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.

Diane Hennacy Powell is now known as the neuroscientist from The Telepathy Tapes podcast (it’s created by Ky Dickens, and it’s great). Hennacy Powell trained at Ohio State University and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where she received her MD and psychiatric training. She has been on faculty at Harvard Medical School. And she is a leading expert on autism and savant syndrome. Her research focuses on autistic children who appear to have ESP as a savant skill—in other words, children who seem to perceive information that is beyond our known senses. Their profound abilities and Hennacy Powell’s work with them expands our understanding of the human mind and how consciousness might actually work. And within this, there is possibly an even larger, and more critical message for us—to help humanity save humanity from itself, as Hennacy Powell says.For more on Diane Hennacy Powell, how to get a copy of her book, and all the show notes, head over to my Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Richard Rohr, a Franciscan friar and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation, as he dives deep into the themes from his book, "The Tears of Things." He discusses the tension between construction and deconstruction in belief systems and advocates for proactive engagement in social justice. Rohr emphasizes the need to confront our inner darkness to foster growth, critiques scapegoating and societal expectations around masculinity, and encourages a more inclusive spiritual vision for today's world.

Chelsea Handler, a celebrated comedian and author, offers insights from her latest book, sharing humorous and heartfelt stories. She reflects on a transformative call from Jane Fonda that reshaped her understanding of defensiveness in therapy. Chelsea discusses the importance of embracing jealousy and the dynamics of sisterhood, urging women to support rather than compete with each other. Her candidness about navigating emotions and relationships, combined with personal anecdotes, makes for an enlightening conversation about empowerment and vulnerability.

Explore the tension between genuine prophets and profiteers in today’s media landscape. The discussion dives into a personal journey of spiritual growth influenced by historic figures. It examines the complexities of scapegoating and victimhood while emphasizing the need for self-awareness. Unique methods for releasing fear through movement are shared, alongside insights on emotional dynamics in relationships. Ultimately, the conversation advocates for compassion and understanding to navigate societal challenges.

Thomas Hübl, a renowned spiritual teacher focused on collective shadow and trauma transformation, delves into the complex nature of evil in a riveting conversation. He examines how individual responsibility intertwines with societal perceptions of evil and trauma. The discussion challenges listeners to confront personal and collective shadows while emphasizing compassion over judgment. Hübl also highlights the psychological roots of evil, the risks of psychedelic experiences, and the importance of understanding gender dynamics in emotional healing.

Loretta J. Ross, an activist and professor known for her work in the human rights movement, discusses the transformative power of 'calling in' over 'calling out.' She shares insights from her decades of experience, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in resolving conflicts. Ross explores the psychological roots of anger, the journey of personal transformation, and the role of kindness in activism. Through her belief in human goodness, she encourages self-forgiveness and optimistic engagement, fostering deeper connections across divides.