In this episode, Simon returns to the podcast along with guest Rocco Jarman. They discuss the past year since our last episode, as well as what's to come in The Walled Garden Philosophical Society. 

Introduced in this episode is The Sanctuary Studio for The Arts & Humanities: a community studio founded by Simon Drew in 2024 in Santa Ana, California. For those wishing to attend our first year anniversary celebrations at The Sanctuary Studio, learn more and book your tickets at thesanctuarystudio.org/anniversary.

ABOUT ROCCO: Rocco Jarman is an unorthodox philosopher, teacher, and visionary who bridges ancient wisdom with modern insight. A neurodivergent autodidact with over 25 years in corporate leadership, his work is shaped by personal experiences of burnout and existential crisis, giving him a unique lens on business, social systems, and human development.He created Following the Way, a framework for integrated self-mastery, and co-founded The Walled Garden Philosophical Society, where he collaborates with thought leaders on transformative ideas. He also leads The Silver Branch project, which makes spiritual philosophy accessible through archetype and mythos.Rocco’s mission is to reconcile science and mysticism, advocate for spiritual health, and restore soul in business and culture. Author of three books on psychological and spiritual self-leadership, his life’s work centers on a unifying vision of human actualisation. 

In this episode, Simon returns to the podcast along with guest Rocco Jarman. They discuss the past year since our last episode, as well as what's to come in The Walled Garden Philosophical Society. 

Introduced in this episode is The Sanctuary Studio for The Arts & Humanities: a community studio founded by Simon Drew in 2024 in Santa Ana, California. For those wishing to attend our first year anniversary celebrations at The Sanctuary Studio, learn more and book your tickets at thesanctuarystudio.org/anniversary.

ABOUT ROCCO: Rocco Jarman is an unorthodox philosopher, teacher, and visionary who bridges ancient wisdom with modern insight. A neurodivergent autodidact with over 25 years in corporate leadership, his work is shaped by personal experiences of burnout and existential crisis, giving him a unique lens on business, social systems, and human development.He created Following the Way, a framework for integrated self-mastery, and co-founded The Walled Garden Philosophical Society, where he collaborates with thought leaders on transformative ideas. He also leads The Silver Branch project, which makes spiritual philosophy accessible through archetype and mythos.Rocco’s mission is to reconcile science and mysticism, advocate for spiritual health, and restore soul in business and culture. Author of three books on psychological and spiritual self-leadership, his life’s work centers on a unifying vision of human actualisation. 

David is co-host of Between Two Raven’s Podcast. He is a psychotherapist practicing in Albuquerque, NM. He writes and podcasts about the importance of understanding archetypes and mythology in the journey to make meaning of life, practice wisdom, and develop a personal philosophy of life.


David runs events in The Walled Garden through his grove, The Ravens Nest; a place to gather to discuss Wisdom Poetry, Norse Mythology, and Archetypes. David will explore Old Norse poems with other Walled Garden Contributors and members are invited to attend to discuss and explore how Wisdom and Meaning can be found through exploring mythological poetry. Hugin and Munin were the names of Odin’s two ravens, their names mean Thought and Memory or Soul. In the Raven’s Nest, we will explore the psychological significance of metaphors and archetypes found in the Old Norse myths.

Register today for David's next event: https://thewalledgarden.com/events/ 

Rocco Jarman is a philosopher-poet, embracing the essence of humanity’s narrative while guiding others through the journey of self-discovery and collective evolution. As a bridge between past and future, he explores the depths of intentional existence, weaving through symbolism, mythos, and psychology to illuminate the path forward. His roles span from teacher to advocate, from dreamer to leader, each facet reflecting a commitment to unlocking the potential of tomorrow through the power of personal and shared myth.

Eyes Wide Open Life: https://eyeswideopenlife.org/

7-DAY SOUL REBOOT: https://thewalledgarden.com/7daysoulreboot/

THE SILVER BRANCH: https://thewalledgarden.com/thesilverbranch/

MENTORSHIP WITH ROCCO: https://thewalledgarden.com/teacher/rocco-jarman/

David Alexander is an American psychotherapist and philosopher. On his podcast, Between Two Ravens, David explores the heights and depths of Norse mythology. David is interested particularly in Jungian psychology, classical Stoicism, and mythology, and he now brings these interests to The Walled Garden Philosophical Society as an official contributor in our community.

In this episode, we discuss the apocalyptic narative in Norse Mythology and discuss it's paralells and meanings for our lives and cultures. 

