Episodes

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 listening, and the impact of echo chambers and misinformation. Practical advice is provided on how to maintain healthy discussions and manage emotional well-being during potentially contentious interactions. Connect with us on social media: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrinati...

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 discusses the documentary 'Breath of Fire,' which explores the controversial Kundalini Yoga empire founded by Yogi Bhajan and later led by Guru Jagat. Directed by Hayley Papas and Smiley Stevens, the series sheds light on the origins, rise, and eventual exposure of abusive practi...

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 violence across various contexts, the influence of coercive control, and the rise of digital environments like the manosphere. They explore how pseudo-therapeutic groups manipulate their followers, the psychological mechanisms behind group influence, and the disturbing trend of se...

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 coercive partner, reflecting on how her story was misrepresented in the Netflix docuseries 'Bad Vegan.' She opens up about the challenges of reclaiming her narrative through her memoir, which provides deeper insights into her experiences, serving as both a cautionary tale and a ...

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 continues the discussion on attachment and attachment issues, focusing on common challenges faced by survivors of mistreatment, abandonment, and betrayal. The episode highlights behaviors such as fear of abandonment, anxious attachment, people-pleasing, and difficulty in trusting...

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 the challenges he faced as a queer individual. He discusses the process of leaving the faith, the lack of support, and the journey towards self-acceptance and rebuilding his life. The conversation delves into the repeated failed predictions of Jehovah's Witnesses leaders, the...

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 manipulative practices of the leader, and the emotional and psychological challenges she faced. She details the abuse she suffered under the guise of spiritual teachings, the devastating personal consequences, and the difficult path to recognizing the trauma for what it was. She...

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 episode informs on the topic of attachment styles, particularly focusing on how cults and controlling relationships undermine healthy attachment. Rachel Bernstein examines different attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized, and links them to early caregiver interactions and trauma. The discus...

In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein speaks with Carol Merchasin, a lawyer specializing in cases involving sexual misconduct in religious and spiritual communities. Carol discusses various aspects of legal battles against high-control groups, including the complexities of consent, the limitations of the legal system, and the role of psychological coercion. She highlights the differences between the criminal and civil justice systems and emphasizes the importance of legislative advocacy to exte...

In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein talks with Dr. Natalie Fabert, an Associate Teaching Professor at Arizona State University and a licensed psychologist specializing in trauma and abuse, particularly cultic abuse. Natalie announces her collaboration with Dr. Janja Lalich and the Lalich Center on an online continuing education course designed for mental health clinicians to effectively support survivors of cult abuse and coercive control. Throughout the episode, Natalie discusses her journey...

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 episode, Rachel Bernstein explores the psychological and social dynamics that unfold when a cult leader is attacked or faced with accusations. The episode covers the common defensive responses from followers, such as ad hominem attacks, increased group cohesion, and rationalization. Rachel explains the backfire...

In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein speaks with Dr. Christine Cocchiola, an expert on coercive control, a social work professor, and developer of the Protective Parenting Program. Dr. Cocchiola shares her personal and professional experiences dealing with coercive control in familial and intimate relationships. Discussion topics include manipulation dynamics, cultural conditioning, the challenges of protective parenting, and strategies for safely exiting abusive situations. Dr. Cocchiola’s L...

In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein sits down with Mark Scheeren, co-founder of the Baldwin Research Institute and co-author of 'The Freedom Model for Addictions.' Mark shares his personal journey through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and his subsequent realization of the program's flaws. He discusses the creation of the Freedom Model, a non-12-step recovery approach, which focuses on autonomy, factual education, and challenging myths around addiction. Mark critiques the traditional 12-step model...

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 episode, Rachel Bernstein discusses the challenges faced by former cult members and individuals who have been in manipulative relationships. Key topics include recognizing healthy relationships, understanding the impact of living in controlled environments, the importance of setting personal boundaries, practic...

In this episode, we continue exploring Jon Atack’s latest work, "If Scientology Ruled the World: Nazi Occultists, Sex Magick, Space Aliens, and the Second Coming." In our previous episode with Jon, we began unpacking the intricate web of beliefs that form the foundation of Scientology. Today, we'll go even deeper, examining the historical connections between Scientology and other esoteric movements, from Madame Blavatsky's Theosophy to surprising links with occult practices. Jon brings his uniqu...

In this episode, we're diving into Jon Atack’s new book "If Scientology Ruled the World: Nazi Occultists, Sex Magick, Space Aliens, and the Second Coming" - an exploration that connects the dots between various authoritarian movements, their shared origins, and the psychological dynamics at play. Jon spent nine years as a member of Scientology before becoming one of its most informed critics. He's dedicated decades to studying destructive groups, helping former members recover, and understanding...

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 discusses the challenges of rediscovering one's identity after leaving a cult or a controlling relationship. The episode emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, defining personal values, and rebuilding a sense of self through various techniques such as journaling, exploring ...

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein welcomes Timothy Heffelbower to discuss his experiences with Teen Mania Ministries and the Honor Academy. Timothy shares his journey from being heavily involved in the organization to the challenges and realizations he faced after leaving. They touch on the pressures of maintaining strict schedules, the emphasis on sacrifice and delayed gratification, and the impact such an environment has on one's mental health and life decisions. Timothy also opens up about hi...

In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein welcomes back Pamela Nickel Williams, an educator and author who was born into Scientology. Pamela revisits her life story, from her parents' involvement with L. Ron Hubbard in the late 1950s to her own harrowing experiences within the church. She discusses her memoir, 'Clearly Lies Are True,' which chronicles her journey as a cult and sexual abuse survivor. Pamela also touches on the emotional challenges of writing her book, reconciling her memories, and t...

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 Bernstein delves into the devastating impact of surveillance on mental health, self-esteem, and personal relationships. The discussion highlights the psychological stress, paranoia, and trust issues that arise from constant monitoring. Tips for protecting one's privacy and settin...

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein interviews Pamela Jones, who shares her remarkable journey from a polygamist cult to a life of freedom and self-discovery. Pamela was born in Los Molinos, Mexico, to members of the Church of the Firstborn of the Fullness of Times, a fundamentalist, misogynistic cult. She was the 11th of her father’s 57 biological children and 2nd of her mother’s thirteen children, and it was from that moment on that Pamela held one single belief: She existed for one reason and o...

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein welcomes Dr. Mara Einstein to explore the pervasive influence of marketing strategies and their parallels with cult tactics. They share personal anecdotes and experiences, discuss the recruitment and indoctrination processes of cults and MLMs, and delve into the psychology behind marketing and brand communities. The conversation also touches upon how digital technology has transformed these practices and the importance of critical thinking and awareness in avoid...

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 delves into the concept of the 'watchful eye' and the chilling effects of surveillance on personal autonomy. Discussing how awareness of being watched can deter individuals from exercising their rights, the episode covers various forms of surveillance, including physical, digital...

Kyle and Kari Hanks left the 2x2 church during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside last week’s guests, Mike and Abbi Prussack, they launched a Facebook support group for former members in early 2022. In March 2023, they publicly released a leaked letter detailing abuse by a former overseer. The letter triggered a wave of disclosures, as thousands of survivors came forward to share their stories. The group quickly expanded from 900 to over 5,600 members, and has since documented more than 600 indivi...