IndoctriNation

Mattie Jo Cowsert was a pastor’s kid and proud purity ring-wearer before she moved to New York City and experienced an unexpected worldview and identity implosion. When the marriage equality act passed in 2015, Mattie Jo decided to share how the queer community was one of the catalysts for questioning everything she’d been taught, in her first publicly released blog post entitled: God and the Gays. This was the start of her popular blog, God, Sex & Rich People. Before terms like “deconstruction”, “purity culture” or “Ex-vangelical” became hashtags all over the internet, God, Sex & Rich People exposed the sometimes painful, sometimes hilarious realities of a young female Ex-evangelical navigating the diversity of the Big Apple, working for the 1%, and trying to have good sex without hating herself. Since then, Mattie Jo has developed a pilot for a series based on her blog which recently premiered at the Omaha Film Festival. Her forthcoming book is titled: "God, Sex, & Rich People: A Recovering Evangelical Testimony " In this candid and vulnerable conversation Mattie Jo opens up to Rachel about her experiences growing up in purity culture, outlining the damaging theology of Christian Patriarchy. Throughout the discussion Mattie Jo and Rachel upack the systematic and insidious mechanisms of control inherent in the common practices of conservative ideologies. Before You Go: Rachel explains how people leaving high control groups often miss out on the available resources and advocacy organizations in the broader community. You can find more info on Mattie Jo and her work at: https://www.mattiejocowsert.com/ All of Rachel's free informational PDF documents are available here: www.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/pdf.html All of Rachel's video lectures are available for purchase here: rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html To help support the show monthly and get bonus episodes, shirts, and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: www.paypal.me/indoctrination Connect with us on Social Media: Twitter: twitter.com/_indoctrination Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@indoctrinationpodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft You can always help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show!

In this special bonus episode, Rachel shares her thoughts on the "Twin Flames Universe" cult and its leaders Jeff and Shaleia. After becoming aware of this strange online-based group around 2019 she received several disturbing reports to her therapy practice by former and current members and their concerned families. Throughout this talk, Rachel outlines the many red flags and dangerous ideologies of the group explaining how harmful their ideas can be for devotees. She goes on to analyze how the group's survivors have been perceived by the media and offers a more insightful perspective on how they should be represented in a more sensitive and accurate light. Watch the trailer for Escaping Twin Flames here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VePkIq4_q2k Watch the trailer for Desperately Seeking Soulmate here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nt-zr-R6cw Listen to Rachel's interview with Wonderey's Twin Flames podcast here: youtu.be/pL2mWHAPJbQ?si=ZA7t0xXAplsW3f8r This is an unlocked bonus episode, you can hear all 50+ of our bonus episodes by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Members can also access our first 50 episodes exclusively on Patreon: www.patreon.com/collection/106532 Thanks to all of our Patreon supporters for making this episode possible!

Jolie Holland is a world-renowned Los Angeles-based artist who has forged a timeless, captivating musical legacy mining the depths of her, at times harrowing, life experiences. Her fearless creative choices are rooted in honesty and presence. She is a co-founder of the musical trio The Be Good Tanyas and has been featured on Bob Dylan's "Theme Time Radio Hour" Jolie was raised as a fourth-generation Jehovah's Witness, and her music inherently carries emotional themes inextricable from her cult experience. These concepts of cult dynamics are subtly woven throughout her newly released album Haunted Mountain, including on the mesmerizing title track, a duet with Buck Meek, guitarist for the band Big Thief. In this very special episode, Jolie breaks down the emotional themes of her new record and explains how the cultic dynamics she sees in the world inform her perspective and work. She outlines the patriarchal and harmful teachings she experienced herself being raised as a Jehovah's Witness, and how the aftereffects permeate her creative expression. Haunted Mountain is available now on all streaming platforms and on CD & vinyl at: www.joliehollandmusic.com This is an unlocked bonus episode, you can hear all 50+ of our bonus episodes by becoming a member at: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination Members can also access our first 50 episodes exclusively on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/collection/106532 Thanks to all of our Patreon supporters for making this episode possible!

