Infants on Thrones

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

In this reflective minisode, Glenn explores the origins and evolution of the Infants on Thrones podcast. He shares personal insights from the podcast's beginnings in 2012, the inspiration behind its unique name, and how the themes have resonated and transformed over the years. Glenn discusses his journey in clinical mental health counseling and how his experiences as a gospel doctrine teacher, missionary, and podcaster have enriched his current work leading court-mandated domestic violence support groups.

Glenn delves into profound topics such as the King Follett discourse, the evolution of human intelligence, and the interconnectedness of all life forms. He reflects on anger management, the role of emotions in human evolution, and the significance of recognizing and understanding our own feelings. Additionally, Glenn invites listeners to contribute their own essays and ideas, fostering a community of shared perspectives and mutual growth.

Show Notes

Key Points:

1. Podcast Origins and Evolution:
   • The inception of Infants on Thrones in 2012.
   • The inspiration behind the podcast's name from Joseph Smith's King Follett discourse.
   • The metaphor of "infants on thrones" representing humanity's learning and growth stages.
2. Personal and Professional Journey:
   • Glenn's completion of his master's degree in clinical mental health counseling.
   • His work with court-mandated domestic violence support groups.
   • The integration of his past experiences into his current counseling practice.
3. Philosophical and Spiritual Reflections:
   • Insights from the King Follett discourse and its implications on human existence.
   • The concept of evolving intelligence and awareness in both a spiritual and scientific context.
   • The impact of emotions, especially anger, on human survival and evolution.
4. Invitation to Listeners:
   • Encouragement for listeners to submit their own essays and perspectives.
   • The importance of diverse viewpoints and shared experiences within the podcast community.
5. Future Topics and Ideas:
   • Glenn's interest in exploring topics like Star Wars, moral foundations, and cultural divisions.
   • Upcoming episodes focusing on themes like "The Righteous Jedi Mind" and the work of independent journalist Johnny Harris.

Listener Invitation:

• Glenn invites listeners to submit their own content to be featured on the podcast. Interested individuals can send their recordings to [email protected] for consideration.

Quotes:

• "We are in this learning and growing stage, exploring and getting things wrong, having really limited ways of processing and understanding reality at large."
• "Our brains have evolved the ability to be aware that we're aware that we're aware. And that's a level of awareness that neighboring primates don't seem to quite have."
• "I love this idea of different people sharing their perspectives and having it be in a place where it can be appreciated."

Links and Resources:

• Email submissions: [email protected]
• David Tong's YouTube video on Quantum Field Theory: Quantum Field Theory by David Tong
• Johnny Harris' YouTube channel: Johnny Harris on YouTube
• TED Talk on anger management: Why We get Angry and Why it is Healthy

Closing:

Thank you for listening to Infants on Thrones. If you've been with us since the beginning or are just joining, we'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, contribute your essays, and be part of our growing community. Until next time, keep exploring, questioning, and learning

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

A boy's first uttered prayer? 

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

In this learning-out-loud episode, Glenn dives into the fascinating world of Slavoj Žižek's "The Pervert's Guide to Ideology" and explores the intricate interplay of ideas from Hegel, Lacan, and Marx. Glenn shares his preparation process for an upcoming discussion with Josh, blending a healthy dose of curiosity and philosophical inquiry.

Glenn also discusses the upcoming migration of the "Infants on Thrones" podcast to a new host and ensures listeners can continue enjoying the content seamlessly. Visit infantsonthrones.com for all episodes and updates.

Join Glenn on this intellectual journey as he unpacks the complexities of ideology, consciousness, and human experience through the lens of Hegelian dialectics, Lacanian psychoanalysis, and Marxist critique. Glenn even brings contemporary neuroscience into the mix, providing a holistic understanding of how our internal and external worlds shape our reality.

