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
4 snips
Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 10min
227: Rescue Remedy for The Republic
A political rally in D.C. drew only 1,500 MAGA supporters, revealing the awkward intersections of wellness culture and right-wing politics. The risks of merging faith with political agendas were discussed, especially within Amish communities. The conversation also tackled vaccination controversies, highlighting safety concerns and misinformation. Additionally, a critique on how the wellness industry misrepresents chemicals for profit was woven in, exposing the exploitation of public fears and ignorance surrounding health issues.
Oct 7, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: What Are We Doing About Health?
The podcast delves into America's healthcare disparities, spotlighting how wellness influencers exploit these challenges. It critiques the questionable products promoted to marginalized communities while addressing systemic flaws in healthcare lobbying. The discussion shifts to personalized medicine, revealing how its investment-driven nature exacerbates inequities. Experts propose six actionable steps to improve public health, offering a glimmer of hope amid the criticism. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for equity in medical advancements for all individuals.
Oct 5, 2024 • 23min
Brief: RFK Jr Screws His Followers
Explore the tangled web of RFK Jr.'s controversial personal life and its impact on his political persona. Allegations of emotional manipulation and sexual misconduct paint a troubling picture, revealing patterns of behavior that blur the lines between seduction and exploitation. Dive into the dynamics of misogyny in leadership roles and the complexities of crafting a public narrative while omitting crucial personal failings. The interplay of charm and manipulation raises questions about trust among his followers.
Oct 3, 2024 • 1h 9min
226: MAHA Storms the Capitol
Jordan Peterson, a renowned psychologist, joins RFK Jr., a prominent environmental attorney, and alt-health advocates Casey and Calley Means to dissect alarming claims from a recent health roundtable. They argue that the food and pharmaceutical industries are poisoning Americans, portraying a dire health crisis as a spiritual battle. Casey posits a deeper crisis, highlighting the intertwining of health and conspiracy. The conversation critiques sensationalism, mental health treatment, and challenges conventional views on obesity, illuminating a chaotic wellness landscape.
5 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 30min
Relief Project #2: Natalie Wynn/Contrapoints
Natalie Wynn, known for her captivating video essays as Contrapoints, shares her insights on navigating today's complexities. She discusses the interplay of dread and hope in political landscapes, especially for marginalized communities. Wynn tackles childhood fears surrounding climate change, emphasizing resilience and the power of nurturing hope. She also reflects on the challenges of building genuine connections in the LGBT community, contrasting online interactions with real-life relationships. Through it all, her artistic approach highlights empathy and personal growth.
Sep 30, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Faith: Unearned and Earned
In this thought-provoking discussion, spiritual thought leader Charles Eisenstein, holistic health advocate Kelly Brogan, physician Zach Bush, and environmental attorney RFK Jr. tackle the crucial topic of authenticity in the world of spiritual influencers. They delve into the fine line between unearned and earned faith, raising questions about the genuineness of their messages. The conversation navigates the challenges of discerning true commitment from self-serving agendas, emphasizing the emotional complexities of personal faith journeys.
Sep 28, 2024 • 43min
Brief: The Actual Biggest Losers
In this engaging discussion, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a controversial environmental activist, and Jordan Peterson, a renowned psychologist, tackle the political motivations behind health panel discussions. Fitness guru Jillian Michaels brings attention to the role of influencers in shaping public health perceptions, while Vani Hari, the 'Food Babe', critiques the commercialization of health advice. Together, they delve into dietary misinformation, the links between political narratives and wellness culture, and the impact of deregulation on public health.
5 snips
Sep 26, 2024 • 1h 10min
225: Trauma Healing for Trump
In this engaging discussion, RFK Jr., a political figure and environmental attorney, joins comedian Russell Brand, cultural psychologist Jordan Peterson, evolutionary biologist Bret Weinstein, and former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. They delve into the politicization of wellness at a Trump rally, questioning the intent of events like 'Rescue the Republic.' The conversation covers COVID-19 origins, the rise of pseudoscience in healing practices, and how misinformation shapes public perception of health, all while challenging the absurdity of modern conspiracy culture.
Sep 23, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: The Child Messiah Fantasy
Krishnamurti, once groomed by British occultists to be a spiritual savior, shares his unexpected journey from a frail boy to a charismatic figure. Julian discusses his latest historical chapter, diving into Helena Blavatsky’s role in the Theosophical Society, a cornerstone of New Age metaphysics. They reflect on the massive influence money had on their organization and how Krishnamurti's rebellion shocked his followers, challenging the expectations placed upon him. This compelling conversation bridges history and spirituality.
10 snips
Sep 21, 2024 • 42min
Brief: RFK Jr Says the Devil Measures Carbon
RFK Jr., a presidential candidate with controversial views on climate change, shares his unique take on environmentalism. He critiques the reliance on carbon metrics and argues for a more spiritual connection to nature. Personal beliefs versus societal expectations are discussed, highlighting the influence of figures like St. Francis of Assisi. The conversation explores how environmentalism can be shaped by conservative values while emphasizing a collective approach to urgent global crises. Kennedy’s ideas challenge conventional frameworks, appealing to both emotion and free-market ideals.
