In this second conversation of Ruptures and Roots, Joshua sits down with “soul friend” Josh Harper to explore themes of masculinity, healing, and transformation. Together they reflect on the wounds of anemic masculinity and the possibilities that open when men integrate feminine energy into their lives. Josh shares the Flowering Wand, from the book by Sophie Strand, as a new archetype for masculinity—one rooted in regeneration, growth, and authenticity.

Their exchange moves through personal healing journeys, the role of grief as a teacher, and the power of somatic practices, community, and men’s groups in supporting transformation. They also delve into the importance of nature connection—especially night hikes—as a way to deepen intuition, emotional honesty, and spiritual grounding.

The conversation culminates in reflections on parenting, vulnerability, and what it means to walk together toward the Great Turning: a shift into regenerative living and authentic relationship with self, community, and the more-than-human world.

In this first conversation for Ruptures and Roots, Joshua sits down with Sungil Fleischman to explore the ongoing nature of rupture and transformation. Together they reflect on Sungil’s journey of healing from a high-control religious background and the practices that have helped him root deeper into his authentic self.

The conversation touches on parts work and Internal Family Systems (IFS), the challenges of navigating relationships and setting healthy boundaries, and how parenting transforms when children are free to express their emotions. From psychedelics and plant medicine to hiking, meditation, and emotional expression, Sungil shares insights into the many ways rupture can become an opening into deeper connection.

This episode culminates in reflections on embracing the unknown and recognizing the generational impact of healing work.

In this trailer, host Joshua Swenson introduces Ruptures and Roots — a podcast born from his own journey of healing and awakening. Along the way, he’s met companions with powerful stories of rupture and renewal, and this podcast is a circle for those voices.

Subscribe now to hear their stories in upcoming episodes.