This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Rachel delves into the captivating world of psychics and the allure that draws many individuals to them. She explores the historical roots of clairvoyance, from palm readers to mediums claiming to communicate with the dead. She examines the motivations behind people's desires for certainty in an uncertain world. Rachel shares a personal story about ...
Feb 07, 2025•4 min
Penny Lane is a survivor, writer, wife, and mother with an insatiable passion for life and books. Originally from Jackson Heights, Queens, She is the author of the recently published memoir, Redeemed, A Memoir of a Stolen Childhood a gritty, ultimately uplifting memoir about a happy-go-lucky girl who is unexpectedly snatched away from her home—by her long-lost father. In her spare time, Penny helps underserved youth learn to read, apply to college, and find jobs once they graduate. She volunteer...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 24 min
In this enlightening episode, Rachel welcomes Jon Atack, a leading expert on authoritarian cults and bestselling author, for a deep dive into the interplay between cult dynamics and historical atrocities. With a career spanning over four decades, Jon shares his extensive research on the parallels between Scientology and the Nazi regime, exploring how magical thinking and pseudoscience have fueled dangerous ideologies throughout history. Jon discusses his upcoming book, "If Scientology Ruled the ...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 4 min
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this conversation, Rachel Bernstein and Andrew Pledger explore the themes presented in the movie 'Wicked', particularly focusing on the concepts of difference, acceptance, and the struggle for authenticity. Andrew shares his personal reflections on how the story resonates with his experiences growing up in a high-control religious environment. Th...
Jan 23, 2025•15 min
In this powerful episode, Rachel welcomes Laila Mickelwait, co-founder and CEO of the Justice Defense Fund and leader of the Trafficking Hub movement. Laila has dedicated her life to combating sex trafficking and holding Pornhub accountable for profiting from criminal sexual abuse. Her work, which has been featured in major media outlets, exposes the dark underbelly of the porn industry and its ties to sex trafficking. The discussion highlights the parallels between cult dynamics and the exploit...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 3 min
In this enlightening episode, Rachel sits down with Nicole Badera, a sociologist and author of the forthcoming book, "On the Wrong Side: How Universities Protect Perpetrators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence." Nicole's research sheds light on the systemic issues within educational institutions that contribute to the trauma of survivors and perpetuate sexual violence. The conversation delves into the troubling parallels between cult-like dynamics and the ways universities often fail to sup...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 23 min
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination This week's bonus episode is a recording of Rachel's presentation with Dr. Glenn Doyle, for the Seek Safely Summit hosted by Anne Peterson. Rachel and Dr. Doyle discuss how to know if we are in an unsafe (aka Culty) environment. This can happen within one-to-one relationships, social or learning groups, or even the workplace. Learn about deconstruct...
Jan 10, 2025•12 min
In this poignant episode, Rachel is joined by Andrea Dunlop, an accomplished author and podcaster, who delves into the complex and often misunderstood topic of Munchausen by Proxy. Andrea, who has personal ties to the subject, shares her insights into the deceptive and abusive dynamics of this disorder. Her work aims to illuminate the psychological manipulation and coercion involved, drawing parallels to cult-like behaviors where individuals exert control over others to fulfill their own needs. ...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 37 min
This episode from the archives originally aired in 2020 After four successful years of working on TV shows and films in New York City, Jules Hartley thought it would be a good idea for her to move to LA. A couple of years into her Hollywood journey, she discovered Kundalini yoga as taught specifically by Yogi Bhajan and the Golden Bridge Yoga Studio in Hollywood. She was instantly hooked and began what turned into a seven and a half year stint as a hardcore and fanatical member of what is now Th...
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr 9 min
This episode from the archives originally aired in January 2024 Dr. Laura Anderson is a therapist, trauma resolution, and recovery coach, writer, educator, and creator who specializes in complex trauma with a focus on domestic violence, sexualized violence, and religious trauma. She holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine with her research focusing on the experience of living in a healing body after sexual trauma. Laura has a small private practic...
