Infants on Thrones (Infants on Thrones)

You are invited to join us all in solving a mystery.

A man named Dow signed up for a mysterious clinical trial called The Abacus Project.  It uses advanced technology to explore the very nature of reality. Dow has written 18 letters describing his experience with this project. This is letter 6.

Joining the Letter 6 mystery sleuthing team this week are the insights of physicist David Tong, anthropologist Victor Turner and cognitive psychologist Merlin Donald. 

Kind of. 

In a learning out loud AI Puppet Show kind of way.

Let's play.

Calm is Contagious and So is Everything Else – A Mind Expanding Conversation with Dr. Jerome

In this episode of Infants on Thrones, Glenn Ostlund sits down with Dr. Jerome, a functional neurologist and author of The Brain-Based Enneagram, for a deep dive into the complexities of the human mind. Together, they explore the profound relationship between thoughts, emotions, and the subconscious mind, offering listeners valuable insights into how we can better understand and influence our own mental and emotional health.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Contagious Nature of Calm: Understanding how maintaining calm in difficult situations can influence others around us.
• Thoughts, Emotions, and Responsibility: A deep exploration of whether we are responsible for our thoughts and emotions, and how conscious awareness plays a role.
• Nature, Nurture, and Conditioning: How our environment and upbringing shape our mental and emotional responses.
• Conscious vs. Unconscious Processes: The distinction between what we are aware of and the vast majority of mental processes that operate beneath our conscious awareness.
• Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy: The concept of internalized versions of ourselves and how they inform our current behaviors and mental states.
• Neurological Development and Perception: The limited scope of our conscious perception and its implications for how we navigate life.
• Personal Growth and Mindfulness: Practical strategies for self-discovery and improving mental and emotional well-being.

Call to Action: If you or someone you know is in Arizona and could benefit from counseling, Glenn Ostlund, an intern therapist at Wellness Oasis Resource Center in Mesa, AZ, is available to help. Whether you're working through personal challenges or seeking to improve your mental and emotional well-being, Glenn is here to support you. The center accepts insurance, and your participation will also help Glenn complete the hours needed to graduate with his Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

For more details, please email: infantsonthrones@gmail.com.

I just created something using powerful tools.

Glenn shares one of his greatest regrets.  The phone call that he wishes he would have had with his former best friend, before that best friend took his own life

Glenn engages with AI like never before.

A boy's first uttered prayer? 

Because we can can can

You are invited to join us all in solving a mystery.

A man named Dow signed up for a mysterious clinical trial called The Abacus Project.  It uses advanced technology to explore the very nature of reality. Dow has written 18 letters describing his experience with this project. This is letter 4.

Joining the Letter 4 mystery sleuthing team this week are the insights of Marcus Aurelius, Byron Katie and Alan Watts. Kind of. In an AI kind of way.

Let's play.

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.

A minisode filtered through some AI and OI and IOT fun.

Glenn invites you to listen in -- and possibly participate in -- this exciting work in progress.

Mormon missions aren’t exactly everything you think they are. Glenn shares some stories about his missionary trainer, aka “The Streaking Samurai.

What happens when a 52-year-old infant pours three intellectual giants into an AI mixer and pushes BLEND?

This.

This is what happens.

Donald Hoffman (cognitive psychologist) meets Brian Greene (theoretical physicist) meets the Kyballion (mystic teachings). Blend.

https://beyondthemirror.transistor.fm/subscribe

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

There is just no easy way to say this...

You are invited to join us all in solving a mystery.

A man named Dow signed up for a mysterious clinical trial called The Abacus Project.  It uses advanced technology to explore the very nature of reality. Dow has written 18 letters describing his experience with this project. This is letter 4.

Joining the Letter 4 mystery sleuthing team this week are the insights of historian Inga Clendinnen, and psychiatrists Jim Tucker and Bessel van der Kolk. Kind of. In an AI kind of way.

Let's play.

What does the peepstone Erastus have to say about being a big and important chosen elite today?

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 infantsonthrones@gmail.com 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: infantsonthrones@gmail.com
• 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

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!

