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IndoctriNation

IndoctriNation
Cults
Mental Health
Scientology
Manipulation
Religious Trauma
Trauma
Sexual Abuse
Narcissism
Trauma Recovery
Cognitive Dissonance
Cult Dynamics
Child Abuse
Psychological Manipulation
Identity
Spiritual Abuse
Coercive Control
Christian Nationalism
Cult Recovery
La Luz Del Mundo
Jehovah's Witnesses

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

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes468Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Religion & Spirituality

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Artwork for IndoctriNation

Latest Episodes

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein interviews Ru Marshall about the hidden world surrounding the guru Carlos Castaneda. Marshall shares insights from their research into Castaneda’s history, manipulation tactics, spiritual abuse, and the disturbing af... more

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 Patreon bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein explores how survivors of narcissistic... more

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein welcomes investigative journalist Alice Hines to discuss neurolinguistic programming (NLP), its origins, and the fine line between empowerment and manipulation. Known for her reporting on Twin Flames Universe and co-... more

In part 2, Rachel Bernstein continues her conversation with Donna Lamb, a survivor of the Aesthetic Realism group. Recruited at 20 in New York City, Donna spent 32 years in the group before leaving in her fifties.

She explains how founder Eli Siegel... more

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Cults, Culture & Coercion with Dr. Steve HassanMeidasTouch Network, Dr. Steven Hassan
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Life After MLMRoberta Blevins

Recent Guests

Ru Marshall
Author of American Trickster, The Hidden Lives of Carlos Castaneda
Or Publishing
Episode: American Trickster: The Hidden Lives of Carlos Castaneda with Ru Marshall
Alice Hines
Investigative journalist and co-host of Mind Games
Mind Games podcast
Episode: Mind Games: Investigating NLP with Alice Hines
Donna Lamb
Cult survivor, writer, former sex worker who escaped Aesthetic Realism in 2001
Cults Recruit People (substack)
Episode: Living Authentically: Escaping Aesthetic Realism pt. 1 with Donna Lamb
Louise Williamson
Author of My Husband, The Rabbit Hole, and Me
Writer/Author
Episode: My Husband, The Rabbit Hole, and Me with Louise Williamson
Matthew Boedy
Professor of rhetoric and author of The Seven Mountains Mandate
University of North Georgia
Episode: The Seven Mountains Mandate with Matthew Boedy
Becky Garrison
Author, Gaslighting for God; religious satirist and reporter
Author, Gaslighting for God; The Wittenberg Door (former senior contributing editor)
Episode: Gaslighting for God with Becky Garrison
Harrison Hill
Author of The Oracle's Daughter
Author, The Oracle's Daughter
Episode: The Rise and Fall of an American Cult with Harrison Hill
Sean Prophet
Author of My Cult, Your Cult
Author, My Cult, Your Cult; former vice president of Church Universal and Triumphant (CUT)
Episode: My Cult Your Cult: Church Universal and Triumphant with Sean Prophet
Luke Allen
Survivor of the River Road Fellowship Cult in Minnesota; author
Author of Cult Life, Tales of a Radical Christian Boyhood
Episode: Cult Life with Luke Allen

Hosts

Rachel Bernstein
Host and expert in cult dynamics and psychological manipulation, with a focus on healing and recovery for survivors of high-control groups.
Unknown Host
Co-host and contributor to various episodes, contributing insights relevant to the themes discussed.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1k ratings
  • Most underrated podcast! LOVE Rachel!

    Super well done. I think it would be a really good idea to do more crossover shows with true crime podcasts—I listen to a lot of them and one thing I hear over and over again is at the root of some unbelievable and unexpected crime, is a coercive person pulling everyone else’s strings. I think this is an important podcast and maybe more people would think twice if they heard the stories of how good and normal people end up committing unbelievable crimes because of stories they believed that othe... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    P.TwoBears
    United States3 months ago
  • Excellent podcast!

