Behind the Bastards

Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah

Jan 31, 2025
Andrew T shares insights on the controversial figure John of God, exploring the murky ethics behind spiritual healing and its implications. Jamie Loftus adds layers to the critique of celebrities like Oprah and Dr. Oz, whose endorsements have complicated public health perceptions. Matt Lieb humorously navigates the intersections of media influence, exploitation in reality TV, and the rise of dubious healing practices, blending sharp commentary with engaging anecdotes throughout the discussion.
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ANECDOTE

Friendship of Genocide

  • Robert Evans and Andrew T. have a friendship based on discussing colonial genocide.
  • They shift to discussing John of God, a modern spiritual medical grifter endorsed by Oprah.
ANECDOTE

Origins of Spiritism

  • Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivail, who wrote under the pen name Allan Kardec, developed Spiritism.
  • Spiritism posits that immortal spirits inhabit animals and transmigrate, influencing the world.
INSIGHT

Spiritism in Brazil

  • Spiritism, particularly popular in Brazil, blends with Christianity to create unique traditions.
  • This led to the rise of spiritual healers performing "psychic surgery."
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