
IndoctriNation
Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control.
Latest episodes

Oct 4, 2024 • 6min
BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Navigating Assertiveness As A Cult Survivor
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:
www.patreon.com/indoctrination
In this exclusive Patreon bonus episode, Rachel explores the nuanced topic of assertiveness, a vital skill for cult survivors.
She discusses the challenges faced by cult survivors in reclaiming their voice and setting healthy boundaries.
Many survivors struggle with programmed compliance, fear of punishment, difficulty identifying personal needs, and trust issues. These barriers can make it difficult to develop assertiveness, yet it is crucial for rebuilding self-esteem, establishing boundaries, and fostering healthier relationships.
Thanks to our supporters on Patreon for making this episode possible!!
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Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.

Oct 2, 2024 • 1h 16min
Walking Free w/Dr. Gillie Jenkinson
This week Rachel delves into the intricate world of cult recovery with Dr. Gillie Jenkinson, a UK-accredited psychotherapist specializing in cult studies. Dr. Jenkinson’s journey is not just professional but deeply personal, having spent seven years in a Bible-based cult in the 1970s. Her experience and extensive research culminate in her acclaimed book, "Walking Free from the Trauma of Coercive Cultic and Spiritual Abuse."
Dr. Jenkinson’s story is one of resilience and dedication. After leaving the cult, she grappled with the remnants of the cult mindset for 14 years. It wasn’t until she received exit counseling and pursued a career in psychotherapy that she began to understand and heal from her experiences. This personal journey has profoundly shaped her professional approach, making her insights invaluable for anyone affected by cultic abuse.
One of the highlights of our conversation is Dr. Jenkinson’s discussion about her book, "Walking Free." This workbook is a practical guide for recovery and growth, based on her doctoral research and nearly three decades of experience. It addresses the psychological impact of cultic abuse and provides tools for healing. The book is not only a resource for survivors but also for therapists who work with them.
For information about Dr. Jenkinson's work visit her website at: www.hopevalleycounselling.com
Find more info about the DeCult Conference here:
www.decult.net
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-Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination
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- YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft
Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.

Sep 25, 2024 • 1h 19min
Witness Underground w/Scott Homan
Scott Homan was raised in the north woods of Wisconsin and found his voice through music and film. His documentary, Witness Underground, highlights the struggles and triumphs of a music community influenced by a cult. Scott shares his journey from being raised in a restrictive environment to discovering the power of self-expression and creativity as a path to healing.
Rachel and Scott delve into the emotional and psychological impact of shunning, the manipulation tactics used by cults, and the importance of finding one’s identity outside of a controlling group. Scott also discusses his experiences in Vietnam, his work with Banana Island Films, and his upcoming participation in the DeCult Conference in New Zealand.
For more information about the Decult Conference, visit:
www.decult.net
For more info on Scott's film "Witness Underground" go to:
https://www.witnessunderground.com
Connect with Us on Social Media:
-Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft
Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.

Sep 20, 2024 • 7min
BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Understanding DARVO Pt. 2
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:
www.patreon.com/indoctrination
Have you ever felt like someone was manipulating you, making you question your own reality? If so, you might have experienced DARVO - Denial, Attack, Reverse Victim, and Offender. Abusers use this manipulative tactic to deny their wrongdoing, attack the victim's character, and reverse the roles of victim and offender. In this Patreon bonus episode, a continuation from pt.1, Rachel dives deeper into this concept, providing real-life examples and practical advice on how to cope with it.
Thank you for your continued support as a subscriber and supporter of the show. Your partnership is invaluable, and we are pleased to offer you these bonus episodes as a token of our appreciation.
Connect with Us on Social Media:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination
Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft
Share Your Feedback With Us Here: forms.gle/tz8eQwZorVNWWyQq6
Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.

Sep 18, 2024 • 1h 27min
Landmark Whistleblower w/Anne L. Peterson
For over 20 years, Anne Peterson devoted herself to Landmark, the training and development company she believed was transforming lives. She even helped launch the public reemergence of the guru behind the organization, Werner Erhard. But ultimately, Anne faced a reckoning. The organization and Erhard were corroding the message that initially sparked her passion. After years of rationalizing away red flags, the harm beneath the surface became undeniable.
Anne now focuses on helping others navigate personal development without exploitation. Drawing from her experiences to provide guidance on recognizing manipulation, her new book Is This a Cult? Confronting the Line Between Transformation and Exploitation is an inspiring tale of rebuilding integrity in the shadow of charismatic leaders and offers hope to all who wonder whether their quest for growth has a dark side.
Rachel and Anne delve into Anne's personal journey with Landmark, the emotional complexities of its abuse, and the importance of mental health support for former LGAT members. Throughout the conversation, Anne sheds light on the history of Landmark and its leader from her insider vantage point.
Learn more about Anne and her work at:
www.isthisacultbook.com
Info About Anne's Recovery Group Facilitated by Rachel here:
https://ilumn8.life/op/lgat-recovery-group/
Follow Anne on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/annelpeterson/
Connect with Us on Social Media:
-Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft
Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.

