IndoctriNation

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Navigating the Minefields of your Mind w/ Claire Headley Oct 27, 2021

Show notes

Our returning guest, Claire Headley was born and raised in Scientology and joined Scientology's "Sea Organization" at 16, including signing a billion-year contract. In the Sea Org, Claire was quickly promoted to Scientology's international headquarters in Hemet, California, where she worked for 14 years, including working as an executive in their Religious Technology Center under David Miscavige, Scientology's current leader. Claire escaped in 2005 at the age of 30, and since that time Claire and her husband Marc (author of Blown for Good: Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology) have been speaking out against Scientology's abusive practices. Claire appeared in 3 seasons of Leah Remini: Scientology & The Aftermath and has contributed to many other documentaries, articles, and radio shows, educating the general public on Scientology. Claire also now serves on the board of The Aftermath Foundation, a non-profit organization that assists people leaving Scientology to start new lives. In this second half of their two-part conversation, Claire recalls for Rachel the inner emotional turmoil she experienced after escaping from Scientology. Rachel offers her insights on the psychological difficulties that are commonplace among people who have recently extricated themselves from all manner of high control groups. Together they examine the types of support that can help ex-group members recover safely and effectively. Claire explains how her advocacy for survivors has been an intrinsic part of her own healing. Before You Go: Rachel examines how many high control groups eliminate communication and anything perceived as negativity among its members. This, she explains keeps them isolated in their suffering, and prevents the peer support that gives individuals the courage to leave. More info on the Headley's lawsuit against Scientology here: https://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/defectors-claire-and-marc-headley-say-church-of-scientology-tried-to/1250163/ More info on Marc Headley's book here: blownforgood.com/ Thanks to our newest Patreon supporters: Mel Layos and Ato Essandoh!! To help support the show monthly and sign up for cool Indoctrination stickers and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination We also want to give a big shout-out to Jeanette Ojala for increasing her pledge! If you'd like to do the same find out how here: https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000126286-Editing-your-membership#h_01EPWHK1GFVD92RGVC6GT00ED2 Want to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: www.paypal.me/indoctriNATION You can help the show for free by leaving a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show!
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A Cadet's Life in the Sea Org w/Claire Headley Oct 20, 2021

Show notes

This week's guest, Claire Headley was born and raised in Scientology and joined Scientology's "Sea Organization" at 16, including signing a billion-year contract. In the Sea Org, Claire was quickly promoted to Scientology's international headquarters in Hemet, California, where she worked for 14 years, including working as an executive in their Religious Technology Center under David Miscavige, Scientology's current leader. Claire escaped in 2005 at the age of 30, and since that time Claire and her husband Marc (author of Blown for Good: Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology) have been speaking out against Scientology's abusive practices. Claire appeared in 3 seasons of Leah Remini: Scientology & The Aftermath and has contributed to many other documentaries, articles, and radio shows, educating the general public on Scientology. Claire also now serves on the board of The Aftermath Foundation, a non-profit organization that assists people leaving Scientology to start new lives. In this first part of a two-part conversation, Claire recounts for Rachel the damaging neglect of her childhood in Scientology, and together they survey the multiple practices the organization used on"cadets" that can leave children scarred for life. Claire speaks about her traumatic time in the Sea Org starting from the age of 16, she tells the story of meeting her husband Marc there and how their love was the catalyst for her eventual escape. Throughout the conversation, Claire paints a grim picture of life in a secured Scientology compound as she rose to the top of David Miscavige's Religious Technology Center and the indignities she suffered along the way. Before You Go: Rachel explains how Scientology manipulates victimhood into a shameful failure of their followers, so as to not have to take responsibility for their abusive culture. She talks about the courage it takes to follow your instincts and fight against the Church's abuse despite personal harassment. More info on the Headley's lawsuit against Scientology here: https://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/defectors-claire-and-marc-headley-say-church-of-scientology-tried-to/1250163/ More info on Marc Headley's book here: http://blownforgood.com/ Thanks to our newest Patreon supporter Malia Michiko Gallegos!! To help support the show monthly and sign up for cool Indoctrination stickers and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Want to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: www.paypal.me/indoctriNATION You can help the show for free by leaving a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show!
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Magik Flavored Psychology w/Spike Robinson Oct 13, 2021

