Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control.
In this special post-election episode, Rachel welcomes Andrew Pledger to discuss the emotional aftermath of the recent election from a... more
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Returning guest Nikki G. is a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach who helps survivors recover and thrive after Religious Trauma &... more
In this compelling episode, Rachel introduces Dr. John Hunter, a South African researcher and lecturer, to explore the psychological and... more
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In this enlightening episode, Rachel continues her conversation with Dan Shaw, an esteemed psychotherapist renowned for his work on traumatic... more
In this captivating episode, Rachel Bernstein welcomes back Dan Shaw, a distinguished psychotherapist and expert in psychoanalysis specializing in narcissistic... more
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This week Rachel delves into the intricate world of cult recovery with Dr. Gillie Jenkinson, a UK-accredited psychotherapist specializing in... more
Scott Homan was raised in the north woods of Wisconsin and found his voice through music and film. His documentary,... more
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For over 20 years, Anne Peterson devoted herself to Landmark, the training and development company she believed was transforming lives.... more
Kendra Lee Bryan is a 2-time cult survivor and host of the popular (CULT)ure Shock Show on YouTube. Kendra describes... more
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R. Scott Okamoto is a fourth-generation Japanese American author, musician, and college professor from Pasadena, California. Scott is the host... more
Named as one of the "top 10 religion newsmakers" of 2022 today’s guest, Christa Brown has persisted for two decades... more
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Aimee Byrd is an author, speaker, blogger, and podcaster. She has written several books including Recovering from Biblical Manhood and... more
Elle Hardy is an Australian-born journalist mostly based in New Orleans. She has covered stories from every continent on earth,... more
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Annie Dawid is an award-winning author and professor who teaches creative writing at University College, of Denver. She is a... more
Joel Looper is an adjunct professor at Baylor University and the author of the new book, Another Gospel: Christian Nationalism... more
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Daniel Schricker is a composer and writer based in Adelaide, Australia. He completed undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University... more
Returning guests, Stacie Stukin and Phillip Deslippe are joining the show once again to speak about their newest investigative piece... more
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Natalie Hoffman is the author of Is it Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to... more
Ryan George spent the first 20 years of his life in a cult, attending a series of Independent Fundamental Baptist... more
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Returning guest, Tia Levings writes about the realities of Christian fundamentalism, evangelical patriarchy, and religious trauma. She is also a... more
Returning guest, Jonathon Sawyer is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Colorado Boulder. Working with the National Education Policy... more
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Diana Nowak is a survivor of the infamous troubled teen institution known as The Academy at Ivy Ridge. She is... more
Tiffany Yecke Brooks is the author of the new book Holy Ghosted: Spiritual Anxiety, Religious Trauma, and the Language of... more
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Anke Richter is an international journalist and author based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Before immigrating there with her family in... more
Judith Castillo is a passionate and determined PhD student at the University of Houston, where her academic focus is on... more
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the full episode at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination This special Patreon... more
Nikki G. is a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach who helps survivors recover and thrive after Religious Trauma & Cult involvement.... more
Uriah Wesman is a multiple-cult survivor, and one-liner comedian turned comedic storyteller. Early in his career, he was hesitant to... more
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the full episode at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this bonus... more
Returning guests, Rachel Holdt and Elizabeth Humble are sisters who were raised in an Independent Fundamentalist Baptist Church they’ve now... more
Rachel Holdt and Elizabeth Humble are sisters who were raised in an Independent Fundamentalist Baptist Church they’ve now identified as... more
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the full episode at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this solo... more
Jeff Guinn is the author of the new book Waco: David Koresh, the Branch Davidians, and a Legacy of Rage.... more
Scott M. Coley is a lecturer in philosophy at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. His research interests include... more
