In this episode, recorded after the multi-faith traditions panel at The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries Convocation, we talk to Queen Mother about syncretism and the way that spirit works in the world. She describes the traditions that she belongs to and how they work together for her. We discuss the responsibilities of priests, aspects of initiation, and how magick, and the gospel, is a tool of spirit that can be used for both good and ill. We also discuss her role at City of Refuge and how ...
Jul 27, 2015•45 min
What is Druidry? In this episode, Dr. Brendan Howlin explains his Druid path and how to be a urban Druid. We also discuss how science and spirituality coexist together, and how it’s not automatically the case that you have to give up your religion to be a scientist. Dr Brendan Howlin is a professional scientist and Druid. He’s been a scientist longer than a Druid but has been a member of OBOD (the order of Bards, Ovates and Druids), the largest Druid order worldwide, for 18 years. He is science ...
Jul 02, 2015•42 min
Monica Joy Cross joins us in this episode to talk about her experiences as a transgender Person of Color in a primarily white denomination. What do we need to do to have the conversation about race in our society? Do we need a more radical solution? How do we, both black and white, see beyond our personal experiences to see the systems that keep us in this cycle of mutual destruction and create change? How do we create the Kingdom of God in us to create the Kingdom of God around us? Monica Joy C...
Jun 20, 2015•1 hr 1 min
What is inclusive Wicca? In this episode we talk to author Yvonne Aburrow about her new book "All Acts of Love and Pleasure: Inclusive Wicca" which was also recently reviewed on The Wild Hunt . How does this manifest in traditional British Wicca? How has the craft evolved over the years? Why do people still cling to these outmoded and outdated traditions, and why are they so resistant to change? Yvonne Aburrow has been a Pagan since 1985 and a Wiccan since 1991. She has an MA in Contemporary Rel...
Jun 12, 2015•56 min
In this meandering and irreverent episode, we talk to YouTube personality and magician Billy Brujo. We talk about many things including the nature of magick, why he started “The Black Magick Cooking Show,” why art is an important way to tell us about ourselves, and why we shouldn’t take ourselves quite so seriously. Also, Batman. And Fight Club. And DragonBall Z. Note: This episode meanders quite a bit and contains some colorful language. Formerly employed by the L.A.'s most high-end and renown ...
Jun 05, 2015•1 hr 15 min
In this bonus episode, Lasara Firefox Allen and I discuss her upcoming book which is tentatively titled “The Five-Fold Goddess,” which reconstructs the phases of the Goddess to move away from the more body-centered lore of Maiden, Mother, and Crone. Is the feminine divine, as most Pagan traditions practice it outdated? Why do some groups who claim a feminism that is meant to make us more than our bodies cling to rituals that are based on the uterus? Why does our society assume these roles of wom...
May 31, 2015•1 hr
In this episode, we talk to Rev.Fred-Allen Self, who tells his story about realizing his true self, leaving his fundamentalist Christian background, and how he got to where he is in his ministry today. We also talk about how representation is not only important but can literally save lives, how “Fundamentalism” transcends religious or political tradition, and the promise of youth and the internet. Note: The prisoner on death row who writes about the prison system is Mumia Abu-Jamal. (Apologies f...
May 25, 2015•1 hr 8 min
This week we talk to Mark Green, an Atheopagan (or Atheist Pagan). Do you need to believe in deity, spirits, or God in order to have a fulfilling spiritual practice? What is the difference between dogma, belief, and practice (or craft)? And sure, we throw in a little politics in for good measure. Mark Green is a nonprofit and political professional who has devoted most of his career to environmental protection efforts. He is the creator of Atheopaganism, an Earth-honoring, science-based Pagan pa...
May 08, 2015•42 min
In this episode we talk to River Devora, Santera and Heathen, and learn about what Santeria is and is not. What are the misconceptions, and how much has been distorted or twisted by fear? Why do other pagans fear this tradition? What role does racism play in the reactions of people who are outside the tradition? What about animal sacrifice? How do we show respect, not only to this tradition, but to those who practice it? River Devora is a multi-trad spirit worker, medium, and clergyperson. She h...
May 01, 2015•50 min
This episode, we welcome Diana Morningstar, who tells us about her coming out and transition as a transgender woman. She also talks about her life in the pagan and queer communities, pre- and post-transition. Diana gives an honest look at herself, her certainties and doubts about transitioning, and her gravitation towards Goddess culture and the issues she ran into in that culture. Diana Morningstar has been involved in the neopagan movement since the mid 80's and has participated in Church of A...
