Psyche

In this episode of Psyche Podcast , I sit down with theologian David W. Congdon to explore his bold new article, The Polyamorous Christ: On the Sexual Ethics of the Incarnation . We dig into why Christianity has historically treated erotic love with suspicion, how monogamy became the assumed norm, and why it’s important to distinguish polyamory from polygamy . David challenges the common move of g...

In this episode of Psyche Podcast , I sit down with Paul J. Leslie to explore the fascinating and controversial figure of Alejandro Jodorowsky—filmmaker, writer, and creator of psychomagic . Together, we unpack how Jodorowsky’s surrealist films, theatrical experiments, and ritualistic interventions might inform psychotherapy today. Paul and I dive into the tension between theory and creativity in...

In this episode of the Psyche Podcast, I sit down once again with my friend Todd McGowan to talk about his newest book,  The Cambridge Introduction to Jacques Lacan . We dive into what it was like for Todd to take on the challenge of writing an introduction to such a complex and enigmatic thinker, especially after the unexpected passing of his co-author, Mari Ruti . Todd and I explore Lacan’s rela...

In this episode of  Psyche Podcast , I sit down with filmmaker Fred Sprinkle to talk about his powerful short film  The Rites of Man . From the first time I watched it, I was struck by its beauty, depth, and the way it speaks to the struggles of masculinity in our culture today. Fred shares how the project was born out of his own reflections on manhood, mental health, and the pressures to constant...

In this episode of  Psyche Podcast , I sit down with Dr. Richard Beck —professor of psychology at Abilene Christian University, prison chaplain, and author of eight books including his latest,  The Shape of Joy: The Transformative Power of Moving Beyond Yourself . We explore the limitations of self-esteem culture, the dangers of unhealthy introspection, and how modern mental health often traps us...

In this episode of  Psyche Podcast , I sit down with Calum Neill, author of  Jacques Lacan: The Basics , for a deep-yet-accessible dive into one of the most challenging and misunderstood figures in psychoanalysis. Calum shares how he first encountered Lacan, why he believes Lacan’s ideas are essential for understanding what it means to be human, and how his book serves as a doorway into this vast...

In this episode, I reconnect with my friend Barry Taylor for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation.  The heart of our conversation dives into the philosophical work of Emanuele Coccia, whose poetic reflections on plants, the home, and mixture have deeply impacted both of us. We explore how Coccia’s idea of the “metaphysics of mixture” dissolves hard boundaries between self and world, b...

In this episode of the  Psyche Podcast , I sit down once again with my good friend Phuc Luu to discuss his newest book,  Jesus and Buddha Talk About Desire, Suffering, and Happiness . I’ve always admired Phuc’s ability to weave together deep philosophical insight and spiritual imagination, and this book is no exception. We dive into the inspiration behind his fictional dialogue between Yeshua and...

In this episode of Psyche Podcast, I sit down with scholar and writer Jill Carroll to discuss her bold and provocative book The Savage Side: Reclaiming Violent Models of God. We dive deep into Jill’s intellectual and spiritual journey—from her Pentecostal upbringing and seminary days at Oral Roberts University to her transformative encounter with Annie Dillard’s writings and her eventual doctoral...

In this episode of the Psyche Podcast, I sit down with Paul J. Leslie to explore the power of co-creating therapeutic themes—especially with male clients. Drawing from Paul’s book  Transforming Themes , we dive into how therapy with men often involves shifting both perception and performance in order to unlock change. We talk about the limitations of traditional cognitive approaches and highlight...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Allen Novian for a powerful conversation on men’s mental health. We explore the evolving landscape of masculinity and the deep courage it takes for men to open up and seek therapy. Allen and I talk about the stigma that still surrounds male vulnerability, and how embracing curiosity—rather than shame—can be a transformative part of the healing process. We also...

In this raw and wide-ranging episode of the  Psyche Podcast , I sit down with theologian, author, and former emergent church leader Tony Jones to explore his latest book  The God of Wild Places . We reflect on faith, failure, and the search for meaning after both public and personal upheaval. Tony opens up about his years in seminary, his complicated relationship with Christian fame, and the vulne...

In this episode, I explore how Lev Vygotsky’s ideas of scaffolding and the Zone of Proximal Development offer a powerful framework for working with neurodivergent clients. Using the image of a garden trellis, I reflect on how therapy provides the structure and support needed for authentic, self-directed growth—guiding without constraining, and always honoring the client’s natural direction.

Great conversation with Todd McGowan discussing his essay "Existentialism After Finitude: The Transcendence of the Unconscious" from the book Death and Love: Psychoanalytic and Philosophical Perspectives (co-edited with Julie Reshe).

A great conversation with Bob Langan about his new book Jung and Spinoza Passage Through The Blessed Self .

In this episode, I talk with therapist and podcaster Joel Blackstock about the life and legacy of Carl Jung. Our conversation explores Jung’s vast intellectual curiosity—his willingness to engage with mythology, dreams, alchemy, and even the paranormal in his search for psychological truth. We reflect on how Jung’s openness to mystery continues to inspire those on the path of self-discovery.

A fun conversation with Barry on his recent talk at Wake, the psychoanalysis of religion in Ana-Maria Rizutto, and other reflections on the sacred in the modern world.

I speak with Elliott about all things Jung and his article "Sacred Skies: UFOs and the Religious Function of the Psyche"

In The Ego and the Id, Sigmund Freud uses the analogy of a horse and rider to illustrate the relationship between the ego and the id, emphasizing that we may have less control over the unconscious than we’d like to believe. Yet, a decade later in New Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis, Freud introduces the psychoanalytic motto: “Where id was, there ego shall be,” hinting at the possibility of...

I speak to William B. Parsons about his book Freud and Religion: Advancing the Dialogue .

I speak with Richard Boothby about Freud's unsettling discovery of the death drive in "Beyond The Pleasure Principle."

I speak with Lacanian psychoanalyst Jason Childs about Sigmund Freud's “Some remarks on a Case of Obsessional Neurosis," aka the "Rat Man".

I speak to my friend Barry Taylor about Aaron Schuster's book The Trouble with Pleasure: Deleuze and Psychoanalysis .

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Phuc Luu to discuss his idea for a book titled  In Their Image , which explores how conservative evangelicals and reactionary atheists are often two sides of the same coin. We also dive into recent books that argue against empathy, unpacking their critiques and implications.

Luke and I discuss Soren Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling.