Ultraculture With Jason Louv

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 172: Meeting the Shadow on the Spiritual Path With Connie Zweig, Ph.D. Aug 21, 2023

Show notes

Connie Zweig, Ph.D., author of "Meeting the Shadow on the Spiritual Path: The Dance of Darkness and Light in Our Search for Awakening," joins us in an enlightening conversation that delves into the complex interplay between spiritual longing and the shadow self. This episode explores the journey of spiritual awakening, the challenges of betrayal and disillusionment, and the path to rekindling spiritual inspiration. In this intimate discussion, Dr. Zweig explains why we are drawn to charismatic leaders and what we unconsciously give away to them. She sheds light on how to reclaim our inner spiritual authority and how to recover from spiritual abuse. Through the practice of psychology and shadow-work, she guides us in breaking free from denial, projection, and dependency. We explore the lives of renowned spiritual teachers such as Sufi poet Rumi, Hindu master Ramakrishna, and Christian saint Catherine of Siena, whose spiritual journeys were marked by both ecstatic experiences and painful encounters with their shadows. Dr. Zweig also shares cautionary tales of contemporary spiritual leaders who acted out their shadows in destructive ways, leaving their followers traumatized and lost. Dr. Zweig emphasizes that meeting the shadow is an inevitable and painful stage on the path to spiritual maturity. Join us as we explore the dance of darkness and light in our search for awakening, and discover how to rekindle the flame of longing and engage in fulfilling spiritual practice once again. Don't miss out on this profound conversation that offers guidance for both inspired and disillusioned seekers! Show Links Connie Zweig's Amazon Page Meeting the Shadow on the Spiritual Path: The Dance of Darkness and Light in Our Search for Awakening, by Connie Zweig Magick.Me: Unleash Your True Self at Our School for Magick, Meditation and Mysticism

Ep. 171: Magick Monday With Vanessa Sinclair & Carl Abrahamsson...! Aug 14, 2023

Show notes

Swedish author Carl Abrahamsson and American artist and psychoanalyst Vanessa Sinclair join us in an engaging conversation that explores the integration of magic, art, and psychoanalysis in their daily lives. As a married couple, they have successfully merged these fascinating fields, creating a unique blend of creativity, self-discovery, and mystical exploration. In this episode, Sinclair & Abrahamsson take us on a journey through their ideas, theories, practices, experiences, collaborations, successes, and even occasional failures. They share their relentless pursuit of erasing the boundaries between magic, mysticism, art, and the unconscious, experimenting with various artistic expressions while strengthening their occult work. We delve into their relationships with influential figures such as Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, their experiments with the cut-ups technique of William Burroughs and Brion Gysin, their insights into the power of exposure and honesty, and their exploration of dreams, creativity, inertia, entropy, and much more. Abrahamsson & Sinclair's casual and inspiring style offers an intimate glimpse into their lives, filled with experimental output, including portraits, photographs, film stills, collages, and cut-ups. Their insights provide a refreshing perspective on how psychoanalytic thinking, language, and artistic expression can have transformative power. Join us as we explore the rich tapestry of Abrahamsson & Sinclair's work, filled with wisdom, experimentation, and a relentless pursuit of deeper insights. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that unravels the extraordinary lives of two exceptional thinkers and creators! Show Links Carl Abrahamsson's Amazon Page Vanessa Sinclair's Amazon Page Carl & Vanessa's Patreon Quotes from Notable Figures "Vanessa Sinclair is a female William Burroughs for the age of desperation." - Val Denham, artist "Carl performs magick; he concretises meaning and brings forth revelation into his carefully focused vision." - Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, artist "Carl guides a new generation of thinkers into a future that asks what if and gets even more strange, surreal, beautiful, and mystical than one can dream." - Gabriela Herstik, author of Inner Witch: A Modern Guide to the Ancient Craft and Sacred Sex: The Magick and Path of the Divine Erotic. "Carl Abrahamsson is not only among today's leading occult writers and artists, but is, in fact, one of this generation's most vital public intellectuals. Carl is our magickal Moses hoisting a fiery serpent in the cultural wilderness." - Mitch Horowitz, PEN Award-winning author of Occult America and Uncertain Places.

