The Explorer Poet Podcast

Josh Mortensen

5.0 (4)
PHILOSOPHY

When we listen intently, we become guests in the sitting rooms of other people’s minds, and in a small way experience each other’s version of consciousness. Through conversation we can check our abstract reality against the abstract realities of others, ensuring we move forward as a whole. All we need to do is make sure we keep talking.

FEB 3

The Kore Goddess - Retrieving Lost Feminine Archetypes with Safron Rossi

In this conversation with Safron Rossi we explore the significance of myths and archetypes in understanding the human psyche, personal journeys into mythology, the role of the Kore Goddess archetype in modern society, how myths serve various functions in our lives, from providing meaning and connection to guiding individual and collective growth, the importance of retrieving feminine archetypes, and how they can empower individuals in their quest for self-discovery and individuation. mythology, archetypes, Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, individuation, Kore Goddess, depth psychology, personal growth, storytelling, collective unconscious Key Takeaways Safron Rossi is a professor of mythology and archetypal studies.Myths have deep significance beyond historical facts.The quest for the grail symbolizes personal journeys.Myths help us understand our relationship to divinity.The Kore Goddess represents a self-figure for women.Myths give language to our deep longings.The animus connects us to our core self.We need images to guide our inner development.The Kore Goddess is significant for psychological health.We are in this together and must work it out.Guest Details Safron is Core Faculty in the Jungian and Archetypal Studies MA/PhD program, teaching courses on mythology, symbolism, archetypal cosmology & astrology, and scholarly praxis. For many years she was Curator of the Joseph Campbell, James Hillman, and Marija Gimbutas manuscript collections at Opus Archives. Her writing and scholarly studies focus on Greek mythology, archetypal psychology, archetypal astrology, and goddess traditions. Safron is the author of The Kore Goddess: A Mythology & Psychology (2021), co-editor of Jung on Astrology (2017), and editor of Joseph Campbell’s Goddesses: Mysteries of the Feminine Divine (2013). Safron has published articles in Jungian, Archetypal, and astrological journals and lectures across the US and internationally in Europe, South America, and Australia. Website: https://www.thearchetypaleye.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/archetypaleye Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/safronrossi Book: https://www.amazon.com/Kore-Goddess-Mythology-Psychology/dp/1736205706/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the%20kore%20goddess%20a%20mythology%20%26%20psychology&qid=1672275992&sprefix=the%20kore%20go%2Caps%2C391&sr=8-1 Where to find The EXPLORER POET Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@explorerpoet Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0icGCdo1uv8WauJnFjhe89 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-explorer-poet-podcast/id1621189025 Website: https://explorerpoet.com/ X / Twitter: https://X.com/TheExplorerPoet

1h 7m
JAN 14

Institutions and Authority in the Mental Health Industry with Nick Taber

In this conversation with Nick Taber, we explore the complexities of personal development, the impact of institutional environments, the nuances of emotional validation, the importance of questioning authority, the role of meditation in self-discovery, the challenges of navigating the mental health system, and the hero's journey of healing in the lifelong process of self-development. mental health, personal development, emotions, institutions, healing, self-discovery, therapy, emotional validation, meditation, truth-seeking Key Takeaways Nick Tabor discusses the impact of institutional environments on personal development. The conversation explores the spectrum of perspectives on institutions, from pro to anti. Understanding emotions is crucial for navigating personal truths and societal dynamics. The role of environment in shaping individual behavior and mental health is emphasized. Emotional validation is nuanced; it's important to understand emotions without acting impulsively. Meditation is highlighted as a tool for self-discovery and healing. Healing involves being present with one's body and emotions, rather than just intellectualizing them. The hero's journey metaphor is used to describe the process of personal growth and healing. Institutional dynamics can create challenges in personal development and mental health. Finding the right help in mental health can be a difficult journey, requiring self-empowerment. Guest Details Nick Taber is a blogger and youtuber who writes about and discusses authoritarianism in school systems, the mental health industry, and the troubled-teen industry. He’s a proponent of true self-awareness and growth, and a believer in developing human potential. Website: https://imaginal-cell.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/677145320084405 X: https://twitter.com/NickTaber Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nicktaber2969/featured Where to find The EXPLORER POET Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@explorerpoet Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0icGCdo1uv8WauJnFjhe89 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-explorer-poet-podcast/id1621189025 Website: https://explorerpoet.com/ X / Twitter: https://X.com/TheExplorerPoet