Show Notes:

1. Introduction:
   • Glenn introduces the episode and shares his learning process in preparation for discussing Žižek's "The Pervert's Guide to Ideology" with Josh.
   • Announcement about the migration of the "Infants on Thrones" podcast to a new host and how listeners can stay updated.
2. Žižek Primer:
   • Glenn's curiosity-driven exploration of Žižek's ideas.
   • The blending of Hegel, Lacan, and Marx in Žižek's philosophy.
   • Glenn's interaction with ChatGPT to deepen his understanding.
3. Deep Dive into Philosophical Concepts:
   • Hegel's dialectics: Thesis, antithesis, and synthesis.
   • Lacanian psychoanalysis: The mirror stage, symbolic order, and repetition compulsion.
   • Marx's critique of capitalism: Class structures, alienation, and exploitation.
4. Neuroscience Integration:
   • How neuroscience supports the dynamic interplay between internal (X) and external (Y) forces.
   • The concept of neuroplasticity and its implications for human experience.
5. X plus Y equals Z - The Formula of Perfection:
   • Glenn's theory explained through the lens of Hegel, Lacan, Marx, and neuroscience.
   • The interplay between internal forces (X), external forces (Y), and the resulting synthesized experience (Z).
6. Gestalt Therapy and Stoic Principles:
   • How Gestalt therapy focuses on awareness, integration, and empowerment.
   • The Stoic emphasis on virtue, rationality, and emotional resilience.
   • Application of Gestalt and Stoic principles to the X plus Y equals Z formula.
7. Potential Heresies and Reactions:
   • Exploration of how these philosophical ideas might challenge established dogmas and trigger defensive reactions.
8. Conclusion:
   • Glenn's reflections on the preparation process and anticipation for the upcoming discussion with Josh.
   • Encouragement for listeners to engage with these ideas and explore their own intellectual curiosity.

Tune in for an enlightening episode that blends philosophy, neuroscience, and personal reflection, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding human experience as a dynamic, evolving process. Don't miss this intellectual adventure with Glenn on The Spiritual Heretic Podcast!

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Welcome to the latest episode of “The Spiritual Heretic,” where Glenn and Josh delve into the profound and often controversial realm of spiritual heresy. In this episode, they explore the deeply ingrained boundaries and containers placed on questioning and exploring within various belief systems, particularly focusing on the influences from their own backgrounds and broader societal norms.

Josh shares his personal experiences growing up in a rigid religious environment and how stepping outside those boundaries revealed a universal tendency to restrict open discussions. The conversation highlights the importance of honest discourse and the need to break down these barriers to foster genuine human connection and understanding.

Glenn and Josh also discuss the nuances of spiritual heresy, defining it as a rebellion against established dogma and a quest for deeper understanding beyond traditional perceptions. They emphasize the significance of holding space for individual experiences while challenging the limitations imposed by conventional beliefs.

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in a dynamic dialogue about the intersection of spiritual and material realities, the impact of cultural relativism, and the role of personal ethics in navigating these complex topics. This episode invites listeners to join the journey of questioning, exploring, and redefining their own spiritual paths.

Tune in to this thought-provoking discussion that aims to inspire a deeper sense of curiosity, compassion, and inclusivity in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.

In this episode, Glenn and Josh invite you to challenge your perceptions, explore beyond the known, and embrace the heretic within. Join them as they navigate the intricate landscape of spiritual heresy and its implications for personal growth and societal transformation.

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

In this episode of “The Spiritual Heretic” series, Glenn and Josh dive into the profound teachings of Alan Watts on the concept of “No Wrong Feelings.” They explore the importance of acknowledging and accepting all emotions, challenging the societal norms that often suppress genuine self-expression. Glenn shares his admiration for Alan Watts and discusses how these ideas have influenced his perspective.

Josh brings his background in Gestalt therapy into the conversation, offering insights into the therapeutic value of confronting and understanding one’s true feelings. Together, they analyze the complexities of human emotions and the impact of judgment and suppression on personal growth.

The episode also delves into the broader theme of heresy, questioning established dogmas and exploring the balance between healthy and unhealthy heresy. Glenn and Josh discuss the value of constructive criticism, empathy, and open-mindedness in challenging societal norms, while cautioning against destructive criticism and misinformation.

Listeners are invited to join Glenn and Josh as they navigate these intricate topics, seeking deeper understanding and personal growth through honest dialogue and reflection.

Key Topics:

Mentioned in This Episode:

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation that encourages embracing all feelings and questioning the status quo for deeper personal and societal growth.

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Welcome to “The Spiritual Heretic, Part 2” where we dive deep into the complexities of belief, ideology, and the human experience. In this episode, titled “Conspiracy Theories: Unpacking Ideological Warfare,” Glenn Ostlund and Josh Neal take you on an insightful journey into the world of conspiracy theories.

