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IndoctriNation

298 EpisodesProduced by Rachel BernsteinWebsite

Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control.

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Farewell

February 22nd, 2024

0:39

An important message from RadioPublic

Detoxing From Scientology w/Tammy Synovec

March 13th, 2024

1:03:07

Tammy Synovec was first introduced to Scientology in 1993 by a friend she met at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. At this vulnerable time in her …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: The Narcissistic Psychology Of Cult Leaders

March 8th, 2024

5:10

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in its entirety, by becoming a member at:

Shining Light On A Dark World w/Sochil Martin

March 6th, 2024

1:31:02

Sochil Martin is a Mexican American woman born and raised in the religious high control group La Luz del Mundo. She was groomed from a young age to …

Gooned w/Emma Lehman

February 28th, 2024

1:26:51

Emma Lehman is the host and producer of Gooned, a limited-series investigative podcast now available on all platforms. Gooned is a podcast about the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI), a network of profit-incentivized …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: What You Can Do If You Run Into Current Members Of The Group You Left

February 23rd, 2024

7:56

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in its entirety, by becoming a member at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

In this special bonus episode, Rachel offers advice on how …

Deconstructing Faith w/Angela J. Herrington

February 21st, 2024

1:18:49

Angela J Herrington is a faith deconstruction coach and host of The Deconstructing Faith Summit who helps people break free from toxic religious …

Scientology's Dirty Tricks w/ Mike Rinder

February 14th, 2024

1:17:41

Mike Rinder was raised as a Scientologist from early childhood. He went on to serve as Scientology’s international spokesperson and as the head of …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: The Problematic Language of Self-Help

February 9th, 2024

5:31

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in its entirety, by becoming a member at:

The Hate Next Door w/Matt & Tawni Browning

February 7th, 2024

1:13:43

Matt and Tawni Browning are the authors of the new book "The Hate Next Door: Undercover within the New Face of White Supremacy" Matt is an internationally recognized authority on the inner workings of white supremacy …

Taking Off The Tinfoil Hat w/Cynane Shay

January 31st, 2024

1:19:52

Cynane Shay is a nuclear engineer in South Carolina. Her childhood in White Christian Nationalism normalized conspiracy theories like Obama …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Regaining Emotional Sensitivity After Cult Involvement

January 26th, 2024

4:35

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can listen to the full episode by becoming a member at:

Crossover Episode pt. 1: An Interview w/Dr. Clint Heacock of The Mindshift Podcast

January 24th, 2024

47:19

Dr. Clint Heacock is an ex-evangelical pastor and Bible college teacher of over 20 years and the host of the MindShift podcast. Clint grew up in the …

The Anatomy Of A Cult Member w/Jon Atack

January 17th, 2024

1:35:06

Jon Atack is a leading expert on authoritarian cult groups as well as a best-selling author. He has worked with hundreds of former members and has …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Rachel on Tension Between Former Members

January 12th, 2024

5:26

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can listen to the full episode by becoming a member at:

God, Sex, and Rich People w/ Mattie Jo Cowsert

January 10th, 2024

1:06:40

Mattie Jo Cowsert was a pastor’s kid and proud purity ring-wearer before she moved to New York City and experienced an unexpected worldview and identity implosion. When the marriage equality act passed in 2015, Mattie …

UNLOCKED BONUS EPISODE: On Twin Flames Universe

January 3rd, 2024

29:16

In this special bonus episode, Rachel shares her thoughts on the "Twin Flames Universe" cult and its leaders Jeff and Shaleia. After becoming aware …

UNLOCKED BONUS EPISODE: Freedom Through Expression w/ Jolie Holland

December 27th, 2023

48:18

Jolie Holland is a world-renowned Los Angeles-based artist who has forged a timeless, captivating musical legacy mining the depths of her, at times …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Recognizing Religious Control w/Nikieta Lambert and Asha Glenn

December 22nd, 2023

8:15

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can listen to the full episode by becoming a member at:

The Source Family Commune w/ Wendy Baker

December 20th, 2023

57:30

Wendy Baker is a former member of the infamous Los Angeles-based cult The Source Family, a commune that began in the 1960s by Jim Baker AKA Father …

Cargo Cults w/ Lamont Lindstrom

December 13th, 2023

1:20:01

Lamont Lindstrom is an Emeritus Professor and former Chair of Anthropology, at the University of Tulsa, where he also served as Associate Dean of the …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Leaving "The Family" w/Perry Bulwer

December 8th, 2023

9:16

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can listen to the full episode by becoming a member at:

Why Don't You Say Something w/Eva Collins

December 6th, 2023

1:21:42

Eva Collins is a content creator and online business consultant with over 20 years of experience in the spiritual and personal development world and …

Let Us Prey w/Eric Skwarczynski

November 29th, 2023

1:29:38

Eric Skwarczynski is a versatile media professional with a passion for storytelling. Over the past 7 years, he has held various roles, including …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: La Luz Del Mundo

November 24th, 2023

5:27

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can listen to the full episode by becoming a member at:

The Trauma of Caste w/Thenmozhi Soundararajan

November 22nd, 2023

1:09:57

Thenmozhi Soundararajan is a Dalit American artist, community organizer, technologist, and theorist. Currently, Thenmozhi is the Executive Director …

Let's Talk About Sects w/Sarah Steel

November 15th, 2023

49:36

Sarah Steel is the creator and host of the "Let's Talk About Sects" podcast, where she produces, and writes all of the episodes. And, today you can …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: High Control Campus w/Erin Burchwell

November 10th, 2023

9:06

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

Misguided w/Perry Bulwer

November 8th, 2023

1:20:44

Perry Bulwer was Born in Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada, where he joined the Children of God after dropping out of high school at age 16. He …

Healing From IBLP w/ Chad Harris & Lindsey Williams

November 1st, 2023

1:30:53

Chad Harris and Lindsey Williams both grew up under the teachings of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) cult in their Advanced Training …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: On Twin Flames Universe

October 27th, 2023

4:13

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode.You can hear the episode in its entirety by becoming a member at:
https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination

In this special bonus episode, Rachel shares her …

NakedPastor w/David Hayward

October 25th, 2023

1:11:01

David Hayward AKA NakedPastor is a former pastor turned artist and author whose work encourages seeking one's authentic self, religious …

Tears of Eden w/ Katherine Spearing MA, CTRC

October 18th, 2023

1:07:37

Katherine Spearing is a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach and the founder of “Tears of Eden”, a nonprofit supporting survivors of Spiritual Abuse, where she hosts its' affiliate podcast, “Uncertain.” Katherine is also the …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Freedom Through Expression w/Jolie Holland

October 13th, 2023

10:14

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:
www.patron.com/indoctrination

On Haunted Mountain w/Jolie Holland

October 11th, 2023

47:55

Jolie Holland is a world-renowned Los Angeles-based artist who has forged a timeless, captivating musical legacy mining the depths of her, at times …

Seeking Truth & Grace w/Erin Burchwell

October 4th, 2023

1:13:38

Erin Burchwell is a Columbus, Ohio-based florist, designer and illustrator. She grew up as a faculty kid on the campus of Bob Jones University, an …

Trust Part 2 - Important Signs of Honesty in Others (& Learning to Trust Yourself too!)

