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
6 snips
May 22, 2025 • 1h 16min
258: Pope Bob Vs. Trump World
A recent meeting between the Pope and Trump allies reveals tensions between the Church and conservative political agendas. The Pope’s enigmatic response raises questions about his role amidst rising fascism. Discussions include Opus Dei’s controversial ties to fascism and financial influence, alongside the Church's colonial legacy. The ongoing struggle between progressive and conservative factions within Catholicism highlights debates on LGBTQ rights and leadership inclusivity. Historical narratives intertwine with contemporary politics, showcasing the challenges the Church faces today.
May 19, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Beyond Violence and Nonviolence (Part 2)
Matthew and Ben Case dive deep into the intriguing world of strategic nonviolence, profiling Gene Sharp and his controversial funding sources. They discuss Erica Chenoweth's critique of antifascist protests and how property damage might hinder opposition movements. The conversation raises questions about the military ties in nonviolence research, with references to significant figures and organizations. They also explore the journey from spiritual resistance inspired by Gandhi to contemporary strategic approaches, emphasizing the balance between idealism and practicality in activism.
May 17, 2025 • 48min
Brief: Beyond Violence and Nonviolence (Part 1)
In this discussion, Ben Case, a retired professional Muay Thai fighter and researcher at the Center for Work and Democracy, dives into the multifaceted nature of violence and nonviolence in social movements. He challenges the dominant narratives surrounding strategic nonviolence, revealing the ignored complexities of resistance tactics. Case also shares his own journey from aspiring Navy SEAL to anti-war activism, critiquing the oversimplified views on Gandhi's legacy and exploring the vital role of combat sports in fostering resilience in political struggles.
46 snips
May 15, 2025 • 1h 11min
257: AI Gurus
The podcast dives into the intriguing intersections of AI and spirituality. It analyzes how flattering chatbot interactions can lead to self-delusion and emotional dependence. The rise of AI companions raises ethical questions about their impact on human relationships. The environmental costs of AI, from energy consumption to water use, are critically assessed. The hosts explore the potential job displacement from AI advancements and ponder the dystopian risks of technology manipulation on our thoughts and well-being.
May 12, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: The UFO Race-War Apocalypse is Coming!
The discussion opens with a chilling 1932 ritual sacrifice in Detroit that reveals the darker side of religious fervor. It then unpacks the intriguing origins of the Nation of Islam and its unique sci-fi mythological narratives. The podcast dives into how these beliefs intertwine with conspiracy theories, exploring the troubling cultural and political ramifications. Expect a wild ride through the bizarre intersections of spirituality, history, and the quest for truth.
May 10, 2025 • 33min
Brief: What Will Universal Healthcare Actually Require?
Collin Stackhouse, Social Media Coordinator for Healthcare for All Oregon, and Rebecca Schoon, Associate Professor of Public Health, dive into Oregon's recent Measure 111. This landmark amendment guarantees access to affordable healthcare as a constitutional right. They discuss the journey towards implementing universal healthcare, the crucial advocacy role of organizations, and compare Oregon’s efforts to Canada's successful model. The conversation also unpacks the complexities of engaging communities and mobilizing support to overcome barriers in this new healthcare landscape.
May 8, 2025 • 59min
256: Quacks, Cancer, and Kangen Water (feat Mallory DeMille)
Mallory DeMille, a correspondent investigating wellness trends and alternative medicine, unpacks the dangerous misconceptions surrounding cancer treatments. She discusses the allure of wellness influencers peddling quick fixes like Kangen water, which oversimplify a complex disease. The conversation critiques the commercialization of health products and the ethical dilemmas in multi-level marketing. DeMille emphasizes the risks of misinformation, urging critical thinking and informed choices when navigating treatments, especially for vulnerable patients.
12 snips
May 5, 2025 • 7min
Bonus Sample: How Did Gen X Go MAGA?
The podcast delves into the surprising shift of Generation X from a relatively moderate stance to becoming a cornerstone of Trumpism. It examines the evolving political landscape and factors that influenced this transformation. With reflections on their 80s upbringing, listeners explore the complexity of Gen X identity amidst modern politics. The discussion also questions whether labeling Gen X as 'Trumpers' oversimplifies their diverse experiences and beliefs.
27 snips
May 3, 2025 • 28min
Brief: The New Media Order
The podcast dives into the unusual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, highlighting a journalist’s apology for the media's failures. It contrasts this with a new parallel event by Substack, raising questions about the rising 'new media order.' The discussion touches on the complexities of defining independent journalism amidst the influence of financial interests. Additionally, a comedic parody offers sharp critiques of the Trump era, blending humor with poignant commentary on press freedoms and public trust in media.
5 snips
May 1, 2025 • 1h 1min
255: A MAHA Wellness Scam at Ontario Place
Bruce Van Dieten, a retired activist advocating for public spaces, and Ann-Elizabeth Samson, a futures thinking expert and open water swimmer, delve into the complexities surrounding Ontario Place. They discuss the privatization of cherished public spaces by the Therme Spa company, raising concerns about accessibility, environmental impact, and the commercialization of wellness. The conversation highlights the historical evolution of Ontario Place, critiques the government’s handling of public welfare, and emphasizes the need for community engagement in urban planning.
