Shows
Religion in ConversationEpisode 9 Invented Religions, Sports and Religion, NRMs, and more with Carole CusackMilad Milani interviews distinguished religious studies scholar Carole Cusack about her work on Invented Religions, Sports and Religion, New Religious Movements, and much more.
2025-07-151h 41
The ReMembering and ReEnchanting PodcastEpisode 29 - The shift from "paganism" to Christianity in Northern Europe: A Conversation with Prof Carole CusackProf Carole Cusack, a professor in Religious Studies at The University of Sydney, shares her research on the shift into Christianity and the loss of indigenous European traditions, which were then referred to as "pagan" traditions. We explore some of how Christianity was brought, sometimes violently, to Europe, and the subsequent shifts in spiritual, cultural, political, and geographical imagination. This is immensely significant in understanding subsequent patterns of colonization and Christianization. 1:35 - Introduction to Prof Carole Cusack2:35 - What got you interested in the early period of medieval history?7:30 - Conversion then vs Conversion today
2023-07-281h 00
ANGELA'S SYMPOSIUM 📖 Academic Study on Witchcraft, Paganism, esotericism, magick and the OccultInvented Religions & Magic with Prof Carole Cusack#religion #invented #popculture
Prof Carole Cusack tackles Invented Religions, Provisional Beliefs, Magical Practices and Witchcraft in the contemporary Western world
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2023-07-231h 12
The Religious Studies ProjectWhat’s Happening Down Under? | Discourse! May 2023
For our May episode, Discourse! heads Down Under once again as ⅔ of our usual suspects—Carole Cusack & Raymond Radford—explore religion, politics, life and death in the Australian religious sphere. They cover a variety of recent issues from the banning of hate symbols and the rise of right groups in the wake of the pandemic, to Australian sovereign citizens and gun deaths, to the deaths of high profile priests and the different (and indifferent) reactions from both politics and media. Be sure to tune in!
Articles Discussed
“Why were neo-Nazis at an anti-trans rally in Melbourne?“
“Victoria to...
2023-05-2944 min
The Religious Studies ProjectWhat’s Happening Down Under? | Discourse! May 2023
For our May episode, Discourse! heads Down Under once again as ⅔ of our usual suspects—Carole Cusack & Raymond Radford—explore religion, politics, life and death in the Australian religious sphere. They cover a variety of recent issues from the banning of hate symbols and the rise of right groups in the wake of the pandemic, to Australian sovereign citizens and gun deaths, to the deaths of high profile priests and the different (and indifferent) reactions from both politics and media. Be sure to tune in!
Articles Discussed
“Why were neo-Nazis at an anti-trans rally in Melbourne?“
“Victoria to...
2023-05-2944 min
Strange Customs with Sasha SaganGreg Epstein—The TransformationSasha Sagan talks with humanist rabbi GREG EPSTEIN about an ancient tradition they both participate in each year, with themes and messages they find both inspiring and abhorrent. How can a thoughtful person engage a tradition shot through with such contradictions?We'll also hear from historian of religion DR. CAROLE CUSACK about how this tradition and others like it connect with the deep cycles of the earth and its creatures.
2023-04-0457 min
SpookeryEpisode #4: Unseen, Unknown, Unheard: The Atrocities of Anne Hamilton-ByrneTRIGGER WARNING: This case covers some dark topics including child abuse and mention of suicide. If these subjects are triggering to you, please skip from 39:27 to 49:18.
Have you heard of the Australian Family Cult? We hadn't either...
In this episode, Alana brings us the Cult run by the notorious Anne Hamilton-Byrne, in all of her evil. This Case goes from shocking to downright despicable as we discuss the many lives and many many crimes of Anne, many of which went undocumented, and unprosecuted. This is a real rollercoaster guys so buckle up, Alana has a s...
2023-02-061h 37
Words on WednesdayKing Henry VI with Dr Carole CusackKing Henry VI inherited the English throne aged 9 months, on the death of his father, the legendary Henry V and he inherited the French throne from his grandfather, Charles VI some months later. He was crowned as a boy in November 1429. Henry was simply not meant to be a ruler and his reign, during the Wars of the Roses simply made the situation worse. His reign included imprisonment in there Tower of London and prolonged periods of madness. What a comparison to the orderly nature of the British monarchs today!
2022-11-2200 min
Words on WednesdayHalloween with Professor Carole CusackHalloween was not part of growing up for many of us. We just assumed it was an American custom we acquired via popular television. Actually it started as a Celtic festival more than 2,000 years ago. Dr Carole Cusack Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Sydney, tells us more about the Celts, how the festival became part of Christianity and now a mainstream celebration.
