
Pulling The Thread with Elise Loehnen
Writer Elise Loehnen explores life’s big questions with today’s leading thinkers, experts, and luminaries: Why do we do what we do? How can we understand and love ourselves better? What would it look like to come together and build a more meaningful world?
Latest episodes

Jun 5, 2025 • 59min
Should Romantic Love Be at the Center of Our Lives? (Melissa Febos)
In this engaging conversation, Melissa Febos, an award-winning author known for her works on love and identity, opens up about her year of celibacy following a tough breakup. She explores the idea of redefining romantic love, shifting from dependency to autonomy, and the importance of personal fulfillment in relationships. The discussion highlights women’s societal pressures, the value of boundaries, and self-acceptance, urging listeners to find deeper connections beyond cultural constraints. Febos' insights challenge conventional norms of love and relationships.

May 29, 2025 • 44min
Moving Away from Hierarchy (Danielle Gibbons)
Danielle Gibbons, a channel conveying messages from Mother Mary, shares her transformative journey and divine insights. She discusses how to create sustainable meaning in a rapidly changing world. Community plays a crucial role in self-discovery and personal growth, especially for women. Danielle emphasizes emotional stability amid chaos and the shift from hierarchical to collaborative structures. The conversation also touches on the importance of niche voices and authentic self-expression in the age of social media. A thought-provoking exploration of love, connection, and evolution!

May 27, 2025 • 54min
How Do We Get Efficient with Our Energy? (Monthly Solo)
The discussion dives into the intricate dynamics of motherhood, wrestling with personal dreams amidst societal expectations. It also emphasizes the need for blending masculine and feminine energies while critiquing traditional gender roles. Listeners are encouraged to choose love over fear to enhance relationships and creativity. The podcast delves into how Enneagram types influence decision-making and boundaries. Ultimately, it calls for authentic participation in activism and personal growth, navigating the complexities of gender discussions.

9 snips
May 22, 2025 • 39min
Is It Time to Stop Optimizing? (Coco Krumme)
Coco Krumme, an applied mathematician and author of Optimal Illusions, challenges our obsession with optimization, arguing it often leads to overlooking broader societal needs. She discusses the drawbacks of prioritizing efficiency over human experience and critiques the simplistic adoption of Silicon Valley models in government. Krumme emphasizes the fragility that stems from over-optimization, especially in agriculture and consumer choices, calling for a cultural reevaluation of food values and a more resilient perspective on technology.

9 snips
May 19, 2025 • 43min
An Episode from Other People’s Problems: On Psychedelics
The podcast dives into the transformative power of psychedelics in therapy, focusing on Donovan's journey through ketamine sessions. Listeners experience raw, unscripted moments of healing as Donovan confronts childhood trauma and learns to connect with his younger self. The conversation explores how psychedelics can help rewire emotional responses and foster inner peace. It emphasizes the importance of empathy and nurturing relationships in recovering from past abuse, providing deep insights into personal growth and the healing process.

11 snips
May 15, 2025 • 1h 2min
What the Next Big Astrological Shifts Mean for Us (Jennifer Freed, PhD)
Jennifer Freed, PhD, is a psychological astrologer and co-founder of the nonprofit AHA who blends astrology with psychology for therapeutic insights. She explores significant astrological shifts, including the transformative impact of Jupiter moving into Cancer, urging authenticity and vulnerability. Freed discusses how upcoming changes promote feminine values and collective awakening while encouraging connection amidst chaos. With a focus on nurturing relationships and societal transformation, she advocates for genuine interactions and the importance of emotional depth.

20 snips
May 8, 2025 • 1h 5min
Trusting in the Synchronicity of the Universe (Satya Doyle Byock)
Satya Doyle Byock, a psychotherapist and author of Quarter-Life, reveals how she uses the I Ching as a guiding tool for meaning and stability. She discusses the importance of balancing rationality with spirituality and the relevance of Carl Jung's theories, especially about synchronicity. The conversation dives into personal experiences and the mystical elements of life that defy explanation. Satya also emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that harmonizes masculine and feminine energies, encouraging deeper connections with the self and the divine.

May 1, 2025 • 1h 2min
But What If the Bible Doesn’t Say That? (Dan McClellan, PhD)
Dan McClellan, a Bible scholar and TikTok influencer, challenges traditional interpretations to reveal the nuanced history behind biblical texts. He discusses his faith journey as a Mormon and the importance of critical engagement with scripture, particularly regarding controversial topics like abortion and sexuality. McClellan emphasizes that historical contexts shape our understanding of laws and beliefs, urging for a compassionate approach that moves beyond dogma. His insights serve as a guiding map for navigating complex societal issues and personal identities.

Apr 28, 2025 • 54min
Another Way of Seeing Betrayal (Monthly Solo)
This month’s personal reflection dives into the complex themes of uncertainty and betrayal. Insights from tarot shed light on self-betrayal and the cycles of faith. Emphasis is placed on resilience amid spiritual struggles, alongside personal anecdotes of community and camaraderie. There are explorations of joy intertwined with loss, revealing how absurdities shape our identities. Ultimately, the journey underscores embracing challenges as stepping stones for spiritual growth and finding one's true purpose.

Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 1min
A System for Getting What’s Missing in Your Life (Laura Day)
In this insightful discussion, Laura Day, a New York Times bestselling author and renowned psychic, reveals her transformative Prism Method for personal growth. She emphasizes the power of small, incremental changes to reconstruct one's life narrative. Topics include the importance of daily habits for well-being, the role of emotions in manifesting desires, and how personal symbols can catalyze empowerment. Day also touches on navigating grief and the intersection of work and spirituality, providing practical tools to foster healing and purpose.