
Conspirituality
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.
Latest episodes

Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 5min
244: Battle for the Onesies
The potential confirmation of RFK Jr. as the head of public health raises significant alarm bells. The hosts dissect the intertwining of conspiracy theories and wellness culture, highlighting the dangers of misinformation. They delve into the implications of anti-vaccine rhetoric and the rise of right-wing pseudo-journals. The conversation extends to the monetization of health ideas and historical manipulations of scientific data. There's also a deep dive into the cultural narratives that threaten genuine health advancements and the increasing risks of harmful ideologies.

Feb 10, 2025 • 7min
Bonus Sample: What We're Facing
Dive into the chaos of political discourse shaped by the Trump administration. Discover how fringe groups and key figures are influencing the modern right. Explore the competing realities crafted by left and right ideologies, urging listeners to examine their biases. The role of media in this divide sparks reflection and encourages engagement, despite contrasting viewpoints. It’s a thought-provoking discussion on navigating the complexities of contemporary politics.

13 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 45min
Brief: Why Didn’t I Yell STFU at Jordan Peterson in 2017?
In 2017, a notable figure sparked a heated debate about hate speech and its societal implications. The discussion delves into the alarming rise of fascist rhetoric and the failures in addressing harmful ideologies. It explores the dynamics of political discourse, highlighting the dangers of personal attacks and the inadequacy of rational debate against oppression. The podcast also considers the history of antifascism and stresses the importance of proactive organizing in combating rising authoritarianism. The impact of language on marginalized groups is critically examined, urging action over words.

Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 4min
243: Free Market Contrarians (w/Eoin Higgins)
Eoin Higgins, a journalist and author of "Owned: How Tech Billionaires on the Right Bought the Loudest Voices on the Left," delves into the ideological shifts of Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi. He examines how their once leftist viewpoints have morphed into right-leaning perspectives, influenced by tech billionaires. The conversation reveals fascinating insights into the complexities of modern journalism, the impact of media ownership on public discourse, and the challenge of maintaining integrity in politically charged environments.

Feb 3, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Kelly Brogan’s Divine Dungeon: Pt 2 (feat/Esme Providence Brown)
Delve into the transformation of a medical expert into a figure in the world of pseudotherapy, revealing the risks of unregulated practices. Discover the interplay between BDSM and pole dancing, highlighting both their appeal and the challenges they face in inclusive wellness spaces. The conversation critiques an antifeminist angle intertwined with modern wellness trends, ultimately questioning the motives behind controversial feminist rhetoric.

12 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 29min
Brief: Anti-Social Media (w/Renee Diresta)
In this discussion, digital disinformation expert Renee Diresta dives into the shifting landscape of social media amid political tensions. She unpacks how platforms like Meta, X, and TikTok are aligning with MAGA ideologies, questioning the balance between censorship and free speech. Renee shares personal insights on past censorship, comparing it to today's challenges in content moderation. The conversation also highlights the impact of propaganda and the evolution of internet design towards decentralized user control.

17 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 56min
242: Executive Disorder
This episode dives into the chaos of recent executive orders, including the controversies around pardoning January 6th insurrectionists. Street violence linked to extremist groups poses an alarming threat to democracy. The discussion touches on the implications of misleading health data and its effects on public trust. They also critique the shift in biomedical research funding from public to private sources. Finally, the complex interplay between faith, politics, and social justice unveils the responses from religious institutions amid rising inequalities.

Jan 27, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: 1950’s Alien Yoga
Dive into the bizarre tale of George King's 1950s encounter with an extraterrestrial during meditation. Discover the birth of the Aetherius Society, which claims a galactic federation is being silenced by governments. Explore the blend of yoga and conspiracy as ancient spiritual movements echo in today's culture. This wild journey connects historical beliefs to modern-day 'red-pilled' ideologies, revealing how everything old seems new again. Intrigued? You'll want to hear how intergalactic communication shapes contemporary thought!

Jan 25, 2025 • 34min
Brief: Patients Before Profits
Frontline caregivers in Oregon are striking for basic rights, facing off against a wealthy healthcare system. Personal stories reveal the struggles of patients and providers alike, exposing systemic issues and insurance denials. The strike raises urgent questions about equity and fair treatment in healthcare. Delving into the controversies of a non-profit giant, it critiques high executive salaries and ethical concerns. Political decisions loom large, hinting at the potential for corporate interests to overshadow patient care.

9 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 16min
241: Unravelling The Telepathy Tapes
In this insightful discussion, Janyce Boynton, a former facilitated communication practitioner, delves into the controversial practice that claims to give a voice to non-speaking autistic individuals. She candidly reflects on the seductive promise of the technique, but warns it undermines true agency and dignity. The conversation also critiques the illusion of telepathic communication and the emotional burdens faced by families seeking genuine support. Boynton emphasizes the need for accurate representation and effective therapies in the autism discourse.
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