 Today's episode of Infants on Thrones dives into the intriguing world of lies and deception, inspired by a video from independent journalist Johnny Harris. I'm Glenn Ostlund, and I'm thrilled to share insights from Johnny's compelling investigation into why we lie, why we believe lies, and what we can do about it.

Johnny Harris, with over 5 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, explores the complex nature of lying, touching on both intentional and unintentional falsehoods. His video delves into the neuroscience of deception, using humor and expert interviews to shed light on this pervasive human behavior. We'll discuss the evolutionary roots of lying, the brain's reward system, and how repetition influences belief formation through the illusory truth effect.

Join me as I review Johnny Harris' video and add my own perspective on these fascinating topics. Together, we'll explore the intricate dance between truth and lies, uncovering how our brains process information and how social media shapes our perceptions.

Show Notes:

• Introduction
  • Overview of today's episode inspired by Johnny Harris' video
  • Glenn's enthusiasm for Johnny Harris and his investigative work
  • Link to Johnny Harris' YouTube channel
• Main Discussion: Understanding Lies
  • The complexity of lying: Intentional vs. Unintentional lies
  • Definitions and distinctions: Lies, truth, intentionality, and unintentionality
  • Examples from "Mean Girls" to illustrate different types of lies
• Neuroscience of Lying
  • Insights from neuroscientists on the brain's reward system
  • Evolutionary perspective: How lying and passing along wrong information evolved
  • Processing information: New vs. established neural pathways
• Psychological Mechanisms
  • Illusory truth effect: Repetition and belief formation
  • Confirmation bias: How we accept and reject information based on existing beliefs
  • Evolutionary success: Myths and stories as survival mechanisms
• Social Media and Modern Information Consumption
  • The impact of social media on our perception of truth and lies
  • Navigating the world of misinformation and lies: Tips and strategies
• Conclusion
  • Embracing curiosity and open-mindedness
  • The power of "I don't know"
  • Reflecting on personal growth and evolving perspectives

Resources Mentioned:

• Johnny Harris' YouTube channel
• Mean Girls movie clips
• Neuroscience research on the brain's reward system
• Articles and studies on the illusory truth effect and confirmation bias

Quotes to Remember:

• "I lie. And you lie. We all lie. And more importantly, we all believe lies."
• "Pay attention to your bricks, your thoughts, your feelings, your moment-by-moment experience."
• "Arrive curious. Empathize with others and seek to understand."

Call to Action:

• Subscribe to Infants on Thrones for more thought-provoking discussions
• Check out Johnny Harris' investigative videos on YouTube
• Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media or in the comments

Thank you for listening to Infants on Thrones! Join us next time as we continue to explore the complexities of the human experience and seek further light and knowledge together.

Randy, Matt, John and Glenn review Avi Steinberg’s “The Lost Book of Mormon: A Journey Through the Mythic Lands of Nephi, Zarahemla, and Kansas City, Missouri” – a playful look at Joseph Smith as a prolific American author. Sorry, no singing this time.

A sneak peek at the personalities behind the podcast: Jesse, Randy, Bob, Tom, Matt, and Glenn.

Sage Turk returns to Infants on Thrones with his Listener Essay “Disproving Santa Claus.” Jake and Tom join in the conversation as “apologetics” turn towards the satirically ridiculous and the absurd – for once. No, that was not a chiasmus.

Matt, Glenn, Bob, and Randy have a panel discussion about Mormons and swingers. They are joined by a Mormon swinger named Jay who previously shared his story of becoming a swinger after having been an active Mormon for most of his life.

Glenn, Tom, Jesse, and Randy have a panel discussion centered around the movie “Tabloid” which tells the story of an eccentric woman who kidnaps the Mormon missionary of her dreams. They are later joined by Matt to discuss the legal implications of the event.

The full quorum (Bob, Glenn, Jesse, Matt, Randy, & Tom) gets together to discuss the first year of Infants on Thrones. They start with a panel discussion to review listener feedback followed by an update from each as to where they stand with the Mormon Church.

The full quorum (Bob, Glenn, Jesse, Matt, Randy, & Tom) gets together to review, discuss, and compare two movies that both try to tackle the topic of organized religion: Religulous and Kumare. They are both available via Netflix streaming, but you don’t need to see either movie to follow the discussion.

