IndoctriNation

Cait West is a writer and editor based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her work has been published in The Revealer, Religion Dispatches, Fourth Genre, and Hawai`i Pacific Review, among others. As an advocate and a survivor of the Christian patriarchy movement, she serves on the editorial board for Tears of Eden, a nonprofit providing resources for survivors of spiritual abuse, and cohosts the podcast Survivors Discuss. Her debut memoir, Rift: A Memoir of Breaking Away from Christian Patriarchy is available now for preorder. In this poignant and vulnerable conversation, Cait reflects on growing up under Christian patriarchy, offering insights into her forthcoming memoir. Before You Go: Rachel examines the inherent constrictions of the stay-at-home daughter movement, outlining how its practitioners keep women restrained. You can find out more about Cait and her work at www.caitwest.com You can pre-order Cait's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Rift-Memoir-Breaking-Christian-Patriarchy/dp/0802883583 IndoctriNation Podcast Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2359873534281759/ 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: www.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 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in its entirety, by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this solo bonus episode, Rachel examines the recent controversies of "self-help guru" Jay Shetty outlined in the viral Guardian expose by John McDermott. Rachel points out how Jay's deceptions are actually very common among cult leaders and manipulative entrepreneurs of all kinds. Guardian Article: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/ng-interactive/2024/feb/29/jay-shetty-self-help-empire Keya's World Interview with John McDermott: https://www.youtube.com/live/ViC1fmd_EsQ?si=zKnU47gBLjQYbTBd Thanks to all of our Patreon supporters for making this episode possible. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we continue our conversation from last week with Tammy Synovec. Tammy was first introduced to Scientology in 1993 by a friend she met at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. At this vulnerable time in her life, the ready-made group of friends in Scientology were of course there to welcome her with open arms....little did she know that she would become a dedicated Scientologist from that point on. Tammy became deeply immersed in the cult for 17 long years while they controlled every aspect of her life. In 2010, after completing 90 hours of “counseling sessions" in an attempt to move up the ranks of Scientology, she realized the dream she had been chasing would never become a reality, and began backing away quietly. Tammy wanted to return to the show to offer further details about her complex experience with Scientology and offer more insights for others on a similar path of healing. So if you have not already, please go back and listen to last week’s episode where Tammy introduces her story. In this continuation of Tammy's story, she shares details from the years of struggle it took to get her husband out of Scientology and the continued difficulties she faces as she attempts to do the same for her daughter. Before You Go: Rachel speaks about her experience supporting Tammy through the disconnection of her family, witnessing firsthand the abusive nature of Scientology. 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: www.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 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tammy Synovec was first introduced to Scientology in 1993 by a friend she met at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. At this vulnerable time in her life, the ready-made group of friends in Scientology were of course there to welcome her with open arms....little did she know that she would become a dedicated Scientologist from that point on. Tammy became deeply immersed in the cult for 17 long years while they controlled every aspect of her life. In 2010, after completing 90 hours of “counseling sessions" in an attempt to move up the ranks of Scientology, she realized the dream she had been chasing would never become a reality, and began backing away quietly. Tammy would try to remain under the radar as she devoured all of the information about Scientology she was previously forbidden from accessing. It was at this point that Tammy sought counseling with me and we worked together to find ways to get through to her daughter Julia and her late husband Derrick, who were both still under Scientology's spell. By 2016 Derrick was finally willing to work with Tammy to save their daughter, but sadly passed away on March 13th, 2021, and their daughter unfortunately remains in Scientology, disconnected from her entire family. Today, on the 3rd anniversary of Derrick's passing, Tammy will be sharing the first part of her story in hopes that it might help other survivors cope with their own experience and hopefully gain insights on their healing journeys. In this moving conversation, Tammy explains the circumstances surrounding her introduction to Scientology. She discusses with Rachel the lingering effects of long-term cultic involvement Before You Go: Rachel exposes the manipulation behind Scientology's teachings on "reactivity" explaining how cult leaders vilify anything they see as adversarial. 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: www.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 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in its entirety, by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this solo bonus episode, Rachel describes some of the most commonly shared psychological traits of cult leaders, pointing out several defining characteristics and narcissistic tendencies. She explains how through a lack of ability to feel remorse or empathy, they can thrive without the baggage of guilt the rest of us would feel. Thanks to all of our Patreon supporters for making this episode possible!! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sochil Martin is a Mexican American woman born and raised in the religious high control group La Luz del Mundo. She was groomed from a young age to be a "concubine" for the leader of the organization, becoming a slave to the leadership. After escaping at 30 years old, Sochil, with the help of her husband Martin and family, began seeking justice and founded the WithYou Foundation in 2020. The foundation works to change legislation to help survivors of human trafficking in high control groups. Sochil, now 37 and happily married, is dedicated to helping others break free from similar situations through prevention, justice, and healing. In this emotional and inspiring conversation Sochil shares with Rachel how she was able to break free of the abuse her family endured for 5 generations over 100 years by La Luz Del Mundo. Together they discuss how institutions have failed to keep children and adults safe from abuse with complacency, bureaucracy, and ignorance and what Sochil is now doing to change that. Before You Go: Rachel explains how the authoritarian control of cults can often cause dissociation and confusion in its followers hindering their critical thinking abilities and preventing defection. Sochil will host a rally for survivors at the Mexican Consulate in San Diego, California this Friday, March 8th from 5-8 PM (PST) at 1549 India St, San Diego, CA 92101. There will be an open microphone for survivors, families, and activists. All supporters are encouraged to attend! Follow Sochil on IG for more info: https://www.instagram.com/sochilmartin.healing Hear more about Sochil’s story in the audio documentary series Darkness of The World here: https://www.audible.com/pd/Darkness-of-the-World-Podcast/B0BKH3WVY9 Watch the trailer for UNVEILED: Surviving La Luz del Mundo — Exposing Sins Within a Megachurch: youtu.be/GYq0HghFeDM?si=yP3AyomMzWGjdVWC Watch the trailer for The Darkness Within La Luz del Mundo: youtu.be/GMBJ1Lle7ck?si=gnGLOC236Bco62zr 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: www.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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Emma Lehman is the host and producer of Gooned, a limited-series investigative podcast now available on all platforms. Gooned is a podcast about the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI), a network of profit-incentivized behavior modification facilities for youth ranging from wilderness programs to therapeutic boarding schools. ​​ ​​​​Gooned is Emma’s second investigative podcast. Her first podcast, Texas Twiggy, explores the life and career of actress and producer Shelley Duvall. Both Gooned and Texas Twiggy are available wherever you get your podcasts. In this thoughtful and informative discussion, Emma shares with Rachel what she learned from her undercover work reporting on the troubled teen industry. Throughout the conversation, they discuss the dangerous lack of qualifications that permeate the entire industry from the top down pointing out the desperate need for stricter regulation. Before You Go: Rachel points out in further detail the inherent dangers of TTI facilities and how they are actually antithetical to rehabilitation. You can find more information about Gooned at: www.goonedpodcast.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: www.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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in its entirety, by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this special bonus episode, Rachel offers advice on how ex-cult members can safely communicate with current devotees of the groups they left. She outlines healthy ways to protect yourself from re-traumatization and maintain autonomy when devoted followers attempt to pull you back through in-person confrontation. Thanks to all our patrons for making this episode possible!! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Angela J Herrington is a faith deconstruction coach and host of The Deconstructing Faith Summit who helps people break free from toxic religious culture & empowers them to recover from #churchhurt. She has led online ministries for a decade, enjoys working with clients 1:1, in groups, and is a dynamic conference speaker. She holds a BA from Indiana Wesleyan and a Masters in Leadership from Wesley Seminary. Her graduate research project focused on leadership development and opportunities for Gen X women in the US church. She has published articles in Hope for Women and HOPE is Now magazines. She has been featured in The New Republic, Publisher’s Today, and Religion News Service. In this nuanced and important conversation, Angela explains her own process of deconstruction and outlines some of the ways in which she now encourages her clients to rebuild their lives post-deconstruction in the healthiest and most beneficial ways possible. Before You Go: Rachel expands on Angela's idea of rebuilding the self after deconstruction and offers tips on safely "reconstructing" on your own terms. You can find more info on Angela and her new book at: https://www.angelajherrington.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! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mike Rinder was raised as a Scientologist from early childhood. He went on to serve as Scientology’s international spokesperson and as the head of its Office of Special Affairs and was a member of the Board of Directors of Church of Scientology International from its creation in 1983 until he left in 2007. Since renouncing Scientology, Rinder has become a prominent whistleblower against its abuses. He appeared in the HBO documentary Going Clear and cohosted all three seasons of the Emmy Award–winning show Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath on A&E. Mike is currently the host of the new podcast Exposing Scientology. His latest book A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology is now available on paperback. In this highly informative discussion, Mike explains in detail the deceptive nature of Scientology’s recruiting tactics and outlines the nefarious ways in which its leaders exert control over their followers. Before You Go: Rachel breaks down the harmful Scientology concept of the “reactive” mind explaining how it attempts to weaken emotional safeguards in followers. 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! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy