Glass Box Podcast

Shannon talks about books again! We are back on the subject of dystopian literature today and we deliberate over the 1992 book Children of Men, written by PD James. We also watched the movie based on the book and we talk about the differences and similarities to each. After that we share some happy news about nuclear power. Enjoy!    Show Notes:    The Children of Men, by PD James: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Children_of_Men  PD James: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._D._James    MOGP: Children of Men  Film: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0206634/?ref_=ttpl_ov  Where film is streaming: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/children-of-men    Happy News: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/09/climate/nuclear-warheads-haleu/index.html    GoFundMe for Shannon: https://www.gofundme.com/help-shannon-grover-with-medical-expenses    Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod  Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductio

The weirdest chapter in Approaching Zion makes for a kinda’ weird A segment about intelligence and genius. We talk about the history of ranking intelligence and its influence on eugenics before discussing more modern conceptions of intelligence and genius from a nature AND nurture perspective. Then we get into Hugh Nibley’s eulogy of Donald Decker. It’s a standalone chapter, very different from every other chapter in Approaching Zion, and provides a wealth of interesting discussion, including why it was even included in the book to begin with. Then we wrap with happy news of Sweden hitting carbon emission targets ahead of schedule while boosting their economy.   Are you registered to vote?! https://www.vote.org/   Utah Fungi Fest https://wholesunwellness.com/utah-fungi-fest/   John Whitmer Historical Association Conference https://www.jwha.info/   Show Notes:  https://www.etymonline.com/word/genius https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/10-child-prodigies.htm https

Yes, it’s time to dissect this horrific document telegraphing the downfall of American democracy. We examine bits and pieces to see what the cabal of Christian nationalists want to turn the nation into over the next conservative presidency. Then we chat about the Mike Judge movie Idiocracy and it’s prophetic warnings. We wrap with happy news about the Harris-Walz campaign polling quite well among voters.   Show notes:    Are you registered to vote?! https://www.vote.org/   Project 2025 links https://www.project2025.org/ https://www.project2025.org/about/advisory-board/ https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf   MOGP: Idiocracy    IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387808/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_7_nm_1_in_0_q_Idiocra  Where it is streaming: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/idiocracy  The Movie Hollywood Doesn’t Want You To See: Idiocracy, the feel-bad comedy of the year:  https://slate.com/culture/2006/09/reviewing-mike-judge-s-idiocracy.html  Idiocracy: a

Just that! We talk Sunstone because it’s the best Mormon Con around and we want to spread the good word! We discuss a few of our favorite sessions, some fascinating things we learned, and how Sunstone recharges our batteries in the Mormon studies space. Then we talk about Lego helping PTSD sufferers. We wrap with a brief chat about some changes we’re making to the Patreon page; long story short, now is a great time to sign up to financially support the podcast!   Happy News: https://www.thecanary.co/opinion/2024/04/17/lego-trauma/    GoFundMe for Shannon: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-shannon-grover-with-medical-expenses   Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod  Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/glassboxpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlassBoxPod  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/  Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapp

We do a quick dive into moral agency and free agency in Mormon culture. Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have recently changed the definition of agency to suit their totalitarian needs. We explore the evolution of the phrase ‘free agency’ into ‘moral agency’ and springboard into a discussion about Ernest L. Wilkinson, the most influential BYU president in the institution’s history. After that we chat about The Last Temptation of Christ, a Scorsese film about a VERY human Jesus. We wrap with happy political news, adoring our new DNC candidate, Kamala Harris. Don’t forget to check our Patreon page to find deets about our hangout during Sunstone on 8/03/2024!!!   Show notes:  “Using our free agency” Delbert Stapley, April General Conference 1975:      https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1975/04/using-our-free-agency?lang=eng  “Weightier Matters” Dallin Oaks, BYU Devotional Feb 1999, reprinted in Ensign March 2000: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liaho