1h 8m
JAN 7

Exploring the Mysteries of Carl Jung's Red Book with Katerina Sarafidou

In this conversation with Katerina Sarafidou, we delve into Carl Jung's 'Red Book', exploring its significance in the field of psychology, its unique language, and its impact on modern consciousness. We discussed the importance of individuation, the role of myths, and the tension of opposites in personal growth, as well as the relevance of Jung's work today and the necessity of integrating both scientific and spiritual perspectives in understanding the human psyche. Carl Jung, Red Book, analytical psychology, individuation, depth psychology, myths, consciousness, personal growth, spirituality, psychological insights Key Takeaways The Red Book is a groundbreaking primary text in psychology. It has revitalized interest in analytical psychology. The language used in the Red Book is emotional and complex. Understanding the Red Book requires grappling with its challenging content. Individuation involves finding and living your own myth. Consciousness is a journey that includes discomfort and paradox. The interplay of opposites is essential for personal growth. Myths serve as frameworks for understanding our experiences. The Red Book encourages readers to engage with their inner worlds. Jung's work remains relevant in today's quest for meaning. Guest Details Katerina Sarafidou is the Head of Research and former Jungian Director of the MSc Psychodynamics of Human Development run by Birkbeck College and the British Psychotherapy Foundation. She is an honorary member of the British Jungian Analytic Association and is carrying out academic research at the Warburg Institute on Jungian theory and German aesthetics. She is one of the three founders of The Circle of Analytical Psychology, which offers a 2-year course of study on Jung’s Liber Novus. She is also leading a Reading Group for the British Psychotherapy Foundation focusing on the systematic study of Jung's primary texts. Website: https://www.igap.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hermes_in_the_wild/ Where to find The EXPLORER POET Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@explorerpoet Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0icGCdo1uv8WauJnFjhe89 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-explorer-poet-podcast/id1621189025 Website: https://explorerpoet.com/ X / Twitter: https://X.com/TheExplorerPoet

1h 18m
12/31/2025

The Psychology of Immigration with Robert Tyminski

In this conversation with Robert Tyminski, we explore the intersection of Jungian psychology and immigration, the psychological effects of migration, the fluidity of identity, and the importance of community building for immigrants. Tyminski shares personal anecdotes and historical context, emphasizing the resilience of immigrants and the challenges they face in adapting to new environments. The discussion also touches on the complexities of cultural assimilation and the impact of trauma on the immigrant experience. Jungian psychology, immigration, identity, cultural assimilation, psychological impact, community building, trauma, resilience, migration, personal experiences Key Takeaways Jungian psychology provides a unique lens to understand the human psyche. Immigration is often driven by the search for better opportunities. Identity is not fixed; it is fluid and can change over time. Assimilation can lead to a loss of cultural identity. Building a community is crucial for immigrants to thrive. Trauma can occur at various stages of migration. Resilience is a key trait among immigrants. Cultural nostalgia can hinder integration into a new society. The process of acculturation involves both loss and adaptation. Understanding one's identity is a continuous journey. Guest Details Robert Tyminski is a certified Jungian psychoanalyst, teacher, and author. He is the author of The Psychology of Theft and Loss: Stolen and Fleeced and The Psychological Effects of Immigrating. Website: https://www.roberttyminski.com/ Where to find The EXPLORER POET Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@explorerpoet Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0icGCdo1uv8WauJnFjhe89 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-explorer-poet-podcast/id1621189025 Website: https://explorerpoet.com/ X / Twitter: https://X.com/TheExplorerPoet

