IndoctriNation

CONTENT WARNING: SEXUAL ASSAULT Daniel Levin is an award-winning writer living in Los Angeles. He holds an MFA in poetry from the University of California, Irvine, where he taught creative writing and rhetoric. His writing has appeared in Provincetown Arts, The Sarah Lawrence Review, The Westchester Review, and The Bennington Review. During his time at Sarah Lawrence College Dan, as a 19-year-old sophomore got involved with Larry Ray the leader of what turned out to be a dangerous cult. Dan has written about these harrowing experiences in his new memoir SLONIM WOODS 9 A stunning firsthand account of the creation of a modern cult and the costs paid by its young victims. In this second half of their two-part conversation, Daniel continues telling Rachel his story of terror and survival detailing the physical, sexual and mental abuse he and his friends suffered at the hands of Larry Ray. Throughout his difficult retelling, Rachel offers Daniel her insights pointing out the manipulative tactics Larry used and the similarities found in other abusive cults. Together they discuss the red flags people should be aware of and offer hope to those survivors on a similarly long road to healing. Before you go: Rachel examines instances where manipulative leaders flip causal relationships to increase their power and control over their unsuspecting followers. More info on the case against Larry Ray: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/06/nyregion/sarah-lawrence-cult-lawrence-ray-trial.html Find Dan's book Slonim Woods 9 here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/634501/slonim-woods-9-by-daniel-barban-levin/ Find Rachel's book "Now I Know: Kids Talking To Kids About Divorce..." here: https://www.amazon.com/Now-I-Know-Rachel-Bernstein/dp/1620867893 Thanks to all of our newest Patreon supporters: Paul Gonzales, Leslie Eaves, David Kavanagh, Alina, Candace Sayour, Kathy Higham, Heather Mills, Desdamona Ross, Tessi, and Serena!! 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

Daniel Levin is an award-winning writer living in Los Angeles. He holds an MFA in poetry from the University of California, Irvine, where he taught creative writing and rhetoric. His writing has appeared in Provincetown Arts, The Sarah Lawrence Review, The Westchester Review, and The Bennington Review. During his time at Sarah Lawrence College Dan, as a 19-year-old sophomore got involved with Larry Ray the leader of what turned out to be a dangerous cult. Dan has written about these harrowing experiences in his new memoir SLONIM WOODS 9 A stunning firsthand account of the creation of a modern cult and the costs paid by its young victims. In the first half of their two-part conversation, Daniel shares with Rachel how he first came into contact with Larry Ray the dangerous cult leader, currently on federal trial for sex trafficking, extortion, conspiracy, and a string of other crimes. He discusses how Larry was able to evade detection on campus even while living in dormitories. Together Rachel and Daniel examine what he was feeling as he fell under the control of this manipulative and dangerous man, pointing out the red flags and explaining what prevented him from seeing them at the time. Before you go: Rachel addresses the most asked question cult survivors get; "why did you stay"? with regard to Daniel but also in general pointing out the commonalities of those who linger in abusive situations. More info on the ongoing trial against Larry Ray: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/04/04/larry-ray-sex-cult-sarah-lawrence/ Find Dan's book Slonim Woods 9 here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/634501/slonim-woods-9-by-daniel-barban-levin/ Find Rachel's book "Now I Know: Kids Talking To Kids About Divorce..." here: www.amazon.com/Now-I-Know-Rachel…ein/dp/1620867893 Thanks to all of our newest Patreon supporters: Sarah, Joel H. Dinolt, Heidi Turner, Carla Gates, Emily Peoples, Eila, Stephanie Rogers, Ash Odish, Lauren Hoffman, Jessica, Viele Wege, DTarpley, Susanna Stromberg, Amanda M, Ann Deslandes, Christina Pearl, Sharon Stasney,Jennifer Dixon, Katharine Allen and nikkita08!! 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 this week's Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the episode in full by becoming a member at: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this Patreon exclusive bonus episode, Rachel welcomes back friend of the show Chris Buckley. Chris is an Afghanistan and Iraqi war veteran, and reformed member of the KKK. Today, he works with the anti-extremism non-profit Parents for Peace and has created a deradicalization program designed specifically with veterans in mind, but is geared to work with all manners of hate and extremist ideology. Chris updates Rachel on his journey of healing as he sets out to become a certified peer support counselor in hopes of ultimately becoming a therapist. He provides insight from his studies with renowned trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk. Hear Chris's previous episodes here: podcasts.apple.com/cz/podcast/extr…i=1000524771356 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cogn…0527354668&l=id Find out where you can see "Refuge" the documentary on Chris's story here: www.refugemovie.com/ You can also see Chris in the PBS documentary Love Wins Over Hate here: www.pbs.org/video/love-wins-over-hate-vzi4a6/ More info on Parents for Peace here: www.parents4peace.org/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Willoughby Britton Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University Medical School, and the Director of Brown's Clinical and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory. Her clinical neuroscience research investigates the effects of contemplative practices on the brain and body in the treatment of mood disorders, trauma, and other emotional disturbances. She is especially interested in practice-specific effects, individual differences, and moderators of treatment outcomes. She is probably best known for her research on adverse effects, and for creating best practices around harms monitoring and reporting. As a clinician, she has been trained as an instructor in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and the Somatic Experiencing (SE) approach to trauma. She now specializes in helping meditators who are experiencing meditation-related difficulties and providing meditation safety training to providers and organizations. In this second half of their two-part conversation, Dr. Britton provides more details about the resistance she came up against in the science and meditation communities after publishing data that contradicted their narratives of meditation as an infallibly positive pursuit. Rachel provides insight into the reactive nature of those who are unable to recognize any imperfection in the spiritual practices they pursue and the cult-like devotion that follows. Before You Go: Rachel expands on Dr. Britton's idea of "positive affect requirement" in group settings explaining why there's often more behind the smiles of devoted followers. Watch Dr.Britton's TED talk on meditation and neuroscience here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR8TjCncvIw&t=0s To learn more about Cheetah House and their work helping those experiencing meditation-related distress please visit: www.cheetahhouse.org/ If you are a meditator who has suffered from adverse effects, you can book a consultation with the Cheetah House care team including Dr. Britton here: www.cheetahhouse.org/care-team?gcli…8aAsZ6EALw_wcB Find Rachel's book "Now I Know: Kids Talking To Kids About Divorce..." here: www.amazon.com/Now-I-Know-Rachel…ein/dp/1620867893 Thanks to our newest Patreon supporters: Natalie S, RS, Jeremiah Burke, Waleska Rivera-Shon, Artful Magic, and Kim Croucher!! 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

