June 9, 2025

Making Sense of Hard Times - The Middle Passage by James Hollis

Making Sense of Hard Times - The Middle Passage by James Hollis

Welcome to another episode of the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Podcast, where confusion dies and progress thrives. Today, we’re diving into the dark tunnel many find themselves in around midlife.

But before you turn away, let me tell you—this tunnel might just be the birthplace of your most powerful self. Explore how our breakdowns often lead to our most significant breakthroughs.

We’re talking about what author and Jungian analyst James Hollis calls The Middle Passage. It’s that confusing, destabilizing, often painful stretch of life where the identity you’ve built begins to crack under its weight.

And here’s the thing: that’s not failure. That’s your invitation. That’s your soul, banging on the walls of your ego, begging to be heard.

Episode 93 Resources:

The Middle Passage by James Hollis  - https://amzn.to/3F4NvAP

Andrew Huberman Interview - https://amzn.to/4kcMdmd

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0:00 - Intro
2:22 - The Middle Passage
4:08 - What is the Middle Passage? The dark stretch of life?
5:39 - How to navigate trying times by changing your perspective.
10:21 - The Crisis of Meaning
12:19 - The Invitation to Shadow Work
13:39 - The Journey towards Authenticity
15:57 - The Role of Suffering
16:49 - Plugged into the IRS (Interface Response System)
21:17 - Some practical tools and strategies