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Rebecca Lemov

Historian of science, author, and associate professor at Harvard. Author of The Instability of Truth: Brainwashing, Mind Control, and Hyper-Persuasion.

Top 10 podcasts with Rebecca Lemov

Ranked by the Snipd community
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468 snips
May 15, 2025 • 2h 45min

#2322 - Rebecca Lemov

Rebecca Lemov, a Harvard historian of science, dives into the captivating realm of mind control and its historical context. She examines the intricate ties between government experimentation and personal autonomy, discussing notorious projects like MKUltra. Reflecting on the transformative power of community dynamics and technology, Lemov highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding digital privacy and emotional manipulation. With a nod to the risks of cults and spiritual communities, she encourages self-awareness in an age where influence is omnipresent.
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66 snips
May 20, 2025 • 1h 4min

The Biohacker’s Guide to CIA Mind Control & Brainwashing : 1283

Rebecca Lemov, a Harvard historian and expert on psychological manipulation, delves into the insidious nature of mind control. She reveals how techniques from MK Ultra evolved into modern forms of influence through social media and technology. The conversation explores the ethics of autonomy in an age of pervasive psychological tactics. Lemov also discusses the historical ties to psychedelics and the unsettling legacy of government experimentation. Listeners gain insights on protecting their thoughts and emotional well-being from external manipulations.
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31 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 52min

Why You Should Talk More Often & How People Get Brainwashed

Maryellen McDonald, a cognitive scientist and author, discusses the transformative power of conversation, emphasizing how talking sharpens the mind and enhances cognitive clarity. Rebecca Lemov, a Harvard historian, unpacks the complexities of brainwashing and the fine line between belief and manipulation. They explore why discussing emotions can lead to greater resilience and clarity, alongside examining the societal influences that shape our beliefs. Together, they illuminate how communication is not just about sharing ideas, but also about shaping our very understanding of the world.
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28 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 1h 46min

Rebecca Lemov (on brainwashing)

Rebecca Lemov, a Harvard historian of science and author of The Instability of Truth, dives into brainwashing and mind control. She discusses how Patty Hearst used brainwashing as a defense, revealing the manipulative power of stripping an individual's identity. The conversation touches on the psychological trauma faced by Korean War soldiers and the societal acceptance of brutal military training. Lemov also links addiction and brainwashing, highlighting how modern dynamics, like social media's influence, echo cult-like control in today’s society.
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19 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 41min

How Brainwashing Keeps You in a Life You Don’t Want 

Harvard professor Rebecca Lemov, author of 'The Instability of Truth', dives deep into the insidious nature of brainwashing. She reveals how our thoughts may not truly be our own, particularly when we stop questioning our beliefs. The discussion touches on alarming examples, like a Facebook study that manipulated user moods without their knowledge. Rebecca emphasizes the impact of trauma on self-perception and urges listeners to confront limiting beliefs, reclaim their individuality, and critically evaluate the influences shaping their identities.
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16 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 37min

Rebecca Lemov, "The Instability of Truth: Brainwashing, Mind Control, and Hyper-Persuasion" (Norton, 2025)

Rebecca Lemov, a Harvard history of science professor and author, dives deep into the unsettling world of brainwashing and mind control. She reveals how we’re all vulnerable to manipulation, particularly through social media and digital addiction. Lemov traces brainwashing's history, discussing everything from POWs in North Korea to today's data-driven tactics that prey on trauma. She distinguishes between genuine persuasion and more sinister forms of emotional engineering, urging us to recognize the hidden dynamics at play in our everyday lives.
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9 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 40min

Rebecca Lemov and the Instability of Truth

Rebecca Lemov, a Harvard historian of science and author of 'The Instability of Truth', takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the history of mind control. She discusses the unsettling legacy of Cold War brainwashing practices, including MKUltra, and reveals how social media manipulates beliefs today. Lemov also explores our inherent suggestibility and how 'cultish' behavior seeps into modern life, from crypto enthusiasts to trendy products. It's a thought-provoking look at the fragility of truth in a persuasive world.
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Jun 26, 2025 • 31min

Mindf*ck 102: MK Ultra, Crypto Cults & Modern Brainwashing with Rebecca Lemov (Part 2)

Rebecca Lemov, a Harvard professor and author specializing in brainwashing and trauma, continues her eye-opening discussion on the historical and modern facets of mind control. She dives into the shocking connections between MK Ultra and infamous figures like Charles Manson, revealing the dark side of CIA experiments. The conversation highlights how brainwashing techniques have evolved, infiltrating social media and crypto cultures. Lemov also unpacks trauma’s role in drawing individuals into high-control groups, emphasizing the need for awareness and critical thinking in today's digital age.
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Jun 9, 2025 • 46min

The history and science behind why we're all vulnerable to brainwashing

In this enlightening discussion, Rebecca Lemov, a Harvard science historian, delves into the unsettling reality that brainwashing can affect us all, not just cult members. She unpacks the interplay between AI companions and emotional manipulation, revealing how digital interactions can foster dependency and mental health issues. The podcast also explores historical cases of coercion, like American POW experiences, and connects those to modern challenges with misinformation and online influence. Lemov emphasizes the need for self-awareness in a world rife with psychological manipulation.
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Aug 18, 2025 • 46min

239 — You’re Being Brainwashed Every Day—Here’s How to Stay Mentally Strong in a World of Hidden Influence with Professor Rebecca Lemov

Rebecca Lemov, a historian and author with a focus on mind control, dives into the subtle mechanics of brainwashing and its impact on our daily lives. She discusses why people might confess to crimes they didn’t commit and the psychology behind cults. Lemov highlights how social media algorithms can manipulate our emotions and perceptions, revealing the hidden influences shaping our behavior. She offers practical strategies to stay resilient and self-aware, helping listeners guard against manipulation in an increasingly complex world.

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