September 29th, 2023

2:40

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in full at:

https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination

In the …

Murder At Ryan's Run w/Beth McNamara

September 27th, 2023

1:10:29

Beth McNamara is a Los Angeles-based television and documentary producer with over 25 years of experience in content development and production of more than 100 hours of entertainment garnering her two Emmy Nominations. …

Jewish Space Lasers w/Mike Rothschild

September 20th, 2023

1:20:15

Mike Rothschild is a journalist, researcher, expert witness, and debunker of conspiracy theories and fringe beliefs. Over the last decade, Mike has …

Trust pt.1 -The Warning Signs - How You know a Person Should NOT be Trusted

September 15th, 2023

5:14

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episodes. You can hear the entire episode by becoming a member at:

https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination

In the first half of this unique two-part bonus episode, …

Cult Hackers w/ Stephen & Celine Mather

September 13th, 2023

1:17:07

Celine and Stephen Mather are a father-and-daughter podcast team. Stephen is now an organizational psychologist but was raised in a high-control …

You Can't Get To Heaven In A Miniskirt w/Sarah & Jessica

September 6th, 2023

1:14:10

Today’s guests, Sarah and Jessica are longtime friends who grew up together in Canada. They are Ex-Christians who discuss their former faith one strange topic at a time on their cleverly named podcast "You Can't Get To …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Rachel On Self-Help Gurus & Spiritual Healers

September 1st, 2023

4:46

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode at:
www.patreon.com/indoctrination

In this special bonus …

Hey, Hun w/Emily Lynn Paulson

August 30th, 2023

1:09:37

Emily Lynn Paulson is the author of Highlight Real: Finding Honesty and Recovery Beyond the Filtered Life, and Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, …

CFCtoo w/Abbi Nye

August 23rd, 2023

1:03:47

Abbi Nye is an abuse survivor supporting cult survivors in their journey toward healing. An archivist in Wisconsin, Abbi holds an MLIS from the …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Observations From The Outside w/Quinn Cummings

August 18th, 2023

8:08

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode at:
https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Quinn Cummings …

Shiny Happy People w/ Tia Levings

August 16th, 2023

1:09:59

Tia Levings grew up in a Southern Baptist megachurch, was recruited into fundamentalism by mentors following Bill Gothard's IBLP (Institute of Basic …

Brothers Broken w/Geoff Levin

August 9th, 2023

1:11:44

Geoff Levin is a professional musician and former Scientologist who grew up in San Jose, CA. In 1962 at the age of 16, he started his musical life …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: From Landmark to One Taste w/ Priscilla Eyles

August 4th, 2023

7:26

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in its entirety by becoming a member at:
www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Returning guest, Priscilla Eyles is a Justice, Equity, …

Leaving Landmark w/Priscilla Eyles

August 2nd, 2023

1:04:24

Priscilla Eyles is a Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion trainer and facilitator from London. They are an advocate, and speaker passionate about raising awareness around the issues that Neurodivergent people …

The Language Of Control w/Sue Winter

July 26th, 2023

1:13:57

Sue Winter is a modern linguist who holds two graduate degrees, one from the University of London, and another from UWE Bristol. She taught for over …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Finding A Way To Heal w/Em Thomas

July 21st, 2023

8:05

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in its entirety by becoming a member at:
https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Returning guest, Em Thomas was born and raised in the …

Mark & Avoid w/ Em Thomas

July 19th, 2023

1:13:50

Em Thomas was born and raised in the dogmatic Christian cult The Way International. The daughter of a Way Corps graduate and WOW ambassador, Em …

Criminality in Cults w/Chris Shelton, MSc

July 12th, 2023

1:20:27

Chris Shelton is a former cult member who escaped from a lifetime of indoctrination and abuse, started a YouTube channel to educate the public about …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Why Fear Makes Us Say "Yes" When We Should Have Said "No"

July 7th, 2023

7:37

For this week's bonus episode, Patreon supporters can access Rachel's recent video lecture from the International Cultic Studies Conference. In this …

Subtle Signs of Control w/Sarah Patch, LPCC

July 5th, 2023

59:22

Sarah Patch is a clinical counselor in Columbus, Ohio who has devoted the past few years of her career to educating herself and others on …

When The World Didn't End w/Guinevere Turner

June 28th, 2023

1:12:37

Guinevere Turner is a writer, director, and actor who has been working in film and TV since her 1994 debut film Go Fish, which she wrote, produced, and starred in. She teamed up with director Mary Harron to write the …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Reflections On Healing w/Mark Turi

June 23rd, 2023

7:39

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Global Labor Exploitation w/ Mark Turi

June 21st, 2023

1:25:51

Mark Turi discovered Scientology while on vacation in Los Angeles, just a month after graduating college in May 2005, Two years later, he joined the …

Surviving Child Marriage w/Tamara MC, Ph. D.

June 14th, 2023

1:14:02

Dr. Tamara MC is a cult, child marriage, and human trafficking survivor and activist who advocates worldwide for girls and women to live free from …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Surviving BJU w/Andrew Pledger

June 9th, 2023

8:21

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

Terror, Love, & Brainwashing w/Dr. Alexandra Stein

June 7th, 2023

57:36

Alexandra Stein, Ph.D. is a writer and educator specializing in the social psychology of ideological extremism and other dangerous social …

Re-Mothering w/Pamela Jackson, LCSW

May 31st, 2023

1:07:18

Pamela Jackson is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, and creative nonfiction writer. She specializes in therapy for adult women who have …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Post-Cult Reconciliation w/ Marissa Hackett

May 26th, 2023

13:14

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

An Abusive Relationship With God w/Dr. Laura Anderson

May 24th, 2023

1:17:34

Dr. Laura Anderson is a therapist, trauma resolution, and recovery coach, writer, educator, and creator who specializes in complex trauma with a …

Analyzing Word Salad w/Kayla from Keya's World

May 17th, 2023

1:15:52

Kayla is a YouTube creator and launched her channel Keya's World back in 2021 to discuss toxic positivity, hustle culture, self-help, spirituality, …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: The Road To Recovery w/Christa Lester‐Pitsch

May 12th, 2023

11:02

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Finding Your Own Way w/ Christa Lester-Pitsch

May 10th, 2023

1:06:15

CONTENT WARNING: Child Sexual Abuse

Christa Lester‐Pitsch is a survivor of an offshoot of the infamous cult known as The Way. She was born into and …

Documenting Stolen Youth w/ Zachary Heinzerling

May 3rd, 2023

55:13

Zachary Heinzerling is an Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning director based in New York City. His latest docu-series entitled “Stolen …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: On Compound Raids & Lessons from Waco

April 28th, 2023

4:47

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

The Long Surrender w/Brian Rush Mcdonald, Ph. D.

April 26th, 2023

1:08:37

Brian Rush McDonald grew up in southern Alabama in the early 1970s, where he eventually gave up his dream of working as a professional musician to become what at the time was called a "Jesus freak". During his high …

Cheers to Leaving w/Rachael & Molly

April 19th, 2023

1:07:14

Rachael and Molly are the hosts of the podcast Cheers to Leaving, where they share their journey of deconstruction from evangelicalism. The podcast …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Cult Dynamics in the U.S. Military w/Daniella Mestyanek Young

April 14th, 2023

13:43

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Red Flags of The Coaching Industry w/Kathleen Oh

April 12th, 2023

1:04:34

Kathleen Oh is a Coach, writer, and safe drug use advocate and educator specializing in psychedelic integration. Her primary focus has become …

BONUS EPISODE UNLOCKED: War Against Truth w/ Olga Yurkova

April 5th, 2023

49:46

In recognition of the recent one-year anniversary of the tragic Russian Invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, we wanted to share with our entire audience a very special bonus episode that was previously only available …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Identifying Narcissism w/Vanessa Reiser, LCSW by IndoctriNation

March 31st, 2023

6:20

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Inside The Twelve Tribes w/Tim Elliott

March 28th, 2023

1:07:31

Tim Elliott is a senior writer at Good Weekend, the Saturday magazine for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, where he has won two Kennedy Awards and been nominated for a Walkley. His work has also appeared in …

Ending Coercive Control w/Kate Amber

March 22nd, 2023

1:19:00

Kate Amber is the founder of End Coercive Control USA, an organization that helps survivors, leaders, advocates, attorneys, therapists & other …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Rachel on Seeking Safe Therapy

March 17th, 2023

5:05

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Weaponizing Acceptance w/Nikieta Lambert and Asha Glenn

March 15th, 2023

1:18:29

Nikieta Lambert and Asha Glenn are former members of the International Churches of Christ. Both having grown up with narcissistic mothers, they've …

Breaking The Cycle w/Marissa Hackett

March 8th, 2023

1:01:18

Marissa Hackett was born in 1979 in Los Angeles, California. At the time of her birth, her parents were involved with a group called the Foundation …

BONUS PREVIEW: Surviving The Deer Tribe w/Heidi Thompson

March 3rd, 2023

8:57

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Reclaiming Stolen Youth w/Felicia Rosario & Daniel Barban Levin pt. 2

March 1st, 2023

1:00:23

Daniel Barban Levin and Felicia Rosario are survivors of the now infamous coercive control group led by Larry Ray, who is now serving a 60-year …

Reclaiming Stolen Youth w/Felicia Rosario & Daniel Barban Levin pt. 1

February 22nd, 2023

50:32

In the first half of this very special two-part episode. Rachel speaks with author Daniel Barban Levin who had previously come on the show to discuss his excellent memoir SLONIM WOODS 9, about his experience getting …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Pat Ryan On Hypnosis

February 17th, 2023

5:04

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Familial Trafficking w/Isami Daehn

February 15th, 2023

1:01:17

CONTENT WARNING: Child Abuse & Sex Trafficking

Isami Daehn is a subject matter expert on anti-human trafficking and child safety. She grew up in Japan and was raised by professional con artists under the guise of …

Unsilenced w/Meg Appelgate

February 8th, 2023

1:09:49

Meg Appelgate is the CEO of Unsilenced, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to stop institutional child abuse by empowering self-advocates to promote lasting social change. The organization envisions a world where …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: The Theological Tricks of TM w/Pat Ryan

February 3rd, 2023

7:25

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Detecting Deception w/Steven Hassan, Ph.D.