Ep. 170: Undreaming Wetiko & Breaking the Spell of the Nightmare Mind Virus with Paul Levy Aug 07, 2023

Show notes

Paul Levy, author of "Undreaming Wetiko: Breaking the Spell of the Nightmare Mind-Virus," joins us in a profound conversation that delves into the depths of the human psyche and the insidious mind-virus known as "wetiko." A concept deeply rooted in Native American thought, wetiko represents a collective psychosis that is wreaking havoc on our world. Yet, as Levy passionately explains, within this very madness lies the key to our healing. In this enlightening episode, Levy explores the intricate connections between wetiko and ancestral trauma, revealing how the wounded healer/shaman archetype can be a catalyst for both individual and collective healing. We journey into the heart of multigenerational pain, understanding how it propagates through families and how recognizing the wounded healer within us can guide us through the dark underworld of the unconscious. Levy introduces us to the inner guide—a daemon/angel that resides within us, acting as an ally in our encounters with the daemonic energy of wetiko. We discuss the cultivation of "symbolic awareness," interpreting life events as symbols, akin to dreams, and how this awareness can transmute the poison of wetiko into medicine for the soul. Drawing inspiration from the works of C.G. Jung, Rudolf Steiner, Henry Corbin, Wilhelm Reich, and Nicolas Berdyaev, Levy's insights offer a transformative perspective on the current global crisis. He emphasizes that the ultimate antidote to wetiko is to connect with the light of our true nature and embrace our authentic selves. Join us in this compelling conversation that unravels the mysteries of wetiko and offers a path towards healing, self-discovery, and a deeper understanding of the human condition. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform wetiko into its own antidote and embark on a journey towards wholeness and awakening. Show Links Paul Levy's Amazon Page Undreaming Wetiko: Breaking the Spell of the Nightmare Mind-Virus (Sacred Planet) Paperback – May 23, 2023, by Paul Levy Magick.Me | Transform wetiko into its own antidote

Ep. 169: Walking the Path Less Travelled with Jim Christy Jul 31, 2023

Show notes

Jim Christy is an author, artist, spoken word performer, and a man who was once described as 'one of the last unpurged North American anarchistic romantics.' With a life as colourful as his narratives, Christy's journey from the tough streets of South Philadelphia to his current residence in Ontario has been nothing short of extraordinary. In this intimate conversation, Christy reveals his diverse experiences with an array of unique personalities, from hobos and jazz musicians to boxers and prolific writers such as Charles Bukowski, Peter Trower, and Joe Ferone. We explore his adventures, his relationships, and his uncanny ability to transform life experiences into riveting tales and captivating performances. Jim delves into his childhood, recounting memories of growing up in a boxing-obsessed neighborhood, his early rebellious streak that found him riding freights, and his move to Canada to evade the Vietnam War draft. And we explore his fascination with outsiders, the heroes of his narratives, such as the veteran carnival performer Marcel Horne, the jazz musician Charlie Leeds, the leftist Emma Goldman and Martin Luther King, Jr. Join us as we traverse the unexplored paths of Jim Christy's life, filled with rebellion, creativity, and an undying spirit of adventure. Get inspired by Christy's journey of perseverance, self-discovery, and his relentless pursuit of an authentic life—don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that unravels the extraordinary life of an exceptional storyteller! Show Links Jim Christy's Amazon Page Jim Christy: A Vagabond Life, by Ian Cutler Magick.Me

