Welcome to 2026! We start out the year talking to an interesting person — Chris Mitsch — a Professor of Computer Science, whose focus has been on AI ethics. We discuss a variety of technologies known as AI, the limitations, costs, potential uses, who stands to benefit, and a litany of related issues. This leads to our MOGP segment, where we watched A.I.: Artificial Intelligence, of course! And we close the episode with a round-up of good energy news from 2025.
Show Notes:
Papers mentioned during the interview:
Does Liking Yellow Imply Driving a School Bus? By Gonen et. al.
https://aclanthology.org/2025.naacl-long.35/
The Reversal Curse: LLMs trained on “A is B” fail to learn “B is A” by Berglund et. al.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2309.12288
Seeing like a State by James C. Scott
https://files.libcom.org/files/Seeing%20Like%20a%20State%20-%20James%20C.%20Scott.pdf
The Mechanic and the Luddite by Jathan Sadowski
https://www.ucpress.edu/books/the-mechanic-and-the-luddite/paper
Empire of AI by Haren Hao
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/743569/empire-of-ai-by-karen-hao/
MOGP:
A.I. (Artificial Intelligence)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0212720/
Happy News:
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-energy/clean-energy-renewables-charts-2025
Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything by Lydia Kang and Nate Pedersen
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. Our most recent discussion was on the Mountain Meadows Massacre: https://youtu.be/iJWirjCyWdk
He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g
Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod
Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
As per tradition, we’re talking all media to round out the year! Our theme is past, present, future; we’re discussing what influenced both of us the most in each category. Thanks for hanging out with us this past year!
Shan:
Past: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
Present:
The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women by Kate Moore.
A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II, by Sonia Purnell
Sylvia Pankhurst: Natural Born Rebel, by Rachel Holmes
The Sisterhood: The Secret History of the Women at the CIA, by Liza Mundy
The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear, Kate Moore
Ten Days in a Mad-House: The Original 1887 Edition (Nellie Bly’s Experience On Blackwell’s Island) by Nellie Bly
Nellie Bly: Daredevil. Reporter. Feminist by Brooke Kroeger
The Secret Life of Dr James Barry: Victorian England’s Most Eminent Surgeon, by Rachel Holmes
Future: Star Trek
Bryce:
Past: Grand Theft Auto
Present: The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaquui Way of Knowledge by Carlos Castaneda
Future: Age of Disclosure
Show Notes:
History of Grand Theft Auto
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poKPUS7pu5Y
The Teachings of Don Juan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Teachings_of_Don_Juan
The Aliens are Here (Again)! A Review of The Age of Disclosure by Michael Shermer
https://www.skeptic.com/article/the-aliens-are-here-again-a-review-of-the-age-of-disclosure/
Skeptic debunks of UFO/UAP videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHDlfIaBEqw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuhkVTJ6A_c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om0d0u1ASJY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64zlyzojpPM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsEjV8DdSbs&t=1093s
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. Our most recent discussion was on the Mountain Meadows Massacre: https://youtu.be/iJWirjCyWdk
He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g
Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod
Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
Yes, the CIA tortured inmates suspected of terrorism in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. Two of the primary men involved with creating this program are Mormon, one was called to be a Bishop after taking $81mn from the government to torture people. We discuss the report, how it came to light, some of the key figures along the way, and the fight over the FOIA release of the report in the courts. After that we talk about The Report, wherein Adam Driver plays Dan Jones who led the investigation at the direction of Senator Dianne Feinstein. Then we have some happy news about libraries getting funding that was promised to them.
