Pulling The Thread with Elise Loehnen

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kurt Gray, a social psychologist and author of 'Outraged,' dives into the complexities of human motivation and communication. He highlights how our understanding of evolutionary history shapes perceptions of safety and morality. Gray discusses 'concept creep' and the misconceptions surrounding harm, revealing that we're generally safer than we think. He emphasizes the importance of empathy in navigating polarized discussions and shares strategies for engaging with opposing viewpoints, urging listeners to foster genuine dialogue and connection.

Anne Emerson, an intuitive coach from Sedona, Arizona, specializes in helping people break free from limiting beliefs through her innovative technique, holographic repatterning. In this conversation, she explains how to align inner and outer realities, emphasizing the fun in personal transformation. Emerson discusses the importance of storytelling for self-discovery and confronting false narratives. Listeners will also hear insights on balancing passion with financial realities and the emotional relationship between money and personal growth.

For decades, Elaine Pagels’s work has been changing the historical landscape of Christian religion. She’s also changed the way many people, including myself, see the world. Pagels is a religion professor at Princeton University, and the author of seminal, award-winning books like The Gnostic Gospels, and her newest, Miracles and Wonder. We talked about the surprising things she’s learned about Jesus and his followers; what his most radical teaching was; and why Jesus, this essentially unlikely traveling rabbi, emerged as the figure he did in our culture. And why this all still matters today. We talk about Pagels’s own story, her personal spiritual pull; as well as a vortex I went down in boarding school that made me understand how susceptible we all are to constraints that explain the world in overly reductive and simple ways. We reflect on how natural it is for us to want some sense of connection with a transcendent being. And how this has shaped the way Elaine approaches her work: not with the intention of destroying a framework, but looking for ways to expand it. For links to all of Elaine Pagels’s book and the (many) show notes, head over to my Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the intriguing concepts of creativity and personal growth as a renowned psychiatrist shares insights on the art of embracing adversity. Discover the idea that the toughest life moments can lead to compelling experiences, while grappling with self-doubt and 'Part X.' Explore the notion that being a bit more 'evil' might just be beneficial in your journey. The discussion highlights the significance of relationships, community support, and the transformative power of challenges, encouraging listeners to unlock their authentic selves.

Legendary psychiatrist Phil Stutz dives into transformative concepts from his work, discussing the 'lie of certainty' and the duality between altruism and deviousness. He shares insights on embracing life's chaos to foster creativity and the importance of individual actions in shaping reality. Stutz provocatively suggests that we might need to be '10 percent more evil' to unlock deeper personal growth. He also reflects on navigating authenticity in a world swamped by competing narratives while emphasizing the greater good that can arise from embracing our darker instincts.

Yung Pueblo, the bestselling author known for his insights on emotional growth and relationships, delves into the realities of love. He and Elise discuss how idealized views of romance can mislead us and emphasize the importance of personal responsibility in nurturing healthy partnerships. Their conversation reflects on navigating everyday dynamics, the role of meditation in self-improvement, and how recognizing needs can deepen connections. They also explore the delicate balance between self-love and unconditional love, offering wisdom for harmony in relationships.