The Sacred Speaks

Dr. Jennifer Freed joins host Dr. John W. Price on The Sacred Speaks for a wide-ranging and intimate conversation at the crossroads of psychological astrology, Jungian depth psychology, and lived mysticism. Jennifer shares her personal journey—from early childhood visions and psychedelic experiences, through trauma, therapy, and decades of clinical and spiritual work—to her current understanding of astrology as a living, symbolic map rather than a fixed fate. Together, we explore how the birth chart functions as an invitation into “divine possibilities,” revealing our growth edges, shadow material, and evolving expressions across a lifetime. Our dialogue moves through themes of shadow integration, relational devotion, nervous system regulation, and cultural upheaval, including reflections on Pluto in Aquarius and what this moment asks of humanity. Jennifer offers a sobering yet hopeful vision—one that calls for discernment, humility, and deeper participation in the unfolding mystery of being human. Key Takeaways Astrology as Invitation, Not Determinism The birth chart reveals our cosmic DNA—a range of primitive, adaptive, and evolving expressions—inviting conscious participation rather than passive identification. Shadow Integration and the Nervous System Owning projections and shadow material brings regulation and clarity, helping us think more clearly amid ideological rigidity and identity fixation. Romance as Daily Devotion True intimacy is not sustained by chemistry alone, but by ongoing self-care and a quiet, consistent service to the subtle needs of the beloved. Cultural Crossroads Under Pluto in Aquarius, humanity faces a profound threshold—between fragmentation and unity—with discernment, responsibility, and imagination required. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction and updates (00:27) Upcoming events and community initiatives (01:27) Special mentions and acknowledgements (02:51) Introducing Dr. Jennifer Freed (04:13) Jennifer’s journey and body of work (06:51) Early mystical experiences (08:35) Psychedelic insights and Jungian influence (10:58) Therapeutic journey and personal growth (16:35) Astrology and personal insight (36:53) The role of intuition in astrology (42:47) Adding value, embodiment, and ecstatic dance (43:08) Mars in Pisces: challenges and opportunities (43:58) Rigidity, discipline, and devotion (44:57) The joy of dance and energetic freedom (45:21) Astrology as a path of growth (50:08) Self-care and relational health (50:31) Serving your partner with presence (52:18) Astrology in romantic relationships (01:05:12) The human experiment and the future (01:08:18) Extraterrestrial encounters and meaning (01:12:59) Closing reflections Website & Offerings: https://www.jenniferfreed.com (Includes her Substack, courses, and retreat work) Books: Use Your Planets Wisely — exploring planetary expressions from primitive to evolving Beyond Aquarius — a romance novel emphasizing inner work and conscious relationship Learn more about this project at: http://www.drjohnwprice.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ Twitter: Theme music provided by: http://www.modernnationsmusic.com

In this solo episode, I explore the deep significance of ritual—especially as we move through the season of descent and into the longest night of the year. Modern culture has stripped ritual of its heart, reducing sacred rhythms to holidays and surface forms. What once rooted us in mystery has become spectacle or habit. In this conversation, I want to return to the essence of ritual as something alive—something that helps us remember what we’ve forgotten. I share personal stories and reflections from my own spiritual practice, from early meditation experiences to what I’ve learned through depth psychology and comparative religion. We’ll look at how genuine ritual serves not as superstition, but as an act of remembering, reconnecting, and transforming—an embodied way of saying yes to the unseen life moving through us. This episode explores how ritual bridges matter and spirit, how mystical experience can reorient the psyche, and how remembering the sacred in everyday life is both an act of rebellion and a return home. Ritual invites us to tend what still burns within us—to live in rhythm with the mystery that underlies all things. Key Reflections Ritual anchors the sacred in the rhythms of everyday life. Modern culture often forgets the true essence and transformative power of ritual. Mystical and peak experiences ask to be honored, integrated, and lived—not chased. Remembering and reclaiming ritual is an act of rebellion, renewal, and belonging. In This Episode (00:00) Introduction to Ritual and Peak Experience (00:59) The Cultural Disconnect with Rituals (03:34) Personal Story: Meditation and Transformation (07:48) The Dual Structure of Human Experience (10:12) The Importance of Mystical Experience (14:34) Ritual as Rebellion and Remembrance (16:02) Invitation to Free Webinar on Ritual (17:08) Conclusion and Closing Reflection WATCH: YouTube for The Sacred Speaks https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ @thesacredspeaks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/ Brought to you by: https://www.thecenterforhas.com Theme music provided by: http://www.modernnationsmusic.com

