IndoctriNation

Lisa Guerci was raised, from the age of five, in a Connecticut-based doomsday cult known as "The Work", led by a man who called himself Brother Julius and eventually God. His message was that he was a sin-demonstrating Messiah sent to bring about the end of the world. The altered reality of this small but extremely toxic group was Lisa's entire life until she escaped at age 26, with her young daughter. In this illuminating and moving conversation, Lisa opens up to Rachel about the deep trauma she experienced from being raised by her mother, a follower of the infamous cult leader "Brother Julius" She details the complex and difficult relationships with her immediate family, outlining the emotional damage and long-lasting effects of familial destruction at the hands of this manipulative and sociopathic cult leader. Together, Rachel and Lisa break down the steps she took toward recovery explaining the healing power of creativity, resilience, and storytelling. Before You Go: Rachel expands on the notion of the "sinful messiah" exposing the manipulative yet clever and effective tactic leaders use to avoid accountability from allegations of abuse. You can watch the documentary on Brother Julius mentioned in the show here: https://youtu.be/hmbkldpftJE You can purchase Rachel's webinar series LIVING IN FREEDOM here: rachelbernsteintherapy.com/webinar.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 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

Carol Merchasin brings her deep legal experience to McAllister Olivarius, heading up cases involving sexual misconduct in religious, faith-based, and spiritual communities. As an investigator, she has worked to uncover sexual misconduct within the Shambhala International lineage of Buddhism, the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers, and is currently assisting other spiritual communities in bringing allegations of sexual misconduct to light. She has worked with survivors of abuse and misconduct across a number of global spiritual and religious movements and has extensive experience as both a litigator and an investigator. Before joining McAllister Olivarius, Carol was a partner in the Philadelphia office of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius where she was a member of the firm’s employment law practice and the director of Morgan Lewis Resources, providing training on harassment and discrimination as well as investigation services for clients. She has conducted dozens of workplace investigations and taught investigative techniques to human resource professionals at many Fortune 50 companies. She is based in New Jersey and is registered as an attorney with the Massachusetts Bar. In this highly informative and insightful conversation, Carol details some of the promising progress of the legal system here in the US and abroad with regard to prosecuting sexual abuse in spiritual communities. She and Rachel also discuss the many obstacles survivors face in the courtroom and the disappointing failures of the current justice system. Before You Go: Rachel further emphasizes the importance of removing the impediments to justice currently preventing victims of high-control religious groups from their rights to legal recourse. Find out more about Carol and her Law Firm here: https://mcolaw.com/team/carol-merchasin/ You can purchase Rachel's webinar series LIVING IN FREEDOM here: rachelbernsteintherapy.com/webinar.html Thanks to all of our newest Patreon supporters: Desiree Stephens, Roo Roo, Harriet Allen, Jessica Peterson, Calley Heffer, Alexandra Lukasiewicz, Jessica Pritchett, Danielle Gorski, and, Tiffany Meldal-Johnsen!! 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 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

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Janja Lalich, Ph.D. is a researcher, author, and educator specializing in cults and extremist groups, with a particular focus on charismatic relationships, political and other social movements, ideology and social control, and issues of gender and sexuality. She has been a consultant to educational, mental health, business, media, and legal professionals, as well as having worked with current members, former members, and families of members of controversial groups. In this deeply informative conversation between two longtime colleagues, Janja describes her new foundation, The Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion: A collaborative approach to cult information and recovery led by specialized professionals, and trained cult survivors. Together Rachel and Janja survey the current landscape of cult education and recovery offering insights from their years of experience. More info on Janja here: https://janjalalich.com/ More info on Lalich Center here: https://lalichcenter.org/ Thanks to our Patreon supporters for making this episode possible! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jon Atack has been a consultant or expert witness in at least 150 court actions and worked on over 200 media pieces, he’s published more than 500 articles and papers, and over 300 videos. His history of Scientology, Let’s Sell These People a Piece of Blue Sky, is a best-seller. He has spoken at conferences all over the world and led the five-day Getting Clear of Scientology seminar in Toronto. Jon has been a scholar-practitioner for almost 40 years and has helped more than 600 people in their recovery. His most recent book, Opening Our Minds, exposes the similarities between authoritarian cults, multilevel marketers, pedophile groomers, terrorist radicalizers, pimps, and spousal abusers. It highlights the manipulative tricks shared by political spin doctors, advertisers, and PRs. Jon, along with his son Sam hosts the podcast “Jon Atack, family and friends” from his home near Nottingham, England where he resides with his two youngest boys. In this expansive and highly informative conversation, Rachel and Jon dive deep into the various common psychological states of Scientologists using examples from the hundreds of cases they have collectively worked on personally. Throughout the discussion, Jon offers his unique insights from his vantage point as an early architect of the independent Scientology movement to one of its most important and thorough critics. Before You Go: Rachel explains how followers of cultic groups are often unable to take note of the freedom they sacrifice in order to possess the security of absolute belief and devotion to community in high-control situations. Follow Jon's Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI4tcSMV2kEh3BooY_XFSYQ/playlists Find Jon's most recent book here: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/28159933-opening-minds You can purchase Rachel's webinar series LIVING IN FREEDOM here: rachelbernsteintherapy.com/webinar.html Thanks to all of our newest Patreon supporters: Meldal-Johnsen, Cassilly, NATALIE FABERT, Michelle Downs, Leti A, Eva Baumgartner, Jen Jeske, and Sue Walsh! 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 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

