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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
Astrology
Cicero
Hymns
Chaldean Oracles
Metempsychosis
The Elements Of Theology
Greek Philosophy
Myth Of Er
Prayer
Faith

Exploring the forgotten and rejected story of Western thought

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes211Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Education

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

Latest Episodes

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

In Part I we looked at the political events leading up to the formation of the Shi'a. In Part II we see that it did not take long for things to get very esoteric. Come for the programmatic esoteric hermeneutics, stay for the occult sciences.

We pick up from our last episode, where geopolitics and esotericism met in the crucible of Roman, Sassanian, and Arab political struggles. Ahab Bdaiwi threads the labyrinth of the earliest historical sources for the birth of the movement within Islām... more

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Recent Guests

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
Kevin van Bladel
Professor of the Classical Near East at Yale University
Yale University
Episode: Kevin van Bladel on the Ṣābians of Ḥarrān and the Fate of the Athenian Academy
Danielle Layne
Professor of philosophy at Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University
Episode: Danielle Layne on Proclus’ Religious Life and Thought

Host

Earl Fontenelle
Host focusing on the history of Western esotericism, exploring connections between various philosophical and religious traditions.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 990 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
    23 days 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 States4 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 States5 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
    Australia8 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 States9 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the deep scholarly approach and detailed discussions, often highlighting the rich historical context provided.
Overall, feedback reflects a blend of admiration for the host's expertise and a desire for continued exploration of complex themes in future episodes.
Many express gratitude for illuminating lesser-known aspects of Western thought, indicating a strong following among those interested in esotericism and academic rigor.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#236
United Kingdom/Education
Apple Podcasts
#191
Sweden/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

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

This series provides an in-depth examination of Western esotericism, engaging with various aspects of its complex history and evolution. The discussions often feature scholarly insights into early Islamic thought, Sufism, Jewish mysticism, and various philosophical traditions that intersect with these areas. The content is characterized by a rigorous academic approach, blending historical narratives with textual analysis, and frequently incorporates discussions on key figures from antiquity to modernity. Notably, the podcast stands out for its commitment to exploring topics that are often overlooked in mainstream discourse, making it a valuable resource for both enthusiasts and scholars alike.

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1. Hermitix
2. Weird Studies
3. Acid Horizon
4. Aeon Byte Gnostic Radio
5. Rune Soup

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 8 years ago and published 211 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. Martha Himmelfarb
2. Touraj Daryaee
3. Ahab Bdaiwi
4. Fred Donner
5. Matthew Melvin-Koushki
6. Paul Pasquesi
7. Anthony Kaldellis
8. Kevin van Bladel

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