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
12 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 3min
246: Shock Doctrine of Discovery
Dive into the fantastical world where politics and conspiracy culture collide. From Trump's bizarre declarations to absurd proposals about Canada's statehood, the discussions reveal the strange logic at play. Explore the colonial legacy shaping today's political landscape and engage with indigenous activism, like Burnham Burnham's cheeky claim over England. Delve into the Doctrine of Discovery and its lingering impact on modern governance. Unravel how language molds societal beliefs and reflects the struggle for identity among colonized communities.
Feb 24, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Manners, the Machine, and Malaparte’s Technique de Coup d’État
The discussion dives into the dual nature of contemporary fascism, highlighting its ideological aesthetics and technocratic elements. It contrasts trolls' far-right beliefs with their coding skills. A century-old fascist thesis is unpacked, emphasizing the importance of controlling the 'machine' in a coup d'état. There's a critical look at how liberal discourse on manners distracts from the realities of power and capital. The conversation sheds light on the challenges of navigating social media dynamics and their impact on societal values.
32 snips
Feb 22, 2025 • 35min
Brief: Antifascist Woodshed
Dive into a critical review of six essential books that define fascism and document the resistance against it. Explore diverse perspectives on political activism, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among liberals and leftists. Discover the tactical insights from history on how coups succeed—focusing on strategy over ideology. Finally, arm yourself with grassroots methods and legal strategies to effectively combat fascism, sparking a conversation on the ethics of resistance.
Feb 20, 2025 • 55min
245: Raw Dogging Wellness [feat Mallory DeMille]
Mallory DeMille, a wellness expert and critic, dives into the controversial raw wellness trend. She dissects the health myths surrounding raw milk and meat, highlighting the pseudoscience fueling these beliefs. The discussion also examines the romanticized roots of the raw food movement and its ties to contemporary wellness culture. Mallory critiques the appeal of raw water and the commercial exploitation of health ideals, emphasizing the dangers of neglecting scientific understanding in favor of trendy diets.
Feb 18, 2025 • 27min
Relief Project #8: Blair Hodges
Blair Hodges, an expert in journalism, religious studies, and disability studies, shares insights on transforming his Mormon upbringing into a force for social justice. He discusses the limits of the nuclear family in building community, the significance of James Baldwin, and personal grappling with climate anxiety in children. Blair also explores new perspectives on repentance and the importance of small, meaningful community actions after leaving religious groups. His journey highlights the interplay between individual growth and societal responsibility.
5 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Sample: Scientology’s Sci-Fi Religion
Explore the wild origins of Scientology, born from sci-fi writer L. Ron Hubbard's audacious prediction about wealth through religion. Discover the transformative impact of his death on the organization and the rise of David Miscavige as its controversial leader. Unpack the bizarre blend of self-help, pseudoscience, and alien mythology that captivated hundreds of thousands. Delve into the ongoing cultural debates surrounding its practices and the legacy of a man viewed by some as a prophet and by others as a fraud.
13 snips
Feb 15, 2025 • 26min
Brief: Make Apartheid Great Again
Julian Walker, who grew up under apartheid in South Africa and later left due to its oppressive regime, shares his insights on life during that tumultuous period. He discusses Donald Trump’s recent comments on white South Africans and the confusion surrounding them. Julian reflects on the contrasts of privilege and guilt experienced under apartheid, the complexities of current land reform debates, and the implications of a new bill affecting descendants of European settlers seeking asylum in the U.S. His personal stories shed light on a painful history and ongoing struggles.
Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 1min
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.
