Dr. Clay Routledge is an existential psychologist, writer, and professor at North Dakota State University. He's also a senior research fellow at the Archbridge Institute and an editor for Profectus magazine. Dr. Routledge studies basic psychological needs and how they're shaped by family, social bonds, economics, and broader cultural worldviews. He has published over 100 scholarly papers, co-edited three books on existential psychology, and written several books, including Nostalgia: A Psychological Resource, Supernatural: Death, Meaning, and the Power of the Invisible World. 

A lot of Dr. Routledge’s work - like Dr. Peterson's - focuses on the need for meaning. The two had a wide-ranging conversation about loneliness, meaning, nostalgia, Terror Management Theory, and existential psychology. They also shared views on human progress, responsibility, religion, and UFOs.


[00:00] Intro 
[00:18] Jordan B. Peterson introduces guest Dr. Clay Routledge
[01:55] How Dr. Clay Routledge got into his work
[09:43] Terror Management Theory
[18:33] The resistance to Terror Management Theory
[22:01] Existential Psychology
[27:09] The psychology of nostalgia
[34:31] What elicits nostalgia
[40:36] Pain responses
[44:58] Reminiscence therapy and nostalgia
[47:47] Collective nostalgia
[54:48] Religion and its cultural impact
[01:04:03] Secularism and UFOs 
[01:08:33] Politics, control, and meaning
[01:16:36] The different kinds of meaning and the freedom of restraint
[01:24:17] Filling the hole of religion
[01:28:34] Human progress
[01:32:38] Dr. Routldge's survey of American progress amongst university students and the apocalypse
[01:43:43] Meaning across different cultures
[01:48:18] Religion in free-market societies and ethical principles
[01:51:56] Dr. Routledge's qualitative taxonomy on meaning
[01:55:18] Responsibility and meaning
[02:02:12] Loneliness
[02:07:35] Dr. Routledge’s purpose with his work

This episode was recorded on June 14th, 2021. 

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The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast

S4 E54: Death, Meaning, and the Power of the Invisible World | Clay Routledge | The JBP Podcast

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson sits down with social psychologist and author, Ronnie Janoff-Bulman. They discuss how most implicit beliefs are consciously unknown to those who hold them; the human reactions to fear, disgust, pain, and the destruction of hope; why people blame themselves for truly random events; what the experts get wrong about motivation; and the difference between proscriptive and prescriptive morality.

Ronnie Janoff-Bulman is Professor Emerita of Psychology and Brain Sciences at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. She is a social psychologist and the author of two books and over 90 published papers. Her first book, “Shattered Assumptions: Towards a New Psychology of Trauma,” has been cited over 9,500 times. She was awarded a National Science Foundation grant for her research on morality, which serves as the backbone of her recent book, “The Two Moralities: Conservatives, Liberals, and the Roots of Our Political Divide.” She is the recipient of teaching and mentoring awards and is the former editor of Psychological Inquiry, an international journal devoted to advancing theory in psychology.  A mother and grandmother, Dr. Janoff-Bulman lives in Amherst, Massachusetts with her husband of over 50 years.


- Links -

2024 tour details can be found here https://jordanbpeterson.com/events   

Peterson Academy https://petersonacademy.com/  


For Ronnie Janoff-Bulman:

Shattered Assumptions (Book) https://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Assumptions-Towards-Psychology-Trauma/dp/0743236254 

The Two Moralities (Book) https://www.amazon.com/Two-Moralities-Conservatives-Liberals-Political-ebook/dp/B0BX1JDL8C/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=qQoj5&content-id=amzn1.sym.cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_p=cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_r=138-3764402-1287437&pd_rd_wg=H5RDI&pd_rd_r=fccdebc5-a090-4e01-b536-33c552e5005f&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk 

Hour 1

Trauma and the Demolition of Faith | Ronnie Janoff-Bulman

Trauma and the Demolition of Faith | Ronnie Janoff-Bulman [Member Exclusive]

In this DW+ exclusive Sessions interview, Dr. Jordan Peterson and Ronnie discuss proscriptive versus prescriptive morality, how that applies to the political domain of beliefs, the variance in neuroticism across political lines, the tendency for the psychopathic to inhabit the fringe, where the Left goes too far, the difference between disgust and fear, how dark tetrad traits play out online, and the need for a superordinate group (such as “American”) to be preserved in discourse.

