
Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control.
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 473 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | Religion & Spirituality | |||

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, host Rachel Bernstein, LMFT, examines how victim blamin... more
In this episode, Daniella Mestyanek Young returns to IndoctriNation to discuss how cults exploit group dynamics. Born three generations into the Children of God, then a U.S. Army intelligence officer, Daniella has spent her career studying coercive c... more
In this episode, Rachel Bernstein sits down with Lindsey Sanders to talk about her memoir, The Sacred Song of a Heretic, and what it means to reclaim "sacredness" outside of a high-control religion.
Lindsey was raised in a multigenerational Mormon f... 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, host Rachel Bernstein unpacks the idea of "cults of two... more
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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
I was never in a cult but for those of us escaped abusive households, we recognize these behaviors.
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.
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
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.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #169 | |
Apple Podcasts | #170 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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The show consistently explores coercive control, high-control groups, and manipulative dynamics across religion, psychology, and culture. Episodes feature survivors, scholars, journalists, and authors who dissect cult mechanisms, recovery, and prevention, often tying historical cases to contemporary currents. A standout aspect is the host's compassionate, clinically informed interviewing style, which helps contextualize traumatic experiences without sensationalism. The format frequently offers practical guidance for recognition, safety, and healing, making it valuable for survivors, clinicians, educators, and curious listeners who want actionable insights into how influence operations work and how to resist them.
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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. Cults to Consciousness
5. Conspirituality
IndoctriNation launched 8 years ago and published 473 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on IndoctriNation include:
1. Daniella Mestyanek Young
2. Lindsey Sanders
3. Ru Marshall
4. Alice Hines
5. Donna Lamb
6. Louise Williamson
7. Matthew Boedy
8. Becky Garrison
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