February 1st, 2023

1:24:22

Steven Hassan, Ph.D. is a mental health professional and expert in undue influence tactics used by authoritarian leaders and destructive cults. His …

Codifying Consent w/Joyce Short & Nina Lucas

January 25th, 2023

1:21:05

Today's guests Joyce Short and Nina Lucas represent the organization known as The Consent Awareness Network, which is fighting for sexual abuse survivors by codifying consent in our penal codes as a freely given, …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: A Tribute To James Randi

January 20th, 2023

4:34

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Opening The Cult Vault w/Kacey

January 18th, 2023

1:27:00

Kacey is the host and creator of The Cult Vault, an award-nominated long-form interview-based podcast focusing on the true testimonies of cult …

Currency & Coercive Control w/ Tracy Coenen

January 11th, 2023

1:11:50

Tracy Coenen has been investigating fraud for more than 25 years, but she didn’t always want to be a forensic accountant. She went to Marquette …

One Taste of Freedom w/ Ruwan Meepagala

January 4th, 2023

1:11:09

Ruwan Meepagala is a podcaster and coach. In his early twenties, he became involved in the matriarchal cult, known as One Taste, which was recently …

From The Archives: Tory Christman from 2018(Re-Release)

December 28th, 2022

55:18

Once again, this week we'd like to encourage everyone to allow themselves some grace and self-care during the upcoming holiday season. No matter your …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Stronger After w/Frances Peters Pt. 2

December 23rd, 2022

6:06

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

From The Archives: Matthew Remski from 2019 (Re-Release)

December 21st, 2022

1:16:20

This week we'd like to encourage everyone to allow themselves some grace and self-care during the upcoming holiday season. No matter your religious …

The Tyrant Behind The Mask w/Sarah Landry

December 14th, 2022

1:23:22

Sarah Landry is a Canadian jewelry artist who has made it her mission in life to expose the criminal activity of “Nithyananda,” a con artist whom she …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW Stronger After w/Frances Peters pt. 1

December 9th, 2022

8:19

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Undoing The Work w/Lisa Guerci

December 7th, 2022

1:08:02

Lisa Guerci was raised, from the age of five, in a Connecticut-based doomsday cult known as "The Work", led by a man who called himself Brother …

Litigating Spiritual Abuse w/Carol Merchasin

November 30th, 2022

1:18:27

Carol Merchasin brings her deep legal experience to McAllister Olivarius, heading up cases involving sexual misconduct in religious, faith-based, and …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Counseling, Cults & Coercion w/Janja Lalich, Ph.D.

November 25th, 2022

9:11

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Opening Our Minds w/Jon Atack

November 23rd, 2022

1:41:45

Jon Atack has been a consultant or expert witness in at least 150 court actions and worked on over 200 media pieces, he’s published more than 500 …

Unlearning Myself w/Shannon Payton

November 16th, 2022

1:21:11

Shannon Payton, known as Shanny Pants by many, is a content creator and podcaster living in Rocklin, California. Her podcast, The ShannyPants Show is currently in its second season. In her interview-style podcast, …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Rachel On The Shifting Language Of Cults

November 11th, 2022

6:15

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Stolen w/ Elizabeth Gilpin

November 2nd, 2022

1:09:39

Elizabeth Gilpin is an actress, activist, writer, and producer who also serves as an ambassador for Represent Justice, an organization using the power of media to demand real change in the justice system. Her first …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Rachel on Psychics & Mediums

October 28th, 2022

5:27

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Reflecting On A Billion Years w/Mike Rinder

October 26th, 2022

1:11:51

Mike Rinder was raised as a Scientologist from the age of 5 when his parents began attending the Scientology International Center in Australia in the …

People Leave Cults w/Ashlen Hilliard

October 19th, 2022

1:19:41

Ashlen Hilliard is a cult intervention specialist helping families with loved ones in cultic or high-control groups or relationships and is the face …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Why Did I Stay? Rachel Bernstein on Leaving High Control Groups

October 14th, 2022

11:43

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:
www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Blessed Child w/ Renee Thomas

October 12th, 2022

1:10:58

Renee Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, while also being a tattoo artist and human rights activist. She was born and raised in the …

Believers House (of Lies) w/Jaye Cole & Sonya Morris

October 3rd, 2022

1:29:51

Jaye Cole and Sonya Morris are survivors of "Believers House Worldwide Ministries" in Norfolk, VA. They are leading a campaign among others to share …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: No More Normal w/Khalil Ekulona

September 30th, 2022

13:28

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. you can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:
www.patreon.com/indoctrination

An Everyday Cult w/ Gerette Buglion

September 28th, 2022

1:16:48

Gerette Buglion is a co-founder of the #igotout movement and a lifelong educator, who brings discernment, compassion, and understanding to the …

Deer Tribe Medicine Society w/Heidi Thompson

September 21st, 2022

1:34:04

Heidi Thompson was born into the Seventh-Day Adventist apocalyptic religion. She escaped at age 19 to attend college at the University of North Texas …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: On Scientology

September 16th, 2022

16:14

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode, you can hear the episode in its entirety by becoming a member at:
www.patreon.com/indoctrination

In this very special bonus episode, we revisit some of the …

In My Father's Footsteps, Following Rajneesh w/Sam Jahara

September 14th, 2022

1:20:34

Sam Jahara is a UKCP Registered Psychotherapist and Tavistock certified Executive Coach with a private practice in Brighton, South-East England. She …

Hell Fear Trauma w/ Andrew Jasko

September 7th, 2022

1:16:51

Andrew Jasko is a Princeton Seminary-educated former minister, who has a Master's Degree in Divinity, and in Counseling Psychology. Andrew had to …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: A Brief History of Hate w/Rabbi Ed Feinstein

September 2nd, 2022

10:57

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode, you can hear the episode in its entirety by becoming a member at:
www.patreon.com/indoctrination

In this very special bonus episode, Rachel speaks with her …

A Safety Guide For Gentle Souls w/Esther Friedman

August 31st, 2022

1:27:05

Esther Friedman is a licensed mental health counselor, expressive art therapist, songwriter, performer, author, and ex-cult member. In 2006, a cult …

Isolated in India w/Rachel Manija Brown

August 24th, 2022

1:36:14

Rachel Manija Brown's parents moved her to an ashram in India when she was seven years old to worship the guru Meher Baba. Rachel stayed there until …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Rachel Bernstein Speaks Up w/Andrew Pledger

August 18th, 2022

16:54

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode, you can hear the episode in its entirety by becoming a member at:
www.patreon.com/indoctrination

In this very special bonus episode, Andrew Pledger turns the …

Escaping Xenos w/Emma Buchbinder

August 17th, 2022

1:18:57

Emma Buchbinder was raised in the high-control religious group Xenos Christian Fellowship, based in Columbus, Ohio. In 2020, Xenos changed its name …

From TTI to LMFT w/Julianne Bull

August 10th, 2022

1:14:19

Julianne Bull is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in Los Angeles. She holds a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the …

BONUS PREVIEW: Evolutionary Biology and Cult Dynamics w/Jeremy Sherman Ph.D.

