In this unforgettable episode, Dr. John Price sits down with writer, ritualist, and mytho-technologist Sean Manseau, whose work bridges depth psychology, psychedelics, performance, and esoteric theology. Together, they explore Entheogenic Fitness Training (EFT)—a radical spiritual system designed for the metamodern age.

EFT combines physical resistance training, psychedelic states, mythic storytelling, and ritual performance to create a structured path of transformation. At its core is the archetype of the Phonomancer—a shamanic superhero trained to channel divine energy through movement, voice, and ecstatic states.

Sean also shares the inner journey behind his visionary book The Devil You Know, a Jungian-style self-analysis written as a dialogue between two imagined selves. This conversation offers a deep dive into imagination, magic, trauma, shadow work, and the struggle to maintain integrity while mapping new sacred ground.

From ayahuasca visions to ecstatic dance, from black magic to simulated belief, this is a conversation for those willing to question what’s real, what’s possible, and what the future of spiritual practice might become.

Topics Covered:

How suffering can become sacred resistance

Psychedelics as initiatory stressors (not just therapy)

Make-Believe vs. Make-Belief as spiritual technology

Designing a religion for the age of simulation

The adversary as a real force in consciousness

Ritual performance as a container for ego death

From anima to AI: dialoguing with the inner divine

Addiction, psychosis, and how to build inner structure

The idea of “Functional Enlightenment” and training spiritual capacity

Gnosis, the Christ archetype, and becoming a conscious myth-maker

In This Episode

(00:00) Introduction and updates

(06:35) Ayahuasca, ritual, and the origin of EFT

(13:00) Phonomantic method and psychedelic training

(17:00) Make-believe, religion, and sacred play

(22:00) Ecstatic states, magic, and the imaginal

(30:00) Dark magic, possession, and archetypal rage

(35:00) Writing The Devil You Know as active imagination

(41:00) Addiction, psychosis, and safety in altered states

(49:00) Resistance, shamanic ecology, and loving the adversary

(57:00) What is Functional Enlightenment?

(1:14:00) Christ 2.0 and the collective evolution of soul

(1:26:00) Ending the psychedelic Tower of Babel

Subscribe to stay connected to conversations on psychology, mysticism, imagination, and the evolving face of spiritual practice.

Find Sean at: https://www.phonomancer.com/home

Learn more: www.drjohnwprice.com

Sign up for the newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @thesacredspeaks

Check us out at www.thecenterforhas.com

In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, I sit down with Dr. Gregory Shaw—renowned scholar of Neoplatonism and author of Hellenic Tantra and Theurgy and the Soul—to explore a forgotten path of spiritual transformation: theurgy.

Together, we investigate:

What theurgy actually is—not as abstract philosophy, but as a living practice.

How modern culture’s loss of a mythic worldview creates both psychological pathology and spiritual hunger.

Why Iamblichus taught that the divine does not live “elsewhere” but is present within matter itself.

How ancient rites and rituals can restore a sense of sacred participation in our lives today.

Gregory Shaw’s work bridges ancient philosophy and contemporary spirituality, showing how ritual, sacred embodiment, and symbolic consciousness can help us recover the animistic worldview our culture has lost. This conversation moves beyond ideas—it’s a call to remember.

Subscribe to The Sacred Speaks for more conversations at the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and myth.

Learn more about Gregory Shaw:

• Hellenic Tantra: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVN69KY7

• Theurgy and the Soul: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0271023228

• Interview on The SHWEP Podcast: https://shwep.net/podcast/gregory-shaw-on-the-phenomenology-of-iamblichean-theurgy/

Connect with me:

• Website & offerings: https://www.drjohnwprice.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/

• Podcast archive: https://www.youtube.com/c/thesacredspeaks

In this episode of 'The Sacred Speaks,' host Dr. John W. Price engages in a conversation with Dr. Miles Neale, a Buddhist psychotherapist and esteemed teacher. Dr. Neal, who specializes in Tibetan Buddhism and contemplative practices, discusses his book, 'Return with Elixir,' which maps out the pilgrimage through death and rebirth. The discussion explores the intricacies of ancient Greek dream temples, Jungian psychology, and Tibetan tantric practices. Dr. Neal also shares his personal journey, including the impact of a significant mentor-mentee relationship, and the transformative power of pilgrimages, both outer and inner. He reflects on a recent pilgrimage in the Sum Valley, emphasizing the importance of virtue and integrity in the present age. This episode invites listeners to explore the ancient wisdoms and methodologies that guide the path to self-discovery and holistic healing.

