Best Joseph Campbell Foundation Podcasts (2025)

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Bonus: Consciousness, Yoga and the sound "AUM" 30:20

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7d ago30:20

30:20

In this bonus episode of Pathways, Joseph Campbell speaks at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. The date of the lecture is unknown. In it, he explores the sound of AUM in relation to states of consciousness, yoga, and the power of metaphor. Pathways with Joseph Campbell is hosted by Brad Olson, PhD and is a production of the Joseph Campbe…

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Inanna's descent to the Underworld, part 3 of 4 39:25

11d ago39:25

39:25

Send Catherine a text Message She goes down As we go down We follow her underground Hail to Inanna Who died To become born. — Chant from the writer Starhawk and the Reclaiming Collective This is episode #3 in a four-part series on the Sumerian myth of the goddess Inanna and the part of the story that contains her descent to the underworld. It's a f…

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EP 40: Metaphor as Myth and Religion 2:14:27

21d ago2:14:27

2:14:27

In this first episode of Season Five of Pathways, titled “Metaphor as Myth and Religion,” Joseph Campbell speaks at the Jung Institute of San Francisco in 1985. At 81 years old, Campbell delivers the lecture with a sense of freedom and confidence. The talk closely reflects the themes of his book The Inner Reaches of Outer Space. Host Brad Olson int…

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Inanna and Dumuzi: The eros of the cosmos (part 2 of 4) 33:17

26d ago33:17

33:17

Send Catherine a text Message “The Church says: the body is a sin. Science says: the body is a machine. Advertising says: The body is a business. The Body says: I am a fiesta.” ― Eduardo Galeano, from Walking Words In this episode I tell the second part of Inanna's story, the courtship and marriage between Inanna and her honey man, the shepherd Dum…

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Series Finale: Silverado 1:34:29

28d ago1:34:29

1:34:29

Say “So long” to Jeff and Dan as they ride off to the sunset with their final episode of The Hero's Journey℠ Podcast: Silverado. The Hero's Journey℠ Podcast has been a fun, insightful look at stories through the lens of Joseph Campbell’s world-renowned mythological framework, hosted by writers/BFFs Jeff Garvin and Dan Zarzana. The trademark Hero’s …

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The Sumerian myth of Inanna: In the first days 1 of 4 44:11

2M ago44:11

44:11

Send Catherine a text Message In the first days, in the very first days, everything needed was brought into being and the goddess Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth, took her place in the center of the Sumerian pantheon. This myth was recorded at the beginning of history and describes a pivotal time in human civilization. We're reckoning with the de…

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Joy and Poetry for National Poetry month 35:28

2M ago35:28

35:28

Send Catherine a text Message "We need joy as we need air." Maya Angelou Joy. Joy is my motivation, my desire and object in sharing some poetry with you in this episode. Joy---gladness, pleasure, delight, and rejoicing. Joy, a very precious freedom. How can you, how can we, build our capacity for joy? The belief that suffering alone lends you depth…

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Finist the Bright Falcon: Baba Yaga, soul quests, and shamanic journeys 50:22

3M ago50:22

50:22

Send Catherine a text Message The final episode in a three-part exploration of the mysterious Baba Yaga, a scary crone in Russian and Slavic fairy tales. Who or what is she? The fairy tale "Finist the Bright Falcon" opens up some interesting possibilities. Support the show Email Catherine at [email protected] Post a positive review on apple …

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Initiation and Meeting the Baba Yaga 37:22

4M ago37:22

37:22

Send Catherine a text Message The Baba Yaga is a complex and scary crone in East Slavic and Russian fairy tales. She's a face of the earth goddesses and the fierce wildness of nature. Are some of us meeting the Baba Yaga right now? There's a lot of chaos right now as institutions, laws, and norms of behavior that order our societies are attacked. C…

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Replay: The Shawshank Redemption 1:02:34

4M ago1:02:34

1:02:34

Hey listeners! Jeff here. We’re taking a little break so Dan can deal with some personal family matters. We’ll be back soon—but in the meantime, we thought you might enjoy a flashback. This month’s offering is a replay of our first episode from way back in November 2017. The Last Jedi topped the box office, Wonder by R.J. Palacio was the best-selli…

