with religion that I received without any of the baggage would be, would be great if we can figure out how to do that. Mark: One of the things that I'm really excited about when I think about atheopagan parenting is giving kids the skills to do rituals themselves so that they can work with their psychology. We don't really give kids very many tools in terms of emotional regulation and, you know, kind of changing your mental state, your emotional frame, all that kind of stuff. We just, we don't see that modeled. And, you know, I just... I'm really excited at the prospect of a 12 year old who decides, okay, I'm going to light a candle, and I'm going to contemplate that candle, and it's going to calm me down, and I'm going to be okay about what Marianne said at school, you know, that kind of thing. So, Lauren: Yeah, like you, you know, as your brain is developing in those teenage years, that's when you need those tools the most in some ways and I think that's why I was so drawn to it as a teenage girl myself and You know, I have read a fair few, I guess, gentle parenting type books that, that, talk about introducing things like breathing techniques to your kids. So I am hopeful that some of that stuff that we might call rituals and other people might call, you know, just mindfulness practices, Mark: mm hmm. Lauren: are making their way into parenting culture with folks who are becoming parents now. There's, there's so much more that could be explored and could be articulated for kids and I would love that for my own child for sure. Mark: Yeah, because the world of ritual, it feels so good, and it can be so... Enlightening with a lowercase e in terms of understanding yourself, seeing what your proclivities are and what your core beliefs are, and kind of understanding what your lens is on the world, and maybe seeing some of the limitations of that, and being able to better understand how other people see the world. There's just so much in it, and, you know, I've been a pagan since 1987. And Yucca, of course, you know, you were raised pagan and I still feel like I'm only kind of nibbling at the edges of all of the things that it can do for me. Yucca: Yeah  Mark: and the richness that it brings to my life. Yeah, I think so too, Yucca: we're really, you know, sorting through that. Mark: yeah. Lauren: Yeah, Mark: That was one thing, you know, when I thought about, okay, you know, how we're going to merge atheism with paganism, how is that going to work it occurred to me that the big piece that comes with the paganism is 50 or 60 years of experience accumulated in how to do effective rituals. Yucca: Mm hmm. Mark: Because the atheist side didn't have that. We, we have lots of folks that come into our community and they're like how do I get started? What do I do first? I, I, I get it with all the values and the worldview, but how do I do this practice? Yucca: Yeah. Lauren: yeah. Yucca: One of the things that I really value about that from the parent perspective is that one of the things that we're doing for our kids is helping them to develop skills. And then when they grow up, they're going to go in the direction that they went, right? How many people do most of our community were raised in different religions than their parents, right? And that's okay, right? People make different choices. But I want my kids to have whatever religion they end up being. Whether they stay in the pagan community or not, I want them to have those tools to be able to calm themselves down, to look at themselves, all those things that you were just talking about, Mark, and have the, those ritual skills, even if, you know, I would, doesn't fit me, but if they decide they want to become theists and they believe in a god, then, then great, they have these skills that they can use within that context that's going to help them live a happier, more fulfilled life. Lauren: Yeah, Yucca: it's really beautiful that we're trying to do that as, as, you know, atheopagan parents. Lauren: I think that's beautiful, too. And, you know, while we're on this topic and we're talking a little bit about practice, it just occurs to me to name that I, I really found the, the tools that I had available to me through my practice to be so helpful in getting through like pregnancy and the newborn stage and, and birth. And I had a really tough childbirth experience and it took me a long time to sort of bounce back from it. I found the newborn stage really hard and like, man, if there's ever a time when, like, you've got to lean into your, your meditative or your, your safe place exercises, it's like those first couple weeks postpartum, right? It's just, it's really tough stuff. And If there, if there's anyone who's out there who's, who's pregnant and thinking about making space for this in their life, like I, I could not give enough of a thumb. Obviously, you know, postpartum, also do all the things that you need to do for your mental health, the therapy, or whatever other support systems you need, but I think that this is, Yucca: too, Lauren: and the physical stuff, absolutely, like this is, you know, I'm, I'm not trying to say anything that discounts, like, Traditional Western medicine or, or psychotherapy or anything like that, but just having another set of tools, I think, really helped me in early parenthood and the sort of the transition between pregnancy and birth and parenting. I'll also say that I think You know, for folks who are trying to figure out ritual practices and maybe are also parents of young kids, like, it doesn't have to be an hour. It doesn't have to be like, I don't have an hour. It's a lot of my practices are just extremely short. You know, Yucca: 45 seconds with the bathroom door locked? Lauren: Exactly, you know, or picking up a, I do a lot of sort of like, I guess I'd call them like totems, you know, I have particular little objects that help put me in a particular mindset, you know, it could just be as simple as picking up that particular ring and putting it on your finger, you know, and, and that's enough to shift your mindset. So I think talking about ritual in an abstract way can be a little bit intimidating, but it can be as simple, as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. Mark: Yeah, I find that the things that I have on my focus are all, they're things that have stories associated with them in my mind. So they have an associative meaning, right? It's not just a seashell. It's a seashell that I found when I was 11 on the Costa del Sol in Spain. You know, it's, it's got a, that was stirred up by a huge storm that Brought all these shells up onto the beach. So, the charging of items... Which obviously isn't really a physical process. It's a psychological process. It's building a strong association between a thing and a state of mind, right? That's a very, very powerful practice and it's one that anybody can do and it's, and it's a way to do a quickie ritual, right? Yeah, you pick up the ring, you put it on, okay, now I've got my bravery ring. Lauren: Yeah, exactly. And I guess it occurs to me, I don't know if totem is like a word I'm accidentally appropriating from some group, maybe I should say talisman, but yeah, the idea of having an object that just has that story. I think that can be really powerful and it's really short and simple but isn't enough to sometimes turn your day around or give you that extra boost and I think a lot of my practice has been, you know, especially sort of before I had a kid. It was all stuff to just, like, make me work harder or make me braver in, in political action, and I'm trying to have a more open mind these days about what I can use it for, that it, it isn't just a thing I should use to help me churn out another couple pages on a legal brief. It's like something that I can use to just, like, expand myself or, or heal myself or just have fun or, or whatever it is it, I think I'm trying to broaden my mind and, and encourage other people to have a broad mind about what it can do for you. Mark: yeah, one of the pieces that we That we often, it doesn't get talked about in the pagan community very much is how pleasurable ritual can be. It just feels good. And that, in and of itself, is a perfectly fine outcome. That's a great outcome, right? You know, you're in a bad mood, so you go and you do a thing, and then you're not in a bad mood. Well, that's wonderful!  Yucca: Or you're not even in a bad mood to start with. Mark: No, you're just Yucca: You're just, yeah, it Mark: messing around with candles and incense and cool objects, and it just feels really cool, and you feel sort of wizard y, and it's all fun. Lauren: Yeah, it's inherently fun, often. Yeah.  Mark: It's play. It's a form of play. Lauren: Yeah. Mark: Well, Lauren... Yucca: there resources that you, you'd mentioned that you had some resources and things you wanted to share with the Lauren: Yeah I do, I have a couple of things. So the first takes like a little bit of explanation, but I don't know if listeners are familiar with the concept of environmental justice or environmental racism, but Environmental racism is the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on people of color. It's a term used at least in the U. S. and I think also internationally. And environmental justice is the idea that basically in short you're going to stop poisoning people, period, all people. Yucca: Sounds like a great idea. Lauren: it does, doesn't it? Nice and simple. And that definition is from a website called ejnet. org. And there... On that website, and I can share the link for the show notes, there's a list of principles of environmental justice that I find really inspiring, and it was written by a group of people of color, environmentalists, environmental activists in 1991 at a convening. And the very first principle of the, I think it's, yeah, 17. Yucca: And is that environmental justice action? Is that what Lauren: This is ejnet. org is the website, ejnet, yeah, I can, I can send a link, but, the first principle in that document reads, environmental justice affirms the sacredness of Mother Earth, ecological unity, and the interdependence of all species, and the right to be free from ecological destruction. So I just think it's really, really special that In my mind, part of what atheopaganism is doing is affirming that sacredness of Mother Earth and opening up a path for all people to do that, that really aligns with this foundational document of environmental justice. So I just think that's cool. Yucca: Hmm. Lauren: Yeah, Mark: up a little bit. Lauren: it's really beautiful.  Mark: it is. It's Lauren: yeah, it is. And I encourage everybody to, yeah, check out those principles and, and to get involved in environmental justice wherever you are. Yeah, just a couple of books that I feel like have sort of helped me in this intersection between action, political action, and pagan stuff. There's a great book called Revolutionary Witchcraft by Sarah Lyons. Mark: Yeah, Lauren: A short book. I can't remember if there's theism in there, so sorry if there is, but it's really great. It's short. Everyone should read it. There's another great book called Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hershey that I just read, and it was one of those real aha books. It just talks about... Ways to honor yourself, honor your body, and kind of break free of what she calls grind culture. So this idea that you have to be productive all the time, that's a product of like capitalism and colonialism, and it's something that I really struggle to resist. So I thought that that was great. Two more things. There's this book called Hope in the Dark Solnit, I think is how you say it. Really short book that just sort of emphasizes Don't give up hope that we can make the world a better place. The world is really complicated and Things can and do get better even when they seem really bleak. And then the last resource I'll share is this wonderful podcast from Emergence Magazine, and I think that's actually the name of the podcast. And it has episodes on all different topics that explore the connections between culture, spirituality, and ecology. And they've had like Robin Wall Kilmer on all sorts of, of authors exploring this intersection. And again, some of it might be sort of more like a little bit more woo than some of the folks who listen to this podcast like, but there's a lot of really great stuff there. Listening to each episode is just like a gift, so I recommend that as well and I can, I can share like links and, and all of those, those names and authors in case people want to look them up. And then the last thing I would just say if you'll indulge me in this like quote this quote I really love I'm not a teacher, only a fellow traveler of whom you asked away. I pointed ahead, ahead of myself as well as you, so please, like, I offer everything I've said with humility. I'm working all of this out myself, and I'm really happy to be working it out with other folks in this community. Mark: that's really beautiful. Thank you. You know, fun fact. The first pagan ritual I ever went to, when I was invited by a friend back in 1987, was to a coven which included Rebecca Solnit's brother. Lauren: Wow. Small world. Mark: Yep, very small world. Lauren: Well, I guess that's another example of these connections between the activist world and the pagan world run, run deeper and are everywhere. Mark: Yep, they are. Well, Lauren,  Yucca: so much. They're saying the same thing, but no, really, this is so exciting to have you here with us and part of the community and just everything you're saying is just, just yes. So wonderful. So thank you so much. Mark: and thank you for your work. Yucca: Yeah, Mark: You know, those of us that are in the environmental field can feel really beat up a lot of the time, and the organizations we work for, even the big ones, are under resourced relative to the industries that they're up against. and the headwinds politically that they're up against. And so, thank you for all the effort it took to get the credentials that you needed to be able to do the work you're doing and for the work that you're doing in the world. Thank you. Lauren: That's very kind and it's, it's my pleasure to do it and I'm really grateful for the opportunity to just come on here and, and riff on all these things and You know, thank, thank you both for creating this community that's been such a source of, and for everyone really who's involved, who, who are co creating this community that's been such a wonderful space. It's, you know, after a hard day of doing hard stuff and thinking about pollution on long timelines, it's such a wonderful treat to just like listen to an episode of this podcast or check out the Facebook group. It's been a tremendous source of, of solace for me, and I hope that it is for everyone. for other activists who might find their way into this space. So yeah, really, really grateful all around. Mark: Well, thank you so much. And with that, I think that's a good place for us to stop. Gratitude is always a good place to land on. So, thanks once again. Thanks to all our listeners. And we'll be back next week with another episode of The Wonder of Science Based Paganism.    

