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
Oct 19, 2024 • 35min
Brief: Trump Temple Playlist
Dive into the surprising intersection of politics and music as a political leader turns a town hall into a musical spectacle, leveraging emotional resonance to connect with followers. Explore the chilling dynamics of charisma and how communal musical experiences can enthrall and manipulate. The discussion touches on cult-like behaviors of leaders, unveiling the psychological tactics used to maintain authority. Plus, a thoughtful reflection on privilege and the role of music in shaping political commentary adds depth to the conversation.
6 snips
Oct 17, 2024 • 1h 7min
228: Hurricane Trump
Listeners are drawn into the intriguing world of climate denial and the bizarre theories surrounding extreme weather. From claims of government cloud-seeding to divine retribution for societal sins, the podcast dissects the absurdities that fuel climate paralysis. The discussion covers the historical roots of weather manipulation conspiracies, critiques of influencer misinformation, and the psychological toll of doomsday narratives on communities. Ultimately, it reveals how beliefs can distort perceptions of the climate crisis, blending spirituality and conspiracy in a captivating narrative.
Oct 14, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Surviving Modern Yoga Panel (w/Ann Gleig & Michelle C. Johnson)
Dive into a thought-provoking conversation that tackles the darker side of yoga culture, examining abuse and the troubling history of a key figure in the community. The discussion also sheds light on high-demand tactics and the influence of social media during the pandemic. Sensitive topics like racism, gender-based violence, and the systems of oppression that permeate wellness spaces are thoughtfully explored, emphasizing the importance of supporting survivors and fostering healing within these communities.
Oct 12, 2024 • 52min
Deep Cut: The OG New Age Grifter: Madame Blavatsky
Dive into the life of Helena Blavatsky, a key figure in New Age spirituality and a master of deception. Discover how she blended ancient wisdom with self-invented lore, all while laying the groundwork for modern conspiracies. The influence of her teachings on extremist ideologies, including their connection to Nazism, is unsettling yet intriguing. Explore the complex interplay between spirituality, self-deception, and the pursuit of higher knowledge that continues to shape beliefs today.
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.
