Traversing the Strange World

In this episode, we sit down once again with Michael Northro, known to many as the Shaman, for a deeper conversation on ancestors—who they are, how they are understood across shamanic traditions, and what it means to honor them in a modern world.We explore how ancestors are viewed not simply as figures of the past, but as living influences—guides, protectors, and carriers of memory that shape identity, culture, and spiritual practice. From blood lineage to spiritual lineage, we discuss the different ways ancestors are recognized within shamanism and how those relationships can be approached with respect, intention, and humility.This conversation also touches on practical and philosophical questions:What does it mean to honor ancestors today?How do you engage ancestral work without appropriation or fantasy?And how do remembrance, ritual, and responsibility intersect in shamanic worldviews?A grounded discussion at the crossroads of spirituality, ancestry, and the strange—inviting reflection rather than dogma.

this episode, I sit down with Miguel Conner for a wide-ranging conversation that moves through Gnosticism, mysticism, and the strange feeling that reality itself is out of alignment.We explore the idea of stasis—how human beings get trapped in repetitive inner and outer cycles—and how the Demiurge functions as a symbol for false order, illusion, and spiritual stagnation. From there, the conversation opens into mystical experience, the shamanic path, and the ancient role of altered states in breaking through false realities.We also take a fascinating detour into rock-and-roll mysticism, talking about Elvis Presley and other iconic musicians who embodied a shaman-like role—channeling something larger than themselves, standing between worlds.

Welcome to Monday Mornings with Peace. This is an orientation. A quiet reflection on waking up in a strange world already shaped by habits, anxiety, inherited beliefs, and expectations we never chose — and how awareness becomes the first step toward clarity.

In this episode, we explore the four timeless masculine archetypes—patterns of strength, responsibility, creativity, and order that appear again and again across myth, psychology, and sacred story. Rather than treating masculinity as a cultural trend or a list of surface behaviors, we approach it as something ancient, symbolic, and earned through struggle.We trace these archetypes not only through mythic frameworks, but through biblical characters who embody them in very human, imperfect ways—men who wrestle with fear, power, temptation, faith, and calling. From the warrior who confronts chaos, to the king who must rule himself before ruling others, to the prophet who speaks truth at great personal cost, these figures reveal masculinity as a moral and spiritual burden, not just a physical one.This episode isn’t about dominance or nostalgia—it’s about integration. About understanding the forces that shape men from the inside out. About recovering a vision of masculinity that is disciplined, sacrificial, courageous, and grounded in meaning.In a world that feels increasingly fragmented, Mythical Masculinity asks a harder question:What kind of man does this moment in history actually require?

Cannabis is often treated like a modern controversy — but its story stretches back thousands of years, woven quietly through medicine, ritual, empire, rebellion, and spirituality.In this episode of Traversing the Strange World, Peace & Toodles take a grounded but curious walk through the long and strange history of cannabis. From its ancient origins as one of humanity’s earliest cultivated plants, to its sacred and medicinal roles across cultures, to its demonization and rebranding in the modern world — this is not a stoner episode, and it’s not propaganda.It’s a story about how plants, power, culture, and consciousness collide.We explore how cannabis moved from rope and medicine to sacrament and symbol — and why societies keep circling back to it again and again.

n this episode, we’re joined by Elizabeth Woods for a conversation that moves between symbolism, intuition, and big-picture questions about reality itself. Both of us receive tarot card readings, using the cards not as fortune-telling devices, but as mirrors—tools for reflection, pattern-recognition, and meaning-making.From there, the conversation opens up into deeper territory. We explore the nature of reality and the universe, touching on ideas found in pantheism, where the divine is woven into everything, and Gnosticism, with its emphasis on inner knowledge, awakening, and seeing beyond surface appearances.This episode isn’t about giving definitive answers—it’s about sitting with symbols, asking better questions, and noticing what resonates. Whether you’re skeptical, spiritually curious, or somewhere in between, this is a conversation about how humans have always tried to understand themselves and the strange, beautiful world they find themselves in.