Franziska Gonder is a Somatic Leadership Coach and Founder of Leadership That Heals The World and Bravespace. She has experience advising startups, VC investors, and Fortune 500 companies on operations, culture, HR, and leadership. For 15 years, Franziska has combined entrepreneurial problem-solving, collaborative technology, and human-centered design to help individuals and teams discover and achieve their potential. Her work has been featured in Forbes, TheNextWeb, Philanthropy, and HuffPost. After losing her father in 2013, Franziska began leading with belonging, safety, and dignity — and now she helps others do the same. In this episode… Traditional Western cultures glamorize the hustling lifestyle, where entrepreneurs and leaders work continuously while disregarding their emotions. But childhood and other traumas shape leadership styles greatly. Today's guest empowers entrepreneurs to create a healthy balance between work and life while cultivating impactful leadership. Franziska Gonder advocates for a sense of belonging, safety, and dignity. These feelings can become disrupted due to physical, emotional, or mental stressors, consequently putting the nervous system into overdrive and compromising your leadership. Through a combination of neuro-linguistic programming, self-inquiry, and somatic coaching, Franziska helps leaders reflect on their traumas and take accountability for their actions. When you give yourself grace, you can support others in their journeys. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston chats with Franziska Gonder, Somatic Leadership Coach and Founder of Leadership That Heals The World and Bravespace, about leading with compassion and accountability. Franziska also discusses why she transitioned into somatic leadership, how to utilize neuro-linguistic programming, and the negative influence of “up and to the right” mindsets.

