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
Mar 4, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: “There Are Worse Things Than Dying”
Exploring the intersection of conspirituality, grief, and belief in the pandemic era. RFK Jr's mantra 'There are worse things than dying' analyzed. Insights into American spirituality, individualism, and attitudes towards existential vulnerability.
6 snips
Mar 2, 2024 • 44min
Brief: The CPAC Pope and the Icicle Babies (w/ Brad Onishi)
Exploring Bishop Strickland's rise in Christian Nationalist circles post-removal by Pope Francis. CPAC analysis includes Nazi presence. Delving into gender roles, reproductive rights, and the critique of tolerance and abortion. Fatherhood and extremism intersection discussed.
Feb 29, 2024 • 1h 14min
195: Long COVID (w/Tara Haelle)
Exploring the challenges of Long COVID, patient advocacy, and medical recognition. Discussing diverse symptoms and blood test research. Analyzing NIH's Recover Study frustrations and medical gaslighting experiences. Advocating for empathy in healthcare and understanding vaccine injury compensation.
Feb 26, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Through the Looking-Glass
Mirror-world doppelgangers, synchronicities, New Age spirituality, cosmic holy war, pyramids charging UFOs, British Empire history, white guilt, cameo from Julian's Dad
Feb 24, 2024 • 38min
Brief: The “Super Reasonable” Dr. Vinay Prasad
The podcast discusses Dr. Vinay Prasad's contrarian views on COVID-19, demanding randomized trials for ICU patient care. It explores misinformation spread by influential figures and the normalization of anti-vaccine sentiments. The controversy surrounding randomized controlled trials and the disparities in research on pharmaceuticals and non-pharmacologic interventions are also highlighted. The Great Barrington Declaration and differing perspectives on COVID-19 management strategies are analyzed, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking.
9 snips
Feb 22, 2024 • 1h 11min
194: The Power Worshippers (w/Katherine Stewart)
Exploring the influence of Christian Nationalism in America, intertwining religious beliefs with extremist political ideologies. Discussing the dangers of faith turning into conspiracy theories, Jesus becoming Trump, and the impact on society. Uncovering the historical roots of Christian nationalism, manipulation tactics in the pro-life movement, divisive nature within relationships, and the need for a diverse coalition to defend democracy.
Feb 19, 2024 • 7min
Bonus Sample: Your Gut Isn't Leaking
Guest Mark Hyman, physician at Cleveland Clinic, discusses controversial topic of leaky gut syndrome and its alleged connection to various health issues. Podcast explores the lack of evidence in microbiome research and critiques wellness influencers exploiting gut health for product sales.
Feb 17, 2024 • 30min
Brief: Plandemic Takes the Promenade
Filmmaker Mikki Willis's anti-vax, COVID-grievance film won 'Best Documentary Feature.' Julian tracks conspiracy films at the Santa Monica International Film Festival. They discuss dangerous misinformation, platforming conspiracy theories, and the normalization of such content.
Feb 15, 2024 • 51min
193: Speaking Truth to GOOP (w/Dr Jen Gunter)
Dr Jen Gunter, an expert in debunking pseudoscience claims, discusses the challenges of navigating wellness culture and misinformation online. She highlights the dangers of seeking medical information from unreliable sources, such as social media and profit-driven supplement companies. They also explore the negative impact of misinformation in the wellness industry and provide guidance on how to handle clients who bring up questionable health information with evidence-based science.
Feb 12, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Living in the Enema Times
Exploring the dangers of enema craze, the promise of cleansing and control amidst chaos, and the rituals of consumption and purification.