Ronnie Janoff-Bulman is Professor Emerita of Psychology and Brain Sciences at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. She is a social psychologist and the author of two books and over 90 published papers. Her first book, “Shattered Assumptions: Towards a New Psychology of Trauma,” has been cited over 9,500 times. She was awarded a National Science Foundation grant for her research on morality, which serves as the backbone of her recent book, “The Two Moralities: Conservatives, Liberals, and the Roots of Our Political Divide.” She is the recipient of teaching and mentoring awards and is the former editor of Psychological Inquiry, an international journal devoted to advancing theory in psychology.  A mother and grandmother, Dr. Janoff-Bulman lives in Amherst, Massachusetts with her husband of over 50 years.


- Links -

2024 tour details can be found here https://jordanbpeterson.com/events   

Peterson Academy https://petersonacademy.com/  


For Ronnie Janoff-Bulman:

Shattered Assumptions (Book) https://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Assumptions-Towards-Psychology-Trauma/dp/0743236254 

The Two Moralities (Book) https://www.amazon.com/Two-Moralities-Conservatives-Liberals-Political-ebook/dp/B0BX1JDL8C/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=qQoj5&content-id=amzn1.sym.cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_p=cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_r=138-3764402-1287437&pd_rd_wg=H5RDI&pd_rd_r=fccdebc5-a090-4e01-b536-33c552e5005f&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk 


Sessions | Ronnie Janoff-Bulman [Member Exclusive]

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson sits down in person with actor, podcaster, and host of “The Comments Section,” Brett Cooper. They discuss the adversity Cooper faced early on which prompted her to try out theater, the landscape of growing up as a child actor, her positive and negative experiences with Hollywood and university, the psychology of exploitation, why she joined The Daily Wire, her upcoming film and television projects, and her motivation to be a voice for young women who embrace their femininity.

Brett Cooper is a viral internet personality, content creator, and actress. She’s best known as the charismatic host of “The Comments Section with Brett Cooper” on YouTube, captivating over 4 million subscribers with her irresistibly irreverent opinions on current news and cultural phenomena. Brett’s rise to digital fame was meteoric, amassing 1 million followers within just six months of launching her show and surpassing 4 million within two years. She moved from Tennessee to Los Angeles at the age of 10 to pursue acting. After years of balancing homeschooling and a professional acting career, Brett honed her art of storytelling while studying English at UCLA. At just 20 years old, Brett returned to Tennessee to launch “The Comments Section with Brett Cooper” at The Daily Wire. Following the show’s rapid success, the rising star is returning to acting in the forthcoming DailyWire+ animated sitcom “Mr. Birchum” and the historical fantasy series “The Pendragon Cycle.” In a debut role, Brett will star as Snow White in “Snow White and the Evil Queen” in the first feature-length production for Bentkey, The Daily Wire’s children’s entertainment platform.


- Links -

2024 tour details can be found here https://jordanbpeterson.com/events   

Peterson Academy https://petersonacademy.com/  


For Brett Cooper:

Brett Cooper on X https://twitter.com/imbrettcooper?lang=en 

Brett Cooper on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/imbrettcooper/?hl=en 

The Comments Section With Brett Cooper on X https://twitter.com/CommentsSection 

The Comments Section With Brett Cooper on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheCommentsSection 

Alternative Walk of Fame | Brett Cooper [Member Exclusive]

Alternative Walk of Fame | Brett Cooper

In this DW+ exclusive Sessions interview, Dr. Jordan Peterson and Brett Cooper discuss the roles of men and women in dating and marriage, the importance of the biblical imagery around motherhood, why childless women tend to infantilize, and how to balance career and family life.

Brett Cooper is a viral internet personality, content creator, and actress. She’s best known as the host of “The Comments Section with Brett Cooper” on YouTube captivating over 4 million subscribers with her opinions on current news and cultural phenomena. Brett’s rise to digital fame was meteoric, amassing one million followers within just six months of launching her show, and surpassing four million within two years. She moved from Tennessee to Los Angeles at the age of ten to pursue acting. After years of balancing homeschooling and a professional acting career, Brett honed her art of storytelling while studying English at UCLA. At just twenty years old, Brett returned to Tennessee to launch “The Comments Section with Brett Cooper” at the Daily Wire. Following the show’s rapid success, the rising star is returning to acting in the DailyWire+ animated sitcom “Mr. Birchum” and the forthcoming historical fantasy series “The Pendragon Cycle.” In a debut role, Brett will star as the titular character in “Snow White And The Evil Queen” in the first feature-length production for Bentkey, the Daily Wire’s children’s entertainment platform.