Show notes

This week's guest, Spike Robinson was born in the wilds of New Jersey and raised in bustling, metropolitan Vermont, she began her educational career in literary criticism before deciding to go for broke (literally) and study music theory and composition. One completed degree and three years in a “ritual magick” cult later, she found a new life path educating others about coercive control, manipulative persuasion, and the many nefarious ways predatory people fool us into acting against our own best interests. She currently manages the YouTube channel of author Jon Atack and lives with her ever-patient husband and two budgerigars. Spike shares her fascinating and often dark story of enchantment, psychedelia, and "Crowley-Esque, ritual magik." Together Spike and Rachel explore the textbook scenarios that led her into the arms of a narcissistic and abusive cult leader. Spike also talks about how hearing from ex-Scientologists helped her walk away from her own dark and strange group and create a new life for herself protecting people from systems of control. Before You Go: Rachel reiterates how intelligence levels have no bearing on what makes one susceptible to cultic indoctrination, and warns of the dangers of sacrificial devotion explaining how it can be exploited by abusive group leaders. To hear our episodes with the ex-Scientologists Spike mentions and many more follow this link: https://soundcloud.com/indoctrinationshow/sets/scientology?si=13d5207bbbc14329b47fbe987f5eecb9 For more on Spike: Jon Atack, family, and friends YouTube channel run by Spike: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI4tcSMV2kEh3BooY_XFSYQ Spike’s own YouTube channel with her original music: https://www.youtube.com/user/spikeoramathon Spike’s blog with her artwork and writing: https://phoenyxrose.wordpress.com Thanks to our newest Patreon supporter Matt T! To help support the show monthly and sign up for cool Indoctrination stickers and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Want to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: www.paypal.me/indoctriNATION You can help the show for free by leaving a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show!
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MindShift w/Dr. Clint Heacock Oct 06, 2021

Show notes

This week we are proud to present a crossover episode with Dr. Clint Heacock, of the MindShift podcast. Dr. Heacock is an ex-evangelical pastor and Bible college teacher of over 20 years. After deconstructing his former Christian faith and leaving it behind more than a decade ago, he’s used his podcast platform to educate and help those who have left religion to rebuild their lives. In this first part of their 2 part conversation, Clint explains to Rachel the years-long process of questioning his faith that ultimately led him away from the Christian church. Dr. Heacock also breaks down the fundamentalist roots of evangelical Christianity and explains how it relates to today's religious right. Together, Rachel and Clint discuss the fear-based doctrines used in both religion and cults and the damage they can inflict on believers. Before You Go: Rachel goes in-depth into the fear-mongering tactics that some religious traditions use to control the behavior of their believers. She describes the paralyzing fear of divine retribution that some followers experience and how it can hinder their autonomy. Hear the second half of Clint and Rachel's conversation on the MindShift podcast by following the links below: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bonus-episode-how-religion-affects-our-mental-health/id1199559501?i=1000537766442 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3QqRiYn1TgpGiEgzQYWVUb?si=JDCp-salRR6Fp3wHYGyLVA&dl_branch=1 For more information on Dr. Clint Heacock and the MindShift podcast, check out his website here: https://mindshiftpodcast.co.uk/ Thanks to our newest Patreon supporter Elli Pripas! To help support the show monthly and sign up for cool Indoctrination stickers and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Want to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link! http://www.paypal.me/indoctriNATION You can help the show for free by leaving a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show!
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Fighting Hate w/Marilyn Mayo Sep 29, 2021

Show notes

This week's guest, Marilyn Mayo, is the Research Fellow at the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Center on Extremism. Marilyn is an expert on right-wing extremists in the United States, ranging from white supremacists to academic racists to anti-immigrant groups. She has been with the ADL for 24 years, having previously served as the Associate Director of Investigative Research. Marilyn shares her insights from decades of investigation on hate groups and extremism as a research fellow with the ADL. She breaks down the complex roots of extremist hate and unravels some of the difficult social issues that government must address in order to quell the many violent extremist movements currently threatening the United States. Rachel draws parallels between extremist hate groups and cultic high control groups, both in the recruitment tactics used as well as the potential for the violence these groups inherently hold. Marylin and Rachel go on to discuss deradicalization strategies and the important educational resources offered by the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Center on Extremism. Before You Go: Rachel explains that despite how the ever-changing landscape of hate and extremism continues to morph into different ideologies, its root cause remains the same, that ugly side of human nature that we must all continue to fight against collectively. For more information as well as educational resources, visit the ADL website here: https://www.adl.org/ To stay connected with their work follow the group on social media: https://twitter.com/ADL https://www.facebook.com/anti.defamation.league/ https://www.instagram.com/adl_national/ Thanks to all of our Patreon supporters, we could not do it without you!! You can help the show for free by leaving a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show! To help support the show monthly and sign up for cool Indoctrination stickers and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Want to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link! www.paypal.me/indoctriNATION
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A Complicated Cookie w/ Beth Matenaer Sep 22, 2021

Show notes

Our guest this week, Beth Matenaer, is a licensed professional counselor and trauma therapist living in South Carolina, who has worked with adults, children, adolescents, and families for more than 25 years. As a survivor of the Troubled Teen Industry, she has devoted her decades-long career to treating clients who exhibit the complexity of post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and other victims of high-conflict systems. Additionally, she is the co-creator and Clinical Director of the innovative Think Boxing program. As an adolescent, she was sent to a program heavily modeled after the Synanon cult. This self-help style school used attack therapy, loss of personal agency, physical labor, and isolation from friends and family as a way to tear down “troubled” teenagers in order to reform them. Throughout their conversation, Beth shares with Rachel both her clinical expertise and personal experience, she sheds light on complex trauma or (CPTSD) and how it often goes unrecognized or mistreated. Beth also tells the story of her traumatic time at a "Troubled Teen" program, where she was subjected to unhealthy “cultic” and exploitative relationships with staff members. She goes on to explain what happened when she ran away from the program and how her experiences inspired her to become a therapist focusing largely on misunderstood youth, traumatized children and adults, and highly dysfunctional family systems. Before You Go: Rachel emphasizes the importance of conducting research into any program before becoming involved, especially for parents who are often deceived by programs in the "Troubled Teen" industry. Rachel gives some tips on what parents should look out for when scouting programs and offers some advice on how to maintain a trusting relationship with their children. More info about Beth here: http://www.bethmatenaer.com More info on Beth's therapeutic boxing program here: www.Thinkboxing.co Thanks to our newest Patreon supporter "Free from RF"!! You can help the show for free by leaving a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show! To help support the show monthly and sign up for cool Indoctrination stickers and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Want to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link! www.paypal.me/indoctriNATION
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Narconon, and On and On... w/ Pam Sep 15, 2021

Show notes

In the late 1970s, while Pam was in college, she got involved with Scientology doing many courses and counseling with them. She stayed in Scientology a long time, but around 2001, Pam was in a terrible accident where she broke her neck throwing her into the medical world of surgeries, medicines, doctors, etc. During her recovery, Pam wanted off the medicines, so she got involved with Scientology’s form of “Drug Rehab” called “Narconon”. Not knowing what to expect, she first went to their facility in the LA area which turned out to be a 3-month nightmare for her, so they flew her to Montreal, Canada to a sister Narconon for many months. Pam desperately hoped they would keep their promises to help her, but this did not happen. These unbelievable experiences badly affected both her mental and physical health. At one point she was down to 84 lbs often having continuous seizures with no one qualified to watch over her, finding herself staying alone in an old Canadian farmhouse for months with little food, medical care, or even a phone- which also turned out to be deadly for her. She felt like a prisoner jailed in a foreign country not knowing anyone or even being able to speak their language. What could she do? This is her grueling story as to how it all happened, Narconon’s lack of any help whatsoever, and how she managed to escape back to her parents in the United States where her years of recovery began. In this conclusion of Rachel's two-part conversation with Pam, she tells the story of how she ended up being transferred to a remote Canadian farmhouse, where she was trapped alone and suffering for weeks. She details the heroic steps a young girl took to help get her to a travel agency where she was eventually able to get home to her parents. Rachel provides insights on the trauma Pam experienced and her long and difficult road to recovery. Before You Go: Rachel provides some psychological context to what Pam experienced throughout her ordeal. She breaks down the difficulties of complex trauma and the Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome many in her position struggle with. Thanks to all our newest Patreon supporters! We couldn't do it without you! You can help the show for free by leaving a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show! To help support the show monthly and sign up for cool Indoctrination stickers and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Want to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link! www.paypal.me/indoctriNATION
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Narconon, Pain, and Perseverance w/ Pam Sep 08, 2021