Since this is another Huge Niblet episode, we decided to talk a little bit about philosophy. More importantly, we discuss Diogenes the Cynic and what the philosophical meaning of the word “cynic” is. Then we cover 3 chapters in Approaching Zion, all while keeping the question, “Was Hugh Nibley a modern day cynic?” in mind.  Show notes:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism_(philosophy)#cite_ref-dudley5_8-0 https://www.worldhistory.org/article/740/the-life-of-diogenes-of-sinope-in-diogenes-laertiu/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeCKQnWogxI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EM_cfYcDjY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xl_7Ivi2og Sword of Laban:  Approaching Zion, by Hugh Nibley    Pages from Hopi History by Harry C James: https://archive.org/details/pagesfromhopihis0000jame    The False Gods We Worship, by Spencer W. Kimball: http://www.nauvoo.com/library/kimball-false.html     Black Mesa Peabody Coal controversy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Mesa_Peabody_Coal_controversy 

Happy Pride Month! To celebrate, we interviewed the amazing Shelly Johnson from Latter Day Lesbian podcast. She talked about the balance between navigating tough situations between the church’s control over family and resisting its influence in these family situations. In Media of Great Price, we discuss the book Closeted: My Life As a Gay BYU Student, by Jonathan Alder. After which we tell you about the new campaign headed up by David Tennant and Dannii Minogue to help Trans youth.  Show notes:    Shelly Johnson’s links:  Latter Day Lesbian website: https://www.latterdaylesbian.org/  Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/latterdayles  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2311239802538428/  Media of Great Price:  Closeted: My Life as a Gay BYU Student, by Jonathan Alder  Jonathan Alder’s website: https://jonathan-alder.com/  Happy News:  https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/06/18/david-tennant-and-dannii-minogue-remind-trans-youth-they-are-loved-in-vital-new-campaign/

Let's talk about the Law of Consecration. First we will start with the background leading into it, as well as what it means and how it’s applied in early magic and occult before Mormonism. Next, we cover two chapters in Approaching Zion by Hugh Nibley that are on, you guessed it, the Law of Consecration. We end with some happy environmental news that should make everyone feel good. Enjoy!      Show notes:  Frederick G. Williams https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/f-g-williams-co-account-book-october-1833-november-1835/14#full-transcript#12663060396937193650 https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/joseph-smith-and-the-1834-d-p-hurlbut-case/ https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/person/frederick-granger-williams#15314640672430267174 https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/the-medical-practice-of-dr-frederick-g-williams/ https://www.benchmarkbooks.com/pages/books/21463/frederick-g-williams/the-life-of-dr-frederick-g-williams-counselor-to-the-prophet-joseph-smith   Francis Barrett’s The Magus

In 1977, a book was published that shocked much of the world. It was an almost instant bestseller and ended up being translated in 20 languages and has sold more than 21 million copies today. The book has been described as one of the most influential novels of the modern feminist movement. The book? The Women’s Room by Marilyn French. We will talk about the author, the book, and the impact it had.    Show Notes:    The Women’s Room by Marilyn French: can be found anywhere books are sold.  List of Feminist Literature: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_feminist_literature  Marilyn French: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marilyn_French  LA Times article when she died: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-may-05-me-marilyn-french5-story.html  NY Times review written by Anne Tyler when book first published: https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/98/04/19/specials/tyler-french.html  You’ve come a long way, baby” published by the Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/b

Part 2 of Episode 150! Yay!! And now for something completely different. This episode is a bit of a departure from our regular show. We invite Alex Criddle and Cody Noconi, researchers into the psychedelic origins of Mormonism, to respond to the recent debate on the Mormon Book Reviews channel between ourselves and Mormon apologist, Brian Hales. Brian attempts to provide the apologetic response to the theory that Joseph Smith utilized psychedelics (entheogens) in the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in order to facilitate visionary experiences for the early Saints. Disinformation requires much greater effort than simply stating information so we do our best to debunk his debunking (rebunk the theory?). This one is a long haul so we split it into 2 episodes to make it a little more digestible.   Show notes: Video version: https://youtu.be/3l0L1EHtQOo Support our research and outreach: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions Original here: Psychedelics & Ea

Part 1 of Episode 150! Yay!! And now for something completely different. This episode is a bit of a departure from our regular show. We invite Alex Criddle and Cody Noconi, researchers into the psychedelic origins of Mormonism, to respond to the recent debate on the Mormon Book Reviews channel between ourselves and Mormon apologist, Brian Hales. Brian attempts to provide the apologetic response to the theory that Joseph Smith utilized psychedelics (entheogens) in the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in order to facilitate visionary experiences for the early Saints. Disinformation requires much greater effort than simply stating information so we do our best to debunk his debunking (rebunk the theory?). This one is a long haul so we split it into 2 episodes to make it a little more digestible.   Show notes: Video version: https://youtu.be/3l0L1EHtQOo Support our research and outreach: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions Original here: Psychedelics & Ea