Do you suffer from chronic pain? Does it interfere with your daily activities and make life feel less joyful? Traditional Western medicine has proven to be a temporary solution for many; however, if you're looking for a long-term, non-invasive solution that doesn't involve popping pharmaceuticals daily or living in agony, the answer lies in an ancient practice. Welcome to the world of holistic healing: The secret is out, and it's called acupuncture - an ancient form of medicine used in China dating back 5000 years ago. Join me in this episode to discover how an acupuncture can rid your body of pain – forever.SHOW NOTES: Linktree: [@sheridavidson | Linktree](https://linktr.ee/sheridavidson)Join The Wellness Inspired community: https://www.wellnessinspiredpodcast.com/newsletterFacebook: [The Wellness Inspired Podcast - Home](https://www.facebook.com/wellnessinspiredpodcast)Instagram: [Sheri Davidson, L.Ac. (@wellness_inspired) • Instagram photos and videos](https://www.instagram.com/wellness_inspired/)LinkedIn: [Sheri Davidson - Chief Wellness Officer - Element 5 OM, Acupuncture + Wellness | LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheri-davidson/)Element 5, Acupuncture + Wellnesswww.element5om.comFacebook: [Element 5, Acupuncture + Wellness - Home](https://www.facebook.com/element5om/?ref=pages_you_manage)Instagram: [Sheri Davidson (@element5_acuwell) on Instagram • 145 photos and videos](https://www.instagram.com/element5_acuwell/)LinkIn: [Sheri Davidson - Chief Wellness Officer - Element 5 OM, Acupuncture + Wellness | LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheri-davidson/)Listen to more episodes: https://www.wellnessinspiredpodcast.com

