Traversing the Strange World

In this episode, we explore the four timeless masculine archetypes—patterns of strength, responsibility, creativity, and order that appear again and again across myth, psychology, and sacred story. Rather than treating masculinity as a cultural trend or a list of surface behaviors, we approach it as something ancient, symbolic, and earned through struggle.We trace these archetypes not only through mythic frameworks, but through biblical characters who embody them in very human, imperfect ways—men who wrestle with fear, power, temptation, faith, and calling. From the warrior who confronts chaos, to the king who must rule himself before ruling others, to the prophet who speaks truth at great personal cost, these figures reveal masculinity as a moral and spiritual burden, not just a physical one.This episode isn’t about dominance or nostalgia—it’s about integration. About understanding the forces that shape men from the inside out. About recovering a vision of masculinity that is disciplined, sacrificial, courageous, and grounded in meaning.In a world that feels increasingly fragmented, Mythical Masculinity asks a harder question:What kind of man does this moment in history actually require?

n this episode, we’re joined by Elizabeth Woods for a conversation that moves between symbolism, intuition, and big-picture questions about reality itself. Both of us receive tarot card readings, using the cards not as fortune-telling devices, but as mirrors—tools for reflection, pattern-recognition, and meaning-making.From there, the conversation opens up into deeper territory. We explore the nature of reality and the universe, touching on ideas found in pantheism, where the divine is woven into everything, and Gnosticism, with its emphasis on inner knowledge, awakening, and seeing beyond surface appearances.This episode isn’t about giving definitive answers—it’s about sitting with symbols, asking better questions, and noticing what resonates. Whether you’re skeptical, spiritually curious, or somewhere in between, this is a conversation about how humans have always tried to understand themselves and the strange, beautiful world they find themselves in.

In this holiday special, Peace & Toodles take a strange and thoughtful ride through the snow-covered myths of Christmas as we explore the origins and evolution of Santa Claus—from saint and folklore figure to the red-suited archetype we all recognize today.We dig into where Santa really comes from, how different cultures shaped him over time, and uncover a few lesser-known Christmas tales and traditions that don’t always make it into the mainstream story.And of course, it wouldn’t be a Christmas episode without some pondering…In our Pondering Segment, we ask the important questions:Who would we put at the top of the naughty and nice list?What does Santa represent psychologically and culturally?And why does this story keep surviving—even changing—generation after generation?Whether you see Santa as a historical figure, a mythic archetype, or something in between, this episode is about why these stories matter, especially in the darkest season of the year.So grab a warm drink, settle in, and come traverse the strange, festive world with us.Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17qE8unuTK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this episode, we sit down once again with Michael Northro, known to many as the Shaman, for a deeper conversation on ancestors—who they are, how they are understood across shamanic traditions, and what it means to honor them in a modern world.We explore how ancestors are viewed not simply as figures of the past, but as living influences—guides, protectors, and carriers of memory that shape identity, culture, and spiritual practice. From blood lineage to spiritual lineage, we discuss the different ways ancestors are recognized within shamanism and how those relationships can be approached with respect, intention, and humility.This conversation also touches on practical and philosophical questions:What does it mean to honor ancestors today?How do you engage ancestral work without appropriation or fantasy?And how do remembrance, ritual, and responsibility intersect in shamanic worldviews?A grounded discussion at the crossroads of spirituality, ancestry, and the strange—inviting reflection rather than dogma.

In this episode, Peace sits down with special guest Britt Hartley for a wide-ranging conversation on what spirituality can look like outside the boundaries of organized religion—without dismissing religion entirely.We explore the idea of spiritual atheism: the search for meaning, transcendence, and moral depth in a secular world, while refusing to “throw the baby out with the bathwater.” Together, we examine the positive and formative aspects of religious traditions, even for those who no longer identify with belief in a literal God.The conversation moves through altered states and the role of psychedelics in spiritual experience, the modern hunger for awe and connection, and how ancient religious frameworks may have once made room for ideas that feel radical today—such as the possibility that God was once understood to have a divine feminine counterpart, later erased or softened by history.This episode isn’t about belief versus disbelief—it’s about what survives after certainty collapses, and what still calls to us from the sacred, even in a disenchanted age.You can follow her on YouTube!https://youtube.com/@nononsensespirituality?si=TbxMV23OwvQoE3Nr