Apr 24, 2015•50 min
Lupa GreenWolf joins us in this episode to discuss alternate ways to be an environmentalist and how every little bit helps. How do we navigate the complexities of environmentalism and activism, particularly if someone is a city-dweller and rents their house or apartment? How do we acknowledge that sometimes people can’t do what other people think they should be doing for activism for many reasons: from disability to matters of food justice? We talk about how it’s important to acknowledge one’s s...
Apr 17, 2015•59 min
In this episode we’re joined by Dee Shull to talk about the concept of hospitality and the inclusion of gender variant people in rituals. How do we show hospitality to those who are different? What is a responsible way to be inclusive, even if your group doesn’t represent as a diverse group as the members would like? How do we create as safe a space as possible? N.B.: This episode was recorded shortly after Pantheacon 2015. There were also technical problems with the sound (my own fault, really)...
Apr 12, 2015•56 min
In this episode we’re joined by Lauren Renee Hotchkiss, seminarian and musician, to talk about the role of music in spiritual practice, both Christian and Pagan. How does music touch our hearts? What music touches our spirit, and how can music help us through the difficult times? We also talk about activism, including the recent Bay Area protests for #blacklivesmatter, and about how both in the Pagan and Christian community we have our extremists. Lauren Renée Hotchkiss is a Christo-Pagan musici...
Mar 31, 2015•40 min
This week we’re joined by Diane Miles, who is a Bishop in the Old (Independent) Catholic Church. Diane describes what the Old Catholic church is and how it compares to the Roman Catholic Church and Gnosticism. We also talk about power, change, hope, and how religions need to evolve in order to make it into the future. Diane Miles is a Bishop of the Old Catholic Church, a Reiki Master, a registered nurse, and interfaith chaplain, and a medium. Diane works out of Berkeley with a partner through th...
Mar 20, 2015•45 min
This week we are joined by Xochiquetzal Duti Odinsdottir. We not only talk more about the events of Pantheacon 2015 , but we also talk about how the progressive movement deals with issues of race. How do we open our eyes to how racism works in our society? What is the future of racism and social justice in America? How do we crack the lenses that we’ve been given by history and by our faiths so that we can see outside our smaller communities and groups? Xochiquetzal Duti Odinsdottir is genderque...
Mar 13, 2015•1 hr 10 min
In this episode, we are joined by Crystal Blanton, priestess, social worker, and author, to talk about not only the events that happened at Pantheacon 2015 , but also about why the discussion about racism in the Pagan community is important. We also talk about the wider issues of racism in America, and the realities of living as a Person (and Pagan) of Color. Crystal Blanton is a High Priestess, clinical counselor/social worker, graduate student in a Social Work program at a California State Uni...
Mar 07, 2015•55 min
This week we talk to Dave Menefee, alchemist and author, about alchemy, specifically plant alchemy. David explains what alchemy is, and how it differs from allopathic (western) medicines. We talk about why allopathic medicine is dragging it’s feet about the mind-body connection and how alternative medicines take more of the whole person into account. We also talk about the Philosopher’s Stone and Dave’s new book, “The Soul Thief.” N.B.: Dave mentions in the interview a CD for sale by the Philoso...
Feb 27, 2015•41 min
This week we talk with Joe Decker, photographer and co-creator of the website God Hates Shrimp. We not only talk about how the website came to be, but we also talk about the role of humor and satire in social commentary. Where is the line between free speech and hate speech? How do we navigate tragedies like the Charlie Hebdo shootings when one has problems with the content the paper was producing? This episode was recorded in front of a live audience on February 13, 2015 in the st4r.org/Circle ...
Feb 20, 2015•47 min
In this third episode that coincides with Pantheacon , we talk to P. Sufenas Virius Lupus about the evolution of gender in regards to Deity. Do the Gods really care about their, and our, gender? Can we create new deities that are inclusive and that work for us? How have we evolved in our thinking around gender? How does pagan isolationism contribute to issues of gender and inclusion? We also talk about how sharing and listening to the stories of people can put a human face onto the “other.” (And...
Feb 13, 2015•1 hr 13 min
In this bonus TWIH episode, we welcome Sister Krissy Fiction, a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence from Portland, OR. We talk about what it takes to be a Sister, what the sisters do, and how Sister Krissy Fiction came to be. We also delve into gender non-conformance, theology, and how the pagan community is evolving. This is second in a series of interviews that coincide with Pantheacon . Sister Krissy Fiction, the nun that got nailed, is a Gnostic, Pagan, drag clown nun. In the past she has been a ...
