IndoctriNation

Rachel Bernstein

Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control.

  1. 7h ago

    When Hate Becomes a Coping Mechanism: Myrieme Churchill on Antisemitism and Radicalization

    Rachel speaks with Myrieme Churchill of Parents for Peace about antisemitism, radicalization, and the emotional needs that can make people vulnerable to extremist thinking. Myrieme shares how childhood experiences with prejudice shaped her work as a therapist and her commitment to preventing hate. They examine how isolation, grievance, belonging, conspiracy theories, social media, and dehumanization can reinforce harmful beliefs. Myrieme also explains how Parents for Peace works with families, emphasizing connection, curiosity, clear boundaries, critical thinking, and early intervention when a loved one begins adopting extremist ideas.Parents for Peace:https://parents4peace.orgHelpline:help@parents4peace.orgIndoctrination on LinkedIn:https://linktr.ee/indoctrinationSupport IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more:https://www.patreon.com/indoctrinationPrefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATIONWatch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jSRestart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation:https://a.co/d/1ssz4RmRestart and Restore: Companion Notebook:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaignJournal App:https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.htmlDownload Rachel's Video Lectures and Webinars here:https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.htmlIndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about

    When Hate Becomes a Coping Mechanism: Myrieme Churchill on Antisemitism and Radicalization
  2. Sep 30

    Rebuilding Confidence After Control: Dana Bristol Smith on Voice, Worth, and Agency

    Rachel speaks with Dana Bristol Smith, founder and CEO of Leap to Success, about rebuilding confidence, identity, self-worth, and agency after abusive or high-control experiences. Dana explains how her work teaching public speaking led her to develop programs that help women strengthen their voices, set boundaries, challenge an inner critic, and recognize their own capabilities. They discuss the Leap to Confidence program, affirmations, self-blame, the importance of community support, and learning to distinguish what is and is not within your control. Dana also shares the “don’t pick up the rope” strategy for stepping out of emotionally charged exchanges, why leaving abusive relationships can take multiple attempts, and how recognizing the courage and resilience already demonstrated through survival can become a foundation for what comes next. Leap to Success: https://leap2success.org National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) Text “START” to 88788 Connect with us on social media: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠ Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠ Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠ Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4 Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore: https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign Journal App: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant: ⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about Advertising Inquiries:

    Rebuilding Confidence After Control: Dana Bristol Smith on Voice, Worth, and Agency
  3. Sep 23

    Finding Your Way Back to Yourself: Nicola Ranson on Life After Rajneeshpuram

    Rachel speaks with writer and psychotherapist Nicola Ranson about her decade as a disciple of Bhagwan Sri Rajneesh, later known as Osho, and the experiences behind her memoir, A Slice of Orange. Nicola discusses trauma, dissociation, somatic experiencing, and the search for belonging that shaped her path into the Rajneesh community. She reflects on life at Rajneeshpuram, the community’s collapse amid serious crimes, and the shock of questioning beliefs she once trusted. The conversation also examines recovery after leaving a cult, including grief, shame, self-compassion, agency, and the small acts of choice that can help survivors reconnect with themselves. Links: More info on Nicola and her book: https://nicolaranson.org/ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠ Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more:  https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠ Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠ Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation:  https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4 Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore: https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign Journal App:  https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant: ⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Finding Your Way Back to Yourself: Nicola Ranson on Life After Rajneeshpuram
  4. Sep 16

    Awe, Certainty, and Charisma: Yuval Laor on the Psychology of Cult Leadership

    In this episode, Rachel welcomes back researcher and author Yuval Laor to examine his hypothesis about temporal lobe epilepsy, awe, and the behavior of some cult leaders. Yuval explains how hyperactive temporal lobes may contribute to intense emotionality, certainty, religious experiences, paranoia, hypergraphia, and a sense of personal destiny. Rachel and Yuval discuss how these traits can combine with narcissism, psychopathy, or pathological lying, why a leader’s emotional intensity can feel authentic and persuasive, and how understanding these neurological patterns may help former followers make sense of their experiences. Links: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠ Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more:  https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠ Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠ Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation:  https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4 Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore: https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign Journal App:  https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant: ⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Awe, Certainty, and Charisma: Yuval Laor on the Psychology of Cult Leadership
  5. Sep 9

