IndoctriNation

This is just a preview of our latest Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the show in its entirety by becoming a supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination Daniel Shaw, LCSW, is a psychoanalyst in private practice in New York City and in Nyack, New York; and Faculty and Supervisor at The National Institute for the Psychotherapies in New York. His papers have appeared in Psychoanalytic Inquiry, Contemporary Psychoanalysis, Psychoanalytic Perspectives, and Psychoanalytic Dialogues, and most recently, his book, Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation, was published by Routledge for the Relational Perspectives Series and nominated for the prestigious Gradiva Award. His book Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery: Leaving the Prison of Shame and Fear was published in 2021. In 2018, the International Cultic Studies Association awarded Dan the Margaret Thaler Singer Award for advancing the understanding of coercive persuasion and undue influence. Dan returns to the show to discuss with Rachel the ideas he explores in his new book, Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery: Leaving the Prison of Shame and Fear. Together, they reflect on the current landscape of recovery in their respective fields and compare notes on the ways patients and mental health professionals can be successful in cases of cult recovery. More info on Dan's work is available here: https://danielshawlcsw.com/ You can find his latest book here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56844700-traumatic-narcissism-and-recovery You can hear Dan's previous appearances on the show here: https://podcasts.apple.com/am/podcast/traumatic-narcissism-in-politics-w-dan-shaw/id1373939526?i=1000507568685 https://podcasts.apple.com/am/podcast/collective-disassociation-w-dan-shaw/id1373939526?i=1000508465936 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Daniella Mestyanek Young is an American author and speaker born into the religious cult The Children of God. Daniella served as an Intelligence Officer in the US Army for over six years, making the rank of Captain, and became one of the first women in US Army history to conduct deliberate ground combat operations when she volunteered to serve on a Female Engagement Team. She is a recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Medal. Daniella lives with her husband and daughter in Maryland and is a candidate for a Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Harvard Extension School. Daniella’s first book, UNCULTURED: A Memoir of Cults, War, and Belonging, is being published by St. Martin’s Press on September 20th, 2022. Daniella shares with Rachel some insights behind the stories in her book Uncultured, more than a memoir about an exceptional upbringing, but about a woman who, no matter the lack of tools given to her, is determined to overcome. Throughout her story, Daniella draws parallels between her life as a child in the Children of God commune and her time as an adult in the U.S. military. Pointing out the stunning similarities in rape culture in both organizations. She goes on to explain the dangerous deification of the U.S. Army, and the cult-like devotion and martyrdom expected of its soldiers Before you Go: Rachel reflects on her experiences with Children of God survivors over the years, explaining the difficulties of "learning life as a second language" for those who have left the high control groups they were born into. You can pre-order Daniella's book Uncultured here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57290004-uncultured Visit her website here: https://www.uncultureyourself.com/ Watch Daniella's TEDx talk here: https://youtu.be/96gBf6LNxa4 Thanks to all of our newest Patreon supporters: Brooke Parker, Kerry Stout, Laura Ollanketo, Kylie Quilliam, Lisa Shklovsky, Jo March, Stephanie Roberts, Chelsea Fralick, Pamela Kyssa, Justine Fernandes, Shira Stanford-Asiyo, Michele Fullarton and Franny Yep 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 help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

CONTENT WARNING: Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking Megan Lundstrom is the Co-Founder and Director of Research at The Avery Center, an organization that creates trauma-informed services backed by survivor-led sex trafficking research. Megan has consulted for the Department of Homeland Security and Polaris Project and has created and delivered training and educational presentations in the academic community as well as a variety of organizations including the Commercial Sexual Exploitation Institute at Villanova University Law School. Ms. Lundstrom’s research on cultic theory was internationally published through United Nations University and presented at the International Cultic Studies Association annual conference. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Northern Colorado. Megan shares with Rachel the intimate details of her story of survival, explaining how her upbringing in a legalistic Christian cult contributed to her vulnerability to sex trafficking. Throughout their emotional conversation, Rachel and Megan unpack the characteristics of high control groups pointing out the similarities in the playbook of sex traffickers. They explore her healing journey so far and the story of how she came to co-found the Avery Center and work towards restorative justice. Before You Go: Rachel points out how incapable law enforcement can be in their pursuit of sex trafficking perpetrators, and explains the importance of prioritizing survivors' needs while navigating the changes necessary in the policy and practice of law enforcement. More info on The Avery Center here: https://theaverycenter.org/ More on Megan's story here: https://www.elle.com/culture/a36898189/0086-0088-megan-s-account-august-2021/ Thanks to all of our newest Patreon supporters: Amrit K Khalsa, Natalie Zett, Maria Campbell, Mo Hellbender, Ruth Crossman, Ms.Kyle, Kerry Ose, and Amy Tiemann!! 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 help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or 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 sample of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in full by becoming a member at: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination Our returning guest for this Patreon exclusive Bonus episode is Award-winning author and journalist Kelly Weill. Kelly reports for the Daily Beast covering right-wing extremism and conspiracy culture. She has more than two decades of experience at The Wall Street Journal and other major outlets and is the author of the incredible new book "Off the Edge: Flat Earthers, Conspiracy Culture, and Why People Will Believe Anything " Kelly shares her thoughts from the past several years covering flat earth conferences and conspiracy culture, offering unique insights into the thinking of those who have gone off the edge into conspiracy theory. Together Rachel and Kelly reflect on how people get lost in these ideas and explain how loved ones can become their stewards back to reality. You can find Kelly's excellent work with The Daily Beast here: www.thedailybeast.com/author/kelly-weill Her Book "Off The Edge" is available here : www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/564…694-off-the-edge Keep up to date with all her work by following her on Twitter @KELLYWEILL Thanks to all our Patreon supporters for making this episode happen!! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sat Pavan Kaur was born into the 3HO community and Sikh Religion. She spent her childhood moving around to various 3HO communities. At the age of 8, she was sent to India with 120 other children to go to boarding school leaving her family back in the US. At 16, she would be taken out of school and join YBs personal staff. In the last couple of years, she has left the Cult but stayed within the greater Sikh community. She is one of the many women that was abused by Yogi Bhajan. She has had to unravel her life, the good, the bad, and the horror that she experienced growing up in the 3HO community; the abuse she was subjected to, the toll it took on her and her husband, and the clear choices she made to raise her children differently from how she was raised. She has been teaching and performing dance for the last 30 years to people of all ages and backgrounds. She is passionate about teaching and inspiring creativity, confidence, and individuality in her students, especially the younger generation which has been a hugely positive outlet for her. Satpavan is also a musician who plays Kirtan and has played Sikh religious music since she was a young girl and continues to do so. Her music, along with dance has kept her going by providing a sense of healing throughout her life. She lives with her two children and husband of 27 years, raising her family and working hard to be a good person and do good in the world around her. Sat is also featured in the Vice documentary The Dark Empire of Yogi Bhajan which is available now. In this second conversation with Rachel, Satpavan fills in some of the missing parts of the story she shared with us last week. She dives deep into the corruption but also incredible successes of the many businesses that members of the 3HO community built, explaining how YB would enrich himself while his devotees struggle to survive. Rachel shares her insights on why followers have remained devoted to YB even after his death while Satpavan explains why she still has empathy for those who continue to defend him. Before You Go: Rachel discusses how cult leaders and abusers are often not bounded by logic and explains why their victims can sometimes suffer in silence for so long. For more information on Sikhism, Sat Pavan recommends these healthy organizations run by good people whose voices represent the Sikh community: Khalsa Aid, Sikh Coalition, Sikh Legal Defense Fund, Valerie Kaur, Art by Ruby, Ramblings of a Sikh, Khalra Mission You can see the documentary The Dark Empire of Yogi Bhajan | True Believers here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfr5jKauwtE Thanks to all of our newest Patreon supporters: Amrit K Khalsa, Natalie Zett, Maria Campbell, Mo Hellbender, Ruth Crossman, Ms.Kyle, Kerry Ose, and Amy Tiemann!! 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 help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Satpavan Kaur Khalsa, a former member of the 3HO community, shares her profound journey of healing and self-discovery. She discusses the trauma of being separated from her family at a young age and her experiences with Yogi Bhajan. Satpavan reflects on the challenges of growing up in a controlling environment, navigating rigid cultural expectations, and the emotional toll they took on her. Now active in the Sikh community, she emphasizes the importance of raising her children in a healthier environment, using dance and music as outlets for creativity and healing.

