Creative Codex
Creative Codex is a podcast that delves into the minds of history's greatest creative geniuses, exploring the mystery of creativity, art history, and how to improve your own creative process. It combines thoroughly researched insights with captivating soundscapes and original music, presented as both a podcast and an imaginative lecture series. Produced and written by MJDorian.
Episodes
55: Hermes Trismegistus • The God-Philosopher of Occultism
In 1460, a traveling monk discovered an ancient book of spiritual treatises that changed the world. The work came to be known as the Corpus Hermeticum and all of its writings were credited to a mysterious figure named Hermes Trismegistus. For centuries, historians claimed Trismegistus was a contemporary of Moses, existing in pre-flood Biblical times. While recently unearthed Egyptian records show
Listener Q&A • 8th Year Anniversary Special
Time to celebrate 8 years of Creative Codex! On this episode we'll answer 8 juicy questions sent in by listeners of the show.Thank you so much to everyone who has listened, re-listened, shared the show with friends, and supported this passion project on Patreon. You make this all possible. Thank you.-----------Signup for the Creative Codex Newsletter here: https://mjdorian.com/newsletter/-----
Creativity Tip 25: Three Habits to Cure Writer's Block...for Life
Here are three habits which will guarantee a healthy creative process and help you to avoid writer's block. The three habits in order are:Feed the GardenGet Curious or Get DistanceKeep the Wheels in MotionThis episode is a culmination of studying the habits of creative geniuses for 8 years of Creative Codex. I hope you enjoy.-----------Support Creative Codex on my Patreon and gain access to ex
54: Hilma af Klint • Painting the Unseen • Part 3: Behind the Forces of Matter
Hilma af Klint's paintings are not an intellectual exercise in abstraction, they are symbolic works encoded with specific spiritual messages. What are the spiritual messages encoded in her artworks? Can they be deciphered? Was Hilma part of a Rosicrucian Order?We will also make an in depth exploration of Hilma's most infamous series: The Ten Largest. What is it about The Ten Largest which
The 3 Signs of Human Genius • Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation (Video)
Discover the 3 Signs of Genius through a journey into the mind of Leonardo da Vinci. What made Leonardo so brilliant? We will venture deeper than anyone else to find out through the most comprehensive analysis of Leonardo da Vinci's first masterpiece: Annunciation.Support the Creative Codex vision and get access to exclusive episodes (Kurt Cobain, Jung's Red Book, Creativity Tips, etc.) by
The Red Book: The Midlife Catharsis of Dr. Carl Jung (Video Bonus)
Dr. Carl Jung wrote that around the age of 35 we enter "the shadow side of life". Nowadays we call it a midlife crisis, but to Jung, it's a call from the depths of your soul—an invitation for the journey inward. Will you answer the call?Support my work and the Creative Codex vision on Patreon, where you can gain access to my Red Book Reading series, along with all my Creativity Tip m
The Divine Madness of Dr. Carl Jung (Video Bonus)
Watch Part 2: The Midlife Catharsis of Dr. Carl Jung on the Creative Codex YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/y6_H95DH-LM?si=tUQZmK0vEzpXisggThis is the true story of Dr. Carl Jung's descent into the depths of his psyche.Support my work and the Creative Codex vision on Patreon and gain access to tons of exclusive goodies & episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/mjdorian∞∞∞∞∞• Note: This episod
53: Hilma af Klint • Painting the Unseen • Part 2: For The Temple
In 1906, Hilma af Klint begins painting a monumental project: Paintings for the Temple. She receives a commission for this series from higher beings contacted through channeling sessions. What is the message of these paintings? And what makes them so remarkable?∞∞∞∞∞Support Creative Codex on my Patreon and get access to exclusive episodes including Kurt Cobain, Jung's Red Book Reading series,
Tarot Exegesis: The Devil & The Star
Get access to the full Tarot Exegesis series and many more exclusive episodes: patreon.com/mjdorianThis is a preview of my Tarot Exegesis series, which analyzes every card of the Major Arcana. I've created this multi-part series as supplemental material to the main Tarot series and as a thank you to all my Patreon supporters.Each episode is an in depth exploration of the symbolism and psycho
