IndoctriNation

Latest Episodes:

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Understanding DARVO pt. 1 Sep 06, 2024

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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 Rachel dives deep into the concept of DARVO - Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender - a term that sheds light on the manipulative tactics often used by abusers to deflect blame and undermine their victims. In this enlightening bonus episode, she breaks down each component of DARVO, illustrating how these tactics are employed and their psychological impact on victims. Rachel explains how abusers deny their harmful actions, attack the victim's credibility, and reverse roles to portray themselves as the victim. She shares personal anecdotes and examples to highlight the real-world application of DARVO, including the disturbing practices within certain fundamentalist groups and toxic men's movements. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of manipulation and abuse. Rachel offers practical advice on recognizing and responding to DARVO, empowering listeners to protect themselves and support others who may be experiencing similar tactics. Thank you for your continued support as a subscriber and supporter of the show. Your partnership is invaluable, and we are pleased to offer you these bonus episodes as a token of our appreciation. Connect with Us on Social Media: Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft Share Your Feedback With Us Here: forms.gle/tz8eQwZorVNWWyQq6 Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.
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Asian American Apostate w/R. Scott Okamoto Sep 04, 2024

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R. Scott Okamoto is a fourth-generation Japanese American author, musician, and college professor from Pasadena, California. Scott is the host of the Chapel Probation podcast and the author of the new book, "Asian American Apostate: Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University." His work provides a wry and ironic insight into how America's evangelical schools encourage rigid social structures and white cultural power, rather than fostering a life of the mind. Rachel and Scott delve into his personal journey of growing up in a deeply evangelical environment and his experiences as a professor at an evangelical university. Scott shares the complexities of his deconstruction process, the challenges he faced questioning the status quo, and the systemic issues within evangelical institutions, including racism, sexism, and homophobia. He also discusses the impact of his family's history, particularly their experiences in Japanese internment camps during World War II, on his own beliefs and identity. Scott's insights offer a powerful testament to the importance of questioning and the courage it takes to confront deeply entrenched systems of power and control. Learn more about Scott and his work at: www.rscottokamoto.com Connect with Us on Social Media: - Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination - Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast - Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast - YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.
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Abuse, Betrayal, and Transformation w/Christa Brown Aug 28, 2024

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Named as one of the "top 10 religion newsmakers" of 2022 today’s guest, Christa Brown has persisted for two decades in working to peel back the truth about clergy sex abuse and coverups in the nation's largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention. She was one of the first to go public with substantiated child molestation allegations against a Baptist minister, along with documentation that others knew, and she has consistently demanded reforms to make other kids and congregants safer. Christa is a retired attorney, a mom, a wife, and a grandma. And now she's the author of the new book, Baptistland: A Memoir of Abuse, Betrayal, and Transformation, which weaves together Christa’s vulnerable survivor story of hope amid Southern patriarchy, religious fundamentalism, and clergy abuse. Christa bravely shares her own story of substantiated child molestation allegations against a Baptist minister, and her relentless fight for reforms to protect other children and congregants. She discusses the pervasive issue of victim blaming, the weaponization of faith against victims, and the systemic failures of religious institutions to protect their most vulnerable members. Christa also highlights the broader societal implications of these issues, including the troubling rise of Christian nationalism and the erosion of the separation between church and state. This episode is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of clergy abuse, the dynamics of high-control religious environments, and the importance of advocacy and systemic change. Christa's story is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience required to confront deeply entrenched systems of power and abuse. Christa's book, Baptist: A Memoir of Abuse, Betrayal is available everywhere. Learn more about Christa and her work at: https://christabrown.me/ Connect with Us on Social Media: Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft Support us on Patreon for exclusive merch and bonus episodes: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Share Your Feedback With Us Here: forms.gle/tz8eQwZorVNWWyQq6 Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.
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BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: The Blame Game: Unmasking Victim Blaming Aug 23, 2024

Show notes

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 solo Bonus episode, Rachel delves into the pervasive issue of victim blaming within various contexts, including new-age thinking, large group awareness training, the self-help movement, religious organizations, and abusive relationships. She explores how these environments often manipulate individuals into believing they are responsible for their own trauma and abuse, thus perpetuating a cycle of self-blame and re-victimization. Rachel discusses the historical roots of this harmful ideology, citing examples from groups like EST (now Landmark) and Synanon, where victims were made to feel they invited their own abuse. She also touches on the troubling practices of fraudulent residential teen treatment centers and certain religious sects that use spiritual justifications to absolve abusers of responsibility. This episode is crucial for anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of abuse and the destructive nature of victim blaming. Rachel's compassionate and knowledgeable approach provides valuable insights into the ongoing process of recovery and the importance of societal change in addressing these issues. Connect with Us on Social Media: Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft Share Your Feedback With Us Here: forms.gle/tz8eQwZorVNWWyQq6 Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.
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The Hope In Our Scars w/Aimee Byrd Aug 21, 2024

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Aimee Byrd is an author, speaker, blogger, and podcaster. She has written several books including Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, and Sexual Reformation. Her latest work, The Hope In Our Scars peels back the Christian church’s underlying and pervasive theology of power, to face the shame that lurks there. Having trodden her own path of disillusionment, Aimee invites the reader to find faith amidst the chaos of the church’s status quo. Rachel and Aimee discuss a wide range of topics, including the challenges Aimee faced within the church, the spiritual abuse she endured, and the impact of these experiences on her family. Aimee shares her personal story of navigating through public attacks and the trauma of being vilified by church leaders. She also talks about the importance of naming wounds, the significance of scars, both visible and invisible, and the role of community in healing. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of spiritual abuse, the process of healing, and the power of hope and resilience. Aimee's story is a testament to the strength required to stand up against systemic issues within religious institutions. You can find out more about Aimee and her work here: https://aimeebyrd.com/ Connect with Us on Social Media: Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft Share Your Feedback With Us Here: forms.gle/tz8eQwZorVNWWyQq6 Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.
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Surveillance and Salvation w/Elle Hardy Aug 14, 2024

