Best Goetheanum Podcasts (2025)

1
School of Common Sense I – Intuitive Understanding 24:07

2h ago24:07

24:07

Talk of a revolution of common sense in the USA and around the world is focused on nationalism, economic competition and development without regard of environmental and ecological considerations. This episode suggests the revolution offers a false promise even while the widespread appeal of the idea of a revolution of common sense is deeply justifi…

1
EP01: Awakening our Understanding of Illness: 100-years of Fundamentals of Therapy 59:15

6d ago59:15

59:15

The book Fundamentals of Therapy by Rudolf Steiner and Ita Wegman is our guide throughout the next five episodes as we discuss Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14. We hope you will read along with us! In this episode, Adam and Laura explore Chapter 1, discussing the challenges of standardized, protocol-based medicine in contrast to the gifts that arise thro…

1
UFO experiences and late Medieval Consciousness 23:26

14d ago23:26

23:26

While the idea of multi-dimensional beings is discussed in the congress of the United States in open hearings, it can take courage to try to understand Ufology and experience. This session explores recent research, especially on UFO experiencers, by sociologist D.W. Pasulka, and Rudolf Steiner’s presentation of late Medieval consciousness in Leadin…

1
Thinking about the Human Aura 23:22

28d ago23:22

23:22

Even though many people feel it is meaningful to speak of the light and colors when trying to express something deeper in human nature, in most places we are asking to be judged as superstitious or naïve if we insist on speaking about the spiritual aura. In many places it is perhaps most associated in some places with traveling carnival culture and…

1
Spiritual Perspectives on History 34:28

1M ago34:28

34:28

How can we contemplate history with an openness for its greater meaning? Many young people who are studying in the social sciences or anthropology may feel drawn to ask this question, but today, without a doubt, it takes courage to think about this. This segment focuses on the development of perspective painting during the European Renaissance, loo…

1
The “Revolution of Common Sense” in the USA 45:08

2M ago45:08

45:08

People all around the world watched the inauguration in the USA, a country with so much wealth, influence and power, hoping to gain some understanding of what is happening. What is the deeper meaning of the “revolution of common sense” promised by the incoming administration? What does this turn of events express? How can they be understood and wha…

1
A Dream of Freedom 20:40

2M ago20:40

20:40

At the Section’s international gathering of 2024 in the Netherlands one of the tasks that was explored was creating pictorial expressions of anthroposophy. Many of the basic works of anthroposophy, in the form of books and writing, were not written for young people. Over the years this task has been taken up by different individuals in different wa…

1
The Goetheanum and Contemplative Higher Education 31:45

3M ago31:45

31:45

What are the options today for students who are looking for centers of learning defined by an interest in the living spirit in the human being and the world? Not long ago they may have found themselves in the humanities departments around the world, but today they might be drawn to contemplative studies programs. This is connected with two trends i…

1
Saul Bellow and the Marginalization of the Spirit 25:17

3M ago25:17

25:17

Saul Bellow and the Marginalization of the Spirit The public image of Saul Bellow is a testimony of the tendency to marginalize spiritual orientations and ideas, and the courage it takes to engage with them. Bellow is one of the most influential and celebrated writers in the English language from the last century, winning national books awards, the…

1
What if we are all coming back? 23:48

4M ago23:48

23:48

Really, what if we are all coming back? Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow: Mass incarceration in the age of color blindness, wrote an article where she muses on the possible reality of reincarnation and karma, and what implications this might have for social and political life. She shares how the questions arose organically for her whe…

1
Liberating Gift Money 26:18

5M ago26:18

26:18

In this Episode conversations with Kelley Buhles are explored which focused on the social and economic dimensions of gift money. The idea of three distinct types of money is introduced, purchase money, loan money and gift money and the potential of gift money is explored. This episode shares from one of the conversations taking place as preparation…

1
Thinking about Inequality and Land Ownership 30:45

5M ago30:45

30:45

In this Episode conversations with Susan Witt and David Fix from the Schumacher Center for a new Economics are explored which focused on the social and economic dimensions of land ownership. The episode moves through a simple and elegant characterization of economics shared by Susan, how to understand what a commodity is and how treating land like …

1
Working for Freedom and the Common Good 29:39

5M ago29:39

29:39

This year, 100 years after the first “World Power Conference”, the World Goetheanum Association and the Youth Section of the Independent School for Spiritual Science are collaborating on a special event, an intergenerational conversation about global economic cooperation and peace. It is an event for everyone who is interested in working towards a …

