Losing the narrative, Homeric Psychology, Addiction and the need for Myth | Dr. Joel Christensen #55

Can Greek mythology teach us about drug addiction? Or, can Homer help young adults today find their narrative direction? Although these are complex issues, I think the answer is yes--and so does my guest. This week on the Neutral Ground Podcast our guest is Dr. Joel Christensen. We talk about generation z, how we've lost our narrative way, why we need stories, and other topics. For those of you who are interested in neomodernism, I think this is a good episode for you. It's all about yearning for narrative stability in the wake of postmodern destabilization. If you enjoy the episode and you want to show some support for our mission of bringing back civil discourse, hit the subscribe button, leave a kind comment, and hit the thumbs up. As I always, I appreciate your having listened to our discussion.

// EPISODE LINKS //
Places to get Dr. Christensen's book:

Cornell University Press: https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501752346/the-many-minded-man/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Many-Minded-Man-Odyssey-Psychology-Therapy-ebook/dp/B08765DBPM/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1668172461&sr=8-1

Check out the podcast website:
https://theneutralgroundpodcast.com/

// EPISODE OUTLINE //
00:00 Teaser
00:51 Introduction
02:16 Start of conversation
03:15 What started you on your Homeric book quest?
16:03 When I realized I need to pursue literature
17:20 Confession: I did not always like the Odyssey
27:04 Greek Nostos and no return for Frodo in Lord of the Rings
29:23 Can we draw knowledge from Homer to help with drug addiction today?
37:18 Getting to the source of the pain in addiction
42:11 Here is where I show I am not a classical Greek scholar. How do you pronounce that?
43:54 Why can't young adults see themselves within a narrative framework?
50:26 My age is showing. Remember when you didn't have to answer a phone?
55:55 Telemachus lacks narrative sources and so do young people today
1:03:17 What projects are you currently working on?
1:07:12 Closing thoughts.
1:07:48 Does anyone get the joke? Let me know in the comments.

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