59 min
12/17/2025

The Human Psyche and Technology with Glen Slater

Description In this conversation with Glen Slater delve we into the intersection of technology, psychology, and humanity, how advancements in technology, particularly artificial intelligence, are reshaping our understanding of the human psyche, the historical context of industrialization and its impact on human instinct and connection to nature, the dangers of optimization and perfectionism in modern society, the hidden spirituality of technology, the importance of finding the deeply human aspects of ourselves in a post-human age, and the need for a more holistic approach to technology and a reconnection with our inner selves. technology, humanity, artificial intelligence, Jungian psychology, industrialization, optimization, spirituality, human psyche, depth psychology, counterculture Key Takeaways Technology is reshaping our understanding of humanity. Industrialization caused a significant shift in the human psyche. The loss of instinct is a psychological problem. Optimization leads to a culture of perfectionism. AI lacks emotional intelligence and human instincts. Dissociation is a result of our adaptation to technology. We need to reclaim our human side and spirituality. The online world erodes our capacity for real relationships. Slowing down is essential in a fast-paced world. The psyche is an ecology of mind that needs nurturing. Guest Details Glen Slater, Ph.D. was born and grew up on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. After studying psychology and comparative religion at the University of Sydney, he moved to the United States for doctoral studies in clinical psychology. For the past 25 years he has taught in the areas of depth psychology and mythological studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute, near Santa Barbara, California, most recently chairing Pacifica’s Jungian and Archetypal Psychology Program. Glen is the author of Jung vs Borg: Finding the Deeply Human in a Posthuman Age (2024), editor of the third volume of James Hillman’s Uniform Edition, Senex and Puer (2005), and co-editor of the essay collection, Varieties of Mythic Experience (2007). He has written a number of articles and book chapters for Jungian publications. His research and writing interests concern Jung and film, the psychology of religion, and depth psychology and technology. Website: https://www.glenslater.com/ Book - Jung vs. Borg: https://www.amazon.com/Jung-Borg-Finding-Deeply-Posthuman/dp/1736205714/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 Where to find The EXPLORER POET Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@explorerpoet Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0icGCdo1uv8WauJnFjhe89 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-explorer-poet-podcast/id1621189025 Website: https://explorerpoet.com/ X / Twitter: https://X.com/TheExplorerPoet

1h 6m
12/10/2025

Discerning the Influence of Myths in Modern Society and Politics with Bill

In this engaging conversation, with YouTuber Bill, we explore Bill's journey into Jungian psychology, the impact of Jordan Peterson, the significance of myths and archetypes, the complexities of political discourse, the importance of confronting one's shadow, the emotional resonance of narratives, the challenges of ideological extremes, the need for introspection, the role of good faith in conversations, the dangers of preference falsification, and the motivations behind human behavior. Jung, creativity, Jordan Peterson, myths, archetypes, narrative, politics, truth, ideology, emotional resonance Key Takeaways Bill's background is diverse, transitioning from weightlifting to engineering and writingHe aims to explore Jungian concepts through YouTube and writingThe influence of Jordan Peterson's lectures on Bill's understanding of psychology and philosophyMyths and archetypes play a crucial role in shaping societal narrativesConfronting one's shadow is essential for personal growthEmotional resonance in stories can lead to deeper understanding and healingPolitical discourse often lacks introspection and can lead to divisionThe importance of good faith in conversations, especially in politically charged environmentsPreference falsification can hinder genuine dialogue and understandingUnderstanding the motivations behind ideologies can lead to more constructive discussions Guest Details Bill is the host of the YouTube channel Signals and Symbols, where he explores philosophy, psychology, and politics. Philosophy means the love of wisdom, but wisdom is only useful if you act on it. His videos should help with that. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@signalsandsymbols Where to find The EXPLORER POET Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@explorerpoet Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0icGCdo1uv8WauJnFjhe89 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-explorer-poet-podcast/id1621189025 Website: https://explorerpoet.com/ X / Twitter: https://X.com/TheExplorerPoet

