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
9 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.
Aug 2, 2025 • 23min
Brief: DJ Khaled of Pseudoscience
Strange billboards featuring Elizabeth Holmes signal a bizarre revival of the Theranos brand with a wellness twist. The discussion unpacks misleading advertising and its risks to health and investor trust. Controversial marketing tactics in biotech come under fire, and the hosts reflect on the tension between scientific integrity and fraudulent claims in the health industry. They address the responsibility of wellness influencers and the urgent need for accountability in public health, spotlighting the consequences of pseudoscience.
10 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 14min
268: Rogan’s Christian President
This week, the hosts dive into Bari Weiss's ambitious $250 million media venture amid major mergers affecting journalism. They dissect RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine stance and a lawsuit linked to his nonprofit, highlighting the fragility of public health arguments. James Talarico's powerful stand against Christian nationalism on Joe Rogan sparks a thought-provoking discussion about faith in politics. The conversation wraps up by tackling the intricate relationship between celebrity worship and societal values, exploring how these dynamics influence public discourse.
Jul 28, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: "Natural" Snake Oil?
Dive into the curious world of food activism as the hosts critique the recent governmental push to eliminate artificial ingredients. They explore how influencers profit from products made through the same processes they decry. The dialogue reveals the complexities of health trends and questions the real progress being made in food quality and accessibility. It's a thought-provoking look at the intersection of wellness and commercial interests, highlighting the contradictions in the fight for healthier eating.
Jul 26, 2025 • 39min
Brief: Mehdi Hasan vs Jordan Peterson
The podcast dives into Mehdi Hasan's Jubilee debate that ignited fervent online discussions, exploring media engagement and clickbait culture. It contrasts the dynamics of far-right participants with those from a heated exchange between Jordan Peterson and atheists. The hosts critique the ethical dilemmas of debate formats and the complexities of political ideologies like autocracy. Additionally, there's a deep exploration of immigration debates and the charged emotions they evoke. Finally, it emphasizes the challenges of navigating echo chambers while advocating for constructive dialogue.
14 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 59min
267: Epstein Never Died
The podcast dives into the renewed obsession with Jeffrey Epstein's files, spurred on by MAGA supporters. It explores how Trump’s rhetoric has fueled conspiracy theories, leaving Republicans divided over the handling of Epstein’s legacy. There's a stark look at the ties between high-profile figures and the culture of complicity that enabled abuse. The discussion extends to the role of religious institutions grappling with scandals, as well as the broader societal implications of deception and mistrust that arise from these narratives.
Jul 21, 2025 • 5min
Bonus Sample: Galloway and the Mooch: The Lost Boys of Capitalism (Pt 2)
A new liberal-center manosphere aims to connect with young men drawn to Trumpism but struggles with what to offer. Professor Galloway and Scaramucci reveal the flaws of capitalism that shaped their success while acknowledging its cruelty. They explore the allure of nostalgia and the emotional complexities of parenting. The critique of modern masculinity dives into the contradictions of their narrative, raising important questions about how societal structures impact boys today.
Jul 19, 2025 • 46min
Brief: Galloway and the Mooch: The Lost Boys of Capitalism (Pt 1)
In this discussion featuring Scott Galloway, a marketing professor and co-host of the Lost Boys podcast, he and Anthony Scaramucci dive into the evolving dynamics of modern masculinity. They explore the nostalgia for past ideals while critiquing the very capitalism that enriched them. Galloway reveals his transformation from businessman to critic of wealth inequality. The conversation touches on the emotional struggles young men face today, emphasizing resilience and the complexities of identity in our changing society.
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 15min
266: Jubilee’s Body Image Debates
Dive into the complexities of body image as the conversation navigates societal standards and personal experiences. Jubilee Media's provocative debates spark discussions about empathy and the dangers of sensationalism in body image discourse. Explore the evolution of body image activism from fat protests to contemporary ideas of body neutrality. Tackle the psychological effects of anorexia, obesity, and the stigma intertwined with health and self-acceptance. A critical look at gender dynamics reveals the deeper issues behind our perceptions of fitness and beauty.
