85: Alchemy in American History & Working for Manly P. Hall (feat. Ronnie Pontiac of 'American Metaphysical Religion' & 'Philosophical Research Society')

This week on Black Hoodie Alchemy, we have another special guest: the wonderful, talented and laid-back Ronnie Pontiac. Ronnie is the author of books like 'American Metaphysical Religion: Esoteric and Mystical Traditions of the New World', he's part of the punk rock duo Lucid Nation with his wife Tamra Lucid, and he also just so happened to work as the great Manly P. Hall's research assistant and substitute lecturer for the last seven years of Hall's life. For the first half of the show, we talk about the legacy of Manly Hall as seen and experienced by Ronnie and his wife, who were completely taken under the wing of Hall and his wife in a relationship that eventually grew to feel like grandparents and grandchildren. Ronnie shares many candid stories about Manly Hall and gives us further insights into his philosophies and personal conduct, but beyond this we also get into Ronnie's work 'American Metaphysical Religion', and what it means to consider American spirituality from an outside perspective that focuses less on labels and more on actual conduct. The insights from these perspectives are huge, and include contexts like, for instance, all of the alchemists that were prevalent in Colonial America. Yes, the history of America is a whole lot more esoteric than the 'Pilgrim' stereotypes would lead us believe, and with all this context, Ronnie helps me take a look at modern American spirituality as well. And if that wasn't enough, we also get a little bit into the philosophies of DIY punk rock and even astrology! It was a great pleasure sitting down to chat with Ronnie, and we will definitely be getting him back on the show before too long -- we hope you dig it. my linktree with my books & more Ronnie on Instagram Ronnie on 'Medium' Ronnie's books on Amazon Tamra's book about Manly Hall This week's featured music is brought to you by the wild punk talents of LUCID NATION -- music done by the guest and his wife, Ronnie Pontiac and Tamra Lucid! Penetration - Lucid Nation Food Chain - Lucid Nation Privilege - Lucid Nation Dad - Lucid Nation