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Elle Hardy is an Australian-born journalist mostly based in New Orleans. She has covered stories from every continent on earth, from North Korea to the backwoods of Alabama. Her writing credits include The Guardian, The Times, GQ, Vice, and more. Elle also appeared alongside Rachel, in the documentary Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed, which uncovered the scandals of the “hip celebrity church”. Elle also went on to co-host the podcast series False Profits A personal journey into the heart of Hillsong Megachurch. Her first book exposes the Pentecostal agenda: not just saving souls but also transforming societies and controlling politics. She is currently working on her second book, about the Unification Church (also known as the Moonies), for Simon & Schuster. Rachel and Elle dive into a wide range of topics, including the global influence of Pentecostalism, the troubling rise of surveillance and data harvesting by religious groups, and the political shifts within evangelical and Catholic circles in the United States. Elle shares her insights on how these movements differ across countries and the implications of these differences. Elle discusses the unsettling trend of evangelical groups using apps to track and target individuals for conversion, revealing the potential dangers of such data being used by malicious actors. The conversation also touches on the political rightward shift among evangelicals and Catholics, the role of women in these movements, and the broader societal impacts of these trends. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of modern religious movements and their far-reaching effects on society and politics. You can learn more about Elle and her work at ellehardy.com. Connect with Us on Social Media: Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft Share Your Feedback With Us Here: forms.gle/tz8eQwZorVNWWyQq6 Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.
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BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW:The Path to Self-Reliance Aug 09, 2024

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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 complexities of life after leaving a cultic group or controlling relationship. She discusses the common challenges faced by survivors as they navigate their newfound freedom and the potential need to return to therapy after resolving the immediate needs of post-cult trauma. Rachel emphasizes the importance of self-agency and the natural process of seeking support during overwhelming times. She shares her experiences with clients who have successfully completed therapy but find themselves returning due to various triggers. Whether you're a survivor of a cultic system or someone supporting a loved one, this episode provides a compassionate and informative perspective on the ongoing process of recovery and the importance of seeking help when needed. Thanks to all of our Patrons for making this episode possible!!
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Paradise Undone w/Annie Dawid Aug 07, 2024

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Annie Dawid is an award-winning author and professor who teaches creative writing at University College, of Denver. She is a professor of English and Director of Creative Writing at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR. Her latest novel PARADISE UNDONE: A NOVEL OF JONESTOWN is a historical fiction of the infamous tragedy that took place in Guyana 45 years ago, it is a sensitive account of 4 people whose lives were deeply impacted by cult leader Jim Jones. The book was published on November 18th, 2023 the 45th anniversary of the Jonestown massacre, and has been received with high praise from cult experts including some of our past guests Jon Atak, and Joe Szimhart. In this compelling episode, Annie brings a unique perspective to the tragic story of Jonestown. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the victims rather than the infamous leader, Jim Jones, and sheds light on the often-overlooked narratives of those who lived through the ordeal. Annie discusses her latest book, which took two decades to publish, and her journey to uncover the stories of Jonestown's victims. She introduces us to key figures like Marceline Baldwin Jones, Jim Jones' wife, and other protagonists who provide a broader understanding of the People's Temple and its impact on its members and the country of Guyana. Rachel and Annie delve into the complexities of cult dynamics, the role of women in the People's Temple, and the psychological manipulation employed by Jim Jones. They also explore the broader implications of such movements and the importance of remembering the humanity of those who were lost. You can find out more about Annie and her work at: www.anniedawid.com Connect with Us on Social Media: Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft Share Your Feedback With Us Here: forms.gle/tz8eQwZorVNWWyQq6 Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.
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Another Gospel w/Joel Looper Jul 31, 2024

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Joel Looper is an adjunct professor at Baylor University and the author of the new book, Another Gospel: Christian Nationalism and the Crisis of Evangelical Identity in which he offers his fellow evangelicals a unique theological argument for resisting Christian nationalism. Using church history, Scriptural reasoning, and even analysis of Russian Christian nationalism. The book argues that another gospel, (which is actually not the gospel at all), has colonized American evangelicalism, explaining that decolonization requires a renewal of the Church’s own gospel-centered political vision. Joel delves into the complexities of Christian nationalism, its impact on American evangelicalism, and the theological arguments against it. He shares insights from his book, discusses the importance of community, and reflects on the upcoming 2024 election's potential consequences for evangelical identity. Throughout the episode, Rachel and Joel explore the nuances of Christian nationalism and the importance of differentiating its various definitions. They stress the need for open dialogue and critical thinking to navigate these complex issues. You can find out more about Joel and his work at: https://www.joellooper.com Connect with Us on Social Media: Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft Help Support The Show on Patreon: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience. Share Your Feedback With Us Here: https://forms.gle/tz8eQwZorVNWWyQq6
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BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: The Dark Dance Of 7M Jul 26, 2024

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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 solo bonus episode, Rachel shares her insights into the disturbing world of the 7M TikTok cult popularized in the recent Netflix documentary "Dancing For The Devil" Led by Robert Shin, this group has exploited young dancers, manipulated their dreams, and torn families apart. From brainwashing to financial exploitation, the stories of former members are both shocking and eye-opening. Thanks to all of our Patrons for making this episode possible!!
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