Finding Your Way Back to Yourself: Nicola Ranson on Life After Rajneeshpuram
Rachel speaks with writer and psychotherapist Nicola Ranson about her decade as a disciple of Bhagwan Sri Rajneesh, later known as Osho, and the experiences behind her memoir, A Slice of Orange. Nicol...
23 Sep 1h 20min
Awe, Certainty, and Charisma: Yuval Laor on the Psychology of Cult Leadership
In this episode, Rachel welcomes back researcher and author Yuval Laor to examine his hypothesis about temporal lobe epilepsy, awe, and the behavior of some cult leaders. Yuval explains how hyperactiv...
16 Sep 1h 34min
Jon Atack on Scientology, Authoritarianism, and the Psychology of Belief
In this episode, Rachel speaks with Jon Atack about Scientology, authoritarianism, and the ways belief systems can shape behavior. Jon reflects on his experience with Scientology, the harassment he en...
9 Sep 1h 38min
Bonus Episode Preview - Breaking the Cycle: First Gen vs. Second Gen in Cult Recovery
In this insightful bonus episode, Rachel dives into the generational dynamics within cultic groups, exploring the distinctions between first-generation (first gen) members and their children, second-g...
4 Sep 5min
When Healing Becomes Control: Jules Evans on Psychedelics and Cultic Influence
Jules Evans and Rachel discuss the overlap between psychedelic culture, therapeutic abuse, cultic dynamics, and coercive control. Drawing from Jules’ research into post-psychedelic difficulties and Ra...
2 Sep 55min
The Invisible Grip of Covert Narcissism: Renee Swanson on Abuse, Anger, and Self-Trust
In this episode, Rachel welcomes back Renee Swanson, host of the Covert Narcissism Podcast, to discuss the often-invisible impact of covert narcissistic relationships. Renee explains why self-reflecti...
26 Aug 1h 27min
A Model Cult with Hoyt Richards
In this episode, Rachel welcomes Hoyt Richards back to discuss how he transformed his experience in the Eternal Values group into public education and survivor advocacy. Hoyt explains the difference b...
19 Aug 1h 32min