August 5th, 2022

11:42

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode, you can hear the episode in its entirety by becoming a member at:

A Little Bit Culty w/ Sarah Edmondson & Anthony "Nippy" Ames

August 1st, 2022

1:12:55

Sarah Edmundson and Anthony "Nippy" Ames are survivors of the NXIVM cult and hosts of the A Little Bit Culty Podcast. They are the married couple and …

Examining The Community w/ N. Jamiyla Chisholm

July 27th, 2022

1:02:14

N. Jamiyla Chisholm was born in New York City and grew up in Brooklyn. She graduated from City College in New York City, received her master of arts …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Experiencing Awe w/Dr.Yuval Laor

July 22nd, 2022

14:39

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus episode, you can hear the episode in its entirety by becoming a member at:

Escape Through The Window w/Sarah Rose

July 20th, 2022

1:20:44

Sarah Rose is a native of the San Francisco Bay Area. She received a BA in Judaic Studies from UC Berkeley, a Certificate in Environmental …

From Cradle To Grave Situation w/Jeremy Sherman, Ph.D.

July 13th, 2022

1:23:31

Jeremy Sherman is a Ph.D. in evolutionary epistemology. He describes himself as a cradle-to-grave science researcher studying the unbroken chain, …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Lessons From A Cult Interventionist w/ Joe Kelly

July 8th, 2022

13:46

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus episode, you can hear the episode in its entirety by becoming a member at:

Leaving Fundamentalism w/ Andrew Pledger

July 6th, 2022

1:35:52

Andrew Pledger is a religious trauma survivor who was raised in fundamentalist Christianity. He has been homeschooled his entire life for the purpose …

Living With Self-Loathing w/ Zack Bonnie Pt. 2

June 29th, 2022

53:50

Zack Bonnie “graduated” from Rocky Mountain Academy at age sixteen, and then attended regular high school to fill the gaps in his education. He went …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: The Underground Bunker w/ Tony Ortega

June 24th, 2022

11:18

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus episode, you can hear the episode in its entirety by becoming a member at:

https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Tony Ortega is a journalist and former editor of The …

Dead, Insane, Or In Jail w/ Zack Bonnie Pt. 1

June 22nd, 2022

1:02:04

Zack Bonnie “graduated” from Rocky Mountain Academy at age sixteen, and then attended regular high school to fill the gaps in his education. He went …

Running For Freedom w/ Vanessa Reiser, LCSW

June 15th, 2022

1:09:39

Vanessa Reiser is a mother, entrepreneur, and groundbreaking psychotherapist specializing in narcissistic abuse using Therapist Self-Disclosure (TSD) Ms. Reiser graduated from the University of Southern California with …

BONUS PREVIEW -War Against Truth w/ Olga Yurkova

June 10th, 2022

12:17

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in full by becoming a member at:

Teenage Fundamentalists w/ Brian & Troy

June 8th, 2022

54:47

This week's guests Brian and Troy used to be members and leaders in Pentecostal megachurches in Australia. Troy, a 21-year-old member of the …

Sins Of My Father w/ Lily Dunn

June 1st, 2022

1:12:46

Lily Dunn is an author and mentor living in the UK. She has personal essays in Granta, Litro, Hinterland, MIRonline, The Real Story, and is a regular …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Leaving the Prison of Shame and Fear w/ Daniel Shaw LCSW

May 27th, 2022

12:46

This is just a preview of our latest Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the show in its entirety by becoming a supporter at:

https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Daniel Shaw, LCSW, is a psychoanalyst in …

Born A Soldier w/ Daniella Mestyanek Young

May 25th, 2022

1:19:41

Daniella Mestyanek Young is an American author and speaker born into the religious cult The Children of God. Daniella served as an Intelligence …

Surviving Trafficking w/ Megan Lundstrom

May 18th, 2022

1:37:42

CONTENT WARNING: Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking

Megan Lundstrom is the Co-Founder and Director of Research at The Avery Center, an organization that creates trauma-informed services backed by survivor-led sex …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Reflections From The Edge of The World w/ Kelly Weill

May 13th, 2022

12:48

This is just a sample of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in full by becoming a member at:

Chief Management Authority w/ Satpavan Kaur Khalsa pt. 2

May 11th, 2022

1:11:31

Sat Pavan Kaur was born into the 3HO community and Sikh Religion. She spent her childhood moving around to various 3HO communities.
At the age of 8, …

The Chaos & Contradiction of 3HO w/ Satpavan Kaur Khalsa pt. 1

May 4th, 2022

2:12:58

Sat Pavan Kaur was born into the 3HO community and Sikh Religion. She spent her childhood moving around to various 3HO communities. At the age of 8, …

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Potential Trouble Source w/ Kernan Coleman

April 29th, 2022

11:24

Kernan Coleman is a critical thinking activist and advocate for scientific skepticism from Santa Rosa, CA where he works as a branding and design …

From Buddhist Practice to Malpractice w/Dan Lawton

April 27th, 2022

46:28

Dan Lawton is a mindfulness instructor and writer, with a specific interest in the adverse effects of meditation practice. Dan is a certified …

The Messy World of Mindfulness w/ Dan Lawton

April 20th, 2022

43:10

Dan Lawton is a mindfulness instructor and writer, with a specific interest in the adverse effects of meditation practice. Dan is a certified …

PATREON BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: An Imagined Tragic Destiny w/ Thomas

April 15th, 2022

11:45

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the show in its entirety by becoming a member at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Thomas grew up in Denmark with a covert narcissist mother who …

Dormitory Predator w/ Daniel Barban Levin Pt. 2

April 13th, 2022

1:00:58

CONTENT WARNING: SEXUAL ASSAULT

Daniel Levin is an award-winning writer living in Los Angeles. He holds an MFA in poetry from the University of …

A Master Class in Manipulation w/ Daniel Barban Levin Pt. 1

April 6th, 2022

49:52

Daniel Levin is an award-winning writer living in Los Angeles. He holds an MFA in poetry from the University of California, Irvine, where he taught …

BONUS EPISODE SAMPLE- Laying Down the Armor w/ Chris Buckley

April 1st, 2022

11:10

This is just a preview of this week's Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in full by becoming a member at:

Sugar Coated Panacea w/ Dr. Willoughby Britton

March 30th, 2022

58:14

Willoughby Britton Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University Medical School, and …

Invisible Virtue w/ Willoughby Britton Ph.D.

March 23rd, 2022

58:13

Willoughby Britton Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University Medical School, and …

Owning Your Autonomy w/ Journey Into Yoga Cults

March 16th, 2022

1:19:36

Rachel Nelson, Chelle Swierz, and Melissa Longfellow were all teachers and leaders for many years in the Baptiste Yoga organization - a high-control …

Trauma Bond Pose w/ Journey Into Yoga Cults

March 9th, 2022

1:03:03

Rachel Nelson, Chelle Swierz, and Melissa Longfellow were all teachers and leaders for many years in the Baptiste Yoga organization - a high-control …

Self Help Hostage w/ Kelly Thiel

March 2nd, 2022

55:44

Kelly Thiel is a highly sought-after speaker and consultant to families and organizations regarding high-demand groups, cults, and narcissistic …

Collateral Damage w/ India Oxenberg

February 23rd, 2022

49:09

India Oxenberg is a successful film producer, writer, and actress. India is a national ambassador for RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National …

Survivorship w/ India Oxenberg

February 16th, 2022

49:43

India Oxenberg is a successful film producer, writer, and actress. India is a national ambassador for RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National …

Qanon Casualties w/ Jitarth Jadeja

February 9th, 2022

1:02:20

Jitarth Jadeja is a former QAnon follower and current moderator of a Reddit group with over 200K followers called QAnon Casualties. Residing in …

Multi-Layered Trauma w/ Jon Sawyer

February 2nd, 2022

50:22

Jon Sawyer was raised in two homes influenced by both high-demand religion and secular worldviews. Prior to his parent's divorce at the age of four, …

Parental Paradox w/ Jon Sawyer

January 26th, 2022

54:25

Jon Sawyer was raised in two homes influenced by both high-demand religion and secular worldviews. Prior to his parent's divorce at the age of four, …

Abuse with a Smile w/ Emily

January 19th, 2022

47:18

Emily is a former member of C3 NYC where she endured three years of pastoral abuse. Her account @C3ChurchWatch on Instagram was created in June 2020 as an effort to stop the harassment she was experiencing. She did not …

