Rephonic
Artwork for IndoctriNation

IndoctriNation

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

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

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes464Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Religion & Spirituality

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for IndoctriNation

Latest Episodes

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

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 “missionary tactics”—recruitm... more

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Q&A video. You can access the full content by becoming a member at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/indoctrination

You asked. I answered, and these questions were remarkable.

Every time I read through wh... more

In Part 1, IndoctriNation host Rachel Bernstein speaks with Donna Lamb, a cult survivor and writer, about her 32 years inside Aesthetic Realism—a controversial group founded by Eli Siegel and still operating in New York City.

Recruited at age 21 thr... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

A Little Bit Culty
A Little Bit CultySarah Edmondson & Anthony “Nippy” Ames
Cults, Culture & Coercion with Dr. Steve Hassan
Cults, Culture & Coercion with Dr. Steve HassanMeidasTouch Network, Dr. Steven Hassan
Conspirituality
ConspiritualityDerek Beres, Matthew Remski, Julian Walker

Recent Guests

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
Theophila Pratt
Former Gloriavale member and survivor, author of Unveiled
Author of Unveiled, Survivor
Episode: Unveiled: A Story of Surviving Gloriavale with Theophila Pratt
Elise Heerde
A certified coach and mental health practitioner based in Melbourne, Australia, specializing in recovery from religious trauma.
Co-founder of the Religious Trauma Collective
Episode: Saved So Hard I Needed Therapy with Elise Heerde

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 States2 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 States9 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.

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.
Living Authentically: Escaping Aesthetic Realism pt. 1 with Donna Lamb
Q: So you're going to be able to actually hear from her twice, which is very exciting. Can you share what listeners can expect in today's conversation and what prompted this two-part series?
Donna shares her long arc from being recruited into Aesthetic Realism through the acting programs, the intense control, and the eventual breakaway after 32 years. She also begins to unpack the deeper implications of racism, conversion attempts, and her ongoing healing and activism.
The Rise and Fall of an American Cult with Harrison Hill
Q: What drew you to the subject of this group and this story?
Hill explains that his interest lies in the human condition and how cults function as a microcosm for exploring universal themes, while also recognizing the narrative's dramatic arc from rise to collapse and its connection to broader American religious history.
My Cult Your Cult: Church Universal and Triumphant with Sean Prophet
Q: How did the leadership's manipulation affect your sense of truth and accountability?
He explains that the leadership cultivated 'higher truths' and a dependency on loyalty, making it difficult to challenge beliefs or admit error; the result was a loop where truth became negotiable and accountability was avoided through reframing and fear.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

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.

Where can I find podcast stats for IndoctriNation?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for IndoctriNation. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to IndoctriNation and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does IndoctriNation get?

Rephonic provides a full set of podcast information for three million podcasts, including the number of listeners. View further listenership figures for IndoctriNation, including podcast download numbers and subscriber numbers, so you can make better decisions about which podcasts to sponsor or be a guest on. You will need to upgrade your account to access this premium data.

What are the audience demographics for IndoctriNation?

Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for IndoctriNation, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.

How many subscribers and views does IndoctriNation have?

To see how many followers or subscribers IndoctriNation has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

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. Conspirituality
5. Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation

How many episodes of IndoctriNation are there?

IndoctriNation launched 8 years ago and published 464 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.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for IndoctriNation?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for IndoctriNation from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.

How do I access podcast episode transcripts for IndoctriNation?

Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of IndoctriNation. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.

What guests have appeared on IndoctriNation?

Recent guests on IndoctriNation include:

1. Donna Lamb
2. Louise Williamson
3. Matthew Boedy
4. Becky Garrison
5. Harrison Hill
6. Sean Prophet
7. Luke Allen
8. Theophila Pratt

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.

Find and pitch the right podcasts

We help savvy brands, marketers and PR professionals to find the right podcasts for any topic or niche. Get the data and contacts you need to pitch podcasts at scale and turn listeners into customers.
Try it free for 7 days