In a best-of clip-show for the ages, and at finally for at long last, Dennis pulls back the proverbial curtain and introduces you to Billy, Sandy, Jasper, and Jim of Brainfard Productions, the actual real sorta-genuis-types behind Infants on Thrones. No joke. Unless it is. Thanks for a fun 2015. And who knows…

John, Glenn, Matt, and Tom review the new Star Wars movie, discuss the Mormon fascination with Star Wars in general, and then geek out about super hero movies and random pop culture.

Bob walks us through the parallels between Mormonism and the game Diablo 3. What if Mormonism ultimately is just a role-playing game?

What the heck is going on with this Captian Moroni rancher guy up in Oregon who is defying the US Government? Isn’t there an article of faith somewhere about honoring governments, or something like that? Either way, listen in as Matt talks with Special Infant Guest Drew about the whole crazy story and its cultural ties to Mormonism.

Matt, Randy, and Glenn smack down Elder Nelson’s recent address to BYU-H students. America’s favorite dancer Benji Schwimmer joins us for the second half. And Randy’s favorite celebrity Gwenyth Paltrow may or may not make a special appearance as well.

Matt Long talks with John Dehlin about the recently re-released article on their website, titled, “Effectiveness of Church Approach to Preventing Child Abuse.” Spoiler alert: Matt was not impressed.

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/effectiveness-of-church-approach-to-preventing-child-abuse

Fun fact: this episode was almost titled “Communist-lead Negro Guerrilla Units.” Why? Find out for yourself as Randy, Glenn, and Matt welcome Anissa and Kim back to the podcast to smack down a 1967 conference talk from Ezra Taft Benson called “Civil Rights: Tool of Communist Deception.”

Fair warning: do not drink any dark liquids while listening to this episode, as you might unintentionally yet fervidly stain your habiliments.

Civil Rights: Tool of Communist Deception

In 1984, Elder Ronald E Polman delivered a talk titled “The Gospel and the Church” in General Conference. It emphasized the importance of an eternally divine gospel being delivered through a man-made fallible church. The Brethren did not like this message, and made him re-write the talk to make the church as eternally divine and infallible as the gospel. They also made him re-deliver the talk in front of an empty tabernacle to record it and pass it off as the original. But thanks to home VCRs, they got caught. And today you can hear all about it, including clips from both the original talk and the re-written message. So listen in as Glenn and Scott (aka Jesse) are joined by Rock Waterman and James Rogers two discuss A Tale of two Poelmans.

*This recorded conversation was previously released in January 2011 on another podcast but has since been removed. Now it is back where it belongs.

Glenn pays tribute to Kevin, his childhood friend. The guy who was in a private plane crash when he was 5 years old and lost all feeling in his legs; the guy who saw his wheelchair as a mark of his worthiness, or lack their of, and tragically took his own life at the young age of 31. Glenn was asked to speak at Kevin’s funeral back in November 2002, and recently found the audio of that speech, as well as some journal entries where he struggles with the doctrinal implications of Kevin’s death.

The Infants pay a brief but special tribute to the recent remarkable words and message of Elder David A(hole) Bednar, and to the huge Packer-sized stick shoved up his member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ass. Special thanks to Lily Allen for nailing it so completely.

Matt asks, “Hey Glenn, where was this two days ago?”

Well it’s here now.

https://youtu.be/HqazNWjLEhw

Matt, John, and Randy talk with two marijuana experts. The first, a entrepreneur who grows and sells marijuana, legally. The other, Cheech and Chong’s best friend and friend to the podcast, Micah Nickolaisen. Learn a little bit about every hippy’s favorite pastime and find out if marijuana should be legal. Spoiler alert: yes, the answer is yes!

Sage and Tom recently took a tour in the recently remodeled Church History Museum in downtown Salt Lake City and recorded and commented about their experience.

Glenn walks us through another Fro-back Friday episode — a discussion recorded in December 2010 between pre-Infants Glenn, Tom, and Scott (aka “Jesse”) with special guests Mike Tannehill and Brandt Malone. It’s all about the importance of bloodlines. And posterity. And covenants. And dispensations. And how Abraham sort of trumps Jesus in the whole hierarchy of what it is that makes Mormons so damn special. Enjoy.