52: Hilma af Klint • Painting the Unseen • Part 1: Life & Death & Art
What makes Hilma af Klint's artwork so groundbreaking? Did she really create her art with the aid of higher beings? And why did it take a century for the art world to catchup with her vision and finally recognize her genius? Join me as we discover the answers to all of that and so much more.∞∞∞∞∞Visit our sponsor, Magic Mind, and try one of three different mental performance shots. Get 60% off
51: The Tarot • Part II: Synchronicity & The Spirit of Creative Genius
By what mechanism does Tarot work? On this episode we answer that question through the illuminating writings and theories of Dr. Carl Jung and Marie Louise von Franz. ∞∞∞∞∞Visit our sponsor, Magic Mind, and try their mental performance shots. Get 48% off with promo code: CREATIVECODEX. Just follow this link: https://magicmind.com/creativecodex∞∞∞∞∞Support Creative Codex on my Patreon and get acces
Tarot Exegesis: The Emperor & The Lovers
Support my work and research by becoming a patron and get access to the full Tarot Exegesis series and many more exclusive episodes: patreon.com/mjdorianThis is a preview of my Tarot Exegesis series, which analyzes every card of the Major Arcana. I've created this multi-part series as supplemental material to the main Tarot series. Each episode is an in depth exploration of the symbolism and p
50: The Tarot • Part 1: Tarot's Origins & The Archetypes of the Collective Unconscious
When did the Tarot begin? Can it be traced back to Egypt or is it more recent in origin?The Tarot is a tradition with a varied reputation, over centuries it has been labeled: a card game, a divination tool, a creation of the devil, and a spiritual book of wisdom. What is it about the Tarot's symbolism that provokes so much emotion out of us? We will explore the cards through the theories of Dr
Creativity Tip 24: Pursue Ambitious Projects (Spotify Video Episode)
What do J.R.R. Tolkien, David Lynch, Emily Dickinson, and Damon Albarn have in common? They each pursued ambitious projects—something challenging within their skillset that compelled their growth.
On this video-minisode, we explore the benefits of ambitious projects and the many inspiring examples of artists pushing their limits.
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Check out the dark pop album (CATHARSIS) which I wrote &
Visionary Art: The Book of Job by William Blake (Spotify Video Episode)
Video not showing? Watch it on the Creative Codex YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/WLCVwqdw53o
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Why must the righteous suffer? This is a question at the heart of The Story of Job. On this special episode, we seek out the answer through the visionary artwork of William Blake.
In 1805, William Blake was commissioned by his patron and friend, Thomas Butts, to create a set of waterco
49: William Blake • On Vision's Wing • Part 3: The Gods of William Blake
Why did William Blake create his own gods? What does Blake's cosmology teach us about humanity? What role does Blake's visual art serve in fulfilling his creative vision?
Join me on a journey to The Morgan Library & Museum, where we view Blake's original manuscripts & artworks, to answer these questions.
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View the companion gallery for this episode here, including a fully rendered co
48: William Blake • On Vision's Wing • Part 2: Innocence & Experience
What makes Blake's Songs of Innocent & of Experience a work of genius? What is the nature of vision? What is Blake's concept of fourfold vision? Is it even graspable by the intellect? We will make the attempt. Join us for a deep dive into all of this and much more.∞∞∞∞∞View the companion gallery for this episode here, including read-along versions of the poems: https://mjdorian.com/blake/∞∞∞
47: William Blake • On Vision's Wing • Part 1: The Marriage of Heaven & Hell
William Blake is considered one of the greatest artists and poets of the English language, yet he lived most of his life in poverty. Why? Many of his acquaintances considered him mad while friends who knew his art considered him 'brilliantly mad'. What was so different about Blake?
