Ep 17: An Interview with Diana Walsh Pasulka

In this episode, I’m bringing you an interview with one of my personal heroes, Dr. Diana Walsh Paslka. Dr. Diana Walsh Pasulka is a professor of religious studies and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. She holds a bachelor’s from UC Davis, a master’s from Berkeley, and a Ph.D. from Syracuse University. She is the author of Heaven Can Wait: Purgatory in Catholic Devotional and Popular Culture and American Cosmic: UFOs, Religion, Technology, which we will be discussing in this interview.

LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES FIRST
If you aren’t already familiar with Diana’s work, you’ll definitely want to start with these two episodes before listening to this interview to get the full context of our conversation.

BUY DIANA’S BOOKS

FOLLOW

MUSIC
Theme: Cabinet of Curiosities by Shaun Frearson

TIMESTAMPS
00:00:30 Intro
00:05:03 How does a scholar of religion end up writing a book about UFOs? [Backstory of American Cosmic]
00:10:57 Why the next big breakthrough in the space program will come from the field of religious studies.
00:14:33 What can we learn from studying Tyler’s protocols?
00:18:14 What should we make of the simplicity of Tyler’s protocols?
00:22:43 What is Tyler communicating with?
00:26:07 What’s going on in the space program?
00:30:25 Civil religion & UFOs
00:34:11 Having a front row seat to the birth of a myth/belief/religion
00:38:15 Diana’s transition from UFO atheist to UFO agnostic
00:43:39 “The Question Concerning Technology” by Martin Heidegger
00:57:36 What does the Monolith in Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey tell us about the relationship between media and technology?
01:04:39 Jordan Peele’s Nope and the relationship between media and belief
01:08:32 Society of the Spectacle
01:13:17 Plato’s Cave
01:24:21 Plato’s Republic & the impossibility of justice
01:26:45 Ontological shock & re-entering the cave
01:29:34 The danger of Technology
01:34:48 What to expect from Diana’s new book

[jfcharlebois]

I follow everything related to DWP’s work. This has to be one of the most captivating interview with her. Thank you so much. An episode I’ll be listening to again, many times.

[waxeggoil]

Having just watched "Ariel Phenomenon" before listening to this there is an interesting point where the children report that the aliens in their encounter warn against technology as being bad for humans. Compare this to those scientists who are very much drawn to downloading technology from aliens. It makes for interesting contradictions in the light of this discussion which I have really appreciated for its depth.

[carolinsocal]

what a privilege to share the earth with you and Diana!

[edriley]

Best interview with DP I've ever heard. Kelly you really impressed your listeners, and Diana as well, with your educated and insightful questions. No worries, we won't call you for the "apocalypse team" but you'll be fine as you are. 😉

[katherinehahn]

Yep I'm in the middle of relistening to episodes 1-15 before treating myself to 16. However for DW Pasulka there can be no waiting!

[distractionsinthewind]

Dr Pasulka has helped me crystalize my own thoughts on phenomena. You've done an awesome interview with a really fascinating person. Great job!!👍

[nualalawless]

A quick comment. That was a fantastic interview. You put so much work and thought into each podcast. Sometimes I feel like I'm in a lecture listening to a professor breaking down the information. I appreciate your work. Thank you.

I'd love to hear another podcast between you and Dr. Pasulka.

[shaneberryhill]

Best/most indepth/insightful/well prepared interview with Diana since TOE. Well done!

[jeffreyschmitz]

I've been bouncing around your podcast for a few months now, and I think this is my favorite episode.

I really appreciate the depth of thought that you put into this interview, and I hope you can bring her back again for another fascinating conversation.

[deborahflak]

Really nice job on all aspects of your podcast - including the intro music! Wonderful to hear the voices of passionate informative thinking women on these topics.

[Lbiuzu]

This is the most succinct interview I have heard with Dr. Pasulka and serendipitous too because I am currently reading a ChatGPT book which seems eerily similar.

[etherealyear]

The comment about rituals involving launches at Cape Canaveral I know firsthand. My dad was an engineer out there most of my life, and after every successful shuttle launch they always had beans and cornbread. I got to partake in the ones I was fortunate enough to go to, and always thought it was a bit of a quirky tradition!

[jeremyj]

Great stuff - the Plato’s cave part was incredibly moving to me. It’s easy to feel alone in these spaces - that really made me feel less so. The Sangha is the way!

[ltandrepants]

diana is amazingly interesting! i have recently discovered this podcast and am binging!

[edarious]

new subscriber! I'm hereto witness this journey!! God speed!

[SteveBordley]

I listen to and read a lot about this topic. Have for decades and have to say how much I appreciate Kelly's intellect and hard work. Great interview!

[Lakers_since_]

First one here! Was just about to start episode 3 when this popped up! Really glad I found this channel!

[clonmany]

Excellent interview! Refreshingly deep, Rudolf Steiner also warned about technology back in the day too. Keep up the excellent work!

[edriley]

I'm still waiting for someone to discuss the Star of Bethlehem, aka The Nativity Occurance, with Diana. So far only Tom DeLong has broached this amazing topic within the context of the UFO phenomenon.

[tinatieden]

I tried going to the other podcasts like you recommended, via the link in your description, the link to 11 doesn't work