2022-10-2543 minThe Religious Studies ProjectReligious Freedom, Exemption, and Festivals in Australia | Discourse! November 2021 (with video)In this Aussie episode of November Discourse, Professor Carole Cusack and Ray Radford sit down with Dr. Breann Fallon to discuss religion as in Australian current affairs.
2021-11-2931 minThe Religious Studies ProjectReligious Freedom, Exemption, and Festivals in Australia | Discourse! November 2021 (with video)
In this month’s episode of discourse we have an update from Australia. Professor Carole Cusack (University of Sydney) and Ray Radford (University of Sydney and RSP) sit down with Dr. Breann Fallon (Sydney Jewish Museum and RSP) to discuss religion in Australian current affairs. This team of three first consider a conservative article on the amendments Equal Opportunity Bill in Victoria which claims “religion cancelled” and “parents cancelled.” Yet, there is no denying that the three are speaking from lockdown and the conversation turns to religious exemption from vaccination, including the history of this in Australia, as well as religio...
2021-11-2931 min
It's a Mind Field!Religion, Spirit and PrideIs there a connection between religious involvement and mental health? Hell yeah! Though it is a long and complex relationship indeed. For some, religion and sport has been a source of deep joy and connection, whereas for others it has been an irritant. Of course, there are many shades in between. Funnily enough, the exact same thing could be said about sport. What do you reckon? Carole Cusack is a Professor at Religious Studies at the University of Sydney. Her research interests include medieval European religion, religious conversion, modern Paganism, new religious movements, and religion a...
2021-08-1655 min
Let's Start A CultThe Family An Australian New Age CultIn this episode, we are talking about an Australian New Age Group called The Family. This group forcefully adopted children and raised them on a compound in Australia.Sponsored by Db Journey: https://bit.ly/37cP8YPOur Socials:Twitter: https://twitter.com/lets_cultFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsstartacultpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lets_cult/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChcl9qrvKAsXJTaBfVgKILQWebsite: https://www.letsstartacultpodcast.com/Reddit On Wiki:Twitter: https://twitter.com/redditonwikiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/redditonwiki/
2021-08-1044 minThe Religious Studies ProjectManifestos and the Academic Study of Religion
In this roundtable from the Department of Studies in Religion at the University of Sydney, we get a variety of religious studies approaches to subject of manifestos and their creators. Join Carole Cusack, Alana Louise Bowden, Ray Radford, Sophie Roe, and Anna Lutkajtis as they unpack the discourses surrounding manifestos and topics ranging from the consumerization of religion and Anders Breivik to the Unabomber manifesto and Artaud’s theatre of cruelty. It’s a fascinating conversation from a great group of scholars, so have a listen!
Not convinced? Try a sneak peak!
2021-05-101h 00The Religious Studies ProjectHuman Rights in Australia | Discourse! March 2021Join us for our March current events episode focused on human rights in Australia with the U Sydney crew: Prof Carole Cusack, Dr Breann Fallon and Ray Radford.
2021-03-2938 minThe Religious Studies ProjectHuman Rights in Australia | Discourse! March 2021
In this March 2021 episode of Discourse! we have a University of Sydney reunion with Professor Carole Cusack, Dr. Breann Fallon, and Ray Radford. Covering current affairs in Australia the Usyd team discuss three recent news items. The first item is framed around civil religion and nationalism: it’s the controversial upgrade of Australian Tennis Player Margaret Court AC MBE’s honours on Australia Day. What happens when we honor individuals whose views on sexuality, marriage equality, and gender are deeply controversial? Moving to the motorways, the second news item involves the demolishing of sacred Indigenous trees to accommodate a free...
2021-03-2938 min
Rejected Religion PodcastRR Podcast Ep.9, P2 with Dr. Christian Greer: Holy Goofs, Psychedelics, Conspiracy & The Discordian SocietyIn Part 2, Christian discusses the influential Discordian trilogy of books called "Illuminatus!" and we make a little sidestep into discussion about how 'Bill and Ted' may or may not fit into the picture as we move throughout the 80s and 90s. We also talk about Discordianism's links to science fiction and fanzines, and Christian starts interviewing me at a certain point due to the topic of Furries that comes up in our conversation. We then discuss how Discordianism became a type of cyberculture and how hacking relates to it. Christian shares his ideas about the scholarly side of researching...
