IndoctriNation

Mark Vicente is an author, speaker, and award-winning Writer/Director/Producer most well-known for directing the sleeper documentary hit "What The Bleep Do We Know?!" Being born in apartheid-era South Africa, and witnessing a number of atrocities, Mark found himself propelled to question certain fundamental assumptions at a very young age. He spent a good part of the late 80's and early 90s shooting anti-apartheid films before going to Hollywood. He has traveled two parallel paths in his life so far. One working his way up the ranks of the camera department in the film industry, eventually becoming a film Director... and the other an unquenchable thirst for self-knowledge. This quest led him through many different religions and self-help organizations. It all came crashing down in 2017 when Mark found out that the company he was working with, and the mentor that led it, was hiding illegal and deeply immoral activities. Before he could even begin to heal, he and a few other brave souls had to become whistleblowers to expose what they were discovering. The journey of taking down the NXIVM organization and its key figures are captured in the 9 part HBO Documentary Series "THE VOW" currently on the air. In this second part of their conversation, Mark describes how recognizing the patterns in Raniere's manipulations helped him unravel his disturbing web of deception. Before You Go: Rachel describes how manipulators benefit from their victims' natural tendency to resist information that contradicts their beliefs. She suggests ways that loved ones can help victims without being seen as unsupportive. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Mark Vicente is an author, speaker, and award-winning Writer/Director/Producer most well-known for directing the sleeper documentary hit "What The Bleep Do We Know?!" Being born in apartheid-era South Africa, and witnessing a number of atrocities, Mark found himself propelled to question certain fundamental assumptions at a very young age. He spent a good part of the late 80's and early 90s shooting anti-apartheid films before going to Hollywood. He has traveled two parallel paths in his life so far. One working his way up the ranks of the camera department in the film industry, eventually becoming a film Director... and the other an unquenchable thirst for self-knowledge. This quest led him through many different religions and self-help organizations. It all came crashing down in 2017 when Mark found out that the company he was working with, and the mentor that led it, was hiding illegal and deeply immoral activities. Before he could even begin to heal, he and a few other brave souls had to become whistleblowers to expose what they were discovering. The journey of taking down the NXIVM organization and its key figures are captured in the 9 part HBO Documentary Series "THE VOW" currently on the air. Rachel and Mark discuss the difficulties of continuing his healing process while simultaneously "fighting the war" against NXIVM. Before you go: Rachel examines the idea of forced confessionals and the peer pressure used in cultic group settings that manipulative leaders use to extract deeply personal feelings in order to control followers. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week's episode, Rachel gives her unique perspective on QAnon, a far-right conspiracy theory whose dangerous and cult-like ideas are spreading at an alarming rate. She provides insights on what followers find appealing about the group and why it is so difficult for their loved ones to reason with them. To hear more of Rachel's insights on the group, listen to her recent interview on NPR's Marketplace: https://www.scpr.org/programs/marketplace-tech-report/2020/09/01/81807/ Thanks to our newest Patreon supporters Shelia M. King & Sheridan Humphreys! Have you bought your tickets yet for the "Uniting The Continents: Support For The Pacific Rim'' online conference? It's not too late to buy tickets the event starts this Friday! (September 11 &12, 2020) It's an ONLINE EVENT for Families, Former Members, and Friends Affected by CULTIC Groups and Relationships. The conference will have fourteen+ 50 minute sessions AND a 3 HOUR FORMER MEMBER workshop. Talks are available for 30 days after the event!! You don't want to miss this. Buy tickets from Cult Mediation here: https://pacificrimeventcultmediation.lpages.co/usa/ Photo credit: "QAnon - Q Conspiracy - Deep State Trump" by mikemacmarketing is licensed under CC BY 2.0 "QAnon in red shirt" by marcn is licensed under CC BY 2.0 "Qanon nutter splinter group" by marcn is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Todd Brown continues telling his story of recovery as an ex-member of the independent sect of Sufism called Sufi Dayemi Tariqat. He describes the abuse he endured from the guru who continually belittled Todd for not living up to binary gender norms. Todd speaks openly about how he struggled with his homosexuality within the group and explains what led him to finally leave the community just a few months ago. Before You Go: Rachel examines how the hierarchical nature of controlling relationships leads to victims internalizing blame and unjustly taking responsibility for the negative actions of those in power. Thanks to our newest Patreon supporter Mary B. Stewart! Check out Rachel on NPR's Marketplace discussing Qanon this week: https://www.scpr.org/programs/marketplace-tech-report/?fbclid=IwAR2FO-Im4k4WcqDb2Q9bHl_wwPg1aHcjXSnbKVQJ7BCXMAgTreUJSOGKL0I Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Todd Brown is an ex-member of an independent sect of Sufism called Sufi Dayemi Tariqat. He reclaimed his identity as a gay man after 23 years with the group. He is currently working towards his PhD and hopes to help people get out of coercive groups. Todd describes the life experiences and vulnerability that lead him to joining this manipulative and controlling group in their Southern Illinois center and details the difficulties inherent in his early healing process. Before You Go: Rachel expands on the