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In this bonus episode of More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness, Lisa continues the conversation with cultural anthropologist and author of Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft: Inherently Human, Dr. Phillips Stevens Jr. Dr. Stevens explains the modern adaptation of scapegoating and how it relates to generations of the human belief in hocus pocus.
Harvesting Happiness proudly crafts consciously prepared brain food in partnership with Subject Matter Experts (SME) from around the world. This episode is part of The Good Citizen’s Election Season Survival Guide a non-partisan series promoting critical thinking, civic duty, and relational pleasure for a happier, healthier, and more productive society.
We’re on a mission to help restore common sense and sanity in a crazy world.
Listen to two Harvesting Happiness podcast productions exploring optimal lifestyle management by improving media literacy, common sense, social responsibility, physical and relational well-being, and mental health. This impacts how we think and behave and our collective well-being.
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Phillips Stevens Jr. — Hocus Pocus & Scapegoating:
Hope, optimism, and faith offer the illusion of control. {3:34}
Collecting scapegoating is universal. {5:17}
The 14 attributes of a witch that persist in the modern world. {13:20}
Social anxiety brings forth acceptance of conspiracies. {20:29}
About Lisa’s guests:
Phillips Stevens Jr., PhD, is a cultural anthropologist whose research traces and analyzes the roots of religion and spiritualism in human culture. Phil earned his BA from Yale, served in the Peace Corps in Nigeria, and received his PhD from Northwestern. After a 48-year career in the Anthropology Department at the University of Buffalo, he retired in 2019.
Dr. Stevens is a respected author and lecturer known for his work on magic and witchcraft. His latest book is Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft: Inherently Human.
WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out our episode library and special More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.
Disclaimer: This communication is for information only and does not constitute mental health treatment or indicate a therapeutic relationship. Individuals in need of treatment for mental health or psychological concerns should seek out services from appropriate mental healthcare professionals.
