Pulling The Thread with Elise Loehnen

Connie Zweig, PhD, a therapist and author of The Inner Work of Age, shares transformative insights on aging and identity shifts. She emphasizes the unique opportunity we have to embrace elderhood and the wisdom gained from life reviews. The conversation covers the role of elders in nurturing younger generations and highlights the importance of shadow work in personal growth. Zweig advocates for recognizing the value of older individuals in society, while encouraging rituals that support meaningful transitions throughout life's stages.

Richard Christiansen, founder of Flamingo Estate and author of "The Guide to Becoming Alive," shares his insights on creativity and personal growth. He discusses the importance of taking action to spark momentum and the delicate balance between light and dark in our journeys. Christiansen uses the metaphor of ripening bananas to illustrate personal development, while also emphasizing the significance of genuine relationships in business. His reflections on gratitude reveal how nurturing our creativity can lead to profound transformation.

Thomas Hübl, a spiritual teacher and PhD, delves into the complexities of shadow work and collective trauma. He emphasizes the importance of embracing our darker energies rather than disowning them. The discussion highlights how confronting suppressed emotions can lead to personal and societal healing. Hübl also explores the nature of collective shadow energy during crises and the transformative power of collective intelligence. Ultimately, he advocates for communal healing and self-awareness to navigate the challenges of our time.

Rightful Instagram celebrity Sharon McMahon is known as “America’s Government Teacher.” Her new book, The Small and the Mighty, was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller. With her trademark warmth and wit, McMahon shares a few historical secrets, her approach to judging people from the past, and her perspective on our current moment in time. She also tells a remarkable story that may convince you to work with, instead of against, your enemies. See more about this episode and guest on my Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this solo episode, I share some things that are on my mind right now, including: An experience I had revisiting my 22-year-old self. A powerful takeaway from a workshop on wanting and desire. And how I’m thinking about personal stories, memoir, and bridges to bigger collective stories. I also answer some listener questions (thank you, and please keep them coming).See more about this episode on my Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clara Bingham, an award-winning journalist and author of "The Movement," shares powerful narratives from her oral history on second-wave feminism. She discusses the highs and lows of the women’s rights struggle from 1963 to 1973, emphasizing the impact of key figures like Betty Friedan and the challenges within the feminist movement. Bingham highlights the importance of abortion rights and underground networks, as well as trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm, who inspired future generations. It's a poignant exploration of women's empowerment and activism.

Renowned anthropologist Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, professor emerita at UC Davis, discusses her groundbreaking concept of the 'allomother'—the idea that shared caregiving has shaped human evolution. She explores how cooperative breeding enhances child development and the pivotal role of diverse caregivers. Hrdy also addresses the cultural significance of male involvement in caregiving and its impact on social dynamics and gender roles. Her insights challenge traditional views on parenting, emphasizing collective nurturing as essential for healthier communities.

Tim Shriver engages with fascinating guests who reveal how they've turned pain into purpose through spiritual practices. Min Jin Lee discusses creating complex characters for transformation, while Michael Phelps shares insights on mental health and inner life in competition. Rainn Wilson emphasizes believing in something greater to combat overwhelming chaos. The podcast touches on the interplay between art, spirituality, and the challenges fame brings to mental well-being. Ultimately, it inspires listeners to cherish everyday moments of joy and connection.

Jeffrey Kripal, J. Newton Rayzor Chair in Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University, returns for a thought-provoking conversation. He discusses his latest book, exploring unexplainable phenomena like UFOs and time travel. Kripal emphasizes the need for an open-minded approach to extraordinary experiences and how trauma can lead to profound insights. The discussion bridges science and humanities, diving into narratives of consciousness and humor's role in our understanding of reality.

Edith Eva Eger, a Holocaust survivor and esteemed psychologist, discusses her incredible journey from trauma to empowerment. Joined by her grandson Jordan Engler, they explore the importance of revisiting the past to foster growth. Edith's recent memoir tailored for younger readers, 'The Ballerina of Auschwitz,' is a key topic. The duo delves into resilience, the power of forgiveness, and the duality of human nature. With personal anecdotes, they inspire listeners to embrace life's challenges and celebrate transformation.