Episodes

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...

In this special feed drop episode, Rachel Bernstein shares her insightful interview from 'Meredith for Real.' The discussion delves into the dynamics of politics and cults, examining the psychological vulnerabilities that make people susceptible to political cults, the role of media manipulation and thought-stopping cliches, and the fusion of politics and religion. Rachel provides practical advice on how individuals can educate themselves and critically evaluate information to prevent being undu...

In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein speaks with Mike and Abbi Prussack, who left the 2x2 church after a faith crisis. They discuss the challenges of leaving and uncovering widespread sexual abuse within the church, catalyzed by a leaked letter in 2023. The couple, along with their friends Kyle and Kari, started a support group for survivors and have been documenting abuse claims. They shed light on the control mechanisms within the church, the emotional and psychological impact on members, an...

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 topic of long-term recovery and cognitive distortions experienced by former cult members. The episode covers various forms of cognitive distortions such as emotional reasoning, 'should' statements, labeling, and personalization. The emphasis is on ident...

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 religion that defined his upbringing. The conversation covers his early life, the impact of fundamentalist teachings, and the transition to more inclusive spirituality. Brian shares the concepts from his book 'Hell Bent,' which examines the metaphor of hell and the importance o...

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 documentary 'AUM: The Cult at the End of the World,' exploring the catastrophic impact of the Aum Shinrikyo cult and its leader Shoko Asahara on Japanese society. She delves into the group's formation, rise, and infamy post the 1995 Tokyo Subway sarin attack. The episode touche...

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 and multifaceted journey of recovering from cultic experiences. Rachel Bernstein addresses questions about the timeline for recovery and emphasizes that it varies greatly among individuals. The episode explores the profound psychological, emotional, social, and political impa...

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, her struggles with an autoimmune disease, and her eventual escape and journey to independence. Through these experiences, Michelle examines the intense psychological challenges of leaving a controlling environment, the process of reclaiming her identity, and the importance o...

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 therapy, recognizing red flags in mental health care, and Hayley’s latest YA book, 'You Belong to Me,' which explores the influence of cult-like wellness companies. She shares insights on how wellness platforms manipulate individuals, particularly teenagers, through tactics like ...

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, Rachel Bernstein delves into the disturbing world of online cults and their sophisticated mechanisms of coercion and exploitation. The discussion highlights the psychological manipulation, blackmail, and social pressures that drive victims, including minors, to self-harm or ha...

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 for survivors of abuse within the organization. She discusses the emotional, psychological, and financial toll of being a whistleblower, including the lack of governmental and community support. Kaput also addresses issues like modern slavery, social isolation, and mental he...

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. Building on their previous conversation, they explore the intricacies of identifying narcissistic traits at a young age and the implications of these behaviors on personal development and relationships. Dr. Salerno shares his insights on the biological underpinnings of personali...

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 world of online cults and their insidious methods of targeting vulnerable children. As the digital age evolves, so do the tactics of manipulation and control, making it crucial for parents and guardians to understand the dangers lurking in seemingly safe online spaces. Rachel ...

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, detailing the emotional manipulation and love bombing that initially drew her in, only to later reveal the toxic underbelly of the organization. Her candid reflections on the mirroring exercise highlight how it contributed to her feelings of confusion and self-doubt, ultimately...

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 2025 and its implications for personal agency, societal control, and the fabric of democracy in America. Nikki shares her insights as a survivor of multiple cults, emphasizing the manipulative language used by those in power to create a false sense of security while stripping ...

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 episode, Rachel dives deeper into the phenomenon of "cult hopping," exploring the intricate patterns that lead individuals from one controlling group to another. She discusses the emotional rollercoaster many experience as they navigate various high-control environments, que...

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 influence still resonates today. Claire delves into McPherson's rise to fame, her charismatic preaching style, and the scandal surrounding her mysterious disappearance in 1926 Los Angeles, which captivated the nation. Rachel and Claire discuss the complexities of power and b...