Psyche

In this episode of Psyche Podcast, I sit down with Paul J. Leslie to explore the fascinating and controversial figure of Alejandro Jodorowsky—filmmaker, writer, and creator of psychomagic. Together, we unpack how Jodorowsky’s surrealist films, theatrical experiments, and ritualistic interventions might inform psychotherapy today.Paul and I dive into the tension between theory and creativity in therapy, comparing Jodorowsky’s work with the approaches of Milton Erickson, Bradford Keeney, and other innovators. We discuss the symbolic power of ritual, the role of improvisation in therapy, and why standardized treatment models often fall short in honoring the uniqueness of each client.Along the way, we reflect on performance, spontaneity, therapeutic alliance, and the risks of imposing ideology over human connection. Whether you’re intrigued by Jodorowsky’s art, curious about creative therapy, or simply interested in how therapists can remain open, playful, and adaptive, this conversation will spark your imagination.

In this episode of the Psyche Podcast, I sit down once again with my friend Todd McGowan to talk about his newest book, The Cambridge Introduction to Jacques Lacan. We dive into what it was like for Todd to take on the challenge of writing an introduction to such a complex and enigmatic thinker, especially after the unexpected passing of his co-author, Mari Ruti .Todd and I explore Lacan’s relationship to philosophy, his engagement with Hegel and Kojève, and why Todd divides Lacan’s career into early, middle, and late periods . We also get into stories from Lacan’s life—like his infamous driving habits—and how they intersect with his radical ethical claims .Along the way, we discuss key concepts like the objet petit a, the mirror stage, and the four discourses, while reflecting on Lacan’s enduring relevance for thinking about desire, subjectivity, and the collision of biology and culture . This was a lively and thought-provoking conversation that made me appreciate both the brilliance and the contradictions in Lacan’s thought.If you’re curious about Lacan but have felt intimidated by his work, this episode is a great place to start.

In this episode of Psyche Podcast, I sit down with filmmaker Fred Sprinkle to talk about his powerful short film The Rites of Man. From the first time I watched it, I was struck by its beauty, depth, and the way it speaks to the struggles of masculinity in our culture today. Fred shares how the project was born out of his own reflections on manhood, mental health, and the pressures to constantly “maximize” in a world governed by metrics and algorithms.We dive into the unique filmmaking process—shot on 16mm film—and explore themes of precarious masculinity, trauma, relationships, and the tension between connection and solitude. Our conversation also touches on philosophy, Byung-Chul Han, Zygmunt Bauman, religion, and the longing for community in a digital age.This is one of those episodes that opens up big questions about what it means to be human, how we deal with pain, and how art can help us reflect on our lives. Whether you’re drawn to film, psychology, or questions of masculinity, I think you’ll find this conversation both thought-provoking and deeply human.

In this episode of Psyche Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Richard Beck—professor of psychology at Abilene Christian University, prison chaplain, and author of eight books including his latest, The Shape of Joy: The Transformative Power of Moving Beyond Yourself.We explore the limitations of self-esteem culture, the dangers of unhealthy introspection, and how modern mental health often traps us in cycles of self-focus. Dr. Beck introduces a liberating alternative: turning outward toward awe, moral beauty, humility, and transcendent experiences that pull us beyond the confines of our own egos.Our conversation moves from Freud and Socrates to Brene Brown, Ernest Becker, and even Brother Lawrence, weaving psychology, philosophy, and spirituality into a compelling vision of what it means to live a joyful, flourishing life. You’ll hear about concepts like “ego volume,” the pitfalls of hero games, and the power of everyday mysticism to cultivate resonance with the world.If you’ve ever wrestled with self-esteem, overthinking, or the pressure to prove your worth, this episode offers a refreshing perspective: joy begins not in chasing yourself, but in moving beyond yourself.

In this episode of Psyche Podcast, I sit down with Calum Neill, author of Jacques Lacan: The Basics, for a deep-yet-accessible dive into one of the most challenging and misunderstood figures in psychoanalysis. Calum shares how he first encountered Lacan, why he believes Lacan’s ideas are essential for understanding what it means to be human, and how his book serves as a doorway into this vast and complex world.We talk about the unconscious as structured like a language, Lacan’s distinctive view of desire and lack, and why the petit objet a matters in everyday life—from love and consumer culture to the ethics of living with incompleteness. Along the way, we touch on Shel Silverstein, the difference between need, demand, and desire, and how Lacan can illuminate our struggles with anxiety.Whether you’re brand new to Lacan or looking for a fresh perspective, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and maybe even shift how you think about yourself and the world.

