Talk Gnosis

In this episode of Talk Gnosis, we welcome Why Theory’s Todd McGowan and Ryan Engley to read pop culture with a critical eye. We dig into how psychoanalysis and continental philosophy can change the way you watch: why form often says more than content, how constraints (think the classic Production Code of Old Hollywood) seeded subversion, and what it means to treat every film as a “garbled message” you’re free to interpret. From Barbarella’s accidental feminism to the fourth‑wall’s cynical wink, from superheroes and the meaning of failure to why “kindness is punk,” we trade easy nostalgia and knee‑jerk cynicism for practical tools: submit to the text, read the form, look for rifts where unintended meanings break through, and let art actually move you. Listen to the podcast Talk Gnosis on whatever program or platform you usualy use (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) or check it out at https://pod.link/1299863834 Todd mentions his new book The Cambridge Introduction to Jacques Lacan, check it out at https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-introduction-to-jacques-lacan/8A8D3C7E67375B173684A3DC916A648D  [https://ia600506.us.archive.org/20/items/audio-final-why-theory/audio%20final%20why%20theory.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

Professor Damien P Williams was kind enough to spend time with us discussing generative technology such as LLMs like ChatGPT, and visual generators. He explains clearly at a technical level how these technologies work. What’s more, we get into some fascinating places discussing what these technologies might mean for esotericists, and why knowing how they work is integral to knowing what meanings you are bringing in to your spiritual or magical practice. There are some obvious concerns that are known by many; here you’ll get the deeper implications that no one is talking about.  [https://dn720703.ca.archive.org/0/items/generative-ai-and-gnosis/Generative%20AI%20and%20Gnosis.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

Ike Baker—writer, esoteric thinker, and creator of the Arcanum podcast—joins us for a cosmos-ranging conversation on his work, modern Gnosticism, Platonism, initiation, and much more. Tune in to discover how Ike’s unexpected path led him from skepticism to deep spiritual practice. He shares why he started creating esoteric content and discusses his mission to guide seekers away from reactive spirituality, encouraging genuine spiritual growth through initiation and community. Check out Arcanvm: https://www.youtube.com/@UCNTK70AOAOi9zMqOZFdvjeA For instance, this is a great Arcanvm ep, it’s Jon and Jason talking Gnosticism: https://youtu.be/eD2dKRBMyKo?si=mdwWEfLxcvBrIDZQ  [https://dn721605.ca.archive.org/0/items/final-for-real-audio-final-super-final-ike-made-with-clipchamp/Final%20for%20realAUDIO%20FINAL%20SUPER%20FINAL%20IKE%20-%20Made%20with%20Clipchamp.m4a]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

Delve into the fascinating world of modern Gnosticism with insights from a community survey. Discover how individuals stumble upon Gnostic ideas, influenced by everything from books to YouTube. Uncover unconventional paths that seekers take, revealing the diverse figures and texts that resonate deeply. Community engagement proves essential as the podcast highlights the importance of reliable sources and personal interpretation. Finally, appreciate Gnosticism's enduring legacy and its varied interpretations, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences.

Join Dr. Michael Sosteric, a sociologist and professional mystic, as he shares his extraordinary journey from materialism to mysticism, triggered by a terrifying childhood confrontation with God. He introduces the concept of 'connection experiences,' emphasizing the importance of understanding these profound moments. The discussion also critiques society's reluctance to acknowledge mystical events and explores the interplay between consciousness and brain function. Tune in for insights that can help map personal spiritual journeys and distinguish transformative crises from harmful experiences.

Deacon Jon hosts Saskia Vogel, the translator of Peter Cornell’s “The Ways of Paradise,” a uniquely conceived novel presented as research notes to a lost, imaginary manuscript. The book’s premise is it’s a series of 122 footnotes that circle the idea of paradise, creating a text that intentionally blurs the line between academic research and fiction, reality and the imagined, the esoteric and the exoteric. The text itself becomes a labyrinth exploring loss and the human yearning for a paradise that remains just out of reach, a book that is ultimately completed not on the page, but in the mind of the reader who engages with its mystery. Get the book: https://fitzcarraldoeditions.com/books/the-ways-of-paradise/ Read an excerpt: https://www.theparisreview.org/miscellaneous/8310/the-ways-of-paradise-selected-notes-from-a-lost-manuscript-peter-cornell Follow Saskia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saskia.vogel/ Check out her homepage: https://saskiavogel.com/  [https://ia600900.us.archive.org/0/items/audio-finalforrealsaskia/AUDIO-FINALFORREALSASKIA.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

