In this episode, Sarma Melngailis discusses her journey from running a successful New York-based restaurant to being in a highly publicized scandal. Sarma shares her personal experiences of manipulation and betrayal by a coercive partner, reflecting on how her story was misrepresented in the Netflix docuseries 'Bad Vegan.' She opens up about the ch…

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this Patreon exclusive bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein continues the discussion on attachment and attachment issues, focusing on common challenges faced by survivors of mistreatment, ab…

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein interviews Daniel Allen Cox, author of 'I Felt The End Before It Came: Memoirs of a Queer Ex-Jehovah's Witness.' Daniel shares his experiences growing up as a JW, the strict moral code, and the challenges he faced as a queer individual. He discusses the process of leaving the faith, the lack of support, and the jou…

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein interviews Rachel Montgomery, who recounts her harrowing journey as a survivor of a cult and sexual abuse within a Buddhist community. She describes how she was drawn into the group, the manipulative practices of the leader, and the emotional and psychological challenges she faced. She details the abuse she suffere…

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination This Patreon exclusive episode informs on the topic of attachment styles, particularly focusing on how cults and controlling relationships undermine healthy attachment. Rachel Bernstein ex…

In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein speaks with Carol Merchasin, a lawyer specializing in cases involving sexual misconduct in religious and spiritual communities. Carol discusses various aspects of legal battles against high-control groups, including the complexities of consent, the limitations of the legal system, and the role of psychological…

In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein talks with Dr. Natalie Fabert, an Associate Teaching Professor at Arizona State University and a licensed psychologist specializing in trauma and abuse, particularly cultic abuse. Natalie announces her collaboration with Dr. Janja Lalich and the Lalich Center on an online continuing education course designed f…

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this Patreon exclusive episode, Rachel Bernstein explores the psychological and social dynamics that unfold when a cult leader is attacked or faced with accusations. The episode covers …

In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein speaks with Dr. Christine Cocchiola, an expert on coercive control, a social work professor, and developer of the Protective Parenting Program. Dr. Cocchiola shares her personal and professional experiences dealing with coercive control in familial and intimate relationships. Discussion topics include manipula…

In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein sits down with Mark Scheeren, co-founder of the Baldwin Research Institute and co-author of 'The Freedom Model for Addictions.' Mark shares his personal journey through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and his subsequent realization of the program's flaws. He discusses the creation of the Freedom Model, a non-12-step…

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this Patreon exclusive episode, Rachel Bernstein discusses the challenges faced by former cult members and individuals who have been in manipulative relationships. Key topics include re…

In this episode, we continue exploring Jon Atack’s latest work, "If Scientology Ruled the World: Nazi Occultists, Sex Magick, Space Aliens, and the Second Coming." In our previous episode with Jon, we began unpacking the intricate web of beliefs that form the foundation of Scientology. Today, we'll go even deeper, examining the historical connectio…

In this episode, we're diving into Jon Atack’s new book "If Scientology Ruled the World: Nazi Occultists, Sex Magick, Space Aliens, and the Second Coming" - an exploration that connects the dots between various authoritarian movements, their shared origins, and the psychological dynamics at play. Jon spent nine years as a member of Scientology befo…

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this Patreon-exclusive bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein discusses the challenges of rediscovering one's identity after leaving a cult or a controlling relationship. The episode emphasize…

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein welcomes Timothy Heffelbower to discuss his experiences with Teen Mania Ministries and the Honor Academy. Timothy shares his journey from being heavily involved in the organization to the challenges and realizations he faced after leaving. They touch on the pressures of maintaining strict schedules, the emphasis on…

In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein welcomes back Pamela Nickel Williams, an educator and author who was born into Scientology. Pamela revisits her life story, from her parents' involvement with L. Ron Hubbard in the late 1950s to her own harrowing experiences within the church. She discusses her memoir, 'Clearly Lies Are True,' which chronicles…

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In the continuation of this Patreon bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein delves into the devastating impact of surveillance on mental health, self-esteem, and personal relationships. The discus…

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein interviews Pamela Jones, who shares her remarkable journey from a polygamist cult to a life of freedom and self-discovery. Pamela was born in Los Molinos, Mexico, to members of the Church of the Firstborn of the Fullness of Times, a fundamentalist, misogynistic cult. She was the 11th of her father’s 57 biological c…

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein welcomes Dr. Mara Einstein to explore the pervasive influence of marketing strategies and their parallels with cult tactics. They share personal anecdotes and experiences, discuss the recruitment and indoctrination processes of cults and MLMs, and delve into the psychology behind marketing and brand communities. Th…

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this Patreon exclusive bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein delves into the concept of the 'watchful eye' and the chilling effects of surveillance on personal autonomy. Discussing how awaren…

Kyle and Kari Hanks left the 2x2 church during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside last week’s guests, Mike and Abbi Prussack, they launched a Facebook support group for former members in early 2022. In March 2023, they publicly released a leaked letter detailing abuse by a former overseer. The letter triggered a wave of disclosures, as thousands of s…

In this special feed drop episode, Rachel Bernstein shares her insightful interview from 'Meredith for Real.' The discussion delves into the dynamics of politics and cults, examining the psychological vulnerabilities that make people susceptible to political cults, the role of media manipulation and thought-stopping cliches, and the fusion of polit…

In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein speaks with Mike and Abbi Prussack, who left the 2x2 church after a faith crisis. They discuss the challenges of leaving and uncovering widespread sexual abuse within the church, catalyzed by a leaked letter in 2023. The couple, along with their friends Kyle and Kari, started a support group for survivors and …

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In the continuation of this Patreon bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein delves into the topic of long-term recovery and cognitive distortions experienced by former cult members. The episode co…

In this episode, host Rachel Bernstein speaks with Brian Recker, a former evangelical pastor who has transitioned away from fundamentalist beliefs. Brian discusses his journey of self-discovery and deconstruction from the religion that defined his upbringing. The conversation covers his early life, the impact of fundamentalist teachings, and the tr…