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
May 11, 2024 • 45min
Brief: An Honest Discussion About Food (w/Dr Sarah Ballantyne)
Dr. Sarah Ballantyne discusses dangers of diet misinformation, obesity issues, and challenges of food discussions. Topics include nutrient deficiencies in the US, holistic nutrition, and redefining health beyond size. Also covers personal experiences with weight loss and nutritious food choices.
May 9, 2024 • 1h 16min
205: Dismantling Movement Dogmas (w/Laurel Beversdorf & Sarah Court)
Laurel Beversdorf and Sarah Court discuss movement dogmas, debunking health claims, and fallen gurus in the fitness industry. They emphasize science-based content, challenging alignment dogmas, and the dangers of conspiracism. The conversation dives into back pain management controversies, the impact of social media on pain perception, and the nuances of movement science and pain management. They also explore gender stereotypes in yoga marketing, societal beauty norms, and evolving beliefs around alignment in yoga practice.
May 6, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Imaginary Children #1: Fetal Remains
Rob Schenck and Frank Pavone discuss investing images of unborn with desires. Rob exits anti-abortion highway, Pavone still on it. Includes Kermit Gosnell story showing political disaster. Abortion details discussed. Exploring symbolism of fetal remains in movement and disturbing encounter in pathology lab.
13 snips
May 4, 2024 • 47min
Brief: Religion is Not Belief? (w/Blair Hodges)
Blair Hodges, a religion historian, challenges the notion that beliefs are essential to religion, emphasizing the need to absorb and neutralize beliefs for communal growth. The discussion explores the complexities of navigating beliefs and disillusionment in religion, highlighting the importance of openness, adaptability, and social justice within religious communities.
May 2, 2024 • 1h 10min
204: What the Hell is RFK Jr Doing?
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr and tech oligarch Nicole Shanahan discuss RFK Jr's anti-vaccine stance, VP aspirations, and doubts about polio. They explore his polling, rhetoric, and charisma, as well as controversies surrounding a Super Bowl ad and political impact. The podcast also delves into the misuse of the 'culture war' term, student protests, live virus vaccines, and RFK Jr's enigmatic spirituality.
Apr 29, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Let's Talk About Gary Brecka
Human biologist and life coach Gary Brecka's credibility is questioned in this podcast as he discusses topics like seed oils, GMOs, depression, and detoxifying through water fasts. The podcast delves into the controversy surrounding his qualifications and the implications of his pseudoscientific leanings, including his association with a fervent Scientologist. The discussion also covers the environmental and political aspects of holistic health and wellness beliefs.
11 snips
Apr 27, 2024 • 55min
Deep Cut: On Belief
Exploring the impact of spiritual beliefs and conspiracy theories, the podcast delves into intertwined beliefs and actions, personal anecdotes challenging misconceptions, confrontations against racial violence, and reflections on magic, technology, and belief. It also explores the connection between religious symbolism, far-right ideologies, and the Capitol riots.
7 snips
Apr 25, 2024 • 1h 6min
203: Is This a Joke? (w/Neal Brennan)
Stand-up comedian Neal Brennan shares his journey through plant medicine, discussing how emotional healing impacts his comedy. They delve into the complexities of comics as political pundits and the intertwining of spirituality with psychedelics. The podcast explores the challenges of balancing integrity with financial considerations in podcast advertising and the evolving role of comedians in cultural and political discourse.
Apr 22, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: The Dark Sun, The Red Cow, and The End of Days
The podcast explores tension between Israel and Iran due to conspiracy theories about a solar eclipse, focusing on the significance of the 'red heifer' and its journey to Jerusalem. It questions the role of apocalyptic prophecies in shaping events and delves into beliefs shaping collective fantasies.
Apr 20, 2024 • 42min
Brief: Yoga Teacher’s Survival Guide (w/Theo Wildcroft & Harriet McAtee)
Theo Wildcroft and Harriet McAtee discuss navigating capitalism and spirituality, medicine and religion, and gigwork vs. care work in the post-pandemic yoga world. They explore the commercialization of yoga, challenges within the industry, and the impact of the pandemic on the yoga community.
