Episodes
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In this episode I trace my journey from an intense graduateâschool community in London through academic disillusionment, anxiety, and early novelâwriting, toward Jungian analysis and the creation of Sophia Cycles as a circle for exploring inner life. I reflect on how apparent missteps and detours can become waypoints on the path of individuation, especially as we reclaim shadowed parts of ourselves in midlife and begin to live from a more authentic center. Along the way, I introduce key companions for this inner workâRobert A. Johnsonâs Inner Work and A Joseph Campbell Companion: Reflections on the Art of Livingâand invite listeners to see their own collapses and questions as essential material for meaning rather than failures to be erased.
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In this episode I sit down with the actor and educator Jeff Miller to explore Robert A. Johnsonâs We: Understanding the Psychology of Romantic Love through a Jungian lens, asking why romantic love has become the âsingle greatest energy system in the Western psycheâ and how it often replaces religion as our main path to meaning, transcendence, and ecstasy. We unpack projectionâhow we place our own unlived life and inner feminine/masculine onto a belovedâthen trace romantic love back to the 12thâcentury troubadours and the myth of Tristan and Isolde to show what happens when a culture puts divine longing onto human partners instead of the sacred. Along the way we look at the wounded feminine in a powerâdriven patriarchy, the imbalance between âmasculineâ values of control and âfeminineâ values of connection, and why this split fuels both our idealizations and our bitter disillusionments in relationship. We also talk about where that eros can go insteadâinto art, theatre, music, dreams, and other experiences of transcendence that connect us to something larger without asking another person to âcure our lifeââand how the deeper Jungian task is to balance our inner opposites, withdraw projections, and honour the beauty of falling in love without making it our only doorway to the soul.
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode I speak with psychiatrist Dr. Sumit Anand about the complex, often misunderstood nature of anger and its deep roots in personal and collective grief. Drawing on classical literature like Homerâs The Iliad and Euripidesâ Medea, contemporary storytelling, and Jungian psychology, we deconstruct how the modern clinical approach has pathologized a vital signaling system of the soul. Dr. Anand shares profound insights from his own practice and personal history, explaining the neurobiology of rage, the illusion of "closure," and the therapeutic necessity of bypassing rationalizing narratives to address the raw pain and shame sitting beneath the surface. Together, we explore how developing conscious awareness and tracking the body's visceral responses can ultimately break generational cycles of trauma and lead to genuine psychological healing.
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In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend, professional actor, and educator Jeff Miller for a deep dive into the work of Jungian psychoanalyst James Hollis. We discuss why a life focused on meaning trumps the superficial cultural chase for happiness, how to face our personal shadow, and the challenging but liberating reality of taking absolute responsibility for our own lives. From navigating personal blowups with aging parents to finding ultimate wisdom in literature, Jeff shares how Hollisâs writing fundamentally shifted his perspective on navigating the second half of life.
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In this new incarnation of the podcast, I interview the same guest from the final episode of Gatherings, psychiatrist Dr. Sumit Anand. We explore why modern mental health must address soul, meaning, and a recognition of the human spirit.
Is there space for the notion of a "soul" in contemporary psychiatric practice? Dr. Anand makes a compelling case for why there should be.
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In this episode, BĂ©a speaks with forensic psychiatrist Dr. Sumit Anand about his journey from medical school in England to decades of work with the âcriminally insane,â adolescents, and todayâs so-called âworried well.â He traces how a love of story led him toward psychiatry and then back toward narrative, arguing that a patientâs story is data, not decoration. Sumit reflects on the limits of purely biological models, the crisis of meaning in younger generations, the distortions of tech culture, and why real change needs time, presence, and a willingness to sit in the âmessy middleâ of life. Along the way he shares practical insights from the consulting room: building trust in a system people no longer believe in, creating a genuine container for chaos and grief, reconnecting mind and body, and valuing growth over quick fixes.
You can find Sumit's short videos on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sumit+anand+md
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This episode is a wide-ranging conversation on creativity, Jungian psychology, and what it takes to write from the depths. BĂ©a reflects on her novel Invocation as a psychological culmination of years of work, one that braided together cognitive science, mythology, and inner development and ultimately prompted her to step away from her long-running group. From there, the discussion moves into the disruptive symbolism of the goddess Eris and why storytelling remains essential for both personal integration and the wider cultural humanities. Looking ahead, BĂ©a shares early insights into her next project, a historical fantasy shaped by celestial maps and the myth of Parsifal. Throughout the episode, the creative act emerges as a form of inner healing and a living bridge between the rational and irrational dimensions of the psyche.
Link to information about Invocation: Bea Gonzalez Sophiacycles
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In this episode, I turn to the Romantics as guides for a world coming apart, viewing Mary Shelley's Frankenstein as a protest against a mechanistic worldview that devalues feeling. Some questions that emerge from this journey are: â What do we do when technology outpaces our moral framework? Just because we're able to do something, should we? What responsibilities do we incur when we create a new form of life? Are we repeating Frankenstein's mistake when we build systems and then disclaim any obligation to the creatures we have released onto the world?
Books Mentioned:
Magnificent Rebels, Andrea WulfRomantic Outlaws, Charlotte GordonFrankenstein, Mary ShelleyA Flash of Golden Fire, Thomas ElsnerThe Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Samuel Taylor ColeridgeThe Romantics and Us, Simon SchamaBERGHAIN, Rosalia [Lux]Guillermo del Toroâs, Frankenstein
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In this episode of Gatherings, we unpack the enduring power of the vampire archetype. We trace its evolution from the gothic shadows of Dracula to todayâs romanticized immortal figures, revealing how the vampire reflects the repressed, unintegrated, and wounded parts of the psyche. Drawing on insights from Marion Woodman and Michael Singer, we explore the vampire as a symbol of psychic energy turned inwardâwhat happens when life force becomes blocked or possessed by the shadow. We also situate the myth in its social context, connecting its late-Victorian rise to cultural fears around feminism, sexuality, and capitalism. The conversation closes by asking why our current moment is again obsessed with the vampire and what this collective fascination might tell us about trauma, desire, and the hunger for aliveness.
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What do a Renaissance magician, a modern neuroscientist, and a forgotten philosopher of language have in common? In this episode, I dive into a wild, mythically-informed rabbit hole that took me from the Corpus Hermeticum to the divided brain model of Iain McGilchrist and the linguistic revelations of Owen Barfield. Together, these three worldviewsâHermeticism, brain lateralization, and the evolution of consciousnessâseem to be providing us with the same message: that the world is not dead, but alive⊠if only we remember how to see it.
This is a journey through magic, metaphysics, language, and psycheâa kind of Jungian time-travel into the heart of our disenchanted world. I explore how perception is not passive but participatory, how imagination might just be the bridge back to meaning, and why the way we attend to reality could be the most urgent moral act of our time.
If you've ever felt like something sacred has gone missing, or that the modern world has forgotten how to listenâthis episode is for you.
Books Mentioned:
âą Giordano Bruno and the Hermetic Tradition by Frances Yatesâą The Master and His Emissary by Iain McGilchristâą The Matter with Things by Iain McGilchristâą Cosmos and Psyche by Richard Tarnasâą Poetic Diction by Owen Barfieldâą English Words by Owen Barfieldâą Saving the Appearances by Owen Barfieldâą The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life by Thomas Mooreâą Inner Work by Robert A. Johnson -
In this episode, BĂ©a sits down with author Shylashri Shankar for a rich and layered conversation about her debut novel, Blood Caste. Set in 1895 Hyderabad and loosely inspired by the mystery of Jack the Ripper, the novel becomes a launching point for a deeper exploration of themes like prejudice, identity, and the tensions between cultures and values.
Shankar shares how writing the book was more than a creative projectâit was a personal journey of transformation. The discussion moves fluidly between the novelâs historical roots and the inner landscapes both authors navigate in their own creative processes. Along the way, they reflect on the role of fiction in uncovering truth, the power of inner work, and why audiobooks can offer a more embodied reading experience.
Blood Caste is published in the UK and in all English-speaking countries by Canelo Crime, [DK/Random House]. It will be available on Audio on August 7th.
Shylashri Shankar | Canelo Crime
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In this episode BĂ©a interviews award-winning literary scholar, poet, and Jungian thinker Roula Maria Dib. Together, they explore Jungâs evolving place within feminist thought, the role of the feminine archetype in the psyche, and the power of poetry and art as healing practices. The conversation moves through themes of visionary art, dreams, creativity, and how artists serve as vessels for the collective unconscious. Roula offers insights into her own work, including her books The Jungian Metaphor: Modernist Literature and Simply Being--and speaks to the necessity of creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and community.
The episode also features a powerful personal story about how a dream helped Roula recognize a life-threatening illness in her daughterâunderscoring the importance of cultivating an ongoing relationship with the unconscious. For anyone drawn to Jungian depth psychology, feminist perspectives, and the transformative nature of art and dreams, this conversation offers rich ground for reflection.
Books & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
The Jungian Metaphor: Modernist Literature (2020) by Roula Maria Dibhttps://labrc.co.uk/roula-maria-dib/
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In this episode of Gatherings, we welcome writer and mythic guide Carly Mountain, author of Descent and Rising. Together, we explore the ancient Sumerian myth of Inanna, a powerful narrative of descent, embodiment, and feminine transformation.
Carly shares how the myth mirrored her own personal journey and why it continues to speak to modern women facing burnout, identity shifts, or creative rebirth. We explore the mythâs cultural resurgence, its symbolic contrast to artificial intelligence, and its call to reclaim erotic intelligence, surrender, and embodied wisdom. Carly reframes surrender not as weakness but as the courage to meet whatâs realâand sees descent not as failure, but as the doorway to collective healing.
For those navigating inner thresholds, this episode may serve as both map and medicine.
For more information about Carlyâs book and workshops: Writer, Psychotherapist and Women's Initiatory Guide.
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In this episode, BĂ©a sits down with author and depth psychologist Connie Zweig to explore what it really means to âromance the shadow.â We speak about the lifelong task of making the unconscious conscious, the myths that still live in us, and how shadow work becomes even more essential as we age.
Drawing from her decades of writing and teachingâfrom Meeting the Shadow to The Inner Work of AgeâConnie offers insight into how the parts we reject hold the keys to our vitality, our creativity, and even our spiritual growth.
This is a conversation about memory, myth, inner figures, and the radical courage it takes to turn toward what weâve exiled within.
Connie Zweig, Ph.D. is a retired Jungian therapist and author of Meeting the Shadow (A New Edition is now available) and Romancing the Shadow (A New Edition is now available). Her award-winning book, The Inner Work of Age: Shifting from Role to Soul, extends Shadow-work into midlife and beyond and explores aging as a spiritual practice. Her book, Meeting the Shadow on the Spiritual Path: The Dance of Darkness and Light in Our Search for Awakening, extends shadow-work into religion and spirituality. Her new PODCAST, Dr. Neilâs Spiritual Awakening to Non-Duality, posts on all podcast platforms. See her new SUBSTACK for livestreams and new writing: https://www.shadowworkawareness.com/about.
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In this episode, we explore the creative process. Is it limited to the material work we produce, or is the true creative path the inner work we do as part of the individuation journey? What kinds of conversations should we be having? How does dream work factor into the process? And does an artist need to reveal something meaningful to the collective for their work to be considered art?
Books mentioned in this episode:
The Creative Act: A Way of Being (Rick Rubin)
The Archetypal Artist: Reimagining Creativity and the Call to Create (Mary Antonia Wood)
Carl Jung and Arnold Toynbee: The Social Meaning of Inner Work (J. Gary Sparks)
Quote from Long Life: Essays and Other Writings, by Mary Oliver:
"And that is just the point: how the world, moist and bountiful, calls to each of us to make a new and serious response. That's the big question, the one the world throws at you every morning. 'Here you are, alive. Would you like to make a comment?'"
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Do you ever feel like something's off with the way we think as a society? In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking work of Iain McGilchrist, who argues that an imbalance in our brains, favoring the left hemisphere's focus on control, could be leading us down a dangerous path. The discussion delves into how McGilchrist's theories connect with Jungian psychology and the importance of a holistic view of things. Tune in to learn more about this fascinating perspective!
