Sarah Maria Griffin, a fantasy and horror novelist, discusses the compulsion to write and the challenges of being a working writer. They also delve into the personal side of the publishing industry and the decline of public expression through writing. Sarah emphasizes the importance of zines and fan fiction for writers. They explore the subjective nature of excessive violence and the difference between living a dramatic life and creating dramatic stories.

I talk with Rev. Jonah Evans about what "spiritual work" is, how it differs from other kinds of work, how it differs from spiritual practice, and why we probably can't just call everything spiritual work.

Friends, Leftists and progressives more broadly are becoming increasingly aware of the lie of "loving what you do." And we're also becoming more aware of the ways corporations try to ameliorate real reflection and demands for higher wages via "perks" like organic cereal dispensers and "funny hat day" and other forms of glitzy dross. But conversations about all the above, as important as they are, can sometimes reduce fuller conversations to a political/rights dimension, which don't consider feeling, culture, the individual, or even economy. One of the sites of labor where this is evident is the "dream job." That's a category that includes YouTube "stars," writers, podcasters, adult performers, and more. My friend - regular AEWCH guest, the bestselling author and mortician and YouTube star of Ask A Mortician - Caitlin Doughty and I have been "making content" for over a decade. We talk about how the landscape has changed, where it's going, but mostly how this particular form of work is emblematic for the "dream job" that is at once elevated and belittled in our society, free and exhausting, life-giving and soul-killing. My hope is that you'll reflect on your own work and dreams as you listen. And that we'll all talk more about how to make our artistic efforts more free and easier to engage with, while at the same time dissolving the "grind" of it. Happy 250 episodes to this crazy, exhausting, fun, enlivening thing. Thanks for being along for the ride. XO CH

Why would anyone start a podcast? Doesn't everyone have a podcast? Is podcast work actually work? Is there a spiritual aspect to podcasting? (And also, why do we all have to work, even with all this crazy stuff going on in the world?)

Is peace possible? If so, is it possible or even okay to find it in a time of extreme conflict and violence? Is it ethical to work towards your personal goals in a time of crisis? I look at this from a spiritual perspective on the first episode of the year.

Happy Holidays, friends! Track List Elk River by Ben Chasney/Six Organs of Admittance from AEWCH 45 • Boomer Class by Dick Diver • What Have I Done by Anna Ternheim (live) • Sudden by Jeb Havens • The Speeding Train by The Van Pelt • The Land of Spirit and Light (Part 3) by Michael White • Galway Girl by Daoiri Farrell with Geoff Kinsella and Robbie Walsh live at the airport • TNT by Wye Oak • Ulna by Feathers • Steely Dan by Geoff Farina • Live Till You Die by Emitt Rhodes • AEWCH theme (Ronson-y version) by Conner Habib, Jeb Havens, and Ben Castle • You Forgot by Railroad Jerk

I talk with visionary artist and front person of Lungfish, musician Daniel Higgs about friendship, perceiving spiritual beings in a spiritual landscape, the way a presence appears in the middle of a concert, and the role trust plays in relationship and creating art.

Political philosopher of empires and subversions, Michael Hardt returns to the show to discuss how to walk on water when we're drowning.

Srećko Horvat, visionary philosopher, talks with Conner Habib about leading a good life, rethinking education, autonomy, and navigating life with integrity. They explore the Island School of Social Autonomy, living in urban areas during the pandemic, and the need for holistic approaches to environmental changes. They also discuss creating a collective inner city, embracing amateurism, and finding fulfillment in the present moment.

Esoteric expert, Lisa Romero, explores the esoteric answer to the question of our time and discusses concentration of power and wealth, the meaning of Christmas mysteries, placing aspects of humanity outside of ourselves, the importance of wisdom and love, freedom and self-reflection, peaceful responses to violence, seeking inwardly and finding peace, and the path of anthropology and connection to world development.