Ultraculture With Jason Louv

In this deeply thoughtful and enlightening episode, we have the pleasure of conversing with Anne-Marie Keppel, the award-winning author of "Death Nesting" and a fervent advocate for compassionate, holistic end-of-life care. Anne-Marie opens up about her journey into the realm of death doula practices and the insights that have shaped her understanding of death as a sacred rite of passage. Through her blend of ancient and modern techniques, she offers a unique perspective on caring for the dying and supporting loved ones through the grieving process. Anne-Marie delves into the practical aspects of caring for bedridden individuals, sharing techniques to ease the physical challenges of the dying process. She sheds light on the significance of emotional soothing, breathing practices, and the role of ceremony and energetic boundaries in creating a sacred space around the dying. Her insights into Reiki, ancestral support, and herbal care reveal a multifaceted approach to nourishing and healing on a spirit level. Li

Dive deep into the culinary history of America with our esteemed guest Christina Ward. From riding in the Wienermobile with Padma Lakshmi for "Taste the Nation" to her intriguing contributions to transgressive art, Christina's journey is nothing short of remarkable. In her latest offering, "Holy Food: How Cults, Communes, and Religious Movements Influenced What We Eat—An American History," set to release on September 26, 2023, Christina meticulously unravels how religious beliefs intersect with politics, economics, and most intriguingly, food. This work presents an alternate story of America, spotlighting true believers, charlatans, visionaries, and the many who walked behind them. She navigates with precision between academic studies, first-hand interviews, cookbooks, and religious texts, offering fresh insights into American history, all viewed through the lens of our kitchens. In this episode, we journey through the annals of religious influence on American culinary habits, discovering how food fads became

Embark on a transformative journey into the mystical realm of curanderismo with our distinguished guest Erika Buenaflor, M.A., J.D., a seasoned curandera and a descendant of a long lineage of grandmother curanderas...! With an academic foundation from the University of California, Riverside, focusing on Mesoamerican shamanism, Erika seamlessly weaves the ancient with the contemporary. Her latest work, 'Veneration Rites of Curanderismo: Invoking the Sacred Energy of Our Ancestors,' serves as a beacon, guiding us on how to reconnect with our ancestors, shape our destinies, and deepen our healing paths. From the sacred energy of ancestors manifesting in various forms to the deification process of esteemed forebearers, Erika delves deep into the heart of ancestral veneration. In this episode, Erika unveils the rich tapestry of curanderismo, from the profound trance journeys and sacred gardening rituals to the art of ancestral altar-making and the path of Nepantla spirituality. Whether you're well-versed in curand

Today, we journey deep into the world of occultism with very special guest Mitch Horowitz, a PEN Award-winning historian, writer-in-residence at the New York Public Library, and a voice that has garnered respect across academic, journalistic, and subculture circles. Mitch's latest book 'Modern Occultism: History, Theory, and Practice,' takes us on a vibrant, epic journey through the annals of occult history. From the magical corridors of Cleopatra's reign to the revolutionary ideas of Madame H. P. Blavatsky, and the spiritual awakenings ignited by figures such as Aleister Crowley and Carl Jung. In his new book, Mitch unfolds the tapestry of hidden wisdom, the rise and influence of secret societies, the migration of magickal systems, and even the often-overlooked occult influences on iconic figures like Frederick Douglass and Isaac Newton. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of occultism in thought and practice. From the rebirth of esoterica during the Renaissance and the fin de siècle scientists studying th

Connie Zweig, Ph.D., author of "Meeting the Shadow on the Spiritual Path: The Dance of Darkness and Light in Our Search for Awakening," joins us in an enlightening conversation that delves into the complex interplay between spiritual longing and the shadow self. This episode explores the journey of spiritual awakening, the challenges of betrayal and disillusionment, and the path to rekindling spiritual inspiration. In this intimate discussion, Dr. Zweig explains why we are drawn to charismatic leaders and what we unconsciously give away to them. She sheds light on how to reclaim our inner spiritual authority and how to recover from spiritual abuse. Through the practice of psychology and shadow-work, she guides us in breaking free from denial, projection, and dependency. We explore the lives of renowned spiritual teachers such as Sufi poet Rumi, Hindu master Ramakrishna, and Christian saint Catherine of Siena, whose spiritual journeys were marked by both ecstatic experiences and painful encounters with their s

Swedish author Carl Abrahamsson and American artist and psychoanalyst Vanessa Sinclair join us in an engaging conversation that explores the integration of magic, art, and psychoanalysis in their daily lives. As a married couple, they have successfully merged these fascinating fields, creating a unique blend of creativity, self-discovery, and mystical exploration. In this episode, Sinclair & Abrahamsson take us on a journey through their ideas, theories, practices, experiences, collaborations, successes, and even occasional failures. They share their relentless pursuit of erasing the boundaries between magic, mysticism, art, and the unconscious, experimenting with various artistic expressions while strengthening their occult work. We delve into their relationships with influential figures such as Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, their experiments with the cut-ups technique of William Burroughs and Brion Gysin, their insights into the power of exposure and honesty, and their exploration of dreams, creativity, inertia

