
Howl in the Wilderness
Depth counselor, writer and cultural activist Brian James has deep and insightful conversations with renegade artists, philosophers, psychologists and spiritual teachers who are working on the edge of dominant culture to recover and revive soul in people and the planet.Support the podcast and gain access to:• early release of new episodes• extended conversations• archive of the first 100 episodes• plus other exclusive member-only contentJoin the pack: patreon.com/howlinthewilderness
Support the podcast by making a small monthly contribution. https://plus.acast.com/s/medicinepath.
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Latest episodes

55 snips
Apr 18, 2023 • 1h 60min
BONUS | Traumadelic Culture & The Colonization of Indigenous Plant Medicine | Adam Aronovich
Adam Aronovich discusses traumadelic culture and the colonization of indigenous plant medicine on the podcast. Topics include critique of trauma-focused therapies, impacts of digital landscape, Mexican-Jewish heritage, Ayahuasca retreat experiences, community-focused ceremonies, cultural complexity, spiritual narcissism, and healing as wholeness.

Apr 15, 2023 • 1h 30min
Stephen Jenkinson | The Disorganized Religion of the Non-Aligned | MPP110
To gain exclusive access the first 100 episode archive, join the pack over at patreon.com/howlinthewilderness Send a one time contribution to http://paypal.me/brianjamessoulShow Links:http://brianjames.cahttp://instagram.com/brianjames.soulworkWatch and subscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@howlinthewildernessDescription:How did things get so f*cked up? Like a true elder, Stephen hears my troubled plea and hangs with me as we traverse great swathes of time and geography, tracking the catholic project to convert the world to Christianity that began with Paul the Apostle, through to Columbus opening the door for colonization of the so-called New World by the Puritans, up to the modern era of residential schools, globalization, AI and the revival of Christian conservatism.It's not an easy ride. Over the course of our conversation the range of emotions and responses is as broad as the story of How We Got Here. Grief, sorrow, bewilderment, joy and praise all make an appearance.By the end, I'm mentally and emotionally spent and confess, "I can't take any more!" Stephen laughs and says, "I'm not sure I can take any more either." As Stephen says repeatedly, there are no answers, no way to fix things. But perhaps by wondering How We Got Here, we start to get a glimpse of How Things Could Be Otherwise and along the way, uncover a few hints on how to proceed like an ancestor worthy of being claimed. ➤ GO DEEPERBecome a member of the Medicine Path online community and school of soul studies: http://patreon.com/medicinepathMedicine Path YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/c/medicinepath1-on-1 Soul Recovery resources and coaching with Brian James: http://medicinepath.me➤ SUPPORT & APPRECIATIONSend a gift from our Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/11HNWME8NHNM7 Make a one-time contribution via PayPal: http://PayPal.me/medicinepathyogaSound collage: "Invocation" by Brian James➤ GUEST BIO Culture activist, worker, author Stephen Jenkinson teaches internationally and is the creator and principal instructor of the Orphan Wisdom School, co-founded the school with his wife Nathalie Roy in 2010, convening semi-annually in Deacon, Ontario, and in northern Europe.Website: http://orphanwisdom.com Support the podcast by making a small monthly contribution. https://plus.acast.com/s/medicinepath.
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Apr 6, 2023 • 1h 13min
Thomas Moore | A Refreshing Conversation on Silence & Emptiness | MPP 109
To gain exclusive access the first 100 episode archive, join the pack over at patreon.com/howlinthewilderness Send a one time contribution to http://paypal.me/brianjamessoulShow Links:http://brianjames.cahttp://instagram.com/brianjames.soulworkWatch and subscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@howlinthewildernessDescription:On this episode I welcome back Thomas Moore to talk about his new book The Eloquence of Silence.While modern culture tends to avoid emptiness as much as possible, in The Eloquence of Silence: Surprising Wisdom in Tales of Emptiness, New York Times bestselling author Thomas Moore makes a compelling case for an easier, lighter way of moving through life by embracing the peace, calm, and spaciousness that emptiness offers.The Eloquence of Silence offers a collection of traditional stories and ideas about emptiness that explore the value of silence, empty space, and letting go.The Eloquence of Silence is ultimately about simplifying our way of living and being in the world with transparency. Tom encourages readers to consider that the habit of constant multitasking, like listening to a podcast while taking a walk or constantly being distracted by our phones, often means missing the heart and soul of what is happening around us. And the daily recognition of quiet spaciousness is not a retreat from reality, but a rich and full opportunity to experience all that is most meaningful and real.Tom's Website: http://thomasmooresoul.com ➤ GO DEEPERBecome a member of the Medicine Path online community and school of soul studies: http://patreon.com/medicinepathMedicine Path YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/c/medicinepath1-on-1 Soul Recovery resources and coaching with Brian James: http://medicinepath.me➤ SUPPORT & APPRECIATIONSend a gift from our Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/11HNWME8NHNM7 Make a one-time contribution via PayPal: http://PayPal.me/medicinepathyogaSound collage: "Invocation" by Brian James Support the podcast by making a small monthly contribution. https://plus.acast.com/s/medicinepath.
