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Cults, Culture & Coercion with Dr. Steve Hassan

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

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes231Founded4 years ago
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Self-ImprovementSociety & CultureEducation

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Artwork for Cults, Culture & Coercion

Latest Episodes

Missionary kids often carry the weight of their parents’ choices. They are inculcated into the faith without opportunity for independent thought, according to author, historian, and former intelligence analyst Holly Berkley Fletcher, PhD. Her parents... more

As the United States remains stalled on full disclosure and holding Epstein file perpetrators accountable, the Parliament of Victoria, Australia, has launched an inquiry into the recruitment methods and societal impacts of cults and organized fringe ... more

Tracing the roots of Christian Nationalism and the New Apostolic Reformation is no longer a fringe concern. It has become one of the most urgent forces reshaping American political life, and most people still do not understand where it came from, how... more

Melissa Duge Spiers was raised as a several generations Seventh-day Adventist. It wasn’t until years later, when she discovered information about her father, who had been both a youth pastor within the Adventist church and a Loma Linda-educated docto... more

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Recent Guests

Holly Berkley Fletcher
Author, historian, former intelligence analyst
A Zebra Without Stripes (Substack)
Episode: The Missionary Kids: Unmasking the Myths of White Evangelicalism with Holly Berkley Fletcher PhD
Maria Esguerra
Psychologist from Australia; co-founder of Olive Leaf Network; autism and disabilities expert; testified at parliamentary investigations on cults in Australia
Olive Leaf Network
Episode: The Olive Leaf Network: Public Testimony to the Parliament of Victoria on Children in Cults and High-demand Religious Groups with Psychologist Maria Esguerra
Keri Ladner, PhD
Scholar on fundamentalist politics in America
Author of American Dominion
Episode: American Dominion: The Rise and Radicalization of a New Christendom with Keri Ladner, PhD
Melissa Duge Spiers
Award-winning essayist, screenwriter, advocate addressing religious abuse and resilience
Author of Holy Disobedience
Episode: Holy Disobedience: Sex, Sin, and Secrets in the Biggest Church No One Knows with Melissa Duge Spiers
John Fugelsang
Comedian and author discussed the book Separation of Church and Hate
Author of Separation of Church and Hate
Episode: Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds with John Fugelsang
Bill Eddy
Therapist, attorney, mediator; founder of High Conflict Institute
High Conflict Institute
Episode: Why We Elect Narcissists and Sociopaths - And How We Can Stop! with Bill Eddy, LCSW, JD
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

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
  • Hmmm…

    **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

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Poodeer
    United States16 days ago
  • 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 States2 months 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 States2 months 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 States2 months 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 States4 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.

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 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. Legal AF by MeidasTouch
3. UNCOVERED
4. The MeidasTouch Podcast
5. THE WEEKEND SHOW

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

Cults, Culture & Coercion launched 4 years ago and published 231 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. Holly Berkley Fletcher
2. Maria Esguerra
3. Keri Ladner, PhD
4. Melissa Duge Spiers
5. John Fugelsang
6. Bill Eddy
7. Adam James
8. Holly Pivec

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