Interview begins: 5:03 In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, we explore the profound spiritual and social dimensions of gender with Rev. Cynthia Brix and Dr. Will Keepin, pioneers in the field of gender reconciliation and equity. Cynthia, an interfaith minister and wellness expert, and Will, a former quantum physicist turned healer and spiritual seeker, share their journeys and the transformative power of their work. Cynthia discusses her path from atheism to a dynamic spirituality grounded in activism and human relationships. She reflects on how her experiences and education led her to focus ..read more

Interview begins @ 3:11 In this episode, I sit down with Barry Taylor to explore the intersections of rock 'n' roll, counterculture, and spirituality. Barry shares his early experiences in the vibrant world of music and discusses how these experiences opened up a new language for understanding the invisible aspects of our world. Highlights of this episode include: • Music as a Gateway: Barry and I explore how music acts as a symbolic language that helps articulate the invisible, shaping our perception of the mystical. • The Famous Quote Explained: Barry elucidates the quote famously referenced ..read more

Interview begins @ 6:04 In this episode, comedian Pete Holmes meets theologian and former AC/DC road manager, Barry Taylor, for the first time, despite Pete having referenced a profound quote from Barry in his work for nearly a decade. The conversation kicks off with Pete diving into Barry's storied history with rock & roll, setting the stage for a deeper exploration into how both comedy and rock music act as catalysts for transformation, challenging societal norms and speaking truth to power during critical times. Together, they discuss the delicate dance between the sacred and the profan ..read more

111: Ellen Petry Leanse – The Brain and Beyond by John Price ..read more

Interview begins @ 5:18 In this episode, we dive into the compelling journey of Greg Wrenn, author of the ayahuasca eco-memoir Mothership. Greg begins by sharing a poignant excerpt from his book that ties back to an early memory of his mother, illustrating the profound impact of growing up with an emotionally dysregulated parent. His memoir not only explores personal trauma but also the psychodynamics that have shaped his life. Greg, a former Stegner Fellow and an associate professor at James Madison University, discusses the transformative nature of poetry, suggesting that a poem is not merel ..read more

Interview begins @ 5:03 In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, we explore the pioneering work of Dr. Ross Ellenhorn, a visionary dedicated to reshaping mental health care. Dr. Ellenhorn introduces us to his unique "hospital without walls," a concept that challenges traditional mental health treatments and seeks to destigmatize the way we approach psychological well-being. Through his innovative psychedelic business, he emphasizes creativity and play as crucial therapeutic tools. Dr. Ellenhorn shares his personal journey, starting from being labeled as "not normal" by societal standards, and dis ..read more

Interview begins @ 4:06 In this episode Dimitri Mugianis shares his captivating journey from a tumultuous early life marked by drug use as a means to alleviate pain and delve into alternate states of consciousness, to a life-transforming encounter with iboga. This African sacrament catalyzed his confrontation with trauma, miraculously eradicating his heroin dependency post-experience. Our conversation navigates through the realms of alternate states of consciousness, religion, healing, harm reduction, and the significance of art in recovery. Dimitri highlights the spiritual longing inherent in ..read more

105: Becca Tarnas – The Imagination and The Red Books of Tolkien & Jung by John Price ..read more

Interview begins @ 4:00 In this episode of "The Sacred Speaks," embark on an exploratory journey with Dr. Stephen Aizenstat, diving into the depths of the inner self. Our dialogue begins with the concept of the inner journey, ignited by curiosity, as seen through the lens of Dr. Aizenstat. A masterful storyteller, he intertwines compelling narratives from both his personal and professional realms, offering a glimpse into his distinctive worldview. Our conversation reveals the notion of 'genius' residing in each individual, transcending the bounds of the extraordinary. Dr. Aizenstat shares enli ..read more

Interview begins @ 9:25 Father Richard Rohr explores his experiences with men and men's work. Growing up in a Catholic seminary surrounded by males, he became acutely aware of both the beautiful and neurotic facets of masculinity. His time working in an Albuquerque jail exposed him to the ways men suffer and express their pain, which deepened his understanding and prompted reflection on male-centric theories. This allowed him to better address the unique sufferings faced by men. He emphasizes the importance of healthy male role models for men to emulate, ensuring they engage with the world wit ..read more