Tonight, we’re talking about Chanukah—beyond the candles and the familiar traditions.At its core, Chanukah comes out of a real historical moment: a clash between cultures, pressures to assimilate, and a community struggling to hold onto its identity.The story survives mainly through the books of the Maccabees and later rabbinic tradition. It includes the rededication of the Temple, accounts of people who were punished or killed for refusing to abandon Jewish law, and, eventually, the tradition of the miracle of the oil.In this episode, we look at Chanukah through history, interpretation, and mysticism—examining the Maccabean revolt, what the miracle came to represent, and the idea that light isn’t something we create, but something we uncover.Chanukah isn’t just about celebration.It’s about memory, endurance, and how a tradition continues under pressure.Welcome to our Chanukah special

Peace & Toodles sit down with Astrology Meggie for a wide-ranging conversation about astrology, reincarnation, symbolic doors, Jim Morrison, and the archetypes, and the cosmic patterns that shape our lives. A mystical, thoughtful ride through the zodiac and beyond. Hope you enjoy!You can contact Meggie at [email protected] us on Facebook!https://www.facebook.com/share/17fpzRWxZA/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this episode of Traversing the Strange World with Peace & Toodles, we dive into the question: What does positive masculinity really look like?Peace and Toodles explore the timeless balance between hard strength and soft strength — courage, resilience, and protectiveness on one side; compassion, emotional depth, and integrity on the other. Together, they unpack how men can embody both without shame or confusion, and how the cultural narrative around “what makes a man” has shifted through time. Song suggestions: https://open.spotify.com/track/54iuNoey1HTIM0yNg0CMXj?si=KRAhkiJHSeGBjjq3bdcy6whttps://open.spotify.com/album/441r6AftzNPHXmt3VDvp2o?si=OVhlSGvcSsiFEV9aCQFFbAhttps://open.spotify.com/track/5pIVEk6Di7n1v5khOzJaJL?si=3V2Qa38YSh-sZNTEL7X64Qhttps://open.spotify.com/track/6Tn2HGS0LtXb8i0XuE0fz5?si=ZbaqtMUuR4-dc-cYk6y8NAhttps://open.spotify.com/track/0W7eJtRh165LL9Ik5JZJOO?si=lDPvvVhuRxKk6W1NbUlXRg

In this eerie Halloween special, Peace & Toodles are joined by the one and only Steeley Sawyer for a deep dive into the shadows — exploring how the figure we now call Satan evolved across scripture, myth, and time.From the Hebrew ha-satan — the heavenly “accuser” — to the fiery rebel of Christian lore, we trace how demons, trickster gods, and cosmic rebels all dance along the same line between chaos and creation. Along the way, we’ll share some wild trickster tales from world mythology, dabble in ancient demon lore, and even question the serpent in the Garden of Eden — could there be another way to read that story?This one’s packed with lore, laughter, and a few chills along the way. So grab your candy, light a candle, and join us as we traverse the strange world once more — where myth and mischief meet.

In this episode, Peace & Toodles crack open one of the most overlooked and mysterious books of the Apocrypha — The Book of Tobit. It’s a tale that blends faith, folklore, and the supernatural: an angel in disguise, a young man on a fateful journey, and a demon who must be banished.From ancient exorcism rituals to Talmudic accounts of spirits and night demons, we explore how this strange little book bridges the gap between Scripture and the unseen world. What does Tobit’s story reveal about ancient ideas of protection, purity, and divine intervention? And how do these threads connect to the broader web of Jewish demonology and folklore?Join us as we venture into one of the Bible’s most haunting side chapters — where the sacred and the strange walk hand in hand.

In this episode, Peace and Toodles wander into the world of the Brothers Grimm — where snakes speak, stepmothers scheme, children wander through dark forests, and justice often comes in the strangest forms.We read The White Snake, The Juniper Tree, Cinderella, and Hansel and Gretel — four tales that show just how weird, dark, and surprisingly spiritual the Grimm universe can get. Along the way, we unpack hidden meanings, moral twists, and the cultural roots behind these old German folktales.Why do so many of these stories deal with transformation, death, and rebirth? What do they tell us about the human fear of hunger, loss, and divine justice? And how did these haunting little fables survive long enough to become bedtime stories?

