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
Jul 13, 2024 • 27min
Brief: Project 2025’s “Bloodless” Coup
Kevin Roberts, President of the Heritage Foundation, discusses Project 2025's authoritarian agenda on a recent podcast. The plan combines libertarianism, conservative capitalism, and Christian nationalist beliefs. They aim to reshape America through executive power if Trump regains presidency.
Jul 11, 2024 • 1h 13min
214: Aubrey Marcus is Totally Not a Cult Leader
Guest Aubrey Marcus, a New Age oligarch and RFK Jr superfan, defends his program Fit For Service from cult allegations. Critiques on cult dynamics, expensive programs, and controversies are discussed. The podcast delves into Marcus's background, beliefs, program teachings, and potential risks. The debate between genuine spiritual practices and cult behaviors is explored, questioning the value and ethics of the Fit For Service course.
Jul 8, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: You Can’t Do Religion on the Internet
Exploring the limitations of doing religion on the internet, the podcast discusses how online spaces can shape spiritual movements. It highlights the blurred lines between genuine connection and algorithm-driven engagement, pointing out the challenges of navigating digital platforms for religious experiences.
Jul 6, 2024 • 37min
Brief: The Freebirth to Born-Again Pipeline
Freebirth mogul, Yolande Norris Clark, embraces Orthodox Christianity after delving into conspirituality. She navigates her transition from divine feminine beliefs to a hyper-patriarchal tradition. The podcast discusses the challenges faced by influencers in alternative medicine, exploring controversial topics like vaccine science, autism origins, feminism's impact, and the allure of Jesus in their spiritual paths. It also touches on free birthing, COVID denialism, QAnon, and the clash of beliefs in North American circles.
Jul 3, 2024 • 1h 9min
213: Yoga for Gaza, Yoga for Israel
The podcast delves into the controversial use of yoga in the Israel-Gaza conflict, discussing how it is used for resistance and nationalism. It explores the intersection of spirituality with global conflicts and critiques the weaponization of yoga in political agendas. The complexities of liberation movements and the intertwining of yoga with conflict zones are also examined, shedding light on the challenges of oversimplifying narratives.
Jul 1, 2024 • 7min
Bonus Sample: The Prophet & the Electrical Storm
Discover the intriguing life of prophet Ellen G. White and her religious teachings. Dive into the intersection of spirituality and pseudoscience with references to various historical figures. Explore the impact of White's experiences on her beliefs and the influence she had on millions of followers.
Jun 29, 2024 • 35min
Brief: Jordan Peterson Teaches Russell Brand Theology
Russell Brand and Jordan Peterson discuss theology, wokeness, and censorship. Brand's political views, Peterson simplifying complex ideas, and biblical analogies on materialism and conservatism aspects are explored. The conversation also touches on theological concepts and spiritual connections while addressing negative attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Jun 27, 2024 • 1h 13min
212: US Military Tells RFK Jr-Style Lies
The podcast delves into the US military's secret anti-vax program targeting China's Sinovac vaccine, causing concerns for global public health. It explores the online battle defending vaccines, analyzes American imperialism and global politics, and examines the impact of anti-China propaganda campaigns. The discussion navigates misinformation, conspiracy theories, corporate influence, government dual roles, and political dangers.
Jun 24, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Sanctimonious Spirituality
A discussion on the connection between spiritual practice and social action, using Aubrey Marcus's 'Anti-Cult' documentary as a starting point. Topics include ties of a public figure to various businesses and the transformative experiences at Fit for Service retreats involving psychedelics.
Jun 22, 2024 • 48min
Deep Cut: Leonard Leo, Judicial Kingmaker
Guest Leonard Leo, a power-broker in right-wing politics, discusses reshaping society, controlling the court, and his libertarian Catholic agenda. The podcast dives into Leo's influence over SCOTUS judges, connections to billionaire donors, and the Federalist Society's systematic takeover of the judicial system.
