Conspirituality
Derek Beres, Matthew Remski, Julian Walker
Dismantling New Age cults, wellness grifters, and conspiracy-mad yogis. At best, the conspirituality movement attacks public health efforts in times of crisis. At worst, it fronts and recruits for the fever-dream of QAnon. As the alt-right and New Age horseshoe toward each other in a blur of disinformation, clear discourse, and good intentions get smothered. Charismatic influencers exploit their followers by co-opting conspiracy theories on a spectrum of intensity ranging from vaccines to child trafficking. In the process, spiritual beliefs that have nurtured creativity and meaning are transforming into memes of a quickly-globalizing paranoia. Conspirituality Podcast attempts to bring understanding to this landscape. A journalist, a cult researcher, and a philosophical skeptic discuss the stories, cognitive dissonances, and cultic dynamics tearing through the yoga, wellness, and new spirituality worlds. Mainstream outlets have noticed the problem. We crowd-source, research, analyze, and dream answers to it.
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 29min
Brief: Anti-Social Media (w/Renee Diresta)
In this discussion, digital disinformation expert Renee Diresta dives into the shifting landscape of social media amid political tensions. She unpacks how platforms like Meta, X, and TikTok are aligning with MAGA ideologies, questioning the balance between censorship and free speech. Renee shares personal insights on past censorship, comparing it to today's challenges in content moderation. The conversation also highlights the impact of propaganda and the evolution of internet design towards decentralized user control.
17 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 52min
242: Executive Disorder
This episode dives into the chaos of recent executive orders, including the controversies around pardoning January 6th insurrectionists. Street violence linked to extremist groups poses an alarming threat to democracy. The discussion touches on the implications of misleading health data and its effects on public trust. They also critique the shift in biomedical research funding from public to private sources. Finally, the complex interplay between faith, politics, and social justice unveils the responses from religious institutions amid rising inequalities.
Jan 27, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: 1950’s Alien Yoga
Dive into the bizarre tale of George King's 1950s encounter with an extraterrestrial during meditation. Discover the birth of the Aetherius Society, which claims a galactic federation is being silenced by governments. Explore the blend of yoga and conspiracy as ancient spiritual movements echo in today's culture. This wild journey connects historical beliefs to modern-day 'red-pilled' ideologies, revealing how everything old seems new again. Intrigued? You'll want to hear how intergalactic communication shapes contemporary thought!
Jan 25, 2025 • 34min
Brief: Patients Before Profits
Frontline caregivers in Oregon are striking for basic rights, facing off against a wealthy healthcare system. Personal stories reveal the struggles of patients and providers alike, exposing systemic issues and insurance denials. The strike raises urgent questions about equity and fair treatment in healthcare. Delving into the controversies of a non-profit giant, it critiques high executive salaries and ethical concerns. Political decisions loom large, hinting at the potential for corporate interests to overshadow patient care.
18 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 12min
241: Unravelling The Telepathy Tapes
In this insightful discussion, Janyce Boynton, a former facilitated communication practitioner, delves into the controversial practice that claims to give a voice to non-speaking autistic individuals. She candidly reflects on the seductive promise of the technique, but warns it undermines true agency and dignity. The conversation also critiques the illusion of telepathic communication and the emotional burdens faced by families seeking genuine support. Boynton emphasizes the need for accurate representation and effective therapies in the autism discourse.
Jan 21, 2025 • 33min
Relief Project #7: Sam Adler-Bell
In this engaging conversation, Sam Adler-Bell, a journalist and co-host of the podcast Know Your Enemy, shares his insights on the normalization of disturbing societal issues, including genocide and the emotional desensitization surrounding contemporary warfare. He delves into interesting concepts like transference in relationships, revealing how our past shapes our emotional connections. Sam also discusses lessons from his father's experience as a labor lawyer, highlighting the values of hope and incremental change in the fight for social justice.
Jan 20, 2025 • 4min
Bonus Sample: Calling Out Bullsh*t
The show dives into serious claims about a child's death during Moderna's vaccine trials, sparked by Alex Berenson's controversial articles. It questions the transparency of information and potential regulatory complicity in these sensational narratives. The discussion encourages listeners to adopt a skeptical mindset, reflecting on how data can be twisted in the debate over vaccines. An exploration of skepticism in a data-driven world adds depth to the conversation, making it a thought-provoking listen.
Jan 18, 2025 • 48min
Brief: Tech-Bro Mormonism (w/Blair Hodges)
Blair Hodges, a religious studies expert with a focus on Mormonism, dives into Bryan Johnson's unconventional lifestyle choices rooted in his LDS background. They explore how Johnson's transhumanist views reflect both his faith and his departure from it. There's a fascinating discussion on the intersection of wealth and spirituality within Mormonism, and how contemporary tech moguls' lives echo traditional rituals. Hodges also sheds light on the emotional toll of familial estrangement for those leaving the Mormon community.
Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 2min
240: Bryan Johnson’s Impossible Blueprint
Dive into the intriguing world of Bryan Johnson, a tech entrepreneur chasing immortality with a $2 million annual budget. Explore the impact of wildfires on communities, the rise of conspiracy theories, and the societal implications of climate disasters. Delve into the psychology behind Johnson's chaotic journey and the commercialization of wellness, while grappling with the beauty myths fueled by celebrity culture. The quest for eternal youth reveals the dangerous obsession with aesthetics and the ethical dilemmas in modern biohacking.
Jan 14, 2025 • 36min
Clarity Lab: Fighting Cancer Misinformation
Dr. Andrea Love, an immunologist and microbiologist, joins Derek Beres to unravel the dangers of cancer misinformation. They discuss how pseudoscientific treatments like celery juice and coffee enemas mislead vulnerable patients. Andrea explains the complexities of cancer research, debunking myths about natural cures and emphasizing the importance of reliable information. They also highlight advancements in targeted therapies that improve treatment outcomes, advocating for critical thinking in wellness culture.