Analyzing Extremism w/ Mark Potok

January 12th, 2022

42:56

Mark Potok is an internationally renowned expert on the American radical right, who, for 20 years helped lead the legendary Southern Poverty Law Center in exposing hate groups, right-wing terrorism, and the rapidly …

Radical Research w/ Mark Potok

January 5th, 2022

55:40

Mark Potok is an internationally renowned expert on the American radical right who, for 20 years, helped lead the legendary Southern Poverty Law Center in exposing hate groups, right-wing terrorism, and the rapidly …

Comrade Cover-Up w/ Jacob

December 29th, 2021

43:32

Jacob is a socialist community organizer living in Philadelphia. He helps run the Community Action Relief Project (CARP), a mutual aid organization committed to sharing resources and redistributing wealth throughout the …

Sharp Edged Party Line w/ Jacob

December 22nd, 2021

40:52

Jacob is a socialist community organizer living in Philadelphia. He helps run the Community Action Relief Project (CARP), a mutual aid organization committed to sharing resources and redistributing wealth throughout the …

A Gospel of Neglect w/Anna

December 15th, 2021

45:05

Anna grew up in a fundamentalist Christian family as part of the Quiverfull movement. She and her 6 siblings were not allowed to attend school and …

A Quiver Full of Trauma w/ Anna

December 8th, 2021

49:15

CONTENT WARNING: Depictions of Sexual Assault
Anna grew up in a fundamentalist Christian family as part of the Quiverfull movement. She and her 6 …

Multi-Level Manipulation w/ Roberta Blevins

December 1st, 2021

47:44

Returning this week is Roberta Blevins, a former "Hun", who left the MLM world in 2017 and began publicly educating and speaking out against it. In …

Toxic Boss Babe Culture w/ Roberta Blevins

November 24th, 2021

52:41

This week's guest, Roberta Blevins is a former "Hun", who left the MLM world in 2017 and began publicly educating and speaking out against it. In her …

Trust Me w/ Lola Blanc & Meagan Elizabeth

November 17th, 2021

57:32

Lola Blanc is a singer/songwriter, filmmaker, actress, and cult survivor. Her single “Angry Too” has over 20 million streams on Spotify, and as a …

Covert Emotional Sadism w/ Thomas

November 10th, 2021

42:53

Returning this week is Thomas who grew up in Denmark with a covert narcissist mother who kept him socially isolated, emotionally abused him, and …

Future Faking w/Thomas

November 3rd, 2021

38:50

Our guest this week, Thomas, is from Denmark, and grew up alone with a covert narcissist mother who kept him socially isolated, emotionally abused …

Navigating the Minefields of your Mind w/ Claire Headley

October 27th, 2021

52:15

Our returning guest, Claire Headley was born and raised in Scientology and joined Scientology's "Sea Organization" at 16, including signing a …

A Cadet's Life in the Sea Org w/Claire Headley

October 20th, 2021

1:16:59

This week's guest, Claire Headley was born and raised in Scientology and joined Scientology's "Sea Organization" at 16, including signing a …

Magik Flavored Psychology w/Spike Robinson

October 13th, 2021

52:45

This week's guest, Spike Robinson was born in the wilds of New Jersey and raised in bustling, metropolitan Vermont, she began her educational career …

MindShift w/Dr. Clint Heacock

October 6th, 2021

51:06

This week we are proud to present a crossover episode with Dr. Clint Heacock, of the MindShift podcast. Dr. Heacock is an ex-evangelical pastor and …

Fighting Hate w/Marilyn Mayo

September 29th, 2021

52:13

This week's guest, Marilyn Mayo, is the Research Fellow at the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Center on Extremism. Marilyn is an expert on right-wing extremists in the United States, ranging from white supremacists to …

A Complicated Cookie w/ Beth Matenaer

September 22nd, 2021

1:06:15

Our guest this week, Beth Matenaer, is a licensed professional counselor and trauma therapist living in South Carolina, who has worked with adults, …

Narconon, and On and On... w/ Pam

September 15th, 2021

54:01

In the late 1970s, while Pam was in college, she got involved with Scientology doing many courses and counseling with them. She stayed in Scientology …

Narconon, Pain, and Perseverance w/ Pam

September 8th, 2021

44:38

In the late 1970s, while Pam was in College, she got involved with Scientology doing many courses and counseling with them. She stayed in Scientology …

Sat Yoga Exposed w/Govinda

September 1st, 2021

1:02:05

This week's guest Govinda describes himself as a modern mystic committed to spiritual growth and enlightenment while simultaneously learning to be a …

A Close Call w/ Zoe Scurletis

August 25th, 2021

55:08

This week's guest, Zoe Scurletis is a young professional who is currently based out of Austin, Texas. For most of her adult life, Zoe battled …

Leaving The Family Compound w/ Cody & Kandi

August 18th, 2021

1:02:08

This week's guests Cody & Kandi are a married couple from a small town in the Ozarks, located near the Arkansas-Missouri border. They met and …

Deception In The Dojo w/ Rob from McDojo Life

August 11th, 2021

1:03:12

This week's guest Rob has been training in martial arts for over 24 years and has earned a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Karate and a Purple Belt in …

A Witness To Homophobia w/ Geoff Law

August 4th, 2021

52:06

CONTENT WARNING: SUICIDAL IDEATION

Our guest this week, Geoff Law, was raised a Jehovah's Witness in Northern California. As a Witness, he spent 35 years devoted to bible research using only Witness-approved …

Weapons of Information w/Olga Yurkova

July 28th, 2021

51:51

Our guest this week is Olga Yurkova from Ukraine. Olga edits the Context and Opinions sections of StopFake.org. She teaches different audiences how …

Playhouse Abuses w/ Andrea Geones and Michael Laskin

July 21st, 2021

50:01

Returning this week are actors, Andrea Geones and Michael Laskin. Andrea and Michael teamed up to create a code of ethics for acting classes with one goal in mind: to create a safe and healthy environment for actors and …

Hero Worship w/ Andrea Geones and Michael Laskin

July 14th, 2021

50:04

This week our guests are Andrea Geones and Michael Laskin. Andrea and Michael teamed up to create a code of ethics for acting classes with one goal in mind: to create a safe and healthy environment for actors. After …

Picking Up The Pieces Of Yourself w/ Lisa

July 7th, 2021

56:32

Lisa got out of a small, suburban, new age, therapy-based group in 2016, which she had joined as a 19-year-old, single mother. This high-demand group …

Cognitive Shift w/ Chris & Melissa Buckley

June 30th, 2021

1:07:48

Christopher Buckley of LaFayette, GA is an Afghanistan and Iraqi war veteran. When he returned from Iraq, he joined the Georgia White Knights as an Imperial Nighthawk, because their anti-Muslim and racist values were …

Crazy Wise Guys w/Jonathan Hirsch

June 23rd, 2021

1:01:03

As an independent producer, reporter, and sound designer, Jonathan Hirsch has produced hundreds of long-form audio works for NPR, Vox, NBC, Fusion Media Group, and many others. He is a recipient of the Green Eyeshade, …

Too Cultish For Comfort w/ Amanda Montell

June 16th, 2021

1:07:33

Amanda Montell is a writer, language scholar, and podcast host from Baltimore. She is the author of Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, about the …

Extremism Is Like A Drug w/ Chris Buckley

June 9th, 2021

1:16:38

CW: Sexual violence against children

Christopher Buckley of LaFayette, GA is an Afghanistan and Iraqi war veteran. When he returned from Iraq, he …

Spiritually Advised Neglect w/ Lauren Hunter

June 2nd, 2021

45:59

This week's guest is a fourth-generation Christian Scientist. Lauren Hunter is a freelance writer, consultant, and entrepreneur. She is the author of …

Living Between Two Worlds w/Elli

May 26th, 2021

52:59

Elli was raised a third-generation Christian Scientist in Southern California. She left the religion in her late teens and discovered it was a cult …

Suppressing Emotions w/ Elli

May 19th, 2021

35:11

Elli was raised a third-generation Christian Scientist in Southern California. She left the religion in her late teens and discovered it was a cult …

"It's not Christian, and it's not science" w/Elli

May 12th, 2021

38:29

Elli was raised a third-generation Christian Scientist in Southern California. She left the religion in her late teens and discovered it was a cult …

"I don't know who I am anymore" w/ Rachel and Erin Alder

May 5th, 2021

1:01:47

Rachel and Erin Alder are a married couple from Seattle. Shortly after they met they became entangled in a situation within AA where their …

"If it's negative, it's a lie" w/ Erin and Rachel Alder

April 28th, 2021

56:42

Rachel and Erin Alder are a married couple from Seattle. Shortly after they met they became entangled in a situation within AA where their …

Mining For Vulnerabilities w/ Erin and Rachel Alder

April 21st, 2021

1:03:47

Rachel and Erin Alder are a married couple from Seattle. Shortly after they met they became entangled in a situation within AA where their …

Spiritual Meshugas Of Nothing w/Robbie Balonick

April 14th, 2021

51:05

Robbie Balonick was raised in a non-religious, household, in middle America in the 1950s and 60s. She was a lifelong seeker who was looking for Truth …

Cult Classics w/ Paula Poundstone and Adam Felber

April 7th, 2021

47:53

In a special crossover episode, this week we are airing Rachel's interview on Nobody Listens to Paula Poundston‪e‬. Paula, along with her co-host …

Raised on Avatar w/Dimitri

March 31st, 2021

1:00:06

This week's guest Dimitri is the son of our previous guest Ariela Sarai. He was introduced to the cultic environment of Avatar courses by his mother …

Micro-Compromises of Integrity w/Ariela Sarai

March 24th, 2021

54:21

Micro-Compromises of Integrity w/Ariela Sarai
After graduating from Columbia University, Ariela spent almost two years in India, first volunteering …

Behind The Avatar w/Ariela Sarai

March 17th, 2021

56:17

After graduating from Columbia University, Ariela spent almost two years in India, first volunteering for Mother Teresa then studying Tibetan …

Therapy without Boundaries w/Jonathan

March 10th, 2021

55:04

When today's guest Jonathan was 15, he felt lost, alone, and unable to voice the feelings and thoughts that were troubling him. The domestic roles he …

Manipulative Therapy w/ Jonathan

March 3rd, 2021

1:01:54

When today's guest Jonathan was 15, he felt lost, alone, and unable to voice the feelings and thoughts that were troubling him. The domestic roles he …

In between Knowledge and Mystery w/Daniel Ice

February 24th, 2021

57:03

Daniel is an entrepreneur and was raised inside the church. His journey into understanding the nature of fraud and its application to religion started when he was excommunicated from his church for exposing sexual …

Behind Heaven's Gate: Examining a Tragedy

February 17th, 2021

37:15

In a special episode, this week Rachel speaks about Heaven's Gate, the UFO religious cult based near San Diego, California. Founded in 1974. Rachel …

Collective Disassociation w/ Dan Shaw

February 10th, 2021

41:47

Dan Shaw is a licensed clinical social worker and a psychoanalyst in private practice in New York City and in Nyack New York. He was originally trained as an actor at Northwestern University with the renowned teacher …

Traumatic Narcissism in Politics w/ Dan Shaw

February 3rd, 2021

55:56

Dan Shaw is a licensed clinical social worker and a psychoanalyst in private practice in New York City and in Nyack New York. He was originally trained as an actor at Northwestern University with the renowned teacher …

Shrink Chicks Crossover Episode w/Emmalee Bierly, LMFT & Jennifer Chaiken, LMFT

January 27th, 2021

1:04:10

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Co-owners of The Therapy Group, Emmalee Bierly and Jennifer Chaiken are the hosts of Shrink Chicks Podcast. They invited Rachel on their show after seeing her in the STARZ …

Charmed by a Narcissist w/Lola Binkerd

January 13th, 2021

42:48

Lola Binkerd is an Author and Actress who was born and raised as a fourth-generation member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints …

A Girl in a Patriarchy w/ Lola Binkerd

January 6th, 2021

49:52

Lola Binkerd is an Author and Actress who was born and raised as a fourth-generation member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints …

Facilitating Abuse w/ Stacie Stukin & Phillip Deslippe

December 30th, 2020

1:02:10

Stacie Stukin is an arts and culture journalist who grew up in Los Angeles. She was a contributing editor at Yoga Journal and she’s also written …

Hidden Darkness Behind a White Robe w/ Stacie Stukin & Phillip Deslippe

December 23rd, 2020

53:16

Stacie Stukin is an arts and culture journalist who grew up in Los Angeles. She was a contributing editor at Yoga Journal and she’s also written …

Fraud as Indoctrination w/ Daniel Ice

December 16th, 2020

44:12

Daniel is an entrepreneur and was raised inside the church. His journey into understanding the nature of fraud and its application to religion started when he was excommunicated from his church for exposing sexual …

Beyond The 12 Steps w/Brooke Knaack

December 9th, 2020

1:03:26

Brooke Knaack is a licensed marriage and family therapist and registered art therapist based in Los Angeles who has over ten years of clinical experience. She currently sees clients at her private practice where she …

The Troubled Teen Industry w/ Caroline Lorson

December 2nd, 2020

52:58

Caroline Lorson is a survivor of the troubled teen industry. At the age of 14, she was forcibly removed from her home in Southern California by two …

#Breaking Code Silence w/ Caroline Lorson

November 25th, 2020

59:50

Caroline Lorson is a survivor of the troubled teen industry. At the age of 14, she was forcibly removed from her home in Southern California by two …

The "Healing" Industry w/ Erin Aquarian

November 18th, 2020

1:00:05

Erin Aquarian is an artist and musician living in Portland, Oregon. Around the age of 26, she began to explore spirituality, particularly witchcraft, …

3HO's House of Fallen Cards w/Jules Hartley

November 11th, 2020

1:07:13

After four successful years of working on TV shows and films in New York City, Jules Hartley thought it would be a good idea for her to move to LA.

A …

The Consolidation of Church and State w/ Tammie Willis

November 4th, 2020

59:36

Returning guest Tammie Willis grew up in a cultic Christian fundamentalist church which was steeped in methods of control based on fear, coercion, …

The "Truth" Rundown w/Chris Shelton

October 21st, 2020

1:11:53

Chris Shelton is an author, podcaster, and former member of the Church of Scientology's upper echelon, the Sea Organization. Since leaving …

Hearing What Wasn't Said w/ Audrey Brewer

October 14th, 2020

1:00:03

Returning guest, Audrey Brewer, is a marketing manager who found herself in a beauty-based MLM until she realized how entangled her life had become. …

Positive Indoctrination w/ Nat Gertler

October 7th, 2020

57:18

Author Nat Gertler is the publisher of the About Comics line and a "professional peanuts nerd". He has written over a hundred comic book stories and has twice been nominated for Comic-Con's Eisner Award. He went on to …

Thought Stopping Techniques w/Tammie Willis

September 30th, 2020

1:04:20

Tammie Willis grew up in a Christian fundamentalist church in Virginia that she now knows was a cult by the ways in which it abused and controlled …

Recognizing The Patterns w/ Mark Vicente

September 23rd, 2020

59:32

Mark Vicente is an author, speaker, and award-winning Writer/Director/Producer most well-known for directing the sleeper documentary hit "What The Bleep Do We Know?!" Being born in apartheid-era South Africa, and …

Covert Violence w/ Mark Vicente

September 16th, 2020

1:07:24

Mark Vicente is an author, speaker, and award-winning Writer/Director/Producer most well-known for directing the sleeper documentary hit "What The Bleep Do We Know?!" Being born in apartheid-era South Africa, and …

Save The Children? The Cultic Ideas of QAnon

September 9th, 2020

31:06

In this week's episode, Rachel gives her unique perspective on QAnon, a far-right conspiracy theory whose dangerous and cult-like ideas are spreading …

Coming Out, Anew w/Todd Brown

September 2nd, 2020

49:09

Todd Brown continues telling his story of recovery as an ex-member of the independent sect of Sufism called Sufi Dayemi Tariqat. He describes the abuse he endured from the guru who continually belittled Todd for not …

Decision Deception w/ Todd Brown

August 26th, 2020

1:01:29

Todd Brown is an ex-member of an independent sect of Sufism called Sufi Dayemi Tariqat. He reclaimed his identity as a gay man after 23 years with the group. He is currently working towards his PhD and hopes to help …

Indoctrination with Rachel Bernstein, LMFT (TRAILER)

August 19th, 2020

3:17

Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control.

I’m Rachel Bernstein, LMFT. …

Undoing The Process w/ Jonathan DePeyer

August 19th, 2020

1:09:17

Jonathan DePeyer is a professional counselor who grew up in an organization called The Process Church of The Final Judgment later known as The Foundation, a religious group established in the United Kingdom in 1966 that …

Thought Adjusters w/ Maria Peregolise

August 12th, 2020

1:05:33

Author and Educator Maria Peregolise grew up as the daughter of a "spiritual prophet". A follower of The Urantia Book, her father used the theology …

Campus Coercion w/ Eric Navas

August 5th, 2020

47:50

Eric Navas is a graduate of Cal State Dominguez Hills. It is there where he got involved with the group University Bible Fellowship, an organization …

Investing in Yourself with Audrey Brewer, former multi-level marketer - S5E15pt2

July 22nd, 2020

57:36

Audrey Brewer lives in the Carolinas and is a resource for homeless women and girls. This week she continues telling her story about working in multi …

Success, At Any Cost w/ Audrey Brewer, former multi-level marketer - S5E15pt1

July 15th, 2020

1:05:36

Audrey was formerly a high-ranking member of a multi-level marketing scheme. She was drawn to the opportunity to start paying off her student debts. …

Denying my Dissociation w/ Dr. Michelle Haslam, ex-New Kadampa Tradition - S5E14pt2

July 8th, 2020

49:57

Dr. Michelle Haslam offers her personal experience with a self-described 'modern Buddhist' group called The New Kadampa Tradition. She has produced lots of educational materials that explain the process of …

Diagnosing My Own Thoughts w/ Dr. Michelle Haslam, ex-New Kadampa Tradition - S5E14pt1

July 1st, 2020

56:56

Dr. Michelle Haslam is a clinical psychologist who became involved with The New Kadampa Tradition in 2016 while living in the Nagarjuna Kadampa …

Paving the Way Forward w/ Carey and Chris Peck - S5E13pt2

June 24th, 2020

56:16

Rachel finishes part two of a conversation with the Peck family. Carey and Chris Peck continue to talk about social justice and intervention, the influence of the media on social issues, and the legacy of their Academy …

An Impeccable Legacy w/ Carey Peck and Chris Peck, social justice activists and educators - S5E13pt1

June 17th, 2020

59:13

Two generations of social activists discuss the legacy of Gregory Peck, famously known for many films including his role as Atticus Finch in To Kill …

A Passion for Saving People w/ Lucas Catton, ex-President of Narconon - S5E11pt2

May 27th, 2020

58:10

Scientology famously takes its members' best talents and passions and tries to make the most of them. For Lucas Catton, that came in the form of his …

The 'Gateway Group' w/ Lucas Catton ex-Narconon President - S5E11pt1

May 20th, 2020

56:48

Lucas Catton is a former Scientologist who got recruited through their Narconon Rehabilitation Program at a place formerly known as Chilocco in …

Down the Rabbit Hole: Conspiracy Theories w/ Kelly Weill, Daily Beast reporter - S5E10

May 13th, 2020

52:19

Kelly Weill is a reporter at The Daily Beast where she covers disinformation, the far right, and internet culture. She is currently at work on a book …

It's A Trap! w/ Roisin Kearney, Director of "Run" - S5E9pt2

May 6th, 2020

1:08:42

In part 2 of our interview with Irish filmmaker Roisin Kearney, we cover a lot of ground and she also talks about how shocked she was to discover …

We Have To See It To Believe It? w/ Roisin Kearney, Director of "Run" - S5E9pt1

April 29th, 2020

57:51

Roisin Kearney is an Irish filmmaker from Dublin, Ireland whose most recent film sheds light on the issue of domestic violence. "Run", co-directed …

A Secret & Sacred Reunion w/ Sarabeth Kapusta and Cyndy Rudd - S5E4pt3

April 22nd, 2020

1:02:55

When Sarabeth felt ready to leave her Bible-based cult, one of the first things she wanted to do was talk to her mom, Cyndy. Today we finish the …

Ashamed of Being a Woman w/ Sarabeth Kapusta, survivor - S5E4pt2

April 15th, 2020

1:02:05

Earlier in the season, Rachel spoke with Cyndy Rudd: a mother who fought to free her daughter from not one, but two cultic situations. This week we …

The Empathetic Intervention w/ Joe Szimhart - S5E8

April 7th, 2020

1:04:03

Joe Szimhart found his path to cultic studies through his art community in Santa Fe and the Agni Yoga Society. Here he met Margaret Singer of the …

The Worst Insult to Actual Religion w/ Jamie DeWolf - S5E6pt2

March 9th, 2020

1:15:32

CW: violence & terrorism

Artist & activist Jamie DeWolf returns for part two of his interview to discuss how cult mechanics have been used to …

Catnip for Cult Leaders, w/ Jamie DeWolf - S5E6pt1

March 5th, 2020

57:39

Jamie DeWolf, performer and activist, updates us on his most recent projects and discusses how pride plays a role in being susceptible to a cult.

Learning to Feel Again w/ Katharina Meredith, ex-Licthoase - S5E5pt3

February 24th, 2020

43:45

Katharina Meredith grew up quickly from the age of 10-20 in a New Age cult. After leaving, marrying and becoming pregnant, she experienced …

My Conscience on Survival Mode w/ Katharina Meredith, ex-Lichtoase - S5E5pt2

February 17th, 2020

1:02:23

CW: Abuse against minors

Katharina Meredith grew up in a New Age cult from age 10 years old until 20. This week in the second part of her episode, she …

The Experiment w/ Katharina Meredith ex-Lichtoase (Light Oasis) cult - S5E5pt1

February 9th, 2020

56:17

CW: Abuse against children

Katharina Meredith is a PhD student studying subjects like Community Psychology and Extremism after spending her childhood …

No Match For A Mother's Love w/ Cyndy Rudd - S5E4pt1

February 2nd, 2020

1:07:28

Today’s guest is Cyndy Rudd. She works as a receptionist and says she is best described as an “ordinary person with an extraordinary story”. Eleven years ago she found herself in a crisis...needing to get herself and …

Never Defend, Always Attack w/ Sands Hall - S5E1pt2

January 29th, 2020

1:04:49

Continuing her conversation, Sands Hall gives her perspective on Scientology's defense mechanism: "never defend, always attack". Hall is a playwright …

Let God Decide the Demons - Hannah Watkins, ex-Move of God - S5E3pt2

January 18th, 2020

1:01:57

Hannah Watkins continues her story of how she gradually created distance from a life written for her by a rigid interpretation of scripture. She …

Lost in 'the Move' w/ Hannah Watkins - S5E3pt1

January 12th, 2020

57:58

Hannah Watkins was born into ‘the Move’ of God and spent her first 18 years in the organization. Led by Sam Fife, the group separated itself as a branch of the Baptist Church in the late 60’s.

Luckily, Hannah’s …

Connection and Compassion w/ Rabbi Ed Feinstein - S5E2

January 3rd, 2020

1:10:39

Senior Rabbi Ed Feinstein of Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, California serves on the faculty of the Ziegler Rabbinical School of the American Jewish …

Taking Back Time w/ Sands Hall, ex-Scientologist - S5E1

December 29th, 2019

59:21

Today we begin a new year! For many, this is a much needed fresh start. Sands Hall, playwright and author of "Reclaiming my Decade Lost in …

The Reason for the Season w/ Aziza Hasan, Muslim-Jewish coalition - S4E16

December 22nd, 2019

1:04:16

How do you give the gift of peace? Aziza Hasan is the Executive Director of a program called NewGround, a Muslim-Jewish partnership for change. …

Sorry, Not Sorry. w/ Sarah Landry, ex-Nithyananda (Kailaasa) - S4E15

December 17th, 2019

56:13

Sarah Landry recently appeared on the show to share her story from Nithyananda's ashram. The self-styled guru has now fled the country after police …

Do I Stay or Do I Go? w/ Rachel Bernstein, LMFT - S4E14pt2

December 11th, 2019

39:22

How do you get strong enough to leave someone when you've felt shaky for so long? Narcissists have a way of pushing your needs aside and making you believe that decisions you make for yourself are the wrong ones. Rachel …

Parasitic Relationships w/ Rachel Bernstein, LMFT - S4E14pt1

December 1st, 2019

54:45

Have you ever wanted to know what it's like to be with a narcissist? Rachel walks us through a deep psychoanalysis of narcissistic types; tying in real stories from her experience as a therapist.

Learn tips to …

Escape from Rehab w/ Samantha Eidson, ex-Narconon - S4E13pt2

November 25th, 2019

50:07

While working the night staff at Narconon in downtown LA during the riots, Samantha Eidson realized that Scientology's rehab program didn't care …

Sweating it out at Narconon w/ Samantha Eidson ex-Scientology - S4E13pt1

November 16th, 2019

48:50

Narconon is a Scientology organization that is disguised as rehabilitative care-- with treatments like having to spend many hours in a sauna and …

Nithyananda Around My Neck w/ Sarah Landry - S4E12pt2

November 14th, 2019

1:02:26

CW: physical & sexual assault against youth

Sarah Landry continues the story of her troubling times in and outside of Nithyananda's cult. Wearing …

Swami of the Thoughtless Zone w/ Sarah Landry, ex-Nithyananda cult - S4E12pt1

November 4th, 2019

1:03:28

CW: physical & sexual assault against youth

Sarah Landry first discovered Nithyananda at his Vancouver branch, though much of her story takes …

Detouring My Depression w/ Vanessa LaRose - S4E11pt2

October 26th, 2019

58:27

Vanessa LaRose's father worked extremely hard to hire a Scientology counselor because it was the only other option within the rules of the group that …

Join Vanessa LaRose as she exits Scientology - S4E11pt1

October 15th, 2019

58:49

After being disconnected from her Scientologist parents for some time, Vanessa LaRose has decided it's finally time to break ties with the "church". …

An Impossible Mission w/ Stacey Aviva Flint, ex-ICOC - S4E8pt2

October 14th, 2019

1:01:21

Stacey Aviva Flint continues sharing her story about her mission to Kenya with the International Churches of Christ. Her one year trip became two years, as she was forced, unexpectedly, to pay her own way after dropping …

There's a Body Count to Magical Thinking w/ Kernan Coleman, critical thinking activist - S4E10

October 8th, 2019

1:12:14

Kernan Coleman became an activist and critical thinking advocate after losing loved ones who denied the existence of HIV though they were effected. …

Agitation & Acceleration w/ Stephen Kent, sociologist - S4E9pt2

October 1st, 2019

50:37

Stephen Kent is currently a professor of religious studies and sociology of religion at the University of Alberta in Canada. He continues with …

Cult Techniques Spilling into Politics w/ Stephen Kent, sociologist - S4E9pt1

September 24th, 2019

53:18

Stephen Kent is currently a professor of religious studies and sociology of religion at the University of Alberta in Canada. He shares the knowledge …

Starting from Scratch w/ Stacey Aviva Flint, ex-ICOC - S4E8pt1

September 16th, 2019

1:06:20

Stacey Aviva Flint was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was a spiritual seeker from a young age though her family wasn't tied to a religion. …

Pulling Back the Curtain w/ Claudine, ex-Mormon - S4E7pt2

September 10th, 2019

1:02:23

When Claudine began to feel that she no longer believed the teachings, she realized that part of Mormon testimony was to avoid "anti-Mormon" literature. Passing up their guilt, Claudine and her husband uncovered …

Consistency is Key w/ Claudine, ex-Mormon - S4E7pt1

September 3rd, 2019

55:11

After her grandmother passed away, Claudine found peace in her new reality through her faith in Mormonism. Her oldest son, Ian, didn't find the same …

Manufacturing Drama w/ Megan, Chicago theater co. - S4E6pt2

August 27th, 2019

1:07:15

CW: physical & sexual abuse

Left without help from her family and friends, Megan had only her workplace to depend on. In part two, Rachel and Megan talk about how her financial and emotional dependence was taken …

An Abusive Act w/ Megan, Chicago theater co. - S4E6pt1

August 20th, 2019

55:55

CW: Domestic and sexual violence

Megan spent ten years in Chicago's off-Loop DIY theatre scene as an actor, playwright, costume designer and …

Betrayal and Power w/ Nitai Joseph, former Hare Krishna - S4E5

August 13th, 2019

1:00:30

Nitai Joseph was a part of a Hare Krishna offshoot sect called Audarya, led by Swami Tripurari in California. He currently studies the power of …

Moon & Machine w/ Teddy Hose - S4E4pt2

August 6th, 2019

49:03

Teddy Hose is a motion graphics artist and writer who grew up in the Unification Church, also known as the “Moonies”. He expands on the militaristic …

Our Politics Remind Me of the Moonies w/ Teddy Hose - S4E4pt1

July 29th, 2019

55:27

Teddy Hose is a motion graphics artist and writer who grew up in the Unification Church of self-proclaimed messiah, Sun Myung Moon—or the “Moonies”.

While its membership and businesses run worldwide, Teddy’s family …

Organizing Justice w/ Samantha Manewitz, social worker - S4E3

July 23rd, 2019

1:02:53

Samantha Manewitz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and educator, and AASECT certified social worker currently based in Massachusetts. Rachel and Samantha discuss harm reduction and the processes of restorative and …

Walking Through an Imbalanced World w/ Brie Loskota, USC Director of CRCC - S4E2

July 21st, 2019

1:07:11

Brie Loskota, from the University of Southern California's Center for Religion and Civic Culture, explains 'capacity building' and how it empowers …

Asking the Right Questions w/ Mike Kropveld, "infosecte"(infocult) - S4E1

July 9th, 2019

1:14:46

Listen in on a discussion with cult expert Mike Kropveld from Quebec, and his organization InfoCult. Quebec has cults too. They just operate in …

Is Ending My Life The Only Way Out? w/ April, ex-Scientology - S3E15pt2

July 2nd, 2019

1:01:15

Body language and speech are the tools we need to use to express nuanced feelings. But in Scientology and other groups like it, those who express …

Escaping NXIVM w/ Catherine Oxenberg Re-Release - S2E4pt1

June 22nd, 2019

56:23

IndoctriNation presents its first re-release from 10 months ago, when Rachel was joined by Catherine Oxenberg who had been fighting to pull her …

"You Only Know What You Know" w/ April, ex-Scientology - S3E15pt1

June 18th, 2019

1:15:56

April’s former fear of psychology, medication, therapy, and even yoga were ingrained from a young age as she grew up in the Church of Scientology. …

To Err Is Human, To Forgive Divine w/ Chanon Bloch on post-Apartheid - S3E13pt2

June 11th, 2019

1:09:20

This episode, titled after the Alexander Pope quote, is a small component to a deeply thought out response from Chanon Bloch and Rachel. After receiving large amounts of both positive and negative comments, the two …

National Racism and Fear w/ Chanon Bloch, on post-Apartheid - S3E13

May 21st, 2019

56:42

CW: racism

Chanon Bloch takes our show in a new direction. Growing up in the peak of Apartheid (born 1957), he reflects on his childhood to unravel …

If Hubbard Didn't Write It, It's Not True w/ Joey Chait, ex-Scientology - S3E12pt2

May 14th, 2019

52:33

Joey continues telling his story; presenting an internal system that is morally falling apart on itself. He shares details from the intense, …

Crossing the Bridge w/ Joey Chait, ex-Scientology - S3E12pt1

May 7th, 2019

55:15

Joey Chait was born into Scientology-- but this belief system did not welcome him as is. Though his parents were high in the ranks and had crossed …

Charisma over Content w/ Ron Burks, ex-Gold Coast Covenant Church - S3E11pt2

April 30th, 2019

1:01:19

The Gold Coast Covenant "Church" had 50,000 members at the time Ron Burks was among the congregation; and it still exists today by twisting beloved …

Accepting Your Deception w/ Ron Burks, ex-Gold Coast Covenant Church - S3E11pt1

April 23rd, 2019

51:22

Working as a substance abuse and mental health counsellor, Ron Burks began to draw neurological connections between reactions to reward, addiction, …

ONE YEAR Call-In Anniversary Show - S3E10

April 15th, 2019

1:07:43

Rachel answers questions from her frequent listeners and Patreon subscribers. She will be sharing tips on confronting manipulation in your …

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