Poema S12 003 | Darkness Is Its Own Undoing with Trace Bell

About this episode

James Prescott and Trace Bell discuss how darkness can lead to transformation and explore historical cycles and their implications for the future.

This week sees the first of consecutive episodes with my friend Trace Bell. In this episode, we discuss the idea that the seeds of transformation and change, are somehow embedded in the darkness we're experiencing. Trace and I look at the world as it is, at history both in terms of politics, culture, and consciousness, and explore how darkness is and always has been its own undoing. We also discuss the work of William Strauss & Neil Howe, about the four turns of society. We examine what cycles of history can teach us about what is happening now and will happen in the future - and how this can give us hope.

People in this episode

Guest: Trace Bell

Topics covered

• transformation
• darkness
• history
• politics
• culture
• consciousness

Keywords

• William Strauss
• Neil Howe
• cycles of history
• hope

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• Poema S12 005 | Neurodivergent Stories with Carolyn Kiel · March 23, 2026 · 40 min
• Poema S12 004 | The Age of Disclosure with Trace Bell · March 16, 2026 · 49 min
• Poema S12 002 | Jesus Emotions with Becky Castle Miller · March 2, 2026 · 48 min
• Poema S12 001 | Musical Refuge with JulyDa ( + exclusive musical clip!) · February 23, 2026 · 41 min