
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
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 237 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Society & CultureEducationSelf-Improvement | |||

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Ian Wilks was a high-ranking leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is a former bishop, a former branch president, and a member of the stake presidency in British Columbia, with responsibility for shepherding twelve congregatio... more
From Richard Dawkins to Larry Summers, brilliant minds get pulled in.
I sat down with the journalist Virginia Heffernan for a recent conversation on Cults, Culture & Coercion to talk about who falls for the Trump cult and why. Virginia spent time in... more
Scientology recruitment rarely looks the way people imagine. There is no shadowy figure pulling you into a back room. The process is warm, and, for a curious young person, entirely easy to be “handled” and sucked in. Amir Essalhi was 18 years old and... more
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I would love to hear coverage of people of praise. It is such an under the radar yet such a huge cult that destroyed so many kids it started out being called servant of the Lord in the 70s and 80s and then it changed names to digits abuse. Amy Coney Barrett has been under the microscope for years ( the Trump appointed Supreme Court judge) the microscope because this is the cult she was raised in and is still in. I was interviewed several times about it and I’m so shocked that it doesn’t get more... more
**update: have listened to many more episodes— I had to lower my stars … I can’t take the interrupting and talking Over guests. It’s unprofessional and off putting. It’s disrespectful and belittling. Can’t continue and it’s sad because he has a lot of knowledge and resources- but he’s just bringing people onto the show to listen to his story and make his experience more “the topic” and it’s not good.
(Previous post) I like learning and listening to guests. I would like to suggest that maybe y... more
I second what others are saying, amazing podcast but I want to hear Dr Hassan less. We all know you were in the Moonies for 19 months or whatever, but honestly it wasn’t that long especially compared to a lot of your guests! So yes your experience counts but it was a tiny part of the breadth of your life. Let the others speak!
I enjoy understanding social connections in various lights. Steve does a great job bringing people on his show who bring diverse experiences and expertise, reminding us of how many perspectives there are in our society today. He is a great interviewer, pulling out information from his guests and staying on topic. This said, he also brings personal knowledge and experience to remind us how we can be vulnerable to influences around us and how to interact with the people we do not understand or se... more
Steven Hassan’s podcast is a tremendous resource for all who are navigating the current system of information control and divisive politics. His guests offer fresh perspectives, varied experiences, and fascinating insights on how to help ourselves and others identify and avoid undue influence.
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Apple Podcasts | #201 |
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A sharp, research-driven exploration of coercive influence, mind control, and high-control groups across a diverse range of contexts. Episodes feature survivors, researchers, and practitioners who dissect recruitment, manipulation tactics, exit strategies, and healing from cults, religious nationalism, and extremist movements. The show often connects historical movements to contemporary politics, media influence, and policy implications, while offering practical frameworks for recognizing undue influence and safeguarding relationships. Notable strengths include a rigorous, interview-led approach with prominent experts, and a willingness to tackle difficult topics with empathy and actionable guidance for both individuals and organizations co... more
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Cults, Culture & Coercion launched 4 years ago and published 237 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 Cults, Culture & Coercion include:
1. Ian Wilks
2. Virginia Heffernan
3. Amir Essalhi
4. Deeyah Khan
5. Ewan Whyte
6. Holly Berkley Fletcher
7. Maria Esguerra
8. Keri Ladner, PhD
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