Host Joy Gilfilen speaks with Paul Levy, author of Wetiko sand other books on the concept of “wetiko,” a psycho-spiritual mind virus long described in Native traditions as a destructive force operating within human consciousness.

In this conversation, Joy explores how Levy’s work intersects with issues of justice, incarceration, leadership, and collective behavior. Levy describes how what he calls “malignant egophrenia,” or the “mad emperor disease,” can influence individuals and institutions alike, shaping patterns of division, conflict, and harm that appear throughout modern society.

Drawing from decades of study in psychology, spirituality, and quantum theory, Levy explains how this unconscious pattern can operate beneath the surface of our awareness—and why recognizing it may be essential to healing systems and communities.

We’re sharing this episode again as part of the iChange Justice Podcast March–April creative pause, revisiting conversations that continue to offer insight into justice, healing, and recovery. Episodes like this one invite deeper reflection on the forces shaping our world and the possibilities for transformation.

We welcome your thoughts as we prepare future conversations and explore bringing more discussions like this to the podcast.

Find the iChange Justice Podcast everywhere you get your podcasts.

Joy Gilfilen, host of iChange Justice podcast interviews a woman who went "on walkabout" down I-5 this past year, living homeless. She has been an advocate for social issues of poverty, mental health, public safety and homelessness and shares what she learned.
How have cities adapted in the past two years to the civic crisis issues, to the injection of CARES dollars for emergency intervention in different cities? What has happened to the people living without shelter, emergency services, and without resources during the past few years? What is it like today as different from before? How is this impacting people, what are the side effects of different leadership attitudes on the community?

As Part of our March & April Creative Retreat

We ask for your participation and feedback.

During our creative retreat to record new and innovative material, we’re sharing an encore of one of our Top Shows of 2023 — Episode #67, “CORE Mental Health Services.”

Host Joy Gilfilen talks with Ben Hoppie, Mental Health Practitioner, and Trisha Johnston, Peer Counselor, about how they work alongside law enforcement, courts, and hospital emergency departments in Cowlitz County to support people facing substance use, mental health challenges, homelessness, poverty, and justice system involvement.

Their lived experience and professional training allow them to meet people at the moment of crisis, helping redirect lives toward recovery and stability.

The iChange Justice Podcast, produced by the Restorative Community Coalition, shares real stories about homelessness, addiction, incarceration, recovery, and the nonprofits working on the front lines to help people rebuild their lives.

Please share the podcast with friends and family, support local nonprofits, and stay connected as we prepare our next season.

Listen. Learn. Stay informed.