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Cults, Culture & Coercion with Dr. Steve Hassan

MeidasTouch Network, Dr. Steven Hassan
Mind Control
Human Trafficking
Cults
Hypnosis
Medical Communication
Unitarian Universalism
La Luz Del Mundo
Pain Management
Comfort Talk
Mind-Body Connection
Candace Pert
Transgender Issues
Patient Anxiety
Patient-Provider Interaction
Healthcare Providers
Clinical Trials
Mental Health
Opioid Crisis
Political Polarization
Freedom Of Speech

Steven Hassan, PhD, is one of the leading experts on cults and undue influence in the world. A former member of the right-wing Moonie cult, Hassan was deprogrammed 45 years ago and has dedicated his life to helping people out of cults and destructive situations. Dr. Hassan is a licensed mental health professional and has written four books, including The Cult of Trump and the seminal book Combatin... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes216Founded4 years ago
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Self-ImprovementEducationSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Cults, Culture & Coercion

Latest Episodes

Cults and high-control groups often use sexuality to access and manipulate a person’s emotional regulation. Some cults, like the Moonies, used it to create a barrier of fear and shame surrounding sexual thoughts or actions. Ellen Huet’s new book Empi... more

On her highly successful Czech podcast, Canaries in the Net, Alex co-hosts on topics surrounding digital propaganda and toxic algorithms. She combines her experience as a communication advisor to the chairman of the legislation committee in the Europ... more

Neo-Nazi sentiment has seen a recent resurgence globally, fueled by political polarization, economic disparities, and social grievances. The internet and social media have played a significant role in spreading extremist propaganda, while some politi... more

As we near the end of 2025, Trump has implemented Opus Dei’s Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 to fundamentally gut America’s core values and checks and balances. The depth of harm is incalculable and Americans are 70% against Trump’s handling of th... more

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Recent Guests

Kelvin Pierce
Author of Sins of My Father and founder of the Divine Child Foundation
Divine Child Foundation
Episode: Sins of my Father: Growing up with America’s Most Dangerous White Supremacist with Kelvin Pierce
Don Lattin
Award-winning journalist and author of seven books, including 'Harvard Psychedelic Club'.
Episode: Messianic Con Men, Past and Present: Cult History and the Cult of Trump with Don Lattin
Jim Picariello
Filmmaker and advocate on cult encounters and mind control
Episode: The cult of Frederick Lenz: The guru who glows gold, shapeshifts, and teaches computer programming, with Jim Picariello
Dr. Lisa Diamond
Psychologist, feminist, professor of developmental psychology, health psychology and gender studies.
University of Utah
Episode: Sexual Fluidity: Understanding Women’s Love and Desire with Lisa Diamond
Jon Atack
World's authority on Scientology and former member
Episode: If Scientology Ruled the World: Nazi Occultists, Sex Magick, Space Aliens, and the Second Coming with Jon Atack
Ryan Stollar
Child-liberation theologian and advocate for children and abuse survivors.
Episode: The Kingdom of Children: A Liberation Theology. Homeschool Ideologies in Evangelical Christianity With R.L. Stollar, M.H.S., M.A.
David Clayton
Independent candidate running for North Carolina's District 5, advocate for veterans and homeless support.
Episode: Empathy Goes on Tour: David Clayton’s Fight in North Carolina’s District 5
Dr. Diane Kaufman
An esteemed psychiatrist with extensive experience in child psychiatry and an award-winning poet
Episode: Hold On: Poetic and Art-Based Lifelines for Suicide Prevention with Dr. Diane Kaufman, MD
Tory Christman
Former member of Scientology and prominent activist against cult influence.
Episode: Leaving the “Truman Show” of Scientology – with Tory Christman

Host

Dr. Steven Hassan
Host of Cults, Culture & Coercion, a licensed mental health professional and expert in cult psychology. Former cult member and deprogramming specialist, providing insights on the dynamics of coercion, influence, and recovery from destructive groups.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • Hmmm…

    I like learning and listening to guests. I would like to suggest that maybe you don’t correct someone’s accent- Alex Alevora was an amazing guest and to hear her be corrected when getting a word (that is not her native language) correct but said with an accent and hearing her apologize for speaking really makes me wonder… as this is my third episode and first with a woman guest- I will see how others go.. this ep was a little concerning

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Poodeer
    United States5 days ago
  • Great content but Hassan dominates conversation

    I really admire Dr. Hassan’s expertise, perspective, and important contributions to the field of social psychology. However, he often cuts off guests and inserts his own experiences/work, which his long-time listeners have already heard much about. I want to hear more about the guests and THEIR research and lived experiences.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Sarah Angel14
    United States6 days ago
  • Hassan Dares to Confront Powerful Narcissists

    This is such a critical area & Steve Hassan, unlike many others, shows how his BITE model & other models ( e.g. Robert Cialdini’s 7 universal ‘Influence Processes ’) can be applied to real life issues: politics, cultural issues & personalities …

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RHBrad
    Sweden2 months ago
  • Poor interviewing style

    Used to be better. Interviewer talks all over his guests and either prompts them to reveal too much personal information or doesn’t give them the chance to explain what happened to them at all.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Thinktalk be
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • The cult of Zionism

    Please talk about the cult of Zionism and how it is leading to the complete anihilation and destruction of the Palestinian people. Inviting the makers of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land (currently censored in streaming services in the US along with most other Palestinian films) would be profoundly interesting. Free Palestine.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ahimsa2013
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Overall, listeners express gratitude for the critical issues raised, with a call for more structured interviews that allow guests the opportunity to share their stories fully.
The host is recognized for his depth of knowledge but receives mixed feedback regarding his interviewing style, with some praising his expertise while others critique his tendency to interrupt guests.
Many reviews highlight the importance of the topics discussed, suggesting that the content is beneficial for those seeking awareness and understanding of manipulative dynamics.
Listeners find the podcast educational and insightful, particularly appreciating the personal stories that shed light on complex issues related to cults and coercive control.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Sins of my Father: Growing up with America’s Most Dangerous White Supremacist with Kelvin Pierce
Q: If somebody's listening to this and they've been getting recruited into a white supremacist, anti-Semitic thing, what would you want to say to them?
I would ask them, does that hate really feel good? And how do you feel about yourself? If you hate others, it's because deep down inside, you're hating yourself.
STRONGMEN: Mussolini to the Present- The Rising Tide of Online Authoritarian Influence with Ruth Ben-Ghiat
Q: Tell us more about Mussolini.
Ruth discusses Mussolini's rapid rise to power, his influence on Hitler, and the importance of understanding fascism's historical context.
STRONGMEN: Mussolini to the Present- The Rising Tide of Online Authoritarian Influence with Ruth Ben-Ghiat
Q: Can we maybe start with your interest in this topic, and then your latest book about Mussolini and Strongmen?
Ruth expresses how her upbringing surrounded by exiles from Nazism shaped her interest in dictatorships and their impacts on society.
Empathy Goes on Tour: David Clayton’s Fight in North Carolina’s District 5
Q: What are your thoughts on self-defense laws and due process for undocumented migrants?
Clayton emphasizes the importance of understanding state laws related to self-defense and the constitutional rights afforded to all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
Empathy Goes on Tour: David Clayton’s Fight in North Carolina’s District 5
Q: How do you see the current political environment affecting your campaign?
Clayton discusses the challenges of running against entrenched incumbents and the need for independent candidates to challenge the status quo and represent constituents effectively.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cults, Culture & Coercion

What is Cults, Culture & Coercion about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on the themes of cult dynamics, coercive control, and the psychology of influence, content explores the mechanisms of mind control and its impact on individuals and society. Through expert interviews and personal narratives, critical discussions cover the broader implications of authoritarianism, psychological manipulation, and ethical influence. Unique in its approach, the show not only addresses high-profile cults and their infamous leaders, but also delves into the nuanced experiences of those affected by these coercive environments, offering listeners both education and insight into prevention and recovery strategies from manipulative situations. Listeners can expect a blend of personal stories, current political analysis, and e... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Cults, Culture & Coercion?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Cults, Culture & Coercion:

1. THE WEEKEND SHOW
2. A Little Bit Culty
3. Legal AF by MeidasTouch
4. Straight White American Jesus
5. UNCOVERED

How many episodes of Cults, Culture & Coercion are there?

Cults, Culture & Coercion launched 4 years ago and published 216 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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What guests have appeared on Cults, Culture & Coercion?

Recent guests on Cults, Culture & Coercion include:

1. Kelvin Pierce
2. Don Lattin
3. Jim Picariello
4. Dr. Lisa Diamond
5. Jon Atack
6. Ryan Stollar
7. David Clayton
8. Dr. Diane Kaufman

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