Arthurian scholar John Matthews joins Rebel Spirit Radio to discuss "The Prophecies of Merlin", his new book co-authored with the late Martin Haverkamp, based on a 1498  printing that preserves rare, unfamiliar Merlin material. Matthews explains Merlin’s roots in the 6th-century Welsh figure Myrddin the Wild, Geoffrey of Monmouth’s influential prophecies. and how later “prophecies” were often written after the events to enable political and religious critique, including attacks on church corruption and accusations involving the Antichrist. He highlights new portrayals of a more human, morally complex Merlin, stories involving Morgan le Fay and multiple Ladies of the Lake, post-mortem “Voice of Merlin” episodes, a flying stone tale, demon-parentage traditions, and links to the Grail, Prester John, and India.

Psychotherapist and educator Dee Dee Goldpaugh joins Revel Spirit Radio to discuss their book, Embrace Pleasure: How Psychedelics Can Heal Our Sexuality. They explain the book’s premise that everyone has a birthright to pleasure and a positive relationship with sexuality, that sexual trauma includes broader cultural shame and body policing, and that psychedelics can support embodied healing by helping people reconnect to their bodies, question entrenched narratives, and access deeper connection and spirituality. The conversation contrasts Western clinical and for-profit pharmaceutical models with indigenous and community-based ceremonial approaches, emphasizing ritual, integration, love, vulnerability, and the healing power of groups. We talk about queer experiences, the history of psychedelic conversion therapy, and the need for safer, more equitable access, harm reduction, and medicine testing, while noting real psychiatric and contextual risks.

n this episode, I welcome counselor and trauma-healing specialist Norma Burton and lucid dreaming practitioner and filmmaker Nisha Burton to discuss their book Navigating Liminal Realms. They define liminal realms as the in-between space connecting ordinary waking reality with non-ordinary reality (dreamtime), and describe the book as a training manual for safely navigating these states—especially as interest grows in psychedelics and shamanic practices. They emphasize preparation and “psycho-navigation” (learning universal and personal maps of the psyche), developing a safe container, and beginning integration before psychedelic ceremonies. Norma explains how trauma can fragment the psyche, how shadow material forms through splits between persona and unconscious, and frames healing as a gradual process akin to soul retrieval that individuals must do with guidance over time. Nisha and Norma describe lucid dreaming and drumming journeys as substance-free precursor practices that build agency, trust in inner guidance, and skills for meeting shadow material, including techniques for dream recall, reality checks, sustaining lucidity, and working with nightmares. The conversation also addresses Western tendencies to externalize authority, the importance of self-responsibility, decolonizing mind and soul, honoring lineage to avoid appropriation, and the idea that current global changes (including AI and climate crisis) reflect a collective liminal time calling for inner work and wholeness.

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Norma Burton https://normaburton.com/

Nisha Burton

https://nishaburton.com/

Navigating Liminal Realms

Inner Traditions

https://www.innertraditions.com/navigating-liminal-realms

Bookshop.org

https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/navigating-liminal-realms-psychonavigation-skills-for-lucid-dreaming-trance-journeys-and-psychedelic-experiences-norma-j-burton/7832500?ean=9798888501658&next=t

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In this episode of Rebel Spirit Radio, I welcome  author Jason Mankey to the podcast to discuss his book High Priest: Raymond Buckland the Father of American Witchcraft. We delve into the life and legacy of Raymond Buckland, his influence on modern witchcraft, from bringing Gardnerian Wicca to the United States to his welcoming approach towards the LGBTQ+ community. We also touch on Buckland's key works, including the iconic Big Blue Book, and the establishment of the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Cleveland, Ohio. Join the conversation to learn more about the history and evolution of witchcraft in America and the significant contributions of Raymond Buckland.

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Jason Mankey

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/panmankey/

High Priest

Llewellyn

https://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738769691

Bookshop.org

https://bookshop.org/p/books/high-priest-raymond-buckland-the-father-of-american-witchcraft-jason-mankey/dcb91dc4465da4fb?ean=9780738769691&next=t

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In this episode,  Christopher McIntosh returns to Rebel Spirit Radio to  discuss his latest book, the spiritual memoir, The Call of The Old Gods. The conversation touches upon McIntosh's journey into paganism, the definition and significance of paganism, and how it nourishes the different levels of the human being. We explore the role of cultural memory and the cyclical notion of history inherent in pagan beliefs. McIntosh shares personal anecdotes about his influences, notable figures in the esoteric world he has encountered, and the importance of reviving pagan traditions. The discussion also delves into the need for sacred spaces, the influence of Pan and other gods, and the growing interest in paganism and esoteric studies in modern times. 

