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
Dec 25, 2023 • 8min
Bonus Sample: Under the Xmas Starship
In this podcast, the speaker reflects on the joys and complexities of Christmas and parenting. They discuss the distinctions between religions and cults, and the importance of finding the sacred in our mortal humanity. They also touch on religious upbringing, fantasy figures, and their thoughts on childhood imagination.
Dec 23, 2023 • 30min
Brief: Cop(Out)28 (w/Maya Lilly)
Maya Lilly, a film and digital media producer who focuses on activist documentary storytelling, discusses COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference. She highlights the presence of fossil fuel industry lobbyists, billionaire attendees, and the financial incentives that exist. Maya emphasizes the importance of political will and voting for climate-forward legislators. The podcast also covers media influence, greenwashing tactics by corporations, and highlights companies and projects addressing environmental issues.
Dec 21, 2023 • 1h 32min
185: Light in the Growing Darkness
The podcast discusses the evolution of disinformation, declining common sense, the politicization of science, resistance to Christian nationalism, and threats to democracy. They also mention their favorite podcasts, books that influenced the interviews, and positive experiences during the pandemic.
Dec 18, 2023 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Rife-Wing Misogyny
Matt Rife, a comedian with a controversial Netflix special, discusses the escalation and rhetoric surrounding his show. He addresses the backlash, his responses on social media, and the praise he received from right-wing pundits like Jordan Peterson.
Dec 16, 2023 • 54min
Brief: The Mother God Cult
Amy Carlson, leader of the 'Love Has Won' cult, preached a QAnon-themed spirituality while selling colloidal silver and New Age tchotchkes. The podcast explores her tragic story, the aftermath of failed prophecies, and the dynamics of the cult. It also discusses the documentary 'Mother God' and the impact of exploitive talk shows on cults. The complexities of cult documentaries and the power of belief in controversial communities are analyzed.
Dec 14, 2023 • 59min
184: Lies That Take Lives (w/Scott Kennedy)
Scott Kennedy, documentary filmmaker, discusses the deadly impact of anti-vaxx kingpins like Andrew Wakefield and RFK Jr. His film, 'Shot in the Arm,' exposes their pseudoscientific fear-mongering. The hosts also explore the psychology of cults and crimes, share personal experiences with vaccination, and promote other podcasts.
Dec 11, 2023 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Post Lapsed Catholic?
In this podcast, the host discusses building bridges with progressive elements of a global religion undergoing paranoia and radicalization. They also explore personal past experiences with the Roman Catholic Church and its flaws.
Dec 9, 2023 • 39min
Deep Cut: The Final Battle
Exploring the historical connections between anti-government militia history, religious apocalypticism, and Trump's 2024 presidential campaign kick-off in Waco, Texas. Discussing the origins of QAnon and its link to the Great Awakening. Delving into the influence of Ellen White and Geschwind syndrome on Seventh Day Adventism. Exploring the intersection of extremism, conspiracy theories, and Trump's strategy.
Dec 7, 2023 • 1h 27min
183: Woke Pope Cancels America's Bishop (w/Mike Lewis)
Guest Mike Lewis discusses the rise of conspiracy theory Catholicism, the removal of Bishop Joseph Strickland, controversy around abortion-derived vaccines, and the challenges of social media divisions in the Catholic Church. The podcast also explores the psychological aspects of extreme beliefs, the teachings of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church's perspective on vaccinations and stem cell research, and concludes by inviting listeners to continue the conversation.
Dec 4, 2023 • 9min
Bonus Sample: Goliath & Narcissus: A Brett Weinstein Breakdown
Brett Weinstein and Heather Weinstein discuss conspiracy influencers, echo chambers, and distortions. They explore the link between influencers and right-wing propagandists, mentioning Russell Brand and Joe Rogan. The podcast also examines the relationship between intense identification with hidden knowledge and narcissism, mentioning the story of Narcissus from ancient Roman mythology.
