Why do Star Wars, Harry Potter, and other fantasy stories resonate so deeply with us? What do they reveal about power, identity, and spirituality? In this episode of The Gospel of Direct Experience, hosts Michael Ellick and Jeff Mansfield sit down with historian and educator AJ Musewe to explore the power of myth, the narratives we inherit, and how reclaiming lost stories shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world.
From the parallels between Anakin Skywalker and Harry Potter to the hidden histories of the Civil Rights movement, this conversation dives into how fantasy, sci-fi, and real-life struggles intersect in our search for meaning.
Episode Highlights
[00:01:09] The Search for God in Pop Culture
Jeff shares how Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Star Trek V: The Final Frontier shaped his understanding of spirituality beyond the church.
[00:07:08] The Force
Michael discovers an alternative religious narrative.
[00:14:04] From Harry Potter to Anakin Skywalker
AJ describes how growing up with Anakin Skywalker and Harry Potter helped her navigate identity, loss, and belonging as a first-generation Kenyan American.
[00:22:35] Ahsoka Tano, the Gray Jedi, and Finding a New Path
AJ explains why Ahsoka is her favorite Star Wars character and how the idea of the Gray Jedi offers a new model for navigating power and spirituality.
[00:28:49] The Dark Side, the Fear of the Shadow, and Redemption
How Christianity struggles to make room for shadow work. And a discussion about how Jesus was co-opted by empire—just as Anakin became Vader—and whether the radical message of Christ can be reclaimed.
[00:37:57] Reclaiming Lost Histories
Micahel discusses the origins of the Rosary and AJ shares her passion for unearthing hidden Black histories and why storytelling is a revolutionary act.
[00:51:48] The Future of Myth and Storytelling
AJ discusses her upcoming projects, including her podcast Papers for My Acres, and how storytelling can shape the next generation’s understanding of justice and identity.
[00:54:50] The Shire is Burning: The Urgency of Awakening
Using The Lord of the Rings as a metaphor, AJ and Michael explore how privilege blinds people to systemic oppression—until the destruction reaches their doorstep.
[00:58:51] Making a Choice: Harry, Anakin, or Vader?
Now that the truth is visible, will we step up and fight for justice, or retreat into comfort?
AJ Musewe
AJ Musewe is a passionate community educator deeply dedicated to preserving unvarnished Black history and culture. Specializing in designing and managing interactive educational programs, AJ has a profound knack for creating immersive experiences that connect the dots between the past and present. Her role as the founder of With Reverence Co-op exemplifies her innovative approach, offering dynamic educational sessions that delve into sustainable actions and foster community connections through storytelling and historical tours. These sessions often focus on Black culture and heritage, underscoring AJ’s commitment to celebrating and understanding the profound contributions of Black communities.
AJ honed her educational strategies by focusing on education training programs and curricula to support neurodiverse and neurotypical learners, making history accessible and relevant. AJ’s extensive background also includes roles in equity consulting and community building, where she has facilitated critical discussions and engagements that bridge gaps in understanding and foster a collective commitment to justice and inclusivity. With her engaging manner and deep expertise, AJ continues to inspire and educate communities, guiding them toward a more enlightened and empathetic understanding of historical contexts and their impact on contemporary society, especially within Black communities.
Where to find AJ:
Papers For My Acres—a narrative podcast about history, culture, and the shared human experiences of the Black diaspora.
IG: @Ajandthebeanies
Website: withreverence.org
Continue the Conversation
Have stories like Star Wars or Harry Potter shaped your spiritual journey? What hidden histories do you think need to be told? Share your thoughts with us at gospelofdirectexperience@gmail.com or reach out at reach out at: https://www.gospelofdirectexperience.com/#contact.
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