In this episode I get into what mythology really is, I’ll tell you the story of the oldest known myth, how mythology has evolved over time, and why it’s absence may be making our life harder today. Learn how mythology has shaped societies, supported survival, and continues to hold relevance today. Join me as we mythbust mythology and discover why these ancient stories are more than just tales of gods and heroes.

00:00 Introduction

00:56 Joseph Campbell's Four Functions of Myth

06:50 The Dawn of Mythology: Prehistoric Times

23:05 The Earliest Known Myth: The Seven Sisters

46:49 The Relevance of Mythology Today

Sources & Image Credits:https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/epic-of-creation-mesopotamiahttps://news.griffith.edu.au/2021/01/14/worlds-oldest-cave-art-discovered-in-indonesia/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4958132/https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/iraq/article/of-captive-storm-gods-and-cunning-foxes-new-insights-into-early-sumerian-mythology-with-an-edition-of-ni-12501/391CFC6A9361C23A0E7AF159F565A911https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7902358/#:~:text=Venus%20Figurines%20from%20Northern%20France,Willendorf%2C%20Germany%2028K%3B%20Chttps://www.britannica.com/event/Paleolithic-Periodhttps://jlunceford506.weebly.com/lesson-2.htmlhttps://theconversation.com/the-worlds-oldest-story-astronomers-say-global-myths-about-seven-sisters-stars-may-reach-back-100-000-years-151568https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_of_Willendorfhttps://www.aboriginal-art-australia.com/aboriginal-art-library/aboriginal-dreamtime/?srsltid=AfmBOorcaeV8rSg0Y15oEL25iwOnZ1eQAwQj-9YJmXoQ0iYVUSLqs2AGhttps://www.kateowengallery.com/page/The-Seven-Sisters-Dreamtime-Storyhttps://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Seven_Sisters_of_the_Pleiades/3GbYg26S8pUC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=the+seven+sisters+aboriginal+myth&pg=PA1&printsec=frontcoverhttps://emergencemagazine.org/essay/a-universal-lesson-of-the-seven-sisters-story/

Image credits: By Joan Halifax - flickr_url: [1], CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17242629By User:MatthiasKabel - Own work, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1526553By Taurus_constellation_map.png: Torsten Brongerderivative work: Kxx (talk) - Taurus_constellation_map.png, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10945356https://news.griffith.edu.au/2021/01/14/worlds-oldest-cave-art-discovered-in-indonesia/By NASA, ESA, AURA/Caltech, Palomar ObservatoryThe science team consists of: D. Soderblom and E. Nelan (STScI), F. Benedict and B. Arthur (U. Texas), and B. Jones (Lick Obs.) - https://hubblesite.org/contents/media/images/2004/20/1562-Image.html?Topic=104-stars-and-nebulas&keyword=pleiades (TIF image link), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7805481By Subaru Corporation - https://subaru.it/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=150315037

Nadley & Laura go into their recent trip to Teotihuacan pyramids in Mexico City. Joined by special guest Laura Ahmed, they share their experiences and insights from their guided tour with Julio from Corizon Chilango Tours. They discuss the architectural wonders, communal living structures, and potential historical theories about the ancient civilization that thrived over 750-800 years. The episode covers their journey through the residential compounds, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Pyramid of the Sun, highlighting fascinating details such as the use of sunken patios for star reflection and the existence of a mercury "river" beneath the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent. Nadley also propose the intriguing theory that Teotihuacan might have been a matriarchal society, reflected in their cultural practices and deities. The day ends with enriching cultural insights from local artisans and a traditional meal, making this episode a blend of history, culture, and personal anecdotes.00:00 Introduction and Special Guest00:11 Exploring Teotihuacan Pyramids00:30 Tour Guide Julio and the Journey03:12 Residential Compounds and Communal Living04:19 Sunken Patios and Star Reflections05:13 Pyramid of the Moon and Murals07:04 Acoustics and Ceremonies11:35 Pyramid of the Sun and Sun Halo17:13 Avenue of the Dead and Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent21:37 Tunnel of Mercury Discovery23:40 Theories on Teotihuacan's Unique Society24:15 The Great Goddess and Matriarchal Society26:48 Quetzalcoatl and Feminine Aspects in Mythology31:26 The Mysterious Downfall of Teotihuacan35:06 Exploring Teotihuacan's Magnetic Mysteries39:47 A Day in Teotihuacan: From Pyramids to Pulque40:17 Local Crafts and Culinary Delights44:35 The Importance of Guided Tours45:39 Final Thoughts and Farewell

We delve into the intriguing world of homunculuses, alchemy, and their surprising connections to modern AI technology. Join us as we explore the historical recipes and lore behind homunculi, the role of alchemists like Paracelsus, and the bizarre experiments in creating tiny humanoid creatures for various tasks. We also discuss the striking similarities between these ancient practices and today's advancements in artificial intelligence and organoid intelligence. This episode is a wild ride through history and science, drawing parallels between past and present attempts to outsource human labor and creativity. Tune in for a fascinating journey into the surreal and unsettling corners of alchemy and AI!

Blog with images mentioned in the pod:

https://nadknows.com/2025/07/22/ai-the-homunculus-of-the-21st-century/

Links to articles mentioned in the pod: https://newatlas.com/computers/finalspark-bio-computers-brain-organoids

https://www.livescience.com/lab-grown-minibrains-will-be-used-as-biological-hardware-to-create-new-biocomputers-scientists-propose

https://nerdist.com/article/lab-grown-brains-have-eyeballs/

https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/100767-largest-homunculi

00:00 Introduction

01:03 Understanding the Cortical Homunculus

03:12 The Alchemical Homunculus: Origins and Recipes

05:43 Homunculus in History and Culture

15:34 AI: The Modern Homunculus

25:31 Organoid Intelligence: The Future of AI

In the first deep dive of the Nad Knows podcast, Nadley explores the fascinating world of creation myths from diverse cultures around the globe. From the artistic inspiration of the Huichol people to the rich mythology of the Yoruba, Chinese, Norse, Greek, and other cultures, Nadley delves deep into the common themes and symbols that bind these ancient stories together. Highlighting the recurring elements of the egg, water, and the struggle to create order from chaos, Nadley presents the 'Nad Knows Blueprint to Creation Myths.' This episode dissects how different cultures have explained the origin of the world, the formation of land, and the creation of humans, providing a unique perspective that intertwines mythology, science, and art.00:00 Introduction to Nad Knows Podcast00:22 Discovering Huichol Art and Creation Myths02:57 The Nad Knows Blueprint to Creation Myths06:26 The Symbolism of the Egg in Creation Myths09:45 The Story of Pangu and the Cosmic Egg16:17 The Role of Water in Creation Myths18:17 The Yoruba Myth of Obatala and the Creation of Earth29:26 Methods of Creating Earth in Various Myths34:13 The Mayan Attempts at Creating Humans36:56 Reverence for Corn and Water37:24 Prometheus and Zeus: A Tale of Creation38:27 The Birth of Humans and Prometheus' Attachment43:50 Prometheus' Betrayal and Punishment46:08 The Role of Gods in Human Creation47:48 Myths Across Cultures54:05 The Dogon People and Lost Knowledge57:34 Questions to Wrinkle Your Brain01:01:24 The Evolution of Belief Systems01:12:02 Final Thoughts and Future Topics

🎙️ Welcome to the very first episode of Nad Knows!
In this introduction, host Nadley shares the personal story behind the podcast—how years of curiosity, travel, scientific study, and spiritual exploration led to the creation of a show that weaves together science, mythology, creativity, and human experience.

You’ll hear how a background in biology, a deep love for storytelling, and formative experiences across continents shaped the lens through which Nadley sees the world. This episode sets the stage for what’s to come: thought-provoking solo deep dives, unique perspectives on ancient and modern topics, and inspiring conversations with curious minds from all walks of life.

If you're someone who’s always seeking, always learning, and always wondering—you're in the right place.

📌 Topics in this episode:

• The personal journey behind Nad Knows

• From church trips to Mount Pelion to lab research and beyond

• Creative freedom, burnout, and finding your voice

• What to expect from future episodes

  
  

  Video Podcast available on Youtube & Spotify: https://youtu.be/f4Ni-3Sahso

  https://open.spotify.com/episode/6PDJoWsQmSdU9ePj8KRwSm?si=LZmx7SmWQN6IMZxmUCSrhg