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Bonus: The Mother Goddess 26:58

4M ago26:58

26:58

This bonus episode, recorded at WNYC TV in 1963, was part of the “Myth, Mask, & Dream” lecture series. In this episode, Campbell explores the mythological significance of the “Mother Goddess” across the Neolithic, Bronze, and early Iron Ages. Please note that the audio quality improves approximately 15 seconds into the lecture. Pathways with Joseph…

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Fierce wildness and the Baba Yaga 36:34

4M ago36:34

36:34

Send Catherine a text Message Welcome to episode one of the new (7th) season of Myth Matters! A new year and a time of change. Is this, as some say, the time of the wise, elder woman, the time of the crone? The Baba Yaga is one face of this archetypal energy. This episode is the first of two about the Baba Yaga. Baba Yaga is a complex and multiface…

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EP 39: Mythological Images 1:14:09

5M ago1:14:09

1:14:09

This episode of Pathways, the final full episode of Season 4, features a lecture recorded in 1985 in Southwest Germany. In it, Joseph Campbell explores the significance of mythological images and reflects on some of the major themes that shaped his life and work. He also shares personal stories about how and why he became so passionate about mythol…

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JFK 1:46:17

5M ago1:46:17

1:46:17

Gather your team, prep your subpoenas, and prepare to take on the military-industrial complex. This is The Hero's Journey℠ of JFK. The Hero's Journey℠ Podcast is a fun, insightful look at stories through the lens of Joseph Campbell’s world-renowned mythological framework, hosted by writers/BFFs Jeff Garvin and Dan Zarzana. Please follow us on Faceb…

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Bonus: Psyche & Symbol 35:03

5M ago35:03

35:03

This lecture, recorded at the Esalen Institute in 1981, features Joseph Campbell delving into Jung’s concepts of the Anima and Animus, the shadow in psychology, and the role of myth in helping us navigate unexpected life challenges. Note: This recording is a recently discovered continuation of the lecture featured in the January 2023 bonus episode,…

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EP 38: The Harmony and Discord of Religions 1:12:12

6M ago1:12:12

1:12:12

This episode of Pathways with Joseph Campbell, titled "The Harmony and Discord of Religions," was recorded at Brandeis University in 1958. At the time, Joseph Campbell was 54 years old and nearing the completion of Primitive Mythology, the first volume of his Masks of God series. In this lecture, Campbell offers an affirmative defense of comparativ…

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Scrooged 1:23:09

6M ago1:23:09

1:23:09

Pour yourself a Tab & vodka, hunker down in your office, and prepare for an 80s retelling of a classic Christmas tale. This is The Hero's Journey℠ of Scrooged. The Hero's Journey℠ Podcast is a fun, insightful look at stories through the lens of Joseph Campbell’s world-renowned mythological framework, hosted by writers/BFFs Jeff Garvin and Dan Zarza…

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Bonus: The Birth of the Savior 26:51

6M ago26:51

26:51

This bonus episode, titled The Birth of the Savior, was recorded in 1962 at WNET, a PBS member station in Newark, New Jersey, serving the New York City area. In this lecture, Joseph Campbell examines the mythology of the "savior" across cultures, with a particular focus on the image of the Christ child. Pathways with Joseph Campbell is hosted by Br…

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Flying Together: The Conference of the Birds by Farid ud Din Attar 41:09

7M ago41:09

41:09

Send Catherine a text Message “These lofty words are an antidote for anyone sickened by extremism’s poison.” Farid ud Din Attar, translation by Sholeh Wolpé The Conference of the Birds is an epic poem from the 12th century written by Sufi poet Farid ud Din Attar. The poem tells the story of a group of birds and an arduous journey to find a mysterio…

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EP 37: Man & His Gods 1:12:31

7M ago1:12:31

1:12:31

In this episode, recorded in 1974, Joseph Campbell explores the relationship between humans and their gods. The lecture was given just two years after Campbell's retirement from Sarah Lawrence College and five years after the publication of the final volume in his Masks of God series. Host Bradley Olson introduces the lecture and provides commentar…