The Dudes welcome Dr. Chase Faldmo to the studio to discuss his specialty in nerves and toxins. Dr. Faldmo shares his life story, from his near death experience to his restoration through addressing his nutrition, physics, toxins, frequencies and body voltage issues. Traditional Western medicine failed him, but after addressing his issues through alternate means, he was healed within a year. He has since dedicated his life's work to helping people all over the world learn to heal themselves. If you've ever had a medical issue you can't resolve, perhaps learning about these methods will provide some relief.Dr. Faldmo has treated an increasing number of younger men and women with issues over the last few years and has an interesting perspective on the connection between the loss of smell and taste experienced as Covid symptoms and it's impact on sex drive across the global human populace. Now the CDC has added the Covid vaccine to the schedule for children. Are school mandates next?What supplements and foods should be a staple in your pantry for maintaining a healthy lifestyle? You can read about Chase's story, and learn more about him and his work at:www.healingplaybook.comFollow us on Social Media! Like/Subscribe/Share!MerchandiseSponsor: Warriors for Freedom[INTRO/OUTRO]“Stomp It Away” by Silent Partner is licensed under CC-BY-NC 2.5“Ever Felt pt 2” by Otis McDonald is licensed under CC-BY-NC 2.5

Get ready to saddle up and ride out as we discuss Nicolas Cage's first "Traditional Western", The Old Way (Brett Donowho, 2023). I'm joined but Mark Hofmeyer as we pinball all over the place in Cage's career, talk about Tom Cruise riding a bike and the ultimate Nicolas cage movie mash up we'd love to see.BREADCRUMBS COLLECTIVE on TWITTERBREADCRUMBS COLLECTIVE on INSTAGRAMSUPPORT CAGED IN on PATREONBUY A PRINT NOW CAGED IN on TWITTERCAGED IN on INSTAGRAMCAGED IN on LETTERBOXDCAGED IN on FACEBOOKEMAIL CAGED IN NOWCaged In is apart of the Breadcrumbs Collective, head over to the WEBSITE to get all episodes of this show as well as other great shows. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/cagedinpod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Chad Johnson received his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, focusing on medicinal chemistry and pharmacology. He is a faculty member in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Co-Director of the Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics (MCST) program at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy--involved in all basic science courses within the program. His research focuses on designing novel, fast-acting antidepressants and opioid analgesics with reduced reinforcement.He's with us today to discuss the challenges of cannabis formulation that impact the use of medicinal cannabinoids. Traditional Western medicine prefers the oral root of administration. And oral preps, unfortunately, present significant challenges, when it comes to the cannabinoids because of their chemical structures and the fact that they, at least in the oral preps, are in an aqueous environment.Today Dr. Johnson is going to help us understand those challenges, and review the pharmacokinetics and a few of the pharmacodynamics of the various cannabinoid formulations.

Dr. Chad Johnson received his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, focusing on medicinal chemistry and pharmacology. He is a faculty member in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Co-Director of the Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics (MCST) program at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy--involved in all basic science courses within the program. His research focuses on designing novel, fast-acting antidepressants and opioid analgesics with reduced reinforcement.He's with us today to discuss the challenges of cannabis formulation that impact the use of medicinal cannabinoids. Traditional Western medicine prefers the oral root of administration. And oral preps, unfortunately, present significant challenges, when it comes to the cannabinoids because of their chemical structures and the fact that they, at least in the oral preps, are in an aqueous environment.Today Dr. Johnson is going to help us understand those challenges, and review the pharmacokinetics and a few of the pharmacodynamics of the various cannabinoid formulations.

Dr. Chad Johnson received his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, focusing on medicinal chemistry and pharmacology. He is a faculty member in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Co-Director of the Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics (MCST) program at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy--involved in all basic science courses within the program. His research focuses on designing novel, fast-acting antidepressants and opioid analgesics with reduced reinforcement.He's with us today to discuss the challenges of cannabis formulation that impact the use of medicinal cannabinoids. Traditional Western medicine prefers the oral root of administration. And oral preps, unfortunately, present significant challenges, when it comes to the cannabinoids because of their chemical structures and the fact that they, at least in the oral preps, are in an aqueous environment.Today Dr. Johnson is going to help us understand those challenges, and review the pharmacokinetics and a few of the pharmacodynamics of the various cannabinoid formulations.

Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with cancer? Statistics say one in two women, and one in three men, will be given that diagnosis at some point in their life. Our guest today, author and health coach, Chris Wark was just 26 years old when doctors discovered a golf-ball size tumor in his colon. After surgery, Chris decided that he would go against his oncologist's advice and not take part in chemotherapy or radiation. After deep prayer and consideration, he decided that he would radically change his diet and explore natural healing modalities. Diet and lifestyle therapy show that healing can indeed occur. So why would doctors not share this information? Could it be because of the pharmaceutical industry and their influence? Traditional Western doctors are not typically required to study nutrition as part of their training. In Part 1 of today's interview, Chris Wark shares his findings and offers hope to help those struggling with disease. Info: ChrisBeatCancer.com

In this episode, Dan and Albert break down Food Tech, with a focus on Asia. Food Tech — a merger of the words food and technology — involves companies and projects that use technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data and Artificial Intelligence (IA), among other things, to turn the agrifood industry into a more modern, sustainable and efficient sector in all its stages, from food preparation to its distribution and consumption. In this episode, we widen out the definition to also look at the way large franchises like KFC and McDonald's are serving their customers. Leave us a Review! If you enjoy listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to rate us 5-stars on iTunes / Apple Podcasts. Here's a link to leave a review right now :) In this episode we cover: What is Food Tech and why Asia? (2:12) Traditional Western franchises in Asia (6:57) Why aren't Asian food franchises expanding out of Asia? (16:11) What are examples of Food Tech? (23:23) Follow and subscribe to our content. All information contained in this podcast is for education and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional financial, legal or tax advice. The hosts of Fresh Capital are not financial professionals and are not aware of your personal financial circumstances. Any opinions expressed herein are not recommendations or advice. Please consult a licensed financial professional before you invest. For more information visit our website at https://www.freshcapital.media/ Got feedback or suggestions? Send them to freshcapitalpodcast@gmail.com

What is so "good" about Good Friday? Traditional Western theology would say it is because Jesus pays a debt that we cannot. That he gets punished for what we have done wrong. But that doesn't sound like very good news. Join Pastor Andrew as he explores what Good Friday might really be about.

Ann Boroch's doctor leafed through page after page of her medical chart--EEG results, neurological exams, evoked potential tests... She had undergone two weeks of tests hoping to learn what was causing the spasms, numbness, tingling, and other neurological symptoms that had left her barely able to walk on her own. "Well, Ann," he said, "the good news is, you don't have cancer. The bad news is . . . you have multiple sclerosis." With those words, Ann became a statistic, one of an estimated three million people worldwide--500,000 in the United States alone--who are afflicted by the debilitating disease of multiple sclerosis.    ". . . incurable . . . experiment with chemotherapy . . . slow the inevitable deterioration. . . ."    He went on speaking, but she was in such shock that his words made no sense to her. Traditional Western medicine had failed to cure mher of serious mononucleosis five years earlier. Ann had no confidence that it could help her now.    Ann left his office, and after two weeks of physical suffering, mental turmoil, and emotional torture, she turned her back on the traditional medical treatments for MS. She was only twenty-four, and terrified, but she refused to accept the prospect of spending her life in a wheelchair. "I will not be another MS statistic," she promised myself. And slowly, bit by bit, Ann created her own self-care program based on integrative medicine methods.    Four tumultuous years later, Ann Boroch reversed MS.    Ann learned what we believe at Food Heals to be true: health is more than just the physical body. Health means a balance of the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. When you experience a chronic disease, all facets of the self must be examined. This means moving beyond the symptoms to address diet, lifestyle, stress, exercise, negative thoughts, fear-based emotions, and self-limiting belief systems.    Eventually, Ann hopes, the usual paradigm in Western medi­cine will shift to a realization that even if two people have the same disease, they must be treated as individuals based on the knowledge that each person's history is unique, that health is more than just treating the physical body, and that it is essen­tial to go to the root cause. Then cures will be the rule, not the exception to the rule.    Ann teaches us that health is a choice. Yes, the body has an innate inner intelligence that works at keeping itself balanced through the process known as homeostasis. But this is not enough to maintain health if you are making unhealthy choices, entertaining negative thoughts, bombarding your body with depleted foods, overwhelming it with stress, and holding on to fear-based emotions. Whenever you make the apparently simple choice of what to eat each day, you are actually choosing whether you want health--or not.    Even as Ann took the first steps on her healing journey, it was clear to her that she would be moving not only toward achieving recovery, but also toward helping others to move through the complexities of autoimmune disease.   With her newfound knowledge Ann became a nutritionist and naturopath with a fifteen-year practice, during which she's seen thousands of clients for various health conditions. Based on both her personal and her professional experience, it is her responsibility, and her passion, not just to educate you about the causes of MS and how to reverse it, but also to inspire others with the knowledge that they can triumph and reverse chronic, degenerative disease.   Sadly, Ann Boroch passed away in 2017, but her legacy lives on through her books:    Healing Multiple Sclerosis: Diet, Detox & Nutritional Makeover for Total Recovery, New Revised Edition The Candida Cure: The 90-Day Program to Balance Your Gut, Beat Candida, and Restore Vibrant Health The Candida Cure Cookbook: Delicious Recipes to Reset Your Health and Restore Your Vitality Thank You to Our Sponsors! Just Thrive Health Probiotics  A Proven, Potent and Effective Spore Probiotic to Help You Be Your Healthier You. Guarantees survivability through the stomach & upper digestive system. Just Thrive's breakthrough, award-winning probiotic contains the proprietary strain, Bacillus Indicus HU36®, which produces antioxidants directly in the digestive system where they can be best absorbed by your body. Be sure to visit www.justhrivehealth.com, use the coupon code foodheals15, get 15% off your first order, and add a spore-based probiotic to your healing and detox routine today.    Athletic Greens  Did you know that 90% of Americans are not getting the recommended amount of veggies every day, and 85% aren't meeting their fruit quota? It is recommended to have at least nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day because this will help your body detox daily and give us the essential vitamins and minerals we need. If you think there is no way I can get that many fruits and vegetables into my diet every day, don't worry because Athletic Greens has your back. Athletic Greens has the antioxidant equivalent of up to 12 servings of fruits and vegetables, so your body gets all the nutrition it needs with just one drink a day. Athletic Greens has 75 whole source foods ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics, and antioxidants that help support daily gut health, immunity, increased energy, and help manage stress. So go to athleticgreens.com/foodheals to get your two free gifts – free vitamin D for a year and five free athletic greens travel packs with your subscription!

