SHWEP interview, part one

Another week, another appearance on one of my favourite podcasts…

Alongside Weird Studies, the Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast has become mandatory listening in my world. Host Earl Fontainelle has set himself a monumental task, of surveying the entirety of the Western esoteric tradition, from beginning to end, including all the most recent scholarship — either referring to it, or interviewing the scholars themselves. I think it’s a few years into a projected decade of podcasting…

Recently I travelled to the edge of Dartmoor, visited the charming SHWEP HQ, and recorded a conversation with Earl for the SHWEP’s ‘Oddcast’ — a side-stream of episodes which for various reasons don’t fit in the main chronological flow. It was great chatting to Earl, who has a particular interest in, and deep knowledge of, ‘ascent traditions’ and their historical roots.

Alongside the first part of our chat, do check out the main podcast’s complementary episode on the nitty-gritty of Mithraic ascent, with strong polar elements.

Heck, check out the entire podcast — start at the beginning and strap in, it’s a wild ride.