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
6 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 20min
237: Your Revolution is Out of Network
The podcast unpacks the shocking murder of a healthcare CEO, delving into public reactions and media frenzy surrounding it. Conversations highlight the grim realities of America's healthcare system, including high claim denials and the burden of medical debt. Personal accounts reveal stark inequalities in executive compensation. Ethical dilemmas in violence and political narratives are explored, questioning the glorification of vigilante justice. Ultimately, a call for systemic reform and better understanding of mental health issues emerges amidst societal tensions.
Dec 17, 2024 • 32min
Relief Project #5: Annie Kelly
In this enlightening conversation, Annie Kelly, a UK correspondent for the QAA podcast, shares her research on the tricky dynamics between the manosphere and conspirituality. She dives into the rise of far-right ideologies and the lack of political accountability. Annie finds hope in the historical success of the smallpox vaccine, underscoring the power of global cooperation. The discussion also touches on parenting during turbulent times, the importance of advocating for positive narratives, and the need to counter extremism with constructive dialogue.
Dec 16, 2024 • 5min
Bonus Sample: TheoBros, Political Religion, and Christmas
Dive into the controversial world of modern Christian nationalism with the bearded Millennial pastors pushing for extreme views. Discover their alarming ideas about women's roles and LGBTQ rights, all intertwined with the political ambitions of figures like JD Vance. Explore how these beliefs resonate with a growing theocratic movement around the globe. As the discussion unfolds, enjoy some festive reflections that add a playful twist to this serious discourse.
17 snips
Dec 14, 2024 • 27min
Brief: The Unfreedom of Others (w/Talia Lavin)
Talia Lavin, a journalist and author of "Wild Faith: How the Christian Right is Taking Over America," dives into the rising influence of evangelical Christians in U.S. politics. She discusses the alarming trends of corporal punishment and homeschooling, revealing their impact on democracy. Lavin also critiques the Christian right's educational agenda and its implications for marginalized groups. The conversation warns about the potential dangers of a theocratic agenda under a second Trump administration, especially for LGBTQ+ rights and abortion access.
17 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 1h 17min
236: Damage Control
The aftermath of a controversial election unfolds as Trump's cabinet picks stir the pot of conspiracy thinking. Media outlets scramble to adapt their strategies amidst the chaos, weighing options like anti-fascist resistance and normalization. A curious intersection of political influencers emerges, igniting discussions around misinformation and personal conviction. Meanwhile, the complex discourse surrounding reproductive rights highlights the essentiality of choice. Finally, the podcast humorously critiques absurd political narratives while tackling weighty global issues like allegations of genocide.
Dec 9, 2024 • 5min
Bonus Sample: The Raw Truth About Health
Researchers warn that a single mutation in the bird flu could enable human transmission, raising public health concerns. A recent recall of raw milk in California due to H5N1 contamination highlights the tension between wellness trends and safety. The discussion delves into the confusion surrounding individual, population, and public health, especially amid the rising threats from climate change. The podcast also explores the interplay of politics and public health in food safety, showcasing real-life implications and the frustrations of those addressing these critical issues.
4 snips
Dec 7, 2024 • 41min
Brief: Freeing the Well-Trained Wife (w/Tia Levings)
Tia Levings, an exvangelical author and advocate, shares her gripping story of breaking free from the constraints of Christian patriarchy in her memoir, "The Well-Trained Wife." She discusses the disturbing realities of indoctrination and abuse, shedding light on the connection between evangelicalism and modern political ideologies. Tia emphasizes the liberating journey of rejecting modesty culture and addresses the profound impact of emotional trauma within her marriage. Her narrative celebrates resilience and the power of storytelling in reclaiming one's identity.
Dec 5, 2024 • 58min
235: MAHA Mamas (feat Mallory DeMille)
Mallory DeMille, a fearless correspondent, dives into the MAHA Mamas phenomenon, revealing how social media misinformation shapes mothers' views on health. They discuss the political implications of this wellness movement and the troubling rise of anti-vaccine sentiments led by figures like RFK Jr. DeMille critiques the intersection of motherhood, politics, and health, highlighting how mothers advocate for nutrition amidst widespread conspiracy theories. The conversation emphasizes the need for informed discourse in a climate rife with misinformation.
Dec 2, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Deep State Religion
Delve into the intriguing intersection of belief and politics as they explore how MAGA ideology reflects spiritual elements of liberalism and capitalism. The discussion critiques the messianic portrayal of Donald Trump, revealing the deeper psychological dynamics at play among his followers. Historical references enhance the conversation, showcasing capitalism as a religion that fulfills the anxieties once addressed by traditional faiths. Uncover how these intertwining ideologies reshape modern perceptions of spirituality and governance.
13 snips
Nov 30, 2024 • 45min
Brief: The $100M Free Press
Peter Thiel, the entrepreneur behind PayPal, joins Bari Weiss to delve into the complexities of media independence. They challenge the Free Press's claims of impartiality against a backdrop of substantial funding from right-leaning individuals. The conversation navigates the ethics of financial influence on journalism, Thiel's perspective on political dynamics during the 2020 Democratic primaries, and the tension between healthy skepticism and conspiracy theories. They also discuss the need for scientific literacy amidst rising dogmatism in modern science.
