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IndoctriNation

IndoctriNation
IndoctriNation
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492 episodes

  • IndoctriNation

    Awe, Certainty, and Charisma: Yuval Laor on the Psychology of Cult Leadership

    16/09/2026 | 1h 34 mins.
    In this episode, Rachel welcomes back researcher and author Yuval Laor to examine his hypothesis about temporal lobe epilepsy, awe, and the behavior of some cult leaders. Yuval explains how hyperactive temporal lobes may contribute to intense emotionality, certainty, religious experiences, paranoia, hypergraphia, and a sense of personal destiny.
    Rachel and Yuval discuss how these traits can combine with narcissism, psychopathy, or pathological lying, why a leader’s emotional intensity can feel authentic and persuasive, and how understanding these neurological patterns may help former followers make sense of their experiences.

    Links:
    ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠

    Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more:Ā 
    https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠

    Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:
    https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION

    Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:
    ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠

    Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation:Ā 
    https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm

    Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4

    Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:
    https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign

    Journal App:Ā 
    https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html

    Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:
    https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html

    IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:
    ⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
  • IndoctriNation

    Jon Atack on Scientology, Authoritarianism, and the Psychology of Belief

    09/09/2026 | 1h 38 mins.
    In this episode, Rachel speaks with Jon Atack about Scientology, authoritarianism, and the ways belief systems can shape behavior. Jon reflects on his experience with Scientology, the harassment he encountered after speaking out, and the contradictions he found within its teachings. Rachel and Jon examine moral injury, magical thinking, othering, certainty, and the difficulty of psychologically separating from a controlling group. They also discuss developing a sense of self, compassion, and humility, the role of humor in recovery, and Jon’s return to painting, writing, music, and other interests outside his work on cults.
    Jon's Links:
    https://jonatack.co.uk/

    Links:
    https://linktr.ee/indoctrination
    Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more:
    https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination
    Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:
    https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION
    Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:
    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS
    Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation:
    https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm
    Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4
    Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:
    https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign
    Journal App:
    https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
  • IndoctriNation

    Bonus Episode Preview - Breaking the Cycle: First Gen vs. Second Gen in Cult Recovery

    04/09/2026 | 5 mins.
    In this insightful bonus episode, Rachel dives into the generational dynamics within cultic groups, exploring the distinctions between first-generation (first gen) members and their children, second-generation (second gen) members. She discusses the unique challenges and resentments that arise when individuals who were born into cults confront their parents, who chose to join these groups. Rachel highlights the emotional complexities both generations face, including blame, responsibility, and the struggle to understand one another.
    As Rachel navigates these sensitive topics, she provides valuable insights on how to foster communication and healing between parents and children affected by cultic environments. She emphasizes the importance of listening, empathy, and taking responsibility, while also acknowledging the pain and anger that can exist within these relationships. Through her compassionate approach, Rachel encourages both generations to engage in open dialogue, allowing for a path toward understanding and reconciliation.
    Connect with us on social media:
    ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠
    Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:
    https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION
    Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:
    ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠
    IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:
    ⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
  • IndoctriNation

    When Healing Becomes Control: Jules Evans on Psychedelics and Cultic Influence

    02/09/2026 | 55 mins.
    Jules Evans and Rachel discuss the overlap between psychedelic culture, therapeutic abuse, cultic dynamics, and coercive control. Drawing from Jules’ research into post-psychedelic difficulties and Rachel’s decades of counseling former cult members, they examine how charismatic facilitators and leaders can exploit trust, vulnerability, awe, and the desire for healing.

    They explore guruism, dependency, group pressure, psychedelic therapy, AI-based spiritual movements, family-like power structures, and the risks of unregulated facilitators. They also discuss ways people can regain agency after harmful experiences and what to consider when assessing the safety and qualifications of psychedelic practitioners.

    Jules Links:
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUE70klJkkikBFQdAqf27Jw
    https://www.ecstaticintegration.org/
    https://challengingpsychedelicexperiences.com/

    Connect with us on social media:
    ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠

    Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more:
    https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠

    Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:
    https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION

    Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:
    ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠

    Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation:
    https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm

    Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4

    Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:
    https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign

    Journal App:
    https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html

    Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:
    https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html

    IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:
    ⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
  • IndoctriNation

    The Invisible Grip of Covert Narcissism: Renee Swanson on Abuse, Anger, and Self-Trust

    26/08/2026 | 1h 27 mins.
    In this episode, Rachel welcomes back Renee Swanson, host of the Covert Narcissism Podcast, to discuss the often-invisible impact of covert narcissistic relationships. Renee explains why self-reflective people can internalize blame, how emotional and psychological threats affect the body, and why anger, hypervigilance, fear, obligation, and guilt can keep people trapped. Rachel and Renee also examine narcissistic rage, manipulation, isolation, remorse, and the difficulty of identifying subtle abuse. They close by exploring how survivors can recognize red flags within themselves, rebuild trust in their own feelings, and begin healing before entering new relationships.
    Links:
    ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠
    Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more:
    https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠

    Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:
    https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION

    Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:
    ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠

    Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation:
    https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm

    Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4

    Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:
    https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign

    Journal App:
    https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html

    Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:
    https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html

    Covert Narcissism:
    https://covertnarcissism.com

    Covert Narcissism Group on Facebook
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/covertnarcissism/

    Covert Narcissism Podcast
    https://thecovertnarcissismpodcast.podbean.com/

    Covert Narcissism Group on Facebook
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/covertnarcissism/

    IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:
    ⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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About IndoctriNation
Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control.
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