Dec 25, 2024•1 hr 19 min
This is an unlocked bonus episode from our Patreon Exclusive archive. You can listen to 60+bonus episodes by becoming a member at: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this insightful episode, Rachel delves into the multifaceted nature of loss and grief, offering a deeper understanding of the various types they may encounter. Rachel discusses how former cult members often feel displaced in traditional grief support groups, as their experiences of loss are unique and complex. She aims to she...
Dec 18, 2024•17 min
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this exclusive Patreon bonus episode, Rachel delves into the intriguing world of superstitions, exploring their historical and cultural roots and their impact on human behavior. The discussion centers around the fear of Friday the 13th, a day steeped in myth and superstition, and the psychological mechanisms that perpetuate these beliefs. The epi...
Dec 13, 2024•4 min
In this compelling follow-up episode, Rachel welcomes back Jennifer Rajala, a former MLM leader turned advocate, who bravely shares her journey of disentangling from the manipulative world of multilevel marketing and coaching groups. Jennifer picks up where she left off last week and delves into the insidious overlap between MLMs and the coaching industry, revealing how individuals are often encouraged to invest in self-help and coaching as a means to succeed in MLMs, only to find themselves dee...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 3 min
In this eye-opening episode, Rachel speaks with Jennifer Raiala, a former state government worker who found herself ensnared in the world of multi-level marketing (MLM) with Arbonne. Jennifer shares her journey from being a child protective services investigator to becoming a leader in an MLM, only to face the harsh realities and financial burdens that followed. She recounts the emotional toll of being trapped in a system that promised financial freedom but delivered financial strain and disillu...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 27 min
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this enlightening bonus episode, Rachel explores the complexities of engaging in conversations with individuals holding differing viewpoints, especially during the holiday season. As families and friends gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and other festivities, Rachel addresses the challenge of cognitive dissonance—the discomf...
Nov 29, 2024•5 min
In this captivating episode, Rachel welcomes Lynn Smith Gregory, a direct descendant of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church. Raised in a devout Mormon family in Utah, Lynn shares her deeply personal journey of leaving the church at the age of 19 after uncovering unsettling truths about her family's legacy and the religion's history. Lynn recounts the immense pressure to live up to her family's revered status within the Mormon community, grappling with perfectionism and a turbulent fam...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 15 min
In this revealing episode, Rachel sits down with Erik Rojas, a former program leader and senior staff member at Landmark Worldwide, the infamous large group awareness training organization. Erik shares his journey within Landmark, detailing the intense pressures and abusive practices he witnessed and experienced. Erik explains how his commitment and drive were exploited, leading him to work grueling hours with little pay while being subjected to physical and psychological abuse by his superiors....
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 13 min
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this insightful episode, Rachel delves into the controversial history of Synanon, a group founded in 1958 by Charles Diedrich Sr. Originally established as an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous, Synanon devolved into a notorious organization known for its aggressive "attack therapy" and coercive control tactics. Rachel explores the group's trans...
Nov 15, 2024•5 min
In this compelling episode, Rachel speaks with Lynn Short, a former member of the New Gnostic Society, to explore her 17-year journey within the modern occult group. Lynn recounts her experiences as a missionary and the intense pressures she faced, including the doctrine's emphasis on sexual practices and the psychological control exerted over members. She candidly discusses the challenges of overcoming religious trauma and the path to healing that followed her departure in 2018. Lynn shares the...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 17 min
In this special post-election episode, Rachel welcomes Andrew Pledger to discuss the emotional aftermath of the recent election from a survivor's perspective. Andrew, a cult survivor and advocate, shares his unique insights into the intersection of Christian fundamentalism and the current political climate. Raised in an independent fundamental Baptist church, Andrew's journey of self-discovery and escape from high-control environments informs his work in raising awareness through his podcasts, "...
Nov 06, 2024•33 min
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this timely episode, Rachel addresses the upcoming U.S. presidential election and its impact on cult survivors. She explores the psychological parallels between political dynamics and cult-like behaviors, focusing on the anxiety and fear triggered by the current political climate. Rachel discusses the rise of Christian nationalism and its influen...
Nov 01, 2024•4 min
Returning guest Nikki G. is a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach who helps survivors recover and thrive after Religious Trauma & Cult involvement. She is also a survivor of multiple narcissistic relationships, religious trauma, as well as a former member of multiple cultic communities. Nikki is the CEO of Nikki G Speaks LLC, which exists to support survivors with individual coaching services, an online community, and other various forms of psycho-education related to religious trauma, narcissis...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 24 min
In this compelling episode, Rachel introduces Dr. John Hunter, a South African researcher and lecturer, to explore the psychological and neurobiological impacts of Large Group Awareness Trainings (LGATs). Dr. Hunter offers a unique perspective on how LGATs can trigger manic-like episodes and psychosis. Rachel and Dr. Hunter discuss the psychological and social dynamics within LGATs, including the use of authority, social proof, and peripheral route persuasion to influence participants. They expl...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 27 min
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this insightful bonus episode, Rachel delves into the multifaceted nature of loss and grief, offering a deeper understanding of the various types they may encounter. Rachel discusses how former cult members often feel displaced in traditional grief support groups, as their experiences of loss are unique and complex. She aims to shed light on thes...
Oct 18, 2024•6 min
In this enlightening episode, Rachel continues her conversation with Dan Shaw, an esteemed psychotherapist renowned for his work on traumatic narcissism and cult recovery. Building on their previous discussion, Dan delves deeper into the concept of traumatic narcissism, sharing insights from his groundbreaking books, "Traumatic Relational Systems of Subjugation" and "Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery." He outlines eight key behaviors of traumatizing narcissists, offering valuable guidance for in...
Oct 16, 2024•57 min
In this captivating episode, Rachel Bernstein welcomes back Dan Shaw, a distinguished psychotherapist and expert in psychoanalysis specializing in narcissistic abuse and cult survivor recovery. Dan shares his transformative journey from being an actor and missionary to leaving a cultic organization in 1994 and becoming a mental health professional. His extensive training and personal experiences have made him a prominent figure in the field, earning him the prestigious Margaret Singer Award for ...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 22 min
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this exclusive Patreon bonus episode, Rachel explores the nuanced topic of assertiveness, a vital skill for cult survivors. She discusses the challenges faced by cult survivors in reclaiming their voice and setting healthy boundaries. Many survivors struggle with programmed compliance, fear of punishment, difficulty identifying personal needs, an...
Oct 04, 2024•6 min
This week Rachel delves into the intricate world of cult recovery with Dr. Gillie Jenkinson, a UK-accredited psychotherapist specializing in cult studies. Dr. Jenkinson’s journey is not just professional but deeply personal, having spent seven years in a Bible-based cult in the 1970s. Her experience and extensive research culminate in her acclaimed book, "Walking Free from the Trauma of Coercive Cultic and Spiritual Abuse." Dr. Jenkinson’s story is one of resilience and dedication. After leaving...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 16 min
Scott Homan was raised in the north woods of Wisconsin and found his voice through music and film. His documentary, Witness Underground, highlights the struggles and triumphs of a music community influenced by a cult. Scott shares his journey from being raised in a restrictive environment to discovering the power of self-expression and creativity as a path to healing. Rachel and Scott delve into the emotional and psychological impact of shunning, the manipulation tactics used by cults, and the i...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 19 min
This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Have you ever felt like someone was manipulating you, making you question your own reality? If so, you might have experienced DARVO - Denial, Attack, Reverse Victim, and Offender. Abusers use this manipulative tactic to deny their wrongdoing, attack the victim's character, and reverse the roles of victim and offender. In this Patreon bonus episode, ...
Sep 20, 2024•7 min
