Flightless Bird Nest Sessions: Peter Matthew Bauer on Growing up in a Meditation Cult
Feb 5, 2026
Peter Matthew Bauer, musician from The Walkmen and solo artist, recalls growing up inside a meditation ashram and how that shaped his life. He describes life in the community, power struggles and abuse, and the ashram’s later decline. He also discusses learning astrology, creative responses to chaotic energy, and performs several songs live.
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Thrown Out As A Teen
- Peter says he was effectively expelled around age 13 or 14 after rebelling against tasks like digging ditches.
- He and a friend found the duties pointless and preferred smoking cigarettes in the woods and listening to heavy metal.
Burning Photos Marked A Turning Point
- A turning point came when Peter's family abruptly burned pictures of the previous guru after a power shift.
- He recalls feeling confused and unsettled, especially because he cared about the guru's dog more than the politics.
Anti‑Authority Shaped By Cult Experience
- Growing up inside a cult gave Peter a lasting anti-authoritarian streak and suspicion of groupthink.
- That upbringing also taught him to recognise the mechanics of charisma and power, shaping his music and worldview.