Why would someone confess to a crime they didn’t commit? Or why would someone join a cult? Most of us think we’re too mentally strong to fall for brainwashing, but subtle forms of persuasion might already be shaping the way we think, feel, and act—without us even realizing it.
In this episode, I sit down with historian, professor, and author Rebecca Lemov to explore the psychology of brainwashing and how it shows up in modern life. From social media algorithms to toxic relationships, Rebecca explains how small, seemingly insignificant choices can shape the way we see ourselves and the world.
Some of the things we talk about are:
- The psychology of brainwashing
- The modern day forces that shape our beliefs and emotions (like social media)
- How social media algorithms are designed to impact you
- The Facebook experiment that manipulated emotions and what that reveals about brainwashing and social media
- The privacy paradox: why we give up our data even when we know better
- How addiction and trauma make us more vulnerable to coercive tactics
- How you might be being brainwashed right now without even realizing it
- The role of gut instincts in protecting yourself from manipulation
- The signs that you're being brainwashed in everyday life
- Practical strategies to stay grounded, self-aware, and mentally strong in a world of hidden influence
Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger.
Links & Resources
RebeccaLemov.com
Follow Rebecca on Instagram - @RebeccaLemov
The Instability of Truth
Connect with the Show
Buy a copy of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor
Visit my website — AmyMorinLCSW.com
Sponsors
Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at Lolablankets.com by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets.
HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/STRONGER #honeylovepod
BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong
CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at cocoavia.com.
OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/
ZocDoc — Go to Zocdoc.com/STRONGER to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today!
AirDoctor — Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today!
Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger
Life Kit — Listen to the Life Kit podcast from NPR.
Mentally Strong App — Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at mentallystrong.downpat.ai
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin 
