Radio Lear Radio Lear

In this episode, we explore how metamodernism can benefit from the insights of two influential movements in the history of Western culture: the English Romantic Poets and the German Romantic Philosophers. We will discuss how these movements, despite their differences, share some common themes that resonate with the metamodern sensibility, such as emotional depth, imagination, nature, spirituality, and transcendence. We will also explore how these themes can be expressed and integrated in metamodern creative practice and sensemaking.

Metamodern cultural theory and practice can draw significant insights from both the English Romantic Poets and the German Romantic Philosophers. These two movements, while distinct in their contexts and expressions, share common themes that resonate with the metamodern ethos. Here are some key learnings that metamodernism can take from these Romantic traditions:

English Romantic Poets:

Emotional Depth: The English Romantic Poets, such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Keats, placed a strong emphasis on the emotional and subjective experience. They celebrated intense emotions as a source of aesthetic experience and truth. Metamodernism can adopt this focus on emotional authenticity and depth, countering the postmodern detachment with a renewed emphasis on affective engagement.

Imagination and Creativity: The Romantics viewed imagination as a powerful force for creating new realities and transcending the mundane. This aligns with metamodernism’s embrace of imaginative and creative ways to construct meaning, blending the real with the fantastical to explore new possibilities.

Integrative and Holistic Thinking – Learning From German Romantic Philosophers:

Unity and Wholeness: German Romantic philosophers like Friedrich Schlegel and Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling sought to reconcile opposites and create a sense of unity. They aimed to integrate reason and emotion, nature and culture, and individual and society. Metamodernism can learn from this integrative approach, seeking to synthesise diverse perspectives and experiences into a coherent and holistic framework.

Dialectical Method: The German Romantics employed a dialectical method, recognising the dynamic interplay of conflicting forces and ideas. This method can inform metamodernism’s oscillation between modern and postmodern sensibilities, embracing contradiction and complexity as part of the process of meaning-making.

Re-enchantment and Spiritual Renewal – Learning From the English Romantic Poets:

Re-enchantment of the World: The English Romantics sought to re-enchant the world, finding wonder and mystery in nature and the human experience. Metamodernism can draw on this sense of re-enchantment to counteract the disenchantment often associated with postmodernism, fostering a sense of awe and transcendence in the everyday.

Nature and the Sublime: The Romantics’ reverence for nature and the sublime experience of its vastness and beauty can inspire metamodern practices that reconnect with the natural world and seek to cultivate an ecological consciousness.

Pursuit of Idealism and Authenticity – Learning From the German Romantic Philosophers:

Idealism: German Romantic philosophy is characterised by a pursuit of idealism, where reality is seen as a reflection of the mind’s creative power. This can inform metamodernism’s pragmatic idealism, balancing aspirational goals with practical realities.

Authenticity: Both English and German Romantics valued authenticity, a genuine expression of the self in harmony with the world. Metamodernism can incorporate this quest for authenticity, encouraging sincere and meaningful engagement with both personal and communal identities.

Cultural Critique and Social Transformation – Learning From Both Traditions:

Cultural Critique: Romanticism often included a critique of conte...

At Radio Lear, we believe that metamodernism is not just a theoretical framework, but a lived experience. We aim to explore and express the metamodern condition through our diverse and innovative programming, featuring artists, writers, philosophers, and activists who are engaged with the challenges and opportunities of our time. We invite our listeners to join us in oscillating between opposites, finding beauty in paradox, and seeking new forms of meaning and connection in a complex and uncertain world. Metamodernism is not a fixed or final destination, but a dynamic and ongoing journey, and we hope to inspire and empower our audience to embark on their own metamodern adventures.

Metamodern cultural thinking seeks to address and reconcile the feelings of symbolic free fall and dissolution commonly associated with postmodernism by reintroducing elements of hope, sincerity, and meaning into the cultural narrative. Where postmodernism is characterised by a sceptical and often cynical view of grand narratives, truth, and meaning, leading to a sense of disorientation and fragmentation, metamodernism proposes a more constructive and integrative approach.

Here are some ways metamodernism accounts for these feelings:

Oscillation Between Opposites: Metamodernism is defined by its oscillation between modernist and postmodernist sensibilities. This means it embraces the uncertainty and fragmentation of postmodernism but counterbalances it with a renewed pursuit of meaning, coherence, and truth, albeit in a tentative and provisional manner. This dynamic interplay allows for a more nuanced engagement with the world, acknowledging complexity without succumbing entirely to nihilism.

Constructive Pastiche: While postmodernism often employs pastiche in a manner that highlights fragmentation and irony, metamodernism uses it more constructively. It blends various cultural elements, genres, and styles in a way that seeks to create new meanings and connections. This approach allows for a reintegration of disparate cultural fragments into a more cohesive, albeit multifaceted, whole.

