Mythic Mind

While it is certain that any number of things may be "really going on," it is not difficult to make the case that the modern internet-saturated culture is plagued by unhealthy conspiratorial thinking.

What drives these tendencies?

How can C.S. Lewis help us to stay grounded in reality and responsibility?

In this episode, I seek answers to these questions with the help of Stephen Kent, who is a political TV commentator and columnist, author of How the Force can Fix the World, and host of Geeky Stoics.

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We were recently promised UFO/UAE files that would fundamentally disrupt biblical Christianity. In a shocking turn, these promises were not delivered, but this was a good occasion to discuss what C.S. Lewis had to say about the potential theological ramifications of discovering extraterrestrial life.

This series is a new venture that may one day become a regular show. I would be glad to hear your feedback and, if you like this idea, I welcome you to become a patron if you have not already done so. Once we reach 100 paid patrons, I will give it a...

In this episode of C.S. Lewis and the News, I discuss the ominous renaming of ICE to the N.I.C.E. and what our reception of King Charles reveals about our democratic ideals.

This series is a new venture that may one day become a regular show. I would be glad to hear your feedback and, if you like this idea, I welcome you to become a patron if you have not already done so. Once we reach 100 paid patrons, I will give it a green light!

Watch the video of this episode and...

In this episode, I introduce C.S. Lewis and the News, a new series (and hopefully one day new show) that examines the moving pieces of our world through the timeless writing of C.S. Lewis.

I discuss what the show is, what it is not, and I clarify what I mean when I refer to Lewis as a conservative.

Particularly as this is a new idea, I would love to hear your thoughts!

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/3s7_eNfdQL8

B...

If God has perfect knowledge of all time, do we actually have choices to make? To what extent can our wills possibly be free?

In this final episode of Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius, I discuss Book V of The Consolation of Philosophy and I tease where we are going next!

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/P-9w3DcvgvA

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In this bonus episode from Josh Traylor's Paradise Lost course, Josh shares some wisdom on studying literature. Whether you are interested in studying literature professionally or simply out of an interest in the power of the written word, this presentation will help you get started in an intentional way.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/F3i5ZYKdzOE

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What is time?

What is its relationship with eternity?

Does God's perfect knowledge of negate our apparent free will?

As we continue through the Boethius section of "Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius," we take a look at Augustine's understanding of time, eternity, and freedom.

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As we continue through Joshua Traylor's Paradise Lost course, Josh discusses Books XI and XII.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/JlNyhYJSWZE

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What is the relationship between Fate and Providence?

As we continue through "Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius," I discuss Book IV Boethius's The Consolation of Philosophy.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/2wx4BojKTA8

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As we continue through Joshua Traylor's Paradise Lost course, Josh discusses Book X.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/EDTBKyg_6O8

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Patron and Mythic Mind contributor Jack Keoseyan recently wrote an article for our Substack titled, "Arda Healed, not Arda Unmarred," in which he discusses Tolkien's Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth with reference to Athanasius, the great Church Father and defender of orthodox Trinitarianism in the fourth century A.D. In this article, Jack discusses the nature and destiny of humanity in Tolkien's legendarium and what that reveals about Tolkien's theology.In this episode, Jack reads his article for us.

Read the article and subscribe to the Mythic mind Substack here: https://mythicmind.substack.com/p/arda-healed-not-arda-unmarred

Watch...

As we continue through Joshua Traylor's Paradise Lost course, Josh discusses Books IX.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/F3ipY9ErOhQ

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As we continue through the Boethius section of "Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius," we take a look at Epicureanism and Stoicism, two major schools of classical thought that play a significant role in Boethius's own thought.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/CYm9Cr6xbpM

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As we continue through Joshua Traylor's Paradise Lost course, Josh discusses Books VII & VIII of Paradise Lost.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/KGqks4okhdw

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Can Fortune be trusted?

What is true happiness? What are its illusions?

As we continue through "Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius," I discuss Book II & III of Boethius's The Consolation of Philosophy.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/zhE9guwyUJ8

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Listen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:
Mythic MindMythic Mind GamesMythic Mind Movies & Shows(or become a patron to get all three shows in one ad-free f...

As we continue through Joshua Traylor's Paradise Lost course, Josh discusses Book VI of Paradise Lost.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/-xdcF4m7Z_w

Listen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:
Mythic MindMythic Mind GamesMythic Mind Movies & Shows(or become a patron to get all three shows in one ad-free feed)

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As we continue through "Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius," I survey the emergence of Neoplatonism from the pre-Socratics to Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, and Boethius.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/O0K6HKbHFp0

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As we continue through Joshua Traylor's Paradise Lost course, Josh discusses Book V of Paradise Lost.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/LZg3z2BSgCo

Listen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:
Mythic MindMythic Mind GamesMythic Mind Movies & Shows(or become a patron to get all three shows in one ad-free feed)

Become a patron of Mythic Mind at patreon.com/mythicmind

Support Josh and purchase his course here: https://www.patreon.com/joshtraylor/shop

Become a supporter of...