Ep. 168: BLOOD FIRE DEATH With Ika Johannesson Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Ultraculture, we sit down with journalist Ika Johannesson to talk about her book BLOOD FIRE DEATH, on the history of Swedish Metal. From the book: "In the early 1990s, Swedish musicians revolutionized the international music scene with their groundbreaking interpretations of what Metal music could be. Suddenly, the mild-mannered Scandinavian country found itself at the forefront of a new movement with worldwide impact thanks to bands such as Entombed, Dismember, and At the Gates. The birth of black metal drove the culture to even greater extremes, featuring a rawer, darker sound and non-ironic death-worship. Soon churches in both Norway and Sweden were aflame, and before long Satanism emerged as more than just an image. "But how did it all start? Why did Sweden become a hotbed for such aggressive, nihilistic music? And who are the people and bands that brought it all about? Blood, Fire, Death: A Swedish Metal Story recounts the evolution of the genre from the massive amplifier walls of 1970s rock, through the church-burning Satanic 1990s, to the diverse and paradoxical manifestations of the scene today. This book focuses on the phenomena that have propelled the scene forward in an evolution that has not only been musical, but aesthetic and ideological as well. This book is a story about grotesque logos and icons that invoke death and darkness, but also a story of dedication, friendship, community, and profound love for music. "Author Ika Johannesson says, 'This is not the definitive history of Swedish metal. Instead, we've focused on bands, individuals, and phenomena which to various extents have propelled the scene forward.'" Enjoy the show!! Show Links Blood Fire Death: The Swedish Metal Story Magick.Me

Ep. 167: England's Hidden Reverse With David Keenan Jul 17, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we delve into England's Hidden Reverse—the history of the occult industrial bands Coil, Current 93, Nurse With Wound, Throbbing Gristle, Psychic TV, and the monumental spells they cast on music and popular occulture. Our intrepid guide on this journey is Scottish writer David Keenan, a literary and musical polymath known for his innovative contributions to the UK cultural scene. Born in April 1971, Keenan has worn many hats, from running Glasgow's iconic record shop, Volcanic Tongue, to shaping the dialogue around experimental music genres in The Wire magazine. As an author, he has written four critically acclaimed novels, with his debut, "This Is Memorial Device", bagging the Collyer Bristow Award for Debut Fiction. Keenan's seminal work "England's Hidden Reverse", the focus of this episode, is an in-depth exploration of the English esoteric musical underground, featuring exclusive biographies of the genre-defying bands Coil, Current 93, Nurse With Wound and many more. Based on exclusive interviews and privileged access to the bands' personal archives, "England's Hidden Reverse" unveils the unique cultural, artistic, and sexual milieu of the English underground. This is a TREMENDOUS episode that focuses not only on the mentioned bands, but on Keenan's own occult experiences and THE VERITABLE NATURE OF MAGICK ITSELF. ENJOY!!!!!! Show Links England's Hidden Reverse, 2023 Expanded Edition David Keenan's Amazon Author Page Magick.Me

Ep. 166: DAMIEN ECHOLS! On Magick, Magick & More Magick Jul 10, 2023

Show notes

I went to New Orleans and all I got was this awesome 2 1/2 hour sitdown with Damien Echols! Damien Echols, a profound teacher of magick, author, and martial artist, should need no introduction. You may know him from his appearance on the Midnight Gospel or his extensive work in the field of magick. In this episode, we sat down to take turns interviewing each other, resulting in a rich, two-and-a-half-hour conversation about magick—and much, much more. According to Damien, this episode is one of his last podcast appearances, so I was very honored to get the time to sit down with him. If you wish to continue following Damien and his teachings, you can find him on his Patreon page, where he shares extensive content on the practice of magick. And make sure to check out Magick.Me, my online school for magick, meditation, and mysticism...! The school's growing rapidly, with a large faculty of teachers offering a wide array of classes on the wide world of magick, including Tarot, astrology, Hermeticism, chaos magick, astral travel, and lots, lots more. New teachers and classes are constantly being added—check out Magick.Me here! Enjoy the episode, and see you in class!! Links: Damien Echols' Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DamienEchols Magick.Me: https://www.magick.me Subscribe to Ultraculture With Jason Louv: https://podcast.magick.me

