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
Dec 9, 2023 • 39min
Deep Cut: The Final Battle
Exploring the historical connections between anti-government militia history, religious apocalypticism, and Trump's 2024 presidential campaign kick-off in Waco, Texas. Discussing the origins of QAnon and its link to the Great Awakening. Delving into the influence of Ellen White and Geschwind syndrome on Seventh Day Adventism. Exploring the intersection of extremism, conspiracy theories, and Trump's strategy.
Dec 7, 2023 • 1h 27min
183: Woke Pope Cancels America's Bishop (w/Mike Lewis)
Guest Mike Lewis discusses the rise of conspiracy theory Catholicism, the removal of Bishop Joseph Strickland, controversy around abortion-derived vaccines, and the challenges of social media divisions in the Catholic Church. The podcast also explores the psychological aspects of extreme beliefs, the teachings of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church's perspective on vaccinations and stem cell research, and concludes by inviting listeners to continue the conversation.
Dec 4, 2023 • 9min
Bonus Sample: Goliath & Narcissus: A Brett Weinstein Breakdown
Brett Weinstein and Heather Weinstein discuss conspiracy influencers, echo chambers, and distortions. They explore the link between influencers and right-wing propagandists, mentioning Russell Brand and Joe Rogan. The podcast also examines the relationship between intense identification with hidden knowledge and narcissism, mentioning the story of Narcissus from ancient Roman mythology.
Dec 2, 2023 • 27min
Brief: The Twin Flames Story (w/Alice Hines)
"Brief: The Twin Flames Story (w/Alice Hines)" features journalist and producer Alice Hines discussing the shocking story behind Twin Flames Universe, a cult-like coaching cult. They explore the group's manipulative control techniques, enforcement of gender essentialism, and the founders' response to criticism. The podcast highlights the alarming practices and the disturbing parallels to conversion therapy.
Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 14min
182: Recovering from Conspiracy Theories (w/Stephanie Kemmerer)
Former conspiracy theorist Stephanie Kemmerer shares her journey of falling into and then overcoming conspiracy theories. The podcast explores topics such as the personal experience of red-pilling, mechanics of viral harassment, the agency of human engineers behind tech platforms, conspiracy theories and trauma, distorted history, and strategies for dealing with conspiracy theories.
Nov 27, 2023 • 7min
Bonus Sample: Anti-vax Lifestyle Brands Are Here
This podcast discusses the emergence of anti-vax lifestyle brands, including the controversial dating website Unjected and its conspiratorial marketing campaign. It explores the disengagement from politics among its users and the impact of conspiracy theories in anti-vax communities.
Nov 25, 2023 • 47min
Deep Cut: The Eyes Always Watching Us
This podcast explores the intersection of conspiracy theories and spiritual influence in relation to surveillance technology. It discusses the use of tracking microchips, the advanced imaging power of the Gorgon stare drone, and the concerns of privacy and surveillance issues related to technology companies. The chapter also predicts the use of a third license plate on cars for tracking individuals and discusses the importance of optimism in the fight against surveillance.
Nov 23, 2023 • 1h 25min
181: YouTuber Redpills Preteen Boys
This podcast discusses a controversial YouTuber who targets pre-teen boys, analyzing his marketing tactics, deceptive social media practices, and promotion of traditional gender roles. They explore false attribution and state control in education, the connections between modern education and neo-Nazism, and potential plagiarism and manipulation by the YouTuber. The speakers also delve into the weight of toxic masculinity and the impact of capitalism, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and helping others.
Nov 20, 2023 • 10min
Bonus Sample: So Marianne Williamson Really is the Peace Candidate
Marianne Williamson, known for her peace advocacy, calls urgently for a ceasefire in Gaza, challenging the Democratic party's lack of response. The podcast explores her stance, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the need for a two-state solution.
Nov 18, 2023 • 22min
Brief: RFK Jr. Loses New Age Support Over Israel
RFK Jr., the self-proclaimed peace candidate, loses support among alternative health, anti-vax, and New Age spiritual communities due to his pro-Israel stance in the midst of increasing Palestinian casualties. The podcast explores the paradox of projecting spiritual openness onto a political candidate and the challenges it entails. It also examines the withdrawal of endorsements, differing views on the Israel-Palestine conflict, and highlights Marianne Williamson's pro-ceasefire stance.
