Weird Studies

Dive into the eerie marshlands of Algernon Blackwood’s 'The Willows,' where a haunting presence transforms a simple adventure into a journey of cosmic dread. Discover the spiritual horror nestled within landscapes and the unsettling relationship between reality and the supernatural. The hosts explore themes of liminality, the profound psychological impact of place, and how characters confront an absurd realm that blurs the lines of perception. Unpack the interplay of imagination and reality, revealing the mysteries that nature holds just beyond our reach.

In this episode, JF and Phil are joined by Jacob G. Foster—sociologist, physicist, and researcher at Indiana University Bloomington and the Santa Fe Institute—for a conversation about their recent collaboration in Daedalus, the journal of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Their co-authored essay, “Care of the Dead,” explores how the dead continue to shape our cultures, languages, and ways of being. Together, they discuss the process of writing the piece and what it means to say that the dead are not gone—that they persist, and that they make claims on the living.The article is available here: https://direct.mit.edu/daed/article/154/1/166/127931/Care-of-the-Dead-Ancestors-Traditions-amp-the-Life**References**[Peter Kingsley,](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Kingsley) English writer Weird Studies, [Episode 98 on “Taboo”]) https://www.weirdstudies.com/98) John Berger, “12 Theses on the Economy of the Dead” in _[Hold Everything Dear](12 Theses on the Economy of the Dead)_ Bernard Koch, Daniele Silvestro, and Jacob Foster, ["The Evolutionary Dynamics of Cultural Change”](https://osf.io/preprints/socarxiv/659bt_v1) Gilbert Simondon, _[Imagination and Invention](https://bookshop.org/a/18799/9781517914455)_ William Gibson, _[Neuromancer](https://bookshop.org/a/18799/9780441007462)_ [Phlogiston theory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phlogiston_theory) George Orwell, _[1984](https://bookshop.org/a/18799/9780451524935)_ HP Lovecraft, [“The Case of Charles Dexter Ward”](https://www.hplovecraft.com/writings/texts/fiction/cdw.aspx) Weird Studies, [Episode 187 on “Little, Big”](https://www.weirdstudies.com/187) [John Dee,](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Dee) English occultist Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke, _[The Western Esoteric Traditions: A Historical Introduction](https://bookshop.org/a/18799/9780195320992)_ Robert Harrison, _[The Dominion of the Dead](https://bookshop.org/a/18799/9780226317939)_ Gilles Deleuze, _[Bergsonism](https://bookshop.org/a/18799/9780942299076)_ Elizabeth LeGuin, _[Boccherini’s Body](https://bookshop.org/a/18799/9780520240179)_ Elizabeth LeGuin, [“Cello and Bow thinking”](http://www.echo.ucla.edu/cello-and-bow-thinking-baccherinis-cello-sonata-in-eb-minor-faouri-catalogo/) Johannes Brahms, _Handel Variations_  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Delve into the intriguing symbolism of the Hermit card in tarot, representing the seeker and the sage. Explore the connections between solitude, creativity, and transformative journeys, drawing insights from Carl Jung's 'Red Book' and early Christian mystics. The hosts discuss the dichotomy of light and darkness, diving into philosophical interpretations that inspire artistic expression. They illuminate the Hermit’s role in personal growth, reflecting on how wisdom often emerges from solitary experiences in an increasingly complex world.

Erik Davis, a writer and scholar known for his insights on technology, culture, and the occult, joins the discussion to unravel the intricate tapestry of John Crowley's 'Little, Big.' They dive into its enchanting blend of reality and fantasy, exploring personal connections and emotional resonances that resonate deep within the reader. The talk illuminates the novel's themes of destiny, magic, and the interplay between memory and imagination, while also highlighting how narrative shapes our perceptions and experiences of the world.

The hosts dive deep into the concept of the wedge, exploring the spectrum of understanding reality through intuition and intellect. Personal experiences clash with abstract statistics, revealing the philosophical tensions in self-perception. They challenge conventional thought on belief and divine nature, while also discussing the inherent value of art beyond utility. UFO phenomena are examined as a contest of competing realities, emphasizing how societal beliefs shape our understanding of the supernatural and interpretations of truth.

Dive into the intriguing concept of 'The Wedge,' which contrasts subjective experiences with objective realities. Explore how intuition and intellectualism shape our perceptions, enriched through metaphors like crows vocalizing. The conversation also wanders into the realm of dreams, connecting vivid narratives to artistic insights. Discover the delicate balance between rational discourse and intuitive creativity, revealing how dialogues can reflect the essence of art itself.

Dive into fascinating tales of poltergeists, with a case that perplexed police and even drew the Catholic Church's attention. Explore how class dynamics shape beliefs in the supernatural, revealing biases from the managerial class. Delve into the societal taboos surrounding UFOs and the influence of elite skepticism. Finally, challenge the supremacy of reason by advocating for the importance of personal narratives in understanding reality. Each topic invites you to rethink how we perceive the extraordinary and the unseen.

Dive into the surreal world of David Lynch, exploring his cinematic legacy and profound influence on art. The hosts reflect on 'Eraserhead' and its disturbing beauty, contemplating themes of dread and desire. They discuss Lynch's unique blend of horror and emotional depth, illuminating the eerie mysteries and complexities of his narratives. Connections to Norman Mailer's work reveal shared themes of the extraordinary in the ordinary. Expect insights into belief, duality, and the intricate symbolism that defines his remarkable artistry.

Delve into Hermann Hesse's 'Siddhartha' as it weaves a narrative of spiritual awakening and the quest for enlightenment. Explore the contrasts between individualism and societal connection, shedding light on the challenges of modern life. Reflect on Nietzsche's complex relationship with Christianity, revealing a struggle between belief and critique. Witness the protagonist's journey through despair to transcendence, linked to profound insights and the sacred sound 'Aum,' making personal growth a universal experience.

Dive into the dark allure of vampires as experts explore Robert Eggers' chilling reimagining of Nosferatu. Discover the symbolic depth of vampirism, where traditional narratives meet psychological complexities. The hosts unravel the duality of good and evil, analyzing how horror films reflect humanity's fascination with darkness. They also discuss themes of redemption, female agency, and the philosophical struggles between fate and free will, providing a gripping look at the intersections of mythology and cinema.