Episodes

Aug. 20, 2025

Hell Bent with Brian Recker

In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein speaks with Brian Recker, a former evangelical pastor who has transitioned away from fundamentalist beliefs. Brian discusses his journey of self-discovery and deconstruction from the rel...

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Aug. 13, 2025

AUM: The Cult at the End of the World with Chiaki Yanagimoto

In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein introduces Chiaki Yanagimoto, a prominent Japanese-born filmmaker based in LA, known for her work in documentaries and independent cinema. In their conversation, Chiaki discusses her doc...

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Aug. 8, 2025

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Long-Term Recovery from a Cult pt. 1

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 This Patreon exclusive bonus episode focuses on the intricate a...

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Aug. 6, 2025

Forager: Field Notes for Surviving a Family Cult with Michelle Dowd

In this episode of IndoctriNation, host Rachel Bernstein talks with Michelle Dowd, author of 'Forager: Field Notes for Surviving a Family Cult.’ Michelle recounts her upbringing in an apocalyptic cult led by her grandfather, ...

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July 30, 2025

From Wellness to Warnings with Hayley Krischer

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein discusses the intricacies and potential dangers of the wellness industry with Hayley Krischer, an award-winning journalist and author. They dive deep into topics such as evaluating safe thera...

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July 25, 2025

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Navigating the Digital Abyss: Online Cults pt.…

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 continuation of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode, R...

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July 23, 2025

Religious Reality: Inside the World of Jehovah’s Witnesses with Lara …

In this insightful episode, Rachel Bernstein interviews Lara Kaput, a whistleblower and former Jehovah's Witness. Lara shares her journey from being born into the Jehovah's Witnesses to leaving at 19 and becoming an advocate ...

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July 16, 2025

Unmasking Narcissism: The Hidden Truths of Manipulation with Dr. Pete…

In this enlightening episode, Rachel welcomes back Dr. Peter Salerno, a trauma specialist and award-winning author, for a deep dive into the complexities of narcissism and its manifestations in both children and adults. Build...

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July 11, 2025

Navigating the Digital Abyss: Online Cults pt.1

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 eye-opening bonus episode, we dive into the alarming w...

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July 9, 2025

Twin Flames: From Love Bombing to Liberation with Jessi Hersey

In this powerful episode, Rachel welcomes Jessi Hersey, a courageous author and cult survivor, to share her transformative journey from the Twin Flames Universe cult. Jessi opens up about her experiences within the group, det...

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July 2, 2025

Reclaiming Agency: Insights on Religious Trauma and Control with Nikk…

In this thought-provoking episode, Rachel welcomes back Nikki G, a certified trauma recovery coach and advocate for survivors of religious trauma and cult involvement. Together, they delve into the alarming rise of Project 20...

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June 27, 2025

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Cult Hopping pt. 2

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 insightful continuation of our Patreon exclusive bonus...

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June 25, 2025

Sister, Sinner with Claire Hoffman

In this captivating episode, Rachel sits down with Claire Hoffman, journalist and author of the memoir Greetings from Utopia Park, to explore the enigmatic life of Aimee Semple McPherson, a pioneering female evangelist whose ...

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June 18, 2025

If Scientology Ruled The World with Jon Atack

In the latest episode, Rachel continues her enlightening dialogue with Jon Atak, a prominent expert on authoritarian cults. This episode serves as a critical reminder of the psychological tactics that leaders employ to manipu...

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June 13, 2025

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Cult Hopping pt.1

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 insightful bonus episode, Rachel dives into the phenom...

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June 11, 2025

The Mind Is Burning with Jonathan Hirsch

In this thought-provoking episode, Rachel welcomes back Jonathan Hirsch, an award-winning podcast producer and founder of Neon Hum Media, to discuss his powerful journey growing up in a cult led by Franklin Jones. Jonathan sh...

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June 4, 2025

Unraveling Propaganda with Dr. Olga Yurkova

In this powerful episode, Rachel reconnects with Ukrainian journalist and co-founder of stopfake.org, Dr. Olga Yurkova, who has been at the forefront of combating Russian propaganda and misinformation. Following their previou...

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May 30, 2025

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Apocalyptic Thinking pt. 2

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 engaging follow-up to part one, Rachel continues her e...

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May 28, 2025

Cracked Open with Michelle Moffitt

In this compelling episode, Rachel speaks with Michelle Moffitt, a licensed therapist and the author of "Cracked Open: A Journey to a Resilient and Independent Mindset, who specializes in helping individuals navigate anxiety,...

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May 21, 2025

The Instability of Truth with Rebecca Lemov

In this enlightening episode, Rachel engages in a deep conversation with Rebecca Lemov, a historian of science at Harvard University, whose research focuses on brainwashing, mind control, and hyper persuasion. As they explore...

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May 16, 2025

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Apocalyptic Thinking pt. 1

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 thought-provoking bonus episode, Rachel dives int...

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May 14, 2025

Behind the Curtain of Landmark with Michael Yoder

In this thought-provoking episode, Rachel engages in a captivating conversation with Michael Yoder, a writer and composer from Victoria, British Columbia. Michael shares his personal journey through the Landmark Forum, a self...

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May 7, 2025

Cult Hopping Chronicles pt. 2: Unraveling The Threads Of Control with…

In this powerful conclusion to Rachel's conversation with Cara Cordoni, the complexities of navigating high-control environments are brought to light. Cara, a seasoned leadership coach and survivor of multiple cult experience...

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May 2, 2025

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW-The Dynamics of Consent: Freedom vs. Coercion p…

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 enlightening continuation of our Patreon exclusive bonu...

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