Ep. 165: Shakespeare Decoded With Alan Green Jul 03, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome our special guest, Alan Green, a British-born pianist, composer, author, educator, and a scholar of the Shakespeare Authorship mystery. Alan's career is as diverse as it is impressive, having served as the musical director for Davy Jones of the iconic 60's pop group, The Monkees, and co-authoring two best-selling, award-winning books about their journey. Alan's passion for the Shakespeare Authorship mystery, a historical question surrounding the identity of the author behind the works attributed to William Shakespeare, has led him to create a variety of original works on the subject. These include "Bard", a musical, "Under A Shakespeare Moon", a novel, and a book series titled "The Holy Trinity Solution". In this episode, we delve into Alan's insights and experiences, exploring his unique blend of creativity, scholarly rigor, and a deep passion for uncovering historical truths. We also discuss his new show on Gaia, "Shakespeare Decoded", a captivating exploration of the mathematical codes and alchemical clues hidden within the works of Shakespeare. This series reveals Shakespeare's connections with Freemasonry, Rosicrucians, and royal families, and takes viewers on a journey into a hidden world of espionage and esoterica. Also! The "Magick of Tarot" course offered by Magick.Me is going strong, and the rave reviews are coming iin! This comprehensive course, guided by the world's greatest teacher of the Art, author Lon Milo DuQuette, is a transformative journey into the arcane world of Tarot. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, this course promises to enrich your practice and ignite your spiritual evolution. One of the highlights of the course is a guided meditation journey through all 22 major trumps, led by DuQuette himself. Students who have completed the course have praised it highly. James M. said, "I will forever use the material as reference for not only Tarot, but all esoteric exploration." And musician Aaron M. compared the course to a great record produced by a modern contemporary master in the same genre. So why wait? Embark on your journey today with "The Magick of Tarot". Visit tarot.magick.me to start your journey today. Join us in this episode as we explore the fascinating intersections of literature, history, and mystery with Alan Green...! Show Links: Shakespeare Decoded ToBeOrNotToBe: https://tobeornottobe.org/ The Magick of Tarot: https://tarot.magick.me

Ep. 164: Screamin Jay Hawkins: I Put a Spell On You Jun 26, 2023

Show notes

In this fascinating episode of Ultraculture, host Jason Louv sits down with Steve Bergsman, the author of "I Put a Spell On You: The Bizarre Life of Screamin' Jay Hawkins." This book brings together hundreds of interviews with the larger-than-life musician Screamin' Jay Hawkins, his family, and bandmates to weave a new tale of the life of this seminal rock and roll pioneer. In our conversation, Steve dives into the life of Screamin' Jay, a man who was as enigmatic as he was influential. Known for his haunting performances where he emerged from a coffin singing "I Put A Spell On You," Screamin' Jay has long captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the landscape of music and black identity. Join us as Steve shares insights into Screamin' Jay's self-created myth and the nearly unbelievable truth of his life, drawing from his extensive research and interviews. This episode is a must-listen for any fan of rock and roll history, music lovers, or anyone interested in the complex interplay between identity and performance. And after listening, consider diving deeper into the mystical with our new Magick of Tarot course...! Guided by world-renowned occult author Lon Milo DuQuette, this comprehensive course offers over 4 1/2 hours of insightful video content, guided meditations, and thought-provoking exercises to help you unlock the mysteries of the universe and transform your life. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, this course promises to enrich your practice, ignite your spiritual evolution, and guide you toward your ultimate destiny. Experience highlights like a guided meditation journey through all 22 major trumps and even create your own Tarot deck, a tangible reflection of your journey. The Magick of Tarot respects your time with its self-paced and fully recorded design, offering lifetime access across all your devices. Regardless of your experience level or gear, this course promises to be transformative for everyonee. Invest in yourself today by enrolling in "The Magick of Tarot." Your future self is already thanking youu.. Change your reality one conversation, and one course, at a time...!

Ep. 163: John Michael Greer on the Magical and Occult Roots of Political Power Jun 19, 2023

Show notes

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with the multifaceted John Michael Greer, an American author, blogger, occultist, and teacher known for his writings on ecology, politics, appropriate technology, oil depletion, and the occult. Greer shares his insights on the role of magic and the occult in the rise of the ultra-conservative right, focusing on the unexpected presidential victory of Donald Trump in 2016, as discussed in his latest book, "The King in Orange: The Magical and Occult Roots of Political Power". Plus! Find out about the "Magick of Tarot," the latest course offered by Magick.Me...! This comprehensive course, guided by the world's greatest teacher of the Art, author Lon Milo DuQuette, is a transformative journey into the arcane world of Tarot. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, this course promises to enrich your practice and ignite your spiritual evolution. To learn more, visit https://tarot.magick.me...!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Ultraculture With Jason Louv

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected