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
Aug 31, 2023 • 1h 43min
169: Neo Tantra & Sex Work (w/Esme Providence Brown)
Esme Providence Brown, a professional dominatrix and yoga teacher, discusses the overlapping realms of yoga, wellness, neo-tantra, and sex work. Topics covered include transparent vs. non-transparent labor practices, performative intimacy, gendered inequalities, the involvement of neo-tantrics in the January 6th insurrection, the gendered nature of spirituality, the importance of consent, the evolution of comfort and boundaries in sex work, critique of Kelly Brogan's views on femininity and kink, exploring shame and stigma, the intersection of yoga and sex work, extreme ideologies within certain groups, advocacy for sex worker rights, autonomy and transparency in the wellness industry, dangers of gender-essentializing and trans bigotry, and discussions on BDSM and trauma healing.
Aug 28, 2023 • 9min
Bonus Sample: What Is the Rabbit Hole?
The podcast explores the blindspots of the 'rabbit hole' metaphor, challenges assumptions about rationality, and examines the insanities of the dominant culture. It also discusses the lack of communication between left-wing and right-wing movements, analyzes cult recruitment vulnerability, and questions the 'normal' versus 'cult' dichotomy.
Aug 26, 2023 • 25min
Brief: Softening The Turtle Shell (w/Frank Han, M.D.)
Julian talks with Dr. Frank Han, a pediatrician and pediatric cardiologist, about debunking the anti-vaxxers' new book 'Turtles All the Way Down'. They discuss tactics used by the anti-vaxx ecosystem, the use of placebos in vaccine trials, addressing concerns and debunking misinformation, and tips for engaging in discussions with parents reconsidering vaccination.
Aug 24, 2023 • 1h 45min
168: Decoding the Gurus (w/Chris Kavanagh and Matt Browne)
Scholars Chris Kavanagh and Matt Browne join for a lively panel discussion on conspiritualists. They explain their 'Gurometer' method of decoding influencers. They also resolve the argument about sacred beliefs shaping political worldviews. The podcast explores the overlap between politics, psychology, and secular gurus, and discusses the transformation of critical thinkers into COVID contrarians. The hosts reflect on their work and the influence of religious beliefs on political ideologies.
Aug 21, 2023 • 8min
Bonus Sample: Swamp Creatures
Explore the corrupt influence peddlers and conspiracy mongerers in Trump's campaign. Learn about the involvement of Guo Wangui in spreading misinformation, fraudulent activities, and the controversies surrounding the We Build the Wall Go Fund Me campaign.
Aug 19, 2023 • 1h 15min
Deep Cut: What Will Yoga Do to Our Children?
This podcast explores the lifting of a ban on yoga in schools in Alabama, the controversy surrounding yoga in America, the Take Back Yoga campaign, the debate over cultural appropriation and secularization of yoga, and the potential immunity yoga can offer children against ideological challenges.
5 snips
Aug 17, 2023 • 1h 25min
167: Straight White American Jesus (w/Bradley Onishi)
Dr. Bradley Onishi, author of Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism, discusses his personal experience with evangelical Christianity, the intersection of religion and identity, navigating life after leaving the church, the power of faith and embracing uncertainty, spiritual warfare in conservative Christian communities, the formation of coalitions among Christians, and recent news and conspiracy theories.
Aug 14, 2023 • 6min
Bonus Sample: The Anxiety of Wellness
This podcast explores the anxiety marketed as optimal health in wellness spaces. They discuss the reflections on meat, orthorexia, and the progress of health. They also highlight the negative effects of aspiration and question the constant desire for more despite having enough nutrients for a healthy life.
Aug 12, 2023 • 39min
Brief: Documenting Michelle Remembers (w/Sean Horlor & Steve Adams)
Canadian filmmakers Sean Horlor & Steve Adams excavate the origin story of the Satanic Panic movement, discussing the film 'Satan Wants You' that explores its impact. They uncover 'Michelle Remembers' book, recover therapy tapes, use recreations in their documentary, and explore the aftermath of the events described in the podcast.
Aug 10, 2023 • 1h 28min
166: QAnonAnonymous Goes to Hollywood (w/Travis View and Jake Rockatansky)
Travis View and Jake Rockatansky, hosts of QAnonAnonymous Podcast, discuss their experiences covering QAnon conspiracy theories, attending protests, interviewing the QAnon shaman, and getting infected with COVID multiple times. They also talk about the documentary 'Sound of Freedom' and its rising popularity within the QAnon mythos. The podcast explores leaderlessness in the QAnon community, the engagement of audiences during film screenings, blowback, mental health, and pursuing positive outlets amidst conspiracy theories.