Feb 12, 2015•47 min
This week we are joined by Emily Carlin to talk about the intersectionality of paganism and race and how the modern witchcraft movement is just beginning to really address it’s “whiteness.” How do we navigate the intersections of religion and race? Is secrecy inhibiting the conversation? What is the difference between responsible use of another culture’s magickal practices and cultural appropriation? Emily Carlin is an eclectic witch and attorney based in Seattle, Washington. She specializes in ...
Feb 06, 2015•1 hr 2 min
This week I had the privilege to interview Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone, who I consider elders of my own witchcraft tradition. In this extended episode we talk about the evolution of witchcraft from its roots with Gerald Gardner to modern times. We also talk about why secrecy isn’t necessarily a good thing, the differences between witchcraft in the US and Europe, how to do syncretism responsibly, why lineage doesn’t matter, why gendered polarity isn’t necessary, and what it means to be a priest o...
Jan 31, 2015•1 hr 25 min
This week we have Rev. Mark Townsed, author of several books including “Jesus Through Pagan Eyes”. We talk about his journey through both the Church of England and Druidry, and being a multi-faith practitioner. (Apologies for the Skype noise. Trans-atlantic Skyping has it’s issues!) Mark Townsend is a magician with a difference! He is a Priest, though he NEVER pushes his religious or spiritual beliefs onto others. Rather, he uses magic to awaken people to their own inner ‘spark of magic’ - their...
Jan 23, 2015•55 min
In this week’s interview, we talk with Connie McEntee, a good friend of mine and a transgender woman about her process of transitioning. We talk about how the impact of her transition changed her life and her relationships with her family and children. Her transition also empowered her spirituality, not only in her own spiritual path, but in her spiritual communities. We also discuss how community and place can determine how smooth a person’s transition can be, and how not all communities are su...
Jan 09, 2015•1 hr 7 min
In this episode, Chris Hockley talks about his new ministry, “the found altar,” which is an online support for progressive small churches and clergy. How can we connect with each other instead of being in competition with each other? How do we work within our differences instead of fighting over doctrine? Chris Hockley is the founder of the found altar , a ministry dedicated to progressive spirituality and progressive spiritual practice. Originally from Laramie, WY Chris graduated from Dakota We...
Jan 02, 2015•51 min
This week on the show we are joined by Reverend Malcolm Byrd to talk about the impact of the systemic issues that leads to the events in Ferguson and New York City. We discuss how the internet has changed the face of social justice and has allowed more awareness of the broken-ness of the systems that are meant to protect us. We also discuss the issue in progressive movements of “one true way” -ism, and why utilizing all types of activism is important. Does the activism happening during this seas...
Dec 26, 2014•58 min
Guy S. Johnson joins us this week to talk about the intersections of ministry, race, gender, and why it’s important to specifically discuss why #blacklivesmatter. What do we do with a system that is broken on so many levels? How do we talk about saving the lives of people of color without addressing poverty, food scarcity, the education system, and the criminal justice system? Guy and I delve into the depths of why #blacklivesmatter is about more than what we are told it is in the media. Guy S. ...
Dec 19, 2014•1 hr 6 min
This week we have my friend and fellow priest, Denise Cicuto, who has been running a memorial ritual called Spirit Babies for the last several years. This ritual is for anyone of any gender who has experienced the loss of a child through abortion, still birth, miscarriage, or for any other reason. Denise shares her personal story and why she believes this ceremony is important. This podcast is in conjunction with the next Spirit Babies ceremony which will be held on December 20, 2014 at City of ...
Dec 12, 2014•48 min
In this week’s episode, we talk to Lizann Bassham about how she became both a Christian minister and a Reclaiming witch, and her journey embracing both/and. We also talk about how both communities (Pagan and Christian) react to multi-faith practice and how humanity is at a spiritual crossroads. Lizann Bassham has a B.A. in Psychology from San Francisco State University and an M.Div. from Pacific School of Religion. She is an ordained minister of The United Church of Christ and an active witch in...
Nov 21, 2014•52 min
In this week’s episode we talk with Dany Atkins about invisible disabilities and how they can be dismissed, not only in society in general, but in the Pagan community in general. People can get annoyed when confronted with their lack of thought about how to accommodate people who have disabilities. How can clergy be more responsible about accommodating for the disabilities we can’t see? Dany Atkins is a nationally known writer, educator, and activist on a variety of issues including body image, ...
Nov 14, 2014•52 min
