IndoctriNation
Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control.
Episodes
In this episode, Sarma Melngailis discusses her journey from running a successful New York-based restaurant to being in a highly publicized scandal. Sarma shares her personal experiences of manipulation and betrayal by a coercive partner, reflecting on how her story was misrepresented in the Netflix docuseries 'Bad Vegan.' She opens up about the challenges of reclaiming her narrative through her memoir, which provides...
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 Patreon exclusive bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein continues the discussion on attachment and attachment issues, focusing on common challenges faced by survivors of mistreatment, abandonment, and betrayal. The episode highlights behav...
In this episode, Rachel Bernstein interviews Daniel Allen Cox, author of 'I Felt The End Before It Came: Memoirs of a Queer Ex-Jehovah's Witness.' Daniel shares his experiences growing up as a JW, the strict moral code, and the challenges he faced as a queer individual. He discusses the process of leaving the faith, the lack of support, and the journey towards self-acceptance and rebuilding his life. ...
In this episode, Rachel Bernstein interviews Rachel Montgomery, who recounts her harrowing journey as a survivor of a cult and sexual abuse within a Buddhist community. She describes how she was drawn into the group, the manipulative practices of the leader, and the emotional and psychological challenges she faced. She details the abuse she suffered under the guise of spiritual teachings, the devastating personal consequences, and ...
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
This Patreon exclusive episode informs on the topic of attachment styles, particularly focusing on how cults and controlling relationships undermine healthy attachment. Rachel Bernstein examines different attachment styles: secure, anxious, ...
In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein speaks with Carol Merchasin, a lawyer specializing in cases involving sexual misconduct in religious and spiritual communities. Carol discusses various aspects of legal battles against high-control groups, including the complexities of consent, the limitations of the legal system, and the role of psychological coercion. She highlights the differences between the criminal and civil justice syst...
In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein talks with Dr. Natalie Fabert, an Associate Teaching Professor at Arizona State University and a licensed psychologist specializing in trauma and abuse, particularly cultic abuse. Natalie announces her collaboration with Dr. Janja Lalich and the Lalich Center on an online continuing education course designed for mental health clinicians to effectively support survivors of cult abuse and ...
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 Patreon exclusive episode, Rachel Bernstein explores the psychological and social dynamics that unfold when a cult leader is attacked or faced with accusations. The episode covers the common defensive responses from followers, such a...
In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein speaks with Dr. Christine Cocchiola, an expert on coercive control, a social work professor, and developer of the Protective Parenting Program. Dr. Cocchiola shares her personal and professional experiences dealing with coercive control in familial and intimate relationships. Discussion topics include manipulation dynamics, cultural conditioning, the challenges of protective parenting, a...
In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein sits down with Mark Scheeren, co-founder of the Baldwin Research Institute and co-author of 'The Freedom Model for Addictions.' Mark shares his personal journey through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and his subsequent realization of the program's flaws. He discusses the creation of the Freedom Model, a non-12-step recovery approach, which focuses on autonomy, factual education, a...
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 Patreon exclusive episode, Rachel Bernstein discusses the challenges faced by former cult members and individuals who have been in manipulative relationships. Key topics include recognizing healthy relationships, understanding the im...
In this episode, we continue exploring Jon Atack’s latest work, "If Scientology Ruled the World: Nazi Occultists, Sex Magick, Space Aliens, and the Second Coming."
In our previous episode with Jon, we began unpacking the intricate web of beliefs that form the foundation of Scientology. Today, we'll go even deeper, examining the historical connections between Scientology and ot...
In this episode, we're diving into Jon Atack’s new book "If Scientology Ruled the World: Nazi Occultists, Sex Magick, Space Aliens, and the Second Coming" - an exploration that connects the dots between various authoritarian movements, their shared origins, and the psychological dynamics at play.
Jon spent nine years as a member of Scientology before becoming one of its most informed critics. He's ...
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 Patreon-exclusive bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein discusses the challenges of rediscovering one's identity after leaving a cult or a controlling relationship. The episode emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, defining pers...
In this episode, Rachel Bernstein welcomes Timothy Heffelbower to discuss his experiences with Teen Mania Ministries and the Honor Academy. Timothy shares his journey from being heavily involved in the organization to the challenges and realizations he faced after leaving. They touch on the pressures of maintaining strict schedules, the emphasis on sacrifice and delayed gratification, and the impact such an environment has on one&#...
In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein welcomes back Pamela Nickel Williams, an educator and author who was born into Scientology. Pamela revisits her life story, from her parents' involvement with L. Ron Hubbard in the late 1950s to her own harrowing experiences within the church. She discusses her memoir, 'Clearly Lies Are True,' which chronicles her journey as a cult and sexual abuse survivor. Pamela also touches on ...
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 the continuation of this Patreon bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein delves into the devastating impact of surveillance on mental health, self-esteem, and personal relationships. The discussion highlights the psychological stress, paranoia, and trust issues that arise from c...
In this episode, Rachel Bernstein interviews Pamela Jones, who shares her remarkable journey from a polygamist cult to a life of freedom and self-discovery. Pamela was born in Los Molinos, Mexico, to members of the Church of the Firstborn of the Fullness of Times, a fundamentalist, misogynistic cult. She was the 11th of her father’s 57 biological children and 2nd of her mother’s thirteen children, and it was from that moment ...
In this episode, Rachel Bernstein welcomes Dr. Mara Einstein to explore the pervasive influence of marketing strategies and their parallels with cult tactics. They share personal anecdotes and experiences, discuss the recruitment and indoctrination processes of cults and MLMs, and delve into the psychology behind marketing and brand communities. The conversation also touches upon how digital technology has transformed these p...
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 Patreon exclusive bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein delves into the concept of the 'watchful eye' and the chilling effects of surveillance on personal autonomy. Discussing how awareness of being watched can deter individuals from exercising ...
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