What was Jesus like as a child?The Infancy Gospel of Thomas paints a wild, strange, and sometimes unsettling picture of the boy Jesus — performing miracles, showing flashes of divine power, but also acting with a temper that feels very different from the Jesus we know from the Gospels.In this episode of Traversing the Strange World with Peace & Toodles, we explore:The origins of the Infancy Gospel of Thomas and why it was never included in the New Testament.The bizarre stories of young Jesus — from striking other kids dead to miraculously restoring life.How early Christians may have used this text, and why it was controversial.What it tells us about how people in the ancient world imagined the “hidden years” of Jesus’ childhood.The tension between a fully divine Christ and a very human child learning to grow.Along the way, we dig into folklore, theology, and even the humor of imagining a toddler with god-like powers. Was this text a cautionary tale, an imaginative expansion, or just ancient fan fiction?Follow us on Facebook!https://www.facebook.com/share/1A6AVcvBNa/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this episode of Traversing the Strange World with Peace & Toodles, joined once again by our recurring co-host Steeley, we dive into the heart of what makes us who we are: our core memories. From the earliest struggles we shared in childhood, to the strange and powerful feelings that seemed to follow us through life, to the inspirational and unexplainable moments that changed us forever — we trace the patterns of memory that shape our souls.It’s part storytelling, part reflection, part exploration of the mysterious threads that run through every human life. Expect laughs, nostalgia, and some surprisingly deep turns as we uncover how our memories not only define us, but also connect us in ways we rarely stop to notice.Join Peace, Toodles, and Steeley as they crack open the treasure chest of the past — and maybe find that the patterns we’ve been carrying all along point toward something much bigger.

Shout out to our listeners in Sweden!In this episode of Traversing the Strange World with Peace & Toodles, we dive into one of the most fascinating mythological patterns of the ancient world—the dying and resurrecting god. We begin with the Baal Cycle from Ugaritic myth, where the storm god faces death, descent, and return. From there, we compare other figures like Osiris, Tammuz, and Adonis, exploring how different cultures expressed themes of life, death, and renewal through their deities.The conversation then turns to Jesus—not from the lens of theology, but from a more historical and secular perspective. We step back from doctrine to consider the figure of Jesus within this broader mythological framework, asking what makes his story unique, and how it connects to or diverges from the older traditions of dying and rising gods.As always, Peace and Toodles bring their blend of perspectives: a curious and open look at myth on one side, and a grounded, questioning approach on the other. The result is a thought-provoking journey across ancient texts, comparative religion, and the historical Jesus.Follow us on Facebook!https://www.facebook.com/share/1JCxGnW1Kc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this special episode of Traversing the Strange World with Peace & Toodles, we welcome back our recurring co-host, Steeley Sawyer. This time, we dive into the deep waters of apocalyptic lore. From the Book of Daniel to the visions of Revelation, we take a more historical and academic lens to these end-times texts.But that’s not all. We also journey into other cultural visions of the apocalypse—like the Norse myth of Ragnarok—and explore how many ancient traditions saw doomsdays not as a one-time finale, but as part of a cyclical pattern of destruction and renewal.Join us for a thought-provoking ride through the end of the world—and back again!

Step into the beginning of time as we explore the Greek creation myth—a story that begins with Chaos and unfolds into the birth of Gaia, Uranus, the Titans, and the Olympian gods. In this episode of Traversing the Strange World with Peace & Toodles, we dive into the ancient Greek creation story of the origins of the cosmos.From the primordial deities to the rise of the Titans and the eventual rule of Zeus, this tale is as much about order versus chaos as it is about gods and monsters. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient creation stories, curious about Greek cosmogony, or just love a good myth, this episode brings the strange world of the gods to life.Follow us on Facebook!https://www.facebook.com/share/19pGBPuQmq/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this episode Peace and Toodles interview Professor Northrop, who is a Professor of Religion and Art. He is also a Shaman! And has studied Shamanism in its many different forms. Enjoy the show!

