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Myth Matters

Myth Matters

Written by: Catherine Svehla
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About this listen

Welcome to Myth Matters, a thought-provoking exploration of myth in contemporary life and the intersection of myth, creativity, and consciousness. Host Catherine Svehla PhD. shares her knowledge of mythology and depth psychology to find insight and explore possibilities. Member of the Joseph Campbell Foundation MythMaker℠ Podcast Network.

Learn more at www.mythicmojo.com and keep the mystery in your life alive.

© 2026 Catherine Svehla, PhD
Art Philosophy Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • The Wild Braid: Stanley Kunitz for National Poetry month
    Apr 10 2026

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    “The universe is a continuous web. Touch it at any point and the whole web quivers.” ― Stanley Kunitz

    I always dedicate the April episodes of Myth Matters to poetry as a way to celebrate National Poetry month here in the United States. This year, I'm turning to the work of Stanley Kunitz.

    Kunitz received nearly every honor bestowed upon a poet in this country. His work is a marvelous blend of deep feeling and philosophy, and clear observations of the natural world. He lived to be a 100 years old and was lucid to the end; the writing from his later years is beautiful and wise, marked by his earthy eroticism and fascination with the mysteries.

    Poetry is a valuable tool and resource in this time of cultural transformation, a source of truth, inspiration, and companionship, and a doorway into inner calm. I hope you enjoy this episode and if you have a favorite poem or poet, please share them with me!

    Support the show

    Email Catherine at catherine@mythicmojo.com
    Post a positive review on apple podcasts!
    Learn how you can work with Catherine at https://mythicmojo.com
    Buy me a coffee. Thank you!

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    31 mins
  • Change perspective and change the story: thought experiment with "Briar Rose"
    Mar 21 2026

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    "But people must be taught lessons. Without them, none of them will ever learn.
    People are dreams and awkwardness and gawk. They prick their fingers
    Bleed and snore and drool. Politeness is as quiet as a grave,
    Unmoving, roses without thorns. Or white lilies. People have to learn."

    -- excerpted from "Observing the Formalities" by Neil Gaiman

    Our myths and old stories play a complicated role in our personal and collective evolution. On the one hand, they are conservative carriers of social values that impede change. On the other, they are tools for de-conditioning and vehicles for liberation.

    The role they play depends on the perspective we take and the interpretative lens that we bring to them. We inherit our myths and we're taught how to receive them.

    This episode is an exploration of this idea, a thought experiment using a fairy tale that you may know, "Briar Rose" AKA "Sleeping Beauty." I found something new in this story and hope that you do too.

    Thanks for listening and keep the mystery in your life alive...

    Support the show

    Email Catherine at catherine@mythicmojo.com
    Post a positive review on apple podcasts!
    Learn how you can work with Catherine at https://mythicmojo.com
    Buy me a coffee. Thank you!

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    32 mins
  • Disruption, creative edges, and the fairy tale "Tatterhood"
    Mar 6 2026

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    The Norwegian fairy tale of "Tatterhood" begins as many stories do, with a kingdom that lacks something essential. Each of us lives in a fairy tale kingdom or two, in an orderly system of protocols and social rules that structure both outer and inner worlds.

    The stability of the kingdom is important. And yet, the structure eventually outlives its usefulness. The old order stagnates, degrades, and loses meaning. The boundaries are too tight and the space feels too small. Because life = change.

    Something new, something radical, is needed to catalyze a necessary renewal.


    Support the show

    Email Catherine at catherine@mythicmojo.com
    Post a positive review on apple podcasts!
    Learn how you can work with Catherine at https://mythicmojo.com
    Buy me a coffee. Thank you!

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
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