In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, host Dr. John W. Price sits down with pioneering therapist and author Terry Real, whose decades of work have redefined how we understand men, relationships, and emotional life. Nearly thirty years after the release of his groundbreaking book I Don’t Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression, Terry reflects on the evolution of men’s inner worlds, the cultural forces that still shape them, and the courageous work required to heal. This conversation moves between the personal and the collective—between the suffering of individual men and the systems that taught them to suffer silently. Together, John and Terry explore how patriarchy has halved both men and women, severing men from their emotional lives, and how healing requires a return to connection, empathy, and embodied relational practice. Through heartfelt stories, clinical insight, and grounded wisdom, Terry calls us toward a new model of masculinity—one rooted not in dominance or disconnection but in courage, accountability, and love. This episode is an invitation to anyone longing to understand the hidden pain of men and the pathways toward relational wholeness. Key Themes -Male depression as a covert epidemic—often masked by addiction, anger, or withdrawal rather than sadness. -How patriarchy teaches men to fear vulnerability and equate worth with production, control, and performance. -The intergenerational inheritance of silence and shame between fathers and sons. -Why true intimacy depends on empathy, humility, and repair—not dominance or emotional avoidance. -The call for a new relational culture that honors interdependence and shared healing. Time Stamps 00:00 – Introduction & framing the conversation 03:00 – Revisiting I Don’t Want to Talk About It nearly 30 years later 06:30 – How patriarchy harms men and the women who love them 10:45 – Understanding covert male depression 16:20 – The producer model: when net worth becomes self-worth 22:10 – Loneliness and the erosion of male friendship 29:40 – Family systems, shame, and the father wound 37:15 – Relational Life Therapy: a model for repair 44:00 – Vulnerability as strength 50:30 – Healing through accountability and compassion 58:00 – The future of masculinity and relational wholeness Connect with Terry Real Explore Terry’s courses and trainings in Relational Life Therapy (RLT) for both professionals and general audiences: 🌐 terryreal.com 🌐 relationallife.com Connect with Dr. John W. Price Website: https://drjohnwprice.com Podcast: https://thesacredspeaks.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjohnwprice/ If this conversation resonates, please like, share, and subscribe to The Sacred Speaks to support these ongoing dialogues at the crossroads of psyche, soul, and the sacred.

In this heartfelt episode of The Sacred Speaks, John Price sits down with longtime spiritual guide and Franciscan friar, Father Richard Rohr. Together they explore the deeper dimensions of happiness and meaning—moving far beyond cultural clichés. Drawing on Richard’s decades of integrating psychology, spirituality, and mysticism, the conversation challenges conventional ideas of happiness as mere pleasure or circumstance. Instead, Richard invites us to embrace a “just right mind”—a way of living that balances ego, suffering, and joy. Speaking with candor and humility, he reflects on aging, facing death, and the transformative power of love, community, and humor. This conversation is a profound invitation to shift from sin management to radical compassion and participation in a bigger, joyful universal flow. Key Takeaways True happiness emerges from a “just right mind” that balances enough ego to appreciate life without judgment or denial. Happiness is not external comfort, but the capacity to meet suffering with grace and mindfulness. Radical acceptance and surrender open us to a joy larger than the self. Humor and community sustain lightheartedness and connection in the face of life’s challenges. In This Episode (00:00) Welcome to The Sacred Speaks (03:57) A Deep Dive into Happiness (05:33) The Concept of "Just Right" Mind (10:49) Sin Management and Spiritual Growth (14:40) The Role of Ritual and Authority (18:27) Balancing Ego and Humility (25:47) Order, Disorder, and Reorder (27:45) The Illusion of Happiness in Modern Culture (28:44) The Shadow Side of Comfort and Entertainment (29:51) The Interplay of Happiness and Suffering (33:28) Personal Reflections on Happiness (36:11) Finding Joy in Simple Pleasures (47:06) The Role of Humor in Happiness (50:41) Nature as a Source of Happiness (53:32) Final Thoughts on Happiness and Meaning Connect with Richard Rohr Official Website (Center for Action and Contemplation): https://cac.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cac_abq/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/richardrohrofm Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Rohr CAC Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/re-release-father-richard-rohr-falling-upward/id1080170463 CAC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMkqKAtSgijU439fJUNHnkA Connect with Dr. John W. Price Website: https://drjohnwprice.com Podcast: https://thesacredspeaks.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjohnwprice/ If this conversation resonates, please like, share, and subscribe to The Sacred Speaks to support these ongoing dialogues at the crossroads of psyche, soul, and the sacred.

Explore the new site: www.drjohnwprice.com Join us in The Open Gate: https://www.drjohnwprice.com/the-open-gate-lt In this solo episode, I explore what it means to build a rhythm of spiritual practice—not as an escape from life, but as a way of showing up for it. I draw from my background growing up in a socially engaged religious community, my years as a psychotherapist, and the long process of returning to a deeper, embodied spirituality. We’ll look at the difference between outer ritual and inner transformation, between spiritual performance and real participation. Along the way, I weave in ideas from Jungian psychology, the necessity of emotional honesty, and the quiet work of remembering the sacred within ordinary life. This conversation is about developing a living rhythm, a pattern written in the soul, that keeps us connected to meaning, community, and presence. Key Themes Spiritual practice is both an inner path and a shared human process. Rhythm matters more than perfection. Emotional experiences—grief, fear, longing—are not obstacles; they are initiations. Nature and everyday ritual reawaken a sense of belonging and presence. Community, teaching, and discipline form the architecture of a spiritual life. In This Episode 00:00 — Introduction to Spiritual Practice 02:06 — Defining Spirituality 03:53 — The Importance of Contemplative Practice 08:44 — Personal Experiences and Insights 18:07 — Challenges and Misconceptions 23:56 — Practical Steps and Final Reflections Follow: Instagram — @thesacredspeaks Facebook — The Sacred Speaks Brought to you by: www.centerforhas.com Theme Music: www.modernnationmusic.com