    Jon Atack on Scientology, Authoritarianism, and the Psychology of Belief

    In this episode, Rachel speaks with Jon Atack about Scientology, authoritarianism, and the ways belief systems can shape behavior. Jon reflects on his experience with Scientology, the harassment he encountered after speaking out, and the contradictions he found within its teachings. Rachel and Jon examine moral injury, magical thinking, othering, certainty, and the difficulty of psychologically separating from a controlling group. They also discuss developing a sense of self, compassion, and humility, the role of humor in recovery, and Jon’s return to painting, writing, music, and other interests outside his work on cults. Jon's Links: https://jonatack.co.uk/ Links: https://linktr.ee/indoctrination Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4 Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore: https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign Journal App: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Jon Atack on Scientology, Authoritarianism, and the Psychology of Belief
  6. Sep 4

    Bonus Episode Preview - Breaking the Cycle: First Gen vs. Second Gen in Cult Recovery

    In this insightful bonus episode, Rachel dives into the generational dynamics within cultic groups, exploring the distinctions between first-generation (first gen) members and their children, second-generation (second gen) members. She discusses the unique challenges and resentments that arise when individuals who were born into cults confront their parents, who chose to join these groups. Rachel highlights the emotional complexities both generations face, including blame, responsibility, and the struggle to understand one another. As Rachel navigates these sensitive topics, she provides valuable insights on how to foster communication and healing between parents and children affected by cultic environments. She emphasizes the importance of listening, empathy, and taking responsibility, while also acknowledging the pain and anger that can exist within these relationships. Through her compassionate approach, Rachel encourages both generations to engage in open dialogue, allowing for a path toward understanding and reconciliation. Connect with us on social media: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠ Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠ IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant: ⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Bonus Episode Preview - Breaking the Cycle: First Gen vs. Second Gen in Cult Recovery
  7. Sep 2

    When Healing Becomes Control: Jules Evans on Psychedelics and Cultic Influence

    Jules Evans and Rachel discuss the overlap between psychedelic culture, therapeutic abuse, cultic dynamics, and coercive control. Drawing from Jules’ research into post-psychedelic difficulties and Rachel’s decades of counseling former cult members, they examine how charismatic facilitators and leaders can exploit trust, vulnerability, awe, and the desire for healing. They explore guruism, dependency, group pressure, psychedelic therapy, AI-based spiritual movements, family-like power structures, and the risks of unregulated facilitators. They also discuss ways people can regain agency after harmful experiences and what to consider when assessing the safety and qualifications of psychedelic practitioners. Jules Links: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUE70klJkkikBFQdAqf27Jw https://www.ecstaticintegration.org/ https://challengingpsychedelicexperiences.com/ Connect with us on social media: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠ Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠ Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠ Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4 Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore: https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign Journal App: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant: ⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    When Healing Becomes Control: Jules Evans on Psychedelics and Cultic Influence
  8. Aug 26

    The Invisible Grip of Covert Narcissism: Renee Swanson on Abuse, Anger, and Self-Trust

    In this episode, Rachel welcomes back Renee Swanson, host of the Covert Narcissism Podcast, to discuss the often-invisible impact of covert narcissistic relationships. Renee explains why self-reflective people can internalize blame, how emotional and psychological threats affect the body, and why anger, hypervigilance, fear, obligation, and guilt can keep people trapped. Rachel and Renee also examine narcissistic rage, manipulation, isolation, remorse, and the difficulty of identifying subtle abuse. They close by exploring how survivors can recognize red flags within themselves, rebuild trust in their own feelings, and begin healing before entering new relationships. Links: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠ Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠ Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠ Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4 Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore: https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign Journal App: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html Covert Narcissism: https://covertnarcissism.com Covert Narcissism Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/covertnarcissism/ Covert Narcissism Podcast https://thecovertnarcissismpodcast.podbean.com/ Covert Narcissism Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/covertnarcissism/ IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant: ⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    The Invisible Grip of Covert Narcissism: Renee Swanson on Abuse, Anger, and Self-Trust
4.8
out of 5
539 Ratings

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Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control.

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