The Psychology of Control: Understanding Brainwashing

What if brainwashing isn’t just a Cold War relic, but something we’re all quietly experiencing every day? In this episode, Harvard professor and author Rebecca Lemov joins us to unpack the hidden mechanics of mind control—from historical POW camps to the subtle pull of your social media feed. We talk about the concept of “ungrounding,” how it sets the stage for behavior change, and why no one is immune—not even you. Rebecca also shares a deeply personal story that reshaped her understanding of influence, control, and identity. This isn’t fearmongering—it’s a powerful invitation to look more closely at how your reality is shaped. Eye-opening, timely, and surprisingly relatable. Tune in—you’ll walk away questioning more than you expected.

Rebecca's book, The Instability of Truth: Brainwashing, Mind Control, and Hyper-Persuasion, is available now!

Find out more about Rebecca at histsci.fas.harvard.edu/people/rebecca-lemov.

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