Paul Levy, author of "Undreaming Wetiko: Breaking the Spell of the Nightmare Mind-Virus," joins us in a profound conversation that delves into the depths of the human psyche and the insidious mind-virus known as "wetiko." A concept deeply rooted in Native American thought, wetiko represents a collective psychosis that is wreaking havoc on our world. Yet, as Levy passionately explains, within this very madness lies the key to our healing. In this enlightening episode, Levy explores the intricate connections between wetiko and ancestral trauma, revealing how the wounded healer/shaman archetype can be a catalyst for both individual and collective healing. We journey into the heart of multigenerational pain, understanding how it propagates through families and how recognizing the wounded healer within us can guide us through the dark underworld of the unconscious. Levy introduces us to the inner guide—a daemon/angel that resides within us, acting as an ally in our encounters with the daemonic energy of wetiko. We

Jim Christy is an author, artist, spoken word performer, and a man who was once described as 'one of the last unpurged North American anarchistic romantics.' With a life as colourful as his narratives, Christy's journey from the tough streets of South Philadelphia to his current residence in Ontario has been nothing short of extraordinary. In this intimate conversation, Christy reveals his diverse experiences with an array of unique personalities, from hobos and jazz musicians to boxers and prolific writers such as Charles Bukowski, Peter Trower, and Joe Ferone. We explore his adventures, his relationships, and his uncanny ability to transform life experiences into riveting tales and captivating performances. Jim delves into his childhood, recounting memories of growing up in a boxing-obsessed neighborhood, his early rebellious streak that found him riding freights, and his move to Canada to evade the Vietnam War draft. And we explore his fascination with outsiders, the heroes of his narratives, such as the v

In this episode of Ultraculture, we sit down with journalist Ika Johannesson to talk about her book BLOOD FIRE DEATH, on the history of Swedish Metal. From the book: "In the early 1990s, Swedish musicians revolutionized the international music scene with their groundbreaking interpretations of what Metal music could be. Suddenly, the mild-mannered Scandinavian country found itself at the forefront of a new movement with worldwide impact thanks to bands such as Entombed, Dismember, and At the Gates. The birth of black metal drove the culture to even greater extremes, featuring a rawer, darker sound and non-ironic death-worship. Soon churches in both Norway and Sweden were aflame, and before long Satanism emerged as more than just an image. "But how did it all start? Why did Sweden become a hotbed for such aggressive, nihilistic music? And who are the people and bands that brought it all about? Blood, Fire, Death: A Swedish Metal Story recounts the evolution of the genre from the massive amplifier walls of 1970

In this episode, we delve into England's Hidden Reverse—the history of the occult industrial bands Coil, Current 93, Nurse With Wound, Throbbing Gristle, Psychic TV, and the monumental spells they cast on music and popular occulture. Our intrepid guide on this journey is Scottish writer David Keenan, a literary and musical polymath known for his innovative contributions to the UK cultural scene. Born in April 1971, Keenan has worn many hats, from running Glasgow's iconic record shop, Volcanic Tongue, to shaping the dialogue around experimental music genres in The Wire magazine. As an author, he has written four critically acclaimed novels, with his debut, "This Is Memorial Device", bagging the Collyer Bristow Award for Debut Fiction. Keenan's seminal work "England's Hidden Reverse", the focus of this episode, is an in-depth exploration of the English esoteric musical underground, featuring exclusive biographies of the genre-defying bands Coil, Current 93, Nurse With Wound and many more. Based on exclusive int

I went to New Orleans and all I got was this awesome 2 1/2 hour sitdown with Damien Echols! Damien Echols, a profound teacher of magick, author, and martial artist, should need no introduction. You may know him from his appearance on the Midnight Gospel or his extensive work in the field of magick. In this episode, we sat down to take turns interviewing each other, resulting in a rich, two-and-a-half-hour conversation about magick—and much, much more. According to Damien, this episode is one of his last podcast appearances, so I was very honored to get the time to sit down with him. If you wish to continue following Damien and his teachings, you can find him on his Patreon page, where he shares extensive content on the practice of magick. And make sure to check out Magick.Me, my online school for magick, meditation, and mysticism...! The school's growing rapidly, with a large faculty of teachers offering a wide array of classes on the wide world of magick, including Tarot, astrology, Hermeticism, chaos magick

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome our special guest, Alan Green, a British-born pianist, composer, author, educator, and a scholar of the Shakespeare Authorship mystery. Alan's career is as diverse as it is impressive, having served as the musical director for Davy Jones of the iconic 60's pop group, The Monkees, and co-authoring two best-selling, award-winning books about their journey. Alan's passion for the Shakespeare Authorship mystery, a historical question surrounding the identity of the author behind the works attributed to William Shakespeare, has led him to create a variety of original works on the subject. These include "Bard", a musical, "Under A Shakespeare Moon", a novel, and a book series titled "The Holy Trinity Solution". In this episode, we delve into Alan's insights and experiences, exploring his unique blend of creativity, scholarly rigor, and a deep passion for uncovering historical truths. We also discuss his new show on Gaia, "Shakespeare Decoded", a captivating exploration of

