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
Jan 26, 2026 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Simone Weil: We Have Obligations Before We Have Rights
A deep dive into Simone Weil’s claim that obligations come before rights. Discussion of how obligations spring from shared existence and vulnerability. Connections between Weil’s personal clarity and her critique of liberal rights discourse. Excerpts from The Need for Roots highlight the tension between duties and abstract rights.
8 snips
Jan 24, 2026 • 29min
Brief: Prospirituality Predictions for 2026
A forecast of religious responses to rising authoritarianism, climate breakdown, and AI-driven labor risks. How scripture gets used for violence and how Jewish leaders in the U.S. are pushing back. A look at Mona Haydar’s feminist Muslim mutual-aid spirituality and campus Muslim-Jewish solidarity. Pope Leo’s turn toward liberation theology and a renewed focus on migrant dignity.
22 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 1h 8min
292: Women of Jan 6 (w/ Noelle Cook)
Noelle Cook, an author and ethnographer, explores the intriguing world of women involved in QAnon and conspirituality in her book. She shares the complex journeys of Tammy Butry and Yvonne St. Cyr, shedding light on how childhood trauma and a need for community drive them into radical spaces. Cook discusses the emotional allure of online conspiracies, the blend of wellness and extremism, and the critical role of women's caregiving in these movements. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and deeper relationships in understanding the path to radicalization.
5 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 7min
Bonus Sample: Oil, Power, and Theocracy
Farnak Amidi, an Iranian journalist for the BBC, provides gripping insights on the recent protests in Iran and the historical context surrounding them. The conversation highlights the severe government crackdown resulting in thousands of deaths and arrests. Amidi discusses how mosques are leveraged by Basij militias for social control and reflects on the complex interplay of oil, religion, and Western influences in shaping Iran's political landscape. The episode captures the spirit of defiance among the Iranian people, especially women, against oppressive rule.
41 snips
Jan 17, 2026 • 24min
MAHA’s Selective Skepticism
Whole milk is back on the menu as the tide turns against low-fat options! Derek dives into the controversial new dietary guidelines, highlighting the industrial ties of advisory authors. He examines the benefits of full-fat versus low-fat milk and the science behind saturated fat intake. The discussion explores misplaced fears about seed oils and critiques the characterization of processed foods. With a critical lens, Derek warns against selective skepticism in dietary recommendations and how they can be shaped by activist agendas.
71 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 6min
291: My Chinese Buddhist Israeli AI Guru
A monk with millions of Instagram followers shares profound yet gentle life lessons. The buzz around AI-generated gurus, like Yang Mun, unveils connections to Israeli tech entrepreneurs. Health influencers are pushing untested supplements through bizarre marketing tactics. The rise of AI culture raises ethical questions about authenticity and traditional teachings. Reflection on the Jan 6th anniversary reveals propaganda tactics reshaping narratives, while younger audiences develop a keen skepticism towards AI content and its depth.
4 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 4min
Bonus Sample: Overwelled
Dive into a whirlwind of wellness trends from 2026! The episode critiques Andrew Huberman's unexpected Goop crossover and pokes fun at Mel Robbins' launch of protein shots, highlighting influencer antics that create protein 'problems.' It also addresses the reduced childhood vaccine recommendations from health officials, alongside concerns raised by experts. With a nod to MAHA's pseudoscience, the discussion reveals the potentially harmful trends shaping health narratives. This chaotic week in wellness leaves heads spinning!
20 snips
Jan 10, 2026 • 22min
Brief: Censorship Industrial Complex
The discussion kicks off with Marco Rubio's press release targeting individuals in the global censorship industrial complex. Insightful analysis follows on the implications of visa restrictions and the role of figures like Imran Ahmed in combating misinformation. Critics of censorship rhetoric face scrutiny, while the hosts examine the intersection of misinformation regulation and free speech. The response from anti-vax influencers adds an interesting twist, as legal contexts are debated. Hope emerges for fair treatment as the hosts reflect on personal insights.
24 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 7min
290: Trump Derangement Science
Discover the intriguing manipulation of science by political figures, revealing how RFK Jr. attempts to legitimize dubious claims. Dive into a poetic exploration of biohacking by Bryan Johnson, with critiques on privilege and the interplay between science and artistry. The discussion extends to the controversial hepatitis B study funded by the CDC and its ethical implications. Meanwhile, Arizona's political landscape heats up with a proposed bill analyzing 'Trump Derangement Syndrome,' stirring debates on the politicization of mental health and the historical context of such diagnoses.
Jan 5, 2026 • 6min
Bonus Sample: What My Late Mom Would Have Thought About Jordan Peterson
Reflecting on his mother’s life, Matthew shares how her values shaped his views on Jordan Peterson. He discusses the delicate balance between toughness and love, arguing that strength shouldn't veer into cruelty. His insights are enriched by a personal narrative on hospice care, revealing how it blends clinical support with intimacy. This connection serves as a lens to explore how conspirituality manipulates narratives of care and order in society.