Willoughby Britton Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University Medical School, and the Director of Brown's Clinical and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory. Her clinical neuroscience research investigates the effects of contemplative practices on the brain and body in the treatment of mood disorders, trauma, and other emotional disturbances. She is especially interested in practice-specific effects, individual differences, and moderators of treatment outcomes. She is probably best known for her research on adverse effects, and creating best practices around harms monitoring and reporting. As a clinician, she has been trained as an instructor in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and the Somatic Experiencing (SE) approach to trauma. She now specializes in helping meditators who are experiencing meditation-related difficulties and providing meditation safety training to providers and organizations. Throughout this first half of their two-part conversation, Rachel and Willoughby find common ground discussing where their specialties intersect and help each other fill in the gaps of knowledge in their respective fields. Dr. Britton shares about her personal relationship with meditation, how it relates to her work, and the surprising results of her comprehensive study on the adverse effects of meditation. Rachel helps Dr. Britton unpack the cult dynamics and the societal structure that may explain the panic and very unscientific response of the meditation and science communities as a result of Dr. Britton's studies. Before You Go: Rachel reflects on the problematic and dangerous issues Dr. Britton points out, relating it to her personal experience in a mindfulness and meditation course she participated in for a continuing education program. Watch Dr.Britton's TED talk on meditation and neuroscience here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR8TjCncvIw&t=0s To learn more about Cheetah House and their work helping those experiencing meditation-related distress please visit: https://www.cheetahhouse.org/ If you are a meditator who has suffered from adverse effects, you can book a consultation with the Cheetah House care team including Dr. Britton here: https://www.cheetahhouse.org/care-team?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5-WRBhCKARIsAAId9Fl9oSOnXTS5HCX-5jEKUhkuo7GO7-YPXitpU6hUwCHupKVX_QaYdS8aAsZ6EALw_wcB Find Rachel's book "Now I Know: Kids Talking To Kids About Divorce..." here: www.amazon.com/Now-I-Know-Rachel…ein/dp/1620867893 Thanks to our newest Patreon supporter Erin Boyle!! 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

