Showing posts with label cult. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cult. Show all posts
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Sunday, November 23, 2025
When Prophecy-Science Fails (w/Thomas Kelly) (Conspirituality podcast #284)
In 1954 a doomsday alien cult headed up by Chicagoland housewife Dorothy Martin was waiting for the cataclysmic flood that would herald the arrival of spaceships to transport her and her followers to safety. When the hour came and went and nothing happened, she and her followers made up a Bible’s worth of excuses, saying that the group's penitence and piety had saved them, and so the failure of the prophecy was actually a validation of their new religion. And even though its central claim had been refuted, they accelerated their efforts to proselytize and convert new followers.
This is the story of the 1956 classic study, When Prophecy Fails, by Leon Festinger, Henry Riecken, and Stanley Schachter.
Problem is—this didn't really happen. At least not that way. As our guest this week Thomas Kelly points out from his investigation of newly unsealed archival materials, the psychologists not only embedded themselves in Martin's cult in a way that provoked their most irrational statements, they fudged the outcome of Martin story to suit their virally popular new theory of cognitive dissonance.
Interview:
This is the story of the 1956 classic study, When Prophecy Fails, by Leon Festinger, Henry Riecken, and Stanley Schachter.
Problem is—this didn't really happen. At least not that way. As our guest this week Thomas Kelly points out from his investigation of newly unsealed archival materials, the psychologists not only embedded themselves in Martin's cult in a way that provoked their most irrational statements, they fudged the outcome of Martin story to suit their virally popular new theory of cognitive dissonance.
Interview:
Monday, October 27, 2025
Is Pope Leo Really Dissolving Opus Dei? (Bradley Onishi and Daniel Miller; Straight White American Jesus podcast)
This episode delves into the recent controversies surrounding Opus Dei, a secretive and influential organization within the Catholic Church. According to a report from Infovaticana, Opus Dei faces a significant internal rupture that could see it fragmented into three distinct bodies, effectively dissolving its current structure. Annika Brockschmidt guest hosts in conversation with journalist Gareth Gore, author of Opus: The Cult of Dark Money, Human Trafficking, and Right-Wing Conspiracy inside the Catholic Church. Gareth elaborates on the historical context and modern operations of Opus Dei, including its recruitment and coercive practices. He also highlights the organization’s conflicts with the Vatican and ongoing abuse allegations.
Opus by Gareth Gore: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Opus/Gareth-Gore/9781668016152
Interview:
Opus by Gareth Gore: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Opus/Gareth-Gore/9781668016152
Interview:
Friday, July 25, 2025
Sunday, June 29, 2025
The Apostle Assassin (Conspirituality podcast episode #263)
“Dad went to war last night” read Vance Boelter's text to his family in the early hours of June 14. This was sent after his shooting rampage aimed at Democratic lawmakers, which left two dead and two critically wounded.
Turns out Boelter is an ordained pastor in a church associated with the New Apostolic Reformation, which sees the world as a spiritual battlefield and whose leaders have preached that political enemies are possessed by demons.
This is not some small fringe movement. Key figures in the Trump administration are adherents. We revisit this apocalyptic evangelical Christian cult and consider its political violence and religious extremism.
Interview:
Turns out Boelter is an ordained pastor in a church associated with the New Apostolic Reformation, which sees the world as a spiritual battlefield and whose leaders have preached that political enemies are possessed by demons.
This is not some small fringe movement. Key figures in the Trump administration are adherents. We revisit this apocalyptic evangelical Christian cult and consider its political violence and religious extremism.
Interview:
Monday, May 26, 2025
Brief: The Cult of Crossfit (Conspirituality podcast)
When cultural and psychological anthropologist Katie Rose Hejtmanek set out to study Crossfit, she knew she had to throw herself into it fully. For seven years, she traveled to “boxes” around the world while committing herself to her local Brooklyn box. What she uncovered was a rabid fan base that deeply values community and a business model that offers a refreshing response to unfettered capitalism—as well as the misogyny, racism, and militarized Christian themes that inform this beloved and despised fitness regimen. She joins Derek to discuss her new book, The Cult of CrossFit: Christianity and the American Exercise Phenomenon.
Interview:
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Mike Johnson’s False Jefferson Prayer: The Rest of the Story (Warren Throckmorton; Telling Jefferson Lies podcast)
On January 3, 2025, Louisiana Representative Mike Johnson was re-elected to be Speaker of the House. In his acceptance speech, he quoted a prayer that he said Thomas Jefferson said every day during his presidency and every day of his life thereafter.
There is a problem with this story. The prayer was written 56 years after Jefferson died. Jefferson never said the prayer even one day of his life. Later, Johnson and the House chaplain refused to acknowledge they spread false witness to the whole country.
