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 16, 2025 • 35min
Brief: Olympics for Dopers
The Enhanced Games plan to showcase athletes' full potential by allowing any performance-enhancing drugs. The podcast dives into why Silicon Valley billionaires are backing this controversial event. It examines the ethical dilemmas of bodily autonomy versus the implications of doping on sports culture. The discussion touches on the discrepancies in athlete earnings versus Olympic profits, and critiques the commercialization of performance supplements. Expect a thought-provoking exploration of fame, scandal, and the future of competitive sports.
6 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 60min
270: Kennedy's Bloodbath
The podcast dives into the controversial decisions of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., particularly the shocking cancellation of nearly $500 million in mRNA vaccine funding. It explores the rising visibility of Lyme disease, fueled by celebrity cases and climate change, while critiquing the influence of alternative medicine. Discussions reveal the challenges misinformation poses to vaccine efficacy and public health, coupled with the complexities of integrating personal beliefs with broader health strategies. Historical perspectives on vaccines and modern wellness trends add depth to this engaging discourse.
Aug 11, 2025 • 5min
Bonus Sample: Nair, Mamdani, and Culture against the Culture War (Pt 1)
Explore the intricate dynamics of cultural labels as the discussion dives into how terms like 'good' and 'bad' Muslims reflect American political attitudes rather than genuine religious beliefs. Discover insights into Zohran Mamdani's upbringing and his fight against cultural oversimplifications that have negatively impacted Muslim communities since 9/11. The conversation also touches on the resilience of marginalized individuals, inspiring us to question societal definitions of 'outsiders'.
11 snips
Aug 9, 2025 • 43min
Brief: Nair, Mamdani, and Culture against the Culture War (Pt 1)
Explore the resilience of marginalized individuals and their complex identities. Delve into the culture wars and their impact, especially on Muslims post-9/11. Discover the journey of a filmmaker whose works challenge stereotypes while advocating for social justice. Unpack the emotional struggles of historical figures intertwined with a personal narrative. Finally, reflect on the poignant themes of faith, power, and dignity through an evocative Urdu poem, connecting the past with modern issues of identity.
11 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 2min
269: The Book of Gwyneth
Amy Odell, a New York-based journalist and author of the biography 'Gwyneth', delves into Gwyneth Paltrow's transformation from actress to wellness mogul. She critiques Goop's role in spreading health misinformation, discussing contentious wellness trends like yoni eggs and coffee enemas. The conversation reveals the complexities of celebrity culture and the commercialization of spirituality, while exploring how Paltrow's branding shapes public perception and consumer behavior in the wellness industry.
Aug 4, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: The '80s Zen Master Con Man
Delve into the extravagant life of Frederick Lenz, a master con artist masquerading as a Zen guru. Discover his wild claims of paranormal prowess and enlightenment rituals that masked a darker reality. While he spun tales of spiritual greatness, he lived luxuriously, manipulating students in the name of enlightenment. Unravel the tragic story of his rise and fall, revealing the intersection of spirituality and deception in the '80s. This tale uncovers how charisma can lead to cult-like devotion and devastating consequences.
Aug 2, 2025 • 23min
Brief: DJ Khaled of Pseudoscience
Strange billboards featuring Elizabeth Holmes signal a bizarre revival of the Theranos brand with a wellness twist. The discussion unpacks misleading advertising and its risks to health and investor trust. Controversial marketing tactics in biotech come under fire, and the hosts reflect on the tension between scientific integrity and fraudulent claims in the health industry. They address the responsibility of wellness influencers and the urgent need for accountability in public health, spotlighting the consequences of pseudoscience.
14 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 14min
268: Rogan’s Christian President
This week, the hosts dive into Bari Weiss's ambitious $250 million media venture amid major mergers affecting journalism. They dissect RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine stance and a lawsuit linked to his nonprofit, highlighting the fragility of public health arguments. James Talarico's powerful stand against Christian nationalism on Joe Rogan sparks a thought-provoking discussion about faith in politics. The conversation wraps up by tackling the intricate relationship between celebrity worship and societal values, exploring how these dynamics influence public discourse.
Jul 28, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: "Natural" Snake Oil?
Dive into the curious world of food activism as the hosts critique the recent governmental push to eliminate artificial ingredients. They explore how influencers profit from products made through the same processes they decry. The dialogue reveals the complexities of health trends and questions the real progress being made in food quality and accessibility. It's a thought-provoking look at the intersection of wellness and commercial interests, highlighting the contradictions in the fight for healthier eating.
Jul 26, 2025 • 39min
Brief: Mehdi Hasan vs Jordan Peterson
The podcast dives into Mehdi Hasan's Jubilee debate that ignited fervent online discussions, exploring media engagement and clickbait culture. It contrasts the dynamics of far-right participants with those from a heated exchange between Jordan Peterson and atheists. The hosts critique the ethical dilemmas of debate formats and the complexities of political ideologies like autocracy. Additionally, there's a deep exploration of immigration debates and the charged emotions they evoke. Finally, it emphasizes the challenges of navigating echo chambers while advocating for constructive dialogue.