In this episode

(00:00) Introduction and Guest Overview

(01:09) Host Announcements and Updates

(03:09) Introducing Dr. Miles Neal

(03:57) Exploring Ancient Healing Practices

(05:54) The Journey of Writing 'Return with Elixir'

(18:07) Critique of Modern Western Medicine

(28:30) Personal Transformations and Pilgrimage

(53:20) The Role of the Inner Guru

(59:03) The Mythological Journey to Sun Valley

(59:55) The Mission of Lama Zopa

(01:01:08) Building the Stupa: A Symbol of Enlightenment

(01:05:59) The Collapse of Civilization and the Role of the Stupa

(01:09:16) The Importance of Virtue and Integrity

(01:15:06) Pilgrimages and Inner Journeys

(01:21:13) The Tibetan Art of Dying and Reincarnation

(01:38:25) The Living Tradition of Tantra

(01:52:07) Final Thoughts and Reflections

Connect with Miles Neale

Website https://www.milesneale.com/

Instagram @milesneale https://www.instagram.com/milesneale/?hl=en

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/DrMilesNeale

Website for John:

www.drjohnwprice.com

WATCH:

YouTube for The Sacred Speaks

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/

@thesacredspeaks

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/

Brought to you by:

https://www.thecenterforhas.com

Theme music provided by:

http://www.modernnationsmusic.com

Check out John’s new website https://www.drjohnwprice.com/

Join The Open Gate – A Monthly Journey Through the Emotional Underworld

The Open Gate is a live, monthly membership circle where we explore what I call the Little Teachers—emotions like shame, jealousy, and anxiety—not as pathologies, but as sacred guides.

Each gathering includes teaching, meditation, journaling prompts, and a chance to reframe suffering as initiation.

If you’re longing for community, rhythm, and depth—this is a space to walk that path. - https://www.drjohnwprice.com/the-open-gate-lt

In this deeply reflective solo episode of The Sacred Speaks, host John W. Price explores the elusive and powerful principle of the feminine—drawing on insights from his previous interviews with Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles (author of Women in the Bible) and Elise Loehnen (author of On Our Best Behavior).

John shares personal stories of his own initiation into the world of nurturing and care as a single father, and discusses how our culture’s overemphasis on the masculine has led to the neglect and invisibility of feminine values like intuition, mystery, and nurturing.

Through the lens of archetypes—not gender—John examines how both masculine and feminine energies exist in all of us, and why restoring harmony between them is essential for personal and collective well-being.

Using metaphors from music, psychology, and mythology, he invites listeners to embrace the mystery, honor the feminine, and seek a sacred balance within themselves and the world.

Some key takeaways:

The feminine represents mystery, intuition, and nurturing—qualities often undervalued in our culture.

Masculine and feminine are archetypal energies, not tied to gender, and both are needed for inner and outer harmony.

Restoring balance means honoring both energies, embracing the unknown, and seeking integration rather than dominance.

In this episode

(00:00) Introduction and Episode Overview

(01:06) Synthesizing Interviews: Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles and Elise Loehnen

(01:50) Exploring the Feminine and Masculine Principles

(05:16) Personal Reflections and Experiences

(09:28) Cultural and Archetypal Analysis

(19:46) Insights from Jamie and Elise

(27:46) Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action

🌎Find John W. Price

WATCH:

YouTube for The Sacred Speaks

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/

@thesacredspeaks

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/

Brought to you by:

https://www.thecenterforhas.com

Theme music provided by:

http://www.modernnationsmusic.com

Join me for a live webinar – Reframing Suffering: The Little Teachers

We'll explore anxiety, jealousy, and shame as sacred teachers.

Date: Wednesday, May 14

https://www.drjohnwprice.com/littleteachers-event-2025

Make sure to check out the book Women in the Bible

https://www.amazon.com/Women-Bible-Interpretation-Resources-Scripture/dp/0664234011

In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, Dr. John W. Price speaks with Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles, a New Testament professor at SMU and ordained Baptist minister. The discussion covers Dr. Clark-Soles’ groundbreaking work on women in the Bible and her forthcoming book on psychedelics and Christianity.

