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Artwork for Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast

Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP)

Earl Fontainelle
Proclus
Platonism
Christianity
Neoplatonism
Augustine Of Hippo
Theurgy
Philosophy
Macrobius
Athenian Academy
Late Antiquity
Cicero
Astrology
Hymns
Chaldean Oracles
Metempsychosis
The Elements Of Theology
Greek Philosophy
Myth Of Er
Prayer
Divine

Exploring the forgotten and rejected story of Western thought

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes213Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Education

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Artwork for Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast

Latest Episodes

We head back to Constantionple with Jonathan Greig at the controls, to discuss the quintessentially Orthodox mystic, Maximus the Confessor. Late-Platonist apophasis meets hard-core ascesis, and Maximus follows the theology where it wants to go, somet... more

Christopher Bonura introduces us to the Apocalypse of Pseudo-Methodios, a seventh-century Syriac prophetic universal history. Come for the Arab conquests reflected in Christian revelation, stay for the apocalyptic Roman emperor.

In this interview we explore a crucial document of seventh-century Judaism: the Sefer Zerubbabel, an apocalyptic ‘future history’ allegedly written in the past. The Temple will descend, the evil Armilus (son of Satan and a statue) will wreak havok, a... more

With the Arab conquest of Sasanian Persia, a new religion enters the west. Once the great religious Other to the Græco-Roman world, the Zoroastrians are now part of the story of western esotericism. We explore their extraordinary religion with Touraj... more

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Recent Guests

Jonathan Greig
Postdoctoral researcher on the project, Visions of the History of Greek Philosophy in Late Antiquity and the Arabic and Greek Middle Ages
Humboldt University Berlin
Episode: Esoteric Orthodoxy in East Rome: Jonathan Greig on Maximus the Confessor
Christopher Bonura
An expert on the Apocalypse of the Pseudo-Methodios and author of 'A Prophecy of Empire'
Episode: Introducing the Apocalypse of the Pseudo-Methodios, with Christopher Bonura
Martha Himmelfarb
Scholar of Jewish apocalypse and author of a new translation of Sefer Zerubbabel
Episode: Jewish Apocalypse in the Seventh Century: Martha Himmelfarb on the Sefer Zerubbabel
Touraj Daryaee
Chair in Persian Studies and Culture at the University of California Irvine
University of California Irvine
Episode: Touraj Daryaee on Zoroastrianism in the Seventh Century and Beyond
Ahab Bdaiwi
Professor of Islamic Thought and History at the University of Leiden
University of Leiden
Episode: Ahab Bdaiwi on ‘Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib, his Family, and the Origins of Shī‘ī Islam
Fred Donner
Emeritus Professor of Near Eastern History
University of Chicago
Episode: Fred Donner on the History of Early Islām
Matthew Melvin-Koushki
Professor of Islamic History at the University of South Carolina
University of South Carolina
Episode: Matthew Melvin-Koushki on Islam, ‘the West’, and Western Esotericism
Paul Pasquesi
Expert in the late antique Syriac Christian world
Episode: Paul Pasquesi on the Book of the Holy Hierotheos
Anthony Kaldellis
Professor of Classics at the University of Chicago
University of Chicago
Episode: One Empire, Many Names: Reading “Byzantium” with Anthony Kaldellis

Host

Earl Fontanel
Host engaging in detailed discussions on esoteric subjects with a strong academic foundation.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 1k ratings
  • Fantastic stuff! I'm not really into esotericism but when something is told so well, not reductive and appeals to intellect then I will listen obsessively. Thanks.

    I would give it 5* except for the blind adherent to Edward Said's now much maligned, massively simplified and inaccurate view of the perception of the East. It's time that everyone moved on that considerable mistake and historical blindness in academia and the nonsense that has been created in its wake. It's harmful tosh.

    Podcast Addict
    4
    memofromturner
    3 months ago
  • epiphanic

    And unsurpassed. And shwepervescent. Offers a level of detail that warrants multiple listens. Be certain to visit episode web pages with their extensive notes and structured bibliography. Make room on your bookshelf, for some of these tomes will surely call out to you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    geli tripping
    United States7 months ago
  • stay esoteric??

    I have done a really bad job of staying esoteric in the years I have been listening to this podcast. I can't get through an episode without running to tell someone about some fascinating thing I heard about in it. Any advice on developing a flair for apophasis would be much appreciated.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    hunktears
    United States7 months ago
  • Stimulating and illuminating content

    The hidden history of religious thought that helps make (some) sense of the world we live in today.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Claudecrowe
    Australia10 months ago
  • Highly recommend!

    Wonderful podcast covering a much deserved topic. Highly recommend and very much appreciate this offering. Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sddoughe
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The blend of scholarly rigor with engaging presentation makes for a captivating experience.
Listeners praise the meticulous research and academic depth of the discussions.
Reviewers appreciate the unique focus on Western esotericism, deeming the podcast a valuable resource for those interested in the subject.
Many express gratitude for the host's ability to simplify complex topics while still maintaining intellectual integrity.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#198
Ireland/Education

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Touraj Daryaee on Zoroastrianism in the Seventh Century and Beyond
Q: What happens with the coming of Islam?
Islam becomes the dominant religion, and while Zoroastrianism is no longer a state religion, it still exists under Islamic rule, facing a gradual decline and diaspora.
Touraj Daryaee on Zoroastrianism in the Seventh Century and Beyond
Q: What is your take on Zoroastrian dualism?
Zoroastrianism can be seen as monotheistic with dualistic elements, emphasizing Ahura Mazda as the supreme deity, but with other deities and spirits also recognized.
Touraj Daryaee on Zoroastrianism in the Seventh Century and Beyond
Q: What is the state of Zoroastrianism under the Sasanians?
The Sasanian Empire supported Zoroastrianism as the dominant religion, promoting it through state and religious practices.
Matthew Melvin-Koushki on Islam, ‘the West’, and Western Esotericism
Q: Why would you hold on to the West in light of that?
It's a utilitarian, strategic thing. If we take the West out of Western Esotericism, nothing will change.
One Empire, Many Names: Reading “Byzantium” with Anthony Kaldellis
Q: What is the importance of the East Roman scriptorium tradition for the history of Western Esotericism?
The East Roman scriptorium tradition is crucial because it preserved ancient texts that are foundational for understanding Western esotericism, including astrology, magic, and philosophy.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on the intricate and often overlooked threads of Western thought, the content emphasizes the development of esotericism throughout history, exploring how various religious and philosophical ideas have intertwined. Episodes examine a wide range of topics, from Jewish and Islamic mysticism to Zoroastrianism, while delving into significant texts and historical figures, establishing connections between past and contemporary views on knowledge and spirituality. The unique blend of academic rigor and engaging discussion aims to illuminate the depths of these complex subjects, appealing to both scholars and enthusiasts of esoteric studies alike.

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Oddcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP)
2. Hermitix
3. Weird Studies
4. Acid Horizon
5. THIRD EYE DROPS

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 8 years ago and published 213 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Jonathan Greig
2. Christopher Bonura
3. Martha Himmelfarb
4. Touraj Daryaee
5. Ahab Bdaiwi
6. Fred Donner
7. Matthew Melvin-Koushki
8. Paul Pasquesi

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