Between Two Ravens Podcast: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/

Rocco Jarman is a philosopher-poet, embracing the essence of humanity’s narrative while guiding others through the journey of self-discovery and collective evolution. As a bridge between past and future, he explores the depths of intentional existence, weaving through symbolism, mythos, and psychology to illuminate the path forward. His roles span from teacher to advocate, from dreamer to leader, each facet reflecting a commitment to unlocking the potential of tomorrow through the power of personal and shared myth.

Eyes Wide Open Life: https://eyeswideopenlife.org/

7-DAY SOUL REBOOT: https://thewalledgarden.com/7daysoulreboot/

THE SILVER BRANCH: https://thewalledgarden.com/thesilverbranch/

THE HEARTH & THE WELL: https://www.amazon.com/Hearth-Well-Tending-Sacred-Return/dp/B0D1K8KLRG 

Prof. Massimo Pigliucci holds PhDs in Evolutionary Biology and Philosophy and is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at City College of New York. His research covers the philosophy of science, pseudoscience, Stoicism, and New Skepticism.He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science for his work on genotype-environment interactions and defense of evolutionary biology.Prof. Pigliucci has published in major outlets like the New York Times and the Washington Post, and he writes on Medium. He has authored or edited 16 books, including the bestseller "How to Be A Stoic."

Website: https://howtobeastoic.wordpress.com/

Soul Speaking: https://thewalledgarden.com/allevents/soul-speaking-june-2024-418-391/

ABOUT MARK VERNON: Dr. Mark Vernon is a psychotherapist and writer, with an interest in ancient philosophy, and a focus on the skills and insights that illuminate our inner lives. His books cover subjects from friendship and belief, to wellbeing and love. His most recent books are Dante’s Divine Comedy: A Guide for the Spiritual Journey and A Secret History of Christianity, which is based upon the ideas of the Oxford Inkling, Owen Barfield. As a psychodynamic psychotherapist, he has a private practice in London, working with individuals who have a variety of concerns, as well as having worked at the Maudsley Hospital in south London in a personality disorder service. He contributes to and has presented a number of programmes on the radio, and writes as a journalist, with his work being published by the BBC, Aeon, Church Times, and elsewhere. He teaches at The Idler Academy and also leads workshops and gives talks.

Website: https://www.markvernon.com/

Register for Soul Speaking: Imagination & Wisdom: https://thewalledgarden.com/allevents/soul-speaking-june-2024/

7-Day Soul Reboot: https://thewalledgarden.com/7daysoulreboot/

Robin Waterfield is a British classical scholar, translator, editor, and writer of children's fiction. He was born in 1952, and studied Classics at Manchester University, where he achieved a first class degree in 1974. He went on to research ancient Greek philosophy at King's College, Cambridge until 1978, after which he became a lecturer at Newcastle University and then St Andrews University. He later became a copy-editor and later a commissioning editor for Penguin Books. He is now a self-employed writer, living in southern Greece.

Some of his notable works include:

• Plato of Athens: A Life in Philosophy
• Prophet: The Life and Times of Kahlil Gibran
• The Greek Myths: Stories of the Greek Gods and Heroes Vividly Retold
• Why Socrates Died: Dispelling the Myths
• Epictetus The Complete Works: Handbook, Discourses, and Fragments

TWG Seasonal Offerings

7-DAY SOUL REBOOT: https://thewalledgarden.com/7daysoulreboot/

SOUL SPEAKING EVENT: https://thewalledgarden.com/allevents/soul-speaking-the-craft-calling-of-the-bard/

THE SILVER BRANCH: https://thewalledgarden.com/thesilverbranch/

THE HEARTH & THE WELL: https://www.amazon.com/Hearth-Well-Tending-Sacred-Return/dp/B0D1K8KLRG 

Rocco Jarman is a philosopher-poet, embracing the essence of humanity’s narrative while guiding others through the journey of self-discovery and collective evolution. As a bridge between past and future, he explores the depths of intentional existence, weaving through symbolism, mythos, and psychology to illuminate the path forward. His roles span from teacher to advocate, from dreamer to leader, each facet reflecting a commitment to unlocking the potential of tomorrow through the power of personal and shared myth.