Join me on this William Blake series as we pry open the mind of this celebrated creative genius to find the
Red Book Reading: Jung's Precognitions of WW1 & The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Dr. Carl Jung began to have apocalyptic visions in October 1913 which compelled him to engage a dialogue with his unconscious. In the following months, he transcribed these experiences in his personal journals (Black Books). When World War 1 started in June 1914, Jung realized that his visions, dreams, and meditations may have been precognitions of the impending war.
On this minisode, we explore
Language Fails Us: Confronting the Nature of Art & Artessence
Where language breaks, art begins. Language routinely fails us in conversations about art and creativity. In the following essay, I elaborate on the reason for this problem and offer three terms which can help give more depth and clarity to our discussions of art.
The three primary experiential aspects of art:
Art-making: verb, a creative act that results in an art-object.
Art-object: noun, a mate
46: Alexander McQueen • Woven in Shadows (Part 3)
What happens to Alexander McQueen when he achieves his life's dream? Is he able to continue creating inspired collections in spite of the intense pressures of global fame? What are the personal meanings behind his most iconic collections? And what leads to his tragic end?
We will explore all of those questions and much more on this finale to the McQueen series.
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View the companion gallery
Creativity Tip 23: Be Driven By A Vision
All creative geniuses have visions throughout their lives which guide their work. What does it mean to have a vision? How does a vision differ from a goal? How do you discover your own vision? Let's talk about it.
This insight developed from recent studies and reflections I've been engaged in, it is part of my current attempt to define creative genius through several traits which all creat
45: Alexander McQueen • Woven in Shadows (Part 2)
More than anything else in the world, Alexander McQueen at 21 years old wants to be a fashion designer. He embarks on a bold journey to flip the fashion industry on its head. But what makes his early collections so revolutionary and controversial? And what leads to him being 'discovered'?
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View the companion gallery for this episode (including the video of McQueen's graduate colle
44: Alexander McQueen • Woven in Shadows (Part 1)
How does a boy from a working class London background with no connections to the fashion industry go on to become one of the greatest fashion designers of all time? This is the story of Lee Alexander McQueen. Join me as we dive into the life and work of one of the most celebrated and controversial designers of the 21st century.
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Support Creative Codex on my Patreon and get access to exclusiv
Creativity Tip 22: Harvesting Time
Ever feel like life is too busy to explore your creativity? Ever feel like you don't have enough time?
On this Creativity Tip minisode we explore the idea of finding and utilizing the corners of your day. And the possibility that less time isn't always a bad thing–just ask yourself:
What can I do with the time that I have?
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Help fund Creative Codex in 2024 with a donation to our Ven
43: Listener Q&A 🎉 5 Year Anniversary Special 🎉
All of the questions in this episode were sent in by listeners via Instagram, Patreon messages, or Spotify responses.
Support Creative Codex on my Patreon and get access to exclusive episodes, including the RED BOOK READING series and all the Episode Exclusives:
https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian
Questions (in order of appearance, with timestamps):
Do you think sadness / heartache / trauma
42: Carl Jung & Alchemy • Part IV: The Heart of Alchemy
What is your relationship to matter? On this episode–the fourth and final episode in the Jung & Alchemy series–we journey to the heart of alchemy. Through studying examples in alchemy we answer these questions: What are archetypes? What is the collective unconscious? What is individuation?
And the question to end all questions on the matter: What happens when you practice alchemy? Does it conf
Red Book Reading • Ch. 2: Refinding The Soul (Preview)
This is a preview of my new Red Book Reading series, which is now available on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian
Each month I read the next chapter of Dr. Carl Jung's visionary masterpiece, The Red Book (also known as Liber Novus). Each reading is complete with original music and sound design.
Whether you've already read it once and hope to gain new insights, or you have it but
41: Carl Jung & Alchemy • Part III: Magnum Opus
Join me for a journey back to a time when alchemy was revered by Kings & Queens and practiced in the courts of nobles. A time when Prague was the alchemical capital of the world–drawing occultists to it from all of Europe, and ruled by a King who supported esoteric spiritual practices. Along the way we will find direct parallels between Jung's Red Book and the work of the alchemists, leadi
Creativity Tip 21: Think Less, Play More
What is the hidden link between play and creativity? Why do we discourage adults from play? How do you heal your relationship with play and improve your creativity?