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the full episode at: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this solo... more
Returning guest, Cynane Shay is a nuclear engineer in South Carolina. Her childhood in White Christian Nationalism normalized conspiracy theories... more
Cait West is a writer and editor based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her work has been published in The Revealer,... more
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Today we continue our conversation from last week with Tammy Synovec. Tammy was first introduced to Scientology in 1993 by... more
Tammy Synovec was first introduced to Scientology in 1993 by a friend she met at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. At... more
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Sochil Martin is a Mexican American woman born and raised in the religious high control group La Luz del Mundo.... more
Emma Lehman is the host and producer of Gooned, a limited-series investigative podcast now available on all platforms. Gooned is... more
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Angela J Herrington is a faith deconstruction coach and host of The Deconstructing Faith Summit who helps people break free... more
Mike Rinder was raised as a Scientologist from early childhood. He went on to serve as Scientology’s international spokesperson and... more
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Matt and Tawni Browning are the authors of the new book "The Hate Next Door: Undercover within the New Face... more
Cynane Shay is a nuclear engineer in South Carolina. Her childhood in White Christian Nationalism normalized conspiracy theories like Obama... more
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Dr. Clint Heacock is an ex-evangelical pastor and Bible college teacher of over 20 years and the host of the... more
Jon Atack is a leading expert on authoritarian cult groups as well as a best-selling author. He has worked with... more
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Mattie Jo Cowsert was a pastor’s kid and proud purity ring-wearer before she moved to New York City and experienced... more
In this special bonus episode, Rachel shares her thoughts on the "Twin Flames Universe" cult and its leaders Jeff and... more
Jolie Holland is a world-renowned Los Angeles-based artist who has forged a timeless, captivating musical legacy mining the depths of... more
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Wendy Baker is a former member of the infamous Los Angeles-based cult The Source Family, a commune that began in... more
Lamont Lindstrom is an Emeritus Professor and former Chair of Anthropology, at the University of Tulsa, where he also served... more
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Eva Collins is a content creator and online business consultant with over 20 years of experience in the spiritual and... more
Eric Skwarczynski is a versatile media professional with a passion for storytelling. Over the past 7 years, he has held... more
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Thenmozhi Soundararajan is a Dalit American artist, community organizer, technologist, and theorist. Currently, Thenmozhi is the Executive Director of Equality... more
Sarah Steel is the creator and host of the "Let's Talk About Sects" podcast, where she produces, and writes all... more
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Perry Bulwer was Born in Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada, where he joined the Children of God after dropping out... more
Chad Harris and Lindsey Williams both grew up under the teachings of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) cult... more
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David Hayward AKA NakedPastor is a former pastor turned artist and author whose work encourages seeking one's authentic self, religious... more
Katherine Spearing is a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach and the founder of “Tears of Eden”, a nonprofit supporting survivors of... more
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a... more
Jolie Holland is a world-renowned Los Angeles-based artist who has forged a timeless, captivating musical legacy mining the depths of... more
Erin Burchwell is a Columbus, Ohio-based florist, designer and illustrator. She grew up as a faculty kid on the campus... more
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in full at: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In the... more
Beth McNamara is a Los Angeles-based television and documentary producer with over 25 years of experience in content development and... more
Mike Rothschild is a journalist, researcher, expert witness, and debunker of conspiracy theories and fringe beliefs. Over the last decade,... more
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Celine and Stephen Mather are a father-and-daughter podcast team. Stephen is now an organizational psychologist but was raised in a... more
Today’s guests, Sarah and Jessica are longtime friends who grew up together in Canada. They are Ex-Christians who discuss their... more
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this special... more
Emily Lynn Paulson is the author of Highlight Real: Finding Honesty and Recovery Beyond the Filtered Life, and Hey, Hun:... more
Abbi Nye is an abuse survivor supporting cult survivors in their journey toward healing. An archivist in Wisconsin, Abbi holds... more
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode at: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination Quinn Cummings is... more
Tia Levings grew up in a Southern Baptist megachurch, was recruited into fundamentalism by mentors following Bill Gothard's IBLP (Institute... more
Geoff Levin is a professional musician and former Scientologist who grew up in San Jose, CA. In 1962 at the... more
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Priscilla Eyles is a Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion trainer and facilitator from London. They are an advocate, and speaker... more
Sue Winter is a modern linguist who holds two graduate degrees, one from the University of London, and another from... more
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in its entirety by... more
Em Thomas was born and raised in the dogmatic Christian cult The Way International. The daughter of a Way Corps... more
Chris Shelton is a former cult member who escaped from a lifetime of indoctrination and abuse, started a YouTube channel... more
For this week's bonus episode, Patreon supporters can access Rachel's recent video lecture from the International Cultic Studies Conference. In... more
Sarah Patch is a clinical counselor in Columbus, Ohio who has devoted the past few years of her career to... more
Guinevere Turner is a writer, director, and actor who has been working in film and TV since her 1994 debut... more
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Mark Turi discovered Scientology while on vacation in Los Angeles, just a month after graduating college in May 2005, ... more
Dr. Tamara MC is a cult, child marriage, and human trafficking survivor and activist who advocates worldwide for girls and... more
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Alexandra Stein, Ph.D. is a writer and educator specializing in the social psychology of ideological extremism and other dangerous social... more
Pamela Jackson is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, and creative nonfiction writer. She specializes in therapy for adult women... more
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Dr. Laura Anderson is a therapist, trauma resolution, and recovery coach, writer, educator, and creator who specializes in complex trauma... more
Kayla is a YouTube creator and launched her channel Keya's World back in 2021 to discuss toxic positivity, hustle culture,... more
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CONTENT WARNING: Child Sexual Abuse Christa Lester‐Pitsch is a survivor of an offshoot of the infamous cult known as The Way.... more
Zachary Heinzerling is an Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning director based in New York City. His latest docu-series entitled “Stolen... more
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Brian Rush McDonald grew up in southern Alabama in the early 1970s, where he eventually gave up his dream of... more
Rachael and Molly are the hosts of the podcast Cheers to Leaving, where they share their journey of deconstruction from... more
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Kathleen Oh is a Coach, writer, and safe drug use advocate and educator specializing in psychedelic integration. Her primary focus... more
In recognition of the recent one-year anniversary of the tragic Russian Invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, we wanted to... more
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Tim Elliott is a senior writer at Good Weekend, the Saturday magazine for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age,... more
Kate Amber is the founder of End Coercive Control USA, an organization that helps survivors, leaders, advocates, attorneys, therapists &... more
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Nikieta Lambert and Asha Glenn are former members of the International Churches of Christ. Both having grown up with narcissistic... more
Marissa Hackett was born in 1979 in Los Angeles, California. At the time of her birth, her parents were involved... more
Daniel Barban Levin and Felicia Rosario are survivors of the now infamous coercive control group led by Larry Ray, who... more
In the first half of this very special two-part episode. Rachel speaks with author Daniel Barban Levin who had previously... more
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CONTENT WARNING: Child Abuse & Sex Trafficking Isami Daehn is a subject matter expert on anti-human trafficking and child safety. She... more
Meg Appelgate is the CEO of Unsilenced, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to stop institutional child abuse by empowering... more
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Steven Hassan, Ph.D. is a mental health professional and expert in undue influence tactics used by authoritarian leaders and destructive... more
Today's guests Joyce Short and Nina Lucas represent the organization known as The Consent Awareness Network, which is fighting for... more
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Kacey is the host and creator of The Cult Vault, an award-nominated long-form interview-based podcast focusing on the true testimonies... more
Tracy Coenen has been investigating fraud for more than 25 years, but she didn’t always want to be a forensic... more
