Weird Studies

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.

Immerse yourself in the art and craft of writing as the hosts discuss the nuances of storytelling. They tackle the intricate role of anticipation, showing how suspense elevates narrative engagement. With a focus on pacing and pauses, they explore how waiting impacts emotional responses in both literature and life. Plus, learn about their new platform and an upcoming winter solstice celebration. Get ready to think deeply about the connections between expectations, silence, and the powerful impact of crafted sentences.

In this discussion, music scholar Meredith Michael shares her insights into the complex dynamics of 'The X-Files', from Mulder and Scully's tension between belief and skepticism to the show's eerie exploration of conspiracies that eerily resonate with contemporary events. They dive deep into a memorable Christmas episode, revealing emotional layers amidst supernatural mysteries. The conversation also touches on the philosophical implications of love and the intricate narrative structures that keep audiences questioning the nature of truth. A must-listen for fans of the series!

The Magician card in tarot serves as a captivating symbol, embodying both mastery and illusion. The conversation humorously explores identities and the complexities of social dynamics, reflecting on the art of presence and strategic exits. It examines the Magician's evolution from a trickster to a mystical figure, while also delving into Nietzsche's ideas on perspective. The dual nature of knowledge and mysticism is highlighted through theological discussions, while the archetype is explored through creative figures like Prospero and Salvador Dali.

In a captivating discussion, Lionel Snell, author, philosopher, and magician, examines how boredom might be an ethical failing in a world full of wonder. He emphasizes finding magic in the mundane, suggesting that true liberation stems from appreciating everyday life rather than chasing excitement. Snell explores the constraints of societal roles on imagination and how different perceptions, or 'reality tunnels,' shape our understanding of truth. He encourages a balance between skepticism and embracing deception to enrich our experiences.

This conversation dives deep into John Carpenter's cult classic, revealing how it blurs the lines between reality and fiction. The hosts dissect Lovecraftian themes and the existential dread that permeates the film, examining the roles of madness and artistic expression. They explore how narratives shape our perceptions of reality while highlighting Carpenter's political critique. With references to philosophical concepts and the impact of ancient evils, they bring to light the chilling resilience of horror in our understanding of existence and creative truths.

Fairy tales are among the most familiar cultural objects, so familiar that we let our kids play with them unsupervised. At the same time, they are also the most mysterious of artifacts, their heimlich giving way to unheimlich as soon as we give them a closer look and ask ourselves what they are really about. Indeed, these imaginal nomads, which seem to evade all cultural and historical capture, existing in various forms in every time and place, can become so strange as to make us wonder if they are cultural at all, and not some unexplained force of nature — the dreaming of the world. In this episode, JF and Phil use "Rapunzel" as a case study to explore the weirdness of fairy tales, illustrating how they demand interpretation without ever allowing themselves to be explained. Sign up for the upcoming course "Writing at the Wellspring" October 22-December 1 with Dr. Matt Cardin on Weirdosphere.org Support us on Patreon. Buy the Weird Studies soundtrack, volumes 1 and 2, on Pierre-Yves Martel's Bandcamp page. Listen to Meredith Michael and Gabriel Lubell's podcast, Cosmophonia. Visit the Weird Studies Bookshop Find us on Discord Get the T-shirt design from Cotton Bureau! SHOW NOTES Walter Benjamin, "The Storyteller" in Illuminations (Hannah Arendt, ed.; Harryn Zohn, trans.). Novalis, Philosophical Writings. (Margaret Mahony Stoljar, trans.). Cristina Campo, The Unforgivable and Other Writings (Alex Andriesse, trans.) William Irwin Thompson, Imaginary Landscape Bruno Bettelheim, The Uses of Enchantment Marie-Louise von Franz,, Swiss Jungian psychologist Sesame Street, “Rapunzel Rescue” Disney’s Tangled The Annotated Brothers Grimm Aarne-Thompson-Uther Index Marina Warner, Once Upon a Time W. A. Mozart, The Magic Flute Dante Alighieri, Il Convito Panspermia hypothesis Gregory Bateson, Mind and Nature John Mitchell, Confessions of a Radical Traditionalist Clint Eastwood (dir.) The Unforgiven Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join acclaimed comic creator Charles Burns as he dives into the surreal world of his graphic novel, 'Black Hole.' He shares insights into the blend of teenage romance and body horror, alongside reflections on the emotional depths of his storytelling. The conversation explores the unique capabilities of comics to merge genres and convey grotesque transformations. Burns also discusses the intricate relationship between words and images, revealing how every detail in his art contributes to a rich narrative filled with beauty and terror of adolescence.

Delve into the magic of storytelling as the conversation highlights the enchanting nature of fairy tales. Explore the eerie themes of isolation presented in the film 'The Quiet Earth' and how childhood memories shape our understanding of narrative. Discover the unsettling aspects of 'the eerie' in everyday life, from empty spaces to the duality of clowns. Finally, enjoy a journey through classic pulp sci-fi, where nostalgia meets genre tropes, enriching the appreciation of this beloved realm.