We explore how conspiracy theories function as tools of ideological control and propaganda, dissecting their impact on the human psyche and societal structures. Drawing from personal experiences, particularly our departure from Mormonism, we highlight the universal nature of these phenomena and their relevance to all human societies.

Key topics discussed include:

– The function of conspiracy theories in controlling narratives

– The parallels between conspiracy theories and religious dogma

– The psychological mechanisms behind belief systems and their defense

– The concept of heresy in society and its role in maintaining ideological boundaries

Join us as we critically examine the structures and functions of conspiracy theories, challenge the dogmas that shape our world, and encourage open, critical inquiry. This episode will provide you with a fresh perspective on the hidden battles for ideological supremacy and the importance of questioning established truths.

#ConspiracyTheories #Ideology #HumanExperience #TheSpiritualHeretic #QuestionDogma #CriticalThinking #Psychoanalysis #BeliefSystems #Heresy #NarrativeControl

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

In this episode of “Infants on Thrones,” hosts Josh and Glenn dive deep into the essence of heresy as a vital and healthy force within both the human body and society.

Drawing metaphors from biology, they discuss how T cells and osteoblasts function to maintain health by addressing aberrant cells and weak bone tissue, respectively. In parallel, they explore how heretical thinking serves to critique and challenge rigid ideologies, promoting growth and resilience.

Josh and Glenn emphasize the importance of questioning protected ideas and the social structures that guard them. They delve into the complexities of heresy, contrasting it with the often defensive and aggressive reactions from those who benefit from unchallenged ideologies. They navigate the fine line between personal self-improvement and the critique of external systems, advocating for a balance that fosters both individual and collective well-being.

The episode also touches on the role of resistance in therapy and societal discourse. Josh, drawing from his experience as a Gestalt therapist, explains how resistance can indicate underlying needs and reactions, both in therapeutic settings and broader social interactions. This conversation highlights the challenges of engaging with deeply entrenched beliefs and the courage required to question them.

As they prepare to tackle taboo topics in future episodes, Josh and Glenn consider the format of their podcast, pondering the possibility of engaging with listeners’ experiences and exploring controversial subjects. The discussion sets the stage for a series that promises to be thought-provoking, challenging, and unapologetically heretical. Join Josh and Glenn as they embark on a journey to uncover hidden truths, dismantle ideological barriers, and promote a healthier, more open-minded society. Whether you’re a fellow heretic or a curious listener, this episode invites you to question, critique, and grow.

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Episode 864 of Infants on Thrones delves into the intriguing world of past life regression therapy in “Past Life Regression Therapy: A Case Study in Self Discovery.” Join us as we explore a thought-provoking session where hypnotherapy opens the door to deep self-reflection and personal narratives that transcend the boundaries of time and identity. This episode offers a vivid exploration of how past life regression can serve as a powerful tool for emotional healing and self-awareness. Through a detailed case study, we unpack the complexities of the therapy process, examine the interplay between therapist and client, and discuss the philosophical implications of memories and experiences that may span multiple lifetimes. Whether you’re a skeptic, a curious listener, or someone interested in the potentials of alternative therapies, this episode provides a unique lens on the human psyche and the stories we tell ourselves. Tune in to challenge your perceptions and perhaps discover something new about the mystery of human consciousness.

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

In this thought-provoking episode, Glenn and Josh dive deep into the philosophical and existential inquiries surrounding consciousness, the material world, and the potential of artificial intelligence. Our discussion unfolds through the metaphor of a tuning fork, illustrating how individual experiences resonate uniquely based on personal histories and environmental interactions. We explore the notion of consciousness as both a product of and an influencer on the material realm, pondering the implications of AI as a bridge between human and non-human forms of life.

Join us as we contemplate ethical considerations and the multidimensional nature of existence, seeking to understand how we might better tune into the symphony of life and what it means for the future of humanity and technology. Whether you’re intrigued by the metaphysics of experience or curious about the evolving role of AI, this episode will challenge your perceptions and invite you to consider the vast possibilities of our interconnected universe.

Check out The Arcturian Playground for more Mormon-formed-mind inspired stretching of eternal perspective.

What is your Mormon Cred?  Take a few minutes to fill out Bob’s Mormon Cred Scale here.

Support the podcast on Patreon here