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Apr 6, 2023 • 1h 32min
Ronnie Pontiac | Manly P. Hall & The Secret History of American Spirituality | MPP 108
To gain exclusive access the first 100 episode archive, join the pack over at patreon.com/howlinthewilderness Send a one time contribution to http://paypal.me/brianjamessoulShow Links:http://brianjames.cahttp://instagram.com/brianjames.soulworkWatch and subscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@howlinthewildernessDescription:In this episode, occult scholar Ronnie Pontiac shares some great stories about his late mentor Manly P. Hall and some of the forgotten founders of America, many of whom were not, as we're led to believe, puritan Christians, but rather were an eclectic mix of neo-Platonists, alchemists and esotericists.Ronnie Pontiac worked as Manly P. Hall’s research assistant and designated substitute lecturer for seven years. As well as being a writer and occult researcher, he is a musician and has produced award-winning documentaries including films on the Cuban revolutionary hip-hop group Los Aldeano and the Seattle grunge band The Gits, whose singer Mia Zapata was tragically raped and murdered in 1993. Ronnie lives in Los Angeles with his wife and frequent collaborator Tamra Spivey.His recent book American Metaphysical Religion is an exploration of American occult and spiritual history, from Colonial-Era Alchemists to 20th-Century teachers. Most Americans believe the United States was founded by pious Christians. However, as Ronnie Pontiac reveals, from the beginning, America was a vibrant blend of beliefs from all four corners of the world.+++GO DEEPERBecome a member of the Medicine Path online community and school of soul studies: http://patreon.com/medicinepathMedicine Path YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/c/medicinepath1-on-1 Soul Recovery resources and coaching with Brian James: http://medicinepath.me+++SUPPORT & APPRECIATIONSend a gift from our Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/11HNWME8NHNM7 Make a one-time contribution via PayPal: http://PayPal.me/medicinepathyogaSound collage: "Invocation" by Brian James Support the podcast by making a small monthly contribution. https://plus.acast.com/s/medicinepath.
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Apr 6, 2023 • 1h 16min
Allan B. Chinen | From Hero to Trickster: Post-Heroic Archetypes for Men | MPP 107
To gain exclusive access the first 100 episode archive, join the pack over at patreon.com/howlinthewilderness Send a one time contribution to http://paypal.me/brianjamessoulShow Links:http://brianjames.cahttp://instagram.com/brianjames.soulworkWatch and subscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@howlinthewildernessDescription:“If men's tales are about men, they are also for women: for wives, mothers, daughters, lovers, and co-workers, bewildered and infuriated by the men around them.”— Beyond the Hero: Classic Stories of Men in Search of SoulNOTE: Initially we were experiencing some connection issues — both technical and otherwise — until an interruption (by the Trickster?) about 20 minutes in. We restarted and found a nice rhythm and flow, so please stick with it. There's some great stuff in this conversation!Allan B. Chinen, MD is a psychiatrist in private practice in San Francisco and Clinical Professor Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco. He has lectured extensively and presented numerous workshops on the role of myths, fairy tales and legends on our life stories.In our conversation we mainly focus on his 1993 book Beyond the Hero: Classic Stories of Men in Search of Soul which offers a vision of the post-heroic journey that is relevant not just to men struggling with the transition into middle age, but also to the sons, daughters and spouses who care for them. Through a retelling and analysis of classic stories that portray a part of the male psyche that is normally buried under conventional male roles, heroic ideals, and patriarchal ambitions, the post-heroic journey dramatically breaks with traditional Western masculine values and typical stereotypes, by making a case for the Trickster as the guiding archetype of the midlife passage.Topics: myth, fairy tales, archetypes, men, midlife, trickster, shaman, mentor+++GO DEEPERBecome a member of the Medicine Path online community and school of soul studies: http://patreon.com/medicinepathMedicine Path YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/c/medicinepath1-on-1 Soul Recovery resources and coaching with Brian James: http://medicinepath.me+++SUPPORT & APPRECIATIONSend a gift from our Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/11HNWME8NHNM7 Make a one-time contribution via PayPal: http://PayPal.me/medicinepathyogaSound collage: "Invocation" by Brian James Support the podcast by making a small monthly contribution. https://plus.acast.com/s/medicinepath.