Dr. Clark-Soles shares her insights into translation, interpretation, and the often hidden or misrepresented roles of women in sacred texts. The conversation also delves into her personal experiences—including participating in a psilocybin clinical trial—which deepened her spiritual understanding and informed her scholarship.

Together, they explore the complexity and richness of scriptural interpretation, the transformative possibilities of embodied reading, and the role of community, humility, and curiosity in authentic spiritual exploration.

🧠 Connect with Jaime:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaimeclarksoles/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaimeclarksoles/

Website: https://www.jaimeclarksoles.com/

In this episode:

(00:00) Introduction and Guest Overview

(00:29) Exploring Women in the Bible and Psychedelics

(02:25) Invitation to Upcoming Webinar and Resources

(03:52) In-Depth Conversation with Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles

(06:19) The Intersection of Religion and Psychedelics

(07:59) Personal and Professional Journey

(12:02) Challenges and Misconceptions in Christian Communities

(17:48) Hermeneutics and Interpretation of Scripture

(28:40) Fear and Pride as Obstacles to Learning

(38:49) Calendar Confusion and Community Building

(39:53) Psychedelics and Spiritual Experiences

(45:10) The Mystical Side of Christianity

(56:33) Women in the Bible: A Deep Dive

(01:13:13) Exploring Greek and Hebrew Language Nuances

(01:14:42) Patriarchy and Gender in Biblical Context

(01:17:13) Women’s Roles in Ancient Societies

(01:23:30) Reevaluating Female Biblical Figures

(01:28:16) Challenging Traditional Interpretations

(01:39:26) Finding Community and Hope in Faith

🌐 Website: www.drjohnwprice.com

🎥 WATCH on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg

📷 Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/

@thesacredspeaks

🐦 Twitter:

https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks

📘 Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/

🏛️ Brought to you by:

The Center for Healing Arts and Sciences

https://www.thecenterforhas.com

🎶 Theme music provided by:

Modern Nations

http://www.modernnationsmusic.com

In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, host Dr. John W. Price sits down with Elise Loehnen—writer, researcher, and author of On Our Best Behavior, a book that explores how the ancient moral framework of the seven deadly sins has been internalized by women, shaping their identities, relationships, and sense of worth.

This conversation is not just a review—it’s a ritual inquiry. Together, John and Elise explore:

The invisible “scripts” that define femininity in a patriarchal culture; How envy, pride, sloth, and other so-called “sins” reveal deeper spiritual truths; What Elise risked—and learned—by stepping out from her “invisibility cloak”; How patriarchal systems harm men as well, and the cost of emotional suppression; How men and women can co-create a future rooted in collaboration, not competition

The role of grief, longing, and sacred agency in personal and cultural awakening; Elise also shares behind-the-scenes insight into her writing process, her podcast Pulling the Thread, and her evolving work around binaries, individuation, and collective healing.

This episode is part of a broader arc on The Sacred Speaks focused on rebalancing the masculine and feminine within us and in our culture.

Join John for the upcoming live webinar:

Reframing Suffering – The Little Teachers

Explore anxiety, jealousy, and shame as sacred messengers

📅 Wednesday, May 14

https://www.drjohnwprice.com/littleteachers-event-2025

or see @thesacredspeaks on Instagram

👉 CONNECT WITH ELISE LOEHNEN:

Website: https://www.eliseloehnen.com/about

Check out Elise Loehnen’s powerful book:

On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to Be Good

https://www.amazon.com/Our-Best-Behavior-Seven-Deadly-ebook/dp/B0BN574QYK

Substack: https://eliseloehnen.substack.com/

Podcast: Pulling the Thread

🧭 CHAPTERS:

(00:00) Introduction and Guest Announcement

(00:12) Book Recommendation and Feminine Focus

(00:36) Upcoming Episodes and Personal Projects

(00:49) Cultural Excavation and Feminine Scripts

(03:30) Interview with Elise Loehnen Begins

(04:27) Exploring the Seven Deadly Sins

(06:00) Patriarchy and Cultural Conditioning

(16:54) Masculine and Feminine Archetypes

(20:04) Podcasting and Personal Growth

(25:33) Psychedelics and Personal Experiences

(41:25) Writing as a Transformative Process

(45:16) The 'Me' Story vs. The 'We' Story

(46:52) Individualism vs. Collectivism

(47:31) Individuation and Awakening

(48:36) The Matrix and Cultural Narratives

(50:24) Exploring Envy and Its Origins

(52:17) The Seven Deadly Sins and Their History

(56:45) Navigating Envy in Men and Women

(01:13:40) Patriarchy and Its Impact on Men

(01:19:26) Building a Bigger Tent for Everyone

(01:20:31) Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

🎧 Interview begins at (03:30)

