The Sacred Speaks

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

This discussion dives into the rich concept of mentorship, reflecting on its sacred roots and personal significance. It explores how early mentorship experiences shape our journeys, with music serving as a powerful mentor in one's life. Insights from notable figures like Richard Rohr and James Hollis illuminate the journey of self-discovery through mentorship. The conversation also touches on the archetypal masculine, marriage as a process of commitment, and the upcoming exploration of the feminine, inviting listeners to reflect on their own mentors and creative aspirations.

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.

In this engaging discussion, Zen teacher, poet, and author Henry Shukman shares his transformative journey from struggle to enlightenment. He explores the essence of Zen practice, unveiling the beauty of ordinary experience. Henry discusses the awakening he had at 19 and the integration of that experience into his life. He offers insights into common meditation obstacles and emphasizes the importance of stillness. Additionally, he highlights the connection between poetry and meditation, inviting listeners to dive deeper into their own spiritual practices.

Interview begins: 3:40 In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, Dr. John Price hosts Ayize Jama-Everett for a discussion on spirituality, religion, cultural identity, and the pervasive impact of colonization. Ayize shares insights from his journey, beginning with how his roots in Harlem and his work within the psychedelic space have shaped his perspective on community, healing, and cultural reclamation. Together, they examine how long-established cultural dynamics continue to influence our lives, often without our conscious awareness. Ayize discusses his efforts to influence these dynamics at a cultural level, reflecting on religious and spiritual practices as tools for both personal and collective transformation. They also explore the complexities of whiteness—not only as a cultural identity shaped by colonization but as an orientation that often perpetuates colonizing behaviors toward other cultures. Ayize shares the purpose behind his documentary, A Table of Our Own, which aims to expand access to healing practices for Black people and to highlight the important work already being done within these communities. The project seeks to de-stigmatize these substances, reframing them as natural balms that have served as spiritual and psychological support for Black people over millennia. The conversation touches on Black joy, the importance of reconnecting with land-based spiritual practices, and the need to decolonize healing spaces. Ayize’s reflections offer a fresh lens on the healing power of connection, inspiring listeners to consider how we might engage in reclaiming and honoring our spiritual and cultural roots. Bio: Ayize Jama-Everett holds three Master’s degrees: Divinity, Psychology, and in Fine Arts, Writing. He blends these degrees in all his work, often identifying as a guerilla theologian, a community-based therapist, and an afro-futurist in the same breath. He’s taught at Starr King School for the Ministry, California College of the Arts, The University of California, Riverside, Western Colorado College, and several private High schools for over twenty years. His expertise includes working with adolescents, the history of substance use in the United States, the history of Sacred Plant medicines in the Maghreb, the religious roots of political violence from Ireland to the Middle East, educational arts pedagogy, and Afrofuturism. He’s published four novels (The Liminal series) and two graphic novels (Box of Bones and The Last Count of Monte Cristo). www.atableofourown.org Website for The Sacred Speaks: www.thesacredspeaks.com/ WATCH: YouTube for The Sacred Speaks www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ @thesacredspeaks Twitter: twitter.com/thesacredspeaks Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/ Brought to you by: www.thecenterforhas.com/ Theme music provided by: www.modernnationsmusic.com/