Welcome to the Lab: How My Podcast is Testing a New Way to Read Epic Myths

We often think of academic research as something confined to dusty libraries and dense journals. But what if the most exciting intellectual experiments are happening in a more dynamic, accessible space? That's the vision behind my podcast, "Mythos and Modalities," which I see as a living laboratory for exploring the groundbreaking ideas in my doctoral dissertation.

My dissertation introduces Revisional Mythology, a new framework that argues our ancient epic narratives aren't just relics of the past. Instead, they function as "cultural operating systems"—complex systems of belief and practice that shape how societies understand their world and navigate challenges. When these systems break down, leading to crises like climate change or social polarization, we need new epics to guide our collective evolution.

The Podcast as a Dynamic Testing Ground

"Mythos and Modalities" is where I take these complex academic theories and actively "test them out" in a conversational, accessible format.

It's a space to:

* Apply a New Lexicon: In my dissertation, I've developed a new language for understanding myth, tedefining terms like "mythology" and "cultural traditions" through the lens of systems thinking. The podcast is where I put this lexicon into practice, showing how these precise definitions illuminate the hidden structures of stories.

* Conduct "Systems Readings" of Epic Literature: Imagine taking a classic epic, like Homer's The Odyssey, and dissecting it not just for its literary themes, but for its underlying systemic dynamics. We explore how characters, divine interventions, and moral laws function as "elements" and "interconnecting relationships" within a narrative "system." We identify the "archetypal problems" that plague the hero's society and the "leverage points" where change occurs. The podcast allows for a fluid, iterative exploration of these concepts, much like a scientist testing hypotheses.

* Bridge Theory and Practice: While my dissertation provides the rigorous academic foundation, the podcast makes these insights tangible. It's a platform to demonstrate how understanding the systemic blueprints of old myths can inform the creation of new ones. It's where the "how" of my research—the application of systems thinking to narrative—becomes clear and engaging.

Why a Podcast?

The choice of a podcast as this "lab" is deliberate. Academic ideas need to reach beyond the ivory tower to spark real-world change. Platforms like "Mythos and Modalities" allow for:

* Accessibility: Making complex interdisciplinary concepts understandable to a broader public interested in myths, storytelling, and societal challenges.

* Dynamic Exploration: Unlike a static paper, a podcast fosters a more fluid, conversational, and iterative exploration of ideas, allowing for nuances and connections that might be harder to convey in traditional academic formats.

* Public Engagement: It's a direct channel for democratizing insights, fostering the very "re-enchantment" and "paradigm shift" that my dissertation theorizes.

Ultimately, "Mythos and Modalities" is more than just a companion to my dissertation. It's an active extension of my research, inviting listeners to join me in the ongoing experiment of understanding how stories shape our world, and how we can consciously revise them to build a more resilient and purposeful future.