IndoctriNation Rachel Bernstein

Returning guest, Jonathon Sawyer is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Colorado Boulder. Working with the National Education Policy Center, Jon researches public and private education. Through his in-progress dissertation, Jon explores pressing tensions between the right to religious freedom and the separation of church and state, focusing on taxpayer-supported religious schools.



Motivated by life-defining experiences in a school associated with the early years of the New Apostolic Reformation, Jon is particularly attentive to LGBTQ students who are subjected to religiously motivated discrimination. Through his work, Jon aims to educate his academic community and the public on the discrimination some LGBTQ youth may experience in taxpayer-supported religious schools. He also explores how religious extremism radicalizes youth against democracy. Jon has also presented research on civil rights, education policy, and religion at the annual conference of the American Educational Research Association.




Jonathan shares alarming details about how billions of taxpayer dollars are flowing into religious schools that may be radicalizing youth against democratic values. He discusses the rhetoric of demons and exorcism practices that are prevalent in some charismatic and Pentecostal Christian communities. These practices not only harm the psychological well-being of individuals but also pose a threat to the democratic fabric of our society.

Rachel and Jonathan explore the concept of "self-invisibility," a term Jonathan uses to describe individuals who, due to extreme religious indoctrination, become invisible to themselves. This phenomenon can lead to a perpetuation of discrimination and harm, as those who are indoctrinated may go on to discriminate against others.

The episode also touches on the broader societal implications of religious extremism. Jonathan warns against the language used by some political and religious leaders, which can often be dismissed as hyperbole but has real-world consequences. He emphasizes the need for both thoughtful liberals and conservatives to recognize and address these issues.



You can find out more about Jon and his work at:
https://www.jonsawyer.org




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This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:
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In this solo bonus episode, Rachel shares her insights on the harrowing experience of testifying about abuse in a courtroom. Rachel discusses the re-traumatization many survivors face when confronting their abusers in court, the emotional toll of recounting traumatic events, and the fear of retaliation. She shares powerful stories from survivors of various high-profile cases, including the NXIVM and La Luz del Mundo trials, highlighting the complexities and emotional challenges of seeking justice.



Rachel also explores the empowering aspects of speaking out and its profound impact on both the survivor and society. She discusses the importance of breaking the silence, empowerment through expression, and the creation of safe spaces for survivors to connect and support each other.


Thank you, Patrons, for your continued support!!

Diana Nowak is a survivor of the infamous troubled teen institution known as The Academy at Ivy Ridge. She is featured in the recently released Netflix docuseries The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping which specifically covers The Academy at Ivy Ridge. The series directed by Katherine Kubler exposes the corruption and abuse of the troubled teen industry through the stories of Diana and her fellow survivors who are still haunted by their experiences.



In this episode, Diana recounts her traumatic two-year stay at Ivy Ridge, including forced medication, unconsenting strip searches, and emotional abuse. Now an advocate for survivors with the Breaking Code Silence organization, Diana is determined to ensure that her story, and those of countless others, are heard and believed.


Rachel and Diana delve into the psychological and emotional tactics used to break down the teens, such as the infamous "Lifeboat Process," Diana also discusses the long-term effects of such abuse, including trust issues, abandonment issues, and the struggle to feel worthy and deserving of good things.



Discover more about Diana's advocacy work and the Breaking Code Silence organization at:
www.breakingcodesilence.org


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Twitter: twitter.com/_indoctrination

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Instagram: instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast

YouTube: youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft

To help support the show and get access to exclusive content, please visit: patreon.com/indoctrination


Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.

Tiffany Yecke Brooks is the author of the new book Holy Ghosted: Spiritual Anxiety, Religious Trauma, and the Language of Abuse which equips readers to understand and name tactics of spiritual abuse and manipulation. Each chapter covers a different method of control found in toxic religious communities--including legalism, indoctrination, praise, and fear--and how to identify and respond to it healthily. Tiffany is the lead or contributing author on more than two dozen books, including Gaslighted by God: Reconstructing a Disillusioned Faith. A popular speaker for student groups, faith conferences, and academic lectureships, Brooks holds a Ph.D. in American and Dramatic Literature from Florida State University.



In this compelling episode, Tiffany and Rachel cover a wide range of topics, from the psychological impacts of spiritual anxiety to the manipulative use of language in religious settings. Rachel and Tiffany discuss the importance of recognizing and naming abusive tactics, the role of intuition in protecting oneself, and the challenges of breaking free from high-control environments.



Tiffany also emphasizes the significance of understanding the context and interpretation of religious texts, and how authoritarian leaders often use rhetorical fallacies to maintain control. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of spiritual abuse and the paths to healing and empowerment.



Discover more about Tiffany's work and her latest book at tiffanyyeckebrooks.com.



Connect with us on Social Media:



Twitter: twitter.com/_indoctrination

Facebook: facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast

Instagram: instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast

YouTube: youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft


To help support the show and get access to exclusive content, please visit: patreon.com/indoctrination



Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.

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 special bonus episode, Rachel dives deep into the dark and often hidden world of children’s television. Inspired by the recent docuseries "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV," she explores the unhealthy culture plaguing TV and movie sets, particularly those involving child actors.




From the #MeToo movement to the power dynamics that create toxic environments, this episode sheds light on the harrowing experiences many young actors have faced. Rachel discusses the psychological responses to abuse, the culture of silence and intimidation, and the need for major industry reforms.



Watch the trailer for Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rav5QVDs6ks




Thanks to all of our Patreon supporters for making this episode possible!!

Anke Richter is an international journalist and author based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Before immigrating there with her family in 2003 she was a magazine writer, TV producer, and, business reporter in Germany. Anke has covered everything from the 2011 Christchurch earthquake to the 2019 mosque attack and has traveled widely in the South Pacific reporting on climate change and social issues.


Over the last few years, she has been focusing her research on cults, which has resulted in her latest book, Cult Trip: Inside The World Of Coercion & Control an intense, riveting, and personal investigation into the world of cults and the minds of their leaders.


In this riveting episode, Rachel engages with Anke Richter, an international journalist and author whose investigative prowess has taken her deep into the world of cults. Anke's latest book, "Cult Trip: Inside the World of Coercion and Control," offers an intense and personal exploration of cult dynamics and the psychology of their leaders.


From the 2011 Christchurch earthquake to the harrowing experiences of cult survivors, Anke's work spans a broad spectrum of human stories. The conversation also delves into the upcoming DE-CULT conference in New Zealand, which aims to educate and empower those affected by cultic environments.




Discover more about Anke's work and the DE-CULT conference at www.ankerichter.net



Connect with us on Social Media:

Twitter:
twitter.com/_indoctrination

Facebook:
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Instagram:
www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast/

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To help support the show and get access to exclusive content, please visit:
www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.