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
13 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 1h 11min
216: J.D. Vance, Conspiracy Hobbit
J.D. Vance, a former Trump critic turned VP pick, with a Tolkien affinity as the 'conspiracy hobbit.' He gave a speech at a conservative event promoting conspiracy theories and the presence of the literal Devil. The podcast also touches on topics like toxic tampon chemicals, testosterone trends, and pseudoscientific medical practices.
Jul 22, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Project 2025 on Worker's "Rights"
Unpacking Project 2025's plan for workers: crushing unions, eliminating minority protections, curbing reproductive health care benefits, and making the workplace biblical again. Delving into the details of this 920-page manifesto and the potential outcomes under a Trump presidency. Exploring the impact of labor policy on workers' well-being in America, with critiques of the Biden administration and historical discriminatory policies.
Jul 20, 2024 • 47min
Brief: Cult of the Lamb Anti-Cult School? (w/Riley MacLeod)
Gaming journalist Riley MacLeod and Master of Divinity share insights on anti-cult dynamics in the hit indie game Cult of the Lamb. They explore gaming rituals' spiritual parallels, the game's success, and depiction of cults in video games. Discussing cult leaders' fragility and cultish behavior in gaming communities, they highlight educating players about cult mechanics and the challenges of making educational games engaging.
Jul 18, 2024 • 1h 3min
215: Divinely Protected
This podcast explores the legal implications of Trump immunity and the overturning of the Chevron doctrine, tying these to conspirituality core values. It discusses the symbolic impact of a Trump assassination attempt, left-right conspiracy theory formation, and the rise of alternative political figures like Marianne Williamson.
Jul 15, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Project 2025's Plan: Let It Burn
Discover Project 2025's alarming tactics: deny climate science, dismantle the EPA, prioritize corporate profits. Unpack their manifesto's chilling details. Learn about their disdain for public education, GOP's focus on food stamps, and plans to dismantle healthcare.
6 snips
Jul 13, 2024 • 27min
Brief: Project 2025’s “Bloodless” Coup
Kevin Roberts, President of the Heritage Foundation, discusses Project 2025's authoritarian agenda on a recent podcast. The plan combines libertarianism, conservative capitalism, and Christian nationalist beliefs. They aim to reshape America through executive power if Trump regains presidency.
Jul 11, 2024 • 1h 13min
214: Aubrey Marcus is Totally Not a Cult Leader
Guest Aubrey Marcus, a New Age oligarch and RFK Jr superfan, defends his program Fit For Service from cult allegations. Critiques on cult dynamics, expensive programs, and controversies are discussed. The podcast delves into Marcus's background, beliefs, program teachings, and potential risks. The debate between genuine spiritual practices and cult behaviors is explored, questioning the value and ethics of the Fit For Service course.
Jul 8, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: You Can’t Do Religion on the Internet
Exploring the limitations of doing religion on the internet, the podcast discusses how online spaces can shape spiritual movements. It highlights the blurred lines between genuine connection and algorithm-driven engagement, pointing out the challenges of navigating digital platforms for religious experiences.
Jul 6, 2024 • 37min
Brief: The Freebirth to Born-Again Pipeline
Freebirth mogul, Yolande Norris Clark, embraces Orthodox Christianity after delving into conspirituality. She navigates her transition from divine feminine beliefs to a hyper-patriarchal tradition. The podcast discusses the challenges faced by influencers in alternative medicine, exploring controversial topics like vaccine science, autism origins, feminism's impact, and the allure of Jesus in their spiritual paths. It also touches on free birthing, COVID denialism, QAnon, and the clash of beliefs in North American circles.
Jul 3, 2024 • 1h 9min
213: Yoga for Gaza, Yoga for Israel
The podcast delves into the controversial use of yoga in the Israel-Gaza conflict, discussing how it is used for resistance and nationalism. It explores the intersection of spirituality with global conflicts and critiques the weaponization of yoga in political agendas. The complexities of liberation movements and the intertwining of yoga with conflict zones are also examined, shedding light on the challenges of oversimplifying narratives.