CW: torture, suicide
Show Notes:
Torture: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torture#Punishment
Torture in the United States: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torture_in_the_United_States#History_of_U.S._Accession
US Senate report on CIA torture “The Torture Report”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Senate_report_on_CIA_torture
The Torture Memos: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torture_Memos
7 Key Points form the C.I.A. Torture Report by Jeremy Ashkenas, Hannah Fairfield, Josh Keller, and Paul Volpe: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/12/09/world/cia-torture-report-key-points.html
Jay Bybee: The man behind waterboarding, by Randy James: https://time.com/archive/6914445/jay-bybee-the-man-behind-waterboarding/
Bruce Jessen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Jessen
Enhanced Interrogation Techniques: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enhanced_interrogation_techniques
Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survival,_Evasion,_Resistance_and_Escape
Torture, Ethics, Accountability? By David R Katner: chrome-extension://oemmndcbldboiebfnladdacbdfmadadm/https://lawecommons.luc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2791&context=luclj
CIA Paid Torture Teachers More Than $80 Million by Robert Windrem: https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/cia-torture-report/cia-paid-torture-teachers-more-80-million-n264756
Torture victims will bear psychological scars long after CIA report scandal fades: https://www.theguardian.com/law/2014/dec/13/learned-helplessness-enduring-effects-torture-haunt-victims
The Torture Debate by David Anderson: https://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/2005/12/23/the-torture-debate/21435/
The CIA and the Church: https://mormonr.org/qnas/H2jKm/cia_and_the_church
The senate torture report is a condemnation of Mormon moral reasoning: https://bycommonconsent.com/2014/12/10/the-senate-torture-report-is-a-condemnation-of-mormon-moral-reasoning/
The Role of the LDS church in developing torture by Cherry O Top: https://churchofthefridge.com/role-lds-church-developing-torture/
Mormonism and Torture — Paradoxes and First Principles by Boyd Petersen: chrome-extension://oemmndcbldboiebfnladdacbdfmadadm/https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/69-71_Petersen_torture-3.pdf
Christopher Hitchens tries waterboarding via Vanity Fair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LPubUCJv58
Nixon Tapes “Cancer on the Presidency” - Dean and Nixon discussing blackmail
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnUJa6uuL_Y
Nixon “I’m not a crook”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCEQP2-qOJk
Electronic Frontier Foundation on OPEN Governt Act
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2008/01/key-open-government-reform-legislation-becomes-law
ACLU Torture Report landing page
https://www.aclu.org/cases/senate-torture-report-foia
Executive Summary of the Torture Report
NPR on Abu Zubaydah
https://www.npr.org/2022/03/03/1084161762/supreme-court-rules-against-disclosure-in-torture-case
NSI info sheet on FOIA
https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/nsa/foia/guide.html
Electronic Frontier Foundation on history of FOIA
https://www.eff.org/issues/transparency/history-of-foia
Privacy Act of 1974
https://www.justice.gov/opcl/privacy-act-1974
https://www.justice.gov/opcl/overview-privacy-act-1974-2020-edition
1966 hearing on CIA and FBI invasions of privacy
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-89shrg61406p6/pdf/CHRG-89shrg61406p6.pdf
MOGP: The Report: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8236336/
The portrayal of CIA in ‘The Report’: Separating Truth from Fiction by Brian Greer https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/portrayal-cia-report-separating-truth-fiction
Happy News:
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. Our most recent discussion was on the Mountain Meadows Massacre: https://youtu.be/iJWirjCyWdk
He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g
Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod
Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
The new apostle for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has taken his seat at the table. Gerald Caussé spent his life in corporate business before his call to the Presiding Bishopric in 2012. In 2015 he ascended to Presiding Bishop and has been the money manager of the church since then. During his tenure, numerous scandals have hit the church related to finances, including a fine from the SEC for falsifying business records to conceal wealth. In the wake of these numerous scandals, Gerald takes his position on the board of the wealthiest religion on the planet. Let’s discuss! After that we chat about Catch Me If You Can, a movie about a con man starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks that does a great job of concealing the truth. Then we have happy news about pain management medications and promising research in that field.
Show Notes:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-07-18/how-the-mormons-make-money?embedded-checkout=true
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%A9rald_Causs%C3%A9
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_E._Stevenson
https://archive.ph/20130102082820/http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695267801,00.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXbPxIHkijg
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/gerald-j-causse?lang=eng
https://speeches.byu.edu/speakers/gerald-causse/
https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/4636873Z:FP?embedded-checkout=true
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2024/08/16/lds-churchs-ensign-peak-reports/
https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/feds-fine-mormon-church-5-million
https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2023-35
https://ldsflow.com/the-lds-church-a-year-of-global-service-and-impact-w-infographic/
https://www.livescience.com/18094-perceptions-mormonism-americans-infographic.html
https://exploringmormonism.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Corporate-structure-image-400.jpg
https://www.reddit.com/r/mormon/comments/8nwznm/breakdown_of_the_humanitarian_aid_vs_church/
https://mormonfamily.net/2666/mormons-in-america
https://mormonwiki.com/Farms_Owned_By_The_Mormon_Church
https://mormonwiki.com/Farmland_Reserve
https://github.com/jsoma/data-studio-projects/issues/287
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/feature/templesquare/dining?lang=eng
https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=54478720&itype=cmsid
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/first-presidency-statement-church-finances
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/church-donations-and-reserves?lang=eng
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church-finances-and-a-growing-global-church
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church-financial-independence
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_World%27s_Billionaires
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/mitt-romneys-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-campaign/
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/leader/keith-b-mcmullin?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/leader/keith-b-mcmullin?lang=eng
https://www.reddit.com/r/exmormon/comments/8n8dd3/mormonleaks_has_uncovered_13_llcs_limited/
MOGP: Catch Me If You Can: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0264464/?ref_=ttpl_ov_bk
Where it’s streaming: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/catch-me-if-you-can
Books:
The Greatest Hoax on Earth – Catching Truth, While We Can, by Alan C Logan
Catch Me If You Can: The True Story of a Real Fake, by Frank W. Abagnale and Stan Redding
Frank Abagnale Jr: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Abagnale
Happy News: A tiny enzyme may hold the key to safer pain relief: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251123085557.htm
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. Our most recent discussion was on the Mountain Meadows Massacre: https://youtu.be/iJWirjCyWdk
He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g
Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod
Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
Spring of 1842 was a world-shaping event, the introduction of the endowment ceremony by Joseph Smith to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We’ve talked about it and a few of the more recent changes to the endowment a few times, but this is the overview. What it was when it was introduced, how it changed under Brigham Young, and many of the changes that have happened since his death, all under one (long) segment. Then we talk about Heretic, a movie about two missionaries in a cat-and-mouse game with a well-educated anti-Mormon playing by his own rules. Then we wrap with happy news from ABC and Jimmy Kimmel responding to the government shutdown and SNAP running dry.
Show Notes:
https://archive.org/details/historysaints00benngoog/page/n287/mode/2up
https://bhroberts.org/records/qmx2mh-44hPsk/william_clayton_describes_the_nauvoo_endowment
http://www.ldsendowment.org/timeline.html
http://www.ldsendowment.org/emeline.html
https://archive.org/details/dialoguebetweena00vand/page/12/mode/2up?q=vengeance
http://www.ldsendowment.org/1879.html
http://www.ldsendowment.org/1931.html
http://www.ldsendowment.org/lecture.html
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/times-and-seasons-1-june-1842/8
https://www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V34N0102_87.pdf
http://www.ldsendowment.org/masonry.html
https://mormonr.org/qnas/8yXbNf/changes_to_the_temple_endowment/research
https://mrm.org/masonry-and-the-mormon-temple-endowment-ceremony
https://cesletter.org/debunking-fairmormon/temples-and-freemasonry.html
https://www.jstor.org/stable/44368772
https://tokensandsigns.org/2023-temple-changes/
https://mormonr.org/qnas/8yXbNf/changes_to_the_temple_endowment
https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/25154/what-is-the-origin-of-a-phylactery-as-a-soul-jar
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/temple-endowment?lang=eng
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endowment_House
https://books.google.com/books/about/Temple_Mormonism.html?id=r3TKtgAACAAJ
MOGP: Heretic: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28015403/
Happy News:
https://www.thewrap.com/jimmy-kimmel-live-food-bank-donation-center-government-shutdown/
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. Our most recent discussion was on the Mountain Meadows Massacre: https://youtu.be/iJWirjCyWdk
He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g
Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod
Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
At long last Shannon gets to talk about the book she’s been planning on since the last Halloween episode — The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. We first discuss the Aesthetic Movement of the 19th century and a tiny bit of the life of Oscar Wilde before we jump into the book itself. Then Bryce gifts you with an abbreviated history of metal music. Get a notepad ready to take notes because he gives you a LOT of information! Happy Halloween!
Show Notes:
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde:
Oscar Wilde Official Website: http://www.cmgww.com/historic/wilde/
Oscar Wilde: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Wilde
Aestheticism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aestheticism
Decadent Movement: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decadent_movement
The Aesthetic Movement by Fiona McCarthy: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2011/mar/26/aestheticism-exhibition-victoria-albert-museum
Aesthetic Movement in England by Walter Hamilton: https://archive.org/details/aestheticmovemen00hamiuoft
Oscar WIlde’s Cello Coat: https://oscarwilde.blog/2018/01/04/oscar-wildes-cello-coat/
The Picture of Dorian Gray: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Picture_of_Dorian_Gray#
Metal music:
VH1 Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR78XBi_nAE&t=13s
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_and_roll
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birmingham#History
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Sabbath#History
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Led_Zeppelin
This is Spinal Tap amps go to 11 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMSV4OteqBE
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychedelic_rock
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satanic_panic
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parents_Music_Resource_Center
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_metal_genres
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimebag_Darrell
https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/behind-the-murder-of-dimebag-darrell-233541/
Songs list:
Little Richard, Tutti Frutti - Here's Little Richard 1957
James Brown, Shout and Shimmy - Good, Good Twistin' With James Brown 1962
Chuck Berry, School Day - After School Session 1957
The Beatles, Love Me Do - Please Please Me 1963
Black Sabbath, Wasp/Behind the Wall of Sleep/Bassically/N.I.B. - Black Sabbath 1970
Led Zeppelin, Good TImes Bad TImes - Led Zeppelin I 1969
Led Zeppelin, Dazed and Confused - Led Zeppelin I 1969
Tenacious D, Karate - Tenacious D 2001
Worm Shepherd, The Anguished Throne - Hunger 2024
Humble Pie, As Safe As Yesterday Is - As Safe As Yesterday Is 1969
Deep Purple, Smoke on the Water - Machine Head 1972
Back Sabbath, Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath 1970
Black Sabbath, War Pigs - Paranoid 1970
Steppenwolf, Born to be Wild - self titled 1968
Alice Cooper, Poison - Trash 1989
KISS, Sure Know Something - Dynasty 1979
AC/DC, TNT - High Voltage 1976
Judas Priest, Realms of Death - Stained Class 1978
Motorhead, Ace of Spades - Ace of Spades 1980
13th Floor Elevators, You're Gonna Miss Me - 7th Heaven Music of the Spheres 1966
Chelsea Grin, Cursed - My Damnation 2011
The Damned, New Rose - Damned Damned Damned 1977
Judas Priest, Breaking the Law - British Steel 1980
Candlemass, Solitude - Epicus Doomicus Metallicus 1986
Venom, Black Metal - In League With Satan 1981
Van Halen, You Really Got Me - Van Halen 1978
Black Sabbath, Neon Knights - Heaven and Hell 1980
Black Sabbath, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath - Sabbath Bloody Sabbath 1973
Def Leppard, Photograph - Pyromania 1983
Quiet Riot, Cum on Feel the Noize - Metal Health 1983
Mercyful Fate, Evil - Melissa 1983
Frank Zappa, We're Turning Again - Frank Zappa Meets the Mothers of Prevention 1985
Cannibal Corpse, Hammer Smashed Face - Tomb of the Mutilated 1992
Kreator, People of the Lie - Coma of Souls 1990
Napalm Death, Suffer the Children - Harmony Corruption 1990
Helloween, I Want Out - Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt. 2 1988
TOOL, Sober - Undertow 1993
Linkin Park, One Step Closer - Hybrid Theory 2000
Pantera, Walk - Vulgar Display of Power 1992 Finntroll, Jaktens Tid - Jaktens Tid 2001
Slaughter to Prevail, Demolisher - Kostolom 2019
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g
Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod
Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
It’s that time of year! 195th Semi-annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We see what slipped through the cracks!
David Bednar Q12 – Moral Agency means doing what you were coerced to agree to do
B. Corey Cuvleier Q70 – The correct name
Matthew S. Holland Q70 – Jonah, Adam and Eve, and Biblical literalism
Carlos A Godoy Q70 – He’s helping impoverished Africans who pay their tithing
Dale G Renlund Q12 – Surgeon-scholarship-recipient really like Rusty Nailz
John D Amos Q70 – Put more Tonys in it
Ozani Farias Q70 – Read your sticks
Dallin Oaks rounding it out – A prophet-elect ascends; no more new temples; make more big Mormon families
Saturday Evening for Patrons!
Patrick Kearon Q12 – Stop sinning already and embrace your hundredth start
J Anette Dennis FC RS GP – Depression and atheism
Steven C Barlow Q70 – His brother mowed some lawns
William K Jackson Q70 – Counting and Accounting; white supremacists making lists
Neil L. Anderson – idk, something about atonement
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g
Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod
Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
It’s that time of year! 195th Semi-annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We see what slipped through the cracks!
Jeffrey R. Holland – Book of Mormon is miraculous and stop being so mean to me about it
James E Evanson Q70 – Go on your mission, even if you have to settle for a service mission
Ulisses Soares Q12 – Temperance and quoting MLK Jr.
Peter M. Johnson Q70 – Priesthood ban blindsided him
D. Todd Christofferson – FSY and Family Proc; masturbation is evil
Andrea M. Spannaus SC YM GP – We’re a doomsday cult; the end is coming
Henry B Cryring – Proving steel in pre-Columbian Americas
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g
Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod
Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
It’s that time of year! 195th Semi-annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We see what slipped through the cracks!
Ronald Rasband Q12 – Family: A Proclamation to the World is ‘doctrine’
Chad Webb FC SS GP – Gospel not a ‘list of demands’
Jeremy Jaggi Q70 – Chaplain’s altar is Mormon symbol
Kevin Brown Q70 – Moral agency; we are agents
Gerrit Gong Q12 – Fortune cookies are American?
Michael Cziesla Q70 – Funeral potatos and green jello are weird
Quentin Cook Q12 – Tale of Two Cities; we live in turbulent times
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g
Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod
Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
It’s that time of year! 195th Semi-annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We see what slipped through the cracks!
Saturday Morning talks:
Gary A. Stevenson Q12 – Be peacemakers no matter what
Tracy Y. Browning SC PGP – Primary songs are the key to cult mind-control
Ronald Barcellos Q70 – Morals of David v. Eliab
Brik V. Eyre Q70 – Comfort then Convert
Kelly R. Johnson Q70 – Forensic accounting
Dieter Uchtdorf Q12 – Up a down escalator
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g
Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod
Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
We invite back Chris Shelton MSc from his YouTube channel by the same name to talk all about cults. He’s here to share his model of human behavior, the REM (Reason/Rationalization, Emotion, Morality) and we get lost deep into the weeds discussing it and related cult topics. After that, we wrap up the Givens with the final installment of The Christ Who Heals. We go through the entire part 2 of the book and tell what book/author we’re reviewing next year. After that we talk about windows being turned into solar panels!
https://uncorrelatedmormonism.com/19-similarities-between-joseph-smith-and-emanuel-swedenborg/
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2008/feb/09/darwin.eye
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathsheba_W._Smith
Happy News: https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/clear-coating-turns-windows-into-solar-panels
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g
Most recent episode: The secret history of the Mormon church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SJkzxy6Qsg
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
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released 3 new Gospel Topics Essays in July. We go through each of them, discuss the information that’s missing, chat about the propaganda woven into every line, and speculate as to the impetus behind the new essays. For ease of listening, the Book of Mormon Translation starts at 13:31, the Plural Marriage starts at 1:01:24, and Joseph Smith’s Character starts at 1:53:15. After that we chat Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, a post-apocalyptic wasteland movie about two warring cult leaders. Then we wrap with happy news about metalheads fighting bullying in schools!
Show Notes:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/book-of-mormon-translation?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/plural-marriage?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/joseph-smiths-character?lang=eng
https://www.analyzingmormonism.com/changes-to-the-book-of-mormon/
https://www.thechurchnews.com/2012/5/26/23225539/kirtland-safety-society/
MOGP: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12037194/?ref_=hm_rvi_i_12
Where it’s streaming: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/furiosa
Happy News: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c99mdjp97m0o
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g
Most recent episode: The secret history of the Mormon church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SJkzxy6Qsg
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
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
Are Mormons Christian? According to most Christians, no. According to them, Jesus Christ is literally in the name of the church! We dig into the bedrock on this issue to see what does or does not qualify as “Christian”. After that, we dive into the final of the Givens trilogy, The Christ Who Heals. It’s more or less a 130-page missionary discussion with a few dribbles of ancient theologian writings. After that we talk about a statue being built to Robert Smalls in South Carolina.
Show Notes:
Jesus in Islam: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_in_Islam
Jewish views on Jesus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_views_on_Jesus
Buddhism and Christianity: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_and_Christianity
Bodhisattva: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattva
The real reason mormons aren’t in the Christian Club: https://wheatandtares.org/2022/10/28/the-real-reason-mormons-arent-in-the-christian-club/
Nicene Creed: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicene_Creed
Happy News:
Robert Smalls: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Smalls
Statue in SC https://www.cbsnews.com/news/robert-smalls-statue-south-carolina/
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g
Most recent episode: The secret history of the Mormon church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SJkzxy6Qsg
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
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
You asked for it and you got it! We interviewed Belle Holsinger who we talked about last episode in our Sunstone recap. She gave us the absolutely riveting information from her presentation at Sunstone titled “Bearing witness: The castration and murder of Henry Jones and his mother, Hannah Jones Gailey Hatch.” Following our time with Belle, we watched The Godfather because what OTHER movie is as fitting? We then closed with some incredible new breakthroughs in cancer research. Enjoy!
Show Notes:
Belle’s Contact information: BelleSingerBook@gmail.com
MOGP: The Godfather
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068646/
Where it’s streaming: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-godfather-part-i
Happy News: Trojan horse bacteria sneak cancer-killing viruses into tumors: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250816113522.htm
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g
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
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
We went to Sunstone Symposium in SLC, like we try to do every year! It was fantastic and a great place to meet good folks, visit old friends, and learn new things along the way. We discuss some of our favorite sessions and experiences from this year’s Mormon conference.
Check out Sunstone and consider attending next year! https://sunstone.org/
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g
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
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
Your two favorite long winded podcasters are talking about word vomit and verbosity today, which is particularly fitting since today’s Sword of Laman segment covers the last part of the 2nd Givens book, The Crucible of Doubt. We then cleanse your palette with some good news out of Illinois. Enjoy!
Sword of Laman:
https://freshairarchive.org/segments/richard-dawkins-argument-atheism
Happy News: Illinois keeps 988 lifeline for LGBTQIA+ youth even after national extension hangs up: https://khqa.com/news/local/illinois-to-keep-988-suicide-crisis-lifeline-for-lgbtqia-youth-after-national-extension-hangs-up-federal-funding-cuts-trump-administration-governor-jb-pritzker-idhs-secretary-dulce-m-quintero-mental-health-behavioral-services-counseling-support-teens
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g
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
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
The Church History Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints just dropped a revelatory bomb on the Mormon history community and we’re gunna talk about it. John Taylor (prophet 1880-1887) wrote a revelation saying that the new and everlasting covenant is actually “everlasting” and cannot be revoked or abrogated. However, the prophet after Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, wrote the First Manifesto bringing the church into compliance with the law of the land. However, plural marriages continued to be performed. The Reed Smoot hearings turned the eyes of the nation to the kingdom of god in Deseret and every clandestine plural marriage put a lie to the Manifesto. Church leaders are excommunicated and it leads to the formation of the Fundamentalist Latter-day Saints. The church has suppressed this revelation in its vaults for nearly a century while openly denying that it even existed. After that we chat about more secrets hiding in plain sight with the movie National Treasure. We wrap with happy news about diabetes therapy and a gaggle of listener mail.