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Enter the Dragon 1:33:40

7M ago1:33:40

1:33:40

Focus your mind, break out your nunchucks, and prepare to kick some butt. This is The Hero’s Journey℠ of Enter the Dragon. Full show notes here. The Hero's Journey℠ Podcast is a fun, insightful look at stories through the lens of Joseph Campbell’s world-renowned mythological framework, hosted by writers/BFFs Jeff Garvin and Dan Zarzana. Please foll…

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Bonus: Symbology of the Tarot 33:15

7M ago33:15

33:15

This bonus episode contains a short lecture that Campbell gave at Westerbee Ranch in Sonoma in 1987 on the "Symbology of the Tarot". It is a "slide" lecture meaning that Campbell was speaking to a curated set of slides, which he often did. Even though we cannot see the slides, his discussion and interpretation of the Tarot deck is worth a listen. T…

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Catastrophe: What myths show us about the way of the world 36:29

7M ago36:29

36:29

Send Catherine a text Message Endings, loss, and uncertainty. Fears of a catastrophic future. Many of us are living with this right now or wondering how to. How to act. How to participate. Perspective and guidance can be gleaned from myths and old stories. They are a poetic record of life in a world where catastrophe happens. A world in which peopl…

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EP 36: The Mythology of Love 1:12:17

8M ago1:12:17

1:12:17

In this episode of Pathways, Joseph Campbell speaks at the Cooper Union in New York City in December 1967. He explores the "mythology of love" - from eros to agape and beyond. Host, Bradley Olson introduces the lecture and gives commentary at the end. Pathways with Joseph Campbell is hosted by Brad Olson, PhD and is a production of the Joseph Campb…

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Effort, Uncertainty, and Cerridwen's potion 29:47

8M ago29:47

29:47

Send Catherine a text Message "It is above all by the imagination that we achieve perception and compassion and hope." –Ursula K. LeGuin This episode revolves around the Welsh myth of Cerridwen and the Birth of Taliesin. I've worked with this story a number of times. It comes to mind this time of year because Cerridwen is both a goddess and a witch…

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What We Do In The Shadows 1:44:05

8M ago1:44:05

1:44:05

Finish your basketti, floss your fangs, and get ready for a batfight! This is The Hero's Journey℠ of What We Do in the Shadows. The Hero's Journey℠ Podcast is a fun, insightful look at stories through the lens of Joseph Campbell’s world-renowned mythological framework, hosted by writers/BFFs Jeff Garvin and Dan Zarzana. Please follow us on Facebook…

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Bonus: Oriental Influence on the Occidental Mind 30:48

8M ago30:48

30:48

In this bonus episode recorded in 1957 at The Cooper Union in New York, Joseph Campbell speaks about the similarities and differences in "Eastern" and "Western" mythologies and ways of thinking. Pathways with Joseph Campbell is hosted by Brad Olson, PhD and is a production of the Joseph Campbell Foundation. It is produced by Tyler Lapkin. Executive…

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Allegiance to the Inner Life: The. Nixie in the Millpond part 2 of 2 36:55

9M ago36:55

36:55

Send Catherine a text Message “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”― Joseph Campbell We began an exploration of some important questions in the last episode. Questions about our allegiance to the inner world and the concerns of our outer life in the material world, as the demands of the…

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EP 35: The Relationship of Mythology to Psychology 1:33:03

9M ago1:33:03

1:33:03

In this episode Campbell speaks to the relationship of mythology to psychology. He goes through the four functions of myth and emphasizes the fourth function - the psychological. He focuses on why this psychological function is so important in our contemporary world. The lecture was recorded at the Houston Jung Center in 1972. Host Brad Olson intro…

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Hoffa 1:43:25

9M ago1:43:25

1:43:25

Wipe the sweat from your brow, grab a picket sign, and get ready to march the line, baby. This is The Hero's Journey℠ of Hoffa. The Hero's Journey℠ Podcast is a fun, insightful look at stories through the lens of Joseph Campbell’s world-renowned mythological framework, hosted by writers/BFFs Jeff Garvin and Dan Zarzana. Please follow us on Facebook…