In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, host Dr. John W. Price welcomes Mirabai Starr—acclaimed translator of the mystics, teacher of interspiritual wisdom, and luminous guide to the sacred woven through daily life. Together, they explore the heart of ordinary mysticism: discovering holiness not only in monasteries or mountaintops, but in the tender rhythms of our own existence. Mirabai opens her story with radical honesty—her countercultural Jewish upbringing, alternative education, and the teachers and traditions that shaped her. The conversation turns to how rigid ideas of “being spiritual” can keep us from true intimacy with the divine, and how humility, humor, and embodiment restore us to a living spirituality. Mirabai shares how the death of her teenage daughter became a devastating but sacred initiation, revealing grief as one of the deepest portals into divine love. Moving between ancient voices and her own life, Mirabai offers a mysticism that is fiercely tender, humble, embodied, and accessible to all. This dialogue invites us to see our own lives as sacred ground—woven with loss and beauty, pain and joy, shadow and wonder. Key Takeaways Mysticism is accessible in everyday life, not just in monasteries or religious settings. Rigid religious or cultural ideas of “spirituality” can block authentic spiritual experience. Embodiment and emotions—especially grief—are sacred entry points into deeper connection. Translating the mystics is less about history than entering a living dialogue across time. Friendship, humor, humility, and even money can be part of an integrated spiritual life. In This Episode (00:00) Introduction and Welcome (00:20) Introducing Mirabai (01:14) Mirabai’s Background and Influences (02:30) Personal Tragedy and Grief (03:21) Housekeeping and Announcements (05:26) Interview with Mirabai Starr Begins (07:33) Ordinary Mysticism and Everyday Spirituality (08:54) Critique of Organized Religion (13:38) Counterculture Upbringing and Influence (18:39) Alternative Education and Teaching Philosophy (23:29) Feminine Mysticism and Embodiment (38:32) Translating the Mystics as Living Companions (43:33) The Supernatural and the Natural (45:55) Writing as Dialogic Spiritual Practice (51:27) Grief and the Sacredness of Loss (01:00:21) Writing as a Spiritual Path (01:14:02) Navigating Money and Spirituality (01:18:17) Closing Reflections & Resources Connect with Mirabai Starr Company: Wild Heart Community: Holy Lament (online support for grief; opens twice yearly, next in Nov 2025) Book: Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground (HarperOne, Sept 2025) Earlier Works: Wild Mercy, Caravan of No Despair, her translations of Dark Night of the Soul and The Interior Castle, and more - check out Mirabai's website: mirabaistarr.com Connect with John Come and join, The Open Gate. Link on website Website: https://drjohnwprice.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjohnwprice/

What does it mean to think impossibly? How do paranormal events, mystical visions, and encounters with the unknown reshape our understanding of what it means to be human? In this episode, host Dr. John W. Price sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Kripal — J. Newton Rayzor Professor of Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University, and one of today’s most daring scholars of religion — to explore the borders between the possible and the impossible. Together, they trace the line where scholarship meets the mystical, where imagination bends into healing, and where our deepest worldviews determine what we are even able to see. From UFOs and near-death experiences to William Blake, dual-aspect monism, and the future of spirituality, this is a wide-ranging conversation about living at the edges of reality. Be sure to check out Jeff’s latest book, How to Think Impossibly: About Souls, UFOs, Time, Belief, and Everything Else. Key Takeaways Embracing the impossible expands not just our knowledge, but our capacity for awe, healing, and transformation. Worldviews — personal and cultural — filter what counts as “real,” shaping how we encounter extraordinary experiences. Paranormal phenomena aren’t just curiosities; they are symbolic invitations into deeper practice and meaning. Thinking impossibly is less about belief and more about orientation — a way of living that opens us to mystery. Dialogue at the borderlands of science, religion, and imagination may hold the key to the future of spirituality. In This Episode (00:00) Introduction & Guest Bio (01:59) Housekeeping & Announcements (05:13) The Origins of “Thinking Impossibly” (09:52) Stories of the Impossible (13:16) The Role of Worldviews (16:34) Religion, Science, and the Paranormal (22:14) Healing, Suffering, and Transformation (28:32) The Power of Story & Magic (35:12) Teaching the Impossible (42:39) The Future of Spirituality (46:06) Closing Reflections & Resources Connect: Jeffrey: https://jeffreyjkripal.com John: https://www.drjohnwprice.com

In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, John sits down with Adele Getty—spiritual teacher, author, and cultural bridge—to explore the urgent, timeless wisdom of her book A Sense of the Sacred. Though written nearly 30 years ago, Adele’s work feels more relevant than ever in a world hungry for meaning, ritual, and reconnection with the more-than-human world. Together, John and Adele reflect on the lost world of animism, the power of symbolic action, and the aching grief of cultural severance from the sacred. Adele shares her path as a modern-day rite-maker, offering personal stories, cross-cultural insights, and poetic invitations to remember what it means to live in a living world. The conversation moves fluidly between anthropology, personal spirituality, indigenous wisdom, and the transformative potential of ceremony—especially in a time of ecological crisis and soul loss. This episode is both an intellectual dialogue and a soul invocation. If you've ever felt the quiet mourning of a life unlived—or sensed the sacred just beneath the surface of ordinary things—this conversation is for you. Key Themes: Animism as a lived cosmology—not a belief system, but a relationship The grief of modernity and the longing for reconnection Ceremony as both personal healing and collective repair The sacred role of women, humor, and voice in ritual How to begin building meaningful ceremonies in contemporary life Why symbolic acts matter in a disenchanted world Reflections on the psychedelic resurgence and ritual ethics Episode Timeline: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Announcement (00:37) Podcast Updates and Announcements (02:25) Introducing Adele Getty (04:02) The Book as a Lament and a Love Song (09:05) Adele’s Personal Background and Influences (11:56) Animism and the Cosmology of Connection (16:44) Ceremony as Daily Practice and Communal Healing (24:54) Spirit, Voice, and Song in Ritual Work (35:32) Historical Context and Cultural Amnesia (47:34) The Psychedelic Explosion and Western Disconnection (50:26) Modern Psychedelics, Integration, and Ethical Ceremony (51:24) Nature as Teacher and Ceremony Ground (52:35) Creating Sacred Spaces in Ordinary Life (01:14:21) The Role of Humor, Play, and the Trickster (01:18:51) Symbolic Acts and Soul Reenchantment (01:19:57) Final Reflections on Ceremony and Belonging (01:26:44) Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Offerings Connect with Adele Getty & The Limina Foundation: Website: https://www.liminafoundation.org/ Facebook: @liminafoundation Instagram: @liminafoundation