Eyes Wide Open Life: https://eyeswideopenlife.org/

7-DAY SOUL REBOOT: https://thewalledgarden.com/7daysoulreboot/

SOUL SPEAKING EVENT: https://thewalledgarden.com/allevents/soul-speaking-the-craft-calling-of-the-bard/

THE SILVER BRANCH: https://thewalledgarden.com/thesilverbranch/

THE HEARTH & THE WELL: https://www.amazon.com/Hearth-Well-Tending-Sacred-Return/dp/B0D1K8KLRG 

Dr. Megan McElheran is a Clinical Psychologist and Chief Executive Officer of Wayfound. Dr. McElheran completed graduate training at the PAU-Stanford University Clinical Psychology Consortium, during which she obtained specialized training in the treatment of PTSD through the National Center for PTSD in Menlo Park, CA. Dr. McElheran has been in practice in Calgary since 2008. She continues to focus on work with first responders, and her clinical practice involves work with active-duty members of the Canadian Forces, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, members of the Calgary Fire Department, medical personnel, and others who are directly or vicariously impacted by traumatic events. She routinely engages in teaching and supervisory activity to ensure the sound dissemination of empirically grounded interventions for trauma. Dr. McElheran completed a TEDx speech in 2011 related to Trauma, Change, and continues to regularly engage in speaking events, both locally and internationally.




Wayfound: https://www.wayfound.ca/

7-DAY SOUL REBOOT: https://thewalledgarden.com/7daysoulreboot/

SOUL SPEAKING EVENT: https://thewalledgarden.com/allevents/soul-speaking-the-craft-calling-of-the-bard-663/

THE SILVER BRANCH: https://thewalledgarden.com/thesilverbranch/

Rocco Jarman is a philosopher-poet, embracing the essence of humanity’s narrative while guiding others through the journey of self-discovery and collective evolution. As a bridge between past and future, he explores the depths of intentional existence, weaving through symbolism, mythos, and psychology to illuminate the path forward. His roles span from teacher to advocate, from dreamer to leader, each facet reflecting a commitment to unlocking the potential of tomorrow through the power of personal and shared myth.

Eyes Wide Open Life: https://eyeswideopenlife.org/

7-DAY SOUL REBOOT: https://thewalledgarden.com/7daysoulreboot/

SOUL SPEAKING EVENT: https://thewalledgarden.com/allevents/soul-speaking-the-craft-calling-of-the-bard/

THE SILVER BRANCH: https://thewalledgarden.com/thesilverbranch/

THE HEARTH & THE WELL: https://www.amazon.com/Hearth-Well-Tending-Sacred-Return/dp/B0D1K8KLRG 

Rocco Jarman is a philosopher-poet, embracing the essence of humanity’s narrative while guiding others through the journey of self-discovery and collective evolution. As a bridge between past and future, he explores the depths of intentional existence, weaving through symbolism, mythos, and psychology to illuminate the path forward. His roles span from teacher to advocate, from dreamer to leader, each facet reflecting a commitment to unlocking the potential of tomorrow through the power of personal and shared myth.

Eyes Wide Open Life: https://eyeswideopenlife.org/

7-DAY SOUL REBOOT: https://thewalledgarden.com/7daysoulreboot/

SOUL SPEAKING EVENT: https://thewalledgarden.com/allevents/soul-speaking-the-craft-calling-of-the-bard/

THE SILVER BRANCH: https://thewalledgarden.com/thesilverbranch/

THE HEARTH & THE WELL: https://www.amazon.com/Hearth-Well-Tending-Sacred-Return/dp/B0D1K8KLRG 

William O. Stephens, Ph.D., retired Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Creighton University with interests in ancient philosophy, ethics, and Stoicism, has contributed significantly to the field through interviews, podcasts, and translations, including a revised edition of "The Ethics of the Stoic Epictetus."

Scott Aikin is a Professor of phiolosophy at Vanderbilt University. His research encompasses the theory of knowledge, ancient philosophy, informal logic, and philosophy of religion, focusing on the justification of beliefs, conceptions of knowing in ancient philosophy, epistemic appraisal of arguments, and conditions for knowledge of God, seamlessly integrating his research interests with his teaching in formal logic, ancient philosophy, and epistemology.

Matthew Sharpe, an accomplished author and Associate Professor, has a rich background in philosophy with over two decades of teaching and supervision, contributing significant works and numerous articles across a broad spectrum of philosophical disciplines, including the history of ideas and Stoic thought, and is actively involved in the modern Stoic community and Stoicon events.

































Matthew Sharpe, an accomplished author and Professor at the Australian Catholic University, has a rich background in philosophy with over two decades of teaching and supervision, contributing significant works and numerous articles across a broad spectrum of philosophical disciplines, including the history of ideas and Stoic thought, and is actively involved in the modern Stoic community and Stoicon events.

Shane Trotter is the author of Setting the Bar: Preparing Our Kids to Thrive in an Era of Distraction, Dependency, and Entitlement. As a writer, educator, and High-School Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, he has been challenging youth development norms for over a decade. Shane believes that too much emphasis on comfort and a lost sense of community standards has left people feeling purposeless, disconnected, and trapped in self-limiting patterns. Shane has been featured by multiple coaching clinics and Spartan.com. His articles have been published by websites with millions of readers, such as Quillette, Areo, and Breaking Muscle, where he was an Expert Coach in Residence and helped start the Breaking Muscle podcast. His blog, Inspired Human Development, focuses on exploring the principles of human thriving. Subscribe to get his newsletter, Stuff They Never Told You, for free each week.