In this holiday special, Peace & Toodles take a strange and thoughtful ride through the snow-covered myths of Christmas as we explore the origins and evolution of Santa Claus—from saint and folklore figure to the red-suited archetype we all recognize today.We dig into where Santa really comes from, how different cultures shaped him over time, and uncover a few lesser-known Christmas tales and traditions that don’t always make it into the mainstream story.And of course, it wouldn’t be a Christmas episode without some pondering…In our Pondering Segment, we ask the important questions:Who would we put at the top of the naughty and nice list?What does Santa represent psychologically and culturally?And why does this story keep surviving—even changing—generation after generation?Whether you see Santa as a historical figure, a mythic archetype, or something in between, this episode is about why these stories matter, especially in the darkest season of the year.So grab a warm drink, settle in, and come traverse the strange, festive world with us.Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17qE8unuTK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this episode, Peace sits down with special guest Britt Hartley for a wide-ranging conversation on what spirituality can look like outside the boundaries of organized religion—without dismissing religion entirely.We explore the idea of spiritual atheism: the search for meaning, transcendence, and moral depth in a secular world, while refusing to “throw the baby out with the bathwater.” Together, we examine the positive and formative aspects of religious traditions, even for those who no longer identify with belief in a literal God.The conversation moves through altered states and the role of psychedelics in spiritual experience, the modern hunger for awe and connection, and how ancient religious frameworks may have once made room for ideas that feel radical today—such as the possibility that God was once understood to have a divine feminine counterpart, later erased or softened by history.This episode isn’t about belief versus disbelief—it’s about what survives after certainty collapses, and what still calls to us from the sacred, even in a disenchanted age.You can follow her on YouTube!https://youtube.com/@nononsensespirituality?si=TbxMV23OwvQoE3Nr

Tonight, we’re talking about Chanukah—beyond the candles and the familiar traditions.At its core, Chanukah comes out of a real historical moment: a clash between cultures, pressures to assimilate, and a community struggling to hold onto its identity.The story survives mainly through the books of the Maccabees and later rabbinic tradition. It includes the rededication of the Temple, accounts of people who were punished or killed for refusing to abandon Jewish law, and, eventually, the tradition of the miracle of the oil.In this episode, we look at Chanukah through history, interpretation, and mysticism—examining the Maccabean revolt, what the miracle came to represent, and the idea that light isn’t something we create, but something we uncover.Chanukah isn’t just about celebration.It’s about memory, endurance, and how a tradition continues under pressure.Welcome to our Chanukah special

Today we step into George Orwell’s Animal Farm—a simple fable on the surface, but a razor-sharp allegory underneath. It’s a story where idealism cracks, where revolutions devour their young, and where animals reveal more about human nature than most political textbooks ever could.In this episode, we’re unpacking Orwell’s warning about power, propaganda, and the cycles of corruption that repeat themselves across history—from ancient empires to modern movements. We’ll break down the symbolism, the psychology, and even some real-world parallels that might hit closer to home than you expect.So saddle up, grab your feed bucket, and let’s wander into the strange world of Manor Farm—where all animals are equal… but some are still a whole lot more equal than others.

In this careature-packed episode, Peace & Toodles dive into the shadowy corners of ancient scripture to uncover the strangest beings lurking between the lines. From dragons hiding in apocryphal texts to cosmic serpents curled beneath creation, we explore the mythic, monstrous, and mystical side of the Bible—both canonical and forgotten.Together we read and reflect on selections from the Apocryphal Book of Bel and the Dragon, passages from the Book of Job and Isaiah about Leviathan and Behemoth, and the biblical laws on clean vs. unclean creatures. We wrap by unpacking the strange winged beings found in prophetic visions—Cherubim, Seraphim, and other otherworldly guardians of the divine realm.

In this episode of Traversing the Strange World with Peace & Toodles, we descend beneath the surface of reality itself. We begin with a guided journey through Jules Verne’s classic tale Journey to the Center of the Earth From there, we spiral outward into the strange and often unsettling world of Hollow Earth theories, hidden civilizations, underground oceans, ancient maps, and the long-standing human belief that something ancient and unknowable exists below our feet.

Peace & Toodles sit down with Astrology Meggie for a wide-ranging conversation about astrology, reincarnation, symbolic doors, Jim Morrison, and the archetypes, and the cosmic patterns that shape our lives. A mystical, thoughtful ride through the zodiac and beyond. Hope you enjoy!You can contact Meggie at meggie@gmail.comFollow us on Facebook!https://www.facebook.com/share/17fpzRWxZA/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this episode of Traversing the Strange World with Peace & Toodles, we open with a Pondering segment where Peace and Toodles explore a provocative question — does bullying have a place in society? They dive into the complexities of human behavior, the importance of open-minded dialogue, and how to stay aware in a world full of ideological noise and propaganda.From there, the discussion takes a mysterious turn as Toodles shares a haunting story from his late teens — an encounter at a strange bridge marked by eerie visions, unexplainable sounds, and an atmosphere that felt alive with something unseen.To close, the two are joined by Toodles’ mom in a phone call that adds another chilling layer to this already uncanny tale.

