The Sacred Speaks

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/

Interview begins: 5:03 In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, we explore the profound spiritual and social dimensions of gender with Rev. Cynthia Brix and Dr. Will Keepin, pioneers in the field of gender reconciliation and equity. Cynthia, an interfaith minister and wellness expert, and Will, a former quantum physicist turned healer and spiritual seeker, share their journeys and the transformative power of their work. Cynthia discusses her path from atheism to a dynamic spirituality grounded in activism and human relationships. She reflects on how her experiences and education led her to focus on bridging divides through dialogue and connection. Will, drawing from his background in quantum physics and mysticism, discusses the distinction between Newtonian and quantum physics, landing on what he refers to as an "epistemology of the heart," a way of knowing that transcends reason and embraces the interconnectedness of the universe. Will notes that his crisis of science was related to the conclusions of many radical scientists who determined that there is a deeper register to reality that is not subject to our scientific instruments, highlighting some of the limitations of our modern sciences. We discussed both of their understanding of spirituality, defining the concept and exploring how practice transforms our lived experience. Together, they explore duality and nonduality, the integration of spiritual wisdom with social engagement, emphasizing the healing potential of personal storytelling in their workshops. Cynthia and Will envision a future where a new civilization, built on reverence and understanding, can emerge through this powerful work. Bio: Dr. William Keepin and Rev. Cynthia Brix are co-founders of Gender Equity and Reconciliation International, an organization that has led 280 intensive trainings across twelve countries to foster healing and reconciliation among people of all genders. Cynthia, an ordained interfaith minister and Co-Director of the Satyana Institute, brings a diverse background in spiritual leadership and social justice. She holds an M.Div. from Iliff School of Theology and a double M.A. in wellness management and applied gerontology. Cynthia has led interfaith retreats and organized international conferences on spirituality and gender equity, including one that brought together women spiritual leaders from Buddhist, Christian, and Hindu traditions. Together, they have developed a transformative method for gender reconciliation, emphasizing compassion, deep listening, and mutual respect. Will, a former mathematical physicist with a PhD in applied mathematics, is also a scholar in sustainable energy, global warming, and the intersection of science and spirituality. He has testified before European and Australian parliaments and the U.S. House of Representatives and is a co-founder of the Satyana Institute. A seasoned spiritual practitioner, Will holds multiple degrees in East-West psychology and mathematical physics, and is the author of several books, including Divine Duality and Belonging to God. https://www.genderreconciliationinternational.org/ Link to Houston workshop: https://www.thecenterforhas.com/event/the-alchemy-of-reconciliation-a-workshop-for-women-men-healing-across-genders/ Website for The Sacred Speaks: http://www.thesacredspeaks.com 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

Interview begins @ 3:11 In this episode, I sit down with Barry Taylor to explore the intersections of rock 'n' roll, counterculture, and spirituality. Barry shares his early experiences in the vibrant world of music and discusses how these experiences opened up a new language for understanding the invisible aspects of our world. Highlights of this episode include: • Music as a Gateway: Barry and I explore how music acts as a symbolic language that helps articulate the invisible, shaping our perception of the mystical. • The Famous Quote Explained: Barry elucidates the quote famously referenced by Pete Holmes, discussing how the invisible world is like a blanket we lay to give shape to what we cannot see. • Forensic Faith and Fluid Reality: We dive into the challenges of making spirituality overly concrete and discuss the benefits of embracing the fluid nature of reality. • Religion as Interpretive Framework: Barry articulates how religion should be approached as a framework for interpreting reality, rather than a rigid truth. • Transgression and Kindness: We discuss how simple acts of kindness can be transgressive in a culture that often overlooks them. • Culture, Tattoos, and Taboos: We examine how tattoos and fashion challenge cultural norms and serve as powerful expressions of individual identity. • The Digital as Divine: Barry makes a compelling argument that our technological advancements have taken on a divine-like role in society, shaping our responses to societal challenges and the concept of otherness. Closing Thoughts: As we wrap up, Barry offers insights into the future role of technology in spirituality and the potential illusions of growth in our digital age. Bio: Barry Taylor lives and works in London, having returned to the U.K. after many years in Los Angeles. He has committed his life to following his curiosities, which have taken many forms including music, fashion, art, religion, and academia. His interests primarily lie in the areas of religion, theology, and philosophy, particularly exploring how cultural shifts reshape our understanding of what it means to be human, our interactions with others, and our grappling with fundamental questions about human existence and ultimate meaning. His wide variety of interests currently converge around the impact of technology on society and culture. Taylor teaches for an online graduate platform, the Global Centre for Advanced Studies (GCAS), and writes extensively on his Patreon page (patreon.com/barrytaylor). He also engages with the complexities of contemporary life and shares his insights on Instagram (@ukbloke). https://www.patreon.com/barrytaylor Website for The Sacred Speaks: http://www.thesacredspeaks.com 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

Interview begins @ 6:04 In this episode, comedian Pete Holmes meets theologian and former AC/DC road manager, Barry Taylor, for the first time, despite Pete having referenced a profound quote from Barry in his work for nearly a decade. The conversation kicks off with Pete diving into Barry's storied history with rock & roll, setting the stage for a deeper exploration into how both comedy and rock music act as catalysts for transformation, challenging societal norms and speaking truth to power during critical times. Together, they discuss the delicate dance between the sacred and the profane and how art masterfully navigates the lines of culture, taboo, transgression, and spirituality. As the digital age reshapes our world, creating divisions and highlighting polarization, Barry points out the unique role of the arts in cutting through these dynamics. Throughout the episode, the influence of Richard Rohr is evident, as all participants share their personal connections to his teachings and reflect on spiritual practice as an essential tool to combat the ego's pull. Bio: Pete Holmes is the creator and star of HBO's Crashing (produced by Judd Apatow) and TBS' The Pete Holmes Show (produced by Conan O'Brien). He's also the star of CBS' How We Roll as well as two HBO stand-up comedy specials. Pete's also the voice of the e*trade baby and was a guest writer/star on multiple episodes of The Simpsons. He's also proud to be the dumbest Batman on YouTube (Badman), the host of the wildly popular You Made It Weird podcast and the author of Comedy Sex God. Check out his Netflix special, I Am Not For Everyone. He wrote this bio in third person. He napped shortly thereafter. https://peteholmes.com Barry Taylor lives and works in London, having returned to the U.K. after many years in Los Angeles. He has committed his life to following his curiosities, which have taken many forms including music, fashion, art, religion, and academia. His interests primarily lie in the areas of religion, theology, and philosophy, particularly exploring how cultural shifts reshape our understanding of what it means to be human, our interactions with others, and our grappling with fundamental questions about human existence and ultimate meaning. His wide variety of interests currently converge around the impact of technology on society and culture. Taylor teaches for an online graduate platform, the Global Centre for Advanced Studies (GCAS), and writes extensively on his Patreon page (patreon.com/barrytaylor). He also engages with the complexities of contemporary life and shares his insights on Instagram (@ukbloke). https://www.patreon.com/barrytaylor Website for The Sacred Speaks: http://www.thesacredspeaks.com 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

Ellen Petry Leanse, a Silicon Valley innovator and former Apple leader, explores the intersection of neuroscience and creativity. She discusses the cultural imbalance between the brain's left and right hemispheres and recounts her journey from art to tech. Ellen delves into gender differences in brain connectivity, the impact of cancel culture, and the importance of community healing. She advocates for blending indigenous wisdom with modern science to restore mutuality and emphasizes the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in fostering curiosity and connection.