manipulative tactic of the false dilemma and describes how her concept of decision deception seduces victims into a false sense of autonomy. Thanks to our wonderful new Patreon supporter Jolie Holland! Share your story for our upcoming call-in show by leaving a message for Rachel at: 1(818)907-0036 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control. I’m Rachel Bernstein, LMFT. I’ve been working with victims of cults and emotional abusers for over 30 years. Given the right set of circumstances, it’s all too easy for anyone to fall prey to sociopaths and manipulators. I wanted to start a show that gives survivors a chance to tell their stories and for experts to teach us what they know. My goal for IndoctriNation is to empower our listeners to protect themselves and those they love from predators, toxic personalities, and destructive organizations. You can help support the show and receive bonus content and cool IndoctriNation merchandise by subscribing to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Jonathan DePeyer is a professional counselor who grew up in an organization called The Process Church of The Final Judgment later known as The Foundation, a religious group established in the United Kingdom in 1966 that some scholars of religion have classified as a form of Satanism. His parents' marriage was arranged by the group's leaders in order to receive passports and citizenship to expand the group in the U.S. Jonathan was isolated from his family and left in the custody of abusive and neglectful caretakers from the group. Rachel and Jonathan discuss how children growing up in abusive religious groups are affected and how difficult it can be to overcome the damage done. Before You Go: Rachel further analyzes how devastating of an impact can be made on children who face insecurity at an early age. She explains how this can lead to ongoing and debilitating anxieties throughout adulthood. Thanks to our sponsor Neon Hum Media and our newest Patreon supporter Anne of the Beeves Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Author and Educator Maria Peregolise grew up as the daughter of a "spiritual prophet". A follower of The Urantia Book, her father used the theology of that religious text to justify his narcissistic abuse. Maria's father claimed to have channeled the voice of Jesus and acted as God's Prophet in order to exercise control over her. Rachel and Maria discuss the signs and symptoms of being raised in a cult or narcissistic environment, as well as the fantastical and outlandish content of the controversial book and the effects it has on its followers. You can find more information about Maria's upcoming book "Culted Child" at her website https://cultedchild.com/ which archives the resources used in her book. Before You Go: Rachel discusses the sensationalistic terms and damaging language used in The Urantria Book and what's left when the smoke and mirrors of these manipulative teachings clear. Thank you to our newest Patron Hollie Hire and to Ken Bernstein, a Patron for a few months now and counting! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Eric Navas is a graduate of Cal State Dominguez Hills. It is there where he got involved with the group University Bible Fellowship, an organization that started in South Korea in 1961 by Samuel Chang-Woo Lee and Sarah Barry. It was originally associated with the Presbyterian Church but when they moved to the U S in the mid-seventies, they broke off from the Presbyterian church and became involved with the human shepherding movement. Eric speaks about his 3 year experience in the group before realizing the physical, spiritual and financial abuses of the group. UBF has 91 chapters throughout US college campuses under the guise of many different front groups. Eric and Rachel discuss the groups' student evangelism and what makes college students so vulnerable to indoctrination. Eric gives tips on how to ensure college groups such as UBF are legitimate campus organizations and talks about his motivation to start his YouTube channel and UBF informational website ubinformed. Before you Go: Rachel focuses in on why predatory groups such as UBF target college students and shares her own personal experience as a student encountering the tactics of campus centered recruitment. Thanks to our new Patreon supporters: Jen,Becky Weaver,Tammie Willis and Cathryn Mazer Eric's website and YouTube Channel can be found here: https://www.ubinformed.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPAApyMdRKHNUjIDkQXOpEA You can find the book on UBF by Brian Karcher that Eric mentions here: https://www.amazon.com/Identity-Snatchers-Exposing-Korean-Campus-ebook/dp/B014YT4ULC/ref=pd_cart_vw_crc_2_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B014YT4ULC&pd_rd_r=5a9784f6-5250-4220-8f06-538b112afd6e&pd_rd_w=nekAQ&pd_rd_wg=la4YG&pf_rd_p=7b1a11cb-b9d6-4645-a52e-34c86ca37029&pf_rd_r=Q7SHXTCRGB5M8PV724JB&psc=1&refRID=Q7SHXTCRGB5M8PV724JB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Audrey Brewer lives in the Carolinas and is a resource for homeless women and girls. This week she continues telling her story about working in multi level marketing, how she chose to leave, and the loss, anger and fear she was left with. Audrey shares the ways that she taught her team to be successful salespeople through a process called "duplication". The idea is to foster several other apprentices to support the company the way that you already do. This involved providing scripts for online selling events and sharing formulaic tips on how to market for Facebook and other social media. Stay tuned, Before You Go: What is the turning point for people who realize they are being manipulated? What keeps them from leaving the group, or abuser, even if they can easily tell it is working against their best personal interest? Be sure to join us on patreon.com/IndoctriNation to show your support for public education of controlling groups. Thank you! Shout out to our newest Patron, Lenora DeRoy Paul! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands