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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
Mind-Body Connection
Comfort Talk
Pain Management
Candace Pert
Transgender Issues
Patient-Provider Interaction
Healthcare Providers
Clinical Trials
Patient Anxiety
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

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Recent Guests

Rachel Bernstein
Licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in cult intervention and recovery.
IndoctriNation podcast
Episode: Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation with Rachel Bernstein, LMFT, MSEd
Nikki McCarty
Neurodivergent, queer, and disabled individual sharing insights on Christian nationalism and its impact.
Episode: From JD Vance’s Family of Origin: ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ Christian Nationalism and Potential Vice‑Presidential Succession with Nikki McCarty
Dr. Keri L. Ladner
Expert on fundamentalist politics in America and the radicalization of the conservative movement
Episode: End Time Politics: From the Moral Majority to QAnon with Keri L. Ladner, PhD
Erica Siegal
Founder of NEST Harm Reduction, focused on psychotherapy, psychedelic adjacent care, drug education, and consultation.
NEST Harm Reduction
Episode: NEST Harm Reduction: Licensed Clinicians Delivering Psychedelic‑Adjunct Care With Erica Siegal, LCSW
Frank R. George
Psychologist, neuroscientist, and expert in narcissism and addiction
The Gaslight Report
Episode: The Gaslight Report: Understanding Narcissism, Addiction, and Neuroscience with Frank R. George, PhD
Jason Van Tatenhove
Former National Media Director for the Oath Keepers who now speaks out against extremism and writes about his experiences.
Author of "The Perils of Extremism, How I Left the Oath Keepers and Why We Should Be Concerned About a Future Civil War"
Episode: Defining Exit Ramps for Militia Members with Former Propagandist Oath Keeper Jason Van Tatenhove
Ellen Huet
Author of 'Empire of Orgasm,' investigative journalist
Bloomberg News
Episode: Empire of Orgasm: An Investigative Look into a Cult of Orgasmic Meditation with Ellen Huet
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
Ruth Ben-Ghiat
Professor of History and Italian Studies at New York University
Episode: STRONGMEN: Mussolini to the Present- The Rising Tide of Online Authoritarian Influence with Ruth Ben-Ghiat

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 States2 months 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 States2 months 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
    Sweden4 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 Kingdom5 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 States6 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.

Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation with Rachel Bernstein, LMFT, MSEd
Q: How do you approach the topic of estrangement in families affected by cults?
It's crucial to acknowledge that estrangements can be complex and that compassion for both parties is necessary, as cult involvement often distorts relationships.
Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation with Rachel Bernstein, LMFT, MSEd
Q: What are some of the challenges that individuals face when recovering from cults?
Bernstein emphasizes the importance of understanding one's experiences and that many survivors feel they have been victims of circumstances they did not choose.
Empire of Orgasm: An Investigative Look into a Cult of Orgasmic Meditation with Ellen Huet
Q: What has been the aftermath for former members after leaving OneTaste?
Many former members struggle with reassessing their identity and experiences, particularly around their sexuality and the beliefs imposed upon them while part of the group.
Empire of Orgasm: An Investigative Look into a Cult of Orgasmic Meditation with Ellen Huet
Q: How does OneTaste manipulate its members?
OneTaste uses techniques such as 'aversion practice' to pressure members into engaging in sexual acts they may find uncomfortable, framing it as a means for spiritual growth and personal development.
Empire of Orgasm: An Investigative Look into a Cult of Orgasmic Meditation with Ellen Huet
Q: What makes OneTaste and its practices particularly attractive to individuals?
OneTaste tapped into the void left by a lack of effective sexual education, presenting itself as a source of guidance for people's sexual struggles and desires, especially for those with backgrounds in conservative environments.

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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. Legal AF by MeidasTouch
2. Straight White American Jesus
3. The PoliticsGirl Podcast
4. The Lincoln Project
5. The MeidasTouch Podcast

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

Cults, Culture & Coercion launched 4 years ago and published 223 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. Rachel Bernstein
2. Nikki McCarty
3. Dr. Keri L. Ladner
4. Erica Siegal
5. Frank R. George
6. Jason Van Tatenhove
7. Ellen Huet
8. Kelvin Pierce

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