Show notes:
Books mentioned
The Master and His Emissary (McGilchrist)
The Matter With Things (McGilchrist)
The Dream of the Cosmos: A Quest for the Soul (Anne Baring)
Addiction to Perfection: The Still Unravished Bride (Marion Woodman)
Podcast episodes mentioned
Understanding The Matter with Things Dialogues Episode 28: Ch 28 The sense of the sacred
A Revolution in Thought? Lecture by Dr. Ian McGilchrist
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This episode takes a deep dive into the writings and influence of Jungian analyst James Hollis. We focus on four essential books to get you started: The Eden Project, Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life, Under Saturnâs Shadow, and Swamplands of the Soul. Through these works, we examine powerful themes such as taking responsibility for our lives, embracing individuation, understanding relationship dynamics beyond romance, confronting the struggles men face in expressing emotions, and learning to navigate lifeâs darker, swampy moments. We also reflect on how Hollisâ ideas have shaped our personal journeys. Tune in as we explore the mind of one of the wisest thinkers of our timeâand find out which of his books might resonate most with you.
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Join BĂ©a and Carly as they discuss their top reads from 2024. With a focus on both fiction and nonfiction, they explore Carly Mountain's 'Descent & Rising,' Roberta B. Corson's Stepping Out of the Shadows,' J. Gary Sparksâ The Call of Destiny and Andrea Wulf's 'Magnificent Rebels,' among others. The conversation delves deep into book recommendations, literary themes, and personal reflections on the significance of these works.
The song used in this podcast is Jay Redelspergerâs âOn my Wayâ. You can find Jayâs music on Spotify, Apple Music and all other music platforms. He is also on YouTube Jay Mark Redelsperger - YouTube
For information on the SophiaCycles project: www.sophiacycles.com
Bea will be teaching a month-long course at the Jung Archademy on âThe Archetypal Venusâ. You can find information here: The Archetypal Venus LIVE-VIDEO SEMINAR SERIES with BĂ©a Gonzalez, M.A. â JUNG Archademy
00:00 Introduction to Gatherings Podcast
00:39 Hosts' Personal Book Habits
03:03 First Book Highlight: Stepping Out of the Shadows
05:33 Exploring the Medial Woman Archetype
10:51 Second Book Highlight: Searching for Venus
14:14 Fantasy Romance Genre Insights
16:35 Third Book Highlight: The Shepard Duology
17:52 Impact of Fiction on Personal Growth
23:09 Personal Reflections and Career Doubts
24:03 The Power of Stories and Rituals
25:49 The Heroine's Journey and Self-Discovery
27:34 Exploring Jungian Concepts and Guides
31:54 Book Recommendations and Synchronicity
34:11 Alchemy and Symbolism
39:11 Historical Insights and Intellectual Movements
42:27 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects
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Uncover the Journey of the Feminine Archetype through Time
In this episode, Jay and BĂ©a discuss the myth of Inanna, the two Venuses, and the evolution of the feminine archetype across various cultures and eras. They initiate the conversation with an in-depth exploration of Inanna's myth, drawing parallels with the movie Barbie while emphasizing the continual relevance and transformative power of this ancient archetype. They also explore how Venus, a symbol of beauty and love, has transformed from an androgynous warrior to an emblem of love and connection. Finally, they discuss the need to shift from the binary perception of such themes towards viewing them as ongoing, transformative stories that are accessible to all individuals, regardless of gender.Book Discussed: Descent to the Goddess, Sylvia Brinton Perera -
In this episode, Jay and Béa explore the many dimensions healing can take. There seems to be a lot of attention placed on the notion of healing in the public sphere but what does this look like? Is it possible to ever fully heal? And if so, what modalities can help us on this journey? Authors and books mentioned: Dr. Gabor Maté [The Myth of Normal]; Marion Woodman "Addiction to Perfection". Books we recommend: "Waking the Tiger", Peter Levine: "The Body Keeps the Score", Bessel van der Kolk.
Song: "The Gathering" Jay Redelsperger
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