2021-03-171h 15
Rejected Religion PodcastRR Podcast Ep.9, P1 with Dr. Christian Greer: Holy Goofs, Psychedelics, Conspiracy & The Discordian SocietyIn Part 1, Christian will go into the history of the concept of laughter found in American religion/spirituality, as well as talking about the term 'psychedelicism' and the ways that psychedelics were viewed with regard to spiritual growth. We then get into the Discordians, their history, their ideas about chaos and hoaxes, and how Lee Harvey Oswald fits into the picture.PROGRAM NOTESAcademia.edu website Christian Greer: (99+) J. Christian Greer | Harvard Divinity School - Academia.edu(99+) (PDF) Discordianism | J. Christian Greer - Academia.edu(99+) (PDF) Church of the SubGenius | J. Christian Greer - Academia...
2021-03-161h 06
Open Div SummitInvented Religions with Carole CusackJoin us for a conversation on Jedi-ism, Tolkien-ism, and other fiction-based religions with Carole M. Cusack, Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Sydney.
2021-02-2552 minThe Religious Studies ProjectSacred Trees: Belief, Mythology, and Practice
In this episode, RSP co-editor Breann Fallon sat down with long-time friend of the podcast, Professor Carole Cusack of the University of Sydney to discuss sacred trees. Cusack has published widely on the topic including her 2011 monograph The Sacred Tree: Ancient and Medieval Manifestations (Cambridge Scholars Publishing) and a recent special volume of the Journal of Religion and Nature edited by Cusack. Beginning with Cusack’s journey to studying the sacred tree, the conversation turns to specific examples of the Fortingall Yew and Glastonbury Thorn, both of which connect to Christianity. Turning to contemporary examples, Fallon and Cusack discuss th...
2021-02-0146 minThe Religious Studies ProjectSacred Trees: Belief, Mythology, and PracticeIn this episode, RSP co-editor Breann Fallon talks to Professor Carole Cusack about trees in religious mythology, belief, and practice.
2021-02-0146 minThe Religious Studies ProjectThanks for Listening! Celebrating 10 Years of the RSP
Can you believe it has been 10 years? After more than 350 episodes, over 600 contributors, and the rapidly approaching milestone of a million downloads, we’re still here doing the weekly work of sharing research in the critical study of religion.
In this special episode of the Religious Studies Project podcast, the RSP team reflects on the legacy of the project and the future of our work. Co-hosts Breann Fallon and David McConeghy solicited reflections from current and former team members, and this episode features some of the highlights including comments by founders Chris Cotter and David Robertson; interviewers Ca...
2021-01-1150 min
The Unbundled Witch Podcast#7 Suspended Disbelief; or I'm kind of okay with just believing the demon-tale.On this special Easter episode, Jackie and Rachel venture down the rabbit hole (sorry) to discover the origin of the holiday's name. Are the bunny and eggs really a pagan symbol appropriated by early Christians?Invented Religions: https://books.google.com/books?id=tCaLNrhkaokC&pg=PA16&lpg=PA16&dq=carole+cusack+invented+religions+archive.org&source=bl&ots=LOu8Fyt6sG&sig=ACfU3U1yr6J76z-5DAr5yXYbiADfv1TUVA&hl=en&ppis=_e&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj-loja-N7oAhUZCM0KHRktCdIQ6AEwAHoECAsQKQ#v=onepage&q=carole%20cusack%20invented%20religions%20archive.org&f=falseEostre: Spring Goddess...
2020-04-1358 min
2019-10-0952 min2019-10-0939 min2019-09-2310 min2019-09-2319 minCarole M. Cusack"Male Matters Vox Pop Interview"10 January 1995 - w/ Michael Usher and Kerry Ross, Radio National.
2019-09-2309 min2019-09-2307 min2019-09-2307 min2019-09-2308 min2019-09-2310 min2019-09-2309 min2019-09-2310 min2019-09-2310 min2019-09-2310 min2019-09-2311 min2019-09-2314 min2019-09-2311 min2019-09-2311 min2019-09-2310 min2019-09-2312 min2019-09-2311 min2019-09-2313 min2019-09-2312 min2019-09-2313 min2019-09-2313 min2019-09-2314 minCarole M. Cusack"Druids Yesterday and Today"14 September 1997 - 'The Spirit of Things,' w/ Michael Godfrey Radio National.
2019-09-2326 minCarole M. Cusack"The Spirit of Things"N.D. - w/ Rachael Kohn, Tim Lee, Raquel Hasofer, & Keith Romanis.