Ruwan Meepagala is a podcaster and coach. In his early twenties, he became involved in the matriarchal cult, known as... more
Once again, this week we'd like to encourage everyone to allow themselves some grace and self-care during the upcoming holiday... more
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This week we'd like to encourage everyone to allow themselves some grace and self-care during the upcoming holiday season. No... more
Sarah Landry is a Canadian jewelry artist who has made it her mission in life to expose the criminal activity... more
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Lisa Guerci was raised, from the age of five, in a Connecticut-based doomsday cult known as "The Work", led by... more
Carol Merchasin brings her deep legal experience to McAllister Olivarius, heading up cases involving sexual misconduct in religious, faith-based, and... more
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Jon Atack has been a consultant or expert witness in at least 150 court actions and worked on over 200... more
Shannon Payton, known as Shanny Pants by many, is a content creator and podcaster living in Rocklin, California. Her podcast,... more
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Elizabeth Gilpin is an actress, activist, writer, and producer who also serves as an ambassador for Represent Justice, an organization... more
This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a... more
Mike Rinder was raised as a Scientologist from the age of 5 when his parents began attending the Scientology International... more
Ashlen Hilliard is a cult intervention specialist helping families with loved ones in cultic or high-control groups or relationships and... more
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Renee Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, while also being a tattoo artist and human rights activist. She... more
Jaye Cole and Sonya Morris are survivors of "Believers House Worldwide Ministries" in Norfolk, VA. They are leading a campaign... more
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Gerette Buglion is a co-founder of the #igotout movement and a lifelong educator, who brings discernment, compassion, and understanding to... more
Heidi Thompson was born into the Seventh-Day Adventist apocalyptic religion. She escaped at age 19 to attend college at the... more
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Sam Jahara is a UKCP Registered Psychotherapist and Tavistock certified Executive Coach with a private practice in Brighton, South-East England.... more
Andrew Jasko is a Princeton Seminary-educated former minister, who has a Master's Degree in Divinity, and in Counseling Psychology. Andrew... more
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Esther Friedman is a licensed mental health counselor, expressive art therapist, songwriter, performer, author, and ex-cult member. In 2006, a... more
Rachel Manija Brown's parents moved her to an ashram in India when she was seven years old to worship the... more
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Emma Buchbinder was raised in the high-control religious group Xenos Christian Fellowship, based in Columbus, Ohio. In 2020, Xenos changed... more
Julianne Bull is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in Los Angeles. She holds a masters degree in Marriage... more
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Sarah Edmundson and Anthony "Nippy" Ames are survivors of the NXIVM cult and hosts of the A Little Bit Culty... more
N. Jamiyla Chisholm was born in New York City and grew up in Brooklyn. She graduated from City College in... more
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Sarah Rose is a native of the San Francisco Bay Area. She received a BA in Judaic Studies from UC... more
Jeremy Sherman is a Ph.D. in evolutionary epistemology. He describes himself as a cradle-to-grave science researcher studying the unbroken chain,... more
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Andrew Pledger is a religious trauma survivor who was raised in fundamentalist Christianity. He has been homeschooled his entire life... more
Zack Bonnie “graduated” from Rocky Mountain Academy at age sixteen, and then attended regular high school to fill the gaps... more
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus episode, you can hear the episode in its entirety by... more
Zack Bonnie “graduated” from Rocky Mountain Academy at age sixteen, and then attended regular high school to fill the gaps... more
Vanessa Reiser is a mother, entrepreneur, and groundbreaking psychotherapist specializing in narcissistic abuse using Therapist Self-Disclosure (TSD) Ms. Reiser graduated... more
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This week's guests Brian and Troy used to be members and leaders in Pentecostal megachurches in Australia. Troy, a 21-year-old... more
Lily Dunn is an author and mentor living in the UK. She has personal essays in Granta, Litro, Hinterland, MIRonline,... more
This is just a preview of our latest Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the show in its entirety... more
Daniella Mestyanek Young is an American author and speaker born into the religious cult The Children of God. Daniella served... more
This week's guests Brian and Troy used to be members and leaders in Pentecostal megachurches in Australia. Troy, a 21-year-old member of... more