Traditional Western theology, according to O'Murchu, has been rooted in an understanding of sinful humanity in a flawed creation. Over the centuries this paradigm has engendered co-dependent relationships among the people of God. Even worse has been an imperial image of God, which, after Constantine, which affirmed imperial models of human authority, whether in the church or society.Get your copy today >> https://maryknoll.link/poc

We re-release an informative fan favorite. In this episode, we interview Sabrina Vedete. This intuitive healer and philanthropist shares how she hopes to empower individuals to think outside the box when it comes to body health and healing. Listen in as she references a topic being talked about on a popular table show this week!   https://www.sacredlotusyonisteam.com/coaching

In the episode, "The Shamanic Journey: Making Meaning  and Breaking into Reality Through Psychosis (S2, E14)" I share the process of madness inside the shamanic journey that so many bipolars and schizophrenics enter with ease but never learn how to navigate. In shamanic cultures, the dreamwalker is not viewed as mentally ill but as healer, the gifted one who can access information from the other side to help those afflicted with mental distress. Traditional Western psychiatry disregards the validity of these alternative views, which discounts the sanity of many indigenous cultures worldwide that honor the shamanic journey. #shamanicjourney #bipolardisorder #mentalillness #psychosis #dreamwalker #mentalhealth #madinamerica #madness #mania #depression #psychiatryisnotscience Please visit my website at: http://www.notascrazyasyouthink.com/​Don't forget to subscribe to the Not As Crazy As You Think YouTube channel @SicilianoJenConnect:Instagram: @jengaita LinkedIn: @jensicilianoTwitter: @jsiciliano

We're excited to talk about Marlon Brando's one and only directorial effort, the 1961 western One-Eyed Jacks, starring Brando, Karl Malden, Pina Pellicer, Katy Jurado, Ben Johnson, and Slim Pickens. A notorious production behind the scenes, we delve into its connections to Rod Serling, Sam Peckinpah, Stanley Kubrick, and how it may be the bridge between the Traditional Western and the Spaghetti Western.  If you want to check out this film, we recommend the Criterion Collection (US) / Arrow Video (UK) release, a 4K restoration by Universal Pictures and The Film Foundation, supervised by Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. And if you'd like to learn even more, be sure to check out Toby Roan's book A Million Feet of Film: The Making of One-Eyed Jacks. Thanks for listening and please be sure to rate, subscribe, and check out our other episodes. Also be sure to follow the show on Twitter and Instagram!

Episode 5 is about how major scales can be identified aurally and visually.Traditional Western music uses pitches that are classified into half and whole steps (1:00). Major Scale degrees can have multiple names (1:20). Practice with an example of a simple melody that leaves off on the dominant, and you should try to sing the tonic (2:30). Learn how to figure out what major scale is being used in music by looking at notation. You should look at the key signature (4:00). Get some tips on how to practice major scales on your own (5:00).Question of the day: (6:22) What is the formula of whole and half steps that create a major scale?Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition!(AP is a registered trademark of the College Board and is not affiliated with The APsolute RecAP. Copyright 2020 - The APsolute RecAP, LLC. All rights reserved.)Website:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

Awake 2 Oneness Radio with Dr. Patricia Wynn-Jones, MD on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 7:00 PM EDT. This program has been pre-recorded. Dr. Patricia is an anesthesiology specialist in Los Angeles, CA and has been practicing for over 32 years. She graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago / College of Medicine in 1988 and specializes in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine.  Dr. Patricia is also a UCLA trained Anesthesiologist, Pain Management Specialist and Chairman of Pain Management at Olympia Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. She has a private practice that integrates Traditional Western and Energy Medicine along with medical acupuncture and homeopathy.  To contact Dr. Patricia’s office: Synergy Hema/Onlgy Medical Associates (323) 525-1111

