Conspirituality

Delve into the chilling tale of the Order of the Solar Temple, a late 20th-century French cult steeped in mysticism and dark rituals. Discover their bizarre beliefs involving reincarnation and the pursuit of solar-bodies in the Sirius star system. The tragic climax, a mass sacrifice that led to 74 deaths, raises questions about humanity's historical fascination with ritual killing. Uncover the cult's connections to Rosicrucianism and Knights Templar myths, as well as the twisted narratives that drove these believers to their demise.

A senior advisor to RFK Jr. has stirred controversy by distorting the narrative of modern medicine's origins. Derek critiques Calley Means' claims about Abraham Flexner and highlights the implications for the MAHA movement. He illustrates the real-world value of vaccines and antibiotics through a personal story and debunks the myth that 19th-century medicine was superior. The discussion also touches on the rise of pharmaceuticals, evidence-based medicine, and the parallels between modern wellness influencers and historical quacks.

A deep dive into the challenges of modern masculinity unfolds, emphasizing how economic populism could reclaim the lost connection with young men. The discussion contrasts contrasting role models like Zohran Mamdani and Graham Platner while examining the effects of authenticity in male-oriented spaces. Humor and vulnerability become powerful tools for building trust with disaffected voters. Finally, the conversation veers towards redefining masculinity from patriarchal power to caregiver roles, reflecting a broader cultural shift amidst political anxieties.

Tony Lyons, the President of Maha Action and founder of Skyhorse Publishing, shares insights from their Zoom calls featuring notable wellness influencers like Dr. Oz and Russell Brand. He discusses the organization's mission and its push against major pharmaceutical and food industries. Derek explores the evolving dynamics within Maha Action, highlighting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s involvement and distancing. The dialogue delves into media criticism and the organization's role in political organizing for upcoming elections, painting a picture of a rapidly changing landscape.

Taylor Swift is caught in a whirlwind of conspiracy theories accusing her of aligning with far-right politics. The podcast dives into TikTok claims about alleged Nazi symbolism in her merchandise and music. It questions whether her recent lyrics hint at a shift towards traditional conservative values. Julian explores the psychology behind fans' intense decoding of her work and critiques the cancellation culture surrounding her. Ultimately, it suggests that while Swift may seem tone-deaf, her influence in progressive circles remains significant.

When restaurants and cafes in Portland and elsewhere link into networks of food pantries and soup kitchens, will mutual aid feel real in the US? When regular folks come out of their houses to shame and chase ICE thugs out of the neighborhood, will that feeling of power from below catch on? Will it create some craving for a different way of doing things and understanding authority and order? Derek looks at Portland, Julian looks at street resistance, and Matthew unpacks the old anarchist idea of mutual aid, and whether and how it intersects with our time and what’s left of our institutions. Show Notes Here are 18 Portland-area coffee shops and restaurants that have pledged to feed people who lose SNAP benefits Angie Vargas, ICE Chaser LAHoodLove on Instagram BraveNewFilms on Instagram Kat Abughazaleh in Mother Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a deep dive into U.S. influence in Latin America, the discussion reveals how CIA funding targeted anti-Liberation Theology figures. Jesuit operative Roger Vekemans is spotlighted for his role in undermining Christian socialism. The conversation explores how Protestant missions shaped U.S. soft power in the region. A fascinating twist emerges with Pope Leo XIV’s support for the poor, countering capitalist individualism and rejecting old Marxist fears. The complexities of Liberation Theology are examined, highlighting its challenges to exclusionary politics.

This is the first of a two-part deep dive into how U.S. foreign policy stared down the political threat of Liberation Theology by promoting Evangelical Christianity in Latin America. The CIA and USAID, in league with Vatican conservatives like Cardinal Ratzinger, spent money and social capital on the suppression of this vital new movement which insisted that poverty is political and that faith without structural change is hollow.  By contrast, the Evangelical emphasis on individual sin, salvation, and personal prosperity aligned with Cold War and neoliberal interests.  Spiritualities engineered to serve empire don’t just pacify the poor abroad—they come back to police democracy at home. The “Evangelical boomerang” shows up in shifting Latino religious demographics and voting patterns, while the “reverse boomerang” hints that Liberation Theology language—once condemned—now shapes Pope Leo’s message in this time of rising fascism.  If MAGA mystics, prosperity preachers, and tech-bro shamans offer a gospel of self-aggrandizement, Liberation Theology counters with a message of shared material reality: no one owns the food, we share it; the Sabbath serves people, not power; love of God is inseparable from love for the poor.  Part 1 lays the intellectual and historical groundwork; Part 2 follows the covert money networks and then asks whether a newly emboldened Catholic social vision can stiffen global resistance to authoritarian capitalism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Tucker, a professional organist and Jeffrey Tucker's daughter, provides a deeply personal look into her father's controversial political journey and the impact of his beliefs on their family. Gavin Yamey, a public health expert, analyzes Tucker's role within the MAHA network and its anti-vaccine sentiments. The conversation explores Tucker's nostalgia-driven politics, his eccentric persona, and the public health ramifications of his work, including the Great Barrington Declaration. Julia offers advice on navigating family radicalization, while Yamey calls for renewed trust in public health.

Explore the captivating phenomenon of chatbot relationships, where users form deep emotional bonds with AI. Discover troubling stories of tragic consequences, from suicides to legal battles, linked to these intense attachments. Learn why we anthropomorphize chatbots, mistaking them for independent beings. Listen to insights on using AI for spiritual clarity, with cautionary advice against losing your grounding. Delve into the parallels between ancient oracles and modern technology, revealing that some patterns may be timeless.