There’s no greater mythic mind in modern podcasting than Josh Schrei, the voice and vision behind The Emerald. If you, like me, are already a fan of his deeply poetic and perspective-shifting show, then you’ll understand why I’ve wanted to have him on Life is a Festival since the moment I heard his episode on festivals. 

In this conversation, Josh and I explore the revival of myth in our modern moment. We talk about the ancient power of festivals, structure and fluidity of gender, the soul’s longing for meaning, and the complex challenges facing young men. We also touch on the pitfalls of self-importance and how myth can humble and reorient us. Finally, we explore the necessity of daily ritual, and how embodiment through practice keeps the sacred alive.

Josh Schrei is a mythteller, teacher, podcaster, and founder of The Emerald, a beloved show that brings together sweeping narratives, cinematic sound design, and interviews with renowned thinkers to reawaken the mythic imagination. A lifelong student of mythologies—particularly from the Indian subcontinent — Josh brings decades of study in yoga, meditation, wilderness rites, music, and the arts into his teaching. He also leads The Mythic Body, an immersive course designed to re-enliven the soul through story and practice.

Timestamps

• (05:03 The Power of Myth in Modern Times
• (23:44) The Role of Festivals in Human Culture
• (39:18) The Mythic Relationship to Gender
• (42:34) The Need for Young Men's Rituals
• (57:33) The Healing Journey and Plant Medicine
• (01:05:36) Daily Practices for Healing and Connection
• (01:10:23) The Importance of Relational Coherence

Links

• Joshua Michael Schrei | Creating The Emerald
• The Mythic Body: Home
• The Emerald | Podcast on Spotify
• Josh Schrei (@the_emerald_podcast)
• Festivals! Initiation and the Brilliance of Eternity