In this episode, Francis and I discuss the role of community in processing grief, the cult of specialness, our addiction to progress, using beauty and ritual to stay mentally healthy, and how obsession with individualism has crippled our ability to feel like we belong. That’s just the tip of the iceberg with a man like Francis, and it’s a great honor to hear him speak with such depth and clarity on these complex subjects. Francis Weller, MFT, is a psychotherapist, writer, and soul activist. He is a master of synthesizing diverse streams of thought from psychology, anthropology, mythology, alchemy, indigenous cultures, and poetic traditions. Author of The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief, The Threshold Between Loss and Revelation, (with Rashani Réa), and In the Absence of the Ordinary: Essays in a Time of Uncertainty, he has introduced the healing work of ritual to thousands of people. He founded and directs WisdomBridge, an organization that offers educational programs that seek to integrate the wisdom from indigenous cultures with the insights and knowledge gathered from western poetic, psychological, and spiritual traditions.  As a gifted therapist and teacher, Francis has been described as a jazz artist, improvising and moving fluidly in and out of deep emotional territories with groups and individuals, bringing imagination and attention to places often held with judgment and shame. Francis received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and two Master’s Degrees from John F. Kennedy University in Clinical Psychology and Transpersonal Psychology. His writings have appeared in anthologies and journals exploring the confluence between psyche, nature, and culture. His work was featured in The Sun magazine (October 2015) the Utne Reader (Fall 2016) and the Kosmos Journal. (Winter 20201) He is a frequent presenter and keynote speaker at conferences, bringing insight, poetry and a breath of humor to his talks. Francis is currently on staff at Commonweal Cancer Help Program, co-leading their week-long retreats with Michael Lerner. He has taught at Sonoma State University, the Sophia Center in Oakland, and has been the featured teacher at the Minnesota Men's Conference. He is currently completing his third book, A Trail on the Ground: The Geography of Soul. He has created three CD sets, two focusing on healing shame and one on “Restoring the Soul of the World.” His latest offerings are a 10-session audio series on "Living a Soulful Life and Why It Matters." and ​"The Alchemy of Initiation: Soul Work and the Art of Ripening."   Connect with Francis:   Website: https://www.francisweller.net/ Books: https://www.francisweller.net/books.html Programs: https://www.francisweller.net/programs--workshops.html Did you enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the self-leadership they’re looking for. Are you looking to find purpose, navigate transition, or fix your relationships, all with a powerful group of men from around the world? Check out The Alliance and join me today.  Check out our Facebook Page or the Men's community. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts  | Spotify For more episodes visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Pat McCabe, a Diné activist and ceremonial leader, alongside Francis Weller, a psychotherapist and soul activist, as they explore the transformative power of winter’s darkness. They discuss the significance of grief and renewal, weaving Indigenous wisdom with psychological insights. Their reflections on ancestral ties and communal healing highlight the importance of embracing life's cyclical nature. From personal rituals to collective transitions, this conversation offers profound wisdom on navigating loss and finding hope in the fertile darkness.

All you newcomers to the podcast, this one is for you! Every now and then, we like to take segments from previous episodes that were particularly insightful, informative, or moving, and showcase them under theme. That way, you get a solid look at what we offer. In this episode: James Hollis on how the landscape of male culture has changed in his lifetime Owen Marcus on emotional intelligence Ben Goresky on what modern men seem to be facing John Wineland on the "integrated masculine" and embodiment Francis Weller on how men can nourish future generations ***This podcast is brought to you by Organifi! Plant-based nutrition that's science-backed, high quality, and something I use literally every day. Hit up the link for 20% off your next here: https://www.organifi.com/mantalksPick up my brand new book! Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/Did you enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the self-leadership they’re looking for.Are you looking to find purpose, navigate transition, or fix your relationships, all with a powerful group of men from around the world? Check out The Alliance and join me today. Check out our Facebook Page or the Men's community.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | SpotifyFor more episodes visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Francis Weller, an inspiration in initiation and soulful living, shares insights on confronting the predator archetype, embracing darkness for growth, and the power of community in men's soulful living. Explore mythic psychology, facing fears, and reclaiming the outcast in this thought-provoking conversation with Traver Boehm.

Francis Weller, a psychotherapist and author known for his work on grief, joins Anderson for a heartfelt discussion. They dive into the lifelong journey of grief, highlighting how it shapes our identities and emotional landscapes. Francis emphasizes the importance of community and therapy in navigating sorrow. The conversation unveils how childhood coping mechanisms can hinder healing. They explore the relationship between grief and personal growth, advocating for honoring sadness as a pathway to emotional intimacy and connection.

Anderson Cooper continues his personal journey through grief and talks with psychotherapist Francis Weller about the importance of embracing and honoring grief. They discuss suppressed grief, cultural differences in grief rituals, and Francis Weller's book on grief and loss. The podcast explores the themes of listening to voicemail messages, finding joy after loss, and the significance of communal discussions about pain.

Francis Weller, a respected psychotherapist and soul activist, shares his profound insights on culture and masculinity. He examines why we find ourselves in a collective 'long dark' and the necessary responses to navigate this tumultuous period. Weller discusses the therapeutic power of death cafes and emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability for transformation. He critiques simplistic views of masculinity, urging for a balanced understanding of male identities and the need to reconnect deeply with nature.

Nancy and Dan discuss the concept of Grief in the World, exploring personal experiences of loss, self-discovery, and healing. They touch on economic disparity, inner healing, mindful consumption, connecting with nature, personal reflections, divine guidance, and embracing grief through rituals for healing.

Francis Weller, a psychotherapist and soul-activist, shares profound insights on grief and healing. He discusses the concept of Rough Initiation, suggesting that we navigate our overwhelm through self-compassion and embracing beauty. Weller emphasizes the importance of transforming sorrow into something healing for individuals and communities. He reflects on the loneliness of trauma, advocating for a healthy relationship with grief. Furthermore, he explores the spiritual practices that foster deeper connections within ourselves and with others during challenging times.

Francis Weller, a profound thinker on grief and soulful topics, dives deep into the importance of embracing sorrow in challenging times. He introduces the transformative 'Five Gates of Grief,' emphasizing how acknowledging grief can lead to healing and joy. The conversation pushes for personal engagement with global issues and the necessity of community support in processing loss. Weller shares his belief that grief, far from being a burden, can awaken our love and courage, ultimately guiding us to a more meaningful existence.