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Mar 2, 2023 • 1h 19min
Bonus: Men's Work, Magicians, Mentors & The Midlife Crisis with Brian James
To gain exclusive access the first 100 episode archive, join the pack over at patreon.com/howlinthewilderness Send a one time contribution to http://paypal.me/brianjamessoulShow Links:http://brianjames.cahttp://instagram.com/brianjames.soulworkWatch and subscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@howlinthewildernessDescription:This bonus episode is a recording of a conversation I had with Asher Packman of the Fifth Direction platform, based in Australia (https://thefifthdirection.com).Asher reached out to me to talk about my work, and it was a nice opportunity to be on the other side of the questions for once. As an intuitive introvert type, it’s not my natural inclination to talk about my ideas unless it’s in the context of a conversation — which is why these intros tend to be short and to the point.So, I enjoyed having the chance to try putting together some of the ideas I’ve been working with lately, and hope that you get something out of this conversation.We touch on a number of topics, including men’s work, the Magician and Trickster archetype, the importance of male mentorship, and some initial thoughts I have about addressing the epidemic of despair that’s afflicting record numbers of middle-aged men here in the West.+++GO DEEPERBecome a member of the Medicine Path online community and school of soul studies: http://patreon.com/medicinepathMedicine Path YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/c/medicinepath1-on-1 Soul Recovery resources and coaching with Brian James: http://medicinepath.me+++SUPPORT & APPRECIATIONSend a gift from our Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/11HNWME8NHNM7 Make a one-time contribution via PayPal: http://PayPal.me/medicinepathyogaSound collage: "Invocation" by Brian James Support the podcast by making a small monthly contribution. https://plus.acast.com/s/medicinepath.
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Feb 23, 2023 • 1h 6min
Rebecca Wildbear | Yoga for the Wild Soul with Rebecca Wildbear (Animas Valley) | MPP 106
To gain exclusive access the first 100 episode archive, join the pack over at patreon.com/howlinthewilderness Send a one time contribution to http://paypal.me/brianjamessoulShow Links:http://brianjames.cahttp://instagram.com/brianjames.soulworkWatch and subscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@howlinthewildernessDescription:Rebecca Wildbear is the author of Wild Yoga: A Practice of Initiation, Veneration & Advocacy for the Earth.Rebecca came to yoga after a life-threatening encounter with cancer in her twenties, and over years of study and teaching developed an approach called Wild Yoga which empowers individuals to tune in to the mysteries that live within the earth community, dreams, and their own wild nature so they may live a life of creative service. She has been leading Wild Yoga programs since 2007 and also guides nature and soul programs through Animas Valley Institute. You can find out more about her at rebeccawildbear.comSound collage: "Invocation" by Brian James Support the podcast by making a small monthly contribution. https://plus.acast.com/s/medicinepath.