In this unforgettable episode, Dr. John Price sits down with writer, ritualist, and mytho-technologist Sean Manseau, whose work bridges depth psychology, psychedelics, performance, and esoteric theology. Together, they explore Entheogenic Fitness Training (EFT)—a radical spiritual system designed for the metamodern age. EFT combines physical resistance training, psychedelic states, mythic storytelling, and ritual performance to create a structured path of transformation. At its core is the archetype of the Phonomancer—a shamanic superhero trained to channel divine energy through movement, voice, and ecstatic states. Sean also shares the inner journey behind his visionary book The Devil You Know, a Jungian-style self-analysis written as a dialogue between two imagined selves. This conversation offers a deep dive into imagination, magic, trauma, shadow work, and the struggle to maintain integrity while mapping new sacred ground. From ayahuasca visions to ecstatic dance, from black magic to simulated belief, this is a conversation for those willing to question what’s real, what’s possible, and what the future of spiritual practice might become. Topics Covered: How suffering can become sacred resistance Psychedelics as initiatory stressors (not just therapy) Make-Believe vs. Make-Belief as spiritual technology Designing a religion for the age of simulation The adversary as a real force in consciousness Ritual performance as a container for ego death From anima to AI: dialoguing with the inner divine Addiction, psychosis, and how to build inner structure The idea of “Functional Enlightenment” and training spiritual capacity Gnosis, the Christ archetype, and becoming a conscious myth-maker In This Episode (00:00) Introduction and updates (06:35) Ayahuasca, ritual, and the origin of EFT (13:00) Phonomantic method and psychedelic training (17:00) Make-believe, religion, and sacred play (22:00) Ecstatic states, magic, and the imaginal (30:00) Dark magic, possession, and archetypal rage (35:00) Writing The Devil You Know as active imagination (41:00) Addiction, psychosis, and safety in altered states (49:00) Resistance, shamanic ecology, and loving the adversary (57:00) What is Functional Enlightenment? (1:14:00) Christ 2.0 and the collective evolution of soul (1:26:00) Ending the psychedelic Tower of Babel Subscribe to stay connected to conversations on psychology, mysticism, imagination, and the evolving face of spiritual practice. Find Sean at: https://www.phonomancer.com/home Learn more: www.drjohnwprice.com Sign up for the newsletter Follow on Instagram: @thesacredspeaks Check us out at www.thecenterforhas.com

In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, I sit down with Dr. Gregory Shaw—renowned scholar of Neoplatonism and author of Hellenic Tantra and Theurgy and the Soul—to explore a forgotten path of spiritual transformation: theurgy. Together, we investigate: What theurgy actually is—not as abstract philosophy, but as a living practice. How modern culture’s loss of a mythic worldview creates both psychological pathology and spiritual hunger. Why Iamblichus taught that the divine does not live “elsewhere” but is present within matter itself. How ancient rites and rituals can restore a sense of sacred participation in our lives today. Gregory Shaw’s work bridges ancient philosophy and contemporary spirituality, showing how ritual, sacred embodiment, and symbolic consciousness can help us recover the animistic worldview our culture has lost. This conversation moves beyond ideas—it’s a call to remember. Subscribe to The Sacred Speaks for more conversations at the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and myth. Learn more about Gregory Shaw: • Hellenic Tantra: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVN69KY7 • Theurgy and the Soul: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0271023228 • Interview on The SHWEP Podcast: https://shwep.net/podcast/gregory-shaw-on-the-phenomenology-of-iamblichean-theurgy/ Connect with me: • Website & offerings: https://www.drjohnwprice.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ • Podcast archive: https://www.youtube.com/c/thesacredspeaks

