Conspirituality
Derek Beres, Matthew Remski, Julian Walker
Dismantling New Age cults, wellness grifters, and conspiracy-mad yogis. At best, the conspirituality movement attacks public health efforts in times of crisis. At worst, it fronts and recruits for the fever-dream of QAnon. As the alt-right and New Age horseshoe toward each other in a blur of disinformation, clear discourse, and good intentions get smothered. Charismatic influencers exploit their followers by co-opting conspiracy theories on a spectrum of intensity ranging from vaccines to child trafficking. In the process, spiritual beliefs that have nurtured creativity and meaning are transforming into memes of a quickly-globalizing paranoia. Conspirituality Podcast attempts to bring understanding to this landscape. A journalist, a cult researcher, and a philosophical skeptic discuss the stories, cognitive dissonances, and cultic dynamics tearing through the yoga, wellness, and new spirituality worlds. Mainstream outlets have noticed the problem. We crowd-source, research, analyze, and dream answers to it.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 25, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: The Beatles’ Billionaire Yogi
Dive into the fascinating world of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the tiny titan behind Transcendental Meditation. Discover how he turned spirituality into a billion-dollar enterprise, attracting celebrities like the Beatles while masking darker truths. The podcast unpacks his role in blending Eastern mysticism with Western culture, revealing tales of illicit affairs, overpriced courses, and the promise of world peace through ‘yogic flying.’ A thought-provoking exploration of how charisma can both inspire and manipulate!
Aug 23, 2025 • 38min
Brief: Ground Zero Grifting
Mikki Willis, filmmaker behind the controversial film Plandemic and founder of Elevate, joins to discuss the tangled web of wellness culture and conspiracy theories. He recently hosted a webinar to promote his supplement company, which spiraled into an intriguing critique of manipulative narratives in health marketing. The conversation touches on the exploitation of personal trauma for profit, ethical dilemmas in storytelling, and the parallels between border security and the immune system. The hosts also debunk myths in the wellness industry with sharp satire.
Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 2min
271: The Miseducation of PragerU
The podcast dives into the fallout from the 2025 Rescissions Act, which threatens public broadcasting like NPR and PBS. It discusses the emergence of PragerU as a conservative educational force, influencing classrooms nationwide. The hosts critically review PragerU's children's content, highlighting its ideological messaging and portrayal of crucial social issues. They juxtapose it with the honest storytelling of Sesame Street, examining implications for children's understanding of complex themes like loss and diversity. A thought-provoking look at the ideological battles shaping modern education.
Aug 18, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: The Naturopaths Are At It Again
The podcast dives into the contentious debate over sunblock and its supposed impact on vitamin D levels and cancer rates. It contrasts wild claims from wellness influencers with the solid backing of scientific research. Listeners are warned about the risks of misinformation in public health, particularly regarding safe sun exposure. Additionally, hints are dropped about an upcoming exploration of PragerU's controversial narratives.
Aug 16, 2025 • 35min
Brief: Olympics for Dopers
The Enhanced Games plan to showcase athletes' full potential by allowing any performance-enhancing drugs. The podcast dives into why Silicon Valley billionaires are backing this controversial event. It examines the ethical dilemmas of bodily autonomy versus the implications of doping on sports culture. The discussion touches on the discrepancies in athlete earnings versus Olympic profits, and critiques the commercialization of performance supplements. Expect a thought-provoking exploration of fame, scandal, and the future of competitive sports.
6 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 60min
270: Kennedy's Bloodbath
The podcast dives into the controversial decisions of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., particularly the shocking cancellation of nearly $500 million in mRNA vaccine funding. It explores the rising visibility of Lyme disease, fueled by celebrity cases and climate change, while critiquing the influence of alternative medicine. Discussions reveal the challenges misinformation poses to vaccine efficacy and public health, coupled with the complexities of integrating personal beliefs with broader health strategies. Historical perspectives on vaccines and modern wellness trends add depth to this engaging discourse.
Aug 11, 2025 • 5min
Bonus Sample: Nair, Mamdani, and Culture against the Culture War (Pt 1)
Explore the intricate dynamics of cultural labels as the discussion dives into how terms like 'good' and 'bad' Muslims reflect American political attitudes rather than genuine religious beliefs. Discover insights into Zohran Mamdani's upbringing and his fight against cultural oversimplifications that have negatively impacted Muslim communities since 9/11. The conversation also touches on the resilience of marginalized individuals, inspiring us to question societal definitions of 'outsiders'.
11 snips
Aug 9, 2025 • 43min
Brief: Nair, Mamdani, and Culture against the Culture War (Pt 1)
Explore the resilience of marginalized individuals and their complex identities. Delve into the culture wars and their impact, especially on Muslims post-9/11. Discover the journey of a filmmaker whose works challenge stereotypes while advocating for social justice. Unpack the emotional struggles of historical figures intertwined with a personal narrative. Finally, reflect on the poignant themes of faith, power, and dignity through an evocative Urdu poem, connecting the past with modern issues of identity.
11 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 2min
269: The Book of Gwyneth
Amy Odell, a New York-based journalist and author of the biography 'Gwyneth', delves into Gwyneth Paltrow's transformation from actress to wellness mogul. She critiques Goop's role in spreading health misinformation, discussing contentious wellness trends like yoni eggs and coffee enemas. The conversation reveals the complexities of celebrity culture and the commercialization of spirituality, while exploring how Paltrow's branding shapes public perception and consumer behavior in the wellness industry.
Aug 4, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: The '80s Zen Master Con Man
Delve into the extravagant life of Frederick Lenz, a master con artist masquerading as a Zen guru. Discover his wild claims of paranormal prowess and enlightenment rituals that masked a darker reality. While he spun tales of spiritual greatness, he lived luxuriously, manipulating students in the name of enlightenment. Unravel the tragic story of his rise and fall, revealing the intersection of spirituality and deception in the '80s. This tale uncovers how charisma can lead to cult-like devotion and devastating consequences.