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Feb 14, 2023 • 1h 42min
Carl Abrahamsson | The Magic of Individuation | MPP 105
To gain exclusive access the first 100 episode archive, join the pack over at patreon.com/howlinthewilderness Send a one time contribution to http://paypal.me/brianjamessoulShow Links:http://brianjames.cahttp://instagram.com/brianjames.soulworkWatch and subscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@howlinthewildernessDescription:In this episode I speak with Carl Abrahamsson about his latest book Source Magic: The Origin of Art, Science & Culture.The main theme that emerged during our conversation is about the relationship between Carl Jung's idea of individuation and the practice of magic, a topic Carl explores in an essay entitled The Magic of Individuation from his book.Carl Abrahamsson is a writer, publisher, magico-anthropologist, filmmaker, and photographer. Since the mid-1980s he has been active in the international magical community, integrating “occulture” as a way of life and lecturing about his findings and speculations. He is the author of numerous books on art and the occult as well as the editor and publisher of the annual anthology of occulture, The Fenris Wolf, he lives in Småland, Sweden.You can learn more about Carl’s work at his website carlabrahamsson.com+++JOIN THE CONVERSATIONBecome a member of the Medicine Path online community and school of soul studies: http://patreon.com/medicinepath1-on-1 Soul Recovery resources and coaching with Brian James: http://medicinepath.meSound collage: "Invocation" by Brian James+++SUPPORT & APPRECIATIONSend a gift from our Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/11HNWME8NHNM7 Make a one-time contribution via PayPal: http://PayPal.me/medicinepathyoga Support the podcast by making a small monthly contribution. https://plus.acast.com/s/medicinepath.
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Feb 14, 2023 • 1h 16min
Marlene Seven Bremner | Hermeticism & Creative Alchemy | MPP 104
To gain exclusive access the first 100 episode archive, join the pack over at patreon.com/howlinthewilderness Send a one time contribution to http://paypal.me/brianjamessoulShow Links:http://brianjames.cahttp://instagram.com/brianjames.soulworkWatch and subscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@howlinthewildernessDescription:On this episode I welcome Marlene Seven Bremner on to talk about her book Hermetic Philosophy & Creative Alchemy.Marlene is a self-taught oil painter, writer, and teacher who has spent more than 20 years exploring esoteric and spiritual traditions, including Hermeticism, alchemy, surrealism, symbolism, tarot, psychology, magic, astrology, shamanism, and mythology. She developed her career as an artist in the Pacific Northwest and now spends her time painting and writing in the New Mexico desert. You can view Marlene’s paintings and find out more about her work at: https://marlenesevenbremner.com+++JOIN THE CONVERSATIONBecome a member of the Medicine Path online community and school of soul studies: http://patreon.com/medicinepath1-on-1 Soul Recovery resources and coaching with Brian James: http://medicinepath.meSound collage: "Invocation" by Brian James+++SUPPORT & APPRECIATIONSend a gift from our Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/11HNWME8NHNM7 Make a one-time contribution via PayPal: http://PayPal.me/medicinepathyoga Support the podcast by making a small monthly contribution. https://plus.acast.com/s/medicinepath.
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Feb 3, 2023 • 1h 27min
Edward Tick PhD | Soul Medicine: Healing Through Dreams, Visions & Pilgrimage | MPP 103
To gain exclusive access the first 100 episode archive, join the pack over at patreon.com/howlinthewilderness Send a one time contribution to http://paypal.me/brianjamessoulShow Links:http://brianjames.cahttp://instagram.com/brianjames.soulworkWatch and subscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@howlinthewildernessDescription:On this episode, it’s my great pleasure to welcome back psychotherapist, educator and author Edward Tick to talk about his latest book Soul Medicine: Healing Through Dream Incubation, Visions, Oracles and Pilgrimage. If you’re interested in hearing more about Ed’s personal journey, I recommend also checking out episode 80 of the podcast.For many decades, Ed has devoted himself to studying and practicing depth psychology and the ancient Greek healing arts, and has led pilgrimages to Greece and Vietnam as a guide for those seeking a form of holistic healing beyond the limits of what modern medicine and psychology can offer.In his new book, Ed delves deeply into the philosophical, mythological and cultural origins of modern medicine and psychology in an attempt to recover their archetypal roots. Drawing on both ancient wisdom and modern depth psychology as well as stories of healings from his more than 25 years of guiding Vietnam veterans and others on pilgrimages, Soul Medicine offers a vision of how we can all use ancient healing philosophies and practices to achieve holistic healing today.Long life, honey in the heartWhite roads paved with the eyebrows of the moon, which is sea foamYellow roads, all colour roads, which are paved with abundanceFrom the tail of the morning star, which is a deerNo evilThirteen thank yous++++Ed’s website: https://www.edwardtick.comPurchase Soul Medicine: https://amzn.to/3JIT6N4 Support the podcast by making a small monthly contribution. https://plus.acast.com/s/medicinepath.
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