Brittany Polat is a writer, researcher, and presenter on practical Stoicism. Her books help people from all walks of life find inner peace and long-lasting happiness through tried-and-true Stoic techniques. Brittany holds a Ph.D. in applied linguistics, but she currently studies human nature through the lens of Stoic psychology and philosophy. She is a steering committee member of Modern Stoicism, a board member of The Stoic Fellowship, and co-founder of the new nonprofit Stoicare (www.stoicare.com). Brittany strongly believes in the power of Stoicism to help us flourish as individuals and as a society.







Join us on March 23rd for a collaborative conference by The Walled Garden Philosophical Society and Stoicare: Lighting The Way: Philosophical Role Models of the Past & Present

Martha Alter Hines is a multifaceted professional with a rich background as a clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and body worker, boasting twenty years of experience. In addition to her roles as a mother, astrologer, channel, and healer, Hines has made significant contributions to the field of social work, particularly in her capacity as a supervisor of social workers. Her career took a pivotal turn in 2018 following a profound spiritual awakening that redirected her path away from traditional social work towards embracing her roles as a channel and healer. Guided by this spiritual call, Hines now utilizes astrology, channeling, and various spirit-guided healing modalities to facilitate deep, transformative experiences for individuals, helping them to reconnect with their true essence across all dimensions of existence.
Hines is dedicated to creating grounded, safe spaces that enable beings to rediscover their identities on a soul level, drawing upon her extensive experience in psychotherapy and bodywork. She believes firmly in the urgency communicated by the spirit world for individuals to remember their true selves, encompassing their connections to the Earth, spirit, soul, body, heart, mind, cosmos, and the divine. In her current practice, Hines integrates her professional background with the wisdom of the spirit world and the inherent knowledge within every being as part of the infinite divine. Her approach transcends traditional therapy, rooted in robust trauma-informed skills, to offer a holistic path to healing and self-discovery.

In this episode, Martha gives a talk and offers a meditation as a part of our online event, Lighting Candles: A Vigil for Humanity. The full event video is available to members of The Walled Garden Philosophical Society at https://thewalledgarden.com/lighting-candles-a-vigil-for-humanity/.

Rocco Jarman is a renowned poet, philosopher, and mystic, recognized for his commitment to personal and societal transformation. With a deep belief in the infinite potential of humans, Jarman has overcome his own struggles with brokenness, disconnection, and confusion, finding a profound sense of gratitude and belonging through his journey. His life's work revolves around a transformative formula that shifts individuals from a state of brokenness to wholeness, and from confusion to understanding.Jarman possesses exceptional insights into psychology, human behavior, and societal dysfunctions, blending science and mysticism to offer solutions to contemporary challenges. His unique perspective aims to demystify both science and mysticism, encouraging a focus on essence over unnecessary complexities.In addition to his philosophical endeavors, Jarman boasts a 25-year career in corporate transformation and leadership. His expertise spans organisational development, strategy, project management, and technology. He is dedicated to contributing his vast knowledge and experience to The Walled Garden and its community, driven by a profound sense of love and a commitment to being a force for good in a world he views as in need of healing and enlightenment.

In this episode, Rocco gives a talk titled "Lighting Candles." This talk was a part of our online event, Lighting Candles: A Vigil for Humanity. The full event video is available to members of The Walled Garden Philosophical Society at https://thewalledgarden.com/lighting-candles-a-vigil-for-humanity/.

Sharon is one of the pioneers of the contemporary Stoicism movement, and the author behind the best-selling interpretation of Epictetus’ writings, “The Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness.” As a musician and prominent writer, Sharon seeks to liberate the wisdom of the past in order to facilitate deeper meaning-making and personal flourishing.

In this episode, Sharon gives a talk titled "Drift & Return." This talk was a part of our online event, Lighting Candles: A Vigil for Humanity. The full event video is available to members of The Walled Garden Philosophical Society at https://thewalledgarden.com/lighting-candles-a-vigil-for-humanity/.

Sharon is one of the pioneers of the contemporary Stoicism movement, and the author behind the best-selling interpretation of Epictetus’ writings, “The Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness.” As a musician and prominent writer, Sharon seeks to liberate the wisdom of the past in order to facilitate deeper meaning-making and personal flourishing.


In this episode, Sharon gives a talk titled "The Meaning of Your Life Will Never Be Convenient."