
Pathways with Joseph Campbell
An official podcast of the Joseph Campbell Foundation and the MythMaker Podcast Network that unearths little-heard talks from Joseph Campbell and examines their context and meaning. Hosted by Brad Olson, PhD.
Latest episodes

Nov 5, 2024 • 1h 12min
EP 36: The Mythology of Love
In this episode of Pathways, Joseph Campbell speaks at the Cooper Union in New York City in December 1967. He explores the "mythology of love" - from eros to agape and beyond. Host, Bradley Olson introduces the lecture and gives commentary at the end.
Pathways with Joseph Campbell is hosted by Brad Olson, PhD and is a production of the Joseph Campbell Foundation. It is produced by Tyler Lapkin. Executive Producer, John Bucher. Audio and editing services provided by Charles Mallett.For more information on the MythMaker Podcast Network and Joseph Campbell, visit JCF.org.All music exclusively provided by APM Music (apmmusic.com)

Oct 15, 2024 • 31min
Bonus: Oriental Influence on the Occidental Mind
In this bonus episode recorded in 1957 at The Cooper Union in New York, Joseph Campbell speaks about the similarities and differences in "Eastern" and "Western" mythologies and ways of thinking.
Pathways with Joseph Campbell is hosted by Brad Olson, PhD and is a production of the Joseph Campbell Foundation. It is produced by Tyler Lapkin. Executive Producer, John Bucher. Audio and editing services provided by Charles Mallett.For more information on the MythMaker Podcast Network and Joseph Campbell, visit JCF.org.All music exclusively provided by APM Music (apmmusic.com)

Oct 1, 2024 • 1h 33min
EP 35: The Relationship of Mythology to Psychology
Joseph Campbell, a renowned mythologist, delves into the fascinating interplay between mythology and psychology. He highlights the psychological function of myth, emphasizing its importance in contemporary life. Campbell interprets mythological symbols, such as the serpent and crescent moon, through a psychological lens, revealing timeless truths. He discusses the societal shifts from hunting to agricultural communities, the dual nature of dreams, and the significance of spirituality in modern contexts. His insights bridge ancient wisdom with today’s psychological understanding.

Sep 17, 2024 • 32min
Bonus: Primitive Rites & Traditions
In this bonus episode, Campbell answers questions following his 1971 lecture, "Primitive Rites & Traditions", at Esalen Institute. He first speaks about the differences between male and female rites in various times and places and then gives an overview of his interpretation of the meaning of the "Virgin Birth".
Pathways with Joseph Campbell is hosted by Brad Olson, PhD and is a production of the Joseph Campbell Foundation. It is produced by Tyler Lapkin. Executive Producer, John Bucher. Audio and editing services provided by Charles Mallett.For more information on the MythMaker Podcast Network and Joseph Campbell, visit JCF.org.All music exclusively provided by APM Music (apmmusic.com)

Sep 3, 2024 • 1h 31min
EP 34: Primitive Rites & Traditions
In Episode 34, "Primitive Rites & Traditions", Joseph Campbell speaks at the Esalen Institute in 1971. During the lecture, he interacts with participants about the importance and significance of rites and traditions in early mythologies. Host, Bradley Olson introduces the lecture, and offers commentary at the end.
Pathways with Joseph Campbell is hosted by Brad Olson, PhD and is a production of the Joseph Campbell Foundation. It is produced by Tyler Lapkin. Executive Producer, John Bucher. Audio and editing services provided by Charles Mallett.For more information on the MythMaker Podcast Network and Joseph Campbell, visit JCF.org.All music exclusively provided by APM Music (apmmusic.com)

Aug 15, 2024 • 52min
Bonus: My Favorite Definition of Mythology
In this bonus episode, Campbell discusses his "favorite definition of mythology". He also speaks to the four functions of myth, how a moral order relates to mythology, and finally retells the myth of the Tiger and the Goat. There is no information as to where or when it was recorded.
Pathways with Joseph Campbell is hosted by Brad Olson, PhD and is a production of the Joseph Campbell Foundation. It is produced by Tyler Lapkin. Executive Producer, John Bucher. Audio and editing services provided by Charles Mallett.For more information on the MythMaker Podcast Network and Joseph Campbell, visit JCF.org.All music exclusively provided by APM Music (apmmusic.com)

Aug 1, 2024 • 1h 25min
EP 33: Interpretation of Symbolic Form
In this episode entitled "Interpretation of Symbolic Form" which was recorded around 1970, Joseph Campbell delves into the meaning of symbolic forms and narrative. In the lecture, he explores how symbolic forms point to the human capacity for the transcendent experience. Host, Bradley Olson introduces the episode and gives commentary after the lecture.
Pathways with Joseph Campbell is hosted by Brad Olson, PhD and is a production of the Joseph Campbell Foundation. It is produced by Tyler Lapkin. Executive Producer, John Bucher. Audio and editing services provided by Charles Mallett.For more information on the MythMaker Podcast Network and Joseph Campbell, visit JCF.org.All music exclusively provided by APM Music (apmmusic.com)

Jul 16, 2024 • 37min
Bonus: Mythologies of Quest and Illumination
Explore the mythical journey of the Buddha towards enlightenment, comparing symbols like the 'Tree of Illumination' to biblical references. Delve into the psychological aspects of Buddhism and Hinduism, touching on concepts of selflessness and interconnectedness. Uncover poignant tales like the tiger cub raised by goats, serving as a metaphor for self-discovery and acceptance.

Jul 2, 2024 • 1h 31min
EP 32: Mythologies of Quest and Illumination
In this episode entitled, "Mythologies of Quest and Illumination", Campbell discusses the four functions of myth, love, and discovering one's own authentic life. Host, Bradley Olson introduces the episode and gives commentary after the lecture.
Pathways with Joseph Campbell is hosted by Brad Olson, PhD and is a production of the Joseph Campbell Foundation. It is produced by Tyler Lapkin. Executive Producer, John Bucher. Audio and editing services provided by Charles Mallett.For more information on the MythMaker Podcast Network and Joseph Campbell, visit JCF.org.All music exclusively provided by APM Music (apmmusic.com)

Jun 18, 2024 • 24min
Bonus: The Psychological Basis of Freedom Q&A
In this bonus Q&A episode, Campbell answers questions about the nature of freedom, the origins of religion, following one's bliss, living out of one's center, and aesthetic arrest. It is taken from the Q&A session after his lecture, "The Psychological Basis of Freedom", recorded at Bennett College in North Carolina in 1970.
Pathways with Joseph Campbell is hosted by Brad Olson, PhD and is a production of the Joseph Campbell Foundation. It is produced by Tyler Lapkin. Executive Producer, John Bucher. Audio and editing services provided by Charles Mallett.For more information on the MythMaker Podcast Network and Joseph Campbell, visit JCF.org.All music exclusively provided by APM Music (apmmusic.com)