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

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Artwork for Cults, Culture & Coercion

Latest Episodes

White Christian nationalism is not an abstract political concept. For Adam James, it was the air he breathed from birth. Adam, who goes by @epistemiccrisis on Instagram with well over 700,000 followers, grew up in the Pentecostal and charismatic chur... more

Holly Pivec and Doug Geivett on Two Decades of Tracking the NAR’s Apostles and Prophets

You walk into a church on Sunday morning. The worship band plays songs you’ve heard on Christian radio for years. The lyrics feel familiar, uplifting. What you d... more

Pam Hemphill has been fighting MAGA propaganda since the day she realized it nearly killed her. A retired substance abuse counselor cancer survivor and one of the most visible former participants of the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol Pam serv... more

Rachel Bernstein is a licensed marriage‑and‑family therapist in Los Angeles and a seasoned cult specialist with more than 35 years of experience. Rachel specializes in helping individuals exit authoritarian cults and narcissistic relationships and be... more

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Recent Guests

Adam James
Licensed physical therapist and health/politics content creator; raised in Christian nationalism and MAGA; former pastor in a New Apostolic Reformation context
Epistemic Crisis
Episode: White Nationalism, MAGA, and the NAR: A Conversation with Adam James What a former NAR pastor and geriatric PT sees in Trump
Holly Pivec
Author and researcher of the New Apostolic Reformation
Author; researcher on NAR
Episode: Bethel Church and the New Apostolic Reformation: Holly Pivec and Doug Geivett on Two Decades of Tracking the NAR’s Apostles and Prophets
Doug Geivett
Philosophy professor; co-author with Holly on biblical critiques of NAR
Biola University / Talbot School of Theology
Episode: Bethel Church and the New Apostolic Reformation: Holly Pivec and Doug Geivett on Two Decades of Tracking the NAR’s Apostles and Prophets
Pam Hemphill
Cancer survivor, retired substance abuse counselor who was swept up in the MAGA movement
None specified
Episode: Pam Hemphill on Leaving MAGA and Making Amends
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

Host

Dr. Steven Hassan
Lead host focused on cults, undue influence, and the Influence Continuum; author and mental health professional

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • Great, however

    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!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    googlybritt
    United States13 days ago
  • Enlightening

    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

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Carl Robert
    United States14 days ago
  • Thought-provoking

    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.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Momster91!
    United States21 days ago
  • 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 States3 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some listeners request improved audio quality and better guest-turntaking.
Criticism focuses on the host interrupting guests, affecting flow.
Listeners praise deep topic coverage and guest expertise.
Episodes are described as thoughtful, informative, and timely on manipulation and leadership.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Bethel Church and the New Apostolic Reformation: Holly Pivec and Doug Geivett on Two Decades of Tracking the NAR’s Apostles and Prophets
Q: How would you define the New Apostolic Reformation to someone unfamiliar with it?
It's a movement that claims ongoing, modern revelation through apostles and prophets who govern the church and influence society, aiming to restore a form of Christian dominion across seven societal mountains, which many see as a departure from historic Christian doctrine.
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.

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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 show exploring how undue influence, mind control, and coercive dynamics operate in real life, with a focus on cults, extremism, and political manipulation. Guests include psychologists, researchers, journalists, and survivors who share actionable insights on recognition, recovery, and ethical influence. The program often connects historical patterns to contemporary events, offering strategies for critical thinking, healthy dialogue, and safeguarding democratic norms. Its distinctive angle is combining clinical psychology, historical analysis, and practical guidance for readers and listeners navigating high-control groups or manipulative narratives.

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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. UNCOVERED
4. Legal AF by MeidasTouch
5. Straight White American Jesus

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

Cults, Culture & Coercion launched 4 years ago and published 225 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. Adam James
2. Holly Pivec
3. Doug Geivett
4. Pam Hemphill
5. Rachel Bernstein
6. Nikki McCarty
7. Dr. Keri L. Ladner
8. Erica Siegal

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