Before the prayer was associated with Jefferson, it was falsely tied to George Washington.
For many years, people who believe America was founded as a Christian nation have desperately wanted George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to be on their team. In this episode, we will hear from Word and Way editor Brian Kaylor and Willamette University history professor Seth Cotlar as they describe how a common prayer became an American myth.
To read the prayer, titled "For Our Country," go to the 1928 edition of the Book of Common Prayer, page 36. An online version is here: http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/1928Standard/bcp1928std.pdf
Telling Jefferson Lies is a product of Warren Throckmorton and today brought to you by the 3rd edition of Getting Jefferson Right: Fact-Checking Claims About Thomas Jefferson. For more information about the book or Warren Throckmorton's substack, go to gettingjeffersonright.com.
The next episode will be out within two weeks and I will announce the schedule for the season at that point.
Music for the segment was provided by Roman Candle, Earl's Taco Shack, Jonathan Swaim, Jonus Fair, Robo Surgeon Fish, and Dustin Blatnik.
If you like what's going on here, please subscribe, tell your friends, and leave a lovely review.
Thanks for listening.
There is a problem with this story. The prayer was written 56 years after Jefferson died. Jefferson never said the prayer even one day of his life. Later, Johnson and the House chaplain refused to acknowledge they spread false witness to the whole country.
Before the prayer was associated with Jefferson, it was falsely tied to George Washington.
For many years, people who believe America was founded as a Christian nation have desperately wanted George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to be on their team. In this episode, we will hear from Word and Way editor Brian Kaylor and Willamette University history professor Seth Cotlar as they describe how a common prayer became an American myth.
To read the prayer, titled "For Our Country," go to the 1928 edition of the Book of Common Prayer, page 36. An online version is here: http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/1928Standard/bcp1928std.pdf
Telling Jefferson Lies is a product of Warren Throckmorton and today brought to you by the 3rd edition of Getting Jefferson Right: Fact-Checking Claims About Thomas Jefferson. For more information about the book or Warren Throckmorton's substack, go to gettingjeffersonright.com.
The next episode will be out within two weeks and I will announce the schedule for the season at that point.
Music for the segment was provided by Roman Candle, Earl's Taco Shack, Jonathan Swaim, Jonus Fair, Robo Surgeon Fish, and Dustin Blatnik.
If you like what's going on here, please subscribe, tell your friends, and leave a lovely review.
Thanks for listening.
Interview:
Sunday, March 23, 2025
“Are you mad at God?” (Bradley Onishi and Daniel Miller; Straight White American Jesus podcast) (It's in the Code, episode #138)
“Are you mad at God?”
This is a question that will almost certainly be posed to anyone undergoing faith deconstruction.
It might come from someone who means well and who cares about the person deconstructing. Or it might come from a partisan advocate of high-control religion.
What is happening when someone poses this question? Even if it comes from a place of care, how does it express the dynamics of high-control religion?
And why, if it’s a question, does it so often feel like an attack, like a dismissal?
Check out this week’s episode to hear Dan’s reflections on these and other issues related to this question.
Interview:
Friday, February 21, 2025
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Sunday, January 26, 2025
God's Work (Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, Freethought Radio podcast)
This week we comment on the overtly religious nature of President Trump’s inaugural “Christian Coronation,” including invocations and benedictions claiming we are “one nation under God.”
Then, we speak with journalist Gareth Gore about his book on the Opus Dei called OPUS: The Cult of Dark Money, Human Trafficking, and Right-Wing Conspiracy inside the Catholic Church.
Interview:
Trumpism: The WOKE Movement You Didn't See Coming
"The Trump MAGA Cult is a woke, narcissism broke joke.
I'm Jeremy Sherman, PhD, a strategic consultant since 1997 specializing in dealing with jerks and doubts."
Interview:
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Well-Trained Wife (Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, Freethought Radio podcast)
After reporting state/church news in New York, Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri and Virginia, we hear Dan Barker’s song “Life is Good!” performed by Tahira Clayton and the Godless Gospel singers.
Then, we speak with Tia Levings, author of the bestselling book A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy.
Interview:
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Apostate Sisters - The FED - Mortgage rates (The Phil Ferguson Show podcast #499)
Interview with The Apostate Sisters! Learn about the cult they escaped from. Also, check out their podcast and YouTube channel!
Also, what does it cost to put electricity into your car?
Investing Skeptically:
The FED and mortage rates. Are they connected?
Interview:
Also, what does it cost to put electricity into your car?
Investing Skeptically:
The FED and mortage rates. Are they connected?
Interview:
Monday, September 2, 2024
Trump’s Impending Ego Implosion (w/ Daniel Shaw) (Conspirituality podcast)
Dems are laughing about Donny Dentures or #TrumpisDone, but the reality inside his head, and Mar a Lago, will be very grim, and there will be a lot of collateral damage.
