213: Living an Examined Life with Dr. James Hollis

Welcome back to The Mind Mate Podcast! In this special episode, I’m joined by the renowned Jungian analyst and author, Dr. James Hollis. Dr. Hollis has written extensively about the human condition, meaning-making, and navigating the complexities of modern life through a depth psychology lens. Together, we dive deep into the existential themes of midlife, the confrontation with our unconscious, and the role that personal responsibility plays in our journey towards individuation.
Dr. Hollis shares his insights on the nature of self-deception, how we can better understand the patterns that shape our lives, and the importance of embracing uncertainty. We explore the tension between security and growth, the way culture influences our psyche, and the inner work required to move beyond the limiting narratives we've inherited. Whether you're familiar with his work or new to the ideas of Jungian psychology, this conversation offers profound reflections for anyone seeking a more authentic life. Tune in for a rich, thought-provoking discussion that challenges the ways we understand ourselves and the world around us.

About Dr. James Hollis:
James Hollis, Ph.D. taught Humanities 26 years in various colleges and universities before retraining as a Jungian analyst at the Jung Institute of Zurich, Switzerland (1977-82). He is presently a licensed Jungian analyst in private practice in Washington, D.C. He co-founded the Jung Institute of Philadelphia, served as Executive Director of the Jung Educational Center in Houston, Texas for many years and Director of the Washington Jung Society. He lives with his wife Jill, an artist and retired therapist, in a suburb of Washington, DC. Together they have three living children and eight grand-children. He has written a total of twenty books, which have been translated into Swedish, Russian, German, Spanish, French, Hungarian, Portuguese, Turkish, Italian, Korean, Finnish, Romanian, Bulgarian, Farsi, Japanese, Greek, Chinese, Serbian, Latvian, Ukranian and Czech. Check him out here:

Website: ⁠https://jameshollis.net⁠
Books: ⁠https://jameshollis.net/hollisBooks.h...
Jung Platform: ⁠https://bit.ly/3yjVhTJ⁠
Videos: ⁠https://jameshollis.net/hollisVideos....
Upcoming lectures: ⁠https://jameshollis.net/hollisLecture...

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Welcome to The Mind Mate Podcast, your compass for navigating life’s biggest questions. Hosted by Tom, a counsellor, psychotherapist, and writer, this podcast dives deep into the heart of existentialism, philosophy, and mental health. Join us as we explore how meaning is shaped across different cultures and belief systems—from East to West, religious to secular. We bridge the worlds of science, art, and therapy, blending philosophical insights with practical tools for living a fulfilled life. Expect thought-provoking conversations with philosophers, therapists, artists, spiritual seekers, teachers and academics who are pushing the boundaries of what it means to be human. Whether you're seeking personal growth, deeper self-awareness, or just curious about the human condition, this podcast will help you navigate your path. Find out more here: https://ahern.blog/