Re-engagement with Grand Narratives: Postmodernism’s scepticism towards grand narratives led to a cultural landscape where overarching stories and ideals were viewed with suspicion. Metamodernism, while still cautious, re-engages with the possibility of grand narratives. It does so in a manner that is self-aware and critical, recognising the limitations and potential pitfalls of such narratives, but also appreciating their ability to provide a sense of purpose and direction.

Affective and Sincere Engagement: One of the hallmarks of metamodernism is its affective and sincere engagement with the world. This stands in contrast to the irony and detachment often associated with postmodernism. Metamodernism encourages a re-engagement with emotions, empathy, and genuine connections, fostering a sense of community and shared human experience that can counteract feelings of isolation and disillusionment.

Hope and Pragmatic Idealism: Metamodernism embraces a form of pragmatic idealism, where hope and aspiration are tempered by a realistic understanding of the world’s complexities and challenges. This balance allows for a forward-looking perspective that is both hopeful and grounded, offering a sense of direction and possibility without falling into naïve utopianism.

Integrative Thinking: Metamodernism advocates for integrative thinking that transcends binary oppositions and simplistic dichotomies. By recognising and incorporating multiple perspectives and approaches, it seeks to create a more holistic and interconnected understanding of the world. This integrative approach helps to mitigate the sense of fragmentation and disintegration that is often felt in a postmodern context.

Metamodern cultural thinking addresses the symbolic free fall and dissolution associated with postmodernism by fostering a more hopeful, sincere,

In episode 22 of the Distraction Therapy Podcast, listeners are invited to explore profound themes through a blend of poetry and music. This episode features the timeless words of classic poets paired with contemporary musical compositions, creating a rich and immersive auditory experience that delves into the interplay between light and darkness, both literally and metaphorically.

The episode begins with William Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 30,” a poignant reflection on the sorrow of lost time and missed opportunities. Shakespeare’s verses evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and regret, setting a reflective tone for the episode. Following Shakespeare, Dylan Thomas’s “The Hunchback in the Park” draws listeners into a vivid, almost surreal world of a solitary figure in a park. Thomas’s evocative language and rich imagery highlight themes of isolation and the stark beauty found in the mundane.

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “The Snow-Storm” shifts the focus to nature’s sublime power. Emerson’s lyrical description of a fierce snowstorm illustrates the awe-inspiring force of the natural world, paralleling the inner tumult explored in the episode. Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “The Good Great Man” presents a philosophical dialogue on the nature of goodness and greatness. Coleridge’s reflective and questioning tone adds a layer of introspection, inviting listeners to ponder moral and ethical complexities. The spoken word segment concludes with W.B. Yeats’s “A Dialogue of Self and Soul,” a profound exploration of the internal conflict between the spiritual and the earthly. Yeats’s dialogue delves deep into the psyche, mirroring the episode’s overarching theme of light and darkness.

Complementing the poetry are carefully selected musical pieces that enhance the emotional and thematic depth of the episode. Mary Lattimore’s “Never Saw Him Again” opens with harp melodies that evoke a sense of longing and introspection, aligning perfectly with the reflective tone of Shakespeare’s sonnet. Laurel Halo’s “Sick Eros” follows, providing a haunting backdrop to Thomas’s vivid imagery and the sense of isolation it conveys.

As the episode progresses, Fripp & Eno’s “Ankaa” creates an expansive soundscape that mirrors the awe-inspiring force of Emerson’s snowstorm. The title track by Ludwig Goransson, “Gravity Swallows Light,” serves as the thematic centrepiece, with profound and atmospheric tones that encapsulate the essence of light being enveloped by darkness.

Ludovico Einaudi’s minimalist piano composition “Retén” brings a serene yet poignant reflection, echoing Coleridge’s philosophical musings. John Powell’s “A Doctor Visits” provides emotive strings and piano that enhance the reflective dialogue in Yeats’s poem. Roger Eno’s “Low Cloud Dark Skies” sets a contemplative mood, adding depth to the introspective journey of the episode.

Further enriching the soundscape, Joseph Shabason’s “Swine (Extended)” offers jazz-influenced sounds that resonate with the complex emotional landscape explored. Dave Porter’s “Too Hot for Snakes” adds a layer of tension and introspection, aligning with the episode’s exploration of inner conflict. Gary Marlowe’s “End of an Era, At Sunrise” symbolises a new beginning, offering a sense of closure and hope. The episode concludes with P Morris’s “Selected Ambient Works Vol 2,” providing a serene and meditative end that encourages reflection.

Episode 22 of the Distraction Therapy Podcast, “Gravity Swallows Light,” masterfully weaves together the timeless words of classic poets with contemporary musical compositions. Through the reflective and introspective themes explored in both the poetry and music, listeners are invited to contemplate the profound interplay between light and darknes...

In episode 21 of the Distraction Therapy Podcast, listeners are invited to explore profound themes of human nature through a metamodern mix of spoken word and evocative music. This episode features reflections from Carl Jung, Marie Louise von Frans, and James Hillman, seamlessly integrated with a diverse selection of ambient and contemplative music.

