The Emerald
Joshua Schrei
The Emerald explores the human experience through a vibrant lens of myth, story, and imagination. Brought to life through the wise, wild, and humorous vision of Joshua Michael Schrei — a teacher and lifelong student of the cosmologies and mythologies of the world — the podcast draws from a deep well of poetry, lore, and mythos to challenge conventional narratives on politics and public discourse, meditation and mindfulness, art, science, literature, and more. At the heart of the podcast is the premise that the imaginative, poetic, animate heart of human experience — elucidated by so many cultures over so many thousands of years — is missing in modern discourse and is urgently needed at a time when humanity is facing unprecedented problems. The Emerald advocates for an imaginative vision of human life and human discourse as it questions deep underlying assumptions about societal progress.
Episodes
Mentioned books
241 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 2h 6min
On Powers, Great and Small
Dive into the multifaceted world of power, where ancient wisdom meets contemporary dynamics. Explore the dual nature of power and its complex ties to nature and community. Discover the subtle strength found in humility and interconnectedness, celebrating small acts of love that wield enormous influence. Delve into mythic narratives that reveal the cosmic battles for power, alongside a critique of modern power structures. Embrace the call for deeper understanding and harmony in our relationships, both with each other and the natural world.
128 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 1h 15min
Trickster Jumps Sides (Re-Issued for Tricky Times)
Dive into the world of Tricksters, those mythic troublemakers like Loki and Coyote, who challenge societal norms and spur change. Discover how they balance chaos with renewal, often finding themselves on the margins in modern culture. The discussion spans from transformative rituals in the Hopi community to the cultural disruptions seen in hip-hop. Delve into the necessity of honoring these disruptors, as they can lead to either inspiring change or darker consequences when overlooked. This exploration reveals the Trickster's vital role in our shared narratives.
332 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 2h 8min
On Singing to the Beloved in Times of Crisis
Dr. Omid Safi, a professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Duke University with a focus on Sufism, shares profound insights on navigating crises through creativity. He discusses how singing and poetry serve as vital expressions of longing and connection in tumultuous times. Safi emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty and fostering genuine relationships to heal societal wounds. By viewing the universe as a beloved mystery, he advocates for cultivating sacredness and empathy amidst modern disconnection, urging listeners to find strength through emotional expression.
83 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 1h 39min
For the Divine Mother of the Universe (Remixed and Reissued)
This discussion delves into the goddess's profound essence beyond modern interpretations. It highlights a thrilling motorcycle journey through India's landscapes, interwoven with transformative encounters that connect the divine with the natural world. The narrative explores the goddess's role in creativity and ritual, emphasizing the ecstatic experiences tied to her awakening. Themes of surrender, duality, and the interplay of beauty and terror bring listeners closer to understanding her omnipresence and significance in everyday life.
229 snips
Nov 3, 2024 • 1h 51min
This Episode is FIRE
Explore the deep historical significance of fire and its role in shaping human evolution. Discover how heat marks change and the connection between fire and spiritual transformation through rituals. Delve into the dual nature of fire, serving as both a purifying force and a source of personal growth. Examine societal inflammation and the balance needed in our passionate pursuits. Finally, uncover the profound link between love and fire, as it ignites longing and existence across cultures.
162 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 1h 36min
(Why Mindfulness Isn't Enough)
The discussion critiques how modern mindfulness practices often strip away vital cultural and ritual contexts. It stresses the need for a relational understanding that bridges individual experiences with community and nature. The podcast highlights the dangers of ethical detachment in mindfulness, warning against its misuse for personal gain. Furthermore, it explores the interconnectedness of consciousness and the significance of integrating artistic traditions, revealing how music can deepen our understanding of mindfulness. A call to reconnect with our roots is essential.
165 snips
Sep 2, 2024 • 2h 32min
Guardians and Protectors!
Dr. Ben Joffe, a cultural anthropologist focused on Western esoteric traditions and Tibetan Tantra, teams up with Robert Svoboda, an Ayurvedic doctor and author, to explore the concept of guardianship across cultures. They discuss how ancient practices of invoking guardian deities play a crucial role in navigating both beneficial and malevolent forces. The conversation emphasizes the challenges modern spirituality faces in balancing openness with necessary boundaries, urging a revival of traditional wisdom to foster emotional well-being in today's chaotic world.
171 snips
May 24, 2024 • 2h 12min
Let Us Sing of the Syncretic Gods of Outcasts and Wanderers
Dive into the fluid world of cultural traditions where constant evolution meets deep-rooted rituals. Explore how iconic figures like the Black Madonna adapt across cultures, connecting the past to resilient identities. Discover the spiritual syncretism that shapes eclectic practices and the importance of wandering deities in our search for belonging. Music becomes a powerful language of longing and roots, illustrating the interplay between displacement and cultural exchange. Celebrate the dynamic relationship between people and their land, breathing life into forgotten traditions.
38 snips
Apr 9, 2024 • 1h 58min
On Clouds and Cosmic Law
Explore the vibrant concept of Law of the Land intertwined with cosmic rhythms and natural forces. Dive into the interconnectedness of divine, natural, and human worlds through the Sanskrit concept of balance and harmony. Discover the deep connection between cloud formations, universal patterns, and personal responsibility in aligning with natural cycles for growth.
88 snips
Mar 3, 2024 • 3h 19min
Oh Justice
Exploring justice as a living force in the world, delving into the concept of balance and responsibility, reflecting on the impermanence of power, discussing the myth of Nemesis, celebrating spirituality in adversity, and seeking personal reconciliation for a better world.