1
Challenging Spiritual Experiences and Love 30:49

5M ago30:49

30:49

This episode touches on the will, meditation, and the possibility of developing spiritually in a way that undermines our ability of love, responsibility and compassion in life. This is not only relevant for young people who are developing an inner practice, but also for countless others who are navigating existential inner difficulties for reasons …

1
Kunzru’s Red Pill: An Image of the Human Being 22:32

1y ago22:32

22:32

In this episode Nathaniel Williams turns toward Hari Kunzru’s novel Red Pill, published in 2020, as an image of what contemporary human experience. It depicts a journey of a writer who is driven to confront unsettling questions about life, the place of violence and human dignity while society around him is seething. To join with the world, we are g…

1
Variations of Stillness and Movement – Digital Technology, Art and Spirituality 21:55

1+ y ago21:55

21:55

Thousands of satellites are being launched each year as part of efforts to build out the infrastructure for our digital technologies and networks. The night sky is now crisscrossed by traveling techno-stars visible to the naked eye. The celestial order of the constellations host more and more movement, and light pollution, which has led many astron…

1
Economics and Peace 21:21

1+ y ago21:21

21:21

Recently we have seen how much courage is required to advocate for peace, which is understood as a simple cessation of war and terror. Beyond this we are faced with the grand challenge of peace, of how to imagine a resilient peace, how to become articulate and effective peace workers. One area that people all over the world share as a possible fiel…

1
Social Thinking and Monetary Design 18:00

1+ y ago18:00

18:00

Social thinking is not simply a nice way of looking at life, an optimistic or positive orientation. Characteristically it involves thinking in an inclusive way, somehow considering the varied interests of everyone in society. Many people cling to the stubborn ideas of naked capitalism, that self-interest leads to social wealth, even while we see th…

1
Excerpts from the Journey of the Peacemaker 30:31

1+ y ago30:31

30:31

In this episode excerpts from the Journey of the Peacemaker are described, a journey that led to the founding of the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois, Confederacy. It is a story of how, within the time span of one life, one biography, a region of war, violence, evil and cannibalism became the first constitutional, and democratically oriented, confederacy…

1
Mary Caroline Richards on Art and the Perpetuation of the Spiritual Awareness of Humankind 31:55

1+ y ago31:55

31:55

This episode explores current interest in spiritual dimensions in art, and how this appears on the backdrop of social/political critiques of modern art and economic opportunism. Through passages from Mary Caroline Richard’s Centering a spiritual significance is highlighted connected to the decline of conventional art and the challenge of developing…

1
Music, Boycott, and Peace 25:16

1+ y ago25:16

25:16

In this episode, Nathaniel Williams shares from a recent forum that took place at the Goetheanum World Conference on Peacebuilding. Reflecting on forum presentations from Friedrich Glasl on the Logic of War and Logic of Peace and comments from forum members he asks: how can we understand the place of boycotts and non-violent action in a comprehensi…

1
Associative Economics: What Money Can’t Buy 39:05

1+ y ago39:05

39:05

There is a deep feeling among many young people that economics and financial institutions need to be aligned with human values, justice, and solidarity. Is this possible? In this episode Michael Sandel’s book What Money Can’t Buy sets the context for an exploration of associative economics, a perspective on economics first formulated by Rudolf Stei…

1
Consumerism and Spirituality 22:32

1+ y ago22:32

22:32

Exploring the intersection of consumerism and spirituality, Nathaniel characterizes the new and widespread orientation of encounter and how this orientation can lead to confusion and destruction when we don’t recognize where it is justified. This new sensitivity for the human being brings with it a destructive potential when comes to consumerism. H…

1
A Basic Dilemma at the Intersection of Psychedelics and Spirituality 25:36

1+ y ago25:36

25:36

In this episode a challenge is introduced concerning the intersection of spirituality and psychedelics, namely integrating experiences that emerge while under the influence of psychedelic substances into normal consciousness and understanding. By comparing a gradual and incremental approach to the spirit with an immediate encounter facilitated thro…

1
Spirituality Today and the Dramatic Backdrop of the Rising Generation 30:00

1+ y ago30:00

30:00

In this episode two powerful gestures are explored in their connection to spiritual development. The first gesture is present in the urgency and pressure that we feel in connection to everything having to do with our shared lives on the earth; the ecological crisis, economic and social challenges and climate change. The other gesture moves in the o…

1
Approaching Meditation as Inquiry 29:51

2y ago29:51

29:51

This episode explores crucial questions that emerge when we think of meditation as a knowledge practice. How is it different from understanding meditation simply from a psychological perspective? What happens when we take a spiritual worldview and contemplative practices such as we find in Buddhism out of context, and interpret them within the West…