Every General Conference the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announces new temples. We walk through the history surrounding a few of the worldwide temples, along with some of the subtle international political maneuvers necessary to open the door to a new temple project. Wherever the church wants a temple, leaders must curry the favor of local and national politicians and regulators, doing so with no legal oversight. This two-way-street of backscratching opens the way for national security risks. After that we jump into Hugh Nibley’s Approaching Zion where he talks about gifts and laments how much people have to work for money when God provides everything we need. We round out with an update to the USDA guidelines for school food nutritional requirements being improved.   Show notes:  https://journals.openedition.org/chinaperspectives/6383 https://apnews.com/article/china-foreign-influence-utah-legislature-mormon-church-921526d0c8eda2732c361488d20dd1b4   Happy News:  https://apnews.com/

It’s that time of year again. We go through all the talks from #GeneralConference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from top to bottom.   Show Notes:    EntheoMagus Documentary Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0uHmmToTec   Documentary screenings: April 27-28, 2024 in Salt Lake City, UT At the Natural Law Apothecary. April 29, 2024 At Brewvies   May 11, 2024 Portland, OR at the  Fifth Ave Cinema,    https://seerstonedproductions.com/ to get a ticket   Find Brandon Crockett here: https://seerstonedproductions.com/ through the contact form.    Find Alex Criddle here: https://alexcriddle.com/     Find Cody Noconi here: mormonsanddrugs@gmail.com   Naked Mormonism links to 2019 “Entheogenic Origins” paper:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/6MXig8juxUKfMkJAIoYDxB https://open.spotify.com/episode/75DZPdYHHhXCXjpwwuNVkX https://open.spotify.com/episode/79EGBuWTJTBdJrMcHzoBxJ   Come see us on Aron Ra’s YouTube channel! He’s doing a series titled Reading Joseph’s

We’re very excited to invite a panel onto the show to discuss the forthcoming documentary about psychedelics in early Mormonism, EntheoMagus! We’re joined by the creators, Brandon Crockett, Cody Noconi, and Alex Criddle, to discuss the documentary, its genesis, and the overall future of the Smith-entheogen theory. Two sets of screenings are coming in late April and early May so if you’re in the SL, UT or Portland, OR areas, mark your calendar and grab your tickets before they’re all gone. Admission is free and we’re looking for any and all feedback! Show Notes: EntheoMagus Documentary Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0uHmmToTec Naked Mormonism links to 2019 “Entheogenic Origins” paper:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/6MXig8juxUKfMkJAIoYDxB https://open.spotify.com/episode/75DZPdYHHhXCXjpwwuNVkX https://open.spotify.com/episode/79EGBuWTJTBdJrMcHzoBxJ Contact Cody for a PDF or ebook of his book: mormonsanddrugs@gmail.com Documentary screenings: April 27-28, 2024 in Salt Lake City,

Scripture study!!! Well, sort of. We’re talking about the codenames contained in the Doctrine & Covenants sections 78, 82, 92, 96, 103, 104, and 105. Names like Gazelam, Ahashdah, Pelagoram, Mahalaleel, Mahemson, Shederlaomach, and (most importantly) Talents, all appear concerning the Secret Combination of the United Firm, or United Order. We discuss the history of the names, who’s involved, and why they appear in the first place. Huge thanks to Gene Judson of Latter-daily Digest for inviting us onto the show and suggesting the topic! After that we chat about a movie concerning a secret combination, Hot Fuzz! We wrap with some happy news about biodegradable micro-polymers hoping to replace plastics!   Show Notes: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2203&context=byusq https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/blog/ask-us-top-five-reference-questions-about-doctrine-and-covenants-publishing?lang=eng https://comparedandc.com/ https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/5015/ http

It’s time for our next installment of Huge Niblet’s Approaching Zion! He spends basically the entire section lamenting higher education and any information from sources other than the “p”rophet’s counsel. Does he want us to be zealous, or learned? Nobody knows! But before that we have a quick debrief and error correction from the last episode of Mormonism Live with Dan Vogel and Bryce discussing the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon authorship. Don’t miss the discussion linked below. Then we round out the episode with some happy news about Christians getting supermad about being held to the same legal standard as non-Christians.   Show Notes:   Mormonism Live Spalding discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwLZ68Z6LAI&t=6201s   ChurchisTrue authorship analysis: https://wheatandtares.org/2020/04/23/book-of-mormon-wordprint-studies-in-2020/?fbclid=IwAR2KodKO9RYp69XCm0rtDCHkzSyd2i6Knmbu-asaDyFFnyNZvMIPGtf3Zb8   Happy News:  https://www.christianpost.com/news/canadian-bill-would-remove-rel

We did it! We FINALLY did it! After years and years and years of requests from many listeners we have finally taken a look at Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s very first Sherlock Holmes book —  A Study In Scarlet. We look at the time period Doyle was writing it and why he would take on Mormonism in his first book. We also take a look at the impact the story had on how Mormons were treated in film. And since that book is an outsider looking into Mormonism, we decided that for the Media of Great Price segment, we’d look at a film of an insider looking out of Mormonism. Yes, after many listener requests, we watched the shitshow that is the Mormon film 17 Miracles. Following that discussion we cleanse all palate’s with some good news out of the UK about leaving a treaty that allows fossil fuel companies to sue governments. Enjoy your listener request episode!    Show Notes:  https://www.jstor.org/stable/27089071?read-now=1&seq=39#page_scan_tab_contents https://www.jstor.org/stable/27089071?read-now=1&

It’s time to take a look at the early Utah economy as created by Brigham Young, a ruthless capitalist in his own right. We take a brief look at the beginnings of the California Gold Rush and how much the Mormons were involved, as well as the battle for control between Bloody Brigham and Samuel Brannan. Which also leads us into Part 1 of our deep dive into Approaching Zion by Hugh Nibley. We discuss the first two essays and show the contortions Hugh Nibley has to make in order to present Bloody Brigham Young as a utopian. And to wash that image from your eyes, we will close out with some fantastic news about, of all things, the most recent Super Bowl and renewable energy. Enjoy!    Show Notes: https://utahstories.com/2016/07/the-legend-of-brighams-gold/ https://rsc.byu.edu/california-saints/apostles-amid-gold-seekers-1849 https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/goldrush-samuel-brannan/ https://www.historynet.com/latter-day-scoundrel-sam-brannan/ https://historytogo.utah.gov/mining/  

The Community of Christ, formerly the RLDS church, has named its new president! We bring on guest Evan Sharley to help us navigate the history of the RLDS/CoC, the climate into which Stassi Cramm is ascending to the office of prophet/president, and the current issues within the Community of Christ which converge to give a bleak impression of its future. Then we review the movie Whale Rider, a heartfelt legend-exploration story about progress overcoming conservatism. Then we wrap with some happy news about OpenAI and ChatGPT.   Show Notes:  Gileriodekel.com - Evan's personal website facebook.com/people/Heart-of-Discernment/100087683864565 - Heart of Discernment (progressive advocacy group) Gileriodekel.com/Maxims - Maxims of the Mother (Evan's book gathering her thoughts and beliefs) heartofdiscernment.com/polyamory-panel - Sunstone 2023 panel heartofdiscernment.com/polyamory-primer - About polyamorous families https://gileriodekel.com/books/   Media: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0298228/

Today we take a look at the man who is inarguably THE best apologist of the mormon church. Yes, we are talking about Hugh Nibley.   Show Notes:   Hugh Nibley: A Consecrated Life by Boyd Peterson  Leaving the Saints: How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith by Martha Beck  Hugh Nibley: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Nibley  Hugh Nibley Biography: https://interpreterfoundation.org/bibliographies/hugh-w-nibley/biography/  Charles Nibley (Grandfather): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_W._Nibley  Lives of the Saints: Mormonism’s Troubled Legacy:  https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2002/01/21/lives-of-the-saints  Faith of An Observer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xw_0_zZDVE  Hugh Nibley, 94; Mormon Scholar, Professor and Author: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-mar-02-me-nibley2-story.html  Hugh Nibley WIll Never Happen Again: http://archive.timesandseasons.org/2021/10/hugh-nibley-will-never-happen-again/  No Ma’am That’s Not History http://www.sain