Kernan Coleman is a critical thinking activist and advocate for scientific skepticism from Santa Rosa, CA where he works as a branding and design professional. He was the designer of the famous Scientology billboard campaign of Phil and Willie Jones. Kernan has been involved in the anti-Scientology movement for decades, often working in collaboration with other "bunkerites" who are involved with Tony Ortega's Underground Bunker. In this bonus episode, Kernan returns to provide a brief history of the anti-Scientology movement as well as his own parallel journey in which he unpacks the underlying reasons for his passion for exposing Scientology. This is just a preview of our Patreon Exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in it's entirety by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dan Lawton is a mindfulness instructor and writer, with a specific interest in the adverse effects of meditation practice. Dan is a certified instructor in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) through Brown University and spent four years teaching meditation in New Orleans. Dan spent a decade practicing meditation, primarily in the Vipassana and Western Insight traditions and completed roughly 15 silent retreats. He now mentors other meditators struggling with adverse experiences through the organization, Cheetah House. Before teaching meditation, Dan worked as a newspaper reporter in California and Louisiana. He has written about his own adverse experiences from meditation at: www.danlawton.substack.com In this second half of their two-part conversation, Dan explains the unique way western Buddhism intermingles with science, academia, and government by presenting mindfulness practices as secular and rational despite its religious claims and dogmatic history. Together Rachel and Dan break down the defensiveness of the mindfulness communities, pointing out the common reactions people have when their faith is questioned. Dan explains how he has restructured his mindfulness teachings with the more complete knowledge he has of the dangers of intense practice. Before You Go: Rachel explains the importance of not surrendering to any particular practice but rather remaining open to them while observing the risks and ensuring safeguards are in place to reduce the chances of negative impacts. More info on Dan here: https://nolamindfulness.com/ More about Dan's work with Cheetah House Here: http://www.cheetahhouse.org Thanks to all of our newest Patreon supporters: Amelia Brunner, Jon Butler, Ashley Moose and 4MileCircus !!! 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: http://www.paypal.me/indoctrination You can help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dan Lawton is a mindfulness instructor and writer, with a specific interest in the adverse effects of meditation practice. Dan is a certified instructor in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) through Brown University and spent four years teaching meditation in New Orleans. Dan spent a decade practicing meditation, primarily in the Vipassana and Western Insight traditions and completed roughly 15 silent retreats. He now mentors other meditators struggling with adverse experiences through the organization, Cheetah House. Before teaching meditation, Dan worked as a newspaper reporter in California and Louisiana. He has written about his own adverse experiences from meditation at: https://danlawton.substack.com/p/when-buddhism-goes-bad?s=r In this first half of their two-part conversation, Dan provides some cultural and historical background on the Vipassana and Western Insight traditions explaining how these practices changed as they reached the west in the 1950s. Dan goes on to share with Rachel the details of experiencing what he calls non-referential terror as a result of intense meditation practice. Together they discuss the findings of Dan's deep examination of the structures that led to his previously inexplicable emotional terror. Before You Go: Rachel gives insights into the response from the meditation community that Daniel and previous guest Dr. Britton have elicited and explains the relationship between meditation and executive functioning skills in the brain. More about Dan's work with Cheetah House Here: https://www.cheetahhouse.org/care-team?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5-WRBhCKARIsAAId9Fl9oSOnXTS5HCX-5jEKUhkuo7GO7-YPXitpU6hUwCHupKVX_QaYdS8aAsZ6EALw_wcB Thanks to all of our newest Patreon supporters: Rhona Stephanidis, Samuel Huff, Miracle Galston, Blair Lyonev, Michele, Renae, Erin Avenant, Jennifer Mosier, Dana Bradley, Mette Kousgaard, Sunrise Sun and Shenandoah (Shan) Ware 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 help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or 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 show in its entirety by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Thomas grew up in Denmark with a covert narcissist mother who kept him socially isolated, emotionally abused him, and manipulated his sense of reality. For most of his life, he didn’t realize that anything was wrong, because of the covert nature of the emotional abuse, control, and gaslighting he was exposed to. About a year and a half ago he started to get a better grasp of his own reality and slowly began to understand what had really happened. Thomas returns to the show for a third time to respond to listener feedback from his previous episodes and update us on how his healing has progressed. He details how he's been able to unpack the complex trauma he experienced growing up with a covert narcissist as a mother. He navigates this difficult path in a systematic way in order to get clarity himself as well as help others better recognize signs of covert abuse and control. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy