Creative Codex

When the Nazi Party came to power in Germany, in 1933, one of their first goals was to reshape culture by force. The Nazis organized book burnings, stormed artist studios, confiscating work they disagreed with, and fired contemporary artists from teaching positions in universities. The goal was to place limits on human expression–an ominous display for what was to come.  Visit the companion gallery for this episode here: https://mjdorian.com/dangerous/  The celebrated 1800's German poet, Heinrich Heine, wrote: "where books are burned, there too, people will burn."  On this episode, we explore the Degenerate Art Exhibition of 1937, otherwise known as Entartete Kunst. The intended goal of the exhibit was to insult and ridicule the featured artists and kill modern art. Making it clearly known to the German public that the Nazi Party was forbidding any form of abstraction in painting, film, sculpture, or music.   The suppression or censorship of art is a symptom that something is desperately wrong in the cultural fabric of a society. What happened to the artists featured in the exhibition? Did they continue making art? Did they flee or stay and protest? Why is art so dangerous?  ---------  Artists featured in this episode: Otto Dix, Max Beckmann, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Emil Nolde, and Conrad Felixmüller. Explore their work in this special companion gallery I put together: https://mjdorian.com/dangerous/  ---------  If you'd like to become a supporter of CREATIVE CODEX, and obtain access to all the exclusive content, such as the Kurt Cobain series and all the Creativity Tip episodes, head on over to: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian  ---------  All music in this episode was produced & composed by MJDorian.  ---------  Creative Codex is written and produced by MJDorian.  More info here: https://mjdorian.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjdorian  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/creativecodex

In 1916, Dr. Carl Jung wrote his most mystifying work: The Seven Sermons to the Dead. In this episode, we continue our quest to understand it the way Jung understood it, exploring Sermons 3 & 4. We will attempt to answer these questions: Who is Abraxas? Why is he a god above gods? Who is Basilides? Why does Jung credit him as the writer of the Seven Sermons? And what leads Jung to have this creative breakthrough? Does it come from a point of inner turmoil or inspired grace? It’s time we find out.  ----------  Cover Artwork: Abraxas Exegesis by MJDorian. More illustrations & art here: https://mjdorian.com/art/ ----------  Listen to the new Limited Release series episode: 'Kurt Cobain • I'm Not Like Them' on my Patreon https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian  Hear a preview of the episode in the mid-point intermission of episode 28, Seven Sermons (Part II).  ----------  A full transcript of this episode is available here: https://mjdorian.com/transcripts/ ---------- Big Thank you to my Patreon supporters!  Shout out to the Shadow Fam: AKD, Aneudy Valerio, Anna Wolff, Barak Talker, Corey, Clark Price, Dallas Okelly, DVM, Glen QuiltSwissy, Hamed Iranmehr, Hilde, Jay, John Bergmans, Jye Marchant, Kristina Lamour Sansone, Michael Lloyd, Owen McAteer, Rebecca, Ruben Corona,  Sowmya Harigaran, Stephanie Neal, Tess Callahan, Viggs Verikas, Yadie Cisneros, and Zuko's World. Thank you for your support!  ---------  Creative Codex YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CreativeCodex  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/  Want to buy me coffee? Head over to Venmo and search @creativecodex in businesses. This show runs on 100% Arabica beans. Thank you for your support! Also accepting crypto donations, just reach out to me on Instagram: @mjdorian Thank you!  ----------  Resources:  The Red Book: by Carl Jung Memories, Dreams, Reflections: by Carl Jung and Aniella Jaffe  The Gnostic Scriptures: by Bentley Layton  The Gnostic Jung: Stephan Hoeller  ----------  Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian.  All music written by MJDorian.

This is a special Video Bonus episode of Creative Codex! Our show has been selected by Spotify to showcase the new video options for podcasters on Spotify. If you dig it, please share it with someone! (The video playback is currently only supported on Spotify.) ( This video bonus first appeared on the Creative Codex Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9xwt3hz49VBbgqN80driTQ ) --------- Info: Our story begins in the late 1800's, with one of history's most beloved artists: Vincent van Gogh. In between bouts of debilitating psychotic episodes, Vincent paints 141 masterful paintings during his yearlong stay in St. Paul's mental asylum. All of these 141 paintings are made while he is of 'sound' mind... except one.   This is a special video episode about that self portrait. Is it the most disturbing painting of all time? Let's find out. If you'd like to become a Patron of Creative Codex, and receive immediate access to all of our Creativity Tip mini-episodes as well as the Episode Exclusives, head over to my Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian  Here is an article about the conclusive attribution of this painting to Vincent van Gogh: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/van...  --------- CREATIVE CODEX is written & produced by MJDorian.  Find out more about my work on my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ Or visit my site: https://mjdorian.com/