🔗 THE SACRED SPEAKS:

Website: http://www.thesacredspeaks.com

WATCH:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg

FOLLOW:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/

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Brought to you by:

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🎶 Theme music by Modern Nations @ www.modernnationsmusic.com

Visit drjohnwprice.com to explore the new site and sign up for the free live webinar on May 14th at 7:00pm CST—a communal space to deepen this work together.

In this first solo episode of The Sacred Speaks, I open the door to a new format—one that invites reflection, story, and personal encounter. We begin with mentorship.

Drawing from Homer’s Odyssey, we explore the sacred roots of the mentor archetype. I offer reflections on what mentorship has meant in my life—from the early days as a musician to the path of a seeker—and trace the thread through conversations with two giants in this work: Father Richard Rohr and Dr. James Hollis.

We’ll move through the terrain of masculine energy, myth, music, therapy, and spiritual awakening—touching on what it means to be shaped by others and what it might mean to become a shaping force ourselves. I also share where the podcast is headed, including an upcoming turn toward the feminine.

You’re invited to consider your own mentors—those seen and unseen—and how they’ve helped guide your becoming.

🌀 Episode Guide:

(00:00) Introduction to Mentorship

(00:40) Welcome to The Sacred Speaks

(00:58) New Solo Format and Intention

(01:42) Mentorship and the Masculine Archetype

(03:27) Personal Encounters with Mentors

(05:34) Music as Initiation

(07:07) Therapy, Teachers, and Turning Points

(11:41) Rohr and Hollis: Two Guiding Lights

(21:00) Masculine Wisdom in Archetypal Form

(22:50) A Glimpse Ahead: The Sacred Feminine

WATCH:

YouTube for The Sacred Speaks

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/

@thesacredspeaks

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/

Brought to you by:

https://www.thecenterforhas.com

Theme music provided by:

http://www.modernnationsmusic.com

Check out Richard Rohr’s latest book, The Tears of Things, where he explores the wisdom of the prophets and the realities of social sin.

In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, I sit down with Father Richard Rohr—one of the most respected spiritual teachers of our time. We dive into the significance of prophecy, the necessity of self-awareness in transformation, and the ways in which religion can both illuminate and obscure the path to truth.

Father Rohr shares insights from The Tears of Things, his latest book, which reframes the role of the prophets—not as finger-wagging moralists but as voices crying out against the deep, systemic sins that threaten to unravel society. Our conversation moves through themes of non-dual thinking, the dangers of religious idolatry, and how true spiritual growth requires both inner work and a commitment to the collective good.

Throughout the episode, Richard offers deeply personal reflections on his own spiritual journey, the necessity of sadness and self-doubt, and the ongoing process of transformation that never really ends.

Episode Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction and Announcements

(02:44) Richard Rohr’s Spiritual Journey and Early Influences

(08:21) The Franciscan Way and the Practice of Humility

(13:39) The Trap of Dualistic Thinking and the Ego

(18:43) The Power of Initiation and Rites of Passage

(35:00) The Role of Prophets in Society Today

(47:23) Understanding the Concept of Demons and Possession

(49:14) The Father Wound and Healing Parental Relationships

(50:23) The Prophets and Their Enduring Insights

(50:52) The Remnant and the Wisdom of the Minority

(53:27) The Problem with Majority Rule and Empires

(57:29) Personal Struggles, Doubt, and the Spiritual Journey

(01:06:17) The Role of Sadness in Awakening and Solidarity

(01:10:55) Medicalizing Sin and the Social Consequences

(01:14:49) The Prophet’s Vision and Its Relevance Today

(01:18:40) Reflections on Life, Death, and Spiritual Evolution

(01:27:52) Final Thoughts: Reward, Punishment, and the Nature of Grace

Watch & Listen:

YouTube: The Sacred Speaks

Instagram: @thesacredspeaks

Twitter: @thesacredspeaks

Facebook: The Sacred Speaks

🙏 Brought to you by: The Center for Healing Arts & Sciences

🎵 Theme music by: Modern Nations

Announcements & Updates

Exciting news! In May, I’ll be hosting my first online workshop, where I’ll explore key ideas from my upcoming book. This is a free offering, and if you want to be part of it, you can sign up when the new website is live @. www.drjohnwprice.com

You’ll have six weeks to register—don’t miss it!

