352 — Storytelling: The Most Dangerous Weapon on Earth With Ben Stewart

Jul 1, 2025

Filmmaker Ben Stewart, known for his compelling documentaries like "Psychedelica," dives deep into the power of storytelling and its role in shaping human consciousness. He reveals how mass media manipulates narratives while advocating for personal storytelling as a form of empowerment. The conversation touches on the paradox of technology, the ethical implications of AI in filmmaking, and the importance of authenticity in narrative creation. Ben's insights challenge listeners to reclaim their agency through the transformative potential of their own stories.

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ANECDOTE

Soulful Collaboration on Psychedelica

Ben Stewart and his editor Brian Sheehan collaborated deeply on Psychedelica, bringing soul and personal experience into the project.
Their shared passion and connection helped the series reach and impact millions worldwide.

INSIGHT

Storytelling Connects Souls

Storytelling is humanity's oldest technology, connecting us soul to soul beyond intellectual exchange.
Our soul yearns to feel alive and uncensored, seeking unique yet communal expression through story.

ADVICE

Empower Through Soulful Storytelling

Empower yourself by engaging in storytelling grounded in soul, not just technical skill.
Join a supportive community for feedback and connect to networks that can help place your work.

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1Filmmaker Ben Stewart describes the tactics mass media uses to bend your mind to their will and how you can turn the tables by living your own myths and stories and embracing the badassery of being human by learning how to use the tools the fat cats use for good, this week on Spirit Gym.

Learn more about Ben’s work on his website and social media via Instagram. Watch his series Psychedelica and Limitless on Gaia. Take the first steps to tell your own stories on film by checking out Ben’s The Soul of Filmmaking program.

For Spirit Gym Listeners: Spirit Gym listeners can save an additional $100 on top of a $500 early discount for signing up for Ben’s The Soul of Filmmaking program when you select Spirit Gym With Paul Chek in the How did you hear about us? box at checkout. (Special offers from Spirit Gym guests are time-sensitive and at their discretion to redeem after 30 days.)

Timestamps

9:59 Storytelling: The oldest technology known to man.

20:01 The obvious answer and the new myth that can solve the world’s problems.

32:04 Neurocinematics.

41:40 Did you know your smartphone may be a military-grade weapon aimed at your brainstem?

52:46 Embrace the badassery of being human and don’t hyper-focus on the negative applications of technology.

1:02:56 How can we trust the messenger in the age of the influencer?

1:15:55 The only difference between art and propaganda.

1:21:42 Ben’s evolution from poet to singer-songwriter and, finally, filmmaker.

1:33:14 Synergies between myth and story.

1:40:13 In this age of AI, rapidly advancing technologies and dumbfounded people, we must write our new mythology right now!

1:45:53 Myth calls on us to locate, understand and engage the self on a new level.

2:00:57 To the change the world, you must actively engage with the consensus of opinions or you’ll be ignored and misunderstood.

2:18:09 The use of story to promote propaganda.

Resources

Land of the Free

Inception

Find more resources for this episode on our website.

Music Credit: Meet Your Heroes (444Hz) by Brave as Bears

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