Show Notes:
https://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/assets/3aec2ea6-fdeb-4866-9529-47e27f9cd3b9/0/0?lang=eng
https://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/record/71550f40-40e2-4f22-a513-d9efed66649a/0?view=browse
https://www.dialoguejournal.com/articles/lds-church-authority-and-new-plural-marriages-1890-1904/
https://mormonr.org/qnas/vFgD6f/john_taylors_1886_revelation/research#re-fbkJxk-qnXgKg
https://mormonpolygamydocuments.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/1886-Revelation-article.pdf
https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/answers/John_Taylor%27s_statements_regarding_polygamy
https://timesandseasons.org/index.php/2025/06/john-taylor-and-the-1886-revelation/
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/person/john-taylor
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/first-annual-message-first-term
https://josephsmithfoundation.org/john-taylors-last-days-vision-1877/
https://www.fromthedesk.org/john-taylor-revelations/#_ftn1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JYcVJKnfmg
https://rsc.byu.edu/prophets-apostles-last-dispensation/john-whittaker-taylor
https://historicalgeneralconferences.weebly.com/john-w-taylor.html
https://tokensandsigns.org/betrayed-for-loyalty-john-w-taylor-and-polygamy/
https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/John-W.-Taylor-Trial.pdf
https://sunstone.org/john-w-woolley-as-a-highly-trusted-mormon-from-september-1886-to-december-1913/
https://mormonfundamentalism.com/history/lorin-c-woolley-and-his-council-of-seven-friends/
https://mormonpolygamydocuments.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/MF0273.pdf
https://mormonfundamentalism.com/1886-revelation-importance/
https://www.fromthedesk.org/joseph-white-musser-mormon-fundamentalist/
https://prophetsseersandrevelators.wordpress.com/2022/09/01/third-manifesto/
https://www.intermountainhistories.org/items/show/704
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/first-annual-message-first-term
MOGP: National Treasure: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368891/?ref_=tt_rvi_i_7
Where it’s streaming: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/national-treasure
Information about Charles Carroll: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Carroll_of_Carrollton#
Explore the Knights Templar: https://www.centreofexcellence.com/the-knights-templar/#
Happy News: A new diabetes treatment could free people from insulin injections: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/type-1-diabetes-cell-therapy-insulin
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism. Here’s the most recent episode on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsofor4IgR8&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g&index=65&t=3640s
And here is our discussion about Mormon succession https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDxjD7ucajI&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g&index=56
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
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
Let’s talk leaders. What qualities does a great leader have? What’s the difference between a good and great leader? And we talk about three leaders in history. In our Sword of Laman segment, we cover the next few chapters of the Givens’ book. And to clear your palette, we share a news article about a charitable move Bill Gates is making. Enjoy!
Show Notes:
What is Ethical Leadership and Why is it Important?: https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-ethical-leadership-and-why-is-it-important/#The-6-Main-Principles-of-Ethical-Leadership
What Great Leaders do that Good Leaders Don’t: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dougsundheim/2023/04/13/what-great-leaders-do-that-good-leaders-dont/
Elizabeth I: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_I#
Queen Elizabeth I: The controversies and accomplishments: https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-famous-people/queen-elizabeth-l-0011092
Elizabeth I, Religious Questions and the fate of Mary, Queen of Scots: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elizabeth-I/Religious-questions-and-the-fate-of-Mary-Queen-of-Scots
Bloody Mary: The Marriage, Reign, and Death of a Queen of England: https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-famous-people/bloody-mary-marriage-reign-and-death-queen-england-004122
Catherine the Great: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_the_Great#
Legacy of Catherine the Great: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Catherine-the-Great/Legacy
Imperial Crown of Russia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_crown_of_Russia
The Story of Catherine the Great: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/true-story-catherine-great-180974863/
Hypocrite, reactionary, usurper, sex maniac: is Catherine the Great’s reputation justified?: https://www.historyextra.com/period/georgian/catherine-great-russian-empress-reputation-justified/
10 Reasons Lincoln was Secretly a Terrible President: https://listverse.com/2013/12/05/10-reasons-lincoln-was-secretly-a-terrible-president/
5 Ugly Facts about Abraham Lincoln that No One Likes to Talk About: https://www.moviemaker.com/abraham-lincoln/
The Great Writ, North and South: https://archive.nytimes.com/opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/11/14/the-great-writ-north-and-south/
Everything Wrong with the Lincoln Administration: https://www.libertarianism.org/everything-wrong-presidents/everything-wrong-lincoln-administration
Happy News:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn4qg5gzgzxo
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism. Here’s the most recent episode on
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
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
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Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
Not only is it Pride month but it’s also been almost 10 years since the Mormon church issued their policy against the children of LGBTQIA+ parents. We take a look at the effects that policy had, the increasingly draconian measures the government is taking, and we read between the lines of Mormon church policies. We also look at the measures people are taking to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+. For Media of Great Price, we watched the lovely 2018 movie Rafiki about two lesbian women in Kenya. And we end with good news out of Paris about a new monument. Happy Pride Month!