In this episode of 'The Sacred Speaks,' host Dr. John W. Price engages in a conversation with Dr. Miles Neale, a Buddhist psychotherapist and esteemed teacher. Dr. Neal, who specializes in Tibetan Buddhism and contemplative practices, discusses his book, 'Return with Elixir,' which maps out the pilgrimage through death and rebirth. The discussion explores the intricacies of ancient Greek dream temples, Jungian psychology, and Tibetan tantric practices. Dr. Neal also shares his personal journey, including the impact of a significant mentor-mentee relationship, and the transformative power of pilgrimages, both outer and inner. He reflects on a recent pilgrimage in the Sum Valley, emphasizing the importance of virtue and integrity in the present age. This episode invites listeners to explore the ancient wisdoms and methodologies that guide the path to self-discovery and holistic healing. In this episode (00:00) Introduction and Guest Overview (01:09) Host Announcements and Updates (03:09) Introducing Dr. Miles Neal (03:57) Exploring Ancient Healing Practices (05:54) The Journey of Writing 'Return with Elixir' (18:07) Critique of Modern Western Medicine (28:30) Personal Transformations and Pilgrimage (53:20) The Role of the Inner Guru (59:03) The Mythological Journey to Sun Valley (59:55) The Mission of Lama Zopa (01:01:08) Building the Stupa: A Symbol of Enlightenment (01:05:59) The Collapse of Civilization and the Role of the Stupa (01:09:16) The Importance of Virtue and Integrity (01:15:06) Pilgrimages and Inner Journeys (01:21:13) The Tibetan Art of Dying and Reincarnation (01:38:25) The Living Tradition of Tantra (01:52:07) Final Thoughts and Reflections Connect with Miles Neale Website https://www.milesneale.com/ Instagram @milesneale https://www.instagram.com/milesneale/?hl=en YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/DrMilesNeale Website for John: www.drjohnwprice.com WATCH: YouTube for The Sacred Speaks https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ @thesacredspeaks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/ Brought to you by: https://www.thecenterforhas.com Theme music provided by: http://www.modernnationsmusic.com

Check out John’s new website https://www.drjohnwprice.com/ Join The Open Gate – A Monthly Journey Through the Emotional Underworld The Open Gate is a live, monthly membership circle where we explore what I call the Little Teachers—emotions like shame, jealousy, and anxiety—not as pathologies, but as sacred guides. Each gathering includes teaching, meditation, journaling prompts, and a chance to reframe suffering as initiation. If you’re longing for community, rhythm, and depth—this is a space to walk that path. - https://www.drjohnwprice.com/the-open-gate-lt In this deeply reflective solo episode of The Sacred Speaks, host John W. Price explores the elusive and powerful principle of the feminine—drawing on insights from his previous interviews with Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles (author of Women in the Bible) and Elise Loehnen (author of On Our Best Behavior). John shares personal stories of his own initiation into the world of nurturing and care as a single father, and discusses how our culture’s overemphasis on the masculine has led to the neglect and invisibility of feminine values like intuition, mystery, and nurturing. Through the lens of archetypes—not gender—John examines how both masculine and feminine energies exist in all of us, and why restoring harmony between them is essential for personal and collective well-being. Using metaphors from music, psychology, and mythology, he invites listeners to embrace the mystery, honor the feminine, and seek a sacred balance within themselves and the world. Some key takeaways: The feminine represents mystery, intuition, and nurturing—qualities often undervalued in our culture. Masculine and feminine are archetypal energies, not tied to gender, and both are needed for inner and outer harmony. Restoring balance means honoring both energies, embracing the unknown, and seeking integration rather than dominance. In this episode (00:00) Introduction and Episode Overview (01:06) Synthesizing Interviews: Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles and Elise Loehnen (01:50) Exploring the Feminine and Masculine Principles (05:16) Personal Reflections and Experiences (09:28) Cultural and Archetypal Analysis (19:46) Insights from Jamie and Elise (27:46) Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action 🌎Find John W. Price WATCH: YouTube for The Sacred Speaks https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ @thesacredspeaks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/ Brought to you by: https://www.thecenterforhas.com Theme music provided by: http://www.modernnationsmusic.com

Join me for a live webinar – Reframing Suffering: The Little Teachers We'll explore anxiety, jealousy, and shame as sacred teachers. Date: Wednesday, May 14 https://www.drjohnwprice.com/littleteachers-event-2025 Make sure to check out the book Women in the Bible https://www.amazon.com/Women-Bible-Interpretation-Resources-Scripture/dp/0664234011 In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, Dr. John W. Price speaks with Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles, a New Testament professor at SMU and ordained Baptist minister. The discussion covers Dr. Clark-Soles’ groundbreaking work on women in the Bible and her forthcoming book on psychedelics and Christianity. Dr. Clark-Soles shares her insights into translation, interpretation, and the often hidden or misrepresented roles of women in sacred texts. The conversation also delves into her personal experiences—including participating in a psilocybin clinical trial—which deepened her spiritual understanding and informed her scholarship. Together, they explore the complexity and richness of scriptural interpretation, the transformative possibilities of embodied reading, and the role of community, humility, and curiosity in authentic spiritual exploration. 🧠 Connect with Jaime: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaimeclarksoles/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaimeclarksoles/ Website: https://www.jaimeclarksoles.com/ In this episode: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Overview (00:29) Exploring Women in the Bible and Psychedelics (02:25) Invitation to Upcoming Webinar and Resources (03:52) In-Depth Conversation with Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles (06:19) The Intersection of Religion and Psychedelics (07:59) Personal and Professional Journey (12:02) Challenges and Misconceptions in Christian Communities (17:48) Hermeneutics and Interpretation of Scripture (28:40) Fear and Pride as Obstacles to Learning (38:49) Calendar Confusion and Community Building (39:53) Psychedelics and Spiritual Experiences (45:10) The Mystical Side of Christianity (56:33) Women in the Bible: A Deep Dive (01:13:13) Exploring Greek and Hebrew Language Nuances (01:14:42) Patriarchy and Gender in Biblical Context (01:17:13) Women’s Roles in Ancient Societies (01:23:30) Reevaluating Female Biblical Figures (01:28:16) Challenging Traditional Interpretations (01:39:26) Finding Community and Hope in Faith 🌐 Website: www.drjohnwprice.com 🎥 WATCH on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ @thesacredspeaks 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/ 🏛️ Brought to you by: The Center for Healing Arts and Sciences https://www.thecenterforhas.com 🎶 Theme music provided by: Modern Nations http://www.modernnationsmusic.com