Rachel Nelson, Chelle Swierz, and Melissa Longfellow were all teachers and leaders for many years in the Baptiste Yoga organization - a high-control yoga system led by Baron Baptiste that claims to be changing the world through its “methodology.” During that time they dedicated their careers and much of their personal lives to the group and the leader, believing that what they were doing was healing the planet. After each having their pivotal moment at different times, they re-connected to process their experience together and discover that what felt indescribably “off” was the result of cult indoctrination techniques. They subsequently started a podcast to share their experiences and educate people about the dangers in Baptiste Yoga: thought control, manipulation, coercion, and the charismatic leader. Each of them is now focused on taking back their own life and enjoying life exactly as they choose it. They join Rachel again this week to talk about their collective experience in hopes of informing others about the dark side of this very popular and powerful organization. In this second half of their two-part conversation, our guests pick up where they left off, with Melissa and Rachel providing more detail on their experiences with Baron and his organization. The dialogue is then opened up to examine the iceberg that is Baptise Yoga pointing out the many common red flags all three women have noticed in retrospect. Rachel offers her insights into the healing process that these brave women have begun. Before You Go: Rachel shares her thoughts on consent and autonomy in the yoga world and recommends safeguards that should be in place in all yoga settings. Listen to Journey Into Yoga Cults here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jour…ts/id1599860304 Follow Journey Into Yoga Cults on IG: @bpyi_yoga_truth @yogacultspod Find Rachel's book "Now I Know: Kids Talking To Kids About Divorce..." here: www.amazon.com/Now-I-Know-Rachel…ein/dp/1620867893 Thanks to our newest Patreon supporters Anna W. and Kate B!!! 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

Rachel Nelson, Chelle Swierz, and Melissa Longfellow were all teachers and leaders for many years in the Baptiste Yoga organization - a high-control yoga system led by Baron Baptiste that claims to be changing the world through its “methodology.” During that time they dedicated their careers and much of their personal lives to the group and the leader, believing that what they were doing was healing the planet. After each having their pivotal moment at different times, they re-connected to process their experience together and discover that what felt indescribably “off” was the result of cult indoctrination techniques. They subsequently started a podcast to share their experiences and educate people about the dangers in Baptiste Yoga: thought control, manipulation, and coercion and the charismatic leader. Each of them is now focused on taking back their own life and enjoying life exactly as they choose it. They join Rachel to talk about their collective experience in hopes of informing others about the dark side of this very popular and powerful organization. In the first half of this two-part conversation, the three guests introduce themselves and explain how they first got involved with Baptiste yoga, their first impressions of Baron, and some red flags they've come to understand in retrospect. Before you go: Rachel offers further insights into some of what the guests shared with her, pointing out some of the ridiculous ironies of the group's "empowering self-help" message and the dangers inherent in this type of deception. Listen to Journey Into Yoga Cults here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journey-into-yoga-cults/id1599860304 Follow Journey Into Yoga Cults on IG: @bpyi_yoga_truth @yogacultspod Find Rachel's book "Now I Know: Kids Talking To Kids About Divorce..." here: www.amazon.com/Now-I-Know-Rachel…ein/dp/1620867893 Thanks to our newest Patreon supporter Alana H! 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

Kelly Thiel is a highly sought-after speaker and consultant to families and organizations regarding high-demand groups, cults, and narcissistic personalities. She is dedicated to helping people reclaim their freedom and begin their own healing journeys. Kelly has experience as a member of the Executive Success Program/NXIVM, a high-demand group whose leader was convicted of federal crimes, including sex trafficking. Kelly was also featured with Rachel in the STARZ documentary Seduced: Inside The NXIVM Cult. Her involvement with NXIVM led her to study other high-demand groups and cults of personality like Bhagwan Shri Rajneesh (Osho) and Bikram Choudhury. Her lifelong journey and personal experience as a seeker of human potential and spirituality taught her to identify the many methods used by high-demand groups, cults of personality, and narcissists to attract, indoctrinate, and control their followers and people in their circle of influence. She understands how to identify the red flags, suggest a course of action, and recommend professional resources for interventions to help affected families and organizations. Kelly is set to release her first book this year, “Unapologetically Glorious”, inspiring others to be their own guru and to take ownership, take action and take back control. In this intimate and bravely vulnerable conversation, Kelly shares invaluable insight into her time in NXIVM. She outlines the dangerous and traumatic "Exploration of Meaning"sessions she witnessed and experienced herself as a member of the "Executive Success Program" Throughout the conversation Rachel gives Kelly the opportunity to reexamine her impressions of the NXIVM community in retrospect. Kelly explains the relationship dynamics she had with the leaders, some of whom are now serving prison time for their roles in the group. Finally, Kelly explains the gradual shift away from the group and the catalyst that ultimately led to her freedom. Before You Go: Rachel addresses some of the red flags that are heavily pronounced in the inflated egos of narcissistic leaders like Keith Ranerie, reflecting on the epic hypocrisy of their demand for accountability. You can see Rachel, and Kelly in the documentary Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult: https://seduceddocumentary.com/ Find more info on Kelly and her upcoming book here: http://kellythielbook.com/ Find Rachel's book "Now I Know: Kids Talking To Kids About Divorce..." here: www.amazon.com/Now-I-Know-Rachel…ein/dp/1620867893 Thanks to our newest Patreon supporters: Heather Christiansen, Rachel Biffin, MaryBeth Dorn, Esther Friedman, and Kateland Harte!! To help support the show monthly and sign up for cool Indoctrination 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