1h 2m
12/03/2025

Unconscious Beliefs and Dark Religions with Vladislav Šolc

In this conversation with Vladislav Šolc, we explore the intersection of Jungian psychology and religion, discussing personal journeys through faith, the concept of dark religion, the importance of self-knowledge, how unconscious beliefs shape our understanding of reality, the role of symbolism in religion, the psychological implications of conspiracies, the quest for consciousness, confronting our inner darkness to achieve personal growth. Jungian psychology, dark religion, consciousness, personal journey, symbolism, psychological projections, self-knowledge, religion and psyche, conspiracies, spirituality Key Takeaways Jung's perspective on religion emphasizes its primordial nature within the psycheDark religion is characterized by unconscious beliefs and manipulative practicesThe journey towards consciousness involves facing painful truths about oneselfSymbols in religion serve as a bridge between the inner and outer worldsConspiracies can reflect inner psychological struggles and projectionsSelf-knowledge is essential for minimizing harm in relationships and societyThe quest for consciousness is a noble and meaningful endeavorUnderstanding the duality of light and dark in religion is crucial for personal growthThe unconscious mind continues to influence behavior, even when deniedTrue spirituality involves discovering freedom and authenticity in relationshipsGuest Details Vladislav Šolc is a licensed professional psychotherapist who provides individual, group, couples and family therapy (counseling and psychotherapy). Vlado received his training in Europe and US: Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, Czech Association for Analytical Psychology, Brno, Czech Republic, University of Jyväskylä, Finland, and the C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago. Vlado specializes on the treatment of depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and interpersonal conflicts. His focus includes psycho-spiritual crisis and spirituality (loss of life’s meaning and direction), mind-body connection (psychosomatic issues), immigration and cultural issues (displacement from home country and grief), women empowerment and emancipation. His specialties also include treatment of addictions and marital psychotherapy with adult, and youth populations. Vlado is also involved in art and creative process and is author of several depth psychology-oriented books: Psyche, Matrix, Reality; Father’s Archetype; In the Name of God: Psychological Roots of Fanaticism, and most recently Dark Religion: Fundamentalism from the Perspective of Jungian Psychology. Website: TherapyVlado.com Blog Post: https://jungchicago.org/blog/product/individuation-in-a-divided-world-deception-lies-and-the-quest-for-wholeness/ Blog Post: https://jungchicago.org/blog/vlado-solc-from-illusion-to-conscious-suffering-a-jungian-view-of-politics-possession-and-redemption/ Contact: therapyvlado@gmail.com Book - Dark Religion: Fundamentalism from The Perspective of Jungian Psychology: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Religion-Fundamentalism-Perspective-Psychology/dp/1630513989/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=&linkCode=sl1&tag=jungchicago-20&linkId=3b0b88791d7fc9f2ead1779035ceffda Where to find The EXPLORER POET Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@explorerpoet Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0icGCdo1uv8WauJnFjhe89 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-explorer-poet-podcast/id1621189025 Website: https://explorerpoet.com/

1h 2m
11/26/2025

Dissolving Repetition Compulsion and Encountering the Shadow Feminine with Roy Wang

In this conversation with Roy Wang, we delved into the complexities of human emotions, particularly focusing on repetition compulsion, anger, shame, and the dynamics of masculine and feminine energies. We explored how childhood experiences shape emotional patterns and the importance of compassion and self-observation in understanding these patterns. Then we discussed the shadow feminine, covert abuse, and the need for balance in relationships, emphasizing that both men and women have roles to play in fostering healthy dynamics. repetition compulsion, anger, shame, desire, childhood experiences, relationships, shadow feminine, covert abuse, emotional mastery, masculine and feminine energy Key Takeaways Repetition compulsion can manifest in various emotional patterns.Anger and shame are often intertwined in emotional experiences.Desire can lead to conflict when unmet or rejected.Childhood experiences significantly shape adult emotional responses.Compassion and self-observation are crucial in understanding emotional patterns.Covert abuse is often more difficult to identify than overt abuse.Women can experience and perpetuate covert abuse among themselves.Emotional manipulation can be a form of covert abuse.The interplay of chaos and order is essential in relationships.Healthy relationships require ongoing work and mutual understanding. Guest Details Roy Wang is a men's coach and believer in the renewing powers of the sacred wild man archetype. Website: https://www.sacredwildman.com/ X / Twitter: https://x.com/sacredwildman Book on Roy’s Calendly: https://calendly.com/sacredwildman/30min Instagram: https://instagram.com/sacredwildman TikTok: https://tiktok.com/sacredwildman Youtube: https://youtube.com/sacredwildman Where to find The EXPLORER POET Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@explorerpoet Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0icGCdo1uv8WauJnFjhe89 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-explorer-poet-podcast/id1621189025 Website: https://explorerpoet.com/ X / Twitter: https://X.com/TheExplorerPoet

1h 20m

5

out of 5

4 Ratings

When we listen intently, we become guests in the sitting rooms of other people’s minds, and in a small way experience each other’s version of consciousness. Through conversation we can check our abstract reality against the abstract realities of others, ensuring we move forward as a whole. All we need to do is make sure we keep talking.

Creator

Josh Mortensen
Years Active

2022 - 2026
Episodes

116
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Josh Mortensen
Show Website

The Explorer Poet Podcast

Mental Health

Mental Health

Updated Weekly
Philosophy

Philosophy

Updated Weekly
Politics

Politics

Updated Biweekly