In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, host Dr. John W. Price sits down with Elise Loehnen—writer, researcher, and author of On Our Best Behavior, a book that explores how the ancient moral framework of the seven deadly sins has been internalized by women, shaping their identities, relationships, and sense of worth. This conversation is not just a review—it’s a ritual inquiry. Together, John and Elise explore: The invisible “scripts” that define femininity in a patriarchal culture; How envy, pride, sloth, and other so-called “sins” reveal deeper spiritual truths; What Elise risked—and learned—by stepping out from her “invisibility cloak”; How patriarchal systems harm men as well, and the cost of emotional suppression; How men and women can co-create a future rooted in collaboration, not competition The role of grief, longing, and sacred agency in personal and cultural awakening; Elise also shares behind-the-scenes insight into her writing process, her podcast Pulling the Thread, and her evolving work around binaries, individuation, and collective healing. This episode is part of a broader arc on The Sacred Speaks focused on rebalancing the masculine and feminine within us and in our culture. Join John for the upcoming live webinar: Reframing Suffering – The Little Teachers Explore anxiety, jealousy, and shame as sacred messengers 📅 Wednesday, May 14 https://www.drjohnwprice.com/littleteachers-event-2025 or see @thesacredspeaks on Instagram 👉 CONNECT WITH ELISE LOEHNEN: Website: https://www.eliseloehnen.com/about Check out Elise Loehnen’s powerful book: On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to Be Good https://www.amazon.com/Our-Best-Behavior-Seven-Deadly-ebook/dp/B0BN574QYK Substack: https://eliseloehnen.substack.com/ Podcast: Pulling the Thread 🧭 CHAPTERS: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Announcement (00:12) Book Recommendation and Feminine Focus (00:36) Upcoming Episodes and Personal Projects (00:49) Cultural Excavation and Feminine Scripts (03:30) Interview with Elise Loehnen Begins (04:27) Exploring the Seven Deadly Sins (06:00) Patriarchy and Cultural Conditioning (16:54) Masculine and Feminine Archetypes (20:04) Podcasting and Personal Growth (25:33) Psychedelics and Personal Experiences (41:25) Writing as a Transformative Process (45:16) The 'Me' Story vs. The 'We' Story (46:52) Individualism vs. Collectivism (47:31) Individuation and Awakening (48:36) The Matrix and Cultural Narratives (50:24) Exploring Envy and Its Origins (52:17) The Seven Deadly Sins and Their History (56:45) Navigating Envy in Men and Women (01:13:40) Patriarchy and Its Impact on Men (01:19:26) Building a Bigger Tent for Everyone (01:20:31) Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks 🎧 Interview begins at (03:30) 🔗 THE SACRED SPEAKS: Website: http://www.thesacredspeaks.com WATCH: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg FOLLOW: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/ Brought to you by: www.thecenterforhas.com 🎶 Theme music by Modern Nations @ www.modernnationsmusic.com

Visit drjohnwprice.com to explore the new site and sign up for the free live webinar on May 14th at 7:00pm CST—a communal space to deepen this work together. In this first solo episode of The Sacred Speaks, I open the door to a new format—one that invites reflection, story, and personal encounter. We begin with mentorship. Drawing from Homer’s Odyssey, we explore the sacred roots of the mentor archetype. I offer reflections on what mentorship has meant in my life—from the early days as a musician to the path of a seeker—and trace the thread through conversations with two giants in this work: Father Richard Rohr and Dr. James Hollis. We’ll move through the terrain of masculine energy, myth, music, therapy, and spiritual awakening—touching on what it means to be shaped by others and what it might mean to become a shaping force ourselves. I also share where the podcast is headed, including an upcoming turn toward the feminine. You’re invited to consider your own mentors—those seen and unseen—and how they’ve helped guide your becoming. 🌀 Episode Guide: (00:00) Introduction to Mentorship (00:40) Welcome to The Sacred Speaks (00:58) New Solo Format and Intention (01:42) Mentorship and the Masculine Archetype (03:27) Personal Encounters with Mentors (05:34) Music as Initiation (07:07) Therapy, Teachers, and Turning Points (11:41) Rohr and Hollis: Two Guiding Lights (21:00) Masculine Wisdom in Archetypal Form (22:50) A Glimpse Ahead: The Sacred Feminine WATCH: YouTube for The Sacred Speaks https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ @thesacredspeaks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/ Brought to you by: https://www.thecenterforhas.com Theme music provided by: http://www.modernnationsmusic.com

