The Jordan Harbinger Show

628: Amanda Montell | Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism

Feb 22, 2022

In this conversation with Amanda Montell, a language scholar and author of "Cultish," we dive into how language is a powerful tool for cults and manipulators. Amanda shares personal experiences that led her to explore the psychological tactics used by cults and MLMs, revealing how they prey on vulnerabilities. They discuss thought-terminating cliches that stifle independent thinking and the allure of community in chaotic times. The episode uncovers the subtle ways language shapes belief systems and identity, making it a captivating listen.

01:12:54

Episode guests

Amanda Montell

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

3min

The Allure and Peril of Cult Dynamics

10min

The Language of Cults

11min

Exploring Jewish Heritage and the Mystique of Kabbalah

2min

Language and Belonging in Cult Dynamics

19min

The Power of Thought-Terminating Cliches

4min

The Dynamics of Authority and Trust in Cults

3min

The Allure and Dangers of Multi-Level Marketing

17min

The Manipulation of Language in Cults

5min

Amanda Montell (@amandamontell) is a language scholar and author of critically acclaimed Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language. Her latest book is Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, which explores how cults co-opt the words we use in order to control us and affect our behavior.

What We Discuss with Amanda Montell:

How the uncertainty of current times drives people toward the solace of community — and the sights of aspiring cult leaders and con artists.
What personal experience drew Amanda, a language scholar, to explore how language is one of the most powerful tools of manipulation cults use to exploit their victims?
What thought-terminating cliches are and why they're so effective at shaping behavior.
How MLMs operate like cults and who they predominately target with empty promises of wealth and prestige.
How to tell if your language is being taken over by cultish manipulators.
And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/628

Miss our conversation with the American photographer who survived seven months under captivity by Al-Qaeda? Catch up with episode 217: Matthew Schrier | How to Survive in a Secret Syrian Terrorist Prison here!

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