297 episodes

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

IndoctriNation Rachel Bernstein

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 4.8 • 469 Ratings

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

    Detoxing From Scientology w/Tammy Synovec

    Detoxing From Scientology w/Tammy Synovec

    Tammy Synovec was first introduced to Scientology in 1993 by a friend she met at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. At this vulnerable time in her life, the ready-made group of friends in Scientology were of course there to welcome her with open arms....little did she know that she would become a dedicated Scientologist from that point on. Tammy became deeply immersed in the cult for 17 long years while they controlled every aspect of her life. In 2010, after completing 90 hours of “counseling sessions" in an attempt to move up the ranks of Scientology, she realized the dream she had been chasing would never become a reality, and began backing away quietly.


    Tammy would try to remain under the radar as she devoured all of the information about Scientology she was previously forbidden from accessing. It was at this point that Tammy sought counseling with me and we worked together to find ways to get through to her daughter Julia and her late husband Derrick, who were both still under Scientology's spell. By 2016 Derrick was finally willing to work with Tammy to save their daughter, but sadly passed away on March 13th, 2021, and their daughter unfortunately remains in Scientology, disconnected from her entire family.


    Today, on the 3rd anniversary of Derrick's passing, Tammy will be sharing the first part of her story in hopes that it might help other survivors cope with their own experience and hopefully gain insights on their healing journeys.



    In this moving conversation, Tammy explains the circumstances surrounding her introduction to Scientology. She discusses with Rachel the lingering effects of long-term cultic involvement




    Before You Go: Rachel exposes the manipulation behind Scientology's teachings on "reactivity" explaining how cult leaders vilify anything they see as adversarial.





    All of Rachel's free informational PDF documents are available here:
    www.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/pdf.html

    All of Rachel's video lectures are available for purchase here:

    www.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html

    To help support the show monthly and get bonus episodes, shirts, and tote bags, please visit:

    www.patreon.com/indoctrination

    Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:

    www.paypal.me/indoctrination

    Connect with us on Social Media:

    Twitter:
    twitter.com/_indoctrination

    Facebook:
    www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast

    Tik Tok:
    www.tiktok.com/@indoctrinationpodcast

    Instagram:
    www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast/

    YouTube:
    www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft

    You can always help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple/ iTunes

    • 1 hr 3 min
    BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: The Narcissistic Psychology Of Cult Leaders

    BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: The Narcissistic Psychology Of Cult Leaders

    This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in its entirety, by becoming a member at:

    www.patreon.com/indoctrination

    In this solo bonus episode, Rachel describes some of the most commonly shared psychological traits of cult leaders, pointing out several defining characteristics and narcissistic tendencies. She explains how through a lack of ability to feel remorse or empathy, they can thrive without the baggage of guilt the rest of us would feel.



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

    • 5 min
    Shining Light On A Dark World w/Sochil Martin

    Shining Light On A Dark World w/Sochil Martin

    Sochil Martin is a Mexican American woman born and raised in the religious high control group La Luz del Mundo. She was groomed from a young age to be a "concubine" for the leader of the organization, becoming a slave to the leadership. After escaping at 30 years old, Sochil, with the help of her husband Martin and family, began seeking justice and founded the WithYou Foundation in 2020. The foundation works to change legislation to help survivors of human trafficking in high control groups. Sochil, now 37 and happily married, is dedicated to helping others break free from similar situations through prevention, justice, and healing.



    In this emotional and inspiring conversation Sochil shares with Rachel how she was able to break free of the abuse her family endured for 5 generations over 100 years by La Luz Del Mundo. Together they discuss how institutions have failed to keep children and adults safe from abuse with complacency, bureaucracy, and ignorance and what Sochil is now doing to change that.



    Before You Go: Rachel explains how the authoritarian control of cults can often cause dissociation and confusion in its followers hindering their critical thinking abilities and preventing defection.



    Sochil will host a rally for survivors at the Mexican Consulate in San Diego, California this Friday, March 8th from 5-8 PM (PST) at 1549 India St, San Diego, CA 92101. There will be an open microphone for survivors, families, and activists. All supporters are encouraged to attend!

    Follow Sochil on IG for more info:
    https://www.instagram.com/sochilmartin.healing



    Hear more about Sochil’s story in the audio documentary series Darkness of The World here:
    https://www.audible.com/pd/Darkness-of-the-World-Podcast/B0BKH3WVY9



    Watch the trailer for UNVEILED: Surviving La Luz del Mundo — Exposing Sins Within a Megachurch:
    youtu.be/GYq0HghFeDM?si=yP3AyomMzWGjdVWC



    Watch the trailer for The Darkness Within La Luz del Mundo:
    youtu.be/GMBJ1Lle7ck?si=gnGLOC236Bco62zr



    All of Rachel's free informational PDF documents are available here:
    www.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/pdf.html

    All of Rachel's video lectures are available for purchase here:

    www.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html

    To help support the show monthly and get bonus episodes, shirts, and tote bags, please visit:

    www.patreon.com/indoctrination

    Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:

    www.paypal.me/indoctrination

    Connect with us on Social Media:

    Twitter:
    twitter.com/_indoctrination

    Facebook:
    www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast

    Tik Tok:
    www.tiktok.com/@indoctrinationpodcast

    Instagram:
    www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast/

    YouTube:
    www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft

    You can always help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple/ iTunes.

