The Mythic Masculine

Jumana Sophia, creator of Her Mystery School, discusses gender dynamics, initiation processes, and the power of community in healing. The conversation delves into the intersections of masculinity and femininity, ancient wisdom, Beltane rituals, and the importance of personal growth journeys in relationships.

The podcast explores upcoming immersive men's weekend and online program focusing on awakening the wild erotic and deep masculine. Topics include healing sexual blocks, embodying the archetype of the Lover, exploring masculinity, human emotions, sexuality, and integrating masculine and feminine energies for personal growth and relationships.

Barbie is back in the news again. The Oscars race is on and the film was nominated for numerous awards including Best Picture. Ryan Gosling received the nod for Best Actor, while Margot Robbie & Greta Gerwig were passed over. Ironic snub, given the context of the film? Or just how it goes sometimes? Now before you roll your eyes and wonder ‘who cares?’ I’ve decided to do some of the mythic heavy lifting around why Barbie is a culturally significant film at this moment. And not just because it crossed a billion dollars at the box office and became a clear phenomenon. Last summer, colleague Alex Beiner wrote eloquently of the cultural complexities in his essay Castrated Utopias: What Barbie and Oppenheimer reveal about our sexual politics. He writes: Barbie is one of the most interesting films to come out of Hollywood in some time. It’s a strange phenomenon; a feminist initiation myth that critiques, sometimes with joyful nuance, capitalism and patriarchy, but which is paradoxically designed to sell a corporation’s product. Instead of a film we might read an ideology into, it’s a film woven around an existing ideology: feminism. However, the vision of the feminism it champions is what makes it particularly interesting.It’s fun, well structured and at times leans toward a kind of metamodern feminism that seems able to hold the complexity of both social construction and biological difference. At other times, it slipped into a more simplistic feminism, and I found myself shaking my head at its narrow depictions of men and masculinity. […] I had a strong feeling that the film wasn’t really made for me as a man. It wasn’t trying to actively exclude me, but it was speaking to lived experiences of women, so I tried to listen to the message on its own terms.I’ve finally decided to hoist my take into the ring, and I invited UK based writer, psychotherapist, and mythologist Carly Mountain to join me. I was previously on her podcast to speak about the descent of Inanna, and so it felt perfect to bring her on to explore Barbie through this lens.As well we touch on the arc of Ken and the advent of Patriarchy as borne from the rejection of the Feminine. Ken needs to go on his own quest to re-source the Feminine from within and meet the Great Goddess. (This is much of the recent men’s work that I’m collaborating with Deus Fortier on. Our next Awakening the Wild Erotic weekend is coming up in April). I hope you enjoy our conversation.Also stick around at the end of the episode for a little easter egg…P.S. you’re invited to check out Carly’s book “Descent & Rising: Women’s Stories & the Embodiment of the Inanna Myth”.P.P.S Here’s a few music videos from Barbie. I’ve love to hear your comments on our conversation below. What’s your take on Barbie? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

“Every group and every single gathering is an opportunity to remake and re-story culture.” - Al JefferyMy guest today is Al Jeffery, an integrative psychotherapist, meditation guide and regenerative leadership practitioner. He is also a conscious explorer of queerness and masculinity. In this episode, Al shares his journey, unlocking the potential and power of queerness as an aspirational approach to love. He speaks of queerness as identity and as orientation, and how it intersects with living fully in oneself. We also touch upon what it means to create inclusive spaces for men to explore these topics, as well as the complexity of lust and attraction.  And finally, we explore how each moment carries the possibility of remaking a culture of possibility and the inherent risk in leaning into the mystery of being.LINKS* Al’s Official Website* Al’s Instagram* Cornerstone Melbourne* Al’s paper on Eros, The Evolution of Life and Mind, and Moving From Psychology Toward Soul-MakingSHOW NOTES- **Concept of queerness**: An extensive exploration of "Queerness" in the context of identity, understood from both philosophical and socio-political standpoints. - **Implicit transgressions and societal norms**: This topic investigates how "implicit transgressions" lead to the feelings of non-inclusion and marginalization within society.- **Al Jeffery's complex personal relationship with the identity of 'queer'**; functioning as both an attraction and a defense mechanism.- **Masculinity and societal expectations**: Discussion revolves around masculine societal norms, and the confusion that can result from a perceived need to strike a balance between strength and sensitivity. - **Relationships and sexual attraction in the face of societal expectations**: A review of how societal norms and expectations can complicate the navigation of relationships and sexual attraction.- **Queerness as a 'spiritual bypass'**: Al comments on the potential for queerness to be used as a spiritual bypass, avoiding confronting the vulnerability required when claiming gay identity. - **Queer Inquiry**: The aspect of living as a question is discussed in reference to being queer, asserting the need for a persistent state of exploration and uncertainty clouding one's identity.- **The role of eroticism and sensuality in sexuality exploration**: An insightful look into how eroticism and sensuality contribute to an individual's understanding of their own sexuality under the banner of queerness and how cultural norms impact this exploration.- **The impact of a lack of cultural distinctions**: This segment reviews how culture’s lack of distinction - such as between the concepts of sensuality and sexuality, contributes to confusion and indirectness concerning male sexuality.- **Al’s ongoing exploration of queerness**: The intrigues of Al Jeffery's ongoing exploration are highlighted as he questions his own identity labeling phenomenon, moving further into understanding himself and societal norms. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

My guest today is Rabbi Zelig Golden, the co-founder of Wilderness Torah, an organization dedicated to supporting Jewish people to heal, learn, and grow together through reconnection to the earth. Zelig also holds a Masters in Jewish Studies and previously worked as an environmental lawyer protecting food and farms, and has long guided groups into the wilderness.In our conversation today, we speak about Zelig’s upbringing as a youth embedded in Jewish ritual yet missing the deeper connection to his ancestral roots. We discuss the mystic origins of Judaism and his own path to Rabbihood.  And of course, we speak of the war in Israel/Palestine and the sorrowful complexity that contributes to the ongoing horror. We also touch on a recent year-long program that Zelig co-created for initiating the lives of Jewish men. And finally, he offers insights into how to dwell in the darkness before seeking the light as we approach the threshold of winter solstice.LINKS* Wilderness Torah WebsiteFROM THE ARCHIVE: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

Stephanie McKay, an educator and mentor in earth-based skills, discusses her study with Martín Prechtel and the importance of looking at stories beyond a psychological lens. She explores an animist retelling of Iron John, the mythopoetic men's movement, and the preservation of indigenous wisdom in storytelling traditions.

This is a bonus conversation and a special invitation to attend the forthcoming Calling All Men Summit, of which I’m a featured speaker among many other men. Watch the trailer for the event:An overview:Over 7 days you’ll meet and learn from 50 men who are experienced with the multitude of crises we face. These men are fathers, leaders, mentors and elders with unique experiences and deep wisdom to share.My conversation today is with the summit host & creator Michael Skye, whom I met quite a few years ago through my transformational media work. It was delightful to reconnect around this important conversation and event. My own pre-recorded conversation on “In Search of Mythic Masculinity” with Michael is streaming on Day 2, December 5th. We cover: * The underworld: home of the greatest dragon every young man must face * The plight of fatherless boys yearning to become men* Reviving male initiationThe Summit is free to register.Consider attending and sharing with other folks who may benefit. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

My guest today is Christopher Ryan, an acclaimed author and speaker who has led a diverse and unconventional life, from working odd jobs around the world to earning a Ph.D. in Psychology and being a self-proclaimed “vanthropologist.”He is the host of the podcast Tangentially Speaking, as well as the author of “Civilized to Death” and the co-author of “Sex At Dawn”, which columnist Dan Savage has called “The single most important book on human sexuality since Alfred Kinsey’s Sexual Behavior in the Human Male.”When I read “Sex At Dawn” over a decade ago, it had a significant influence on my life path and approach to relationships, as you’ll hear in this episode. As well, we cover Chris’ own journey that inspired him to reach into the pre-history of humanity and find fresh insights into modern relationships, sexuality, and how remarkably similar we are to bonobos. We discuss the complex challenges for men & masculinity today, we touch on his observations about the radical peace project of Tamera, and finally, he shares his best (and only) advice on how to live into the future of relationships.LINKS* Christopher Ryan - Official Website* Christopher Ryan on InstagramSHOW NOTES* Crestone is a unique spiritual community at 8,000 feet with open-air cremations, Tibetan stupas, and diverse spiritual centers.* Historical Origins: Crestone's history involves visionary landowners and prophecies of harmonious coexistence among different religious traditions, leading to the creation of spiritual centers.* Chris's Journey: Chris's exploration of cultures and alternative lifestyles began in his youth and eventually led him to Crestone.* Understanding the Human Condition: Chris's career focuses on understanding human behavior and challenging cultural norms.* "Sex at Dawn": The book challenges traditional monogamy notions, examining evolutionary psychology, anthropology, and bonobo behavior.* Controversy and Conversation: "Sex at Dawn" sparked debates and opposition by questioning conventional beliefs about monogamy.* Career Evolution: Chris shifted from literature to psychology and faced backlash from the academic community.* Cultural Biases in Science: The discussion highlights how cultural biases influence scientific disciplines like anthropology.* Exploring Masculinity: Masculinity encompasses risk-taking, humor, and courageous conversations, not limited to stereotypical traits.* Challenges in Modern Masculinity: Contemporary culture presents complexities, with concerns about toxic masculinity and limited career opportunities for young men.* Impact of Toxic Messages: Toxic ideologies exploit the challenges faced by young men and promote disrespect toward women.* Rediscovering Cooperation: The future presents a choice between eroding traditional gender roles and rediscovering human cooperation, which may necessitate shared resources and mutual support.FROM THE ARCHIVEYou may also enjoy these episodes: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

