Magic, Shamanism, and Scholarship with Dr. Angela Puca

In this intellectually rich episode of The Gabi Koyenov Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Angela Puca—scholar, content creator, and expert on magic, shamanism, and esoteric traditions. We dive into her academic journey and groundbreaking fieldwork, exploring the complex relationship between magic, spirituality, and psychological healing.Dr. Puca breaks down the nuances of the scholar-practitioner debate, the role of psychedelics in shamanic work, and how magical practices intersect with therapeutic frameworks. We examine the cultural significance of shamanic journeys, the practice of Italian witchcraft, and the deeper purpose of magic as both a personal and communal tool for meaning-making.Our conversation also touches on hot-button issues like cultural appropriation, syncretism, and political polarization in online spaces. Plus, we explore how Jewish traditions, yeshiva learning, and mysticism connect with broader esoteric currents. Tune in for a thought-provoking dialogue on magic, identity, and the mystical edges of academia.BIOGRAPHYDr Angela Puca is a university lecturer at Leeds Trinity University and holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in philosophy. In 2021, the University of Leeds awarded her a PhD in Religious Studies, published by Brill with the title “Italian Witchcraft and Shamanism”.Her research focuses on magic, witchcraft, Paganism, esotericism, shamanism, and related currents. Author of several peer-reviewed publications and co-editor ‘Pagan Religions in five Minutes’ for Equinox, she hopes to bridge the gap between academia and the communities of magic practitioners by delivering related scholarly content on her YouTube Channel and social media ‘Angela’s Symposium.’SUPPORT Dr Puca’s work on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/angelapuca or Paypal https://paypal.me/angelasymposiumFOLLOW Dr Puca: YouTube (Angela’s Symposium)  https://www.youtube.com/@drangelapuca TikTok (drangelapuca), Instagram (drangelapuca), Twitter (@angelapuca11)All of Dr Puca’s links: https://linktr.ee/angela_symposiumConnect with Gabi!Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/journey_with_gabi/Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2SoydqNskaV9wOra0Yh6Z3?si=d1891df9a822414cBook a session!The Men's Therapy Studiohttps://themenstherapystudio.com/