    • 1 hr 31 min
    Gooned w/Emma Lehman

    Gooned w/Emma Lehman

    Emma Lehman is the host and producer of Gooned, a limited-series investigative podcast now available on all platforms. Gooned is a podcast about the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI), a network of profit-incentivized behavior modification facilities for youth ranging from wilderness programs to therapeutic boarding schools.
    ​​
    ​​​​Gooned is Emma’s second investigative podcast. Her first podcast, Texas Twiggy, explores the life and career of actress and producer Shelley Duvall. Both Gooned and Texas Twiggy are available wherever you get your podcasts.

    In this thoughtful and informative discussion, Emma shares with Rachel what she learned from her undercover work reporting on the troubled teen industry. Throughout the conversation, they discuss the dangerous lack of qualifications that permeate the entire industry from the top down pointing out the desperate need for stricter regulation.

    Before You Go: Rachel points out in further detail the inherent dangers of TTI facilities and how they are actually antithetical to rehabilitation.

    You can find more information about Gooned at: www.goonedpodcast.com
    ​​

    All of Rachel's free informational PDF documents are available here:
    www.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/pdf.html

    All of Rachel's video lectures are available for purchase here:

    www.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html

    To help support the show monthly and get bonus episodes, shirts, and tote bags, please visit:

    www.patreon.com/indoctrination

    Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:

    www.paypal.me/indoctrination

    Connect with us on Social Media:

    Twitter:
    twitter.com/_indoctrination

    Facebook:
    www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast

    Tik Tok:
    www.tiktok.com/@indoctrinationpodcast

    Instagram:
    www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast/

    YouTube:
    www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft

    You can always help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple/ iTunes.

    • 1 hr 26 min
    BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: What You Can Do If You Run Into Current Members Of The Group You Left

    BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: What You Can Do If You Run Into Current Members Of The Group You Left

    This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in its entirety, by becoming a member at:

    www.patreon.com/indoctrination



    In this special bonus episode, Rachel offers advice on how ex-cult members can safely communicate with current devotees of the groups they left.



    She outlines healthy ways to protect yourself from re-traumatization and maintain autonomy when devoted followers attempt to pull you back through in-person confrontation.



    Thanks to all our patrons for making this episode possible!!

    • 7 min
    Deconstructing Faith w/Angela J. Herrington

    Deconstructing Faith w/Angela J. Herrington

    Angela J Herrington is a faith deconstruction coach and host of The Deconstructing Faith Summit who helps people break free from toxic religious culture & empowers them to recover from #churchhurt. She has led online ministries for a decade, enjoys working with clients 1:1, in groups, and is a dynamic conference speaker.

    She holds a BA from Indiana Wesleyan and a Masters in Leadership from Wesley Seminary. Her graduate research project focused on leadership development and opportunities for Gen X women in the US church. She has published articles in Hope for Women and HOPE is Now magazines. She has been featured in The New Republic, Publisher’s Today, and Religion News Service.



    In this nuanced and important conversation, Angela explains her own process of deconstruction and outlines some of the ways in which she now encourages her clients to rebuild their lives post-deconstruction in the healthiest and most beneficial ways possible.



    Before You Go: Rachel expands on Angela's idea of rebuilding the self after deconstruction and offers tips on safely "reconstructing" on your own terms.



    You can find more info on Angela and her new book at:
    https://www.angelajherrington.com


    All of Rachel's free informational PDF documents are available here:
    www.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/pdf.html

    All of Rachel's video lectures are available for purchase here:

    rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html

    To help support the show monthly and get bonus episodes, shirts, and tote bags, please visit:

    www.patreon.com/indoctrination

    Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:

    www.paypal.me/indoctrination

    Connect with us on Social Media:

    Twitter:
    twitter.com/_indoctrination

    Facebook:
    www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast

    Tik Tok:
    www.tiktok.com/@indoctrinationpodcast

    Instagram:
    www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast/

    YouTube:
    www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft

    You can always help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show!

    • 1 hr 18 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
469 Ratings

469 Ratings

Madam-Mim ,

Great podcast, very educated host

I love this podcast because the host is so well educated on coercive controlled environments and cults in general. She is also the rare therapist that understands cults and the people who are in them.

dave184758493 ,

Wonderful

Thoughtful host, enlightening conversations, not stuffed with ads.

sofloatingmany ,

Amazing

This has been so healing for me, I’m so grateful to have this wonderful resource to help me in my journey to heal from an experience that is so clouded in isolation and mystery by its very nature.

Top Podcasts In Religion & Spirituality

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Ascension
The Bible Recap
Tara-Leigh Cobble
Follow Him: A Come, Follow Me Podcast
Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Joel Osteen Podcast
Joel Osteen, SiriusXM
The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Ascension
Girls Gone Bible
Girls Gone Bible

You Might Also Like

A Little Bit Culty
Sarah Edmondson & Anthony “Nippy” Ames
The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steven Hassan
MeidasTouch Network, Dr. Steven Hassan
Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation
PodcastOne
WTF is on my Mind?!
Mark Vicente
Was I In A Cult?
PodcastOne
Life After MLM
Roberta Blevins