Show notes:
https://www.aclu.org/news/lgbtq-rights/why-utah-no-utopia-lgbt-equality-despite-progress
https://archive.thinkprogress.org/the-utah-compromise-is-a-dangerous-lgbt-trojan-horse-db790ad3b69e/
https://kutv.com/news/local/group-holds-mass-resignation-from-lds-church-in-slc-saturday
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/tag/good-news/
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-nelson-handbook-change
https://mormonmentalhealthassoc.org/resources/position-statements/november-5th-policy-reversal/
https://le.utah.gov/~2023/bills/static/HB0228.html
https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0521.html
https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0283.html
https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/HB0316.html
https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/HB0527.html
https://wheatandtares.org/2017/11/04/the-policy-remember-remember-the-5th-of-november/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_and_the_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints
https://www.deseret.com/utah/2023/2/17/23604347/conversion-therapy-ban-lgbt-utah-bill/
https://www.newsweek.com/utah-lgbtq-conversion-therapy-law-1483039
https://archive.org/details/Homosexuality1981/page/n3/mode/2up?view=theater
https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=3144035&itype=CMSID
https://mormonleaks.io/wiki/index.php?title=File:Re-_Gay_Couples_and_Baby_Blessings-2015-07-21.pdf
https://mormonleaks.io/wiki/documents/2/28/Re-_Gay_Couples_and_Baby_Blessings-2015-07-21.pdf
https://protectldschildren.org/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_SB_296_(2015)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obergefell_v._Hodges
https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/case-files/obergefell-v-hodges/
https://sblog.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/14-556_Major_Religious_Organizations.pdf
https://fedsoc.org/contributors/robin-wilson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26xMnkZCxoc
https://kutv.com/news/local/group-holds-mass-resignation-from-lds-church-in-slc-saturday
https://equalityutah.org/advocacy/?search_year=2024#tracker
MOGP: Rafiki: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8286894/
Where it’s streaming: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/rafiki-2018
Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafiki_(film)
Happy News:
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism. Here’s the most recent episode on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsofor4IgR8
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
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
We’re talking about the bane of the Q15’s existence! Doubts of the members. We discuss the terrible way they are dealt with which leads into the second installment of the Givens’ trilogy — The Crucible of Doubt — Reflections on the Quest for Faith. Following that we have some good news out of El Paso where the Consulate General of Mexico gave out free measles vaccines to children and adults in El Paso, Texas.
Show Notes:
Jana Riess: Who is leaving the LDS church? Eight key survey findings: https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2024/03/08/jana-riess-who-is-leaving-lds/
When Doubts and Questions Arise by Adam Kotter, Ensign March 2015: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2015/03/when-doubts-and-questions-arise?lang=eng
Christ is Risen: Faith in him will move mountains, by Russell M. Nelson, April 2021 General Conference talk: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/49nelson?lang=eng
Happy News:
https://www.ktsm.com/news/consulate-general-of-mexico-in-el-paso-to-offer-free-measles-vaccines/
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism. Here’s the most recent episode on ”What’s with Mormon Underwear?” https://youtu.be/1s2h71-UfP8
Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod
Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
Fasting! In all its forms and purposes. We take a wander through world religions to see how fasting plays a part in almost all of them. Mormon fasting is far less peculiar than we thought. Then a few episodes of South Park that provide wonderful commentary on fasting, the economy, and witch hunts. We round out with happy news about land being returned to Indigenous people and burn through listener mail that’s been piling up.
