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
145 snips
Aug 10, 2026 • 2h 5min
Bronze Age Reset: De- and Re-Mythologizing the Manosphere
Tyson Yunkaporta, Indigenous thinker exploring knowledge and community; Jamie Wheal, performance researcher into altered states and cultural vitality. They probe how Bronze Age myths get repurposed into a vitalist, right‑leaning narrative. Short takes on misread myths, the need for initiation and kinship, and why spectacle fails to build lasting social life.
30 snips
Jun 13, 2026 • 1h 1min
Space Hex! (The Curse of Restlessness, Revisited)
A critique of humanity's obsession with leaving Earth and the cultural myths that drive that restlessness. Questions the environmental and moral costs of frequent rocket launches and space investment. Contrasts Mars fantasies with the abundance of a backyard garden. Explores traditions that value staying, meditation as an antidote, and the idea that true wholeness is found here on Earth.
17 snips
Jun 8, 2026 • 44min
Seven
A celebratory dive into the mythic power of the number seven and its recurring role in cycles of life and transformation. They trace seven through music, Ayurveda, planetary alchemy, and cosmology. Ancient myths like Inanna and the Pleiades pop up alongside reflections on creative practice, reinvention, and planned renewals. Short musical fragments and stories punctuate the journey.
65 snips
May 1, 2026 • 2h 12min
Enter the Dragon, Part 2: On Order and Chaos
Veronica Strang, anthropologist and author studying water deities and serpent mythologies, joins to map how cultures relate to dragon-serpent power. She discusses how movement and water became labeled chaos in the West. Short takes explore rituals and protocols for meeting powerful, dangerous forces. The conversation traces mythic shifts from reverence to vilification and imagines relational, nature-based orders.
142 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 1h 59min
Enter The Dragon, Terrifying and Beautiful (Part 1)
Noel Nannup, Nyoongar elder and lore-keeper from southwest Western Australia, shares Rainbow Serpent stories and place-based knowledge about land, water, and law. He sings Waggar and Bimara songs. Conversations explore serpents shaping landscapes, water spirits and protocols for relating to them, and dragons as spiraling forces that are both beautiful and terrifying.
261 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 2h 16min
Carry That Weight: On Mythic Burdens and Cosmic Supports
Chief Beverly Cook, a Mohawk knowledge keeper and storyteller, delves into the importance of communal support in bearing burdens. She discusses the Sky Woman creation narrative, emphasizing how traditional cultures distribute weight and responsibilities among their members. The conversation challenges modern individualism, highlighting the relief found in accepting help from cosmic forces and communal networks. Throughout, gratitude is presented as a powerful practice to lighten our load, urging listeners to lay down excess burdens for a more connected existence.
90 snips
Sep 7, 2025 • 2h 6min
I Think I Hear the Coming of a Planetary Roar (with Louder Music)
In this enlightening conversation, Snow Raven, a sound sculptress and shaman from Siberian traditions, shares her wisdom on the transformative power of sound in shamanic practice. Rune Rasmussen, who runs the Nordic Animism channel, delves into Norse mythology, shedding light on the relevance of the Ragnarok myth today. Together, they discuss the importance of acknowledging internal and external conflicts, and how vocalizations can act as catalysts for healing and awakening, urging listeners to embrace change in chaotic times.
126 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 2h 6min
I Think I Hear the Coming of a Planetary Roar
Snow Raven, a sound sculptress and animal linguist from the Saka traditions of Siberia, joins the discussion on the power of sound and its transformative qualities. They explore how vocal expressions can awaken dormant energies and facilitate personal and collective healing. Snow delves into themes of nature, chaos, and the essential role of community support amid societal challenges. The conversation emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with our primal selves as a pathway to navigate the turbulent times we live in.
325 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.
192 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.
