Seeds of Culture (85 Minute Interview)

A Conversation with Robbie Carlton of The Sane & Miraculous On The Indigenous Memory of Mother Europe Found in Fairy Tales

First of all, thank you so much to everyone who left a comment on the last post as to why you think the story of Briar Rose was kept alive.

The other week, Robbie sent me a message on Instagram, asking if I’d be open to being a guest on his podcast to speak about this cultural work I’ve been doing and, particularly about the notion that there is wisdom, indigenous to Europe, contained in fairy tales - that these old folk tales are seeds of culture.

Anyway, he invited me.

I told him I’d be delighted.

And, after our 85 minute conversation, I remain glad I said ‘yes’. His introduction to the interview clarified some important pieces and he extended a great courtesy to me in the understanding that though my language and his might differ on certain matters (e.g. my use of the term ‘spell’) there was a seat at the table for multiple approaches.

In a sometimes pedantic and ungenerous online world, I’m grateful for that kind of hospitality.

I hope you enjoy the interview. You can find it on Robbie’s Substack.

We’d both love to hear your thoughts.

If you’d like to interview either myself and/or Kakisimow Iskwew, please let us know in the comments.

Important Note: I forgot to attribute the following quote as being something that I learned from Kakisimow Iskwew (who in turn learned it from a Blackfoot elder Narcisse Blood): “So, I don't mean to talk glibly or loosely, or imagine that I know how it is for everyone, but I can just say largely what I've seen, and generalizing dangerously. So, when I'm using the word culture, I mean, culture are the teachings that we need to live on the land, sustainably.” Telling the story of things, including where we heard things, is an act of cultural regeneration and so is apologizing which I have done.

All the money raised from your pledges to this Substack go to support the work of indigenous, cultural activist Kakisimow Iskwew.

We are offering our Briar Rose & The Indigenous Memory of Mother Europe in a variety of formats. Join us for an online version of our three-hour intro session on Dec 12th (30% full), live in Edmonton on Dec 22nd 2024 (30% full) or our six-week, online course (20% full).

Learn more, get tickets or join the email list at the link below.