The Sacred Speaks

In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, John sits down with Adele Getty—spiritual teacher, author, and cultural bridge—to explore the urgent, timeless wisdom of her book A Sense of the Sacred. Though written nearly 30 years ago, Adele’s work feels more relevant than ever in a world hungry for meaning, ritual, and reconnection with the more-than-human world. Together, John and Adele reflect on the lost world of animism, the power of symbolic action, and the aching grief of cultural severance from the sacred. Adele shares her path as a modern-day rite-maker, offering personal stories, cross-cultural insights, and poetic invitations to remember what it means to live in a living world. The conversation moves fluidly between anthropology, personal spirituality, indigenous wisdom, and the transformative potential of ceremony—especially in a time of ecological crisis and soul loss. This episode is both an intellectual dialogue and a soul invocation. If you've ever felt the quiet mourning of a life unlived—or sensed the sacred just beneath the surface of ordinary things—this conversation is for you. Key Themes: Animism as a lived cosmology—not a belief system, but a relationship The grief of modernity and the longing for reconnection Ceremony as both personal healing and collective repair The sacred role of women, humor, and voice in ritual How to begin building meaningful ceremonies in contemporary life Why symbolic acts matter in a disenchanted world Reflections on the psychedelic resurgence and ritual ethics Episode Timeline: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Announcement (00:37) Podcast Updates and Announcements (02:25) Introducing Adele Getty (04:02) The Book as a Lament and a Love Song (09:05) Adele’s Personal Background and Influences (11:56) Animism and the Cosmology of Connection (16:44) Ceremony as Daily Practice and Communal Healing (24:54) Spirit, Voice, and Song in Ritual Work (35:32) Historical Context and Cultural Amnesia (47:34) The Psychedelic Explosion and Western Disconnection (50:26) Modern Psychedelics, Integration, and Ethical Ceremony (51:24) Nature as Teacher and Ceremony Ground (52:35) Creating Sacred Spaces in Ordinary Life (01:14:21) The Role of Humor, Play, and the Trickster (01:18:51) Symbolic Acts and Soul Reenchantment (01:19:57) Final Reflections on Ceremony and Belonging (01:26:44) Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Offerings Connect with Adele Getty & The Limina Foundation: Website: https://www.liminafoundation.org/ Facebook: @liminafoundation Instagram: @liminafoundation

In this unforgettable episode, Dr. John Price sits down with writer, ritualist, and mytho-technologist Sean Manseau, whose work bridges depth psychology, psychedelics, performance, and esoteric theology. Together, they explore Entheogenic Fitness Training (EFT)—a radical spiritual system designed for the metamodern age. EFT combines physical resistance training, psychedelic states, mythic storytelling, and ritual performance to create a structured path of transformation. At its core is the archetype of the Phonomancer—a shamanic superhero trained to channel divine energy through movement, voice, and ecstatic states. Sean also shares the inner journey behind his visionary book The Devil You Know, a Jungian-style self-analysis written as a dialogue between two imagined selves. This conversation offers a deep dive into imagination, magic, trauma, shadow work, and the struggle to maintain integrity while mapping new sacred ground. From ayahuasca visions to ecstatic dance, from black magic to simulated belief, this is a conversation for those willing to question what’s real, what’s possible, and what the future of spiritual practice might become. Topics Covered: How suffering can become sacred resistance Psychedelics as initiatory stressors (not just therapy) Make-Believe vs. Make-Belief as spiritual technology Designing a religion for the age of simulation The adversary as a real force in consciousness Ritual performance as a container for ego death From anima to AI: dialoguing with the inner divine Addiction, psychosis, and how to build inner structure The idea of “Functional Enlightenment” and training spiritual capacity Gnosis, the Christ archetype, and becoming a conscious myth-maker In This Episode (00:00) Introduction and updates (06:35) Ayahuasca, ritual, and the origin of EFT (13:00) Phonomantic method and psychedelic training (17:00) Make-believe, religion, and sacred play (22:00) Ecstatic states, magic, and the imaginal (30:00) Dark magic, possession, and archetypal rage (35:00) Writing The Devil You Know as active imagination (41:00) Addiction, psychosis, and safety in altered states (49:00) Resistance, shamanic ecology, and loving the adversary (57:00) What is Functional Enlightenment? (1:14:00) Christ 2.0 and the collective evolution of soul (1:26:00) Ending the psychedelic Tower of Babel Subscribe to stay connected to conversations on psychology, mysticism, imagination, and the evolving face of spiritual practice. Find Sean at: https://www.phonomancer.com/home Learn more: www.drjohnwprice.com Sign up for the newsletter Follow on Instagram: @thesacredspeaks Check us out at www.thecenterforhas.com

In this engaging conversation, Gregory Shaw, Professor Emeritus at Stonehill College and a leading scholar of Neoplatonism, delves into the ancient art of theurgy. He explains how this vibrant practice bridges spirituality and material existence. Topics include the loss of a mythic worldview, the significance of rituals to reconnect with the sacred, and the transformative power of chanting. Shaw also discusses the relevance of animism in modern life and how understanding dreams can unlock deep personal insights. It's a compelling call to rediscover the sacred within us.