As we journey from childhood into adulthood, the world demands that we abandon play and daydream–relegating them to the domain of childhood. But of the many sacrifices we all must make in our transition into adulthood, this sacrifice
40: Carl Jung & Alchemy • Part II: River of Gold
Beneath the surface of Western history––deep within its cavernous tunnels––flows a river of gold.
On this episode we explore the essential concepts of alchemy, alchemical artwork, Jung's theory regarding the projection of unconscious material, inexplicable dreams with alchemical symbolism, the paradox of consciousness & matter, and the unique role of revelation in alchemy. In the end, we
39: Carl Jung & Alchemy • Part I: Dreams, Art, & Synchronicity
What is alchemy? Where does it come from? When did it begin? What does Jung find in alchemy? What does it represent to him that is so important, so profound, that it causes him to abandon his inspired work of the Red Book? It’s time to find out.
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Join the Creative Codex mailing list: https://mjdorian.com/mail/
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Support Creative Codex on my Patreon and get access to exclusive episodes,
Guided Meditation: Inner Child (Active Imagination)
This is a special guided meditation episode which takes you on a journey to meet your inner child and start a dialogue with them. It is inspired by Dr. Carl Jung's active imagination method.
My hope is that this meditation will introduce you to a new way of relating to your inner world. A way that is playful and engages one of the most powerful and seemingly overlooked tools humans have: imag
38: Marina Abramović • IMMATERIAL • Part III: Sublimation
This is the final part of a three part series about the legend of performance art: Marina Abramović. In this episode we explore Marina & Ulay's hypnosis inspired performance pieces, we follow them into the Australian outback for their six months living with aborigines, and finally explore what leads to their last performance–walking the Great Wall of China.
Pieces discussed in order of ap
Creativity Tip 20: The Garbage Journal
Why do we start journals with so much enthusiasm, only to lose interest within a month? What is the point of a good journal? What are the profound benefits of journaling and how do we engage them?
On this Creativity Tip, we explore the possibility that we are all journaling wrong. Pop culture has handicapped our ability to journal effectively, romanticizing the 'art of journaling' and exte
37: Marina Abramović • IMMATERIAL • Part II: Conjunction
This is Part 2 of a three part series about the legend of performance art: Marina Abramović. On this episode, we explore her intense relationship and art partnership with Ulay. The narrative weaves its way through their thirteen year collaboration, focusing on their early years, first performances together, and their Art Vital manifesto which encapsulated their life and art.
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Support Crea
36: Marina Abramović • IMMATERIAL • Part 1: Life or Death
This is Part 1 of a three part series about the legend of performance art: Marina Abramović. On this episode, we explore her childhood, Marina's first forays into art, and her controversial Rhythm series. In a first for podcasting, we explore her performance art through sonic simulations of the works as they are discussed.
Her artworks as they appear in this episode:
Rhythm 10 (1973)
Rhythm 5 (
Letter to a Young Artist in the 21st Century
This essay was inspired by the listeners of Creative Codex. It is dedicated to all the young artists who are unsure of their place in the modern world, and all the well intentioned parents, who want to encourage their child's creative journey. To them I say: art is not an option–it is a necessity.
You can read this essay here: https://mjdorian.com/essays/
In the process of writing Letter to
35: Hieronymus Bosch • The Hell Panel (The Garden of Earthly Delights Part II)
The Hell Panel of Hieronymus Bosch is considered the most infamous depiction of Hell in art history. On this episode, we will venture deeper into Bosch's Hell than anyone has ever ventured before. At its depths we will find philosophical insights, critiques of the Catholic Church, and Bosch's visionary creative genius on full display.
View a video companion of this episode on Spotify: https://open
Creativity Tip 19: The Subtle Art of Mirroring
Have you ever noticed that you mirror your closest friend's habits and interests? Have you ever wondered: 'how do I think like Leonardo da Vinci or Albert Einstein?' On this creativity tip, we are going to explore something we all do naturally: mirroring. And how we can use to inspire our creative work in new and unexpected directions.
