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
8 snips
Jan 3, 2026 • 36min
Brief: Class Wars on Christmas
Explore the provocative 'Grinch prank' video trend and the deeper issues of parental behavior and societal conflicts around Christmas. Discover the political undertones of the nativity and how ancient folklore figures like Krampus serve as symbols of rebellion. Delve into 19th-century literary giants and their reflections on urban poverty, alongside the poignant Christmas Truce of 1914 that defied class divisions. Ultimately, uncover how the holiday has always been a battleground over care and resources, not a mere 'war on Christmas.'
12 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 50min
289: Big Wellness’s Nicotine Gambit [feat Mallory DeMille]
Mallory DeMille, a wellness journalist, returns to delve into the latest buzz around nicotine as a wellness trend. She explores how influencers are promoting nicotine for energy and even health benefits, despite serious health risks. The discussion touches on the origins of this craze, including chiropractor Brian Artis's controversial claims, and examines the boundary between potential uses and addiction. The conversation also highlights alarming trends, such as using nicotine for autism treatment, raising critical concerns about safety and misinformation.
Dec 29, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Alien Abduction Mack Daddy
Delve into the intriguing world of alien abduction with Pulitzer Prize-winning psychiatrist John E. Mack. Explore his controversial media appearances, including his notable time on Oprah, and the sensationalized claims surrounding alien-human hybrids. Uncover how hypnosis was used to recover repressed memories that fueled societal hysteria. Learn about the cultural impact of this narrative, influencing shows like The X-Files and modern conspiracy theories. Mack's experiences with psychedelics and breathwork further challenge traditional scientific beliefs.
59 snips
Dec 27, 2025 • 36min
Brief: Nicki Minaj Goes MAGA
A record attendance at AmFest 2025 reveals the infighting within Turning Point USA. Hosts examine the rise of Christian nationalism in their messaging strategies. Nicki Minaj's awkward appearance raises eyebrows as she awkwardly attempts to connect with the audience. JD Vance's controversial appeals to white identity generate discussion on internal coalition tensions. The hosts critique the right's performance of victimhood while holding power and delve into the contradictions within emerging wellness politics linked to nationalism.
12 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 51min
UNLOCKED: Chatbot Awakening to Love and Enlightenment!
Explore the bizarre fusion of AI and human emotions as users form intense bonds with chatbots, sometimes leading to tragic outcomes. Delve into narratives of chatbot relationships that blur reality and introduce ideas of sentient consciousness. Unpack the dark side of this digital romance, including psychosis and cult-like dynamics. Discover stories of grief and companionship through AI, alongside historical parallels to the oracle at Delphi. Engage with a cautionary examination of how these interactions reflect deeper societal issues.
Dec 22, 2025 • 8min
Bonus Sample: The Monetization of MAHA
The discussion dives into RFK Jr.'s trademarking of MAHA, revealing his $100,000 in licensing fees before handing it off to Del Bigtree. This branding strategy is now intertwined with his role in health policy. Derek explores the implications of MAHA's monetization on privatization in health services, especially given the new CDC leadership. Insightful critiques of Ralph Abraham's anti-vaccine history and his influence on public health underline the complexities at play. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of health monetization tactics.
57 snips
Dec 20, 2025 • 34min
Brief: Dr Mike vs MAHA
The discussion centers on Dr. Mike's recent debate against 20 RFK Jr. supporters, highlighting his reputation for debunking misinformation. Topics include the influence of parasocial relationships on followers' perception of Kennedy and the importance of transparency in wellness claims. The hosts critique exaggerated health claims made by influencers and discuss the implications of the Jubilee format in media. They also delve into the role of pharmaceutical competition in healthcare and the need for nuanced conversations around health solutions.
15 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 6min
288: Conspirituality Live with Dr Jessica Knurick
Dr. Jessica Knurick, a registered dietitian with a PhD in nutrition science, joins Derek at the Eudemonia Summit to tackle pressing health misinformation. They delve into the difference between dietitians and nutritionists, focusing on the potential harm from anti-expert sentiments in wellness circles. Jessica critiques the MAHA movement for eroding trust in science while highlighting necessary public health improvements. With a nod to her political aspirations, she shares strategies for combating misinformation and making public health relatable to everyday people.
Dec 15, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Marx’s “Atheism” vs. the Capitalist Religion of Everyday Life
Dive into Marx’s critique of religion as a response to real-world suffering, where faith offers solace against inequality and exploitation. Discover how Marx positions capitalism as a rival belief system, with money as a jealous god and private property as original sin. Explore the connection between his criticism of religion, law, and politics, revealing how material conditions shape institutions. This philosophical journey flips Hegel’s idealism, igniting a deeper understanding of socio-economic realities.
27 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 41min
Brief: Demonic Karl Marx ATTACKS Private Property and DESTROYS Religion
The discussion dives into how historical figures like Reagan and Hoover painted Marx as a godless menace to religion and property. It explores the 19th-century Catholic Church's clever conflation of personal and bourgeois property to undermine Marx's critiques. The podcast critiques modern misinterpretations of Marx, focusing on his poetry rather than his economic theories. Additionally, it highlights the Church's vested interests in maintaining capitalism, contrasting them with Pope Francis's leanings toward liberation theology.
