David and Stephen Flynn
The happy pear podcast logo
David and Stephen Flynn

The Happy Pear Podcast

This week we sit down with Dimitris Xygalatas, an acclaimed researcher, author, and expert in the fascinating field of rituals.

Episode 149

Dimitris Xygalatas is a cultural anthropologist and experimental psychologist known for his groundbreaking work on ritual behavior. He is a professor at the University of Connecticut and the author of the thought-provoking book, “Rituals: On the Psychology of Performing and Not Performing the Sacred.”

Main Topics Covered:

  • Introduction to Dimitris Xygalatas:
    • Brief overview of Dimitris’s background and expertise in cultural anthropology and psychology.
  • Exploring Rituals & The Purpose of Rituals:
    • Insights into the significance of rituals in human societies.
    • Discussion on the role of rituals in connecting individuals and communities
  • The Psychology of Ritual Behavior:
    • Unpacking the psychological aspects of engaging in rituals and their impact on individuals and societies, from copying with anxiety to organising the collective.
    • Exploring the universality of rituals and their diverse forms across cultures.
  • Case Studies and Experiments:
    • Highlights from Dimitris’s fieldwork and experiments shedding light on the dynamics of ritual participation.
  • Rituals in Modern Society:
    • Examination of how rituals manifest in contemporary settings.
    • Discussion on the evolving nature of rituals and their relevance in the modern world.

Tune in to this enlightening episode as we explore the rich tapestry of rituals, their psychological underpinnings, and their impact on human connection and culture.

Lots of Love,

Dave & Steve

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Produced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt

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