IndoctriNation

In this captivating episode, Rachel welcomes Sarito Carroll, a former member of the Rajneesh movement, to share her deeply personal journey from childhood within a cult to finding her voice and healing in the outside world. Sarito recounts her experiences growing up in the ashram of Bhagwan Shri Rajneesh, detailing the complexities of being a second-generation member and the challenges she faced a...

In this heartfelt episode, Rachel sits down with Claire Headley, a former high-ranking executive in the Church of Scientology, to discuss her journey of healing and recovery after leaving the organization. Claire shares her experiences growing up in Scientology, the emotional toll of disconnection from family, and the challenges of navigating life transitions after escaping the cult. Claire reflec...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:  www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this timely bonus episode, Rachel addresses the overwhelming phenomenon of information overload, a topic that resonates deeply in today's fast-paced and chaotic world. Rachel explores how constant streams of negative information can lead to me...

In this compelling episode, Rachel welcomes back Anne Peterson, a former leader in the Landmark education movement who has dedicated her life to understanding the complexities of personal development and its potential for exploitation. After two decades of involvement with Landmark, Ann experienced a profound reckoning that led her to question the very foundations of the organization she once beli...

In this powerful episode, Rachel welcomes Detective Mike Weber, a dedicated law enforcement professional with 40 years of experience, who now specializes in crimes against children. They discuss the complex and often misunderstood issue of Munchausen by proxy. Detective Weber has investigated over 50 medical child abuse cases, achieving 13 convictions, and is co-author of the upcoming book, The Mo...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:  www.patreon.com/indoctrination Rachel delves into the captivating world of psychics and the allure that draws many individuals to them. She explores the historical roots of clairvoyance, from palm readers to mediums claiming to communicate with the dead. She examines the motivatio...

Penny Lane is a survivor, writer, wife, and mother with an insatiable passion for life and books. Originally from Jackson Heights, Queens, She is the author of the recently published memoir, Redeemed, A Memoir of a Stolen Childhood a gritty, ultimately uplifting memoir about a happy-go-lucky girl who is unexpectedly snatched away from her home—by her long-lost father. In her spare time, Penny help...

In this enlightening episode, Rachel welcomes Jon Atack, a leading expert on authoritarian cults and bestselling author, for a deep dive into the interplay between cult dynamics and historical atrocities. With a career spanning over four decades, Jon shares his extensive research on the parallels between Scientology and the Nazi regime, exploring how magical thinking and pseudoscience have fueled...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this conversation, Rachel Bernstein and Andrew Pledger explore the themes presented in the movie 'Wicked', particularly focusing on the concepts of difference, acceptance, and the struggle for authenticity. Andrew shares his personal reflec...

In this powerful episode, Rachel welcomes Laila Mickelwait, co-founder and CEO of the Justice Defense Fund and leader of the Trafficking Hub movement. Laila has dedicated her life to combating sex trafficking and holding Pornhub accountable for profiting from criminal sexual abuse. Her work, which has been featured in major media outlets, exposes the dark underbelly of the porn industry and its ti...

In this enlightening episode, Rachel sits down with Nicole Badera, a sociologist and author of the forthcoming book, "On the Wrong Side: How Universities Protect Perpetrators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence." Nicole's research sheds light on the systemic issues within educational institutions that contribute to the trauma of survivors and perpetuate sexual violence. The convers...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination This week's bonus episode is a recording of Rachel's presentation with Dr. Glenn Doyle, for the Seek Safely Summit hosted by Anne Peterson. Rachel and Dr. Doyle discuss how to know if we are in an unsafe (aka Culty) environment. This can happe...

In this poignant episode, Rachel is joined by Andrea Dunlop, an accomplished author and podcaster, who delves into the complex and often misunderstood topic of Munchausen by Proxy. Andrea, who has personal ties to the subject, shares her insights into the deceptive and abusive dynamics of this disorder. Her work aims to illuminate the psychological manipulation and coercion involved, drawing paral...

This episode from the archives originally aired in 2020 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 couple of years into her Hollywood journey, she discovered Kundalini yoga as taught specifically by Yogi Bhajan and the Golden Bridge Yoga Studio in Hollywood. She was instantly hooked and began...

This episode from the archives originally aired in January 2024 Dr. Laura Anderson is a therapist, trauma resolution, and recovery coach, writer, educator, and creator who specializes in complex trauma with a focus on domestic violence, sexualized violence, and religious trauma. She holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Ph. D. in Mind-Body Medicine with her research focusing...

This is an unlocked bonus episode from our Patreon Exclusive archive. You can listen to 60+bonus episodes by becoming a member at: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this insightful episode, Rachel delves into the multifaceted nature of loss and grief, offering a deeper understanding of the various types they may encounter. Rachel discusses how former cult members often feel displaced in tr...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this exclusive Patreon bonus episode, Rachel delves into the intriguing world of superstitions, exploring their historical and cultural roots and their impact on human behavior. The discussion centers around the fear of Friday the 13th, a day steep...

In this compelling follow-up episode, Rachel welcomes back Jennifer Rajala, a former MLM leader turned advocate, who bravely shares her journey of disentangling from the manipulative world of multilevel marketing and coaching groups. Jennifer picks up where she left off last week and delves into the insidious overlap between MLMs and the coaching industry, revealing how individuals are often encou...

In this eye-opening episode, Rachel speaks with Jennifer Raiala, a former state government worker who found herself ensnared in the world of multi-level marketing (MLM) with Arbonne. Jennifer shares her journey from being a child protective services investigator to becoming a leader in an MLM, only to face the harsh realities and financial burdens that followed. She recounts the emotional toll of...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this enlightening bonus episode, Rachel explores the complexities of engaging in conversations with individuals holding differing viewpoints, especially during the holiday season. As families and friends gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas,...

In this captivating episode, Rachel welcomes Lynn Smith Gregory, a direct descendant of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church. Raised in a devout Mormon family in Utah, Lynn shares her deeply personal journey of leaving the church at the age of 19 after uncovering unsettling truths about her family's legacy and the religion's history. Lynn recounts the immense pressure to live up...

In this revealing episode, Rachel sits down with Erik Rojas, a former program leader and senior staff member at Landmark Worldwide, the infamous large group awareness training organization. Erik shares his journey within Landmark, detailing the intense pressures and abusive practices he witnessed and experienced. Erik explains how his commitment and drive were exploited, leading him to work grueli...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this insightful episode, Rachel delves into the controversial history of Synanon, a group founded in 1958 by Charles Diedrich Sr. Originally established as an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous, Synanon devolved into a notorious organization known...

In this compelling episode, Rachel speaks with Lynn Short, a former member of the New Gnostic Society, to explore her 17-year journey within the modern occult group. Lynn recounts her experiences as a missionary and the intense pressures she faced, including the doctrine's emphasis on sexual practices and the psychological control exerted over members. She candidly discusses the challenges of...

In this special post-election episode, Rachel welcomes Andrew Pledger to discuss the emotional aftermath of the recent election from a survivor's perspective. Andrew, a cult survivor and advocate, shares his unique insights into the intersection of Christian fundamentalism and the current political climate. Raised in an independent fundamental Baptist church, Andrew's journey of self-disco...