This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.
For Andrew LeCompte, his study of A Course in Miracles (ACIM) started off like the proverbial ‘good thing’ of so many cult survivor stories. He eventually taught ACIM in Mexico, Spain, Hawaii, and Canada–working as something like a NXIVM-era Mark Vicente for his teacher. He initially had amazing experiences and beli ... Show More
Apr 16
ALBX: Catching up: Book Update and Listener Voicemails
Buckle up, cultiverse: it’s our catch-up bonus round, where we give you a little bit extra. In this episode, we bask in the glow of your Amazon book reviews (please, keep ‘em coming!) and eavesdrop on the spicy, kooky, and downright cathartic voicemails waiting in our inbox from ... Show More
29m 10s
Apr 13
The Art of Influence: Mind Games’ Alice Hines on NLP and High-Control Manipulation
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.In this episode, we welcome back Alice Hines, co-host of the Mind Games podcast, and dig into her reporting on neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), NXIVM, and the slippery gremlin bridge between self-help, persuasion, and manipulation. Alice ... Show More
1h 2m
Apr 9
The Oracle’s Daughter: Harrison Hill on the Aggressive Christianity Missions Training Corps (Part 2)
In Part 2 with Harrison Hill, we go deeper into his book, The Oracle’s Daughter, and the wonderfully unhinged rise of the Aggressive Christianity Missions Training Corps (ACMTC), which started out as Free Love Ministries and then took a hard left into full-blown extremity. Harris ... Show More
40m 32s
Mar 2021
Daniel Goleman - Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness, and Learning to Pay Attention
In this episode, it's my great pleasure to speak with author and world renowned psychologist, Daniel Goleman. Dan is one of my heroes and just a spectacular mind.As a science journalist Daniel reported on the brain and behavioral sciences for The New York Times for many years. Hi ... Show More
50m 59s
Jul 2020
RU97: RENDERING DR KEVIN VOLKAN UNCONSCIOUS, PSYCHOANALYSIS, EDUCATION, MUSIC, WRITING, CLINIC WORK
Dr. Kevin Volkan is a founding faculty member and Professor of Psychology at California State University Channel Islands, where he researches and teaches courses in psychopathology and atypical behaviors, personality theory, as well as Nazi Germany, and Eastern philosophy. He als ... Show More
1h 14m
May 2023
Destiny: Rev. Jim Willis, American Cults, Cabal, Corruptions and Charismatic Leaders
America has spawned hundreds of cults. Charismatic leaders periodically burst into the news for the most awful of reasons. We are awash with stories of brainwashed members’ struggles to leave. Meet the messianic leaders, see the indoctrination and manipulation, look at their beli ... Show More
1h 8m