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
10 snips
Apr 18, 2024 • 1h 22min
202: Steve Hassan and the Trans Cult Conspiracy Theory
Cult expert Steve Hassan delves into the controversial theory of trans youth being influenced by online porn and social media to medically transition. The podcast explores concerns around minors' gender care, cult control, and Hassan's stance on trans issues. It delves into detransitioning stories, sissy hypno conspiracy theories, and the heated discourse surrounding trans identity.
Apr 15, 2024 • 8min
Bonus Sample: Long Haul Stories: Matthew Stillman
Matthew Stillman, a New Yorker, shares his journey through Long COVID, trying alternative treatments like red light therapy and Chinese herbs after conventional medicine failed. He discusses the tension between hope and knowledge in navigating Long COVID, highlighting the challenges and uncertainties faced by those dealing with the condition.
Apr 13, 2024 • 44min
Brief: A History of the Gay Right (w/Neil Young)
Historian Neil J. Young discusses his book on the history of the Gay Right, focusing on gay Republicans' struggles for privacy and civil rights within the GOP. The podcast explores the clash between personal freedom and societal acceptance, highlighting individuals like John Hinson and the impact of the HIV AIDS crisis. It delves into the complex intersection of gay rights and trans politics, shedding light on the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Apr 11, 2024 • 1h 18min
201: Librarians Are Not Groomers (w/Heath Umbreit)
Heath Umbreit, a librarian, discusses defending libraries against neo-fascist attacks and promoting inclusivity. Topics include misinformation, Moms for Liberty controversy, conservative influence on education, distortion of history, and challenges in library curation.
Apr 8, 2024 • 7min
Bonus Sample: Project 2025's Disdain for Public Education
A deep dive into Project 2025, a governance plan by the Heritage Foundation for the next Republican president, aiming to give unprecedented power to the executive branch. The plan focuses on diverting public funds to Christian schools while silencing discussions on DEI, CRT, and gender theory.
Apr 6, 2024 • 45min
Brief: The High Cost of Wellness
The podcast explores the high costs of wellness products and services in comparison to traditional healthcare, delving into the motivations behind turning to alternative medicine due to expensive American healthcare. It challenges the influence of language in the alternative medicine debate and exposes the lack of scientific backing, while also discussing the financial implications of seeking alternative therapies and the disparities in healthcare costs.
15 snips
Apr 4, 2024 • 1h 9min
200: Rogan-Rufo Reality Check
The podcast discusses the clash between reality and spectacle in the world of conspirituality influencers like Joe Rogan and Chris Rufo. It explores confrontations with figures like Taylor Lorenz and Alex Jones, questioning if reality can break through the delusions created by spectacle brokers.
Apr 1, 2024 • 7min
Bonus Sample: The GOP Thinks Food Stamps Are the Real Problem
Investigating Project 2025, a plan to give full power to the executive branch. Focus on stripping funding for food stamps and welfare programs. Discussions on climate change denial and deregulating Big Ag.
Mar 30, 2024 • 34min
Brief: Woman, Life, Freedom (w/Negin Shiraghaei)
Negin Shiraghaei discusses the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran post Mahsa Amini's death, shedding light on the ongoing oppression under Ali Khamenei's administration. The conversation delves into the global impact of the slogan, conspiracy theories, empowering women through solidarity, threats to women's rights from Christian nationalism, and the importance of activism and tech ventures in building communities.
4 snips
Mar 30, 2024 • 28min
Brief: Yes, Huberman’s Behavior Matters
Reporter Kerry Howley discusses Andrew Huberman's deceptive behavior and its impact on his role as a science communicator. They explore parallels between pseudoscience and pseudotherapy, emphasizing the importance of considering an influencer's private life. The podcast delves into power dynamics, controversies, and ethical implications in the realm of wellness optimization.
