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Cults, Culture & Coercion with Dr. Steve Hassan

MeidasTouch Network, Dr. Steven Hassan
Mind Control
Cults
Mental Health
Donald Trump
Democracy
Christian Nationalism
Authoritarianism
Human Trafficking
Coercive Control
Scientology
Child Abuse
Domestic Abuse
Political Polarization
Political Influence
Veterans
Psychological Warfare
Jehovah's Witnesses
Undue Influence
Propaganda
Cult Influence

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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Artwork for Cults, Culture & Coercion

Latest Episodes

Social identity, or how the portion of our identity we derive from participating in our social groups can expand our mind or limit our ability to embrace complexity and nuance. Why should this matter to someone who has never joined a cult? Because ev... more

Carlos Castaneda sold more than 10 million books to readers who thought they were buying anthropology. Real fieldwork. A real Yaqui shaman named Don Juan, teaching a real Westerner how to see. None of it happened. Castaneda made it up, and for years ... more

A family court judge can reach into your family, single you out by name, and rearrange your life by dinnertime: where your child sleeps tonight, whether you're allowed to see them, whether you're even permitted to raise a concern about your spouse. K... more

Ingo Michehl spent six and a half years as one of the Moonies' most productive fundraisers, selling laser-etched foil pictures out of a Ford Transit van at a twenty-fold markup, sleeping five hours a night, and believing every dollar liberated God's ... more

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Recent Guests

Ru Marshall
non-binary writer and visual artist; author of American Trickster, The Hidden Lives of Carlos Castaneda
Author, American Trickster
Episode: Carlos Castaneda's Cult of Witches with Ru Marshall: Fooling Millions and UC Press still sells his books as anthropology
Karen Winner
Attorney, investigative reporter and policy analyst
Former NYC Department of Consumer Affairs
Episode: The Problems with America's Family Courts with Karen Winner: A journalist turned lawyer on custody, cronyism, and courts without oversight
Ingo Michehl
Former Moonie member, psychologist-in-training, writer
Former member of the Unification Church
Episode: Escaping the Moonies, and Rebuilding his Life: Ingo Michehl gave the cult his flute, his country, and six years of his life
Chris Vishoot
Survivor of Shincheonji, former member who was recruited via a Bible study front group
Former Shincheonji member
Episode: Escaping Shincheonji, Korea's Covid Cult with Chris Vishoot: A survivor of the Korean doomsday cult on lies, waking up and helping others break free.
Anthony Forte
Cult survivor and former member who spent over a decade in the World Mission Society Church of God
World Mission Society Church of God (former member)
Episode: The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) with Anthony Forte: A decade inside the Korean doomsday cult WMSCOG, an arranged marriage, and the exit that followed
Mary Riggs Cohen
Clinical psychologist specializing in autism spectrum disorders, forensic evaluations, and the intersection of psychology and the legal system
Independent clinical practice; co-author of Cybercrime and the Autism Spectrum
Episode: 6,000 Images and No Idea It Was a Crime: Clinical psychologist Dr. Mary Riggs Cohen on why autistic people become both the victims and the unwitting offenders of the online world
Marci Hamilton
Professor of practice in political science; expert on constitutional law
University of Pennsylvania
Episode: God, Law, and the Cult of Power: Marci Hamilton on what it will take to restore the rule of law in an era of authoritarian religion
Brandie Hadfield
Psychotherapist and advocate focused on neurodiversity and coercive influence in MLMs
Flipping the Pyramid (non-profit); MLM survivor and advocate
Episode: She Spent $115K in a Wellness MLM with Brandie Hadfield: A new mom, an autistic baby, and a decade lost to a commercial cult
Molly White
Independent researcher and writer covering cryptocurrency; author of Citation Needed newsletter
Citation Needed (newsletter)
Episode: Crypto Is Buying Your Democracy: Molly White breaks down meme coins, stablecoins, Bitcoins, the shadow financial system, and the $200 million campaign to gut your consumer protections

Host

Dr. Steven Hassan
Host of Cults, Culture & Coercion; mental health professional focused on cults and undue influence; author and educator

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • Excellent

    This show is incredibly useful. He has a variety of guests who all help build my understanding in fascinating and nuanced ways. I’ve saved and listened to many episodes multiple times. This is a must for anyone interested in social science for personal and professional reasons alike!! Thank you Dr. Hassan!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Carfunk
    United States2 months ago
  • interesting

    But Hassan has blind spots - does he look into Zionism at all? I also doesnt guides guests with timeline & talks over them.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    carrieboosh
    Australia2 months ago
  • Informative and Enlightening!

    An informative and enlightening podcast. I always learn something new… Dr Steve Hassan is an awesome teacher and person. Thanks for your work and commitment to helping humanity Dr Hassan.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Eden Iris
    New Zealand3 months ago
  • Not Everything is a Cult

    You are the classic, when “I have a hammer, everything is a nail.” There is no “charismatic leader” with transgender people. And as a Pediatrician who works with gender expansive and trans kids who declare themselves as early as 18 mos of age, I assure you that none of the toddlers and preschoolers I see are in a Cult. And the parents trying to understand and best support their young children are isolated and lonely and definitely don’t have the support of a cult!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    DrDK2
    United States3 months ago
  • A Must Listen! Here’s why:

    Dr. Hassan has researched and studied for years the phenomenon of coercion as they apply to cults, personal relationships, and yes: our politics. This stuff should be taught in every high school so the young can head into adulthood knowing what to watch out for. It’s an old phenomenon. Not all people are good souls, bottom line.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JCASEA
    United States3 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Guests are often diverse experts and survivors, though some listeners note pacing and host interruptions.
The show is seen as a valuable resource for understanding manipulation and safeguarding against it.
Feedback often requests more time for guests to speak and deeper exploration of guest perspectives.
Listeners appreciate the rigorous, evidence-based approach to coercive influence and survivor-focused insights.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) with Anthony Forte: A decade inside the Korean doomsday cult WMSCOG, an arranged marriage, and the exit that followed
Q: Anthony, can you explain who they are, what they believe and how you got involved?
The World Mission Society Church of God originated in South Korea and teaches that Ahn Sahng-hong was the second coming of Christ and that God the Mother is a literal counterpart. I joined contemplating seeking community and purpose, gradually exposed to their doctrines through multi-step Bible studies, baptisms, and recruitment pressure, which led to an arranged marriage and escalating commitment.
God, Law, and the Cult of Power: Marci Hamilton on what it will take to restore the rule of law in an era of authoritarian religion
Q: What's the prescription for bringing back values, science, and human rights to the U.S. legal landscape?
Empower the broader public—believers and non-believers alike—to participate in public life, defend civil rights, and oppose the minority using religion to justify political power; reinstate church-state separation; reform the Supreme Court; and rebuild a political climate where humane, rights-respecting policies prevail.
What Detransition Taught Me About Identity: Alexander Linkowski on his detransition journey, informed consent, and the illusion of self
Q: What are the risks and benefits of medical transitioning from your perspective as a detransitioner?
Benefits can include improved mental health for some, but risks involve side effects, long-term physical and psychological consequences, and the importance of thoughtful, individualized evaluation rather than blanket access or outright gatekeeping; the guest advocates balanced, informed consent and careful monitoring.
What Detransition Taught Me About Identity: Alexander Linkowski on his detransition journey, informed consent, and the illusion of self
Q: What are your thoughts on the claim that trans community is a cult?
The guest argues that there are different kinds of 'cults'—ethical groups with informed consent and freedom to leave, versus authoritarian mind control groups—emphasizing that not all intense community dynamics are cult-like, and that the defining factor is autonomy and coercion rather than mere fervor.
Russian Disinformation From the Ground in Ukraine With Journalist Chris Sampson: An American journalist in Ukraine on active measures, AI pollution, and bottom-up resistance
Q: What should American audiences know from your vantage point living in Ukraine?
Stop looking for a political messiah and stop waiting for top-down solutions; instead, focus on bottom-up organizing, empathy-driven dialogue, and persistent civic engagement to defend democratic norms and counter disinformation.

Audience Metrics

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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?

A rigorous, psychology-grounded series exploring how coercive influence operates across religious, political, and social groups. Recent episodes spotlight first-person exit stories from high-control groups, clinical and legal perspectives on manipulation, and practical frameworks for recognizing and countering undue influence. The host consistently examines mind-control mechanisms, with a focus on real-world exits, survivor resilience, and strategies for safeguarding individuals and communities from coercive dynamics. A notable strength is the blend of survivor testimony, scholarly analysis, and actionable tools like the bite model and exit planning, making it valuable for professionals, educators, and frontline advocates.

What stands out ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Cults, Culture & Coercion?

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

1. IndoctriNation
2. A Little Bit Culty
3. Conspirituality
4. Cults to Consciousness
5. UNCOVERED

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

Cults, Culture & Coercion launched 5 years ago and published 250 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. Ru Marshall
2. Karen Winner
3. Ingo Michehl
4. Chris Vishoot
5. Anthony Forte
6. Mary Riggs Cohen
7. Marci Hamilton
8. Brandie Hadfield

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