In this episode, Amanda and James recap their recent personal odysseys, returning to their respective hometowns in search of…something. Was there a call to adventure, or did the journey reveal its meaning only in hindsight?  From pivotal childhood sites to meditative circular practices, we explore how the most profound experiences often emerge only when we stop trying so hard to have them.

Episode Resources & Easter Eggs:

Written Works:

• Dive into Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey.
• Read the Odyssey (+4 if you listen to it!).
• Check out Nicholas Triolo’s The Way Around: A Field Guide to Going Nowhere.
• Try and buy the 10th Anniversary edition of The Buddhist Review, featuring the Dalai Lama (+1 if you obtain it).

Concepts:

• Read about nostos.
• Look up qigong (+2 if you can tell us how many times this has appeared in show notes...)
• What is kora, or circumambulation?
• Explore Mount Kailash.
• Learn about the hajj.
• Curious about genuflection?

Follow the Magic on Instagram & TikTok

Music Credit: “Switch Me On,” from silvermansound.com (2019).