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Want to buy me a coffee or throw some coin in my 'fancy
34: Hieronymus Bosch • The Garden of Earthly Delights (Part I)
Hieronymus Bosch created one of the strangest and most talked about paintings in art history: The Garden of Earthly Delights. But there is a riddle hidden in the garden: is it an idyllic paradise or a sinful false paradise? On this episode, we will dive deeper than ever before to search for the answer.
Other questions we will explore on this episode: what makes The Garden of Earthly Delights a wor
33: Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci • Part 2: Treatise On Painting & The Vitruvian Man
Imagine if you were a student of Leonardo da Vinci during the height of the Renaissance? What would you learn? All the secrets of oil painting, the hidden proportions of human anatomy, Leonardo's philosophy on life...Let's find out. On this episode, we explore Leonardo da Vinci's Treatise On Painting through three lectures on Proportion, Anatomy, and Color. We stumble onto the invention of 'orange
Creativity Tip 18: The Siesta Nap
On this minisode, we’re going to explore the physical and creative benefits of napping. I’ll share with you my personal method for easing into a nap practically anywhere. And we will answer this question: are there any creative benefits to napping?
Dorian's Nap Method:
Set your alarm for 17 - 20 minutes.
Lay down on a bed (with a sleep mask) or elsewhere, like a car (with sunglasses).
Slow do
Jimi Hendrix Electrifies The Star Spangled Banner (Today in Creative History)
Today in Creative History: August 18th, 1969, Jimi Hendrix plays a visionary rendition of The Star Spangled Banner for a stunned audience at Woodstock. It's a performance that will go down in history as the musical climax of a tumultuous decade in the USA. Decades later, this rendition still sounds as startling to our ears as it must have to the tens of thousands in attendance.
If you'd lik
32: Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci • Part 1: The Inner Life of Genius
At this moment, strewn across the world, there exist over 7,200 pages of Leonardo da Vinci's notes. These pages are not only echoes of a distant past–embodying the inquisitive spirit of the Renaissance–according to scholars and historians they represent the 'greatest record of curiosity ever created'.
Join me for this special two part series, as we dive into the thoughts, artwork, and paradoxes of
Guided Meditation: Intuition Mapping
This is a Guided Meditation episode about one of the most perplexing aspects of creativity: Intuition. What is it and how do we engage it more effectively?
This meditation is based on a technique I've been developing called: Intuition Mapping. Grab a cup of coffee / tea, and give this guided meditation a test drive to see what compulsions are pushing and pulling you.
Some helpful notes:
• Motiv
31: Leonor Fini • The Dark Masquerade
Leonor Fini did not limit art to the confines of the frame, for her, it spilled out into all of life itself. Every year, Fini and her two lovers, Stanislao & Kot, would host soirees at an abandoned monastery on the island of Corsica. If you were invited, it meant you were part of her inner circle. The only requirement was: come dressed in a mask and costume–the more elaborate, the better.Join
30: Leonor Fini • Mirrors of the Dark Sublime (Part I)
Leonor Fini was one of the most prolific and mysterious artists of the 20th century. Her career spans an impressive 67 years, she completed over 1,100 oil paintings, and her art was featured in over 350 international gallery exhibitions during her lifetime. Yet she is virtually unknown to us today. Her art and career are shrouded with the mystery of a sphinx's riddle. This is the story of Leonor F
The World Is Burning–Why Should I Make Art?
Why make art during times of turmoil? Why make art in times of war? Why should you even be creative when it feels like the world is burning?
In this minisode, we explore the reason why we need art to help us transcend our darkest times.
