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
Oct 21, 2023 • 25min
Brief: Sovereign In Sedona (w/Isaac Stone Simonelli)
Investigative reporter Isaac Stone Simonelli discusses the troubling increase of sovereign citizen legal filings in Arizona's spiritual communities. The podcast explores the connection between sovereign citizens and a wellness yoga community center, delving into shared language, financial concerns, and ongoing court cases. It also explores the journey and experiences of individuals disillusioned with the government, as well as the intersection of a community with libertarian and right-wing conspiratorial beliefs.
Oct 19, 2023 • 1h 20min
176: Russell Brand’s Man Stans
Russell Brand, a guest on the podcast, is investigated for allegations of sexual assault. The podcast explores the challenges women face discussing sensitive topics in a misogynistic online environment. They discuss how spiritual beliefs can lead to conspiracy theories, using Brand as an example. They also touch on controversial figures like Daniel Pinchbeck and Warren Farrell, and the consequences of Brand's behavior and statements.
Oct 16, 2023 • 10min
Bonus Sample: Inside the Church of Bleach
The podcast explores the case of the Grenon family, sentenced for selling bleach as a cure for COVID-19 and other diseases. It discusses the background of Mark Grenon, founder of the Genesis II Church of Health & Healing, and the dangerous consequences of their claims. The chapter highlights the harmful effects of drinking bleach and emphasizes the importance of caution when handling it.
Oct 14, 2023 • 1h 12min
Special Report: RFK Jr.’s Independence Day
RFK Jr. announces independent run for president, promotes anti-vaccine propaganda, and discusses hyper individualism in his campaign. Also explores his contrarian and conspiratorial beliefs, rejection of coalitions, and the importance of understanding others' perspectives.
Oct 12, 2023 • 1h 33min
175: Diagonalism (w/William Callison and Quinn Slobodian)
Guests William Callison and Quinn Slobodian discuss the concept of diagonalism, highlighting its relevance in understanding conspiracy theories and alternative political movements. They explore the impact of the pandemic on livelihoods and political reactions, as well as the technological underpinnings of diagonalism. The speakers also delve into the contradiction of technology and control, and the connections between diagonalism and various political ideologies.
Oct 9, 2023 • 7min
Bonus Sample: Swamp Creatures 3: The Pirate Palace
Julian, an author and storyteller, contextualizes the Trump era and the corrupt deep state. This episode explores an abandoned presidential estate turned museum of corruption, and the rise and fall of Ukraine's former president and the events that defined his time in office.
Oct 8, 2023 • 53min
Special Report: Stealing Indigenous Voices in Australia (w/Tyson Yunkaporta)
Tyson Yunkaporta, Professor of Apalech clan, joins the podcast to discuss the complexities of Indigenous voices in Australia's referendum. They explore the influence of conspiracy theories, the legacy of the Aboriginal tent embassy, contrasting oral and written knowledge, the downfall of an Indigenous elder into anti-masker conspiracy theories, the misuse of language in land acknowledgments, and the challenges faced by Indigenous people in preserving traditions.
16 snips
Oct 5, 2023 • 1h 12min
174: Everything is Chemistry (w/Drs Andrea Love & Jessica Steier)
Drs Andrea Love and Jessica Steier discuss the challenges of science communication in the midst of a pandemic. They emphasize the importance of COVID boosters, debunk misinformation about colloidal silver and essential oils as immune boosters, and explore the difficulties of combating vaccine hesitancy. Additionally, they address the evolving nature of scientific understanding, highlight the risks of essential oils, and stress the need for scientists to communicate effectively and distill complex information.
Oct 2, 2023 • 15min
Bonus Sample: Matt Christman & the Silence
Matt Christman, a beloved and sometimes hated dirtbag charismatic, reflects on his hard left passions and despondent ecstasies. The podcast discusses his talent for criticizing the professional managerial class and the success of a far-left podcast. It explores Marxist theory, the illusion of political influence, and the paradoxes of living in the neoliberal age. The chapter also highlights the missed opportunity of Bernie Sanders and the potential for love and solidarity in the current moment.
Sep 30, 2023 • 1h 35min
Deep Cut: The Dalai Lama Spectacle
Exploring the controversial incident between the Dalai Lama and a young Indian boy, the polarized perspectives of orientalism surrounding the Dalai Lama spectacle, and the dangers of falling into mutually supporting delusions and moral outrage porn in online spaces.