    I was never in a cult but for those of us escaped abusive households, we recognize these behaviors.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    changagarcia
    United States10 months ago
  • Digs deep for the whole truth

    What I appreciate most about this podcast so far, that differentiates it from other ones I’ve listened to on this difficult subject, is that the interviewer goes deep, goes wide, and let’s the subject tell their story without interruption. I also appreciate the follow up questions and analysis. It’s just compelling, informative and without any manipulation. A rare thing. Thank you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chagall
    United Statesa year ago
  • Informative

    I highly recommend Rachel's work on Indoctrination. The content is incredibly relevant and edgy, offering a fresh perspective on a topic that affects so many. It’s both informative and educational, providing deep insights while remaining accessible. What truly sets Rachel apart, however, is her gracious and kind tone. She approaches the subject with care and compassion, making the material not only thought-provoking but also approachable. If you’re looking for a resource that is both impactful a... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Michelle the Change Architect
    United Statesa year ago
  • Weird timing

    Hello, love the pod, Rachel if you see this the timing of a description written as penny was snatched from her “all American” home by her “immigrant” father feels pretty ick? Don’t want you to change the story but immigrants are in real Serious danger right now so if some one reads that description o feel like it further stigmatizes immigrants who are vital members of our communities. Thx for considering. Love this podcast and it’s good work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    pepperonipuppy
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The podcast is valued for its mix of survivor stories and expert insights, providing a comprehensive understanding of the issues.
There is a recognition of the host's empathetic approach, making difficult subjects accessible and engaging.
Some feedback suggests that certain narratives could benefit from a more inclusive perspective on diverse experiences.
Listeners appreciate the depth of exploration into sensitive topics related to cults and manipulation.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

American Trickster: The Hidden Lives of Carlos Castaneda with Ru Marshall
Q: Tell us what drew you to this story and this particular figure.
Ru explains that complexity, not simply praise or condemnation, drew him in: Castaneda's life and books present a troubling mix of charisma, manipulation, and genuine influence, making it essential to understand the psychology rather than simply celebrate or condemn. The material also intersects with broader questions about academia, indigenous representation, and the seductive power of “pathways” that promise meaning.
Mind Games: Investigating NLP with Alice Hines
Q: Can you describe some of the core NLP techniques and why they can be both beneficial and risky?
Alice discusses options like rapid rapport, emotional regulation, and pattern interruption, noting their potential to help in therapy but also their capacity to bypass critical thinking when misused.
Mind Games: Investigating NLP with Alice Hines
Q: What drew you to researching NLP, and how did you get involved in Mind Games?
Alice explains that NLP's varied history—from therapeutic roots to its later adoption by controversial groups—sparked their interest, leading to a journalistic, investigative approach with her co-host Zoe Laskos.
My Husband, The Rabbit Hole, and Me with Louise Williamson
Q: What strategies did you find most effective for addressing the beliefs without escalating conflict?
Gentle questions about how it would actually work and who benefits helped, as did involving trusted, less-close figures like teachers or friends who could discuss these topics without triggering defensiveness.
My Husband, The Rabbit Hole, and Me with Louise Williamson
Q: What first drew your husband into conspiracy theories, and how did it begin to affect your daily life?
He started with a few topics and became increasingly intense and certain, which gradually changed household conversations, social circles, and even family dynamics, leading to escalating conflict and emotional distress.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About IndoctriNation

What is IndoctriNation about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on the intricacies of cult dynamics, manipulation, and the psychological aftermath of such experiences, this podcast provides enlightening conversations with experts and survivors alike. Episodes frequently explore the emotional and cognitive challenges faced by individuals who have exited high-control groups, as well as strategies for healing and recovery. Notably, there is an emphasis on understanding the role of coercive control in various contexts, drawing connections between personal experiences and broader societal patterns. This makes it a compelling resource for those interested in psychological resilience, awareness of manipulative behaviors, and the importance of community support in overcoming trauma.

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How many listeners does IndoctriNation get?

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Which podcasts are similar to IndoctriNation?

These podcasts share a similar audience with IndoctriNation:

1. A Little Bit Culty
2. Cults, Culture & Coercion with Dr. Steve Hassan
3. WTF is on my Mind?!
4. Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation
5. Life After MLM

How many episodes of IndoctriNation are there?

IndoctriNation launched 8 years ago and published 468 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact IndoctriNation?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

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What guests have appeared on IndoctriNation?

Recent guests on IndoctriNation include:

1. Ru Marshall
2. Alice Hines
3. Donna Lamb
4. Louise Williamson
5. Matthew Boedy
6. Becky Garrison
7. Harrison Hill
8. Sean Prophet

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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