India Oxenberg is a successful film producer, writer, and actress. India is a national ambassador for RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. She is also the daughter of our previous guest Catherine Oxenberg who Rachel worked with while India was involved in NXIVM, the infamous multi-level marketing company that was later exposed as a sex cult. While in NXIVM, India was introduced to the cult's inner circle and was groomed to be a sexual partner of NXIVM's founder and leader, Keith Raniere. In 2020, she published the book Still Learning: A Memoir. She produced and starred in the documentary series Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult, in which Rachel is also featured documenting her work with the Oxenbergs as India transitioned out of NXIVM. In this second part of Rachel and India's intimate two-part episode, India reveals her thoughts about the complex and troubling dynamics of her relationship with Allison Mack, one of the people she describes as her main abusers in NXIVM who was recently sentenced to prison for her role in the group. Throughout the conversation, Rachel helps India to deconstruct her experiences, as she shares deep insights into her indoctrination and ongoing healing. Before You Go: Rachel details the slippery and deceptive path that leads to indoctrination, pointing out how disassociating from your identity helps to lower your defense mechanisms and clouds critical thinking. For resources on sexual violence visit RAINN here: www.rainn.org/ Hear India's mother Catherine speak to Rachel about their shared experience here: https://soundcloud.com/indoctrinationshow/catherine-re-release You can see Rachel, Catherine, and India in the documentary Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult: youtu.be/SmogBLEhbjY Find Rachel's book "Now I Know: Kids Talking To Kids About Divorce..." here: www.amazon.com/Now-I-Know-Rachel…ein/dp/1620867893 Find Catherine Oxenberg's book featuring Rachel here: www.amazon.com/Captive-Mothers-C…ook/dp/B07C2C393X Find India's audiobook telling her story in her own words here: www.amazon.com/Still-Learning-A-…oir/dp/B08L3TW37N Thanks to our newest Patreon supporters Catherine Greninger, and Allison!! To help support the show monthly and sign up for cool Indoctrination 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

India Oxenberg is a successful film producer, writer, and actress. India is a national ambassador for RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. She is also the daughter of our previous guest Catherine Oxenberg who Rachel worked with as a client while India was involved in NXIVM, the infamous multi-level marketing company that was later exposed as a sex cult. While in NXIVM, India was introduced to the cult's inner circle and was groomed to be a sexual partner of NXIVM's founder and leader, Keith Raniere. In 2020, she published the book Still Learning: A Memoir. She produced and starred in the documentary series Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult, in which Rachel is also featured documenting her work with the Oxenbergs as India transitioned out of NXIVM. In the first half of Rachel and India's very personal and intimate two-part episode, they re-examine the intense time they shared together in therapy as India made her way out of the grips of the infamous and now imprisoned cult leader Keith Raniere. India opens up to Rachel about what her inner-life has felt like as she begins to leave behind the conditioning and indoctrination that left her scarred emotionally and physically from her time in NXIVM. Throughout the conversation, Rachel guides India through the revelations she had while becoming the person she truly is, rather than who she was told to be. Before You Go: Rachel reminds listeners of the importance of being mindful of what personal details you share, why, and with whom, warning that you can make yourself vulnerable to emotional manipulation. For resources on sexual violence visit RAINN here: www.rainn.org/ Hear India's mother Catherine speak to Rachel about their shared experience here: https://soundcloud.com/indoctrinationshow/catherine-re-release You can see Rachel, Catherine, and India in the documentary Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult youtu.be/SmogBLEhbjY Find Rachel's book "Now I Know: Kids Talking To Kids About Divorce..." here: www.amazon.com/Now-I-Know-Rachel…ein/dp/1620867893 Find Catherine Oxenberg's book featuring Rachel here: www.amazon.com/Captive-Mothers-C…ook/dp/B07C2C393X Find India's audiobook telling her story in her own words here: www.amazon.com/Still-Learning-A-…oir/dp/B08L3TW37N Thanks to our newest Patreon supporters Helena Sviglin, Ashera DeRosa, Robert Kucera, and Carrie Bee!! To help support the show monthly and sign up for cool Indoctrination 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