Shannon Payton, known as Shanny Pants by many, is a content creator and podcaster living in Rocklin, California. Her podcast, The ShannyPants Show is currently in its second season. In her interview-style podcast, Shannon shares her struggles of growing up in a cult, battles through years of infertility that ended in a hysterectomy, and finally her journey to parenthood through foster care and adoption. Shannon has been a guest on The Kelly Clarkson show and has appeared on local TV show GoodDay Sacramento multiple times. She enjoys sharing the struggles of life in a humorous way as part of her self-prescribed therapy and through this, has connected with her fans. In this interesting conversation reflecting on Shannon's childhood in a small and restrictive church, Rachel points out the ways in which children raised in high-control groups are affected in the long run. Shannon details her time in the bible study-based cult, explaining the tension and fear she grew up with as well as the isolation she felt from her peers as a young woman. Before You Go: Rachel reiterates the importance of humor and self-expression for children growing up in high-control groups explaining how it helps develop a strong and healthy sense of self. Find more about Shannon here: https://shannypantsshow.com You can purchase Rachel's webinar series LIVING IN FREEDOM here: rachelbernsteintherapy.com/webinar.html Thanks to all of our newest Patreon supporters: Meldal-Johnsen, Cassilly, NATALIE FABERT, Michelle Downs, Leti A, Eva Baumgartner, Jen Jeske, and Sue Walsh! 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 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

