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
4 snips
Mar 28, 2024 • 1h 13min
199: Inside Anti-Abortion Christian Nationalism (w/Rob Schenck)
Former Evangelical leader Rob Schenck discusses his conversion away from the anti-abortion movement towards advocating for reproductive rights. He reveals the dangers of Christian Nationalism's influence in American politics and offers insights on pushing back against its aggression.
Mar 25, 2024 • 8min
Bonus Sample: Conspirituality and the Imaginary Children (Series Intro)
The podcast explores how children symbolize anxieties within conspirituality, from dread of harm to idolization of perfection. Reflecting on authority figures and gaps in cultural fatherhood, it delves into how misgivings about children lead to moral panics. Exploring parental influence and questioning authority in the conspirituality movement, it raises questions about the impact on younger generations.
Mar 23, 2024 • 30min
Brief: Unmasking Jay Shetty (w/John McDermott)
Investigating the truth behind spiritual influencer Jay Shetty's claims, the podcast explores his rise to fame, questionable practices of spiritual figures, deception in the self-help industry, and accusations of cultural exploitation. Join Derek and Matthew as they uncover the hidden layers of Shetty's public image and the complexities of spirituality in the media.
Mar 21, 2024 • 1h 7min
198: Holy Food (w/Christina Ward)
Explore the influence of cults on American food history, the role of food as a control mechanism, and the intersection of food, culture, and control in ideological groups. Delve into the life of Ellen G. White and her advocacy for vegetarianism. Discover unique culinary histories, discuss cultural exchange through food, and examine how food reflects identities and spiritual practices.
Mar 18, 2024 • 5min
Bonus Sample: Ketamine Soul Mates
Dolphins, drugs, and new age music intersect with the personal love story of Julian in the nineties tied to the work of scientist John C. Lilly. Gaia's spiritual platform mixes alien disclosure and QAnon theories for profit, but faces legal battles over trademarked creative IP. The podcast dives into the blurry lines between reality and make-believe in the realm of spirituality and extraterrestrial contact.
Mar 16, 2024 • 31min
Brief: RFK Jr Hijacks the “Crisis in Masculinity” (w/Natalia Petrzela)
Explore RFK Jr.'s appeal to young men, the link between masculinity and conspiracy theories, his proposed fitness camps for troubled youth, and controversies surrounding his image. Dive into the intersection of populism, fitness, and American history with Natalia Petrzela.
Mar 14, 2024 • 1h 7min
197: Psychic Surgery (feat Brad Abrahams)
Explore the bizarre world of psychic surgery in the 1970s with Brad Abrahams, uncovering the cultural influences, colonization impacts, and the rise of fraudulent healers. Dive deep into the psychology of extreme beliefs, spiritual tourism in the Philippines, and the deceptive practices of psychic surgeons. Discover the complexities of placebo effects, ethical dilemmas, and the intersection of creativity with spirituality.
Mar 11, 2024 • 7min
Bonus Sample: How to Stamp Out Racists (and more)
Discussion on when to write someone off based on disagreement, exploring personal growth and changing perspectives. Emphasis on stamping out racism in society. Topics include racial bias in education, historical debates on the American Dream, and the impact of distorted history.
10 snips
Mar 9, 2024 • 35min
Brief: The God Pivot: Rogan, Brand, & Huberman
Discussing the shift towards faith in online personalities like Russell Brand and Joe Rogan, exploring the intersection of religion and ethics, and analyzing public figures' confessions of personal details and reliance on God for absolution and transformation.
Mar 7, 2024 • 1h 15min
196: Julian Goes to the New Age Expo!
Explore the blend of mystical practices and COVID-related conspiracy theories at the Conscious Life Expo in LA. Discover the allure of conspiracist beliefs within the New Age expo, featuring unconventional beliefs and self-reliance responses. Dive into vibrational healing, pseudosciences on Instagram, and the metaphysical worldview presented at the event. Encounter the intense atmosphere of the Medical Freedom Symposium with Dell Big Tree leading the anti-vaccine movement.
