
JAWBONE with Martin Shaw
Acclaimed storyteller and author MARTIN SHAW invites us into his study where he freewheels his ferocious imagination into everything he's learnt about life over half a century. He asks: how do we become a real human being? Using myth, storytelling and his own unique form of philosophizing, Shaw reveals what he calls 'archaic technologies' and shows how we can use them today.
Latest episodes

32 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 15min
WILD CHRIST | The Man of No Shelter
Delve into the teachings of Jesus, where ancient wisdom collides with modern spirituality. Explore unconventional views that challenge societal norms and inspire humility on life's journey. Discover the significance of a humble arrival that flips expectations on their head—arriving on a donkey instead of a horse. This narrative urges listeners to reflect on their own choices and confront the corruption in their lives, while also celebrating deeper truths about compassion and authenticity.

11 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 18min
SO, YOU WANT TO BE A STORYTELLER?
Delve into the wild world of storytelling with practical tips to ignite your journey. Discover the tale of a 'half-girl' seeking wholeness, and how her transformative adventure reshapes her village's narratives. Explore the deep connections between personal experiences and storytelling, likening stories to trees that grow with dedication and practice. Whether you're a budding storyteller or seasoned pro, this engaging discussion provides insights to help you craft your own narrative.

7 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 13min
WE HAVE A HEALING CRISIS | An Initiatory Moment For the Church
Explore the transformative power of crisis through the story of Jonah, highlighting its role in spiritual renewal. Discover how communities can embrace collapse as a path to rebirth and awakening. The discussion focuses on the urgency for the church to invigorate its spiritual connections and engage more deeply with its members. It's a compelling call for renewed purpose at a time when many feel disconnected.

Jun 18, 2025 • 20min
SHE MARRIED A BEAR | The Raw and the Cooked
Support the Show on PayPal This week Martin tells the story of a girl who married a bear (a rather common experience in the old world, it seems). Like, subscribe and comment to submit questions for our monthly Q&A! Martin Online | https://martinshaw.substack.com/ & (https://DrMartinShaw.com) CREDITS Written and performed by Martin Shaw Produced and Edited by Isaiah Smallman Intro music written and performed by Abe Houck Additional music by Andy Aquarius Additional Music by Maya Belsitzman & Matan Ephrat Additional Music by Enzo Bellomo Original Artwork by Sam Ragland Audio Engineering by Trent Jones and Marmalade Cream

May 8, 2025 • 18min
ANGELS IN LIMOUSINES
This week Martin's recounting the time he met an angel, reciting some poetry and encouraging us to behold, rather than to see. Like, subscribe and comment to submit questions for our monthly Q&A! Support the Show on PayPal | https://bit.ly/JAWBONE_PayPal CREDITS Written and performed by Martin Shaw Produced and Edited by Isaiah Smallman Intro music written and performed by Abe Houck | @AbeHouck Additional music by Vinicius Barbosa | https://www.themusicgiant.com/ Additional Music by Maya Belsitzman & Matan Ephrat Additional Music by Enzo Bellomo Cover art featuring " The Last Communion of Saint Mary of Egypt, c. 1695" by Sebastiano Ricci Original Artwork by Sam Ragland Audio Engineering by Trent Jones and Marmalade Cream Martin Online | https://martinshaw.substack.com/ & https://DrMartinShaw.com

33 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 58min
THIS IS WHAT WE WERE BORN FOR | Iain McGilchrist & Martin Shaw
Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist, philosopher, and neuroscientist known for his insights on the divided brain, joins Martin for a thought-provoking conversation. They discuss the art of storytelling and the journey of self-publishing while balancing personal integrity with market demands. The two explore the transformative power of poetry, reflecting on themes of loss and beauty. They also dive into the concept of unknowing in spirituality, advocating for stillness and the need to embrace both brain hemispheres for personal growth.

9 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 16min
DISORDER IS NOT INITIATION | Moving From the Little “I” to the Big “We”
Explore the enchanting relationship between poetry and nature as solitude becomes a muse for creativity. Dive into the chaos of modern life and discover how structure can guide personal transformation. Reflecting on the importance of limits, the discussion spans from individual insights to collective experiences, drawing on ancient wisdom. Engage with the timeless power of fairy tales as they illuminate profound truths and connect cultures. This journey blends personal narratives with universal themes, celebrating the beauty of artistic expression.

Apr 25, 2025 • 30min
THE TROUBLE WITH BEAUTY | What Do We Really Love?
Discover the transformative power of beauty that goes beyond superficial ideals. Delve into the connection between beauty and personal development, emphasizing how it reflects our inner lives. Explore how beauty evolves as we age and its potential to deepen our understanding of existence. Learn to embrace beauty during life's transitions, holding onto memories while nurturing meaningful connections.

Apr 25, 2025 • 20min
THE DREAMING BELL | St Kieran & St Brendan
Saint stories of Hidden Countries, Animal Disciples & God's Disclosures. Like, subscribe and comment to submit questions for our monthly Q&A! Support the Show on PayPal CREDITS Written and performed by Martin Shaw Produced and Edited by Isaiah Smallman Intro music written and performed by Abe Houck | @AbeHouck Additional music by Vinicius Barbosa | https://www.themusicgiant.com/ Additional music, Enzo Bellomo Additional music by Maya Belsitzman and Matan Ephrat Original Artwork by Sam Ragland Audio Engineering by Trent Jones and Marmalade Cream Martin Online | https://martinshaw.substack.com/ & https://DrMartinShaw.com

Apr 24, 2025 • 27min
SHAVIANISMS (2) with MARTIN SHAW
Martin responds to questions.