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Cover Art: Photograph by Joseph Eid, 2017. The man pictured is Mohammed Anis, a civilian in Aleppo, Syria. He sits on his bed, with a pipe in his hand, l
29: Carl Jung • Seven Sermons to the Dead (Part III)
On this episode, we will conclusively answer this question: why was Gnosticism so important to Dr. Carl Jung?Along the way, we will dive deep into Sermons 5 thru 7 to answer these questions: what is the relationship between spirituality and sexuality? How does Jung's libido theory differ from Freud's libido theory? What is the significance of the dove and the serpent in religious symbolism? Accord
Art Is Dangerous: Nazi Degenerate Art Exhibition • Entartete Kunst, 1937
When the Nazi Party came to power in Germany, in 1933, one of their first goals was to reshape culture by force. The Nazis organized book burnings, stormed artist studios, confiscating work they disagreed with, and fired contemporary artists from teaching positions in universities. The goal was to place limits on human expression–an ominous display for what was to come.
Visit the companion g
28: Carl Jung • Seven Sermons to the Dead (Part II)
NOTE: Spotify has removed Part 3 of this series due to a copyright claim by Nirvana's record company. (A Nirvana song was used in the intermission segment to promote my Kurt Cobain series.) I have stitched Parts 1 to 3 of the Seven Sermons series together into one super-episode which you can listen to for FREE on my Patreon (no signup required) here: https://www.patreon.com/collection/1838953-
Video Bonus: The Most Disturbing Painting of All Time (Vincent van Gogh's Asylum Portrait)
This is a special Video Bonus episode of Creative Codex! Our show has been selected by Spotify to showcase the new video options for podcasters on Spotify. If you dig it, please share it with someone! (The video playback is currently only supported on Spotify.)
( This video bonus first appeared on the Creative Codex Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9xwt3hz49VBbgqN80driTQ )
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27: Carl Jung • Seven Sermons to the Dead (Part I)
NOTE: Spotify has removed Part 3 of this series due to a copyright claim by Nirvana's record company. (A Nirvana song was used in the intermission segment to promote my Kurt Cobain series.) I have stitched Parts 1 to 3 of the Seven Sermons series together into one super-episode which you can listen to for FREE on my Patreon (no signup required) here: https://www.patreon.com/collection/1838953
Best of Creative Codex • Sonic Simulations (100k Special)
This is a special clip show of some of the best moments from the last 3 years of Creative Codex! The focus of this episode is: sonic simulations. In the show, sonic simulations are the use of sound design, music, and narration to convey an experience, time, or place.
The clips featured in this episode, in order of appearance are:
Nikola Tesla’s Earthquake Experiment (Episode 5)
Discovery of
Creativity Tip 17: Boredom Breeds Creativity (The Mental Cigarette Break)
Does boredom play an important role in creativity? If so, is technology ridding our lives of boredom at a perilous cost? On this Creativity Tip minisode, the truth gets 'curiouser and curiouser.' Along the way we explore research in neuroscience regarding the Default Mode Network, and psychological research that potentially proves the link between boredom and creativity.
Try the Mental Cigarette B
26: L'FREAQ (In Conversation)
On this episode we sit down with multi-talented singer / songwriter: L'FREAQ. (Also known as Lea Cappelli.) We dive deep into all of the most interesting topics: Does creativity feed on despair and depression? How do you get to the gold? What is L'FREAQ's songwriting process? Do you hear music on the cusp of sleep?
Listen to L'FREAQ's phenomenal new album, Showgirl: https://open.spotify.com/artist
Art Is Dangerous (Exhibit A: The Devil Wood Incident)
Is art dangerous? On this minisode, I share a personal story about the art project that almost killed me. I call this: The Devil Wood Incident. This is Exhibit A in a miniseries exploring the theme: Art Is Dangerous.
Here is a link to the Devil Wood music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TTL-GKBMTk
If you would like to share your own Art Is Dangerous story for a future episode, reach
25: Vincent van Gogh • At Eternity's Gate (Madness, Genius, & Tragedy: Part 4)
On this episode we explore the tragic death of Vincent van Gogh. We seek to answer, once and for all, was it: suicide or homicide? In the process we discover that the two popular theories explaining Vincent's death are deeply flawed, and a new theory emerges.
This episode follows the events of that fateful day through Theo's perspective. After a thorough investigation, we explore the afterma
24: Vincent van Gogh • The Asylum (Madness, Genius, & Tragedy: Part 3)
On May 8th, 1889, Vincent van Gogh checks in to a mental asylum. What begins as a three month stay extends into a year. A period of time during which Vincent paints 141 masterpieces in between bouts of debilitating psychotic attacks.
On this episode, we dive into Vincent and Theo's letters to finally uncover all of the details about Vincent's yearlong stay in the asylum.
The original m
Creativity Tip 15: The 10,000 Hours Rule
What is the 10,000 Hours Rule? How can you apply it in your life?
I first stumbled on this theory in the book: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. The basic premise is this: to achieve mastery in any skill that requires complex cognitive processes, you need to put in roughly 10,000 hours of effort, spread across a 10 year span.
In other words, if you want to become a master at something, you will have t
23: Vincent van Gogh • The Ear Incident (Madness, Genius, & Tragedy: Part 2)
On this special episode, we dive into the full truth about the most infamous event in art history: Vincent van Gogh's ear incident. The 'ear incident' serves as a catalyst event, which signals the onset of a mental affliction which will torment Vincent van Gogh for his final three years. Paradoxically, at the same time his mental health is in decline, his paintings are showing the signs of a creat
22: Vincent van Gogh • A Strange Boy (Madness, Genius, & Tragedy: Part 1)
Can madness and genius be contained in one individual? Can psychosis and the rarest artistry be contained in one mind?
These contradictions pervade the story of Vincent van Gogh. And in the final three years of his life, they culminate in a whirlwind.
You may think you know Vincent, you may have heard about him on a TV show or a podcast. But not like this.
Over the next three episodes, we wi
Guided Meditation • Discover Your Heart
This is a special Guided Meditation episode called Discover Your Heart. (You do not need to have any experience with meditation for this experience to work for you. Give it a try!)
Oftentimes we only truly listen to our body when we are feeling pain or pleasure. This means we ignore the subtle sensations which are happening every minute of every day.
This meditation specifically focuses on your
The Madness of Genius (Opening Lecture from Creative Codex Club event 4/20/21)
Is there a line between genius and madness? What is the difference between the madness of artists and the madness of genius? This is a brief opening lecture which I presented for an event called The Madness of Genius, which was held on April 20th, 2021, on the Clubhouse app. This was the first event held by the Creative Codex Club, and featured two special guest speakers: Emily Dickinson scholar,
21: The Magic Secrets of Salvador Dali
In 1948, Salvador Dali wrote a notorious treatise with the intention to "save modern art from chaos and laziness". On this feature length episode, we explore Salvador Dali's 50 Secrets of Magic Craftsmanship.
We focus on ten essential secrets from this bizarre treatise including: the secret of the painter's pointed mustache, the sleep technique known as the 'slumber with a key', rules for lo
Creativity Tip 14: Ideas Thrive In The Unfamiliar
How do you find the ideas that excite you? How do you encourage inspiration within a fixed structure of habit?
Ideas thrive in the unfamiliar. Take your expertise and engage it through something related but unfamiliar.
This is a Creativity Tip mini-episode. If you found it helpful or interesting, please share it with someone you think will enjoy it!
If you would like to listen to all of the Creati
20: Listener Q&A (Topics: Carl Jung, creativity as a form of magic, Bollingen Tower, NFTs, Emily Dickinson, etc)
Join us for a special Listener Q&A episode of Creative Codex, where the spotlight is on you, and your thoughts and questions.
Questions covered on this episode include such gems as: How do you decide on a creative figure for your next episode? What's up with NFTs and thoughts on digital art? Could you discuss Austin Osman Spare and his theory that art and magic are somehow linked? Why do more
19: The Enigma of Emily Dickinson (Part 2)
Join us as we dive deep into the enigmatic mind of Emily Dickinson. In this episode, we explore her creative process, her most intimate letters, the mysterious details about her illness, and the secret to her creative genius: solitude.
Episode Guide including the featured poems is available here: http://mjdorian.com/emily/
The voice of Emily Dickinson is performed by: Frances LaVette. Follow Franc
Creativity Tip 12: Limitless Creativity
What would you do if you had unlimited resources? What project or career would you pursue?
On this Creativity Tip minisode I guide you through a thought exercise that re-frames how you view the world. We often view the world through economic resources because society is limited by economics; but that doesn't mean your creativity needs to be. Change your perspective and you will be surprised to fin
18: The Enigma of Emily Dickinson (Part 1)
On this special episode, we dive headfirst into the enigmatic genius of Emily Dickinson. We explore what makes her poetry so brilliant, her strained relationship with religion, the challenges she faced living in a Puritanical town in the mid 1800's, and the influence her uniquely distinguished family had on her work.
Read along with the incredible poems featured in this episode here: http://www.mj
Carl Jung's Near Death Experience
In 1944, the psychologist Carl Jung experienced a vision that transcended any others he had during his life: it was his near death experience. On this mini-episode, we dive into Jung's written account of the experience, pairing it with original music, and we explore the implications it presents in the context of the clinical phenomena of NDEs (Near Death Experiences) and Western esoteric tradition
Creativity Tip 10: Don't Be Afraid To Steal
At what point is inspiration plagiarism? If an existing work of art inspires you to create something, where do you draw the line of ownership? Is it even reasonable to assume a line should be drawn?
On this Creativity Tip mini-episode we tackle this conundrum and offer examples from history to backup the wild implications.
If you'd like to hear all of the Creativity Tip mini-episodes, head over to
17: Beau Stanton (In Conversation)
Join me in the art studio of painter, mural artist, and Renaissance man: Beau Stanton. We discuss symbolism, the ability of art to move the unconscious, incorporating historical elements in your work, how Beau plans a mural, what happens if you stop making art, his early apprenticeship experiences with Ron English, and Beau's personal art philosophy.
Check out all things Beau Stanton on his websit
Guided Meditation • The Middle Pillar & Israel Regardie
The Middle Pillar is a unique and profound meditation popularized by Israel Regardie. Regardie was a writer on Western esoteric traditions and a ceremonial magician during the 1900's. The meditation we explore in this episode is based entirely on Regardie's description in his book of the same name, released in 1930, entitled: The Middle Pillar. During his lifetime, Regardie was a prominent member
Reflections: Grief & Creativity
Reflections is a minisode series I will occasionally record that is of a more personal nature. Think of it like a journal entry with a specific theme. This minisode is about Grief & Creativity, how one influences the other, and how they are inextricably linked.
If you would like to pose a question or make a comment about this episode or any creative topic please visit our subreddit: https://ww
15: The Devil & Robert Johnson (Part 1)
NOTE: Spotify has removed Part 2 of this series due to a copyright claim by the record company that still owns Robert Johnson's recordings. I have stitched Parts 1 & 2 together into one super-episode which you can listen to for FREE on my Patreon (no signup required) here: https://www.patreon.com/collection/1838953---------The life of bluesman Robert Johnson is a tangle of myth, genius, an
Creativity Tip 9: Start A Dream Journal
Have you ever tried to keep a dream journal? Are there any benefits to your creativity or personal growth in keeping up with such a habit?
I have kept a dream journal for the last three months. Here are my thoughts on this old fashioned habit and the intriguing personal benefits that come with starting your own dream journal.
Visit my Patreon for exclusive content, including all Creativity Tip Epi
Guided Meditation • Inner Sanctum
It is highly recommended you listen to this meditation with headphones.
This is a Guided Meditation that takes you on a journey into your Inner Sanctum. Your Inner Sanctum is a place deep inside your mind, a place of great peace and potential located in your unconscious mind. Enthusiasts of Carl Jung will notice this meditation is very similar to the process of active imagination that Jung often w
14: Why Humans Need Art
Why do humans need art? Hidden within the answer to that question is a profound truth about the human experience. Join me as we travel around the world to narrow down three primary reasons why humans need art.
In our quest for the answer we will explore Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, the Game of Thrones TV show, the poetry of Emily Dickinson, Carl Jung's art therapy methods, Mozart's Requiem, and
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