The episode begins with Carl Jung’s compelling discussion on the evil inherent in humanity. Jung’s insights challenge listeners to confront the darker aspects of their nature, emphasising the dualities that define human existence. His reflections set a contemplative tone, encouraging a deeper understanding of our inner complexities.

Following Jung, Marie Louise von Frans delves into the concept of the shadow. She explains how the parts of our personality that we reject and suppress—our shadow selves—can be integrated for greater self-awareness and psychological growth. Von Frans’s analysis is both enlightening and thought-provoking, adding depth to the episode’s exploration of the human psyche.

The episode concludes with James Hillman’s provocative question, “Where Are We?” Hillman, known for his work in archetypal psychology, reflects on our current existential state. His philosophical inquiry encourages listeners to ponder their place in the world and the collective consciousness, serving as a catalyst for deeper introspection.

The spoken word segments are interwoven with a carefully curated selection of music, enhancing the thematic depth and emotional resonance of the episode. The music ranges from ambient works to minimalist compositions, creating a rich soundscape that complements the introspective nature of the discussions.

Tracks such as P Morris’s “Selected Ambient Works Vol 2” and Brian Eno’s “Two Rapid Formations” set a serene backdrop, while remixes like “La Vagabonde” by Joseph Shabason introduce delicate melodies that bridge the spoken segments and the listener’s inner thoughts. The inclusion of pieces by Natalia Tsupryk, Birds of the West, and Fripp & Eno adds layers of emotional and contemplative depth, aligning with the episode’s exploration of our subconscious minds.

Nils Frahm’s intricate “All Melody” and Terry Riley’s minimalist “In C 8” offer moments of clarity and meditative reflection, while tracks like Modern Nature’s “Brigade” and Placid Angles’ “At One With” promote a sense of unity and oneness. The episode concludes with a soothing lullaby excerpt, providing a gentle resolution to the introspective journey.

Episode 21 of the Distraction Therapy Podcast, “Where Are We?”, offers a thought-provoking exploration of human nature, the shadow self, and our existential state. Through the insightful words of Carl Jung, Marie Louise von Frans, and James Hillman, coupled with a carefully selected array of music, this episode creates an immersive experience that encourages deep reflection and self-awareness. Whether you are a student of psychology or seeking personal insight, this episode is sure to resonate and inspire thoughtful contemplation.

 

Welcome to the Distraction Therapy Podcast on Radio Lear, where the echoes of yesteryears blend harmoniously with the rhythms of the contemporary. In today’s episode, we explore the theme “Fortune’s Dearest Spite,” a journey through the vicissitudes of fate and the human condition, articulated through an evocative tapestry of sounds and words.

Our musical odyssey traverses the experimental landscapes of metamodern music, featuring the ambient pioneer Brian Eno, the techno-pop innovators Yellow Magic Orchestra, and the minimalist compositions of Steve Reich. Each piece selected resonates with our theme, embodying the fluctuations of fortune and the continuous search for meaning amidst chaos.

Interwoven with these musical explorations are the timeless words of poets who have transcended the ages. We delve into the poignant reflections of Thomas Hardy, the romantic musings of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and the profound insights of William Shakespeare. Their poetry, rich in imagery and emotion, captures the essence of our theme—Fortune’s Dearest Spite—revealing the depth of human resilience and the paradoxes of destiny.

Join us as we navigate this intricate interplay of sound and syllable, inviting you to reflect, resonate, and perhaps find solace in the shared human experience of facing and redefining the whims of fortune. This is Distraction Therapy—where every note and every word is a step on the path to understanding the enigma of existence.

Welcome to the latest episode of Radio Lear’s podcast, “Echoes of Intuition,” where we explore the concept of intuition—a silent guide in the realm of our subconscious. Throughout this episode, we’ll engage with music that complements our discussion on this elusive psychological function, featuring tracks such as Brian Eno’s “Alto Flores Sunrise” and “Equatorial Stars,” Dominik Eulberg’s “Rotmilan,” and Ludovico Einaudi’s “Regreso a la Fonda.”

In our exploration, we’ll discuss Carl Jung’s perspective on intuition as an essential aspect of our psychological make-up. We will hear from psychologists and individuals who rely on their intuitive skills in their professional and personal lives, aiming to understand how intuition influences our decisions and perceptions.

The episode is enriched by a carefully selected soundtrack that includes Courtesy’s “Night Journeys II” and Area 3’s “Whale.” These pieces provide a backdrop for our investigation into how intuition functions in quiet moments and during decisive actions. Other tracks like Vlad Dobrovolski’s “Opus 3, May Voices,” and Wilson Trouve’s “Dunday at the Park” will accompany our discussion, offering a sonic reflection of our themes.

Join us as we examine the impact of intuition on our lives and consider how we might better access this inner resource. Whether you’re naturally attuned to your intuitive senses or just beginning to explore this aspect of your psyche, this episode offers insights into the practical and theoretical dimensions of intuition, all set to an inspiring musical score.