Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

The gift that keeps on giving. Glenn, John, Randy and Matt smack down the classic Mormon musical Saturday's Warrior. Originally published in 2015.

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Originally published in 2014, in this froback minisode Glenn shares the experience of his final farewell testimony over the alter in response to Boyd K Packer's October 2010 conference talk against unconditional love and charity.

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

A boy's first uttered prayer? 

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Welcome to January 2022.  The Infants on Thrones podcast will be turning 10 years old this year. To reflect upon the impact that this podcast has made on my life — and the impact that my life has made on this podcast — I am creating a 13-part series called “Reflections” that will run through the month of January. This episode commemorates the moment of our “Dehlin bump” in 2014 when our listenership tripled — a significant time in the history of this podcast. It is also interesting to look back at what we all said we thought would happen with the podcast (and with the Mormon church), and to see what actually has happened with the podcast (and the mormon church).  Enjoy!

Glenn Ostlund will be speaking and leading two breakout sessions at the Jan 22, 2022 Thrive Conference in Phoenix. Purchase your tickets here.

Fill out the Mindfulness Survey here.

Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Welcome to January 2022.  The Infants on Thrones podcast will be turning 10 years old this year. To reflect upon the impact that this podcast has made on my life — and the impact that my life has made on this podcast — I am creating a 13-part series called “Reflections” that will run through the month of January. This episode contains the first three books of Abraham, retranslated through the snarky mind of a snarky Infant.   Snark alert: It is full of snark.

Glenn Ostlund will be speaking and leading two breakout sessions at the Jan 22, 2022 Thrive Conference in Phoenix. Purchase your tickets here.

Fill out the Mindfulness Survey here.

Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Welcome to January 2022.  The Infants on Thrones podcast will be turning 10 years old this year. To reflect upon the impact that this podcast has made on my life — and the impact that my life has made on this podcast — I am creating a 13-part series called “Reflections” that will run through the month of January.   This is an awesome collection of amazing listener essays, interspersed with a few classic parody songs.

Glenn Ostlund will be speaking and leading two breakout sessions at the Jan 22, 2022 Thrive Conference in Phoenix. Purchase your tickets here.

Fill out the Mindfulness Survey here.

Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Welcome to January 2022.  The Infants on Thrones podcast will be turning 10 years old this year. To reflect upon the impact that this podcast has made on my life — and the impact that my life has made on this podcast — I am creating a 13-part series called “Reflections” that will run through the month of January.

This is a previously unpublished conversation between Glenn Ostlund, Psychologist Rachel Harris (author of “Listening to Ayahuasca”) and neuroscientist Michael Ferguson 4 days after Glenn’s first Ayahuasca ceremony in February 2018.

Glenn Ostlund will be speaking and leading two breakout sessions at the Jan 22, 2022 Thrive Conference in Phoenix. Purchase your tickets here.

Fill out the Mindfulness Survey here.

Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

For the ninth – and final — gift of Infant Christmas, an Infant gave to me, a brand new sorta-Christmassy mini-sode from 2021 called, “A Very Merry Visit from Death.”

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

For the eighth gift of Infant Christmas an Infant gave to me, a re-birthed episode from 2016 called: “Light the World Christmas Smackaround.”

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

For the seventh gift of Infant Christmas an Infant gave to me, a re-birthed episode from 2015 called: “Disproving Santa.”

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

For the sixth gift of Infant Christmas an Infant gave to me, a re-birthed minisode from 2015 called: “The Ghost of Christmas Past.”

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

For the fifth gift of Infant Christmas an Infant gave to me, a re-birthed episode from 2015 called: “Away in a Manger: The Smackdown.”

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

For the fourth gift of Infant Christmas an Infant gave to me, a re-birthed mini-sode from 2015 called: “First Presidency Christmas Message (featuring Neil Diamond).”

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

For the third gift of Infant Christmas an Infant gave to me, a re-birthed mini-sode from 2015 called: “Bah Humbug – The Dallin H. Oaks Christmas Card mini-Smackdown.”

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

For the second gift of Infant Christmas an Infant gave to me, a re-birthed mini-sode from 2014 called: “Zelph on the Shelph.”

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

For the first gift of Infant Christmas an Infant gave to me, a re-birthed episode from 2014 called: “The Christmas Jesus and Stuff.”

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

I really love to watch them roll.

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

If you chance to meet a frown, do not let it stay. Simply put it in the “eternal perspective” box, and reframe that frown away. (Or at least let it know it has a legit reason for being there, even if you can’t completely understand what that is!)

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Do beliefs just go away, or do they simply change? For example, does “I do not believe in God” mean the same thing as “I do believe that there is no God?”

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Is it actually true that even a blind squirrel finds an acorn sometimes?

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

What happens when belief becomes a burden that you actually do bear? (Bare? Bear? Bare?)

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Or the stain-glassed kaleidoscope of my Mormon-formed mind. You choose.

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Da da da da da, dadadada. Da da da da da da. Da da. (da da)

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

Do as I’m doing.  Or don’t.

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Where were you when you first heard about the November 2015 Exclusion Policy?

Fill out the new Mindfulness Survey here.

Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Glenn shares a true Mormon story about a truly spooky ghost story that is truly Mormon and truly spooky and even more truly a story.

Fill out the new Mindfulness Survey here.

Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Glenn is joined once again by non-woo-woo, non-crystal-clutching Jake Parent to discuss psychedelics, consciousness, the nature of reality, and the holographic mind.

Fill out the new Mindfulness Survey here.

Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Glenn speaks to author Cody Noconi about his research into the psychedelic origins of Mormonism.

Fill out the new Mindfulness Survey here.

Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Glenn shares a Patreon sharing time episode about reactions and over-reactions and how to marry a mormon.

Fill out the new Mindfulness Survey here.

Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Today Infants on Thrones celebrates crossing the threshold of 7 million total downloads (and Glenn’s recent recovery from Covid) by sharing a few thoughts about mindfulness and a journey back to the first episode published on this podcast.  You are also invited to share your thoughts on mindfulness in a new survey.  Enjoy!

 

Fill out the new Mindfulness Survey here. Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

I am beyond thrilled to welcome back the full Mormons on Mushrooms panel of Mike, Shelise, and Doug – yes, welcome back Doug!  And yes, it is another episode where we play in the sandbox of symbols and stories and fictions that are probably a little different – or maybe very very different – from the normal symbols and stories and fictions of everyday discourse that we rarely stop to recognize as symbols and stories and fictions because we just think of them as “reality” – which, when you really stop to think about it, is only experienced and communicated through multiple competing systems of symbols, stories, and fictions.  Stop.  Take a breath.  This is fun, right?  Playing with symbols and stories and fictions all in the service of learning how to become a more kind, compassionate, understanding, accepting, nurturing, joyful, peace-making human being.

Join the new study group here. Fill out the Return to Kolob Extra Terrestrial Belief Survey here. Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Can steel-manning an argument help me change my partner’s mind? Join the new study group here. Fill out the Return to Kolob Extra Terrestrial Belief Survey here. Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Does “Free Will” mean that your choices are independent from everything that is? Join the new study group here. Fill out the Return to Kolob Extra Terrestrial Belief Survey here. Support the podcast on Patreon here

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:

• Alan Watts’ philosophy of “No Wrong Feelings”
• The therapeutic approach to emotions in Gestalt therapy
• The role of heresy in challenging societal norms
• The balance between healthy and unhealthy heresy

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Alan Watts’ teachings
• The paradoxical theory of change in Gestalt therapy
• The potential biases in using tools like ChatGPT for analysis
• Upcoming discussions on Slavoj Žižek’s “Pervert’s Guide to Ideology” and other heretical topics

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

Welcoming back beloved Infant brothers John Hamer and Randy Snyder to talk about God, meaning, and Randy’s miraculous conversion to the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

 

Join the new study group here. Fill out the Return to Kolob Extra Terrestrial Belief Survey here. Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.  Yes, a smackdown of Holland’s recent talk.  Also known as Musket Love.

 

Join the new study group here. Fill out the Return to Kolob Extra Terrestrial Belief Survey here. Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Glenn is joined once again y Shelise and Mike from the Mormons on Mushrooms podcast to talk about synchronicity and whether or not the still small voice is what lead them out of the Mormon Church.

 

Join the new study group here. Fill out the Return to Kolob Extra Terrestrial Belief Survey here. Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Ryan is a listener of Infants on Thrones.  Ryan is super angry at the Mormon church.  Ryan wants to burn it all down, but all of Ryan’s family and friends are still in the building and are absolutely loving it.  What should Ryan do?  Glenn shares some personal experiences from his 2008 exit of the Mormon church.

 

Join the new study group here. Fill out the Return to Kolob Extra Terrestrial Belief Survey here. Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Wouldn’t it be cool if there was gorgeous graphic novel telling the magical stories of Joseph Smith as a treasure digger?  Well, now there is.  Thank you Mark Elwood.

Check out the promotional video for The Glass Looker: Collected Tales of Joseph Smith:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVMXP8xXvaM

 

Join the new study group here. Fill out the Return to Kolob Extra Terrestrial Belief Survey here. Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Can logic and faith co-exist?  Zach really wants to know.  Zach is a 31-year old actor, teacher, and father of two with one foot in the LDS church and one foot out.  He wants to effect positive change within the LDS church.  Will he do it by reinforcing the seven deadly habits of external control psychology (criticizing, blaming, complaining, nagging, threatening, punishing and bribing) or by developing seven caring habits  instead (supporting, encouraging, listening, accepting, trusting, respecting and negotiating differences)?  And which one of these approaches do you think that Brigham Young took when he taught the one-time LDS doctrine of blood atonement?  Listen in to find out.

 

Join the new study group here. Fill out the Return to Kolob Extra Terrestrial Belief Survey here. Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Glenn interviews Katie about her book “Sealed: An Unexpected Journey into the Heart of Grace,” which feels the story of an anxious devout young Mormon girl who grows up to become a Lutheran preacher.  Find more from Katie at her website here.

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Do you know your own mind?

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

Time for another story.

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

It's not just the title of a 1989 Mormon propaganda video.  Glenn is joined once again by Mike and Shelise fro the Mormons on Mushrooms podcast to discuss Mormonism through the lens of Donald Hoffman's "Case Against Reality." Check out more from Donald Hoffman here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd6CQCbk2ro&t=12s

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

Is it really possible to choose your thoughts like you choose your clothing? Dr. Jerome, a functional neurologist, weighs in. If you are interested in learning more and seeing how you can apply this to your own life, click the link below to schedule a free 30-minute consult with me and let’s see if coaching could be a good fit for you: Schedule a free 30-min consult with Glenn

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

More playing around in the world of fiction and symbols to cobble together some sense of meaning in a world we might all be making up as we go along.

Check out the new study group here.

Fill out the Return to Kolob Extra Terrestrial Belief Survey here. Support the podcast on Patreon here

Glenn Ostlund's Psychology Today Profile

The discussion continues with Mike and Shelise from the Mormons on Mushrooms podcast.  Today we talk about soul groups, soul contracts, blueprints, overlays, and walk-ins. Join the new study group here. Fill out the Return to Kolob Extra Terrestrial Belief Survey here. Support the podcast on Patreon here