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can listen to the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Returning guests, Nikieta Lambert and Asha Glenn are former members of the International Churches of Christ. Both having grown up with narcissistic mothers, they've been gaslit, shamed, and silenced their whole lives by the people closest to them while thriving academically and professionally a true paradox. They're now making it their mission to speak out against psychological, emotional, and spiritual abuse in the hopes of providing a safe space for others to speak out about their own experiences and learn what it means to claim their power and autonomy. In this follow-up conversation, Nikieta and Asha explain in detail how the ICOC leaders manipulate Biblical scripture to maintain complete control over their congregants in every aspect of their lives from romantic and familial relationships to financial and career decisions. You can learn more about Nikieta and her work at: www.nikietalambert.com You can find Nikieta and Asha's series on YouTube here: www.youtube.com/@nikietalambert Thanks to all of our supporters for making this episode possible!!

Wendy Baker is a former member of the infamous Los Angeles-based cult The Source Family, a commune that began in the 1960s by Jim Baker AKA Father Yod. The group was funded mainly by The Source restaurant a vegetarian cafe popular with celebrities such as John Lennon and Marlon Brando. Wendy is the author of the award-winning memoir "My Name Was Mushroom: My Life as a Teenage Runaway in The Source Family Commune", She is now a successful entrepreneur running a Malibu, CA insurance agency alongside her wonderful employees, and her husband of 45 years, Bart Baker, the son of The Source Family Leader Jim Baker. In her spare time, Wendy volunteers at the Women's and Children's Shelter in Oxnard, California. She's passionate about helping women tell their stories and is especially excited to help teenage mothers succeed in life after navigating her own struggles as a 16-year-old mother herself. In this fascinating conversation, Wendy describes a day in the life for a follower of the Source family cult run by Father Yod. She details her short but impactful journey in the commune as a teenage mother offering a uniquely intimate perspective of its leader. Before You Go: Rachel outlines the importance of noticing when a group leader exhibits hypocritical or contradictory behavior. Wendy's memoir is available now on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/My-Name-Was-Mushroom-Teenage/dp/0996055266 All of Rachel's free informational PDF documents are available here: www.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/pdf.html All of Rachel's video lectures are available for purchase here: rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html To help support the show monthly and get bonus episodes, shirts, and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: www.paypal.me/indoctrination Connect with us on Social Media: Twitter: twitter.com/_indoctrination Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@indoctrinationpodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft You can always help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show!

Lamont Lindstrom is an Emeritus Professor and former Chair of Anthropology, at the University of Tulsa, where he also served as Associate Dean of the Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences. Lindstrom has taught courses in sociolinguistics and anthropology at Rhodes College, Memphis, the University of Papua New Guinea, and UC Berkeley. Lamont has long-term research interests in Vanuatu and other Melanesian countries and has written several books on these subjects, his latest book “Tanna Times: Islanders in the World” was published in 2021. He is also the author of the fascinating book about the phenomenon of Cargo Cults entitled, “Cargo Cult: Strange Stories of Desire from Melanesia and Beyond” Professor Lindstrom has had many visiting fellowships throughout his academic career including at the East-West Center in Honolulu, The Center for Pacific Islands Studies at The University of Hawaii, and The MacMillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies at Canterbury University. In this fascinating and educational conversation, Professor Lindstrom explains some of the common misconceptions of "Cargo Cults" and describes the cultural landscape of Pacific island communities throughout the 20th century up until today. Throughout the discussion, Rachel points out the commonalities and differences between "Cargo Cults" and modern religious movements through an anthropological lens provided by Lamont. Before You Go: Rachel explains the inherent vulnerability of isolated communities that seek meaning in nearly everything and warns of the dangers of magical thinking. You can download Lamont's book "Tanna Times" for free here: https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/42982 All of Rachel's free informational PDF documents are available here: www.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/pdf.html All of Rachel's video lectures are available for purchase here: rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html To help support the show monthly and get bonus episodes, shirts, and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: www.paypal.me/indoctrination Connect with us on Social Media: Twitter: twitter.com/_indoctrination Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@indoctrinationpodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft You can always help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show!

Perry Bulwer, advocate for survivors of the Children of God cult, discusses his memoir shedding light on child abuse and trauma within the cult. Topics include emotions triggered by sharing stories, handling personal attacks, and expressing gratitude for support from second-generation members.

Eva Collins, an online business consultant with a background in spiritual and personal development, shares her journey of escaping an online business cult and advocating for ethical practices. She discusses her experience of speaking out against manipulation in cults and the issue of dependency on others for guidance. Eva also talks about encountering conspiracy theories during marketing training and the importance of having friends who share doubts in a cult-like group. She emphasizes the need for education and understanding to effectively help others.

Eric Skwarczynski is a versatile media professional with a passion for storytelling. Over the past 7 years, he has held various roles, including videographer, photographer, writer, and graphic designer, leading him to explore over 20 states and 13 countries. His mission revolves around shedding light on the significant issue of mental, physical, and sexual abuse within Independent Baptist Churches. Eric hosts the Preacher Boys podcast, which debuted in January 2020 and has garnered 3 million downloads to date. Content from the podcast has been showcased on Peacock and CBC, along with his accompanying YouTube channel, approaching 2 million views. Additionally, he has recently introduced a second YouTube channel, called “Film School’d”, where he features directors, actors, writers, and other experts from the film industry. He is part of a docuseries titled, “LET US PREY: A MINISTRY OF SCANDALS”, which recently premiered as a four-part event on Investigation Discovery. Following its premiere on ID, all four parts of “Let Us Prey” are now available to stream on HBO Max In this insightful conversation, Eric shares with Rachel his insights on the toxic culture of Independent Fundamentalist Baptists and details the isolating and life-changing catalyst that propelled him into the advocacy work he does now. Before You Go: Rachel expands on how authoritarian religious groups often use the idealism of genuine believers as a mechanism of control to manipulate their sense of purpose. You can find out more about the documentary "Let Us Prey" here: https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/show/let-us-prey-a-ministry-of-scandals-investigation-discovery-atve-us Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/dCrsz6y44p4?si=HER4XPMJDNAIT98P You can find more info about Eric and his work at: https://www.preacherboyspodcast.com/ All of Rachel's free informational PDF documents are available here: www.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/pdf.html All of Rachel's video lectures are available for purchase here: rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html To help support the show monthly and get bonus episodes, shirts, and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: www.paypal.me/indoctrination Connect with us on Social Media: Twitter: twitter.com/_indoctrination Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@indoctrinationpodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft You can always help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show!

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can listen to the full episode by becoming a member at: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this special bonus episode, Rachel offers her thoughts on La Luz Del Mundo, the Mexican mega-church that teaches that it is the only true Christian church founded by Jesus Christ because it is led by Naasón Joaquín, whom it considers the only true servant of God and Apostle of Jesus Christ in this era. Joaquín, however, is now serving a 17-year prison sentence for crimes related to sexual abuse against children and is incarcerated at the California Institution for Men in Chino. In this episode, Rachel offers an inside look at the heart-wrenching destruction that the church committed against it's most vulnerable followers, from her own experience in counseling the brave young women who came forward and testified against their monstrous former leader. Watch the trailer for UNVEILED: Surviving La Luz del Mundo — Exposing Sins Within a Megachurch: https://youtu.be/GYq0HghFeDM?si=yP3AyomMzWGjdVWC Watch the trailer for The Darkness Within La Luz del Mundo: https://youtu.be/GMBJ1Lle7ck?si=gnGLOC236Bco62zr Thanks to all of our supporters for making this episode possible.