Sep 11, 2024 • 1h 19min
CULTure Shock w/Kendra Lee Bryan
Kendra Lee Bryan is a 2-time cult survivor and host of the popular (CULT)ure Shock Show on YouTube. Kendra describes herself as an investigative humorist who casts a snarky spotlight on cults, crime, and crooked culture through a piercing lens of levity. Her humor, intelligence and passion for cult education are driven by her own cultic experiences and make her an excellent host.
In this episode, Rachel and Kendra delve into the complexities of emotional abuse, the importance of self-trust, and the journey towards reclaiming joy. Kendra's ability to find humor amidst the darkness is not just a coping mechanism but a powerful tool for healing and connection.
For those who have experienced similar traumas, Kendra's story is a reminder that life can get better. Trusting oneself, acknowledging one's worth, and finding joy are pivotal steps in the healing process.
Subscribe To Kendra's YouTube Channel to see the video version of this episode:
https://www.youtube.com/@kendraleebryan
Find out more about Kendra and her work here:
https://linktr.ee/kendraleebryan
Connect with Us on Social Media:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination
Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft
Share Your Feedback With Us Here: forms.gle/tz8eQwZorVNWWyQq6
Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.

Sep 6, 2024 • 6min
BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Understanding DARVO pt. 1
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:
https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination
Rachel dives deep into the concept of DARVO - Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender - a term that sheds light on the manipulative tactics often used by abusers to deflect blame and undermine their victims. In this enlightening bonus episode, she breaks down each component of DARVO, illustrating how these tactics are employed and their psychological impact on victims.
Rachel explains how abusers deny their harmful actions, attack the victim's credibility, and reverse roles to portray themselves as the victim. She shares personal anecdotes and examples to highlight the real-world application of DARVO, including the disturbing practices within certain fundamentalist groups and toxic men's movements.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of manipulation and abuse. Rachel offers practical advice on recognizing and responding to DARVO, empowering listeners to protect themselves and support others who may be experiencing similar tactics.
Thank you for your continued support as a subscriber and supporter of the show. Your partnership is invaluable, and we are pleased to offer you these bonus episodes as a token of our appreciation.
Connect with Us on Social Media:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination
Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft
Share Your Feedback With Us Here: forms.gle/tz8eQwZorVNWWyQq6
Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.

Sep 4, 2024 • 1h 6min
Asian American Apostate w/R. Scott Okamoto
R. Scott Okamoto is a fourth-generation Japanese American author, musician, and college professor from Pasadena, California. Scott is the host of the Chapel Probation podcast and the author of the new book, "Asian American Apostate: Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University." His work provides a wry and ironic insight into how America's evangelical schools encourage rigid social structures and white cultural power, rather than fostering a life of the mind.
Rachel and Scott delve into his personal journey of growing up in a deeply evangelical environment and his experiences as a professor at an evangelical university. Scott shares the complexities of his deconstruction process, the challenges he faced questioning the status quo, and the systemic issues within evangelical institutions, including racism, sexism, and homophobia.
He also discusses the impact of his family's history, particularly their experiences in Japanese internment camps during World War II, on his own beliefs and identity. Scott's insights offer a powerful testament to the importance of questioning and the courage it takes to confront deeply entrenched systems of power and control.
Learn more about Scott and his work at:
www.rscottokamoto.com
Connect with Us on Social Media:
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft
Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.

Aug 28, 2024 • 1h 15min
Abuse, Betrayal, and Transformation w/Christa Brown
Named as one of the "top 10 religion newsmakers" of 2022 today’s guest, Christa Brown has persisted for two decades in working to peel back the truth about clergy sex abuse and coverups in the nation's largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention. She was one of the first to go public with substantiated child molestation allegations against a Baptist minister, along with documentation that others knew, and she has consistently demanded reforms to make other kids and congregants safer. Christa is a retired attorney, a mom, a wife, and a grandma. And now she's the author of the new book, Baptistland: A Memoir of Abuse, Betrayal, and Transformation, which weaves together Christa’s vulnerable survivor story of hope amid Southern patriarchy, religious fundamentalism, and clergy abuse.
Christa bravely shares her own story of substantiated child molestation allegations against a Baptist minister, and her relentless fight for reforms to protect other children and congregants. She discusses the pervasive issue of victim blaming, the weaponization of faith against victims, and the systemic failures of religious institutions to protect their most vulnerable members. Christa also highlights the broader societal implications of these issues, including the troubling rise of Christian nationalism and the erosion of the separation between church and state.
This episode is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of clergy abuse, the dynamics of high-control religious environments, and the importance of advocacy and systemic change. Christa's story is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience required to confront deeply entrenched systems of power and abuse.
Christa's book, Baptist: A Memoir of Abuse, Betrayal is available everywhere. Learn more about Christa and her work at:
https://christabrown.me/
Connect with Us on Social Media:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination
Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft
Support us on Patreon for exclusive merch and bonus episodes:
www.patreon.com/indoctrination
Share Your Feedback With Us Here:
forms.gle/tz8eQwZorVNWWyQq6
Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.

Aug 23, 2024 • 4min
BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: The Blame Game: Unmasking Victim Blaming
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:
www.patreon.com/indoctrination
In this insightful solo Bonus episode, Rachel delves into the pervasive issue of victim blaming within various contexts, including new-age thinking, large group awareness training, the self-help movement, religious organizations, and abusive relationships. She explores how these environments often manipulate individuals into believing they are responsible for their own trauma and abuse, thus perpetuating a cycle of self-blame and re-victimization.
Rachel discusses the historical roots of this harmful ideology, citing examples from groups like EST (now Landmark) and Synanon, where victims were made to feel they invited their own abuse. She also touches on the troubling practices of fraudulent residential teen treatment centers and certain religious sects that use spiritual justifications to absolve abusers of responsibility.
This episode is crucial for anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of abuse and the destructive nature of victim blaming. Rachel's compassionate and knowledgeable approach provides valuable insights into the ongoing process of recovery and the importance of societal change in addressing these issues.
Connect with Us on Social Media:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination
Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft
Share Your Feedback With Us Here:
forms.gle/tz8eQwZorVNWWyQq6
Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.
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