Miles Neale, a Buddhist psychotherapist and author of 'Return with Elixir,' shares insights from his transformative journey through death and rebirth. He delves into ancient Greek dream temples, integrating Jungian psychology with Tibetan practices. Neale discusses the significance of personal pilgrimage in the Sum Valley, emphasizing virtue and integrity in today's world. He reflects on the power of mentorship and the profound personal growth that arises from navigating life’s challenges, urging listeners to embrace their own odyssey of self-discovery.

In a thought-provoking solo reflection, the host delves into the often overlooked feminine principle, emphasizing intuition and nurturing. Personal stories reveal insights from his journey as a single father, highlighting the need to restore harmony between masculine and feminine energies. The discussion critiques consumer culture's neglect of the sacred feminine while advocating for reflection and ritual to reconnect these energies. Through musical and mythical metaphors, listeners are encouraged to embrace the mystery and honor the balance within themselves.

Join me for a live webinar – Reframing Suffering: The Little Teachers We'll explore anxiety, jealousy, and shame as sacred teachers. Date: Wednesday, May 14 https://www.drjohnwprice.com/littleteachers-event-2025 Make sure to check out the book Women in the Bible https://www.amazon.com/Women-Bible-Interpretation-Resources-Scripture/dp/0664234011 In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, Dr. John W. Price speaks with Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles, a New Testament professor at SMU and ordained Baptist minister. The discussion covers Dr. Clark-Soles’ groundbreaking work on women in the Bible and her forthcoming book on psychedelics and Christianity. Dr. Clark-Soles shares her insights into translation, interpretation, and the often hidden or misrepresented roles of women in sacred texts. The conversation also delves into her personal experiences—including participating in a psilocybin clinical trial—which deepened her spiritual understanding and informed her scholarship. Together, they explore the complexity and richness of scriptural interpretation, the transformative possibilities of embodied reading, and the role of community, humility, and curiosity in authentic spiritual exploration. 🧠 Connect with Jaime: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaimeclarksoles/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaimeclarksoles/ Website: https://www.jaimeclarksoles.com/ In this episode: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Overview (00:29) Exploring Women in the Bible and Psychedelics (02:25) Invitation to Upcoming Webinar and Resources (03:52) In-Depth Conversation with Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles (06:19) The Intersection of Religion and Psychedelics (07:59) Personal and Professional Journey (12:02) Challenges and Misconceptions in Christian Communities (17:48) Hermeneutics and Interpretation of Scripture (28:40) Fear and Pride as Obstacles to Learning (38:49) Calendar Confusion and Community Building (39:53) Psychedelics and Spiritual Experiences (45:10) The Mystical Side of Christianity (56:33) Women in the Bible: A Deep Dive (01:13:13) Exploring Greek and Hebrew Language Nuances (01:14:42) Patriarchy and Gender in Biblical Context (01:17:13) Women’s Roles in Ancient Societies (01:23:30) Reevaluating Female Biblical Figures (01:28:16) Challenging Traditional Interpretations (01:39:26) Finding Community and Hope in Faith 🌐 Website: www.drjohnwprice.com 🎥 WATCH on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ @thesacredspeaks 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/ 🏛️ Brought to you by: The Center for Healing Arts and Sciences https://www.thecenterforhas.com 🎶 Theme music provided by: Modern Nations http://www.modernnationsmusic.com