This week on "So What You're Saying Is..." Peter speaks with artist Jon Long, founder of The Renaissance Workshop, an arts and humanities initiative which offers life drawing classes in the 15th and 16th c. tradition and workshops exploring the history and development of Western art and culture. During the lockdown these are now available world via Zoom and YouTube: www.therenaissanceworkshop.com Jon is motivated by the passionate belief that the creative and intellectual legacy of Western Culture, from Antiquity to the Early Modern Period, is something that can be profoundly empowering for individuals and can stimulate artistic advancement today. Jon feels stronglythat in this time of lockdown, we cannot allow ourselves to become culturally and creatively emaciated. We can still participate in Western heritage and draw meaning and value from it. He founded The Renaissance Workshop with the aim of widening participation in traditional Western art and heritage in order to enable people to connect to our culture in a practical and life-enhancing way. He now believes that in this time of social isolation, we need not be alone; we may interact with the legacy of those who generated and shaped our cultural heritage through the arts and humanities and thus bring their contributions into the living present. The Renaissance Workshop is an arts and humanities initiative which offers life drawing classes in the 15th and 16th c. tradition and workshops exploring the history and development of Western art and culture. Jon promotes a positive vision of western heritage and aims to widen participation with its legacy. He has adapted his teaching to the lockdown moving all his classes online on YouTube and Zoom. He is now launching a series of online courses on art and history which anyone can take part in. To find out how The Renaissance Workshop can inspire and uplift you, visit www.therenaissanceworkshop.com --------------- AUDIO: If you prefer Audio you can subscribe on itunes or Soundcloud. Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-923838732 itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/s... SUPPORT/DONATE: "So What You're Saying Is.." is still very new and to continue to produce quality programming we need your support. Your donations will help ensure the show not only continues but can grow into a major online platform challenging the cultural orthodoxies dominant in our institutions, public life and media. PAYPAL/ CARD PAYMENTS - ONE TIME & MONTHLY: You can donate in a variety of ways via our website: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk/#do... It is set up to accept one time and monthly donations. ABOUT THE SHOW: So What You're Saying Is... (SWYSI) is a weekly discussion show with experts and significant figures from the political, cultural and academic worlds. The host is Peter Whittle (@PRWhittle), Founder & Director of The New Culture Forum, a Westminster-based think tank that seeks to challenge the cultural orthodoxies dominant in the media, academia, and British culture / society at large. JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Web: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk F: https://www.facebook.com/NCultureForum/ Y: http://www.youtube.com/c/NewCultureForum T: http://www.twitter.com/NewCultureForum (@NewCultureForum)

Traditional Western ideals of beauty tend to emphasize symmetry, orderliness, and harmony. Eastern worldviews center beauty on transience and imperfection, known as wabi sabi in Japanese. This morning we explore how wabi sabi beauty might enlarge our appreciation of our world.

In today’s episode of “Healing From Within” your host Sheryl Glick author of The Living Spirit Answers for Healing and Infinite Love which shares stories of spiritual awakening, spiritual communication, healing energies and miracles is delighted to welcome Barry Eaton author of The Joy of Living Postponing the Afterlife who will share his story of surviving cancer learning more about … Read more about this episode...

