

Living Myth
Michael Meade
Mosaic presents Living Myth, a podcast with Michael Meade, renowned mythologist and storyteller. Meade presents mythic stories that offer uniquely insightful and wise ways of understanding the current dilemmas of the world we live in. Living Myth proposes that genuine solutions to the complex and intractable problems of our world require both transcendent imagination and cohering, transformative narratives.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 20, 2025 • 44min
Episode 449 - Creative Paths in Chaotic Times
Uncover the connection between chaos and creativity as struggles reveal pathways to self-discovery. Explore how community healing and personal journeys can transform illness into renewal. Emphasize the blend of stillness and creation, urging authentic artistic expression rooted in personal experiences. Delve into the importance of emotions as vital signals, advocating for their acknowledgment to foster well-being. Finally, recognize the transformative power of grief to promote joy and resilience in addressing societal challenges.

4 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 26min
Episode 448 - Be Your Note
Explore the transformative concept of 'little deaths' and how they can lead to profound self-discovery and appreciation for life. Delve into the emotional journey of grief, particularly surrounding the loss of loved ones, and the healing that comes from honoring their memory. Embrace the uniqueness of your spiritual path beyond traditional dogmas, seeking your personal truths. Finally, celebrate your authentic expression as a vital part of the cosmic symphony, encouraging genuine connections in your quest for spiritual awakening.

19 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 24min
Premium Episode 163 Excerpt - Know Yourself, Change the World
This discussion delves into the resilience that defines genius and its vital role in a tumultuous world. The importance of courage in pursuing one's inner calling is emphasized, suggesting that individual awakenings can spark significant collective change. Additionally, the Mayan myth of Pulpavu reveals humanity’s intricate ties to creation and consciousness. Lastly, it examines how encountering despair can lead to a personal transformation, giving rise to unique individuals who inspire others through their struggles.

35 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 27min
Episode 447 - Purpose and the Waking Soul
Explore the ongoing existential crisis as traditional worldviews crumble, leaving many feeling lost. Discover how finding personal purpose can lead to resilience amid chaos. Reflect on a tale of misguided enlightenment that critiques our fast-paced society. Unpack the true essence of soul purpose versus societal expectations, revealing its benefits for mental health. Engage in a dialogue about balancing effort and surrender on the spiritual path, while emphasizing inner exploration for hidden treasures and fulfillment.

Jul 30, 2025 • 28min
Episode 446 - On the Wings of Myth
This discussion highlights the often-forgotten youngest siblings in fairy tales who break societal spells and embody the genuine dreamer within. It critiques modern materialism while advocating for the mythic imagination as a path to wisdom. The talk contrasts logical and psychological thinking with the transformative power of myth, emphasizing its role in human growth. Additionally, complex mother-son dynamics are explored, revealing deeper emotional truths. Listeners are encouraged to reconnect with myth and imagination for personal and communal support.

Jul 23, 2025 • 31min
Episode 445 - The Spirit of Life
Delve into a captivating tale of a youth confronting a powerful spirit to unleash his unique gifts. The narrative emphasizes the necessity of external validation for personal growth and warns against bottling up one's inner spirit. As the discussion unfolds, it highlights the importance of facing fears to embark on the transformative 'second adventure of life.' Moreover, it connects individual healing to broader global healing, urging listeners to explore their inner realms for a genuine sense of purpose amid a chaotic world.

8 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 38min
Episode 444 - An Act of Truth
Dive into the intriguing exploration of how conspiracy theories and misinformation thrive in our quest for belonging. Discover the psychological impact of group dynamics on personal identity, and how polarization intensifies the acceptance of false narratives. Uncover ancient wisdom contrasting true vision with ignorance, and hear transformative stories highlighting the healing potential of truth. Finally, learn how courage and small acts of honesty can foster significant societal change and restore our collective integrity.

Jul 9, 2025 • 34min
Episode 443 - Facing Inner Fears
A fairy tale reveals a kingdom in despair, needing the Water of Life to revive a sick king. The journey emphasizes humility, vulnerability, and confronting inner fears, led by a wise dwarf. Listeners explore the relationship between leadership and environmental health, and how embracing one's inner youth can lead to transformative healing. Facing sorrow and inadequacy becomes essential for personal growth, highlighting that fear is not just a barrier, but a pathway to discovering deeper wisdom and creativity.

37 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 30min
Episode 442 - Your Lot in Life
Explore the ancient belief that every soul has a unique path, rooted in the symbolism of the World Tree. Delve into the role of myths in shaping our understanding of life’s complexities and the significance of individual destinies. Discover how recognizing your divine purpose can guide you through challenges and awaken your true self. The podcast emphasizes personal growth and authenticity as crucial for contributing to a more united and renewed human experience.

Jun 25, 2025 • 28min
Episode 441 - A Light Within Dark Times
Explore an ancient Persian myth that reveals the deep-rooted nature of conflict and its psychological impact on society. Discover how poetry and art can serve as beacons of hope during turmoil. Delve into creation myths that highlight doubt as a catalyst for growth and insight. Learn about the importance of healing divisions to foster lasting peace. Embrace the tensions of life, where fear and beauty coexist, driving creativity and connection even in challenging times.