It’s that time again! Tune in to hear Jake, Randy, Glenn, and Bob’s contribution to the latest installment in the General Conference – Infant Style series. Special thanks to our talented guest contributors Andrew (Elder Durrant), Allison (lady speaker), and Lincoln (opening hymn).

(To read or listen to Elder Kearon’s original talk, click here.)

Would you like to add your voice to our podcast? Several of you have said that you would. Today’s episode is dedicated to you as Tom, Randy, and Glenn discuss a hodge-podge of subjects. You won’t want to miss Tom’s biggest fantasy!

Who wrote the Book of Mormon? Was it Joseph Smith? Sidney Rigdon? Old Solomon “and it came to pass” Spaulding? Or maybe it’s just exactly what it claims to be. (shyah — and later on live monkeys might fly out of my butt!) We are planning a three-part series on the Book of Mormon authorship. Take a listen as we tease a few of our upcoming episodes. Enjoy!

Today, Tom and Jake are joined by Tom Doggett, the man behind the Hard-to-Find Mormon Videos channel on YouTube, to discuss the origins of the project and the goldmine that is the LDS media archive. For those that grew up on such national treasures as Cipher in the Snow or Johnny Lingo, this is gonna be an eight-cow episode.

(To take a look at That Which Was Lost, click here.)

Glenn is joined by Andrea Staats to discuss the life and teachings of Joseph Smith with Christa, the Mormon Psychic. Midway through the conversation they are joined by the spirit of Emma Smith — if you believe in that sort of thing (or even if you are just curious to hear how a psychic would channel Emma Smith).

Join in as Jake and Randy find a rare pocket of effusive praise for Elder Patrick Kearon’s recent conference address (Refuge from the Storm). Warning–may cause cognitive dissonance.

Randy is joined by Bob and special guest Aaron Tunell to discuss LDS Inc.’s Perpetual Education Fund, a program started in 2001 to help students in developing countries. But all is not as it seems on the surface.

Seven of the Nine Infants gathered for a weekend in Vail Colorado and recorded their response to some listener feedback and a smackdown-of-sorts to a newspaper article about (former) Mormon PR Boss Michael Otterson.  So listen in as Glenn, Tom, Randy, Jake, Matt, John, and Scott sit around the same table and talk into a single microphone for once.

An occasional knee-slapping, borderline insightful, completely infantile review the 2003 movie The Book of Mormon Vol 1: The Journey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijknQ5qJWkc

Infants on Thrones will be at Sunstone once again this year, July 28-30. Listen in to what we are planning. You will also find a filthy dirty outtake from our latest clean recording with John Dehlin, the Reluctant Atheist. This is a short one. But you’ll love it. Or you won’t. We swear.

Ever wonder why the Infants are such smug, dismissive, judgmental, black-and-white thinking ex-mormons who are no better than the smug, dismissive, judgmental, black-and-white thinking Believing Mormons who they smugly and dismissively mock, and bully, and disrespect again and again and again? Well one listener named Jeremy has and asked the question, “Why you gotta be so caustic, yo? Can’t you Infants just respect people, dog?” So listen in as Matt and Glenn say, “Hey Jeremy… here’s what we think of all that. Homey.”

John Hamer teaches Glenn, Randy, and Jake a thing or two about the LDS priesthood. And its origins. And its authority. And its power. And the magical-ness of the Mormon Worldview. And it is funny. And informative. And will tickle your ears, warm your hearts, and engorge your brains. Do not seek the treasure (we thought you was a toad).

A never-Mormon from England stumbled across Infants on Thrones and tells us who she is and what she thinks.  A woman comes to terms with her reaction to her drag Queen husband.  A physician who suffers from Crohns Disease explains the psychological and emotional impact of daily chronic pain, and a way that understanding changes the traditional narrative of Jesus bleeding from every pore in the Atonement.  These are just a few of the many excellent listener essays in  today’s Infant Compilation.  They are all very good, except for the bad parts.  (that’s not a slam — it’s a reference to one of the essays.  You’ll see what I mean)

Glenn sits down for a brief discussion with his mother about her faith crisis and elicits her sage advice for listeners of Infants on Thrones.  Which starts with how to get an IOT T-Shirt (or super awesome mug) of your very own.  Check out the T-Shirt Tab on our website, infantsonthrones.com.

How to discuss the scriptures with your kids.  Or at least how Glenn did it.  And recorded it.  One time.

Listener and fan of the show, Jake sits down with Tom and Kim Gustavsson to talk about his listener submitted essay titled, “Verbal JiuJitsu”.

Kim’s company and website: http://accendeo.com/

“We must try to penetrate our most secret self, and examine our being from all sides. . . . And so, for the first time in my life perhaps (although I am supposed to meditate every day!), I took the lamp and, leaving the zone of everyday occupations and relationships where everything seems clear, I went down into my inmost self, to the deep abyss whence I feel dimly that my power of action emanates. But as I moved further and further away from the conventional certainties by which social life is superficially illuminated, I became aware that I was losing contact with myself. At each step of the descent a new person was disclosed within me of whose name I was no longer sure, and who no longer obeyed me. And when I had to stop my exploration because the path faded from beneath my steps, I found a bottomless abyss at my feet, and out of it came—arising I know not from where—the current which I dare to call my life.” – Teilhard de Chardin, Pierre. The Divine Milieu (New York: Harper & Row Publishers, Incorporated, 1960)  p. 42

Let’s face it: atheists have a bad rap, and some of that is richly deserved–the smug self-righteousness with which many wield their God-free worldview is about as charming as a menthol enema. However, losing your faith doesn’t have to lead to the dark path of douchebaggery, which the honorable Sage Turk aims to illustrate in an exciting new series: The New Atheist’s Guide to Not Being a Total Asshole. Take a listen to the first installment–a conversation between Sage and Tom on the subject of fear.

Bob, Jake, John, and eventually Randy get together to discuss politics and Mormonism (but mostly politics) in the context of the United States presidential election of 2016.

Sage’s New Atheist’s Guide (N.A.G.) continues with episode 2–a conversation with Bob about hope.

Listen in on the latest installment of the New Atheist’s Guide as Jake and Sage discuss The Devil–with a cameo appearance from the Lord o’ Darkness himself. (Spoiler alert: he has issues.)

Glenn, Jake, Randy, and John give Elder Holland’s recent Education Week address, “Bound by Loving Ties,” the Olympic-sized smacking down it needs. And the one it deserves.

Matt and Glenn talk about their recent experience at Sunstone and a bunch of other fun, thought-provoking, interesting stuff — including three-patterns like that one — and tease a few future episode topics.

Matt and Glenn continue their in-car post-Sunstone discussion — this time about magic, marijuana, and three patterns.  And rituals.  And what it means for something to be weird.  And other things.  And Matt demonstrates the gracious way to embrace defeat, and ignorance, and shame.  Darkly.  Again.  And sometimes Glenn writes really weird episode descriptions.  Like this one.  Again.

Who wrote the Book of Mormon? Did Joseph Smith really translate an ancient record from golden plates through the power of God? Did he simply make up the story himself? Or did he collude with other men and plagiarize a mysterious unpublished novel? In part one of this three part series, Glenn and Randy interview historian John Hamer to discuss the theory of Joseph Smith as sole author.

Glenn makes a few announcements, reads a few listener emails, and shares the earth shattering new scripture for serious Wing Eaters: The Word of Wingdom.  Yes.  It is every bit as stupid as it sounds.

Text can be found here:
The Word of Wingdom

Tune in this week as Sage interviews the wildly talented R. John Williams from the band Faded Paper Figures.  Together they talk about the power of music to transform us, to enlighten us and to best express all of our pent up ex-Mormon angst.

In a manly display of manly manliness, Matt, Tom, Randy, and Glenn discuss BYU’s bid for the Big 12 conference and read through a letter signed by multiple LGBT advocacy groups urging the Big 12 to pass on BYU due to its anti-LGBT policies.

Jocks gonna jock.

In the 5th episode of the NAG, Sage and Glen explore the labels that define us (or don’t) and how it may or may not be possible to redeem or redefine the term ‘Atheist’.

Featured Song: God – John Lennon cover by the Bluebeat

Benji takes us on a journey of the Mormon Matrix and tackles the ever-growing accounts of suicide ravaging the LGBT Mormon youth. Featuring conversations with a mother and a father of gay teens and mixed with badass music.

Should LDS Bishops ask 7-year-old children if they “touch themselves” or if they show their private parts to others?

Jake, Matt and Glenn dramatically and critically re-enact a real live secretly recorded bishops interview with a real live secretly recorded bishop.  If you believe that Prophets instruct Apostles, and that Apostles instruct General Authorities, and that General Authorities instruct Stake Presidents, and that Stake Presidents instruct Bishops, and that Bishops instruct Elders Quorum presidents and Relief Society Presidents, then you probably don’t need to worry if you are ever in a car accident.  And you would also certainly fail in a game of Six Degrees of God (i.e. Kevin Bacon).

The reddit link with the original source material can be found here:

Masterbation now a question for 8 year olds in the Baptismal interview. from exmormon

This is the audio to Glenn’s Sunstone presentation given on July 30, 2016, where Glenn explains the type of Mormon he was before and after his graduate studies (culminating in a MA Thesis Japanese Lost Tribes stories and a half-finished dissertation on Mormon Humor), and walks through some of the reasons why — for him — faith ultimately yielded to education (and uncertainty).

Want to hear the real reason Mormon leaders don’t want women to hold the priesthood?

In a follow-up interview to last week’s “Unrighteous Dominion” episode, Michelle and Adam join Glenn, Jake, and Matt to explain why they secretly recorded the bishop who likes swimming’ suits, and they share another secretly recorded discussion with the bishop, where Michelle valiantly stands up to the Patriarchy.  And wins.  Vicarious uppercut.

Infants on Thrones proudly presents Tom Perry once again as The ExMo Guru in the most relevant brilliant earth-shattering performance of Brother Perry’s storied career (yes I am a huge homer of a Tom Perry fan, Rock Star that he is).  But don’t take my word for it.  Listen!  Listen now!  Your eternal relaxation depends on it!  And this salvation is free (it will only cost 21 minutes of your time and a small portion of your innocence).  What are you waiting for?  Listen already!

In the outstanding tradition of Infant October Fear episodes, Glenn explains his very real fear of the potential impending Trumpocalypse.  No kitty cats were grabbed in the making of this episode.

Matt and Glenn try (and maybe sorta momentarily succeed, we hope) to sift away all partisanship from conversations from this past crazy week and focus on the one unifying message that everyone should agree on.  Lewd and derogatory male attitudes towards women can no longer be considered acceptable in our world.  It’s about much more than politics now.  It’s about our mothers, and daughters, and wives, and friends.  It’s about improving our shared social morality.  Positive words can have a measurable impact on the physical world.  That isn’t just magical thinking.  We’re hoping the words of this episode will add our small piece to this current critical mass to make this moment of awareness one that will transform our world and not be soon forgotten.  And Matt shares a clip from the Simpsons.

It’s time for Infant General Conference again.  You know the drill.

 In this, the sixth episode of the NAG, join Sage and fellow ‘nobody’ Drew as they explore the concepts of belief, wonder and spirituality as Atheists.  They’ll ask poignant questions such as ‘What is the ultimate truth of the universe?’ not so poignant questions like ‘Do animals believe in god?’ and even questions no one thought to ask like ‘Can you worship a magic motorcycle?’  Enjoy!

Featured tracks:  Cover of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ by Holly Henry, Carl Sagan’s ‘Pale Blue Dot’ accompanied by Ludovico Einaudi’s “The Earth Prelude”

Follow our beloved President Boyd K Packer for his annual All Hallow’s return from the eternal hereafter to lead us all through some bonus listener generated conference content (mingled with a few little Infant-generated tricks and treats, both new and old).

Special and remarkable thanks to Andrew, Holly, Jordan, and Sage for their special and remarkable contributions.
Enjoy!  (that is a command)

Glenn dazes into his peep stone for yet another far out translation of Chapter 3, man. Seriously.  This is totally real, you guys.   And this time it’s all about… time.

Glenn pitches an idea for reviewing the book “A Short History of Nearly Everything.”  Tell us what you think.  Is this something you’d like to hear more of, or not?

Take a break from all the post-election fallout.  Calm your mind.  Breathe.  And then listen in as Noah Rasheta delivers a talk to the Nautilus Community in Mesa, Arizona.  Noah is the host of the Secular Buddhism podcast. He addresses meditation practice, philosophy, how to break up 3 patterns (implied), and of course and secular buddhism.

Michael Adam Ferguson joins Jake and Glenn to talk about the moral mind. And tastebuds.  Can’t we all just get along?

In the spirit of appreciation, gratitude, and satire, Glenn reads an open letter to President Uchtdorf in response to his recent General Conference talk.

Listen in as all nine Infants hold HILARIOUS poses for the current all-the-rage Mannequin Challenge.  You’ll never believe who shows up to pose along with us!

Glenn provides an update on the SHONE project (Short History of Nearly Everything) and asks for some SHONEY volunteers.  And then – since it is December and all — Glenn also shares some music from The Decembrists (get it?)   He may even sing for you.

Click here if you are interested in participating in the SHONE project:

http://proprofs.com/survey/t/?title=jztaw

Or click HERE if you are not.

Lindsay Hansen Park and Andrew Ainsworth join Glenn, Matt, Scott and John to geek out all over the HBO series Westworld.  SPOILERS included free of charge.  And plenty of existential “what is reality?” discussions for those not following the show.  These Infantile delights have Infantile ends.

You get to be a fly on the wall in this very special episode of Infants on Thrones.  And you get to hear Matt sing with his wife Kristin.  Totally worth the price of admission.  This was recorded at a live Christmas musical event on Dec 18, 2016.

Guest host Drew takes a break from his patented Godly Google Goggles to walk us through this obscure little religious thingy from the country that brought us Tandoori Chicken and Tikka Masala.  Unofficially subtitled “Everything You Never Knew You Didn’t Want to Know about Hinduism so You Never Cared to Ask,” Drew takes us on a fascinating journey beyond the red dot.  Listen to this one with your third ear.

Jesus listens to Infants on Thrones, and so can you.  So open up your gift from the Infants a little early this year and gird up your loins against the war on Secularistmas.  ‘Cuz today Glenn, Randy, Jake, and John read through the recent “Light the World” advent program from the LDS church.  With glee.  Seriously, there was some literal bowl-full-of-jellying going on during this one.  And while we may not have been wearing ugly sweaters, we did find some of the most horribly worst all-time Christmas songs to intersperse throughout the conversations.  So Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and all the rest.  Enjoy.   WWHAJD?

Hop into the Infant time machine back to August 2012 when Tom, Glenn, Randy, Matt, and Bob explore the concept of guilt.

Matt and Tom sit down with Ryan McKnight and Privacy P Pratt (not his real name) to discuss General Authority pay stubs, the difference between mormon- and wiki- leaking, and leaks and leakers and just a bunch of leaking stuff in general.  You’re in for a real treat (as opposed to urine for a real treat).  Cuz details matter.

It’s hard enough parenting kids when Jesus is your co-pilot.  What do you do when he jumps ship? (or after you mutiny and throw him to the crocodiles — maybe that’s a better metaphor).

Sage is back to interview APEs Matt and Kristin (Atheist Parents Extraordinaire) — with a few comments from third-wheel-Glenn — as they discuss raising kids sans-faith-in-God.  Stick around to the end for a special announcement!

Bob is joined by himself to discuss the latest attack on John Dehlin’s research aka “John Dehlin and the Weaponization of Scientific Research” aka some Mormon blogger really wanting to be taken seriously.

Glenn, Matt, and Scott smack down a blog post because many of you asked us to.  So we did.  In front of about 50 lovely listeners.  And now the rest of you can hear it.  This episode was recorded January 8, 2017.

http://happiness-seekers.com/2017/01/02/the-alarming-truth-behind-anti-mormonism/