Check out Richard Rohr’s latest book, The Tears of Things, where he explores the wisdom of the prophets and the realities of social sin. In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, I sit down with Father Richard Rohr—one of the most respected spiritual teachers of our time. We dive into the significance of prophecy, the necessity of self-awareness in transformation, and the ways in which religion can both illuminate and obscure the path to truth. Father Rohr shares insights from The Tears of Things, his latest book, which reframes the role of the prophets—not as finger-wagging moralists but as voices crying out against the deep, systemic sins that threaten to unravel society. Our conversation moves through themes of non-dual thinking, the dangers of religious idolatry, and how true spiritual growth requires both inner work and a commitment to the collective good. Throughout the episode, Richard offers deeply personal reflections on his own spiritual journey, the necessity of sadness and self-doubt, and the ongoing process of transformation that never really ends. Episode Timestamps (00:00) Introduction and Announcements (02:44) Richard Rohr’s Spiritual Journey and Early Influences (08:21) The Franciscan Way and the Practice of Humility (13:39) The Trap of Dualistic Thinking and the Ego (18:43) The Power of Initiation and Rites of Passage (35:00) The Role of Prophets in Society Today (47:23) Understanding the Concept of Demons and Possession (49:14) The Father Wound and Healing Parental Relationships (50:23) The Prophets and Their Enduring Insights (50:52) The Remnant and the Wisdom of the Minority (53:27) The Problem with Majority Rule and Empires (57:29) Personal Struggles, Doubt, and the Spiritual Journey (01:06:17) The Role of Sadness in Awakening and Solidarity (01:10:55) Medicalizing Sin and the Social Consequences (01:14:49) The Prophet’s Vision and Its Relevance Today (01:18:40) Reflections on Life, Death, and Spiritual Evolution (01:27:52) Final Thoughts: Reward, Punishment, and the Nature of Grace Watch & Listen: YouTube: The Sacred Speaks Instagram: @thesacredspeaks Twitter: @thesacredspeaks Facebook: The Sacred Speaks 🙏 Brought to you by: The Center for Healing Arts & Sciences 🎵 Theme music by: Modern Nations Announcements & Updates Exciting news! In May, I’ll be hosting my first online workshop, where I’ll explore key ideas from my upcoming book. This is a free offering, and if you want to be part of it, you can sign up when the new website is live @. www.drjohnwprice.com You’ll have six weeks to register—don’t miss it! Also, I’m getting back into a regular podcast rhythm—two episodes per month, including at least one solo episode where I’ll dive deeper into the themes of spirituality, psychology, and transformation. I’ve had a full year, but I’m excited to re-engage with these conversations and this community. So, let’s get into it. Richard Rohr, welcome to The Sacred Speaks.

In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, host Dr. John W. Price welcomes renowned Jungian analyst and depth psychologist Dr. James Hollis to discuss his new book, 'Living with Borrowed Dust: Reflections on Life, Love, and Other Grievances.' The conversation explores significant themes such as confronting one's shadow, taking personal responsibility, and liberating oneself from societal and cultural scripts. Dr. Hollis shares personal experiences, including his own recent encounters with mortality and the importance of lifelong personal growth. The episode also explores the role of dreams in psychological insight and emphasizes the necessity of asking large existential questions to live a fulfilling life. Listen in and get some profound advice from Dr. Hollis, who has a truly impressive six decades of analytical work and authorship to draw from. 👉Connect to James Hollis Website https://jameshollis.net/ 👉In this episode (00:00) Welcome and Introduction (00:07) Exciting Announcement from John (01:50) Introducing Dr. James Hollis (03:25) Deep Dive into 'Living with Borrowed Dust' (04:51) Exploring Life's Big Questions (07:40) Personal Reflections and Experiences (17:34) The Gift of Mortality (26:46) Shut Up, Suit Up, and Show Up (28:39) Embracing Failure: The Path to Growth (29:12) Facing Life's Intimidations (30:56) The Role of Dreams in Self-Discovery (31:50) The Power of Meaning and Symptomatology (33:13) Exploring the Depths of Dreams (34:39) The Autonomy of the Psyche (39:24) The Wisdom of Historical Figures (44:26) Modern Culture and the Abyss of the Self (51:17) The Importance of a Larger Story (51:55) Reflections on Learning and Teaching (58:10) Gratitude and Passing It On WATCH: YouTube for The Sacred Speaks https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ @thesacredspeaks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/ Brought to you by: https://www.thecenterforhas.com Theme music provided by: http://www.modernnationsmusic.com