1
Two Masks 28:15

2y ago28:15

28:15

In this episode of Questions of Courage, Nathaniel discusses the effects of digital technology on young people today, and particularly how the youth's experience contrasts and compares with generations of the recent past. This discussion touches on digital avatars, behavioral psychology, and a picture-based consciousness that began in the 1960’s, w…

1
Imminent Experiences of Spirituality 21:36

2y ago21:36

21:36

In this episode Nathaniel discusses anthropological efforts of the 1960’s and 1970’s often were reductivist and condescending towards the groups of people who were being described. Through the context of Marshall Sahlins’ book “The New Science of the Enchanted Universe,” Nathaniel points us towards the spiritual experiences of the world that non-Eu…

1
Breathing With the Climate Crisis with Lin Bautze 27:42

2y ago27:42

27:42

Lin Bautze of the Goetheanum's Agricultural Section joins to talk about climate change skepticism within Anthroposophy, the spiritual challenge of climate change, and what Anthroposophy and Biodynamics has to offer to the environmental movement. You can find the Section's new book, ‹Breathing With the Climate Crisis› at www.livingfarm.net soon.…

1
A History Behind "Questions of Courage" 35:31

2y ago35:31

35:31

In this first Episode of Questions of Courage Nathaniel Williams maps the historical path of youth movements and revolutionary moments from the 1950’s to today, with a particular awareness to the quality of spiritual seeking that has underscored this series of events in both Europe and The United States. He lays out the intention behind Questions o…

1
On Hilma af Klint with Anne Weise 41:22

2y ago41:22

41:22

Anne Weise of the Rudolf Steiner Archive joins the podcast to speak about her research on Hilma af Klint, perhaps the most famous Anthroposophist in the world today behind Steiner. Her relationship with Steiner is often the source of ungrounded criticism, and her long, expansive relationship with Anthroposophy under-appreciated. In this podcast, we…

1
Warmth and the Wim Hof Method 27:29

2y ago27:29

27:29

Wim Hof has lit the health world on fire, teaching people about their ‘Inner Fire’ and its ability to conquer the cold challenges of modern life. Anthroposophical Medicine has been focused on the therapeutic potential of Warmth for a century - how can these worlds speak to each other? Incoming head of the Medical Section, Dr. Adam Blanning joins th…

1
Together, Becoming One Heart - the Importance of the Therapeutic Community 19:20

3y ago19:20

19:20

Therapist and physician, nurse and surgeon should work together. This appears to be clear, and yet this cooperation of the healing professions is still in development. What is new is that also patients with the same suffering come together in the consultation because the fellow sufferers make it easier to tackle habits. To heal in and through the c…

1
Anthroposophia with Angela Foster and Laura Scappaticci 47:58

3+ y ago47:58

47:58

In my last episode as host of the Anthroposopher, I talk with Angela Foster, spiritual researcher, artist, mom and friend. Angela and I talk about "sistering," our connection with the being of Anthroposophy, and how we carry that spiritual connection into our daily lives. It's been an honor to be your host these past few years! Be sure to check out…

1
Elemental Appreciation With Harald Hoven 43:18

4y ago43:18

43:18

Harald Hoven explores our connection with the natural world and how we can appreciate and work with elemental nature beings. His deep wisdom comes from years of teaching and farming. Find out more about Harald's courses consulting at bdanc.org.By The Anthroposophical Society in America

1
The Social Life Of Money With John Bloom 44:58

4y ago44:58

44:58

In this interview with John Bloom, author, artist, and General Secretary of the ASA, we discuss the binary narrative present in the US today and how listening, connection, and personal initiative can begin to refresh and repair all realms of life in 2021. You can find out more about John and the ASA at anthroposophy.org.…

1
The Great Conjunction - Personal Practices With Mary Stewart Adams 44:10

4+ y ago44:10

44:10

Star Lore Historian, Mary Stewart Adams, explains the great conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter happening on December 21, 2020. She offers simple personal practices and beautiful stories about what this celestial event means in our lives. Hear more from Mary at storytellersnightsky.com.By The Anthroposophical Society in America

1
Spiritual Beings And The Holy Dynamic Between Us With Rev. Patrick Kennedy 1:03:31

4+ y ago1:03:31

1:03:31

What are spiritual beings? How do you connect with the dead? What is meant by the Christ Being in anthroposophy? All these questions and more are discussed in this lively, deep interview with Rev. Patrick Kennedy. Check out his podcast at patreon.com/ccseminary and check out our sponsor, EduCareDo at educaredo.org.…