2019-09-2319 minCarole M. Cusack"Ghost in the Machine: Spirit"13 February 2003 - w/ Jean Barrett and Rick Benitez, East Side Radio, 89.7FM.
2019-09-2324 min2019-09-2337 min2019-09-2349 min2019-09-2351 min2019-09-2306 minCarole M. Cusack"Who's Got the Goddess?"15 April 1995 - 'Women Out Loud,' w/ Kath Duncan Radio National.
2019-09-2351 minCarole M. Cusack"The Axial Age"22 October 1995 - w/ John Cleary and Bill Jenner, Meridian, Radio National.
2019-09-2322 minCarole M. Cusack"Celibacy, the Catholic Clergy and Child Abuse"19 April 1996 - w/ Richard Glover, 2BL.
2019-09-2315 min2019-09-2316 min2019-09-2316 minCarole M. Cusack"The Princess Diana interview and Previous Royal Scandals"24 November 1995 - w/ Angela Webber, 2BL.
2019-09-2315 min2019-09-2317 min2019-09-2314 min2019-09-2314 min2019-09-2312 min2019-09-2312 min2019-09-2314 min2019-09-2310 min2019-09-2310 min2019-09-2322 min2019-09-2309 min2019-09-2308 min2019-09-2306 min2019-09-2310 min2019-09-2309 minCarole M. Cusack"Louis the Pious" and "The Vikings"Louis the Pious recorded on 4 August 1995.
The Vikings recorded on 4 August 1995.
w/ Angela Webber, 2BL.
2019-09-2328 min2019-09-2325 min2019-09-2322 min2019-09-2321 min2019-09-2323 min2019-09-2321 min2019-09-2322 min2019-09-2324 min2019-09-2315 min2019-09-2315 min2019-09-2320 min2019-09-2313 min2019-09-2305 minCarole M. Cusack"The Essential Guide to the Da Vinci Code"The Spirit of Things, w/ Rachael Kohn, Chris Forbes, Alan Dearne, Malcolm Choat, and Carole Cusack, Radio National.
2019-09-2351 minCarole M. Cusack"The Many Faces of Mary"w/ Rachael Kohn, Mavis Rose, Constant Mews, and Fr Andrew Nutter, Radio National.
2019-09-2344 min2019-09-2325 min2019-09-2324 min2019-09-2347 min2019-09-2316 min2019-09-2347 minThe Religious Studies ProjectDiscourse #8 (June 2019)This month on Discourse, Breann Fallon, Carole Cusack and Ray Radford approach the Australian news from a Religious Studies perspective. We cover the appeal of Cardinal George Pell, the drama around Israel Folau, and the impact of Christianity on the recent Australian federal election results.
2019-06-1838 minThe Religious Studies ProjectDiscourse, Australia EditionBreann Fallon, Carole Cusack and Ray Radford approach the Australian news from a Religious Studies perspective. We cover the appeal of Cardinal George Pell, the drama around Israel Folau, and the impact of Christianity on the recent Australian federal election results.
2019-06-1834 min
Life & FaithThe X Factor in the ReformationA dangerous personality. The printing press. Social reform. What made the Reformation so successful?
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"His personality, the combination of being a good communicator, passionate, stubborn, belligerent, extraordinarily intelligent, all played a role. If any of those weren’t there, he probably would not have been able to succeed as well as he did."
What was the X factor that gave Martin Luther an edge in changing the most powerful organisation in 16th Century Europe, which then changed the world? This was the question posed to a panel of experts at a recent fo...
2017-11-0814 min
SBS Norwegian - SBS NorskWhy Aussies and norwegians are increasingly secular - Hvorfor australiere og nordmenn er såpass sekulæreBoth Australians and Norwegians are becoming more secular societies. Sivert called Carole Cusack , professor of religious at Sydney University to find out why. - Både Australia of Norge er i ferd med bli mer sekulære samfunn. Sivert Ringte Carole Cusack, professor i religion ved Sydney University.
2017-07-2011 minThe Religious Studies ProjectNew Horizons in the Sociology of Religion: Beyond Secularization?In this longer-than-usual episode, Chris and David provide an interlinking narrative between Grace Davie, Joe Webster, Carole Cusack, Jonathan Jong, Paul-Francois Tremlett, Linda Woodhead and Kim Knott, reflecting on current or future developments in the sociology of religion which challenge the ubiquity of the secularization thesis, ...
2016-12-1245 min