Make sure to check out Henry’s book “Original Love” https://henryshukman.com/writing/original-love Also check out the meditation app “The Way” https://www.thewayapp.com/?source=us_traffic Welcome to The Sacred Speaks! In this episode, I sit down with Henry Shukman—a Zen teacher, poet, and co-founder of The Way meditation app. Together, we explore the profound mysteries of meditation, spirituality, and the human experience. Henry shares his journey from his early struggles with eczema and psychological challenges to his transformative awakening and his life as a Zen teacher. We dive deep into Zen concepts, the beauty of ordinary experience, and the intersection of poetry and meditation. Henry offers wisdom on navigating common meditation hindrances and shares practical advice for cultivating awareness, deepening meaning, and connecting with the unseen currents of existence. Join us as we uncover the power of meditation to transform both our inner and outer lives. 👉Connect to Henry Shukman Website https://henryshukman.com/ The Way Meditation App https://www.thewayapp.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henryshukman/?hl=en YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA645lNnrksSrZIwe6mJ4mQ (00:00) Welcome to The Sacred Speaks (00:29) Introducing Henry Shukman (01:27) Henry's Journey into Zen and Meditation (03:24) The Essence of Zen Practice (05:13) The Transformative Power of Meditation (11:40) Early Struggles and Discoveries (21:12) The Awakening Experience (32:17) The Path to Healing and Teaching (45:01) The Beauty of Ordinary Experience (52:09) Exploring the Zen Concept of Oneness (53:40) The Feminine Perspective in Philosophy (54:58) Zen Stories and Their Parallels (56:16) A Transformative Zen Experience (01:00:13) The Intersection of Poetry and Meditation (01:08:56) A Simple Guide to Meditation (01:17:51) Navigating Cultural and Religious Views on Meditation (01:25:23) Understanding and Overcoming Meditation Hindrances (01:35:31) Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Interview begins: 3:40 In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, Dr. John Price hosts Ayize Jama-Everett for a discussion on spirituality, religion, cultural identity, and the pervasive impact of colonization. Ayize shares insights from his journey, beginning with how his roots in Harlem and his work within the psychedelic space have shaped his perspective on community, healing, and cultural reclamation. Together, they examine how long-established cultural dynamics continue to influence our lives, often without our conscious awareness. Ayize discusses his efforts to influence these dynamics at a cultural level, reflecting on religious and spiritual practices as tools for both personal and collective transformation. They also explore the complexities of whiteness—not only as a cultural identity shaped by colonization but as an orientation that often perpetuates colonizing behaviors toward other cultures. Ayize shares the purpose behind his documentary, A Table of Our Own, which aims to expand access to healing practices for Black people and to highlight the important work already being done within these communities. The project seeks to de-stigmatize these substances, reframing them as natural balms that have served as spiritual and psychological support for Black people over millennia. The conversation touches on Black joy, the importance of reconnecting with land-based spiritual practices, and the need to decolonize healing spaces. Ayize’s reflections offer a fresh lens on the healing power of connection, inspiring listeners to consider how we might engage in reclaiming and honoring our spiritual and cultural roots. Bio: Ayize Jama-Everett holds three Master’s degrees: Divinity, Psychology, and in Fine Arts, Writing. He blends these degrees in all his work, often identifying as a guerilla theologian, a community-based therapist, and an afro-futurist in the same breath. He’s taught at Starr King School for the Ministry, California College of the Arts, The University of California, Riverside, Western Colorado College, and several private High schools for over twenty years. His expertise includes working with adolescents, the history of substance use in the United States, the history of Sacred Plant medicines in the Maghreb, the religious roots of political violence from Ireland to the Middle East, educational arts pedagogy, and Afrofuturism. He’s published four novels (The Liminal series) and two graphic novels (Box of Bones and The Last Count of Monte Cristo). www.atableofourown.org Website for The Sacred Speaks: www.thesacredspeaks.com/ WATCH: YouTube for The Sacred Speaks www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ @thesacredspeaks Twitter: twitter.com/thesacredspeaks Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/ Brought to you by: www.thecenterforhas.com/ Theme music provided by: www.modernnationsmusic.com/

Interview begins: 5:03 In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, we explore the profound spiritual and social dimensions of gender with Rev. Cynthia Brix and Dr. Will Keepin, pioneers in the field of gender reconciliation and equity. Cynthia, an interfaith minister and wellness expert, and Will, a former quantum physicist turned healer and spiritual seeker, share their journeys and the transformative power of their work. Cynthia discusses her path from atheism to a dynamic spirituality grounded in activism and human relationships. She reflects on how her experiences and education led her to focus on bridging divides through dialogue and connection. Will, drawing from his background in quantum physics and mysticism, discusses the distinction between Newtonian and quantum physics, landing on what he refers to as an "epistemology of the heart," a way of knowing that transcends reason and embraces the interconnectedness of the universe. Will notes that his crisis of science was related to the conclusions of many radical scientists who determined that there is a deeper register to reality that is not subject to our scientific instruments, highlighting some of the limitations of our modern sciences. We discussed both of their understanding of spirituality, defining the concept and exploring how practice transforms our lived experience. Together, they explore duality and nonduality, the integration of spiritual wisdom with social engagement, emphasizing the healing potential of personal storytelling in their workshops. Cynthia and Will envision a future where a new civilization, built on reverence and understanding, can emerge through this powerful work. Bio: Dr. William Keepin and Rev. Cynthia Brix are co-founders of Gender Equity and Reconciliation International, an organization that has led 280 intensive trainings across twelve countries to foster healing and reconciliation among people of all genders. Cynthia, an ordained interfaith minister and Co-Director of the Satyana Institute, brings a diverse background in spiritual leadership and social justice. She holds an M.Div. from Iliff School of Theology and a double M.A. in wellness management and applied gerontology. Cynthia has led interfaith retreats and organized international conferences on spirituality and gender equity, including one that brought together women spiritual leaders from Buddhist, Christian, and Hindu traditions. Together, they have developed a transformative method for gender reconciliation, emphasizing compassion, deep listening, and mutual respect. Will, a former mathematical physicist with a PhD in applied mathematics, is also a scholar in sustainable energy, global warming, and the intersection of science and spirituality. He has testified before European and Australian parliaments and the U.S. House of Representatives and is a co-founder of the Satyana Institute. A seasoned spiritual practitioner, Will holds multiple degrees in East-West psychology and mathematical physics, and is the author of several books, including Divine Duality and Belonging to God. https://www.genderreconciliationinternational.org/ Link to Houston workshop: https://www.thecenterforhas.com/event/the-alchemy-of-reconciliation-a-workshop-for-women-men-healing-across-genders/ Website for The Sacred Speaks: http://www.thesacredspeaks.com WATCH: YouTube for The Sacred Speaks https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ @thesacredspeaks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/ Brought to you by: https://www.thecenterforhas.com Theme music provided by: http://www.modernnationsmusic.com