In this episode of Traversing the Strange World with Peace & Toodles, we dive into the question: What does positive masculinity really look like?Peace and Toodles explore the timeless balance between hard strength and soft strength — courage, resilience, and protectiveness on one side; compassion, emotional depth, and integrity on the other. Together, they unpack how men can embody both without shame or confusion, and how the cultural narrative around “what makes a man” has shifted through time. Song suggestions: https://open.spotify.com/track/54iuNoey1HTIM0yNg0CMXj?si=KRAhkiJHSeGBjjq3bdcy6whttps://open.spotify.com/album/441r6AftzNPHXmt3VDvp2o?si=OVhlSGvcSsiFEV9aCQFFbAhttps://open.spotify.com/track/5pIVEk6Di7n1v5khOzJaJL?si=3V2Qa38YSh-sZNTEL7X64Qhttps://open.spotify.com/track/6Tn2HGS0LtXb8i0XuE0fz5?si=ZbaqtMUuR4-dc-cYk6y8NAhttps://open.spotify.com/track/0W7eJtRh165LL9Ik5JZJOO?si=lDPvvVhuRxKk6W1NbUlXRg

In this eerie Halloween special, Peace & Toodles are joined by the one and only Steeley Sawyer for a deep dive into the shadows — exploring how the figure we now call Satan evolved across scripture, myth, and time.From the Hebrew ha-satan — the heavenly “accuser” — to the fiery rebel of Christian lore, we trace how demons, trickster gods, and cosmic rebels all dance along the same line between chaos and creation. Along the way, we’ll share some wild trickster tales from world mythology, dabble in ancient demon lore, and even question the serpent in the Garden of Eden — could there be another way to read that story?This one’s packed with lore, laughter, and a few chills along the way. So grab your candy, light a candle, and join us as we traverse the strange world once more — where myth and mischief meet.

In this episode, Peace & Toodles crack open one of the most overlooked and mysterious books of the Apocrypha — The Book of Tobit. It’s a tale that blends faith, folklore, and the supernatural: an angel in disguise, a young man on a fateful journey, and a demon who must be banished.From ancient exorcism rituals to Talmudic accounts of spirits and night demons, we explore how this strange little book bridges the gap between Scripture and the unseen world. What does Tobit’s story reveal about ancient ideas of protection, purity, and divine intervention? And how do these threads connect to the broader web of Jewish demonology and folklore?Join us as we venture into one of the Bible’s most haunting side chapters — where the sacred and the strange walk hand in hand.

In this episode, Peace and Toodles wander into the world of the Brothers Grimm — where snakes speak, stepmothers scheme, children wander through dark forests, and justice often comes in the strangest forms.We read The White Snake, The Juniper Tree, Cinderella, and Hansel and Gretel — four tales that show just how weird, dark, and surprisingly spiritual the Grimm universe can get. Along the way, we unpack hidden meanings, moral twists, and the cultural roots behind these old German folktales.Why do so many of these stories deal with transformation, death, and rebirth? What do they tell us about the human fear of hunger, loss, and divine justice? And how did these haunting little fables survive long enough to become bedtime stories?

Step off the beaten path of Sunday school and into the shadowy corners of the Old Testament. In this episode, Peace & Toodles uncover the Bible’s strangest and most overlooked stories — from talking donkeys and human sacrifice to naked prophets, sorcery, and half shaved beards. What do these bizarre tales reveal about the ancient world’s view of God, the cosmos, and humanity’s place in it? Join us! Follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/share/1AA2Qqd31G/?mibextid=wwXIfr

What was Jesus like as a child?The Infancy Gospel of Thomas paints a wild, strange, and sometimes unsettling picture of the boy Jesus — performing miracles, showing flashes of divine power, but also acting with a temper that feels very different from the Jesus we know from the Gospels.In this episode of Traversing the Strange World with Peace & Toodles, we explore:The origins of the Infancy Gospel of Thomas and why it was never included in the New Testament.The bizarre stories of young Jesus — from striking other kids dead to miraculously restoring life.How early Christians may have used this text, and why it was controversial.What it tells us about how people in the ancient world imagined the “hidden years” of Jesus’ childhood.The tension between a fully divine Christ and a very human child learning to grow.Along the way, we dig into folklore, theology, and even the humor of imagining a toddler with god-like powers. Was this text a cautionary tale, an imaginative expansion, or just ancient fan fiction?Follow us on Facebook!https://www.facebook.com/share/1A6AVcvBNa/?mibextid=wwXIfr