Mental health titans like Robert Lifton have reached the consensus that Trump has been mentally ill for a long time. They’ve diagnosed him with “narcissistic personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, paranoid personality disorder, delusional disorder, malignant narcissist,” and so on.
Such patients meet predictable ends when the wheels fall off. In the cult world (where Lifton has been so influential), there are bangs (Jim Jones) and there are whimpers (Keith Raniere). What might it look like for Trump?
No one is more qualified to discuss the possibilities than Daniel Shaw, LCSW, a psychotherapist trained in psychoanalysis as well as in trauma-informed psychotherapies. He is in private practice in New York City and in Nyack, New York; and Faculty and Supervisor at The National Institute for the Psychotherapies in New York. He is the author of Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation, published by Routledge in 2014, and nominated for the prestigious Gradiva Award. His book Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery: Leaving the Prison of Shame and Fear was published in 2021. He is known for his work with cult trauma survivors and with clients who have experienced narcissistic abuse.
Interview:
Mental health titans like Robert Lifton have reached the consensus that Trump has been mentally ill for a long time. They’ve diagnosed him with “narcissistic personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, paranoid personality disorder, delusional disorder, malignant narcissist,” and so on.
Such patients meet predictable ends when the wheels fall off. In the cult world (where Lifton has been so influential), there are bangs (Jim Jones) and there are whimpers (Keith Raniere). What might it look like for Trump?
No one is more qualified to discuss the possibilities than Daniel Shaw, LCSW, a psychotherapist trained in psychoanalysis as well as in trauma-informed psychotherapies. He is in private practice in New York City and in Nyack, New York; and Faculty and Supervisor at The National Institute for the Psychotherapies in New York. He is the author of Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation, published by Routledge in 2014, and nominated for the prestigious Gradiva Award. His book Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery: Leaving the Prison of Shame and Fear was published in 2021. He is known for his work with cult trauma survivors and with clients who have experienced narcissistic abuse.
Interview:
Monday, June 24, 2024
Hard Knocks: Who Are the Jehovah's Witnesses (with Owen Morgan)
Ex-JW Owen Morgan pulls back the curtain on this mysterious cult.
Interview:
Sunday, June 16, 2024
Unveiling Mormon Secrets with Dr. John Dehlin - Part 2
In the latest episode of the Cross Examiner podcast, we delve into the fascinating journey of Dr. John Dehlin, host of the Mormon Stories podcast. ( / mormonstories ) (Part 1 was here.)
Dr. Dehlin, an ex-Mormon, has dedicated his career to exposing the truths behind Mormon practices and helping others navigate their own faith crises. This episode is a continuation of our in-depth conversation with him, exploring the psychological and social impacts of religious indoctrination, the rise of Christian nationalism, and the role of misinformation.
Dr. Dehlin's journey is both compelling and relatable. Raised as a sixth-generation Mormon, he was taught to obey and follow the church's teachings without question. However, cracks began to form in his faith as he encountered various inconsistencies and ethical concerns, particularly during his mission in Guatemala. His experiences there, coupled with the rise of the internet and the availability of information, led him to question the very foundations of his beliefs.
One of the most striking aspects of Dr. Dehlin's story is the concept of the "shelf." In the Mormon and post-Mormon world, individuals are encouraged to put doubts and questions on a metaphorical shelf, trusting that answers will come in time. For Dr. Dehlin, the shelf eventually became too heavy to bear, leading to a profound crisis of faith. This journey of questioning and seeking truth is something many can relate to, regardless of their religious background.
The episode also delves into the broader implications of religious indoctrination and the rise of secular support systems. Dr. Dehlin discusses the importance of organizations like Recovering from Religion and the Secular Therapy Project, which provide crucial support for individuals leaving high-demand religions. These organizations offer a safe space for people to explore their doubts and find a community that understands their struggles.
One of the most powerful moments in the episode is when Dr. Dehlin talks about the psychological impact of leaving a high-demand religion. He shares how many individuals experience anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts as they grapple with the loss of their faith and the subsequent social and familial fallout. This highlights the critical need for mental health support and resources for those undergoing such transitions.
Dr. Dehlin's work with the Mormon Stories podcast has not only helped countless individuals but also shed light on the broader human experience. As he aptly puts it, "The Mormon story is the human story." By sharing personal narratives, his podcast fosters empathy and understanding, encouraging listeners to see the common threads that connect us all.
For those interested in exploring these themes further, we highly recommend tuning into this episode. Dr. Dehlin's insights and experiences offer a valuable perspective on the intersection of religion, truth, and personal transformation. Whether you're grappling with your own faith or simply curious about the human condition, this episode is sure to resonate.
Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation. Listen to the full episode now and join us on this journey of discovery and understanding.
Dr. Dehlin, an ex-Mormon, has dedicated his career to exposing the truths behind Mormon practices and helping others navigate their own faith crises. This episode is a continuation of our in-depth conversation with him, exploring the psychological and social impacts of religious indoctrination, the rise of Christian nationalism, and the role of misinformation.
Dr. Dehlin's journey is both compelling and relatable. Raised as a sixth-generation Mormon, he was taught to obey and follow the church's teachings without question. However, cracks began to form in his faith as he encountered various inconsistencies and ethical concerns, particularly during his mission in Guatemala. His experiences there, coupled with the rise of the internet and the availability of information, led him to question the very foundations of his beliefs.
One of the most striking aspects of Dr. Dehlin's story is the concept of the "shelf." In the Mormon and post-Mormon world, individuals are encouraged to put doubts and questions on a metaphorical shelf, trusting that answers will come in time. For Dr. Dehlin, the shelf eventually became too heavy to bear, leading to a profound crisis of faith. This journey of questioning and seeking truth is something many can relate to, regardless of their religious background.
The episode also delves into the broader implications of religious indoctrination and the rise of secular support systems. Dr. Dehlin discusses the importance of organizations like Recovering from Religion and the Secular Therapy Project, which provide crucial support for individuals leaving high-demand religions. These organizations offer a safe space for people to explore their doubts and find a community that understands their struggles.
One of the most powerful moments in the episode is when Dr. Dehlin talks about the psychological impact of leaving a high-demand religion. He shares how many individuals experience anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts as they grapple with the loss of their faith and the subsequent social and familial fallout. This highlights the critical need for mental health support and resources for those undergoing such transitions.
Dr. Dehlin's work with the Mormon Stories podcast has not only helped countless individuals but also shed light on the broader human experience. As he aptly puts it, "The Mormon story is the human story." By sharing personal narratives, his podcast fosters empathy and understanding, encouraging listeners to see the common threads that connect us all.
For those interested in exploring these themes further, we highly recommend tuning into this episode. Dr. Dehlin's insights and experiences offer a valuable perspective on the intersection of religion, truth, and personal transformation. Whether you're grappling with your own faith or simply curious about the human condition, this episode is sure to resonate.
Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation. Listen to the full episode now and join us on this journey of discovery and understanding.
Interview:
https://youtu.be/9jyuMNzRCMc?si=kVxxjVSarmz8oiW-
Chapters:
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(03:00) Dr. John Dehlin's Background
(10:00) Questioning Faith and "The Shelf"
(20:00) Mission Experiences and Ethical Concerns
(30:00) The Role of the Internet and Information
(40:00) Psychological Impact and Counseling
(50:00) The Rise of the Nones and Decline in Membership
(01:00:00) Exposing Harmful Practices
(01:10:00) The Importance of Secular Support Systems
(01:20:00) Collaboration with Other Ex-Religious Communities
(01:30:00) Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Unveiling Mormon Secrets with Dr. John Dehlin - Part 1 (The Cross Examiner podcast)
Welcome to the Cross Examiner Podcast, the Internet's courtroom in the case of rationality versus religion. Here, our host uses his experience as both an attorney and an atheist to put religion on trial. We solemnly swear that it is the most informative, educational, and entertaining jury duty you will ever do.
In today's episode, our host delves into the fascinating and complex history of the Mormon church with special guest Dr. John Dehlin, host of the Mormon Stories podcast. ( / @mormonstories )
Together, they explore the origins of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the controversial practices of its founder Joseph Smith, and the church's ongoing efforts to manage its narrative.
Our host and Dr. Dehlin discuss the psychological mechanisms that make people susceptible to religious claims, the role of authority and peer pressure in maintaining belief, and the ethical implications of withholding information from followers. This episode is packed with insights into how powerful institutions use misinformation to control and influence their members.
This is part one of a two-part series, so stay tuned for the continuation of this enlightening and thought-provoking conversation.
Interview:
In today's episode, our host delves into the fascinating and complex history of the Mormon church with special guest Dr. John Dehlin, host of the Mormon Stories podcast. ( / @mormonstories )
Together, they explore the origins of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the controversial practices of its founder Joseph Smith, and the church's ongoing efforts to manage its narrative.
Our host and Dr. Dehlin discuss the psychological mechanisms that make people susceptible to religious claims, the role of authority and peer pressure in maintaining belief, and the ethical implications of withholding information from followers. This episode is packed with insights into how powerful institutions use misinformation to control and influence their members.
This is part one of a two-part series, so stay tuned for the continuation of this enlightening and thought-provoking conversation.
Interview:
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