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
Feb 18, 2025 • 27min
Relief Project #8: Blair Hodges
Blair Hodges, an expert in journalism, religious studies, and disability studies, shares insights on transforming his Mormon upbringing into a force for social justice. He discusses the limits of the nuclear family in building community, the significance of James Baldwin, and personal grappling with climate anxiety in children. Blair also explores new perspectives on repentance and the importance of small, meaningful community actions after leaving religious groups. His journey highlights the interplay between individual growth and societal responsibility.
5 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Scientology’s Sci-Fi Religion
Explore the wild origins of Scientology, born from sci-fi writer L. Ron Hubbard's audacious prediction about wealth through religion. Discover the transformative impact of his death on the organization and the rise of David Miscavige as its controversial leader. Unpack the bizarre blend of self-help, pseudoscience, and alien mythology that captivated hundreds of thousands. Delve into the ongoing cultural debates surrounding its practices and the legacy of a man viewed by some as a prophet and by others as a fraud.
13 snips
Feb 15, 2025 • 26min
Brief: Make Apartheid Great Again
Julian Walker, who grew up under apartheid in South Africa and later left due to its oppressive regime, shares his insights on life during that tumultuous period. He discusses Donald Trump’s recent comments on white South Africans and the confusion surrounding them. Julian reflects on the contrasts of privilege and guilt experienced under apartheid, the complexities of current land reform debates, and the implications of a new bill affecting descendants of European settlers seeking asylum in the U.S. His personal stories shed light on a painful history and ongoing struggles.
Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 1min
244: Battle for the Onesies
The potential confirmation of RFK Jr. as the head of public health raises significant alarm bells. The hosts dissect the intertwining of conspiracy theories and wellness culture, highlighting the dangers of misinformation. They delve into the implications of anti-vaccine rhetoric and the rise of right-wing pseudo-journals. The conversation extends to the monetization of health ideas and historical manipulations of scientific data. There's also a deep dive into the cultural narratives that threaten genuine health advancements and the increasing risks of harmful ideologies.
Feb 10, 2025 • 7min
Bonus Sample: What We're Facing
Dive into the chaos of political discourse shaped by the Trump administration. Discover how fringe groups and key figures are influencing the modern right. Explore the competing realities crafted by left and right ideologies, urging listeners to examine their biases. The role of media in this divide sparks reflection and encourages engagement, despite contrasting viewpoints. It’s a thought-provoking discussion on navigating the complexities of contemporary politics.
13 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 45min
Brief: Why Didn’t I Yell STFU at Jordan Peterson in 2017?
In 2017, a notable figure sparked a heated debate about hate speech and its societal implications. The discussion delves into the alarming rise of fascist rhetoric and the failures in addressing harmful ideologies. It explores the dynamics of political discourse, highlighting the dangers of personal attacks and the inadequacy of rational debate against oppression. The podcast also considers the history of antifascism and stresses the importance of proactive organizing in combating rising authoritarianism. The impact of language on marginalized groups is critically examined, urging action over words.
Feb 6, 2025 • 1h
243: Free Market Contrarians (w/Eoin Higgins)
Eoin Higgins, a journalist and author of "Owned: How Tech Billionaires on the Right Bought the Loudest Voices on the Left," delves into the ideological shifts of Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi. He examines how their once leftist viewpoints have morphed into right-leaning perspectives, influenced by tech billionaires. The conversation reveals fascinating insights into the complexities of modern journalism, the impact of media ownership on public discourse, and the challenge of maintaining integrity in politically charged environments.
Feb 3, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Kelly Brogan’s Divine Dungeon: Pt 2 (feat/Esme Providence Brown)
Delve into the transformation of a medical expert into a figure in the world of pseudotherapy, revealing the risks of unregulated practices. Discover the interplay between BDSM and pole dancing, highlighting both their appeal and the challenges they face in inclusive wellness spaces. The conversation critiques an antifeminist angle intertwined with modern wellness trends, ultimately questioning the motives behind controversial feminist rhetoric.
12 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 29min
Brief: Anti-Social Media (w/Renee Diresta)
In this discussion, digital disinformation expert Renee Diresta dives into the shifting landscape of social media amid political tensions. She unpacks how platforms like Meta, X, and TikTok are aligning with MAGA ideologies, questioning the balance between censorship and free speech. Renee shares personal insights on past censorship, comparing it to today's challenges in content moderation. The conversation also highlights the impact of propaganda and the evolution of internet design towards decentralized user control.
17 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 52min
242: Executive Disorder
This episode dives into the chaos of recent executive orders, including the controversies around pardoning January 6th insurrectionists. Street violence linked to extremist groups poses an alarming threat to democracy. The discussion touches on the implications of misleading health data and its effects on public trust. They also critique the shift in biomedical research funding from public to private sources. Finally, the complex interplay between faith, politics, and social justice unveils the responses from religious institutions amid rising inequalities.
