
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 | 234 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | EducationSociety & CultureSelf-Improvement | |||

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
She Sought Out the People Who Threatened Her
Deeyah Khan was editing a film when the BBC called. The threats were serious enough the police were already on their way. “Stay where you are,” they told her. “If there are windows in the room, move to a ... 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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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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Cults, Culture & Coercion launched 4 years ago and published 234 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. Amir Essalhi
2. Deeyah Khan
3. Ewan Whyte
4. Holly Berkley Fletcher
5. Maria Esguerra
6. Keri Ladner, PhD
7. Melissa Duge Spiers
8. John Fugelsang
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