As we continue through "Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius," I discuss Book I of Boethius's The Consolation of Philosophy.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/nNux7UctmwA

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Listen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:
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As we continue through Joshua Traylor's Paradise Lost course, Josh discusses Book IV of Paradise Lost.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/reHsDt3-4bA

Listen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:
Mythic MindMythic Mind GamesMythic Mind Movies & Shows(or become a patron to get all three shows in one ad-free feed)

Become a patron of Mythic Mind at patreon.com/mythicmind

Support Josh and purchase his course here: https://www.patreon.com/joshtraylor/shop

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As we continue through "Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius," we enter into the Boethius sub-unit with an introduction to The Consolation of Philosophy and medieval cosmology.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/cEoidIogp1w

Watch this video for more of Boethius's historical context: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KJbDqZbIOA&t=201s

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As we continue through Joshua Traylor's Paradise Lost course, Josh discusses Book III of Paradise Lost.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/reHsDt3-4bA

Listen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:
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In this episode, we wrap up the Beowulf portion of our "Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius" study.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/Sh85l-PlWqU

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As we continue through Joshua Traylor's Paradise Lost course, Josh discusses Book II of Paradise Lost.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/1kWeS9mEkoc

Listen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:
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Become a Tier 3 patron to join our Silmarillion study, which begins in February! patreon.com/mythicmind

Support Josh and purchase his course here: https://www.patreon.com/joshtraylor/shop

In this episode, we continue our "Life, Death and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius" series with the mythological death and resurrection of the Baldur, the Norse god.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/K-DIsUnigng

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As we continue through Joshua Traylor's Paradise Lost course, Josh discusses Book I of Paradise Lost.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/Xv7U-nArnIs

Listen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:
Mythic MindMythic Mind GamesMythic Mind Movies & Shows(or become a patron to get all three shows in one ad-free feed)

Become a Tier 3 patron to join our Silmarillion study, which begins in February! patreon.com/mythicmind

Support Josh and purchase his course here: https://www.patreon.com/joshtraylor/shop

We are continuing through my Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius course with the text of Beowulf from Beowulf's return to Geatland to the introduction of Wiglaf.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/wGYtaI0sT6c

Listen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:
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B...

As we continue through Joshua Traylor's Paradise Lost course, Josh discusses John Milton's theology.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/4hpe0JxDfs4

Listen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:
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Become a Tier 3 patron to join our Silmarillion study, which begins in February! patreon.com/mythicmind

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Become a...

We are continuing through the Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius course with a presentation of the Saga of the Volsungs.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/i-Pimd-PYH8

Listen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:
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Become a Tier 3 patron to join our Silmarillion study, which begins in February! patreon.com/mythicmind

Support Josh and purchase his course here: https://w...

As we continue through Joshua Traylor's Paradise Lost course, Josh surveys Milton's other works.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/OPv73kVkTrY

Listen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:
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Become a Tier 3 patron to join our Silmarillion study, which begins in February! patreon.com/mythicmind

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Become a...

We are continuing through the Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius course that I led in the Fall of 2024 with the text of Beowulf from the death of Grendel to Beowulf's departure from Denmark.

Many topics are discussed in this episode, including the hero's relationship with fortune and mortality, Beowulf's Christology, inspirations for C.S. Lewis's Narnia and That Hideous Strength, and more!

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/wGYtaI0sT6c

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Starting in February of 2026, I will be leading an 8-week study on The Silmarillion. This course will include:
Weekly reading companion videosWeekly live meetingsOngoing Discord chatsTo participate, become a Tier 3 patron at https://www.patreon.com/mythicmind\

Become an annual patron for a discount and to join more upcoming studies, including The Psychology of Søren Kierkegaard and a new study on C.S. Lewis.

Watch the video of this overview here: https://youtu.be/CPS1seRUCQM

For a taste of related content, watch, "Sauron and the Passing Shadow," which was made for m...

In this lession from Josh Traylor's 2025 Paradise Lost course, Josh discusses Milton's treaise, "Of Education," which details a robust model of classical education.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: 
https://youtu.be/NqxCB0CvO3o

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Become a Tier 3 patron to join our Silmarillion study, which begins in February! patreon.com/mythicmind

Support Josh and purchase his co...

We are continuing through the Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius course that I led in the Fall of 2024 with the J.R.R. Tolkien's essay, "The Monsters and the Critics," in which he argues that Beowulf is best approached as fantasy.

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Josh Traylor led a study on Paradise Lost for Mythic Mind in 2025, and he has graciously given me permission to post his content here and on the Mythic Mind podcast.

In this episode, Josh discusses the life of John Milton.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/lhuS1YpB5fE

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Who is Beowulf? What is Beowulf?

Who is the legendary Shield Sheafson?

What is Grendel?

What is the relationship between the paganism of the setting and the Christianity of the poet?

We are continuing through the Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius course that I led in the Fall of 2024 with the text of Beowulf up to the death of Grendel.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/hfXkVOhopn8

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...

Josh Traylor led a study on Paradise Lost for Mythic Mind in 2025, and he has graciously given me permission to post his content here and on the Mythic Mind podcast.

This is Josh's introduction to Paradise Lost, in which he frames the poem and discusses how to go about reading it.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/wUZsFmj37vI

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We are continuing through the Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius course that I led in the Fall of 2024 with an introduction to Beowulf.

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/rK0IWdhM9ik

Listen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:
Mythic MindMythic Mind GamesMythic Mind Movies & Shows(or become a patron to get all three shows in one ad-free feed)

Become a Tier 3 patron to join our Silmarillion study, which begins in February! patreon.com/mythicmind

Purchase the complete F...

Become a patron of Mythic Mind at patreon.com/mythicmind. For the rest of 2026, the discount for annual patronage is increased to 50%!

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/NQ2juXJW2qc

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Several members of the Mythic Mind fellowship met together to discuss standout books, movies/shows, and games that we engaged with in 2025.

Become a patron of Mythic Mind at patreon.com/mythicmind. For the rest of 2026, the discount for annual patronage is increased to 50%!

Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/iU9F9o9HODE

Listen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:
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...