My guest today is Kai Cheng Thom, a certified somatic sex educator, qualified mediator, clinical hypnotherapist, and poet based in Toronto. She's the author of six award winning books in various genres, including the Stonewall Honor Book award winning essay collection, I Hope We Choose Love.Kai Cheng's work focuses on the intersection of social justice, pleasure activism, and the transformative approaches to healing conflict. A noted speaker and practitioner of somatic wellness, healing, and group process facilitation, Kai Cheng supports individuals and groups who are seeking to repair relationships and to make transformative change.Her latest book, Falling Back in Love with Being Human: Love Letters to Lost Souls, was released in August. This particular interview was inspired by an essay that was recently published called “The Village And The Woods.” Our conversation was recorded live as one of the Solar Sessions held within The School of Mythopoetics.  I was so delighted by the richness of our time that I’ve decided to publish the episode here as well.Please consider becoming a Paid Subscriber. I don’t accept advertising, and your support funds this effort. Also - I have a few spots available for 1 on 1 Mythic Mentorship for Men. Reach out directly if you’re interested to contact@ianmack.com Links: * Kai Cheng Thom’s Official Website* Kai Cheng Thom on Instagram* The Village and the Woods full essayShow Notes: * Village represents the known, ordered aspects.* Woods symbolize the unknown and tempting.* People are drawn to the woods but fear it.* Fire symbolizes our attempt to understand the unknown.* Excessive focus on fire leads to zealotry.* Metaphor explores the interplay of known and unknown.* "Monster" as a metaphor for suppressed desires and fears.* Emergence of archetypes like priest, zealot, monster, and victim.* Reactionary responses can lead to violence and exclusion.* Both Left and Right exhibit reactive behaviors.* Vasilisa and Baba Yaga story underscores the need for integration.* The witch archetype bridges the gap between light and dark aspects of self.* Discussion on the crone archetype and its contrast with patriarchal norms.* Exploring alternative social structures and the concept of emergence.* Importance of a "sacred pause" to break reactive patterns.* Suggestion to write love letters to personal "monsters" as a practice. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

I’m pleased to release this conversation with my friend and longtime collaborator Deus Fortier as we discuss our recent MXM immersion for men.The detailed show notes are below.As well, we’ve announced new dates for our next MXM - Nov 17-19. You can find all the details & apply to join here.Note: I’m very excited to release more new episodes of the podcast that I’ve been trying to polish all summer, but somehow, haven’t been able to do it yet. I promise! They’re coming soon.Lastly, I very much appreciated all the folks who came up to me at Imagine Festival on Orcas Island offering gratitude for the podcast. And hattip to Brandon at Farm to Ferry for a lovely meal & Pixie Mead for the gift of a bottle of Odherir mead. I shall certainly craft an occasion for poetry and companionship when I crack the bottle.SHOW NOTES* Collaboration on MXM Retreat: Deus and Ian discuss their collaboration on the MXM (Masculinity, Sex, and Myth) retreat, focusing on masculinity, sexuality, and mythology.* Exploration of Masculinity: They reflect on their personal journeys and interests in exploring masculinity, including the role of archetypes such as the King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover.* Importance of Ritual Space: They emphasize the importance of creating a ritual space for transformation, where participants can explore their sexuality and masculinity in a safe and focused environment.* Role of the Lover Archetype: Deus and Ian highlight the significance of the Lover archetype in their work, describing it as a unifying force that fosters a deeper connection with oneself and the world.* Impact of Societal Expectations: They discuss how societal expectations often lead men to suppress their eroticism and how this suppression can have consequences, such as the Me Too movement.* Exploration of Erotic Fantasies: They mention the exploration of erotic fantasies as a way to understand one's primary wounds and how they connect to one's sexual desires and behaviors.* Acknowledging Trauma and Exploration: The discussion explores how acknowledging trauma, especially related to sexuality and masculinity, can be transformative for men and how exploring these areas collectively in a safe space can lead to healing.* The Role of Ritual Space: The importance of creating ritual spaces for transformation, where men can openly discuss their feelings, desires, and experiences, is emphasized as a healing and transformative experience.* Exploring Masculinity and Eroticism: The conversation delves into the exploration of masculinity, eroticism, and archetypes such as the Lover, and how societal expectations often suppress these aspects of a man's identity.* The Power of Transparency: Transparent and honest communication among men is highlighted as a crucial aspect of healing and transformation, allowing them to bring their inner experiences and desires into the light.* The Sensual Connection to Nature: The discussion touches on the idea of developing a sensual relationship with the natural world and how it can help individuals reconnect with life and find joy and purpose. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe