Episodes

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein speaks with Luke Allen, a survivor of the River Road Fellowship group in Minnesota. Luke recounts his experiences growing up in this high-control group from 1996 to about 2015, emphasizing th...

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 In this Patreon bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein explains why pe...

In this episode, Rachel interviews Theophila Pratt, a Gloriavale survivor now based in Auckland, New Zealand, nearly 10 years out and working as an occupational therapist with youth. Born into Gloriavale as “Honey Faithful,” ...

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein interviews Elise Heerde, a certified coach and mental health practitioner specializing in religious trauma, cult recovery, and coercive control. Elise recounts being raised in fundamentalist ...

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 In this Patreon bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein covers black-an...

In this episode, John Collins, founder of the William Branham Historical Research and the 'Leaving the Message' YouTube channel, shares his personal journey of escaping the cult of William Branham. Raised within the cult, whe...

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein speaks with Susan Bookheimer, a distinguished UCLA professor and neuropsychologist with over 40 years of expertise in brain imaging and human brain development. The discussion delves into the...

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 In the continuation of this Patreon bonus episode, Rachel Berns...

In this episode, Camille Lewis, an assistant professor of Communication Studies at Furman University, discusses her latest book, 'Klandamentalism.’ Camille, who spent 15 years researching the book, uncovers the deep connectio...

In this episode, Dr. Lucas Wilson shares his personal journey and academic exploration of Holocaust studies and conversion therapy. He discusses his experiences growing up, his struggle with faith and sexuality, and his in-de...

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 In this Patreon bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein addresses the p...

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein sits down with Matthew Facciani, a researcher at the University of Notre Dame whose work focuses on misinformation, media literacy, social networks, and political polarization. Matthew discus...

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein sits down with cult expert Steven Hassan for a personal and eye‑opening conversation about how cults work, why people get drawn into them, and how those same dynamics show up in today’s polit...

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 In this Patreon bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein discusses the p...

In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein talks with Davis Carbo, the creator of the Unbiased Series and an expert in cognitive biases. Carbo shares his journey toward understanding the human mind and discusses various cognitive...

In this re-release episode, Rachel introduces Pamela Jackson, a licensed clinical social worker, creative nonfiction writer, and mother. Pamela delves into her past involvement with the International Church of Christ (ICOC), ...

In this re-release episode, Rachel interviews Sochil Martin, a Mexican-American survivor of the high-control religious group, La Luz del Mundo (LDM). Sochil shares her harrowing experiences of being groomed and abused by the ...

In this unlocked bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein explores strategies for engaging in meaningful and respectful conversations during the holidays. Key concepts discussed include cognitive dissonance, setting boundaries, active...

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 In this exclusive Patreon bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein discu...

In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein is joined by Francisco González Espejito, a psychologist, lecturer, and researcher at the Autonomous University of Madrid. Francisco discusses his background in studying abuse and violen...

In this episode, Sarma Melngailis discusses her journey from running a successful New York-based restaurant to being in a highly publicized scandal. Sarma shares her personal experiences of manipulation and betrayal by a coer...

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 In this Patreon exclusive bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein conti...

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein interviews Daniel Allen Cox, author of ' I Felt The End Before It Came: Memoirs of a Queer Ex-Jehovah's Witness .' Daniel shares his experiences growing up as a JW, the strict moral code, and...

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein interviews Rachel Montgomery, who recounts her harrowing journey as a survivor of a cult and sexual abuse within a Buddhist community. She describes how she was drawn into the group, the mani...