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
Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 18min
180: Is This the Next Andrew Tate?
They discuss a rising YouTube star who turned his channel into a conspiracy theory factory. He now targets pre-teen boys with a marketing campaign pitching his online coaching scheme as an alternative to high school. They also touch on eating meat, the allure of passive income, conflicts in Dagestan, the feminine shadow, achieving goals, content moderation during COVID-19, and using pain points and reverse psychology in marketing.
8 snips
Nov 13, 2023 • 7min
Bonus Sample: Swamp Creatures 5: Trump Davidians
Steve Bannon, Roger Stone, and Mike Flynn discuss their activities after leaving the White House, including their involvement in Trump's 2016 campaign and the events leading up to January 6, 2020. The podcast explores Bannon's alignment with Brazilian candidate Bolsonaro, his role in traditionalism, and his plans for Trump's 2024 candidacy. It also delves into Bannon's promotion of far-right authoritarianism and plans for a new federal state of China with Chinese billionaire Guo Wang Gui.
Nov 11, 2023 • 45min
Brief: Neoliberal Psychedelics
Psychedelic therapy in a capitalist society; impact of neoliberalism on the psychedelic industry; concerns about regulation and training protocols; pitfalls of FDA trials for psychedelics; importance of grassroots knowledge sharing in drug use.
22 snips
Nov 9, 2023 • 1h 15min
179: The Conspiracy of…Cities? (w/Doug Gordon)
Doug Gordon, transportation planner and journalist, joins the podcast to debunk a conspiracy theory about walkable cities. They discuss the legacy of Jane Jacobs in urban planning, the contrasting approaches of Jane Jacobs and Robert Moses, the 'war on cars' narrative, the impact of city spaces on people, and conspiracy theories surrounding the Oxford plan to limit car usage.
Nov 6, 2023 • 7min
Bonus Sample: A Prescription — To Fix Healthcare
The podcast discusses the challenges of accessing flu shots and COVID boosters in the American healthcare system, including bureaucratic struggles and high costs. The host shares personal experiences with his wife's breast cancer screenings and unexpected costs. The episode explores the reasons behind low vaccination rates, including anti-vax efforts and ineffective messaging from public health agencies.
13 snips
Nov 4, 2023 • 1h 1min
Special Report: QAnon Fantasies Look Like Colonial Realities (w/Julian Brave NoiseCat)
Julian Brave NoiseCat, a writer and filmmaker, discusses the parallels between right-wing conspiracy theories and historical oppression of Indigenous peoples. He explores the similarities between replacement theory and manifest destiny, as well as QAnon and institutionalized child abuse. NoiseCat also delves into the concept of settler colonialism and its implications for Indigenous populations. He reflects on personal experiences as a Native person and the power of love and gratitude in making a positive impact on the world.
Nov 2, 2023 • 1h 25min
178: Silicon Valley Veda
In this podcast, the hosts critique Marc Andreessen's techno-optimist manifesto, discuss the spiritualization of technology, analyze rhetoric and techno optimism, critique the praise of capitalism, examine poverty measurement, explore the impact of the pandemic on poverty and billionaire profits, and delve into historical references and present-day ideologies.
Oct 30, 2023 • 18min
Bonus Sample: RFK Jr. and Deconstruction Ecstasy Syndrome
The podcast explores RFK Jr.'s campaign and its appeal to those in the wellness industry. It reflects on transformative meditation experiences and the stripping away in spiritual practices. The commodification of ancient practices and the deconstructive effect of travel are also discussed.
Oct 28, 2023 • 30min
Brief: Bari Weiss's Sexual Revolution (w/Michelle Lhooq)
Journalist Michelle Lhooq discusses the recent 'debate' on the failure of the sexual revolution. They explore the rising influence of the new right and how the left can regain appeal. They also discuss the shifting location of counterculture, the portrayal of pornography in the feminist revolution, and the left's struggle to maintain its cool factor.
Oct 23, 2023 • 5min
Bonus Sample: Swamp Creatures 4: Let We The People Say “Amen!”
Julian profiles a man who connects the dots between gun-nut fifth column in American law enforcement, anti-woke mania, and grassroots Christian Nationalist/QAnon crossover. The podcast explores the controversies surrounding constitutional sheriffs, their ties to militia and white supremacist groups, and their involvement in the Capitol attack. It also discusses allegations of badge and credential deception by a law enforcement officer.
