IndoctriNation

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein discusses the intricacies and potential dangers of the wellness industry with Hayley Krischer, an award-winning journalist and author. They dive deep into topics such as evaluating safe therapy, recognizing red flags in mental health care, and Hayley’s latest YA book, 'You Belong to Me,' which explores the influence of cult-like wellness companies. She sha...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this continuation of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein delves into the disturbing world of online cults and their sophisticated mechanisms of coercion and exploitation. The discussion highlights the psychological m...

In this insightful episode, Rachel Bernstein interviews Lara Kaput, a whistleblower and former Jehovah's Witness. Lara shares her journey from being born into the Jehovah's Witnesses to leaving at 19 and becoming an advocate for survivors of abuse within the organization. She discusses the emotional, psychological, and financial toll of being a whistleblower, including the lack of governme...

In this enlightening episode, Rachel welcomes back Dr. Peter Salerno, a trauma specialist and award-winning author, for a deep dive into the complexities of narcissism and its manifestations in both children and adults. Building on their previous conversation, they explore the intricacies of identifying narcissistic traits at a young age and the implications of these behaviors on personal developm...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this eye-opening bonus episode, we dive into the alarming world of online cults and their insidious methods of targeting vulnerable children. As the digital age evolves, so do the tactics of manipulation and control, making it crucial...

In this powerful episode, Rachel welcomes Jessi Hersey, a courageous author and cult survivor, to share her transformative journey from the Twin Flames Universe cult. Jessi opens up about her experiences within the group, detailing the emotional manipulation and love bombing that initially drew her in, only to later reveal the toxic underbelly of the organization. Her candid reflections on the mir...

In this thought-provoking episode, Rachel welcomes back Nikki G, a certified trauma recovery coach and advocate for survivors of religious trauma and cult involvement. Together, they delve into the alarming rise of Project 2025 and its implications for personal agency, societal control, and the fabric of democracy in America. Nikki shares her insights as a survivor of multiple cults, emphasizing t...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this insightful continuation of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode, Rachel dives deeper into the phenomenon of "cult hopping," exploring the intricate patterns that lead individuals from one controlling group to another. She...

In this captivating episode, Rachel sits down with Claire Hoffman, journalist and author of the memoir Greetings from Utopia Park, to explore the enigmatic life of Aimee Semple McPherson, a pioneering female evangelist whose influence still resonates today. Claire delves into McPherson's rise to fame, her charismatic preaching style, and the scandal surrounding her mysterious disappearance in...

In the latest episode, Rachel continues her enlightening dialogue with Jon Atack, a prominent expert on authoritarian cults. This episode serves as a critical reminder of the psychological tactics that leaders employ to manipulate their followers, often leading them to act against their own interests. The conversation kicks off with Rachel and Jon discussing the nature of leadership and the subtle...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this insightful bonus episode, Rachel dives into the phenomenon of "cult hopping," a term used to describe the pattern of individuals moving from one high-control environment to another, often without recognizing the similari...

In this thought-provoking episode, Rachel welcomes back Jonathan Hirsch, an award-winning podcast producer and founder of Neon Hum Media, to discuss his powerful journey growing up in a cult led by Franklin Jones. Jonathan shares his experiences of navigating the complexities of being raised in a high-control environment, and the emotional turmoil that comes with caring for a parent who was both a...

In this powerful episode, Rachel reconnects with Ukrainian journalist and co-founder of stopfake.org, Dr. Olga Yurkova, who has been at the forefront of combating Russian propaganda and misinformation. Following their previous conversations, Olga provides an update on the devastating impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has led to immense suffering and displacement. She shares her insights...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this engaging follow-up to part one, Rachel continues her exploration of apocalyptic thinking, delving deeper into the psychological foundations that contribute to this mindset. Building on the previous episode, she discusses how fea...

In this compelling episode, Rachel speaks with Michelle Moffitt, a licensed therapist and the author of "Cracked Open: A Journey to a Resilient and Independent Mindset, who specializes in helping individuals navigate anxiety, identity struggles, and the impact of religious trauma. Michelle shares her personal journey of escaping a high-control religious system, shedding light on the psychologi...

In this enlightening episode, Rachel engages in a deep conversation with Rebecca Lemov, a historian of science at Harvard University, whose research focuses on brainwashing, mind control, and hyper persuasion. As they explore the malleability of truth and identity, Rebecca shares her journey from anthropology to the history of science, where her fascination with brainwashing began during her disse...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠ In this thought-provoking bonus episode, Rachel dives into the complex world of apocalyptic thinking, exploring its historical roots and psychological implications. This first part of a two-part series examines how apocalyptic belie...

In this thought-provoking episode, Rachel engages in a captivating conversation with Michael Yoder, a writer and composer from Victoria, British Columbia. Michael shares his personal journey through the Landmark Forum, a self-help program that he initially found appealing but soon discovered to be rife with manipulative tactics and coercive practices. As he recounts his experiences, Michael reveal...

In this powerful conclusion to Rachel's conversation with Cara Cordoni, the complexities of navigating high-control environments are brought to light. Cara, a seasoned leadership coach and survivor of multiple cult experiences, shares her harrowing journey through the International School of Temple Arts (ISTA) and the manipulative tactics employed within such groups. Picking up from the previo...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this enlightening continuation of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode, Rachel delves deeper into the intricate and often misrepresented topic of consent, particularly within high-control groups and cults. Picking up from the first part...

In this compelling episode, Rachel engages in a deep and revealing conversation with Cara Cordoni, a certified leadership coach and survivor of multiple cult experiences. This is part one of their two-part discussion, where Cara shares her journey through the labyrinth of cults, from her early encounters with a charismatic individual in San Francisco to her experiences with organized religions and...

I originally released this episode as a Patreon exclusive, but I'm making this episode available to all listeners due to its timely relevance to current events. As our nation experiences unprecedented political turbulence, understanding how to process the constant flow of information becomes more important than ever. In Chaos and Control part 1, I tackle the overwhelming phenomenon of informat...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this thought-provoking bonus episode, Rachel dives deep into the complex and often misunderstood topic of consent. With a powerful exploration of how consent can be manipulated, she highlights the crucial differences between genuine co...

In this gripping episode, Rachel welcomes Beth Granger, a courageous survivor of a Christian cult. Beth shares her harrowing journey from being raised in a controlling environment to her eventual escape at the age of 31. Now a teacher, wife, and mother, Beth has dedicated her life to helping others heal from the long-term impacts of religious trauma. Beth's memoir, "Born and Razed," ch...

In the latest episode, Rachel had the privilege of speaking once again with Jon Atack, a renowned expert on authoritarian cult groups and the author of several influential books, including "Let's Sell These People a Piece of Blue Sky." Jon has spent decades studying the psychological mechanisms that underpin cult behavior, and his insights are both enlightening and chilling. One of the...