- Links -

2024 tour details can be found here https://jordanbpeterson.com/events   

Peterson Academy https://petersonacademy.com/  


For Brett Cooper:

Brett Cooper on X https://twitter.com/imbrettcooper?lang=en 
Brett Cooper on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/imbrettcooper/?hl=en 

The Comments Section With Brett Cooper on X https://twitter.com/CommentsSection 

The Comments Section With Brett Cooper on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheCommentsSection 

Sessions | Brett Cooper [Member Exclusive]

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson sits down with nuclear physicist and CEO of Nano Nuclear, James Walker. They discuss why nuclear power is continuously sidelined for less efficient, less safe forms of power, the change from civic — massive — reactors to truck-sized units, the refinement process of uranium, and the true environmental cost of mass poverty.

James Walker is a nuclear physicist and was the project lead and manager for constructing the new Rolls-Royce Nuclear Chemical Plant; he was the UK Subject Matter Expert for the UK Nuclear Material Recovery Capabilities and the technical project manager for constructing the UK reactor core manufacturing facilities. Walker’s professional engineering experience includes nuclear reactors, mines, submarines, chemical plants, factories, mine processing facilities, infrastructure, automotive machinery, and testing rigs. He has executive experience in several public companies, as well as acquiring and redeveloping the only fluorspar mine in the United States.


- Links -

2024 tour details can be found here https://jordanbpeterson.com/events   

Peterson Academy https://petersonacademy.com/  


For James Walker:

Nano Nuclear on X https://twitter.com/nano_nuclear 

Nano Nuclear (Website) https://nanonuclearenergy.com/ 

Nano Nuclear on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/nano-nuclear-energy-inc/ 

Nuclear Power Is Safer Than Wind and Solar | James Walker [Member Exclusive]

Nuclear Power Is Safer Than Wind and Solar | James Walker 

In this DW+ exclusive Sessions interview, Dr. Jordan Peterson and James Walker discuss his career in nuclear physics, how that led to work with the special forces and Rolls Royce, the psychology of entropy and calling, and how to balance great ambition with family life.

James Walker is a nuclear physicist and was the project lead and manager for constructing the new Rolls-Royce Nuclear Chemical Plant; he was the UK Subject Matter Expert for the UK Nuclear Material Recovery Capabilities and the technical project manager for constructing the UK reactor core manufacturing facilities. Walker’s professional engineering experience includes nuclear reactors, mines, submarines, chemical plants, factories, mine processing facilities, infrastructure, automotive machinery, and testing rigs. He has executive experience in several public companies, as well as acquiring and redeveloping the only fluorspar mine in the United States.



- Links -

2024 tour details can be found here https://jordanbpeterson.com/events   

Peterson Academy https://petersonacademy.com/  


For James Walker:

Nano Nuclear on X https://twitter.com/nano_nuclear 

Nano Nuclear (Website) https://nanonuclearenergy.com/ 

Nano Nuclear on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/nano-nuclear-energy-inc/ 

Sessions | James Walker [Member Exclusive]

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson sits down in person with veteran, entrepreneur, podcaster, and author, Kelsi Sheren. They discuss her upbringing, the discipline required for service, the necessity and reality of women in the armed forces, the lapse in standards at the hands of DEI, the trauma and PTSD incurred from combat, and how soldiers find solace when reintegrating with civilized life.

Kelsi Sheren is CEO of Brass & Unity and author of “Brass and Unity, One Woman’s Journey Through the Hell of Afghanistan and Back.” Kelsi is a distinguished Canadian veteran, who served as a Gunner and Female Searcher during her deployment in Afghanistan. At Brass & Unity, Kelsi transforms bullet casings into jewelry, donating a portion of the profits to support veterans battling mental health issues. In addition to her work in the military, Kelsi is a champion in Taekwondo, and host of the Brass & Unity podcast.


- Links -

2024 tour details can be found here https://jordanbpeterson.com/events   

Peterson Academy https://petersonacademy.com/  


For Kelsi Sheren:

On X https://twitter.com/KelsiBurns?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor 

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kelsie_sheren/?hl=en 

“Brass & Unity: One Woman’s Journey Through the Hell of Afghanistan and Back” (Book) https://www.amazon.com/Brass-Unity-Journey-Through-Afghanistan/dp/1637588917 

Brass & Unity Podcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWCy2PRfqQZraiSCocX4Gyw 

Brass & Unity Website https://brassandunity.com/ 

War, PTSD, & Psychedelics | Kelsi Sheren

War, PTSD, & Psychedelics | Kelsi Sheren [Member Exclusive]

In this DW+ exclusive Sessions interview, Dr. Jordan Peterson and Kelsi Sheren discuss the current state of Canada’s school system, the invasion of woke ideology, the importance of accepting and promoting the truth over delusion, and the horrible reality behind MAID services.

