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 19, 2024 • 1h 13min
224: RFK Jr’s Pet Guru Blesses Trump
In this discussion, Charles Eisenstein, a poet-philosopher and former messaging advisor to RFK Jr., shares his thoughts on RFK Jr.'s unexpected support for Trump. Eisenstein reveals his influence in Bobby's speeches, all while navigating the complexities of political endorsements and spirituality. He also addresses vaccine misinformation, emphasizing the importance of transparency in public health. The conversation critiques the intertwining of personal beliefs, health discussions, and political identities in today's polarized society.
Sep 16, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Waking Up With the Biohackers
Kayla Barnes, a biohacking expert and wellness clinic operator from Cleveland, shares her controversial take on morning routines packed with EMF-blocking shields, grounding techniques, and an immense supplement regimen. She dives into the commercialization of wellness, critiquing the validity of biohacking tools and urging listeners to maintain skepticism toward trendy health advice. The conversation uncovers the tension between profit-driven wellness practices and genuine health enhancement, sparking a thought-provoking exploration of modern self-care.
Sep 14, 2024 • 28min
Brief: Tucker Carlson’s Friendly Fascism
Tucker Carlson, a polarizing media figure known for his controversial political commentary, dives into the normalization of neo-fascist discourse. He critiques historical narratives, particularly regarding World War II and Winston Churchill, raising eyebrows about accuracy and impact. The conversation shifts to his transformation since leaving FOX News, exploring how independent media like his has reshaped public discourse. Carlson also reflects on the rise of nationalist ideologies in Europe and their parallels to U.S. politics, linking figures like Trump and Putin to current immigration debates.
Sep 12, 2024 • 1h 15min
223: Tucker Carlson’s Toxic Cleanse
Jacob Chansley, the QAnon Shaman, discusses his unexpected rise to notoriety, revealing the complexities of his beliefs and public image. Kris Newby dives into Lyme disease conspiracies, questioning mainstream narratives and alternative treatments. Political activist Naomi Wolf analyzes the dangers of wellness influencers like Tucker Carlson aligning with conspiratorial rhetoric. Health advocates Casey and Calley Means highlight innovative health optimization practices while critiquing the spread of misinformation in wellness communities.
Sep 10, 2024 • 30min
Relief Project #1: Jivana Heyman
Jivana Heyman, founder of Accessible Yoga and author, shares reflections on hope, resilience, and community building. He discusses the emotional landscape of today's world and the importance of validating feelings. Jivana reveals how generational wisdom and personal stories guide us through challenges. He also addresses the complexities of ego in yoga and emphasizes shifting from competition to service. Finally, he explores nurturing hope in children facing climate fears, blending honesty with encouragement to foster resilience.
Sep 9, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Imaginary Children # 3: Mole Children vs. Gazan Children
The podcast dives into the troubling contrast between imaginary narratives like 'Mole Children' and the stark realities faced by Gazan children in conflict. It critiques how conspiracy theories can overshadow actual humanitarian crises. There’s a deep exploration of the social and mental health implications of denying real trauma while grappling with moral injury. Listeners are challenged to reflect on the consequences of dismissing genuine suffering in favor of sensationalized narratives, urging a focus on truth and compassion.
Sep 7, 2024 • 21min
Brief: Ultra-processed Pseudoscience
Calley Means, cofounder of TrueMed, and his sister Casey Means, founder of Levels, dive into today's wellness landscape. They tackle the controversial subject of seed oils, criticizing the food and pharma industries for prioritizing profits over people's health. The siblings confront the contradictions in their own health narratives, examining the ethical implications of health savings products. They also explore the complexities of biohacking, challenging the mainstream assumptions around continuous glucose monitoring and processed food diets.
Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 10min
222: RFK Jr: As the Worm Turns
RFK Jr., a prominent political figure, recently shifted gears by backing Trump after withdrawing from the presidential race. The conversation dives into the risks of this unexpected alliance for America's political landscape. Topics range from the quirks of wellness culture, including the raw milk debate, to the performative politics seen during the Democratic National Convention. The episode also highlights troubling declines in vaccine confidence and the spread of misinformation, exploring its implications for public health and the environment.
Sep 2, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: The OG New Age Grifter: Madame Blavatsky
Helena Blavatsky, a Russian aristocrat and pioneering figure of the New Age movement, delves into her controversial legacy. She claimed to channel ancient wisdom, yet much of her work was heavily plagiarized. The discussion reveals how she founded the Theosophical Society and adopted a dubious backstory. Blavatsky's influence extends even into the rise of alien channelers and extremist ideologies, including unsettling connections to Nazism. The episode cautions about the seductive nature of New Age beliefs and their potential dangers in today's culture.
Aug 31, 2024 • 34min
Brief: Trump’s Impending Ego Implosion (w/ Daniel Shaw)
Daniel Shaw, a psychotherapist specializing in trauma-informed therapies and author of 'Traumatic Narcissism,' dives deep into the psychological landscape surrounding Trump. He discusses the alarming diagnoses that suggest Trump's long-standing mental health issues. Shaw explores the potential fallout from his ego's decline, comparing it to infamous cult leaders. The conversation also highlights the urgent need for mental health professionals to engage in political discourse and the importance of education in healing the societal wounds left in Trump's wake.