Show notes:
Fasting: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting
Fasting: https://www.britannica.com/topic/fasting
Religious Fasting: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_fasting
Fasting in Islam: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting_in_Islam
Ramadan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan
Native Teachings are about a way of life: https://mushkiki.com/programs-services/fasting/
Fasting in Jainism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting_in_Jainism
With Lent almost over, here’s why religions fast: https://www.cnn.com/2017/04/07/world/religious-fasting-traditions-finding-jesus/index.html
Fasting in African Spirituality: https://asanee44.com/fasting-in-african-spirituality/
Sam Young: https://protecteverychild.com/
Hunger strikes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunger_strike
Nonviolent resistance: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonviolent_resistance
Civil disobedience: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_disobedience
Violet Bland: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violet_Bland
Emmeline Pankhurst: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmeline_Pankhurst
The Pankhurst Sisters: How suffragettes changed the world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax2wGWNco0k
Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act 1913: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prisoners_(Temporary_Discharge_for_Ill-Health)_Act_1913
Intermittent Fasting: Fad or valid weight-loss solution: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/intermittent-fasting-fad-or-solution
The Effects of Fasting on Drug Metabolism
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17425255.2020.1706728#d1e326
MOGP:
South Park
Spontaneous Combustion S3E2
Margaritaville S13E3
Sons of Witches S21E6
Happy News:
https://apnews.com/article/potawatomi-illinois-treaty-reservation-805f5030d9abbac93ce3da3cec18a636
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism. Here’s the most recent episode on ”What’s with Mormon Underwear?” https://youtu.be/1s2h71-UfP8
Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod
Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
We’re finishing The God Who Weeps by Terryl Givens and Fiona Givens. This is the first book in a trilogy of Mormon theology and we want to leave room in the year to get through it all. What does today hold for us? We start with a long discussion on the pre-mortal existence, transitioning into existence, then ascending to perfection thanks to Mormon beliefs. We didn’t realize until pretty late in the project that the 5 chapters of the book are structured around the different stages of the Mormon Plan of Salvation (PoS), but it become clear pretty early on in our discussion. All told, the book is a marker of modern orthodox Mormon belief: pray, pay, and obey. They even have an ultra-conservative take on abortion that makes the official stance of the church seem like bleeding-heart liberals in comparison. Then we talk about The Meaning of Life, a Monty Python movie from 1983 that has a much more healthy way of looking at the random cosmic soup that led to human existence. We wrap with some happy news about the success of a slightly higher tax in Massachusetts that raised a bunch of money for all the things for which taxes are used. We round out by going through some delightful listener mail from the April Fools episode!
MOGP:
Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life
Happy News:
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism. Here’s the most recent episode on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDxjD7ucajI
Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod
Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
April 2025 General Conference Sunday Afternoon session. Patrons of the show get the appendix of Saturday Evening session at the end of the record.
Ulisses Soares – Reverence; Moses and the burning bush; you-damn-kids talk; pray for guidance from the Holy Ghost for AI, don’t weaken your connection to God with AI!!!
Michael Strong Q70 – Killed a kid on a bike during his mission, was really sad that he had to spend the night in jail until a ‘compassionate’ fellow missionary stayed with him
Scott Whiting Q70 – Hazed as a deacon and sat on a cactus; Garden of Eden, “blessed Eve”, crying repentance
Christopher Kim Q70 – JS translated an ancient record, includes God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas; Laman and Lemuel were sooooo evil and dumb; moral agency, we can choose to harden or soften our hearts, submission vs respect
Patrick Kearon – Gifts, “you really are that you might have joy,” repent ye, repent ye
Benjamin M Z Tai Q70 – Cancellation of a sealing after divorce, pray daily, “Ask sincerely what you can do to help an individual feel god”
Rusty Nailz – The world is coming to an end; sooo many new temples that won’t be built for another 3 decades
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism. Here’s the most recent episode on what Mormons can teach us about organizing a cult: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDxjD7ucajI
Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod
Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
April 2025 General Conference Sunday Morning session.
David A Bednar – Joseph Smith totally restored the one true church; and other sundry sacrament meeting talking points
Steven Shumway Q70 – Do your callings, no matter how demanding they may be
Tamara Runia FC YW GP – Cry for repentance; Jesus is excited every time he sees us on our knees
Gerald Causse PB – Dude who controls the church’s wealth is moved by seeing people suffering in poverty
Gerrit Gong – Jesus Wept; Easter, Palm Sunday, holy week; mortal and moral agency and alignment with Bednar
John McCune Q70 – Tithing, temple attendance, the world is ending, Rusty is a terrible dad who abandoned his daughter on her death bed
Dallin Oaks – The most flacid GC talk he’s given in years; Plan of Salvation, sacrament meeting talk, returning to the Celestial Kingdom, 10 virgins, trusting in the lord will keep you safe
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism. Here’s the most recent episode on what Mormons can teach us about organizing a cult: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDxjD7ucajI
Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod
Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
April 2025 General Conference Saturday Afternoon session.
Niel Anderson – Heinous abortion is evil diatribe, the church is extreme Conservative
Steven Lund YM GP – Priesthood is awesome, men run everything in the church
S Mark Palmer Q70 – Willow tree, cut up the fallen ones
Sandino Roman Q70 – Drowning story
Dale Renlund – A dumb 6-year-old thought the second coming was real
Hans T Boom Q70 – Poor people donated their washing machine money to build a temple; Armies of Helaman
Dieter Uchtdorf – The Church isn’t perfect, come back anyway; polishing the turd of a session before him
Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism. Here’s the most recent episode on what Mormons can teach us about organizing a cult: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDxjD7ucajI
Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod
Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions
BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social
Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/
Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop
Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html
One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com
Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10