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Christopher McIntosh

http://ozgard.net/

The Call of the Old Gods

Inner Traditions

https://www.innertraditions.com/the-call-of-the-old-gods

Bookshop.org

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-call-of-the-old-gods-my-occult-journey-on-the-pagan-path-christopher-mcintosh/ad1ea7a4e61fc65c?ean=9798888500934&next=t

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In this episode, I welcome back Brandon Grafius, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Academic Dean at Ecumenical Theological Seminary. Known for his unique expertise in both Biblical studies and horror, Brandon discusses his latest book, Scared by the Bible: The Roots of Horror in Scripture. We delve into the intersection of horror and biblical texts, unpacking how various genres within the Bible, from apocalyptic literature to body horror, can enrich our understanding of both sacred texts and horror narratives. Brandon also touches on modern horror films, generational anxieties, and the importance of understanding horror both in scripture and contemporary media. Tune in for a fascinating conversation that bridges the worlds of theology and horror fiction.

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Brandon Grafius

https://brandongrafius.com/

X:@brgrafius

Scared by the Bible

Bookshop.org

https://bookshop.org/p/books/scared-by-the-bible-the-roots-of-horror-in-scripture-brandon-r-grafius/1c14adc6367b538c?ean=9781640657830&next=t

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#horror #ScaredbytheBible #BrandonGrafius #bodyhorror #apocalypse #apocalyptic #thesubstance #thewalkingdead #horrormovies #horrorandthebible

In this episode, I am joined by Richard Kaczynski, an authority on the life and works of Aleister Crowley, to discuss the newly released annotated edition of Crowley's The Sword of Song. Throughout the conversation, Richard delves into Crowley's controversial reputation, upbringing in a fundamentalist Christian sect, and his struggle with Victorian societal norms. Richard also discusses Crowley's extensive contributions to Western Esotericism, including his interests in Buddhism, Hinduism, and ceremonial magic. This discussion offers unique insights into Crowley's philosophical evolution and offers valuable context for those interested in Crowley's early writings and their relevance today.

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Richard Kaczynski

https://richard-kaczynski.com/

The Sword of Song

Inner Traditions

https://www.innertraditions.com/the-sword-of-song

Bookshop.org

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-sword-of-song-called-by-christians-the-book-of-the-beast-aleister-crowley/0b836314ae96ef9d?ean=9798888501511&next=t

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In this episode I'm joined by multifaceted artist and author, Jake Kobrin to discuss his book The Path Within: Ritual Magic and The Gateway to Self-Mastery. Jake discusses the essence of magic, ethical considerations, and the transformative power of understanding one's true will. Jake also touches upon his personal experiences, contributions from guest teachers, such as Mitch Horowitz and Carl Abrahamsson and the interplay between art and magic. A must-watch for those interested in the profound impacts of magic on consciousness and well-being.

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Jake Kobrin

https://jakekobrin.com/ 

The Path Within

Crossed Crow Books

https://www.crossedcrowbooks.com/shop-crossed-crow-books/p/the-path-within

Bookshop.org

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-path-within-ritual-magick-and-the-gateway-to-self-mastery-jake-kobrin/ff1edb3346127570?ean=9781964537160&next=t

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#ceremonialmagick #magick #ritualmagick #artandmagick #jakekobrin

In this episode I welcome psychotherapist, Tibetan Buddhism teacher, and founder of The Gradual Path, Miles Neal, to Rebel Spirit Radio where we dive into Miles's new book Return with Elixir. We explore themes such as the Hero's Journey, Carl Jung's psychology, and global crises like the ecological, economic, and mental health crises. We discuss the concept of paradigm sickness, and the importance of spiritual journeys for personal transformation. Tune in to learn about the interconnectedness of humanity, the role of compassion, and how to navigate chaos with wisdom and resilience.

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Mile Neale

https://www.milesneale.com/

https://www.gradualpath.com/

Return with Elixir

Inner Traditions

www.innertraditions.com/return-with-elixir

Bookshop.org

https://bookshop.org/p/books/return-with-elixir-four-maps-for-the-soul-s-pilgrimage-through-death-and-rebirth-miles-neale/8e54c3ac775cc44a?ean=9781644118436&next=t

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