#338 Ancient Wisdom vs AI: Who Understands Us Better? | Michael Meade

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and welcomes mythologist and storyteller Dr. Michael Meade for his third appearance to discuss Meade’s book The Heart of Transformation and what ancient wisdom offers amid rapid change and AI. Meade contrasts techne (tools/efficiency) with gnosis (deep knowing), argues AI is soulless, and frames the present as a liminal “betwixt and between” rite-of-passage moment in which old institutions are hollowing out while renewal is possible through awakening the “heart within the heart,” imagination, and authenticity. He emphasizes darkness as the source of creation, recounts the Lascaux cave discovery during WWII as an initiatory image, and shares his own rite-of-passage experience in solitary confinement after refusing Vietnam orders. Meade urges inner connection, communitas beyond politics, and mentoring youth by modeling authenticity and planting seeds. 00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched 00:42 Meet Michael Meade 02:15 Writing in a Frenzy 03:16 Ireland and the Otherworld 06:00 AI Versus Soul 06:36 Techne and Gnosis 08:49 Heart Within Heart 11:39 Liminal Times and Anxiety 13:27 Institutions in Collapse 16:48 Communitas and Genius 20:57 Darkness as Renewal 23:02 Nasruddin and the Lost Key 26:47 Turning Inward for Soul 30:36 Cave of the Heart 31:26 Lascaux in Wartime 34:19 Synchronicity And Reading 36:15 Modern Life Lacks Rites 36:45 Three Steps Of Initiation 38:15 Vietnam Draft And Solitary 42:12 Descent Or Help Needed 43:58 Metamorphosis And Inner Center 46:32 Authenticity And Connection 50:03 Mentoring Youth Genius 56:14 Drumming Storytelling Tradition 59:50 Rhythm Unity And Culture 01:02:15 Closing Gratitude And Farewell HELPFUL LINKS: Michael Meade The Heart of Transformation Book Michael Meade Facebook Michael Meade Instagram Michael Meade YouTube Michael Meade Substack