08: The Wendigo | Red Thread

The Hero With a Thousand Faces explores the common themes and story elements that define the world’s mythologies—the hero’s journey. Through the cycle of initiation, separation, and return, the hero undergoes great trials and tribulations, experiences death and rebirth, and gains new powers that enable mankind’s ultimate redemption.

Far from being obsolete relics from long-extinguished civilizations, the myths of the ancients have profound lessons for today’s reader. By studying the struggles, transformations, and redemptions of the great heroes, we come closer to discovering the universal truths of the human condition and unlocking the divine potential that lies inside us all.

In a society troubled by overconsumption and disconnection, what are plants, Anishinaabe Indigenous worldviews, and science all trying to teach us about restoring balance? In Braiding Sweetgrass, Indigenous ecologist Robin Wall Kimmerer explains how these three sources of knowledge show us how to flourish through a practice of mutual care with other people and the natural world.

As our industrial society puts increasing stress on ecosystems and climate change threatens the well-being of us all, we must shift from a consumption and competition mindset to one recognizing our interdependence. Then we can practice mutual care to enable all living beings to thrive. In this guide, we’ll explore models of mutual care evident in plants, Indigenous culture, and science. We’ll also examine how mutual care phenomena in the natural world translate to the human world, and we’ll update Kimmerer’s examples.

The Hero With a Thousand Faces explores the common themes and story elements that define the world’s mythologies—the hero’s journey. Through the cycle of initiation, separation, and return, the hero undergoes great trials and tribulations, experiences death and rebirth, and gains new powers that enable mankind’s ultimate redemption.

Far from being obsolete relics from long-extinguished civilizations, the myths of the ancients have profound lessons for today’s reader. By studying the struggles, transformations, and redemptions of the great heroes, we come closer to discovering the universal truths of the human condition and unlocking the divine potential that lies inside us all.

Delve into the fascinating world inhabited by Brandon Fugal, the distinguished guest on the "Shawn Ryan Show," featuring none other than the host, Shawn Ryan, and real estate magnate Brandon Fugal himself. This episode takes us on a journey through Fugal's illustrious career in the Utah real estate sphere, tracing his striking rise from an enthusiastic 18-year-old to a powerhouse in commercial property. The narrative weaves through his life, revealing ambitions spurred by family military history, his Scandinavian roots, and the cultural milieu of the 1980s that champions the quintessential American dream.

Venture beyond the boardroom and into the otherworldly with Fugal's revelations about the enigmatic Skinwalker Ranch, a property shrouded in the arcane and the subject of UFO lore. As the current owner, Fugal discusses his impassioned blend of skepticism and curiosity, employing rigorous scientific inquiry into the ranch's perplexing phenomena. The episode transitions to the philanthropic and spiritual facets of Fugal's life—his intense commitment to combating sexual abuse and human trafficking alongside his interweaving of Mormon faith with the extraterrestrial. Join Shawn Ryan as he offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a visionary resolved to preserve the mysteries of Skinwalker Ranch for earnest exploration and ethical stewardship.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI is about the Osage Reign of Terror—the 1920s organized killings of members of the oil-rich Osage Indians. Powerful and bigoted whites systematically exploited and murdered the Osage people to expropriate their wealth, showing us the horrors that result when racism and greed align. The murders were also a major catalyst for the growth of the FBI, and the triumph of its rational and scientific vision of law enforcement—and a shift away from the era of frontier justice, corrupt and incompetent local sheriffs, and rogue “lawmen.”

Join Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant in the eerie corridors of their latest spooky installment from "Stuff You Should Know"—an annual tribute to the haunting allure of Halloween. In "The 14th Annual Halloween Spooktacular," the hosts weave through the chilling narratives of classic ghost stories to explore the timeless human fascination with fear and the supernatural. With tales penned by H.G. Wells and J.D. Beresford, they paint a gothic scene that will have listeners examining the shadows with a sense of wary curiosity.

As they dive into these dark tales, Josh and Chuck bring each scene to life with their signature storytelling style. From "The Red Room" to "The Misanthrope," they dissect the psychological impacts of terror and solitude, engrossing listeners with their interpretations and light-hearted banter. The episode reaches unsettling peaks, exploring the grim realities revealed by twisted perception, and concludes on an ambiguous note, leaving ears tingling and imaginations sparked. Celebrate Halloween with the 'Stuff You Should Know' team—and discover why their spooky narratives continue to thrill and delight, season after spine-chilling season.

What was the secret that kept ancient Greeks and early Christians from fearing death? In The Immortality Key, attorney and scholar Brian Muraresku argues that the origins of Christianity are rooted in the psychedelic rituals of ancient Greek life and that these rituals allowed people to embrace their mortality.

Presenting a decade’s worth of research and evidence, Muraresku delves into the origins of Christianity, its overlap with pre-existing pagan customs, and its eventual diversion. Along the way, he asks how we might glean some wisdom from those ancient traditions to reconsider the place of psychedelics in the modern world—can a transcendent experience provide a key to our immortality?

In this guide, we’ll discuss the evidence and arguments Muraresku presents about Christianity and its connection to Greek paganism, as well as his questions about what psychedelics have to offer humanity. We’ll also explore current research and varied viewpoints regarding the use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes.

Dive into the lives, laughs, and lessons of professional comedians Matt McCusker and Shane Gillis on Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast, as they navigate everything from the emotional turbulence of relocation to the oddities of everyday life. This episode peels back the layers of vulnerability comedians seldom show, moving from heartfelt revelations about the significance of cultural identity and personal growth to the comedic gold nuggets found in hotel bathroom amenities and gluten-free dining in Austin.

Amidst the anecdotes and existential musings, "Ep 464 - Not A Fireside Chat" traverses the terrains of professional stand-up, social commentary, and the quirks of the entertainment industry. From the dynamic perspectives on sports broadcasting to the intimate behind-the-scenes look at podcast production, McCusker and Gillis engage in a freewheeling conversation that sheds light on the complexity of crafting comedic content while staying true to their roots amidst a rapidly changing world. Join these witty minds as they juxtapose sobering societal insights with their trademark humor in an episode that promises to keep listeners grinning and pondering long after the laughter fades.

The Hero With a Thousand Faces explores the common themes and story elements that define the world’s mythologies—the hero’s journey. Through the cycle of initiation, separation, and return, the hero undergoes great trials and tribulations, experiences death and rebirth, and gains new powers that enable mankind’s ultimate redemption.

Far from being obsolete relics from long-extinguished civilizations, the myths of the ancients have profound lessons for today’s reader. By studying the struggles, transformations, and redemptions of the great heroes, we come closer to discovering the universal truths of the human condition and unlocking the divine potential that lies inside us all.