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this exclusive Patreon bonus episode, Rachel provides her insights on the shifting language of cults, explaining the most common tactics of linguistic manipulation that leaders use to control their followers. This episode features clips from previous episodes with Amanda Montell and Emma Buchbinder which can be found below Amanda Montell: https://soundcloud.com/indoctrinationshow/too-cultish-for-comfort-w-amanda-montell Emma Buchbinder: https://soundcloud.com/indoctrinationshow/escaping-xenos-wemma-buchbinder Thanks to our patrons for making this episode possible! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Elizabeth Gilpin is an actress, activist, writer, and producer who also serves as an ambassador for Represent Justice, an organization using the power of media to demand real change in the justice system. Her first memoir, Stolen, is a gripping chronicle of psychological manipulation and abuse at a “therapeutic” boarding school for troubled teens and illustrates how one young woman fought to heal in the aftermath. Gilpin is passionate about raising awareness and encouraging the narratives of survivors through storytelling. In this emotional and insightful conversation, Elizabeth reveals to Rachel the shocking negligence and dangerous techniques of the abusive boarding school she attended as a teen. Rachel helps Elizabeth unpack the emotional turmoil she lived through, relating her experiences and healing journey to that of a cult survivor. Before You Go: Rachel points out the irony in the "therapeutic" techniques used in the troubled teen industry highlighting the long-term damage that can be caused by the harshly critical nature of unqualified authority figures. Find Elizabeth's book here: https://www.grandcentralpublishing.com/titles/elizabeth-gilpin/stolen/9781538735442/ More on Represent Justice here: https://www.representjustice.org/ Thanks to all of our newest Patreon supporters Christine Rucano, Valerie Edde, Melody McLeod, Lexy, Kaye M. Reeves, Joleen Bishop, Elisabeth Ingram, Alaine Michele Whitmire, Robin Baessler, Antonia skelton, Genevieve Donohue, Pamela Green, Skye, Erika, Jennifer Dousset, Catherine Price, Kathy Roeder, Erin Whiting, and Morgan Laubach!! 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 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! #breakingcodesilence #endtti #tti Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this exclusive Patreon bonus episode, Rachel provides her insights on psychics and mediums drawing from her own personal experiences as well as what she's learned from clients of hers who were manipulated by fraudulent practitioners. Rachel points out some of the red flags to look out for and explains how manipulative "clairvoyants" observe and lead people in order to gain financially from their vulnerability. This episode features a clip from James Randi the famous author and scientific skeptic who extensively challenged paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. You can find more info on his work here: web.randi.org/ Thanks to our patrons for making this episode possible! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mike Rinder was raised as a Scientologist from the age of 5 when his parents began attending the Scientology International Center in Australia in the early 1960s. He eventually went on to serve as Scientology’s international spokesperson. Mike was the head of OSA- Scientology's Office of Special Affairs and was a member of the Board of directors of the Church of Scientology International. Since denouncing Scientology, Rinder has become a prominent whistleblower against its abuses. He appeared in the HBO documentary Going Clear and co-hosted all three seasons of Leah Remini's Emmy Award-winning show Scientology and the Aftermath. He and Remini also co-host the podcast Scientology: Fair Game. His excellent new memoir, A BILLION YEARS: My Escape From a Life in the highest Ranks of Scientology is available now. In this revealing and fascinating conversation, longtime colleagues Rachel and Mike discuss the psychological blocks common to many cult followers as well as the specific mental hurdles former Scientologists have to overcome to regain their personal autonomy. Mike reflects on the process of writing his memoir, describing the catharsis he felt as well as the clarity it provided him as he had to imagine for the first time what his life's story looked like from an outsider's perspective. Before You Go: Rachel explains the significance of Mike having no pictures of himself or his family from the decades he spent in Scientology, describing the damaging effects high control groups can have on their followers by diminishing familial connection and eliminating the sentimentality of memories shared with loved ones. You can listen to Mike's podcast with Leah Remini, Scientology: Fair Game here: https://fairgamepodcast.com/ You can purchase Mike's memoir A Billion Years here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60209478-a-billion-years Check out Mike's Blog here: https://www.mikerindersblog.org/ You can purchase Rachel's webinar series LIVING IN FREEDOM here: rachelbernsteintherapy.com/webinar.html Thanks to all of our newest Patreon supporters: Wendy Connell, Suzanne Segura, Romana Frey, Hilary Mark Nelson, Gina Sufrin, Maggie J, Paige, Kristin, Stephanie, Marianne, and Liz Matthei!! 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 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

Ashlen Hilliard is a cult intervention specialist helping families with loved ones in cultic or high-control groups or relationships and is the face behind People Leave Cults. She completed her MSc in the Psychology of Coercive Control in early 2022 and conducted research on the relationship between reproductive coercion, psychologically abusive environments, and the extent of group identity in a sample of those who have left cultic groups. Ashlen has previous experience working for multiple non-profit settings in the field of cult recovery. Most recently, this has included working as Director of Events for the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA). During that time, she facilitated workshops, webinars, and conferences for those in touch with multiple aspects of the cult phenomenon including therapists, former members, legal professionals, media representatives, academics, and others. Previous to her work with ICSA, she also worked as a case manager in Salt Lake City, Utah, for the non-profit Holding Out Help, where she was involved in the front lines of helping individuals leaving diverse polygamist communities out west. She currently enjoys living in Portland, Oregon where she is a volunteer co-organizer of the Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education (SAFE) Meetup for those who have left or are considering leaving high-demand religious groups in the local community. In this insightful conversation, Rachel catches up with her colleague and learns more about how her upbringing in a high-control religious environment impacts the work she does today. Together Rachel and Ashley compare notes on the emotional complexities of cult intervention and the plight of cult survivors and their families, offering up nuanced thoughts on methods for healthy recovery. Before You Go: Rachel expands upon Ashlen's chameleon metaphor, explaining why blending in in different environments can be so beneficial for those who've lived under coercive control. Find more information on People Leave Cults: https://www.peopleleavecults.com/ People Leave cults YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYSPTV8kDNwk6lM6gCaHztA You can sign up for Rachel's webinar series LIVING IN FREEDOM here: rachelbernsteintherapy.com/webinar.html Thanks to all of our newest Patreon supporters: Lynn Dorsett, Michelle Miller, Mary Wimberley, Clinton Bench, Jacob Richard!! 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 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