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Episode Summary
In this episode, Michael and guest Matt Eckert complete their journey and discussion of the transformation and unification of Samwise - the unsung hero of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Together, Matt and Michael discuss the four phases of initiation, the role each plays in transforming identity, the importance of "shadow work" in the process, and how this all translates to real life. In the end, it's the character of Samwise that elevates and shapes Matt's personal journey and with thoughtful reflections, he helps us understand why Sam is a figure that has something valuable for all of us.

Episode Notes
To learn more about Carrie Eckert's work:www.avacadotozen.com
Carrie's book about how intuition helped heal her body - complete with research-based tools and practices to empower anyone suffering from mystery symptoms to take their own path to wellness.  Going With My Gut 

To learn about and register for 
​Awaken The Mythic Self
Registration closes October 4th


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Episode Summary
After episode 48 ended, the conversation kept going. So on this episode, Matt Eckert joins Micheal for the start of a two-parter in which they discuss the unification of Samwise. They begin with an exploration of the function and value of quests in myth and story, identify specific life quests that have impacted them both, and start to name ways in which stories like the Lord of the Rings can help us make shifts in our own unique stories.

Episode Notes
The Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkien

The Program Matt took with Michael: The School of Myth and Mischief
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CLICK HERE to learn more about and register for Myth As Medicine, A free virtual story-based gathering on Thursday, September 15th

Episode Summary
When fiction speaks truth, the kind that helps us know who we are and what matters most, it tends to stick, leaves an impact, and can shape our lives in ways we might never have expected. In this episode, Michael and guest Matt Eckert embark on a quest for truth and meaning in J.R.R Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Together they explore the book's prophetic nature, its relevance to our modern times, and the timeless observations about the human condition that it offers.​

Episode Notes

First - a few minor mistakes were made with the characters' names. It doesn't impact what was being talked about, but I understand that for super fans, it may seem like sacrilege. It's just what happens sometimes in live conversations. 


Books Matt Referenced:
The Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkien
The Last Child In the Woods, Richard Louv
Sit Spot and the Art of Inner Tracking, R. Michael Trotta


The Program Matt took with Michael: The School of Myth and Mischief

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Episode Summary
When it comes to fairy tales, nothing is as simple as it may seem; this is especially true when it comes to the story of Snow White. Whatever version you choose, from The Brother's Grimm to 2012's Snow White and the Huntsman, this story is packed with signs and symbols that all point toward the same thing - finding the light inside of the darkness. Joining Michael in this exploration is Story Mischief third-timer Lynn Trotta. Adding her unique perspective as a ceremonial leader, nature-based mentor, and her life-long love for the tale, Lynn helps Michael reveal what's been hiding in plain sight for centuries.

Episode Notes
To connect with and learn more about Lynn Trotta: LynnTrotta.com
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• Lynn's Course: The Sacred Container
  
  

Snow White and The Huntsman​

To connect with and learn more about Michael: StoryMischief.com

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Episode Summary
From ancient goddess myths to Disney's classic, the story of Rapunzel continues to shed light on complex subjects. With help from guest Ami Lloyd, Michael seeks to untangle and understand what this "maiden in the tower" story has to offer us in modern times. Together they explore everything from how to support teens as they're figuring out who they are to learning how to trust yourself after years of being manipulated and gaslit.

Episode Notes
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To learn more about and connect with Ami Lloyd
and on Facebook


To learn more about and register for Myth As Medicine

​
To read the Grimm's Brother's version of Rapunzel
Disney's Tangled
For help or to learn more about Mental Illness
The article mentioned on Mother Gothel and BPD

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Episode Summary
"Samsara" is a Buddhist term representing the endless cycles of death and rebirth. By most accounts, It's a total drag. But if it's inner peace and freedom you're after, well, then Nirvana is the place for you! Enlightenment, baby! That's where you belong. Getting there, however, isn't going to be so simple. Especially in a world where everyone seems to have the answer, but few have attained it themselves. So, how do we know who to believe? How does one break free from the endless cycles of suffering? Herman Hesse's 1922 novel, Siddhartha, is a great place to start! Simple enough, a 12-year-old could read it. Deep enough, it may take ten lifetimes to understand fully. So, first a beer, then enlightenment!