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Allegiance to the Inner Life: The Nixie in the Mill Pond part 1 of 2 42:59

9M ago42:59

42:59

Send Catherine a text Message To what do we owe greater allegiance, our outer life in the material world of human conventions, or our inner life and the requirements of soul? I explore this question through the lens of a fairy tale called "The Nixie in the Mill Pond," collected by the Brothers Grimm. This is a big topic and a fascinating story with…

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Bonus: Primitive Rites & Traditions 32:13

9M ago32:13

32:13

In this bonus episode, Campbell answers questions following his 1971 lecture, "Primitive Rites & Traditions", at Esalen Institute. He first speaks about the differences between male and female rites in various times and places and then gives an overview of his interpretation of the meaning of the "Virgin Birth". Pathways with Joseph Campbell is hos…

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EP 34: Primitive Rites & Traditions 1:30:31

10M ago1:30:31

1:30:31

In Episode 34, "Primitive Rites & Traditions", Joseph Campbell speaks at the Esalen Institute in 1971. During the lecture, he interacts with participants about the importance and significance of rites and traditions in early mythologies. Host, Bradley Olson introduces the lecture, and offers commentary at the end. Pathways with Joseph Campbell is h…

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Heathers 1:30:28

10M ago1:30:28

1:30:28

Get some BQ Corn Nuts and pour yourself a mug of multi-purpose deodorizing disinfectant; this is the hero's journey of Heathers. The Hero's Journey℠ Podcast is a fun, insightful look at stories through the lens of Joseph Campbell’s world-renowned mythological framework, hosted by writers/BFFs Jeff Garvin and Dan Zarzana. Please follow us on Faceboo…

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HJP Joins Glisten+ 3:45

10M ago3:45

3:45

We’ve got some exciting news: The Hero's Journey℠ Podcast is joining a family of podcasts called Glisten+. Founded by a team of Grammy- and Emmy-award nominated filmmakers and writers, Glisten+ creates cinematic-quality audio experiences that blur the line between audiobooks and podcasts. We’re proud to be a part of their new unscripted offerings. …

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The Bricoleur 30:50

10M ago30:50

30:50

Send Catherine a text Message How we imagine our lives is how we live our lives, and mythologies provide the images and ideas in this process. But images of the human in the dominant myths-- as sinner, dominator, or world destroyer-- aren't guiding us toward a bright future. What are the alternatives? How about an ingenious, improvising jack-of-all…

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Bonus: My Favorite Definition of Mythology 51:34

10M ago51:34

51:34

In this bonus episode, Campbell discusses his "favorite definition of mythology". He also speaks to the four functions of myth, how a moral order relates to mythology, and finally retells the myth of the Tiger and the Goat. There is no information as to where or when it was recorded. Pathways with Joseph Campbell is hosted by Brad Olson, PhD and is…

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EP 33: Interpretation of Symbolic Form 1:24:45

11M ago1:24:45

1:24:45

In this episode entitled "Interpretation of Symbolic Form" which was recorded around 1970, Joseph Campbell delves into the meaning of symbolic forms and narrative. In the lecture, he explores how symbolic forms point to the human capacity for the transcendent experience. Host, Bradley Olson introduces the episode and gives commentary after the lect…

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Toy Story 1:24:06

11M ago1:24:06

1:24:06

Find your moving buddy, book your party reservation at Pizza Planet, and don’t forget my invitation, because you’ve got a friend in me. This is the Hero’s Journey℠ of Toy Story. The Hero's Journey℠ Podcast is a fun, insightful look at stories through the lens of Joseph Campbell’s world-renowned mythological framework, hosted by writers/BFFs Jeff Ga…

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Shifting Images of Human Being with Dr. Craig Chalquist 57:12

11M ago57:12

57:12

Send Catherine a text Message How we imagine ourselves is how we'll be. And where do we receive these images of the human? They're in our myths. In this episode, I take a look at three images in the myths of the dominant culture that determine how many of us see ourselves and how we live: the sinner, the king of the animal kingdom, and the world de…