This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this insightful episode, Rachel delves into the controversial history of Synanon, a group founded in 1958 by Charles Diedrich Sr. Originally established as an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous, Synanon devolved into a notorious organization known for its aggressive "attack therapy" and coercive control tactics. Rachel explores the...

In this compelling episode, Rachel speaks with Lynn Short, a former member of the New Gnostic Society, to explore her 17-year journey within the modern occult group. Lynn recounts her experiences as a missionary and the intense pressures she faced, including the doctrine's emphasis on sexual practices and the psychological control exerted over members. She candidly discusses the challenges of overcoming religious trauma and the path to healing that followed her departure in 2018. Lynn...

In this special post-election episode, Rachel welcomes Andrew Pledger to discuss the emotional aftermath of the recent election from a survivor's perspective. Andrew, a cult survivor and advocate, shares his unique insights into the intersection of Christian fundamentalism and the current political climate. Raised in an independent fundamental Baptist church, Andrew's journey of self-discovery and escape from high-control environments informs his work in raising awareness through his...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this timely episode, Rachel addresses the upcoming U.S. presidential election and its impact on cult survivors. She explores the psychological parallels between political dynamics and cult-like behaviors, focusing on the anxiety and fear triggered by the current political climate. Rachel discusses the rise of Christian nationalism and its...

Returning guest Nikki G. is a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach who helps survivors recover and thrive after Religious Trauma & Cult involvement. She is also a survivor of multiple narcissistic relationships, religious trauma, as well as a former member of multiple cultic communities. Nikki is the CEO of Nikki G Speaks LLC, which exists to support survivors with individual coaching services, an online community, and other various forms of psycho-education related to religious trauma,...

In this compelling episode, Rachel introduces Dr. John Hunter, a South African researcher and lecturer, to explore the psychological and neurobiological impacts of Large Group Awareness Trainings (LGATs). Dr. Hunter offers a unique perspective on how LGATs can trigger manic-like episodes and psychosis. Rachel and Dr. Hunter discuss the psychological and social dynamics within LGATs, including the use of authority, social proof, and peripheral route persuasion to influence participants....

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this insightful bonus episode, Rachel delves into the multifaceted nature of loss and grief, offering a deeper understanding of the various types they may encounter. Rachel discusses how former cult members often feel displaced in traditional grief support groups, as their experiences of loss are unique and complex. She aims to shed light...

In this enlightening episode, Rachel continues her conversation with Dan Shaw, an esteemed psychotherapist renowned for his work on traumatic narcissism and cult recovery. Building on their previous discussion, Dan delves deeper into the concept of traumatic narcissism, sharing insights from his groundbreaking books, "Traumatic Relational Systems of Subjugation" and "Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery." He outlines eight key behaviors of traumatizing narcissists, offering valuable guidance for...

In this captivating episode, Rachel Bernstein welcomes back Dan Shaw, a distinguished psychotherapist and expert in psychoanalysis specializing in narcissistic abuse and cult survivor recovery. Dan shares his transformative journey from being an actor and missionary to leaving a cultic organization in 1994 and becoming a mental health professional. His extensive training and personal experiences have made him a prominent figure in the field, earning him the prestigious Margaret Singer Award...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this exclusive Patreon bonus episode, Rachel explores the nuanced topic of assertiveness, a vital skill for cult survivors. She discusses the challenges faced by cult survivors in reclaiming their voice and setting healthy boundaries. Many survivors struggle with programmed compliance, fear of punishment, difficulty identifying personal...

This week Rachel delves into the intricate world of cult recovery with Dr. Gillie Jenkinson, a UK-accredited psychotherapist specializing in cult studies. Dr. Jenkinson’s journey is not just professional but deeply personal, having spent seven years in a Bible-based cult in the 1970s. Her experience and extensive research culminate in her acclaimed book, "Walking Free from the Trauma of Coercive Cultic and Spiritual Abuse." Dr. Jenkinson’s story is one of resilience and dedication. After...

Scott Homan was raised in the north woods of Wisconsin and found his voice through music and film. His documentary, Witness Underground, highlights the struggles and triumphs of a music community influenced by a cult. Scott shares his journey from being raised in a restrictive environment to discovering the power of self-expression and creativity as a path to healing. Rachel and Scott delve into the emotional and psychological impact of shunning, the manipulation tactics used by cults, and...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Have you ever felt like someone was manipulating you, making you question your own reality? If so, you might have experienced DARVO - Denial, Attack, Reverse Victim, and Offender. Abusers use this manipulative tactic to deny their wrongdoing, attack the victim's character, and reverse the roles of victim and offender. In this Patreon bonus...

For over 20 years, Anne Peterson devoted herself to Landmark, the training and development company she believed was transforming lives. She even helped launch the public reemergence of the guru behind the organization, Werner Erhard. But ultimately, Anne faced a reckoning. The organization and Erhard were corroding the message that initially sparked her passion. After years of rationalizing away red flags, the harm beneath the surface became undeniable. Anne now focuses on helping others...

Kendra Lee Bryan is a 2-time cult survivor and host of the popular (CULT)ure Shock Show on YouTube. Kendra describes herself as an investigative humorist who casts a snarky spotlight on cults, crime, and crooked culture through a piercing lens of levity. Her humor, intelligence and passion for cult education are driven by her own cultic experiences and make her an excellent host. In this episode, Rachel and Kendra delve into the complexities of emotional abuse, the importance of...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination Rachel dives deep into the concept of DARVO - Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender - a term that sheds light on the manipulative tactics often used by abusers to deflect blame and undermine their victims. In this enlightening bonus episode, she breaks down each component of DARVO, illustrating how these tactics are employed...

R. Scott Okamoto is a fourth-generation Japanese American author, musician, and college professor from Pasadena, California. Scott is the host of the Chapel Probation podcast and the author of the new book, "Asian American Apostate: Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University." His work provides a wry and ironic insight into how America's evangelical schools encourage rigid social structures and white cultural power, rather than fostering a life of the mind. Rachel and...

Named as one of the "top 10 religion newsmakers" of 2022 today’s guest, Christa Brown has persisted for two decades in working to peel back the truth about clergy sex abuse and coverups in the nation's largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention. She was one of the first to go public with substantiated child molestation allegations against a Baptist minister, along with documentation that others knew, and she has consistently demanded reforms to make other kids and...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this insightful solo Bonus episode, Rachel delves into the pervasive issue of victim blaming within various contexts, including new-age thinking, large group awareness training, the self-help movement, religious organizations, and abusive relationships. She explores how these environments often manipulate individuals into believing they are...

Aimee Byrd is an author, speaker, blogger, and podcaster. She has written several books including Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, and Sexual Reformation. Her latest work, The Hope In Our Scars peels back the Christian church’s underlying and pervasive theology of power, to face the shame that lurks there. Having trodden her own path of disillusionment, Aimee invites the reader to find faith amidst the chaos of the church’s status quo. Rachel and Aimee discuss a wide range...

Elle Hardy is an Australian-born journalist mostly based in New Orleans. She has covered stories from every continent on earth, from North Korea to the backwoods of Alabama. Her writing credits include The Guardian, The Times, GQ, Vice, and more. Elle also appeared alongside Rachel, in the documentary Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed, which uncovered the scandals of the “hip celebrity church”. Elle also went on to co-host the podcast series False Profits A personal journey into the heart of...

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this insightful bonus episode, Rachel delves into the complexities of life after leaving a cultic group or controlling relationship. She discusses the common challenges faced by survivors as they navigate their newfound freedom and the potential need to return to therapy after resolving the immediate needs of post-cult trauma. Rachel...

Annie Dawid is an award-winning author and professor who teaches creative writing at University College, of Denver. She is a professor of English and Director of Creative Writing at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR. Her latest novel PARADISE UNDONE: A NOVEL OF JONESTOWN is a historical fiction of the infamous tragedy that took place in Guyana 45 years ago, it is a sensitive account of 4 people whose lives were deeply impacted by cult leader Jim Jones. The book was published on...

Joel Looper is an adjunct professor at Baylor University and the author of the new book, Another Gospel: Christian Nationalism and the Crisis of Evangelical Identity in which he offers his fellow evangelicals a unique theological argument for resisting Christian nationalism. Using church history, Scriptural reasoning, and even analysis of Russian Christian nationalism. The book argues that another gospel, (which is actually not the gospel at all), has colonized American evangelicalism,...