1
Against Dystopia With Conner Habib 50:46

4+ y ago50:46

50:46

Explore the importance of creating positive pictures of the future with Conner Habib, anthroposopher and creator of the counterculture podcast Against Everyone with Conner Habib. https://www.patreon.com/ConnerHabib/postsCheck out our sponsor, EduCareDo at educaredo.org! Go to anthroposophy.org for more information on the ASA.…

1
A World Without Art With Laura Summer & Matt Sawaya 48:35

4+ y ago48:35

48:35

What does art bring to our lives? Have you ever imagined the world without it? Laura Summer and Matt Sawaya explore the meaning and importance of art through a great conversation and two evocative exercises. Check out more of their work at freecolumbia.org and mcmatre.com.By The Anthroposophical Society in America

1
The Whole Picture With Waldorfy Podcast Host Ashley Renwick 46:53

5y ago46:53

46:53

Ashley Renwick is host of the Waldorf and anthroposophy focused podcast, Waldorfy. You can find out more about her and hear her interview with Laura at waldorfy.com. Ashley and Laura interviewed each other about "anthroposophy for beginners" and the big questions facing spiritual seekers, Waldorf parents, and the world in general in this extraordin…

1
Creating Pictures Of Peace With Olivia Stokes Dreier From The Karuna Center For Peace Building 41:42

5y ago41:42

41:42

Olivia Stokes Dreier has worked all over the world helping war torn communities find reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace. How can we do this in our own towns and in our hearts and minds? How does anthroposophy fit into the peace movement? Explore this and more on this episode of The Anthroposopher. Explore Olivia's work at www.karunacenter.org.…

1
Courage, Fear and a Deep Breath with Dr. David Gershan and Chris and Jerilyn Burke 44:35

5y ago44:35

44:35

In this episode we discuss fear, courage, rhythm and practical ways to take a deep breath during the Corona virus outbreak with medical doctor David Gershan, Waldorf early childhood educator, Jerilyn Burke, and psychology professor and biography practitioner Chris Burke. Find out more about David at anthroposophybayarea.org, Chris at thehummingbird…

1
Dr. Lakshmi Prasanna - Healing, Educating, & The Twelve Senses 33:09

5y ago33:09

33:09

By The Anthroposophical Society in America

1
Give More Than You Take ~ Voices From The Biodynamic Association Conference 2019 55:06

5y ago55:06

55:06

By The Anthroposophical Society in America

1
Lynn Jericho- Have Yourself An Inner Christmas 39:02

5+ y ago39:02

39:02

Lynn Jericho, from ImagineSelf.com, invites us into an exploration of the meaning of this season of light and dark. How can we know ourselves in the midst of a this busy time? By experiencing an Inner Advent and Inner Christmas....tune in (and subscribe!) to find out more.By The Anthroposophical Society in America

1
Biodynamics Or Bust! Perspectives from the 2018 BDA Conference 43:52

5+ y ago43:52

43:52

Last year's 2018 Biodynamic Association Conference was focused on social justice and farming. Tune in to hear our guest host, Matt Burns interview farmers and educators Megan Durney, Sundeep Kamath, Karin Fortin & Delmar McComb, Ueli Hurter from the Goetheanum, and BDA executive director Thea Marie Carlson. Head to the BDA conference this year Nove…

1
Hazel Archer Ginsberg - Preserve The Light 28:01

5+ y ago28:01

28:01

Hazel Archer Ginsberg invites us to have "thinking hearts" during this season when facing our fears and bringing our courage to our lives is paramount. Learn more about the season of Michaelmas and how you can find strength from within and without. Check out Hazel's beautiful blog at reverseritual.com. Join us in Atlanta for the ASA annual conferen…

1
Paul Chappell~Beyond The Basic Human Needs Towards Peace 42:11

5+ y ago42:11

42:11

Paul Chappell's program in Peace Literacy, offers a new way of understanding the human condition and trauma that upends Maslow’s hierarchy. He shares this new understanding of the nine non-physical human needs here. www.peaceliteracy.org Did you know this interview was recorded at the Questions of Courage Youth Conference in Summer 2019? Tune in at…

1
Sergio Gaiti - Threefold Awareness 29:04

6y ago29:04

29:04

In this episode with Sergio Gaiti, we meet up at the Goetheanum to discuss threefold as a practical and personal awareness, the purpose of life--for real--and the uniqueness of each individual as a spiritual reality.Sergio is the founder of a business consultancy company called "Etica Sostenibile" in Milan, Italy, where he lives and supports organi…

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