Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP)

Professor Christopher Gill discusses Plato's Atlantis, its connection to his other works, recurring catastrophes, historiography, the structure of Atlantis, and contrasting virtues between Athens and Atlantis.

Explore the influential dialogue of Plato's Timæus and its impact on Western culture, esoteric thinkers, and Abrahamic religions. Delve into the Demiurge's role in creating the cosmos and the significance of forms in true knowledge. Discover Plato's connection to Pythagoreanism and the concept of the demiurge in creating a cosmic hierarchy.

Professor Peter Struck discusses ancient techniques of esoteric reading. Topics include the origins and meanings of 'allegory' and 'enigma', interpreting hexameter poems, Plato's stance towards poetry, the evolution of symbols in ancient Greek esoteric hermeneutics, and the evolution of symbols and representation in literature.

Exploring Plato's reputation as an esoteric author, the distinction between esotericism and secrecy, and the rise of esoteric interpretations of Plato's works. Analyzing Plato's use of literary masks and apparent contradictions that invite readers to find hidden underlying unity. Delving into esoteric teachings in biblical accounts and the Parmenides, Plato's critique of writing, and his surprising lecture on mathematics and the concept of the good. Exploring the debate on whether Plato wrote esoterically and introducing future topics and an upcoming interview with Professor Peter Strzok.

The greatest philosopher of the western world was a trickster. In this episode we introduce Plato, the father of western esotericism, and discuss his importance to the esoteric traditions.

The elusive 'Orphics' of antiquity continue to present a puzzle to scholars after several centuries of debate and the discovery of amazing new evidence. Dr Miguel Herrero helps us to navigate the fascinating question of ancient 'Orphism'.

The greatest musician of antiquity was also the founder of mystery-rites, the author of curious theological poetry, and the most famous man to make the journey to the underworld while still alive. In this episode we examine the myth of Orpheus and the Orphic myths.

Empedocles: the last great poetic philosopher of antiquity, and a cosmic thinker of mind-blowing ambition. This episode looks at his influential theory of the four elements – earth, air, fire, and water – but magic, reincarnation, exiled gods, and cosmic catastrophe come into the discussion as well.

Parmenides is the original philosopher of pure Being. And he learned all about Being from a goddess on a trip through the underworld. Philosophy used to be really interesting.

Heraclitus was a combative, obscure, grumpy philosopher who thought everyone was stupid. He was also a pioneer in esoteric modes of discourse, being the earliest philosopher to write in 'riddles', and made several crucial contributions to western esotericism.