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
9 snips
Jan 18, 2024 • 57min
189: Leftists Who Turn Right (w/Jeff Sharlet)
Journalist and documentarian Jeff Sharlet joins the podcast to discuss the crisis on the left, why some leftists are turning right, and the influence of conspiracy theories. They explore the appeal of feeling transgressive, the value of free speech, the presence of Christian nationalism in right-wing movements, and the concept of whiteness in America. The chapter also emphasizes the need to confront societal troubles, embrace diverse strategies, and take action against fascism.
Jan 15, 2024 • 9min
Bonus Sample: Swamp Creatures 6: Leonard Leo, Judicial Kingmaker
Leonard Leo, a preeminent power-broker in right-wing American politics, reshapes society with a libertarian Catholic agenda. He connects billionaire GOP mega-donors with SCOTUS judges, using Trump as part of a systematic takeover of the judicial system. The podcast explores Leo's influence and the current ethics and corruption scandal in the SCOTUS, including controversies surrounding Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and the influence of the Federalist Society.
Jan 13, 2024 • 35min
Brief: Fascia Facts vs Fictions (w/David Lesondak)
David Lesondak, Senior Structural Integrator and Fascia Specialist, discusses the truth about fascia and debunks pseudoscience. Topics include the complexity of fascia, debunking claims about Earth's magnetic field, debunking fascia's connection to autoimmune diseases, understanding the ileo-segal valve in digestion, and exploring the fascia and trauma connection.
11 snips
Jan 11, 2024 • 1h 29min
188: Everybody Wants to Save the Children (feat Esme Providence Brown)
Esme Providence Brown, a former professional sex worker, discusses the impacts of white knight saviors on trafficked children and adult sex workers. They explore anti-trafficking movements, portrayal of sex workers in media, origins of satanic panic, adrenochrome, and power dynamics in Lolita.
Jan 8, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Chris Rufo Wants America to Return to 1776
Chris Rufo, right-wing activist, discusses his opposition to DEI trainings, LGBTQ+ rights, and critical race theory. He recently led the charge against Claudine Gay, focusing on returning America back to 1776.
Jan 6, 2024 • 26min
Brief: RFK Jr’s New Director of Propaganda
Del Bigtree's role in the anti-vax movement, questioning authority and scaling up, chaotic childhood and views on vaccinations, hiring of a conspiracy theorist.
21 snips
Jan 4, 2024 • 1h 21min
187: Project 2025: An Authoritarian Conspiracy
The podcast discusses Project 2025, a roadmap for the next Republican president's first four months in office that aims to implement the unitary executive theory. It explores the conservative and religious organizations involved, the screening process for potential candidates, and the significance of creating a database of individuals for conservative government positions. The podcast also touches on inadequate reporting systems regarding abortion and maternity mortality in the United States, proposes removing the greenhouse gas reporting program, and discusses the perpetuation of class division and the absence of intersectionality in important discussions.
Jan 1, 2024 • 7min
Bonus Sample: Secular Person of Faith: pt 2 (w/Brad Onishi)
Brad Onishi, host of Straight White American Jesus, discusses post-religious spirituality, the spirituality of boredom, and the importance of finding new allies in unlikely places as we approach 2024 chaos.
Dec 30, 2023 • 41min
Brief: Secular Person of Faith: pt 1 (w/Brad Onishi)
Brad Onishi, host of Straight White American Jesus podcast, joins Matthew for a New Year's discussion on post-religious spirituality. They talk about the false choice between science and churches, explore the concept of 'secular person of faith,' and delve into the idea of 'Christian atheism.' They also discuss progressive evangelicals, clash of modern and pre-modern selves, and the need for a radical reimagining of Christianity.
Dec 28, 2023 • 1h 7min
186: Coaches Coaching Coaches
Explores the rise of coaches in various industries and the lack of qualifications and experience of many coaches. Discusses the oversupply of yoga teachers and concerns about unregulated coaches. Delves into the differences between therapy and coaching. Examines the use of 'containers' in the coaching industry and the monetization strategies used by coaches. Discusses marketing tactics and credibility in coaching. Explores deceptive practices in the coaching industry and the impact of capitalism on the market saturation.