In 1916, Dr. Carl Jung experienced a strange phenomenon that possessed him with tremendous creative force. The experience inspired him to write a philosophical & psychological scripture he called: The Seven Sermons to the Dead.  This is Jung's most mystifying work. It appears in the final chapter of The Red Book, and it embodies the culmination of Jung's numinous inner explorations from 1913 - 1916. On this special episode, we will dive deep into Sermons One and Two, to attempt to understand this rare creative work the way that Jung understood it. Along the way we will delve into Gnostic scriptures which likely inspired Jung, explore key Jungian theories which are embodied in the Seven Sermons, and try to understand the larger significance of this esoteric literary work. ---------- Cover Artwork: Tree of Life by Carl Jung. ---------- A full transcript of this episode is available here: https://mjdorian.com/transcripts/ ---------- Find Episode Exclusives and Patron-Only minisodes on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian The Episode Exclusive from this episode explores the personal letters between Freud and Jung leading up to their split in 1913. In addition, Patrons have access to all of the Creativity Tip episodes as well as new full length episodes of Creative Codex; part of our Limited Release series. The first creative genius coming to the new Limited Release series this December: Kurt Cobain. Big Thank you to my Patreon supporters! Shout out to the Shadow Fam: Aneudy Valerio, Barak Talker, Corey, Dallas Okelly, Daniel V., DVM, Glen QuiltSwissy, Hamed Iranmehr, Hilde, Jay, Jimmy D, John Bergmans, Jye Marchant, Karina Hurenkamp-Alvarenga, Kristina Lamour Sansone, Michael Lloyd, Owen McAteer, Ruben Corona, Sasta Kuppan, Sowmya Harigaran, Tess Callahan, Thivai Abhor, Viggs Verikas, Yadie Cisneros, and Zuko's World. Thank you for your support! --------- Creative Codex YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CreativeCodex Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ Want to buy me coffee? Head over to Venmo and search @creativecodex in businesses. This show runs on 100% Arabica beans. Thank you for your support! ---------- Resources:  Memories, Dreams, Reflections: by Carl Jung and Aniella Jaffe  The Red Book: by Carl Jung The Gnostic Scriptures: by Bentley Layton ---------- Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian. All music written by MJDorian.

This is a special clip show of some of the best moments from the last 3 years of Creative Codex! The focus of this episode is: sonic simulations. In the show, sonic simulations are the use of sound design, music, and narration to convey an experience, time, or place.  The clips featured in this episode, in order of appearance are: Nikola Tesla’s Earthquake Experiment (Episode 5) Discovery of Emily Dickinson’s Poems (Episode 18) Robert Johnson Goes to the Crossroads (Episode 15) Meeting Vincent (Episode 22) Carl Jung’s Vision of the Cave (Episode 11) Theo Finds Out Vincent Was Shot (Episode 25) Visiting Leonardo in Florence (Episode 2) --------- Enjoyed hearing Emily 'speak'? Check out and follow Frances' other work on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lady._lazarus._/ --------- My Crypto Wallet is on Coinbase Wallet, username: @mjdorian Venmo: @creativecodex | Search in the Businesses field or click here: https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3235189073379328069&created=1635357384.800416&printed=1 Become a patron of the show on my Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian Thank you in advance for your support! --------- Party horn sound: "Party Pack, Horn Coil 01, Long, 01.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org -------- Creative Codex is written & produced by: MJDorian On social media: @mjdorian

Does boredom play an important role in creativity? If so, is technology ridding our lives of boredom at a perilous cost? On this Creativity Tip minisode, the truth gets 'curiouser and curiouser.' Along the way we explore research in neuroscience regarding the Default Mode Network, and psychological research that potentially proves the link between boredom and creativity. Try the Mental Cigarette Break Challenge: • Five minutes. Every day. For seven days. • Turn your phone notifications off. Put your devices to the side. • Stare out of a window. And let your mind wander for five minutes. • Take note of how you feel, what you thought about, and the quality of your awareness in that state. --------- Episode cover art: Brain image showing the main regions of the Default Mode Network (in yellow) with the paths of connectivity between regions. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Default_Mode_Network_Connectivity.png --------- Research mentioned in this episode:  - Dr. Marcus Raichle, the neurologist who discovered the Default Mode Network through brain imaging studies. Find out more about his important work at this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r15-Xde66s&t=6s - Dr. Sandi Mann & Rebekah Cadman's research study on the link between boredom and creative problem solving: http://clok.uclan.ac.uk/22263/1/22263%20Does%2520being%2520bored%2520make%2520us%2520more%2520creativeV2.pdf --------- To become a supporter of the show and gain access to all of the exclusive Creativity Tip episodes, head over to: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian -------- Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjdorian

On this episode we sit down with multi-talented singer / songwriter: L'FREAQ. (Also known as Lea Cappelli.) We dive deep into all of the most interesting topics: Does creativity feed on despair and depression? How do you get to the gold? What is L'FREAQ's songwriting process? Do you hear music on the cusp of sleep? Listen to L'FREAQ's phenomenal new album, Showgirl: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6yIxwhGx8Mq6i1WwgRSfkQ?si=LeKcBiROTw-hW4Xy5xL9OA&dl_branch=1 Showgirl is also available on all music platforms.  Connect with L'FREAQ: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lfreaq/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/leacappelli Big thank you to Lea for coming on the show! It was a blast to geek out about songwriting and creativity. --------- Big Thank you to my Patreon supporters! Shout out to the Shadow Fam: Aneudy Valerio, Barak Talker, Corey, Dallas Okelly, Daniel V., DVM, Glen QuiltSwissy, Jay, Jimmy D, John Bergmans, Jye Marchant, Karina Hurenkamp-Alvarenga, Kristina Lamour Sansone, Michael Lloyd, Owen McAteer, Ruben Corona, Sowmya Harigaran, Tess Callahan, Thivai Abhor, Viggs Verikas, Yadie Cisneros, and Zuko's World. If you'd like to become a Patron of the show, and gain access to all of the exclusive Creativity Tip episodes, as well as Episode Exclusives, head over to: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian Thank you for all of your support! --------- Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian. https://mjdorian.com/ Let's Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjdorian

Is art dangerous? On this minisode, I share a personal story about the art project that almost killed me. I call this: The Devil Wood Incident. This is Exhibit A in a miniseries exploring the theme: Art Is Dangerous.  Here is a link to the Devil Wood music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TTL-GKBMTk If you would like to share your own Art Is Dangerous story for a future episode, reach out to me: info@mjdorian.com Instagram of singer / songwriter / vocal alchemist, Shelley Thomas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TTL-GKBMTk The song featured in this episode is called Dwell Within Me (feat. Shelley Thomas), on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/track/45TKlkP734PwRGYbhKaLzZ?si=9f6e26d2826444a2 --------- If you'd like to become a Patron of Creative Codex, and gain access to all the Creativity Tip episodes as well as Episode Exclusives, head over to: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian Thank you for your support! --------- Let's connect on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjdorian

On this episode we explore the tragic death of Vincent van Gogh. We seek to answer, once and for all, was it: suicide or homicide? In the process we discover that the two popular theories explaining Vincent's death are deeply flawed, and a new theory emerges.  This episode follows the events of that fateful day through Theo's perspective. After a thorough investigation, we explore the aftermath, and meet the woman who made Vincent van Gogh a household name: Johanna van Gogh-Bonger. The original music of this episode features a very special guest, singer & songwriter: L'FREAQ. (Also known as Lea Cappelli.) Follow  all of L'FREAQ's music through her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lfreaq/ Listen to L'FREAQ on Spotify: L'FREAQ Spotify And enjoy her YouTube music vids (one which I directed!): https://www.youtube.com/user/leacappelli --------- Explore the paintings mentioned in this episode by visiting this companion gallery I made: https://mjdorian.com/vincent/ --------- Diaries of Johanna van Gogh: https://www.bongerdiaries.org/dagboek_jo_3_section_83 --------- Watch my video about Vincent's most disturbing painting, done while he was suffering from a psychotic episode: https://youtu.be/EHkm6LMXjiA --------- Become a supporter of the show, and receive access to all the Creativity Tip episodes and Episode Exclusives here: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian --------- A full transcript of this episode is available here: https://mjdorian.com/transcripts/ --------- Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian. Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ For Merch & News: https://mjdorian.com/

On May 8th, 1889, Vincent van Gogh checks in to a mental asylum. What begins as a three month stay extends into a year. A period of time during which Vincent paints 141 masterpieces in between bouts of debilitating psychotic attacks.  On this episode, we dive into Vincent and Theo's letters to finally uncover all of the details about Vincent's yearlong stay in the asylum.  The original music of this episode features a very special guest, singer & songwriter: L'FREAQ. (Also known as Lea Cappelli.) Follow all of L'FREAQ's music through her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lfreaq/ Listen to L'FREAQ on Spotify: L'FREAQ Spotify And enjoy her YouTube music vids (one which I directed!): https://www.youtube.com/user/leacappelli --------- Explore the paintings mentioned in this episode by visiting this companion gallery I made: https://mjdorian.com/vincent/ --------- Watch my video about Vincent's most disturbing painting, done while he was suffering from a psychotic episode: https://youtu.be/EHkm6LMXjiA --------- A full transcript of this episode is available here: https://mjdorian.com/transcripts/ --------- Become a supporter of the show, and receive access to all the Creativity Tip episodes and Episode Exclusives here: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian. Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ For Merch & News: https://mjdorian.com/