Episode Notes

Siddhartha, by Herman Hesse

To connect with and learn more about Jen Rolston:
Eden Design, LLC - Jen's mission-based design, marketing, and consulting firm
​
Morning Dharma - her virtual, yoga, meditation, and movement community to help you start your day in a mindful way.

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Episode Summary
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This long-overdue launch into the Marvel Universe begins with its' greatest misfits, the Guardians of the Galaxy. And helping Michael lead the exploration, is long-time comic book fan and leader in the wilderness connection movent, Ricardo Sierra. Together they explore; what it is about this collection of unlikely heroes that has so many of us loving them, how and why the soundtrack (arguable a character in the story) elevates the storytelling, and what the Guardians of the Galaxy may have to teach us about becoming guardians of our own home planet, earth. Did they get it right? Find out on this episode of Story Mischief.

Episode Notes
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To connect with and learn more about Ricardo Sierra:
RicardoJSierra.com
https://www.hawkcircle.com
The Forest Box For Kids
Ricardo's TedX Talk


To connect with and learn about Michael:
StoryMischief.com
​And connect with and learn about Michael's mischievous story-oriented offers CLICK HERE

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Episode Summary

FINALLY!... Ya get it? "Finally." As in Death is FINAL. But also as in, I finally dig into the collection of ancient Hindu texts known as the Upanishads. And more specifically, the Katha Upanishad. The story of young Nachiketa and his visit with Yama, the god of death, represents a departure from earlier Upanishads in that it was the first written for the common seeker and not exclusively for the priestly class (the Brahmin cast). And since I'm brand new to this incredibly rich collection of texts, stories, and teachings, I've asked teacher and long-time yoga instructor, Christa Mastrangelo Joyce, to help guide us through. Thanks to her and some excellent lectures on YouTube, this episode offers a friendly and engaging introduction into this foundational and beautiful story.

Episode Notes

To learn more about Christa Mastrangelo Joyce visit: JalaYogaFlow.com

For Prof. Peter Bolland's: 
Katha Upanishad - Part 1
Katha Upanishad - Part 2

​And connect with and learn about Michael's mischievous story-oriented offers CLICK HERE

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Episode Summary
​What is it about Robin Hood that has had people telling his story for over 800 years? Who was he? A Man? Myth? A man in tights? In this week's episode, Michael and fellow story wizard, Elizabeth Bercovici, string their bows and take a shot at understanding what it is that makes this outlaw hero so damn attractive. From ancient poems to modern movies, one thing is for sure; Robin Hood has a way of putting people in touch with the strength and courage they need in the face of oppression. 

Episode Notes

• To learn more about Elizabeth Bercovici
• To access her kind and generous gift - A Meditation to Meet your Inner Storyteller
  
  
• To learn more about Michael Trotta and Story Mischief
  
• Don't miss out on Michael's week mischief - Mischievable

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Episode Summary
The Trickster. Do they get a bad wrap or is it well deserved? This week's episode is an excerpt from an interview, taken from a 7-day virtual event hosted by writer and story mentor, Elizabeth Dylan Bercovici. In this section of the interview, Liz asks Michael about the role of mischief and the trickster archetype. Together they acknowledge the hazards but bring to light new possibilities for this often misunderstood force. In addition, they wander into "wild twin" and "wild god" territory to explore the role they have in creating change and healing.

Episode Notes
Click here to learn more about Liz and her 7-day virtual event

To learn more about Michael Trotta and Story Mischief

To join Michael's mailing list:
Mischievable - The free weekly email that helps you better understand and use stories to grow your life and your life's work in ways that feel authentic and achievable.