Kelsi Sheren is CEO of Brass & Unity and author of “Brass and Unity, One Woman’s Journey Through the Hell of Afghanistan and Back.” Kelsi is a distinguished Canadian veteran who served as a Gunner and Female Searcher during her deployment in Afghanistan. At Brass & Unity, Kelsi transforms bullet casings into jewelry, donating a portion of the profits to support veterans battling mental health issues. In addition to her work in the military, Kelsi is a champion in Taekwondo and host of the Brass & Unity podcast.


- Links -

2024 tour details can be found here https://jordanbpeterson.com/events   

Peterson Academy https://petersonacademy.com/  


For Kelsi Sheren:

On X https://twitter.com/KelsiBurns?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor 

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kelsie_sheren/?hl=en 

“Brass & Unity: One Woman’s Journey Through the Hell of Afghanistan and Back” (Book) https://www.amazon.com/Brass-Unity-Journey-Through-Afghanistan/dp/1637588917 

Brass & Unity Podcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWCy2PRfqQZraiSCocX4Gyw 

Brass & Unity Website https://brassandunity.com/ 

Sessions | Kelsi Sheren [Member Exclusive]

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson sits down with actor and environmental advocate Adrian Grenier. They discuss his early life on the streets of New York City, his eventual rise to stardom, the reality and decline of Hollywood, why he walked away after reaching the top, and how he grounds himself now through natural practices and the cultivation of his fully sustainable environment-first community.

Adrian Grenier is an American actor, musician, and environmental advocate. He is best known for his portrayal of Vincent Chase in the television series “Entourage” (2004–2011). He has appeared in films such as “Drive Me Crazy” (1999), “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006), “Trash Fire” (2016), and “Marauders” (2016). In 2021, he acted in the Netflix series “Clickbait.” In 2010, Grenier and his business partner Peter Glatzer started SHFT, a brand that promotes sustainability through multimedia. The website won two Webby Awards in 2011 for best website in its category. In 2020, he moved to Austin, Texas, settling on the Kintsugi Ranch, which he and his family have been turning into a fully sustainable, renewable community.


- Links -

2024 tour details can be found here https://jordanbpeterson.com/events   

Peterson Academy https://petersonacademy.com/  


For Adrian Grenier:

On X https://twitter.com/adriangrenier?lang=en

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/adriangrenier/?hl=en 

Earth Speed  on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@EarthSpeedbyAdrianGrenier 

An Honest Conversation About Hollywood | Adrian Grenier [Member Exclusive]

An Honest Conversation About Hollywood | Adrian Grenier

In this DW+ exclusive Sessions interview, Dr. Jordan Peterson and Adrian Grenier discuss the arrogance of the environmental movement, the ramifications of fatherlessness, how his environment-first community is being planned and cultivated, the necessity of taking absolute responsibility, and the purpose found in honest living.

Adrian Grenier is an American actor, musician, and environmental advocate. He is best known for his portrayal of Vincent Chase in the television series “Entourage” (2004–2011). He has appeared in films such as “Drive Me Crazy” (1999), “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006), “Trash Fire” (2016), and “Marauders” (2016). In 2021, he acted in the Netflix series “Clickbait.” In 2010, Grenier and his business partner Peter Glatzer started SHFT, a brand that promotes sustainability through multimedia. The website won two Webby Awards in 2011 for best website in its category. In 2020, he moved to Austin, Texas, settling on the Kintsugi Ranch, which he and his family have been turning into a fully sustainable, renewable community.


- Links -

2024 tour details can be found here https://jordanbpeterson.com/events   

Peterson Academy https://petersonacademy.com/  


For Adrian Grenier:

On X https://twitter.com/adriangrenier?lang=en

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/adriangrenier/?hl=en 

Earth Speed  on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@EarthSpeedbyAdrianGrenier 

Sessions | Adrian Grenier [Member Exclusive]

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson sits down with actor and podcaster Russell Brand. They discuss the language of symbols, the collective unconscious, the evolution of theology, and why so many public intellectuals are coming back to Christ.

Russell Brand is an English comedian, actor, podcaster, and commentator. He first established himself as a stand up comedian and radio host before becoming a film actor. He presented for MTV UK and made appearances across media and TV throughout the 2000’s. In 2008, he leapt from British to U.S. film acting, appearing in the hit film “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” followed by numerous international successes. In 2013, Brand guest-edited an edition of the weekly publication the New Statesman, launching his interest and later career as a political activist and commentator. His current podcast, Stay Free, sees Brand calling out major news, governments, and corporations for affronts to free speech, expression, spirituality, and thought.


- Links -

2024 tour details can be found here https://jordanbpeterson.com/events   

Peterson Academy https://petersonacademy.com/  


For Russell Brand:

Stay Free on Rumble https://rumble.com/c/russellbrand 

Stay Free on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@RussellBrand 

On X https://twitter.com/rustyrockets 

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