In this episode, I reconnect with my friend Barry Taylor for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation. The heart of our conversation dives into the philosophical work of Emanuele Coccia, whose poetic reflections on plants, the home, and mixture have deeply impacted both of us. We explore how Coccia’s idea of the “metaphysics of mixture” dissolves hard boundaries between self and world, body and environment, offering an alternative to more buffered, defended views of the self—like those found in classical psychoanalysis.We also talk about Jameson Webster’s On Breathing, which resonates deeply with Coccia’s philosophy. Together, these works prompt us to rethink embodiment, aesthetics, fear, and desire. One of Coccia’s insights we return to is the idea that it’s not courage but desire that helps us overcome fear—a notion that has therapeutic implications and got me thinking about how we might rekindle desire in those stuck in anxiety or avoidance.Throughout, we wrestle with big questions about subjectivity, animism, bathrooms as gendered spaces, and the need to dethrone reason in favor of a more holistic, enchanted vision of reality. We even get into Barry’s reflections on flatulence, the philosophy of shit, and how our treatment of the “unclean” reveals deep cultural truths.Whether you’re a fan of philosophy, psychoanalysis, or just curious about how to live more openly and connectedly in the world, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of the Psyche Podcast, I sit down once again with my good friend Phuc Luu to discuss his newest book, Jesus and Buddha Talk About Desire, Suffering, and Happiness. I’ve always admired Phuc’s ability to weave together deep philosophical insight and spiritual imagination, and this book is no exception.We dive into the inspiration behind his fictional dialogue between Yeshua and Siddhartha—a creative, meditative work that explores how these two towering spiritual figures might reflect on three of life’s biggest themes: desire, suffering, and happiness. We talk about the religious and cultural baggage many of us carry around desire, why imagination is essential to theology, and how identity can both ground us and limit us.We also reflect on what it means to live a life of freedom and happiness—not as a pursuit of something out there, but as a presence we awaken to. Whether you come from a Buddhist, Christian, or entirely different background, I think you’ll find Phuc’s vision of dialogue, connection, and interbeing to be a breath of fresh air in today’s polarized world.If you’re interested in picking up his book or joining a discussion group, head over to phucluu.com. And as always, thanks for tuning in.

In this episode of Psyche Podcast, I sit down with scholar and writer Jill Carroll to discuss her bold and provocative book The Savage Side: Reclaiming Violent Models of God. We dive deep into Jill’s intellectual and spiritual journey—from her Pentecostal upbringing and seminary days at Oral Roberts University to her transformative encounter with Annie Dillard’s writings and her eventual doctoral work at Rice University under the guidance of Edith Wyschogrod.Jill shares how her own doubts led her to question traditional theological frameworks and ultimately reimagine the divine—not as a domesticated or anthropomorphic projection, but as a force rooted in the raw, majestic, and sometimes brutal reality of the cosmos. We talk about nature, violence, feminist theology, atheism, and the possibility of a “savage spirituality” that doesn’t flinch from the truth of suffering and death.This conversation pushed me to confront some of my own theological assumptions, and I think it might do the same for you. Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode offers a powerful meditation on what it means to live meaningfully in a world where nature is both breathtaking and indifferent.

In this episode of the Psyche Podcast, I sit down with Paul J. Leslie to explore the power of co-creating therapeutic themes—especially with male clients. Drawing from Paul’s book Transforming Themes, we dive into how therapy with men often involves shifting both perception and performance in order to unlock change. We talk about the limitations of traditional cognitive approaches and highlight how action, ritual, and creative reframing can bring about meaningful transformation. We also discuss the importance of therapist creativity, the value of feedback-informed treatment, and why staying curious and well-rounded helps deepen our therapeutic connections. This conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration for anyone working with men in therapy.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Allen Novian for a powerful conversation on men’s mental health. We explore the evolving landscape of masculinity and the deep courage it takes for men to open up and seek therapy. Allen and I talk about the stigma that still surrounds male vulnerability, and how embracing curiosity—rather than shame—can be a transformative part of the healing process. We also dig into the roles that grief, father-son dynamics, and cultural expectations play in shaping how men show up in the world. This episode is a reminder that strength isn’t about pushing through at all costs—it’s about learning to care, pay attention, and grow through life’s challenges.