In this fascinating episode of Ultraculture, host Jason Louv sits down with Steve Bergsman, the author of "I Put a Spell On You: The Bizarre Life of Screamin' Jay Hawkins." This book brings together hundreds of interviews with the larger-than-life musician Screamin' Jay Hawkins, his family, and bandmates to weave a new tale of the life of this seminal rock and roll pioneer. In our conversation, Steve dives into the life of Screamin' Jay, a man who was as enigmatic as he was influential. Known for his haunting performances where he emerged from a coffin singing "I Put A Spell On You," Screamin' Jay has long captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the landscape of music and black identity. Join us as Steve shares insights into Screamin' Jay's self-created myth and the nearly unbelievable truth of his life, drawing from his extensive research and interviews. This episode is a must-listen for any fan of rock and roll history, music lovers, or anyone interested in the complex interplay between identity

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with the multifaceted John Michael Greer, an American author, blogger, occultist, and teacher known for his writings on ecology, politics, appropriate technology, oil depletion, and the occult. Greer shares his insights on the role of magic and the occult in the rise of the ultra-conservative right, focusing on the unexpected presidential victory of Donald Trump in 2016, as discussed in his latest book, "The King in Orange: The Magical and Occult Roots of Political Power". Plus! Find out about the "Magick of Tarot," the latest course offered by Magick.Me...! This comprehensive course, guided by the world's greatest teacher of the Art, author Lon Milo DuQuette, is a transformative journey into the arcane world of Tarot. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, this course promises to enrich your practice and ignite your spiritual evolution. To learn more, visit https://tarot.magick.me...!

Step into a world less explored in this compelling episode of the ULTRACULTURE podcast—in an exclusive conversation with philosopher Ian Cutler, a unique scholar with a deep interest in the Cynic school and a personal passion for documenting the uncharted territories of society. Known for his detailed chronicling of the lives of tramps, vagabonds, and hobos throughout the world, Cutler's work sheds light on the often overlooked individuals that escaped the control grid of civilization to pursue freedom on their own terms. In our conversation, Cutler takes us on a fascinating journey, starting from his attraction to the Cynic philosophy and its context in modern life, to his captivating experiences in the field. As he recounts his encounters with these marginalized communities, Cutler challenges us to look at society from a new perspective, unearthing the wisdom hidden in the places least expected. If you've ever thought about packing it all in and heading off into the big wide world to chase thrilling adventu

Legendary occult author and teacher Lon Milo DuQuette stops by the podcast to talk about his new Magick.Me course, The Magick of Tarot...! A singer-songwriter, recording artist, and humorist, DuQuette is also the author of 19 critically acclaimed books (translated in 12 languages) on Magick and the Occult. Critics have called him one of the most respected and entertaining writers and lecturers in the field of the Western Mystery Traditions. He lives in Sacramento, California with his wife of over fifty years, Constance. Check out the course now at https://tarot.magick.me...!

In this exciting new episode of the Magick.Me Podcast, we delve into the mystical realms of spirituality and nature with esteemed guest Rev. Wendy Van Allen. An ordained interspiritual minister, counselor, and long-time practitioner of Wicca and the Lukumi Afro-Caribbean tradition, Rev. Van Allen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion. We explore the themes of her latest book, "Relighting the Cauldron: Embracing Nature Spirituality in Our Modern World." In this timely work, Rev. Van Allen addresses the urgent need for spiritual wholeness in the face of the climate crisis and social chaos. She reveals how we can save the planet through nature-based spiritual practices that unite Indigenous, African Diaspora, and Pagan faith traditions from around the globe. But that's not all! We're also thrilled to announce our brand new course with Lon Milo DuQuette, "Master the Magick of Tarot." This comprehensive Tarot course, available at tarot.magick.me, is designed to unlock the mysteries of the u

Darrel Perkins, author of the art book The End is at Hand: An Illustrated History of the Apocalypse, and professor of Visual Communication at the American University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, joins the podcast to talk about his experience chronicling humanity's obsession with the end of the world, and how mass movements and cults alike have projected their wildest fears onto reality throughout history. To start learning magick now, check out our free guided meditation at: https://start.magick.me

One of our all-time most popular guests, Bailey Jay returns to the show!! Bailey Jay is a transgender pornographic actress, adult model, presenter and podcaster. In 2011 and 2012, Jay won the AVN Award for transgender performer of the year. She also co-hosts the podcast The Bailey Jay Show (formerly Bailey Jay Radio) with her husband, photographer Matthew Terhune, the podcast The Trans Witching Hour with Bailey Jay (formerly Gender Coaching with Bailey Jay) that deals with spirituality, the horror-themed podcast Blood Lust with Bailey Jay and also co-hosts the transgender and transsexuality advice podcast Sugar and Spice (formerly Third Gender Radio) with Jen Richards of We Happy Trans. In 2014 she worked as a presenter for Vice Media on The Jim Norton Show. She appeared as a co-host in all four episodes before the show's cancellation. To start learning magick now, check out our free guided meditation at: https://start.magick.me