In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, host Dr. John W. Price sits down with Elise Loehnen—writer, researcher, and author of On Our Best Behavior, a book that explores how the ancient moral framework of the seven deadly sins has been internalized by women, shaping their identities, relationships, and sense of worth. This conversation is not just a review—it’s a ritual inquiry. Together, John and Elise explore: The invisible “scripts” that define femininity in a patriarchal culture; How envy, pride, sloth, and other so-called “sins” reveal deeper spiritual truths; What Elise risked—and learned—by stepping out from her “invisibility cloak”; How patriarchal systems harm men as well, and the cost of emotional suppression; How men and women can co-create a future rooted in collaboration, not competition The role of grief, longing, and sacred agency in personal and cultural awakening; Elise also shares behind-the-scenes insight into her writing process, her podcast Pulling the Thread, and her evolving work around binaries, individuation, and collective healing. This episode is part of a broader arc on The Sacred Speaks focused on rebalancing the masculine and feminine within us and in our culture. Join John for the upcoming live webinar: Reframing Suffering – The Little Teachers Explore anxiety, jealousy, and shame as sacred messengers 📅 Wednesday, May 14 https://www.drjohnwprice.com/littleteachers-event-2025 or see @thesacredspeaks on Instagram 👉 CONNECT WITH ELISE LOEHNEN: Website: https://www.eliseloehnen.com/about Check out Elise Loehnen’s powerful book: On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to Be Good https://www.amazon.com/Our-Best-Behavior-Seven-Deadly-ebook/dp/B0BN574QYK Substack: https://eliseloehnen.substack.com/ Podcast: Pulling the Thread 🧭 CHAPTERS: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Announcement (00:12) Book Recommendation and Feminine Focus (00:36) Upcoming Episodes and Personal Projects (00:49) Cultural Excavation and Feminine Scripts (03:30) Interview with Elise Loehnen Begins (04:27) Exploring the Seven Deadly Sins (06:00) Patriarchy and Cultural Conditioning (16:54) Masculine and Feminine Archetypes (20:04) Podcasting and Personal Growth (25:33) Psychedelics and Personal Experiences (41:25) Writing as a Transformative Process (45:16) The 'Me' Story vs. The 'We' Story (46:52) Individualism vs. Collectivism (47:31) Individuation and Awakening (48:36) The Matrix and Cultural Narratives (50:24) Exploring Envy and Its Origins (52:17) The Seven Deadly Sins and Their History (56:45) Navigating Envy in Men and Women (01:13:40) Patriarchy and Its Impact on Men (01:19:26) Building a Bigger Tent for Everyone (01:20:31) Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks 🎧 Interview begins at (03:30) 🔗 THE SACRED SPEAKS: Website: http://www.thesacredspeaks.com WATCH: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg FOLLOW: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/ Brought to you by: www.thecenterforhas.com 🎶 Theme music by Modern Nations @ www.modernnationsmusic.com

Visit drjohnwprice.com to explore the new site and sign up for the free live webinar on May 14th at 7:00pm CST—a communal space to deepen this work together. In this first solo episode of The Sacred Speaks, I open the door to a new format—one that invites reflection, story, and personal encounter. We begin with mentorship. Drawing from Homer’s Odyssey, we explore the sacred roots of the mentor archetype. I offer reflections on what mentorship has meant in my life—from the early days as a musician to the path of a seeker—and trace the thread through conversations with two giants in this work: Father Richard Rohr and Dr. James Hollis. We’ll move through the terrain of masculine energy, myth, music, therapy, and spiritual awakening—touching on what it means to be shaped by others and what it might mean to become a shaping force ourselves. I also share where the podcast is headed, including an upcoming turn toward the feminine. You’re invited to consider your own mentors—those seen and unseen—and how they’ve helped guide your becoming. 🌀 Episode Guide: (00:00) Introduction to Mentorship (00:40) Welcome to The Sacred Speaks (00:58) New Solo Format and Intention (01:42) Mentorship and the Masculine Archetype (03:27) Personal Encounters with Mentors (05:34) Music as Initiation (07:07) Therapy, Teachers, and Turning Points (11:41) Rohr and Hollis: Two Guiding Lights (21:00) Masculine Wisdom in Archetypal Form (22:50) A Glimpse Ahead: The Sacred Feminine WATCH: YouTube for The Sacred Speaks https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ @thesacredspeaks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/ Brought to you by: https://www.thecenterforhas.com Theme music provided by: http://www.modernnationsmusic.com

In this engaging discussion, Richard Rohr, a renowned spiritual teacher and author, shares insights from his latest work, The Tears of Things. He reframes prophets as vital voices against systemic societal sins rather than just moral enforcers. The dialogue explores the dangers of dualistic thinking, the significance of humility, and the necessity of self-awareness in spiritual growth. Rohr reflects on his journey, the importance of initiation rites, and how genuine transformation requires embracing imperfection and compassion in our collective struggles.

In a captivating discussion, Dr. James Hollis, a renowned Jungian analyst with six decades of impactful experience, dives into themes from his book, 'Living with Borrowed Dust.' He explores confronting one's shadow and taking personal responsibility while sharing poignant reflections on mortality. Hollis emphasizes the importance of dreams in self-discovery and encourages listeners to grapple with life's big questions. His insights challenge societal scripts, advocating for authentic living through personal growth and resilience.