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
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.
Jun 20, 2024 • 1h 10min
211: Terrence Howard Solves Science
Acclaimed actor Terrence Howard debunks mainstream science, shares his unique physics discoveries. Discusses spiritual visions, maverick experts, and dangerous mind. Talks about patent claims, etheric force machine, and unconventional views on physics and math. Explores childhood fantasies, charismatic leaders, interacting with Neil deGrasse Tyson. Touches on detox, vaccinations, UFOs, and government conspiracies.
Jun 17, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: 6 Chapters on Prospirituality
Exploring different positions on spirituality, the impact of beliefs on social structures, unexpected friendships with religious believers, and the reform potential within high-demand groups are some intriguing topics covered in the podcast.
Jun 15, 2024 • 34min
Brief: Math Class with Terrence Howard & Eric Weinstein
Terrence Howard and Eric Weinstein discuss Howard's controversial math theories, including 1x1=2. They explore Weinstein's critique of platforming unscientific ideas and veering off-topic. Topics include loss of credibility in universities, trust in information, and Eric Weinstein's unique catchphrases.
Jun 13, 2024 • 1h 7min
210: Bioquacking Bro Science (feat Mallory DeMille)
At the 10th Annual Biohacking Conference, Dave Asprey promotes unconventional longevity methods like butter in coffee. Mallory DeMille reviews the sciencey gimmicks and new ventures presented. The allure of constantly promoting new 'keys' to longevity is highlighted, along with controversies surrounding biohacking practices and the evolution of biohacking conferences.
Jun 10, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Speak Through Me
Delving into the historical origins of conspirituality, the podcast uncovers the relationship between QAnon, spiritualism, New Age beliefs, and Christian revivalism. It explores figures like Helena Blavatsky, Ellen G. White, and the modern connections to cosmic events and pandemic awakenings.
Jun 8, 2024 • 44min
Brief: The Theatre of Trump (w/Hank Willenbrink)
Playwright and theater scholar Hank Willenbrink discusses how Trump's presidency can be viewed as a theatrical performance, emphasizing his showmanship background and media manipulation. The podcast explores the intersection of politics and theater aesthetics, comparing Trump's behavior to that of a seasoned performance artist. It also delves into Trump's influence from WWE dynamics and the spiritual symbolism in events like the January 6th insurrection.
22 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 1h 25min
209: The Right’s Fantasy Super-Villain (w/Renee Diresta)
Renee Diresta, an expert in disinformation, discusses her book 'Invisible Rulers' and the challenges of combating misinformation. The podcast explores the blurred lines between commentary and journalism in the age of social media, the dangers of disinformation, the influence of narratives on controlling information, and the evolution of media technology impacting society.
Jun 3, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Nicole Shanahan Talks DEI with Scott Adams
Dilbert creator Scott Adams and Nicole Shanahan delve into DEI, fertility, vaccines, transgender issues, and more in a conspiracy-laden conversation.
Jun 1, 2024 • 26min
Brief: Dancing for the Devil (w/Derek Doneen)
Documentary filmmaker Derek Doneen discusses his new Netflix docuseries 'Dancing for the Devil,' exposing the manipulative tactics of a cult leader through dance. The series delves into survivor stories, legal concerns, and the emotional journey of facing abuse. It explores the difficulties in engaging with the victims and highlights the persistence of dark operations within the cult.
