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IndoctriNation

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Apr 24, 2024 • 1h 19min

The King James Virgins w/Rachel Holdt & Elizabeth Humble

Rachel Holdt and Elizabeth Humble are sisters who were raised in an Independent Fundamentalist Baptist Church they’ve now identified as a Cult, Cornerstone Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1998, Rachel was the whistleblower instrumental in the eventual arrest and criminal conviction of Charles Dean Miller, the son of a pastor who would become known to be a decades-long serial pedophile. After law enforcement investigations were corroborated by multiple generations and dozens of victims, his sexual abuse of underage girls was discovered. Liz and Rachel’s forthcoming memoir tentatively titled “The King James Virgin and Other Myths of the IFB” tells this story. Rachel currently resides in Southern California, where she works as an educator in the field of biomechanics through the modalities of dance and pilates. Her extraordinary experiences growing up in an oppressively restrictive environment that harshly policed the female body, inform her teaching philosophy through a lens of empathy and inclusion of all bodies. Elizabeth currently lives in Oklahoma near her three daughters and two granddaughters, where she works as a barber, seamstress, and food truck owner. She also sits on the board of the Stillwater Downtown Association. Elizabeth attended Nazarene Bible College and later obtained a business management degree following her barber schooling at New Mexico Junior College. In this first half of a two-part conversation, Rachel and Elizabeth provide background on their childhood as members of an IFB-based cult, offering insights on the effects of restrictive environments, psychological and sexual abuse, and the lasting impacts these abuses had on their adult lives. Before You Go: Rachel points out how rare it is for children raised in cults to maintain healthy relationships with their family members. IndoctriNation Podcast Discussion Group: 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
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Apr 19, 2024 • 6min

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: On "Love Has Won"

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the full episode at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this solo bonus episode, Rachel shares her insights on the "Love Has Won" cult, led by Amy Carlson who is referred to within the group as "Mother God". Rachel points out the commonalities that Amy's manipulative leadership shares with other cult leaders. Thanks to all of our supporters for making this episode possible!!
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Apr 17, 2024 • 1h 16min

Diagnosing Demagogues w/Jeff Guinn

Jeff Guinn is the author of the new book Waco: David Koresh, the Branch Davidians, and a Legacy of Rage. He has written several other best-selling books including; The Life & Times of Charles Manson, and War on the Border. Jeff was the co-executive producer alongside Leonardo DiCaprio on the TV docuseries "Terror in the Jungle," which is based on his book, The Road to Jonestown. He currently resides in Fort Worth, Texas, where he is a member of the Texas Literary Hall of Fame and a two-time winner of the Texas Book Award. In this fascinating conversation, Jeff points out the common personality traits among the cult leaders he's studied in depth in his work, including Charles Manson, David Koresh, and Jim Jones. Throughout the discussion, Rachel confirms Jeff's understanding by relating what she's learned from her clients who have survived cultic experiences. Before You Go: Rachel explains why governmental organizations are often inept when dealing with cults and can often be an impediment to justice because of their ignorance and arrogance. Jeff's new book Waco: David Koresh, the Branch Davidians, and a Legacy of Rage is available here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Waco/Jeff-Guinn/9781982186104 IndoctriNation Podcast Discussion Group: 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
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Apr 10, 2024 • 1h 6min

Ministers Of Propaganda w/Scott M. Coley

Scott M. Coley is a lecturer in philosophy at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. His research interests include philosophy of religion, moral epistemology, and political philosophy. He is the author of the upcoming book Ministers of Propaganda: Truth, Power, and the Ideology of the Religious Right which unravels the rhetoric and biblical proof-texting that support Christo-authoritarianism: the ideology that presses Christian theology into the service of authoritarian politics. In this highly informative conversation, Scott provides insights into the theological interpretations that Christian Evangacalism relies on to justify its authoritarian stances and how they are used to influence public policy in the U.S. Before You Go: Rachel explains how using the bible as the one true source of morality and justice limits a broader understanding of the world. Scott’s book is available for pre-order here: https://www.eerdmans.com/9781467466004/ministers-of-propaganda/ IndoctriNation Podcast Discussion Group: 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
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Apr 5, 2024 • 5min

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: On Survivors & Forgiveness

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the full episode at: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this solo bonus episode, Rachel offers her insights on the benefits, but also the dangers of survivors offering forgiveness to their abusers. She outlines scenarios where it is and where it sometimes is not healthy, so that survivors can weigh the options and be empowered to do what is best for their own healing. National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 SMS: Text BEGIN to 88788 Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and interpretation service Thanks so much to all of our Patreon supporters for making this episode possible!!
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Apr 3, 2024 • 1h 4min

The Conspiracism of Evangelical Christianity w/Cynane Shay

Returning guest, Cynane Shay is a nuclear engineer in South Carolina. Her childhood in White Christian Nationalism normalized conspiracy theories like Obama “Birther-ism” and the Biblical apocalypse; but 2020, with COVID and Qanon, finally made her realize something was deeply wrong. Now Cynane is writing a book, “Taking Off the Tinfoil Hat: How Lizard People and Space Lasers Dismantled my Christian Worldview,” to process the deconstruction of her fundamentalist evangelicalism and her propagandistic patriotism. We invited Cynane back to the show to continue discussing the inseparable link between cults, conspiracy theories, and American White Christian Nationalism. In this fascinating and informative follow-up conversation, Cynane delves deeper into the insidious nature of the Christian nationalism that defined her early family life and worldview. Before You Go: Rachel explains why she believes anxiety and insecurity are at the roots of the modern Christian nationalist movements. You can find more information on Cynane's forthcoming book as well as other resources at: www.takingoffthetinfoilhat.com/ IndoctriNation Podcast Discussion Group: 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
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Mar 27, 2024 • 1h 14min

Breaking Away from Christian Patriarchy w/Cait West

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
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Mar 22, 2024 • 5min

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: On Jay Shetty & Spiritual Influencers

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.
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Mar 20, 2024 • 1h 23min

Fighting Excommunication w/Tammy Synovec

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
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Mar 13, 2024 • 1h 3min

Detoxing From Scientology w/Tammy Synovec

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

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