Also, I’m getting back into a regular podcast rhythm—two episodes per month, including at least one solo episode where I’ll dive deeper into the themes of spirituality, psychology, and transformation. I’ve had a full year, but I’m excited to re-engage with these conversations and this community.

So, let’s get into it. Richard Rohr, welcome to The Sacred Speaks.

In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, host Dr. John W. Price welcomes renowned Jungian analyst and depth psychologist Dr. James Hollis to discuss his new book, 'Living with Borrowed Dust: Reflections on Life, Love, and Other Grievances.'

The conversation explores significant themes such as confronting one's shadow, taking personal responsibility, and liberating oneself from societal and cultural scripts. Dr. Hollis shares personal experiences, including his own recent encounters with mortality and the importance of lifelong personal growth.

The episode also explores the role of dreams in psychological insight and emphasizes the necessity of asking large existential questions to live a fulfilling life. Listen in and get some profound advice from Dr. Hollis, who has a truly impressive six decades of analytical work and authorship to draw from.

👉Connect to James Hollis

Website https://jameshollis.net/

👉In this episode

(00:00) Welcome and Introduction

(00:07) Exciting Announcement from John

(01:50) Introducing Dr. James Hollis

(03:25) Deep Dive into 'Living with Borrowed Dust'

(04:51) Exploring Life's Big Questions

(07:40) Personal Reflections and Experiences

(17:34) The Gift of Mortality

(26:46) Shut Up, Suit Up, and Show Up

(28:39) Embracing Failure: The Path to Growth

(29:12) Facing Life's Intimidations

(30:56) The Role of Dreams in Self-Discovery

(31:50) The Power of Meaning and Symptomatology

(33:13) Exploring the Depths of Dreams

(34:39) The Autonomy of the Psyche

(39:24) The Wisdom of Historical Figures

(44:26) Modern Culture and the Abyss of the Self

(51:17) The Importance of a Larger Story

(51:55) Reflections on Learning and Teaching

(58:10) Gratitude and Passing It On

WATCH:

YouTube for The Sacred Speaks

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/

@thesacredspeaks

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/

Brought to you by:

https://www.thecenterforhas.com

Theme music provided by:

http://www.modernnationsmusic.com

Make sure to check out Henry’s book “Original Love” https://henryshukman.com/writing/original-love

Also check out the meditation app “The Way” https://www.thewayapp.com/?source=us_traffic

Welcome to The Sacred Speaks! In this episode, I sit down with Henry Shukman—a Zen teacher, poet, and co-founder of The Way meditation app. Together, we explore the profound mysteries of meditation, spirituality, and the human experience. Henry shares his journey from his early struggles with eczema and psychological challenges to his transformative awakening and his life as a Zen teacher.

We dive deep into Zen concepts, the beauty of ordinary experience, and the intersection of poetry and meditation. Henry offers wisdom on navigating common meditation hindrances and shares practical advice for cultivating awareness, deepening meaning, and connecting with the unseen currents of existence.

Join us as we uncover the power of meditation to transform both our inner and outer lives.

👉Connect to Henry Shukman

Website https://henryshukman.com/

The Way Meditation App https://www.thewayapp.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henryshukman/?hl=en

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA645lNnrksSrZIwe6mJ4mQ

(00:00) Welcome to The Sacred Speaks

(00:29) Introducing Henry Shukman

(01:27) Henry's Journey into Zen and Meditation

(03:24) The Essence of Zen Practice

(05:13) The Transformative Power of Meditation

(11:40) Early Struggles and Discoveries

(21:12) The Awakening Experience

(32:17) The Path to Healing and Teaching

(45:01) The Beauty of Ordinary Experience

(52:09) Exploring the Zen Concept of Oneness

(53:40) The Feminine Perspective in Philosophy

(54:58) Zen Stories and Their Parallels

(56:16) A Transformative Zen Experience

(01:00:13) The Intersection of Poetry and Meditation

(01:08:56) A Simple Guide to Meditation

(01:17:51) Navigating Cultural and Religious Views on Meditation

(01:25:23) Understanding and Overcoming Meditation Hindrances

(01:35:31) Final Thoughts and Gratitude