What is Gnosis?! We don’t have THE answer but we have ANSWERS…many of them! In this Mapping Gnosticism installment, Jason and Deacon Jon wander into the labyrinthe of the complex and transformative nature of experiential knowledge that goes beyond intellectual understanding. We look at notions of spiritual enlightenment, presenting gnosis not as a singular, achievable state, but as a dynamic, ongoing journey of personal transformation that encompasses imagination, bodily experience, and a profound connection to something greater than oneself. Is Gnosis a beautiful supernatural experience? Or more of a nuanced, often uncomfortable process of recognizing divine sparks in everyday moments—whether during a stressful commute, caring for a dying friend, or experiencing profound interconnectedness?! Or maybe Gnosis is the friends we make upon the way.  https://dn721505.ca.archive.org/0/items/final-audio-what-is-gnosis/FINAL%20AUDIO%20what%20is%20gnosis.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

Nic Laccetti, a frequent contributor to discussions on Gnosticism, joins the hosts to explore the uncanny parallels between modern AI and ancient Gnostic thought. They dive into how Silicon Valley's technological advancements mimic religious mythology, pondering the potential consequences of a god-like AI. The conversation touches on existential fears surrounding AI's capabilities and critiques the oversimplification that tech advancement equals spiritual enlightenment. They also reflect on philosophical debates concerning human cognition and the societal narratives that shape our understanding of AI.

Conclave The Apostolic Johannite Church is proud to present the twenty-fifth annual AJC Conclave – May 8th – 13th, 2025 – Hybrid – Online and Atlanta, GA Coming out of the pandemic, and in a first for the Apostolic Johannite Church, we’ve elected to make Conclave 2025 a hybrid event. Conclave will be both online and in-person with the Parish of St. John in Atlanta, GA, giving folks in a variety of circumstances and situations the ability to participate in whichever way is most accessible and enjoyable for them. All Conclave speakers, talks and workshops will take place from Friday, May 9th to Sunday, May 11th, 2025 – with additional activities and in-person liturgy scheduled for those who are able to attend in-person. Our speakers will be a blend of in-person and online- with in-person speakers being broadcast to our online attendees live. This year our theme is Divine Union, Mysticism and Theurgy Each year the people of the AJC, friends and family gather together to socialize, learn, build our skills and deepen our community. It is an amazing opportunity for spiritual growth and insight to modern Gnostic practice. Conclave is a rich opportunity to deepen your practice, education and experience of Gnosticism and the Apostolic Johannite Church. Conclave offers lectures, workshops and panel discussions selected to develop ministry skills, support the work of church leaders both lay and ordained and deepen and enrich the spiritual lives of attendees. As always, we welcome you, no matter who you are or what your spiritual path, to join us for this unique weekend. You can come for all or part and participate as much or as little as you’d like. However you choose, we welcome you into our household.  [https://ia601201.us.archive.org/12/items/final-conclave-audio/final%20conclave%20AUDIO.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

M.R. Osborn has a new essential book so we just had to get into it with him. Delve into the rich spiritual tradition of the “Office of the Holy Spirit” and its connection to the enigmatic 18th-century mystic Martinez de Pasqually. This interview unveils a rare treasure from medieval Christianity that nearly vanished from history but found new purpose in Pasqually’s esoteric Christian practice. Osborn’s latest book reproduces this forgotten divine office – a structured prayer system rooted in the psalms and traditionally observed at specific hours throughout the day. The conversation explores how Pasqually, a Catholic of Portuguese-Jewish origin, incorporated these devotions into his “Élus Coëns” system, emphasizing spiritual reconciliation through prayer. This beautifully illustrated volume, featuring both original Latin texts and English translations, offers not just historical insight but a practical devotional resource for Christians of all backgrounds seeking to deepen their connection with the Holy Spirit through this ancient contemplative tradition.  [https://ia800806.us.archive.org/28/items/talk-gnosis-office-of-the-holy-spirit-martinez-de-pasqually-w-m.-r.-osborn-tube-ripper.com/%5BTalk%20Gnosis%5D%20Office%20of%20the%20Holy%20Spirit%20%2B%20Martinez%20de%20Pasqually%20w%20M.R.%20Osborn%20%5BTubeRipper.com%5D.m4a]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​