In this episode, we do something a little special. We swapped cohosts with Chad and Jake from the podcast Monte‘s gems. In this episode, Isaiah and Chad Abbs having a discussion about various times in their life’s where they struggled with the feeling of being ostracized. They also discuss some remedies they found to that feeling.You can check out Chad’s podcast on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/show/0FAjHWdlJgGamynvWHICkB?si=den-s8jlQlaJ2GV_xyIYcQ

In this episode, we introduce a new part-time cohost Mr. Steeley Sawyer.The topic of discussion in this episode is hell. We discuss and speculate how the mainstream view of hell in Christianity may have developed. We discuss how the concept of hell has had an impact on us personally. We also discuss a few ideas of hell from other cultures.stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear a sneak peek to a brand new song called “Eternity” by our very own Nate Vizen. https://open.spotify.com/artist/79zbHiTZyNKJewADAvxXVU?si=RvBs18yBRV2VCXHScCb_dA

In this episode, we interview Brittney Burroughs! She’s owner of the shop “Modern day Witch” in Sturgis MI. In this episode we discuss magic and mysticism, and what does it mean to be a Witch in the modern world? Follow Brittney on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/share/16fWzg6iip/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this episode, Peace & Toodles introduce segments to the show, And the topic of the main discussion is dreams! Peace and Toodles discuss dreams they’ve had that are both strange and recurring. They reflect and speculate over some of the ponderings of what the significance of these dreams are. Song suggestions:https://open.spotify.com/track/6JqZOB6KrVrEfFKP6hUHA7?si=wsv90x51S7ydt2nF39Rovghttps://open.spotify.com/track/3OtMilBqB4icbrhJjMb3y6?si=Tb2_5KGMQRGX1KdTuHCrswhttps://open.spotify.com/track/1VmYPxD8UQRnrLnT4OwPT0?si=H7xwRZ9xRxKDBPqcDG-MDAhttps://open.spotify.com/track/0tnJnhssxtg6CpMysvbkX4?si=PvZp-QcMQSeHFXgNLuMzvw

In this episode, Peace and Toodles discuss the Gnostic creation story as well as a deep dive into the forbidden Gospel of Judas, which is believed to be a gnostic gospel. Enjoy!

In this episode, Isaiah interviews a longtime friend and fellow podcaster Phil Brothers from the Phil Brothers journey! In this episode, they discuss were we in a cult? The importance of admitting when you do not know the answer to something and deconstruction from fundamentalist religion, and the journey that entails. Enjoy!

In today's episode, Peace solo interviews Rico Cortes, from Wisdom inTorah ministries. A teacher of God's Word, he answers questions about the Pharisees in his discussion with Peace today.

In an episode that's special to Isaiah's heart, Peace and Toodles get a lucky interview with Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D.! In a short discussion, they talk about the faith and music of P.O.D.'s lead singer at GLC Live at 20 Monroe in Battle Creek!

In today's episode, the hosts explore detailed topics of idioms and contradictions in the Bible with Jim DeFrancisco, PHD. They delve into topics of inquiry and look at the actual meanings of original texts.

In today's strange episode, the hosts delve into the ancient story of Giglamesh! - the oldest text we know of! Ancient flood confirmation? Just a fictional work of an ancient writer? Let's take a closer look today with Peace and Toodles!

In today's episode, the hosts interview Pastor Don Smith from the Talk About It podcast, and lead Pastor of Firm Foundation Ministries in Centreville, Michigan! They ask questions about the Bible, possible contradictions in it, and discuss their differing beliefs about God and Jesus.

In this episode, Peace and Toodles explore an in depth part 2 of the Gospel of Thomas. They discuss possible meanings and interpretations of what they read, and share personal opinions, while comparing and contrasting it to the other gospels in the modern canon.

Today, your hosts go verse by verse through the apocryphal Gospel of Thomas, giving their insight and speculations on some of this controversial and mysterious text. At the end, a personal mystery is solved for Toodles that took a decade to finally know.

In this episode, Peace and Toodles discuss their differing views on God, and traverse into other perspectives on who God is in various beliefs around the strange world. Creator of all? Loving God? Unknowable force? Love? Father of Jesus? The very rules the universe itself abides by? Tune in and decide who YOU think God is, and let the hosts know what you believe!

In this episode, Peace and Toodles traverse the strange ideas of the Muse and what it or they could be. They explore the rabbit trails of Revelations and ideas about the end times, and how CERN could play a role in interdimensional ways. It's all part of the strange world that people are in.

The pilot episode, we discuss Peace's transition of beliefs and break down the trajectory and reasons behind the podcast.