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
Apr 1, 2024 • 7min
Bonus Sample: The GOP Thinks Food Stamps Are the Real Problem
Investigating Project 2025, a plan to give full power to the executive branch. Focus on stripping funding for food stamps and welfare programs. Discussions on climate change denial and deregulating Big Ag.
Mar 30, 2024 • 34min
Brief: Woman, Life, Freedom (w/Negin Shiraghaei)
Negin Shiraghaei discusses the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran post Mahsa Amini's death, shedding light on the ongoing oppression under Ali Khamenei's administration. The conversation delves into the global impact of the slogan, conspiracy theories, empowering women through solidarity, threats to women's rights from Christian nationalism, and the importance of activism and tech ventures in building communities.
13 snips
Mar 30, 2024 • 28min
Brief: Yes, Huberman’s Behavior Matters
Reporter Kerry Howley discusses Andrew Huberman's deceptive behavior and its impact on his role as a science communicator. They explore parallels between pseudoscience and pseudotherapy, emphasizing the importance of considering an influencer's private life. The podcast delves into power dynamics, controversies, and ethical implications in the realm of wellness optimization.
4 snips
Mar 28, 2024 • 1h 13min
199: Inside Anti-Abortion Christian Nationalism (w/Rob Schenck)
Former Evangelical leader Rob Schenck discusses his conversion away from the anti-abortion movement towards advocating for reproductive rights. He reveals the dangers of Christian Nationalism's influence in American politics and offers insights on pushing back against its aggression.
Mar 25, 2024 • 8min
Bonus Sample: Conspirituality and the Imaginary Children (Series Intro)
The podcast explores how children symbolize anxieties within conspirituality, from dread of harm to idolization of perfection. Reflecting on authority figures and gaps in cultural fatherhood, it delves into how misgivings about children lead to moral panics. Exploring parental influence and questioning authority in the conspirituality movement, it raises questions about the impact on younger generations.
Mar 23, 2024 • 30min
Brief: Unmasking Jay Shetty (w/John McDermott)
Investigating the truth behind spiritual influencer Jay Shetty's claims, the podcast explores his rise to fame, questionable practices of spiritual figures, deception in the self-help industry, and accusations of cultural exploitation. Join Derek and Matthew as they uncover the hidden layers of Shetty's public image and the complexities of spirituality in the media.
Mar 21, 2024 • 1h 7min
198: Holy Food (w/Christina Ward)
Explore the influence of cults on American food history, the role of food as a control mechanism, and the intersection of food, culture, and control in ideological groups. Delve into the life of Ellen G. White and her advocacy for vegetarianism. Discover unique culinary histories, discuss cultural exchange through food, and examine how food reflects identities and spiritual practices.
Mar 18, 2024 • 5min
Bonus Sample: Ketamine Soul Mates
Dolphins, drugs, and new age music intersect with the personal love story of Julian in the nineties tied to the work of scientist John C. Lilly. Gaia's spiritual platform mixes alien disclosure and QAnon theories for profit, but faces legal battles over trademarked creative IP. The podcast dives into the blurry lines between reality and make-believe in the realm of spirituality and extraterrestrial contact.
Mar 16, 2024 • 31min
Brief: RFK Jr Hijacks the “Crisis in Masculinity” (w/Natalia Petrzela)
Explore RFK Jr.'s appeal to young men, the link between masculinity and conspiracy theories, his proposed fitness camps for troubled youth, and controversies surrounding his image. Dive into the intersection of populism, fitness, and American history with Natalia Petrzela.
Mar 14, 2024 • 1h 7min
197: Psychic Surgery (feat Brad Abrahams)
Explore the bizarre world of psychic surgery in the 1970s with Brad Abrahams, uncovering the cultural influences, colonization impacts, and the rise of fraudulent healers. Dive deep into the psychology of extreme beliefs, spiritual tourism in the Philippines, and the deceptive practices of psychic surgeons. Discover the complexities of placebo effects, ethical dilemmas, and the intersection of creativity with spirituality.
