Alexander Schmid Podcast

In this special episode, Mr. Wes Schantz and I firmly mark our presence in the podcast scene by thrusting a metaphorical (metaphysical?) stake into the ground. We (a) declare our current goals, and how they have been shaped over our time collaborating so far; (b) we consider our current projects and other collaborators and their projects, (c) and just what it is that the true teacher seeks to convey to his students. (d) We also announce a new project analyzing selected American poetry as professional development for teachers.

In this episode of Potter's Pockets, Ms. Sarah Miller and Mr. Wes Schantz and I talk (a) about the roots of "Writing on the Wall" in the Book of Daniel; (b) we spin a strange theory about Moaning Myrtle and Tom Riddle's potential connection, and (c) we consider what it means to get "sucked in" to a book!

In this installment, Mr. Vince Reese, Mr. Wes Schantz and I talk up to the siege on Shinra HQ. We consider (a) each other's approach to battle strategy, (b) Aeris as a connecting force/superordinate goal shares between party members (now), and (c) how one has a limited time to realize one's self and dreams. Then Vince drops a bombshell (grenade) at the end.

In this episode, Mr. Wes Schantz and I tackle Dr. Jordan B. Peterson's "Maps of Meaning." We consider (a) the significance of his mythological/archetypal project, (b) the significance of the lie, and (c) the necessity of the use of the logos and alignment with the path of the hero in life. I also lose my train of thought twice.

In this episode with Ms. Sarah Miller and Mr. Wesley Schantz, we consider (a) what is the real magic in these stories we weave? (b) is Gilderoy Lockhart and this book itself an embodiment of a "sophomoric" attitude all must pass through, and (c) is a changing world both among magic folks and in our own reality reflected in the pages of Harry Potter?

In this episode of Side Quests, the enigmatic Vincent Reese, the studied Wesley Schantz and I explore Final Fantasy VII's (a) House of Aeris, and (b) Wall Market. We contend with (a) whether Aeris is a spirit in a dream, like Puck in a "Midsummer's Night Dream," or an archetype of the unconscious, the anima; (b) we consider traditional and contemporary views on gender and how this relates to Cloud's cross-dressing, and (c) we consider the meaning of life as manifested in play.

In this episode, Mr. Vincent Reese, Mr. Wes Schantz, and I discuss (a) the second reactor and boss battle, (b) the nuances of ethics in gameplay choices and how they relate to our own lives, and (c) how a game or story read or played as a youth can have an orienting effect on a wayward (or on-target) adult.

In this episode of Potter's Pockets, Ms. Sarah Miller and Mr. Wes Schantz and I talk about "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" chs. 6-8. We consider (a) the relationship between hate-speech and changing power dynamics in the wizarding world, (b) the changing social dynamics that accompany the "sophomore" year, and (c) what is the treasure to be retrieved from the underworld of Sir Nick's Deathday party?

In this episode, Mr. Oscar Ortiz and I discuss: (1) what is the strongest foundation of leadership, (2) what is the relationship between one's sacred and secular duty (what is the sacred?), and (3) how does one's role as a leader relate to the role of a father?

In this episode of Side Quests (12 not 16 as I said!), we introduce Mr. Vincent Reese alongside Square's epic masterpiece: Final Fantasy VII. Is Shinra an oppressive and tyrannical regime? Why does Cloud use a sword and Barret a gun? Does the music bring you back to childhood? Is Heraclitus right that "one cannot step in the same river twice"?