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
Sep 15, 2025 • 53min
Bonus Sample: The 9/11 Rorschach Test
September 11, 2001, reshaped global perspectives, and individuals interpret these events through their beliefs. Conspiracy theories emerge as reactions against official narratives, while others view the attacks as a response to American imperialism. The impact on U.S. foreign policy and military actions post-9/11 raises moral dilemmas, scrutinizing the justification behind interventions. Historical contexts reveal the complexities of Middle Eastern conflicts, emphasizing the interplay between politics, religion, and colonial history.
Sep 13, 2025 • 25min
Brief: MAHA’s Conspiracy Theories
Derek shares insights from his extensive work on a compelling video about conspiracy theories in the wellness space. The discussion highlights the problematic spread of health misinformation by influencers and its effects on public trust. They tackle the backlash from critics and the struggle for accountability in health narratives. The podcast also clarifies the distinctions between editorial and opinion journalism, emphasizing the importance of media integrity, especially in an era influenced by billionaires and influencers.
13 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 13min
274: Is Rogan REALLY Leading a Death Cult?
The discussion reveals how Joe Rogan's platform resembles a doomsday cult, filling a void for its followers amid political chaos. It critiques modern comedy's shift under societal pressures, likening it to cult-like dynamics. The anonymous creator Elephant Graveyard showcases the evolution of satire while discussing masculinity and the complexities of audience relationships. Additionally, there’s an exploration of the impact of technology on reality perception, and the often blurred lines between escapism and genuine critique in today's media landscape.
Sep 8, 2025 • 7min
Bonus Sample: How Wellness Influencers Became Radicalized
Explore the origins of the modern wellness movement through Halbert Dunn's influential work from 1961. Discover how wellness rhetoric has evolved, shifting from personal empowerment to radical claims against traditional medicine. Delve into the contrasting views of contemporary conspiritualists and the socio-spiritual implications of their beliefs. The journey highlights the legacy of past ideas and how they continue to shape today's wellness conversations.
Sep 6, 2025 • 36min
Brief: Conspiracies Down Under
Journalists Cam Wilson and Ariel Bogle discuss the alarming rise of conspiracy theories in Australia, drawing from their book 'Conspiracy Nation.' They delve into how COVID-19 fueled extremist beliefs, illustrated by a tragic shooting linked to sovereign citizen ideologies. The conversation explores the infamous celebrity chef promoting conspiratorial health narratives, and the potent blend of history and grassroots activism shaping Australian conspiracies. Finally, they emphasize the psychological effects these beliefs have on public trust and social dynamics.
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 4min
273: Trump Will Die
The discussion kicks off with the fascinating concept of the death of political leaders and the fantasies that arise around it. It dives deep into the psychological grip of the MAGA movement and the emotional bonds followers form with their leaders. The interplay of memes in political discourse is critiqued, alongside the cultural distractions pushed by right-wing media. Finally, the rise of fitness technology, like the Oura Ring, raises concerns over personal health monitoring and its military ties, revealing a complex web of surveillance and societal implications.
Sep 1, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Antifascist Christianity: Bonhoeffer (Pt 2)
Discover the fascinating journey of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a young German theologian transformed by his experiences in a Harlem church. His time with the Black Baptist community opened his eyes to the realities of systemic injustice. Bonhoeffer's exposure to the struggles of the oppressed reshaped his faith, leading him to vehemently oppose fascism. He even joined a plot to assassinate Hitler, making a bold statement about faith and resistance. Hear how spirituals and gospel tunes became powerful symbols of his rebellion against tyranny.
Aug 30, 2025 • 38min
Brief: Antifascist Christianity: Bonhoeffer (Pt 1)
Dive into the compelling journey of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a privileged German theologian whose eyes were opened to antifascism in a Harlem Baptist church. Discover how his faith evolved through powerful African American worship, ultimately inspiring him to rebel against the oppressive Nazi regime. The podcast highlights Bonhoeffer's dual struggle with religion—its oppressive nature and its potential for social justice. His experiences with literature and radical ideas uniquely shaped his theology and commitment to justice, leading him to a life-altering decision to resist Hitler.
Aug 28, 2025 • 59min
272: Jillian Michaels is the Biggest Loser
The podcast dives into Jillian Michaels' controversial media presence, questioning her comments about slavery while digging into her role on 'The Biggest Loser.' It explores the disturbing practices behind reality weight loss shows, highlighting fat shaming and emotional manipulation. Insights from a Netflix docuseries reveal the show's impact on societal views of obesity. Additionally, it touches on the politicization of health topics like IVF and vaccines, and critiques the unrealistic standards set by fitness influencers, advocating for healthier and more mindful approaches to wellness.
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!