Dr Ken gives another short lecture on the SchizoPhrenia CARE project today.   First, a little more on the cultural background of mental health.  Traditional Western medicine is currently the main form of medical practice  in the United States and the West today.  Dr Ken spent four years doing lab research in brain chemistry related to psychosis.  Please see the pdf document from Dr Ken on psychosis available at the website listed below.  Some believe that severe mental illness is a myth.   More on culture:  the term "allopathic medicine” is typically used and mis-used to refer to traditional Western medicine.  But it is not really allopathic at all, as that means a medicine based upon classical Greek practices which was based upon “humors,” and balancing them with treatments opposite to the symptoms.    To begin to bridge the culture gap, since 1989 the NIH has been exploring and studying Traditional Chinese medicine and Hindu Indian Aruydevic medicine theory and practices.  Today, this study group is become a formal center of NIH.  It is named the National Center for Integrative and Complementary Medicine.    The other podcast episode on the Soteria program shows how it represents an effort to change the Western medical cultural model to one of greater healing and compassionate management of those folks in crisis with psychosis.    Another group of interest is The “Hearing Voices Network.”  It is a movement started in the United Kingdom, in Manchester, England in 1988.  One goal is to normalize the experiences of hearing voices, having visions, having tactile sensations and other sensory experiences.  One of their aims is to promote and develop self-help groups.  This group and movement also represents a big culture shift and change.   More on the Schizophrenia Care Project.   First, the name of the project.   The word “project” comes from self-help and personal transformation groups and refers to a community based project which is not a personal goal or project.  Also, it refers to bringing the possible into the realm of the real.  The vision, goal or mission of the SchizoPhrenia CARE project is to promote and support balanced, healthful, meaningful, and respectful lives for those living with schizophrenia, hearing voices, or chronic psychosis and their caregivers.   The first word is “Balanced.” This gets to the notion that  life can be thought of as having areas in it that are like spokes on a bicycle wheel.  Some of those spokes are health, fitness, diet, exercise, learning, productive activities, self-care, friendships, family, job or work, finances, fun things to do, hobbies, religious and spiritual activities, meditation, sleep and rest, etc.  So, a balanced life is a life where a person strives to have the same length on the different spokes of the wheel, or parts of life.   Next, the word is  “Healthful.”  Health is made up of at least three main parts.  First is the physical body, diet, exercise, rest, and self-care.  Next, the mental health, this is about a person’a habitual thoughts and attitudes, having lively friends and interests to keep the mind active.  And third is spiritual health.  This is one’s relationship to a Higher Power, or God, or for some folks, an active involvement in a supportive, loving and accepting church community.   The word “Meaningful” refers to a humanistic idea that our lives are a story.  There were events and things that happened in our childhoods, events at school.  Perhaps for many listening to this podcast, events related to odd and frightening experiences and behavior, and even emergency contact with police and mental health hospital emergency rooms.   After the Nazi holocaust in WWII,  a prisoner who survived, a psychiatrist named Victor Frankl, wrote a book “Man’s Search for Meaning.”  One of his questions was why did some prisoners wither and die while others lived while both were in those miserable conditions of cold and malnutrition.  In his book, he states that finding meaning in one’s life is part of the answer.  The other things are to be responsible for one’s self, and care for other people. The main reason for living is to find meaning in one’s life.  Also, he adds that each of us has the freedom to find his or her own meaning in what we do, what we experience, and how we handle those experiences.  So for the listeners, there may have to be a re-telling of your own life story, as you find new and acceptable meaning.    The last word in the phrase is “Respectful.”  This is the opposite of the shameful negative stigma.  Many groups want to change the culture about stigma over mental illness.  But rather that fight against it, the phrase Dr Ken has chosen for the project is “respectful lives.”  So respectability is the goal, the thing we are striving toward for those living with schizophrenia, chronic psychosis and those who are hearing voices. Respectability is the new normal.  Respectability begins with self-respect and self-love.   The logo for the project is a heart-shaped partial outline surrounding a human head.  Within the head are little triangles.  These symbolize the thoughts, ideas, memories and experiences (both inner and outer experiences) of the person living with schizophrenia and those hearing voices.   The heart outline symbolizes the core value of the project & staff.  That is the value of care & love, bridge building, of seeing the person living with schizophrenia as not fundamentally different from one’s self.    Caring for and loving one’s fellow human being in the same degree that one loves and cares for oneself is a moral value.  It is a moral value which requires growth, stability and support to live and act at that particular level of moral development.  This is a stage of development beyond and above the selfish and only self-serving moral level.   The short hand logo name is SP-CARE.  That is a funny abbreviation of SchizoPhrenia as SP.  That’s kinda like spelling schizophrenia with a capital S at the beginning and a capital P in the middle.  But it works.   The next big arena for the project is adding its weight to the already existing support and empowerment groups.  The idea here is that there are many ideas which can help the family or the board and care staff take care of  someone who is living with schizoiphrenia.  Many people already know what to do.  The challenge is to embody what we know, to keep up the motivation to act on what we know and to live the values and principles to help all involved. This has started with an online accountability FaceBook community public group.    The crowning achievement envisioned for the project is local and international sets of long term residential, education, support and empowerment homes for those living with chronic psychosis, living with schizophrenia, and those hearing voices in acute crisis.  The homes have the name of New Hope Campus, and the goal is to have sets of three in a community staffed with a good number of folks who will care for, support and form meaningful relationships with the residents over time.  There will be diet and exercise support.  Outside holistic psychiatrists will be used to oversee any who may require medications.   Funding through large scale international charitable donations was discussed.   Lastly the audience is invited support the vision of balanced, healthful, meaningful and respectful lives for those living with schizophrenia and to subscribe to the websites below.

Our guest, Col. John Alexander, needs no introduction. He is easily one of the most enigmatic and intriguing figures in ufology today. He has recently completed another in a series of world-wide journeys and we've invited him to share his thoughts on the interconnectedness of paranormal phenomena. He writes, "There is no doubt about the physical reality of some UFOs. The hard evidence, however, suggests they are part of a far greater mystery; one that engulfs many phenomena. Traditional Western science has created blinders and ignores inconvenient facts that are accepted readily in other societies." Alexander has firmly established UFO existence and will "explore their relationship to wonders long known to indigenous shamans all over the world."

Many of our New Thought or New Age or Human Potential Movement leaders are telling us that it is ego that keeps us from inhabiting heaven NOW. Others are telling us that it is fear. And still others are telling us that it is our thoughts. Traditional Western religions tell us that we are not inhabiting heaven now, because that is an impossibility. Heaven is a place far away from earth in some rarefied atmosphere of holiness to which only those who have become worthy of it, through the right rituals, prayers or actions, arrive—and only after death. Many Eastern religions tell us that we arrive at something similar to heaven only after many lifetimes in which we finish our karmic challenges and no longer have to return to planet earth. But if heaven can be experienced right here on planet earth, why aren't we experiencing it? This show is going to tell us why. Plus we are going to hear the clip from the next Super Soul Sunday. So be here. You don't want to miss this.