Show notes

In the late 1970s, while Pam was in College, she got involved with Scientology doing many courses and counseling with them. She stayed in Scientology a long time, but around 2001, Pam was in a terrible accident where she broke her neck throwing her into the medical world of surgeries, medicines, Doctors, etc. During her recovery, Pam wanted off the medicines, so she got involved with Scientology’s form of “Drug Rehab” called “Narconon”. Not knowing what to expect, she first went to their facility in the LA area which turned out to be a 3-month nightmare for her, so they flew her to Montreal, Canada to a sister Narconon for many months. Pam desperately hoped they would keep their promises to help her, but this did not happen. These unbelievable experiences badly affected both her mental and physical health. At one point she was down to 84 lbs often having continuous seizures with no one qualified to watch over her, finding herself staying alone in an old Canadian farmhouse for months with little food, medical care, or even a phone- which also turned out to be deadly for her. She felt like a prisoner jailed in a foreign country not knowing anyone or even being able to speak their language. What could she do? This is her grueling story as to how it all happened, Narconon’s lack of any help whatsoever, and how she managed to escape back to her parents in the United States where her years of recovery began. In part one of Rachel's two-part conversation with Pam, she talks about how she ended up in Scientology, to begin with, and the events that led to her seeking help through Narconon. Through her detailed personal account, she reveals the restrictive and dangerous medical practices of both Scientology and Narconon. Throughout the conversation, Rachel provides insight into the complex healing process that accompanies multiple tragedies and marvels at how Pam overcame the many traumas of her experience. Before You Go: Rachel explains her admiration for people who speak out against the destructive and controlling groups they left and shares her own personal experiences with harassment from The Church of Scientology. Thanks to all our newest Patreon supporters: "sdotsharp", and Maggie A Kelly!! We couldn't do it without you! You can help the show for free by leaving a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show! To help support the show monthly and sign up for cool Indoctrination stickers and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Want to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link! www.paypal.me/indoctriNATION
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Sat Yoga Exposed w/Govinda Sep 01, 2021

Show notes

This week's guest Govinda describes himself as a modern mystic committed to spiritual growth and enlightenment while simultaneously learning to be a balanced and grounded human being in this world. Govinda has been an IT consultant in banking and a successful internet entrepreneur. He has traveled the world in search of communities and alternative ways of living before he co-founded "Awake" in Costa Rica in 2020, a community and center dedicated to support and accelerate what he calls human awakening. Govinda describes for Rachel the experiences he had at Sat Yoga, an ashram and school in Costa Rica led by Shunyamurti (aka Robert Shubow) He explains the red flags he noticed in the leader and the cultic tactics he used to manipulate the minds of his followers. Rachel breaks down the common psychological traits of cult leaders while Govinda points out where these traits were present in Shunyamurti. Govinda goes on to share how his negative experiences led him to co-found the website www.satyoga.exposed/ which offers a different perspective on the nature of the organization and a voice for the numerous past members of the cult who have had a personal relationship with Shunyamurti. Before You Go: Rachel speaks about what disillusioned followers can experience when they finally see cracks in the facade of a controlling leader, and what signs are visible when a leader hides their true self. A very special thanks to Lisa Critchley for their generous support! Thanks also to all our newest Patreon supporters: Kate Sandler, Jacob Brooks, Amy, Stephanie J Sharp, and Nathan Andersen!! We couldn't do it without you! You can help the show for free by leaving a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show! To help support the show monthly and sign up for cool Indoctrination stickers and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Want to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link! www.paypal.me/indoctriNATION
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A Close Call w/ Zoe Scurletis Aug 25, 2021

Show notes

This week's guest, Zoe Scurletis is a young professional who is currently based out of Austin, Texas. For most of her adult life, Zoe battled anxiety and depression, and in 2017 she lost a close friend to suicide. She longed to do something to bring awareness to the mental health community, so in October of 2019, she launched a mental health podcast called Solace and the City™. Through authentic conversations about sensitive subjects, she works to open up the conversation around emotional wellness. Her goal of the podcast is to reduce the stigma surrounding depression, anxiety, loneliness, and suicide by sharing these powerful stories. In her conversation with Rachel, Zoe talks about her passion for destigmatizing mental health issues as well as her own struggles with Tourette syndrome. Zoe walks us through the circumstances that led to her experiences with Mark Elliot, an author and public speaker who was a member of NXIVM and claimed his Tourette's was cured by the cult's leader Keith Raniere. Zoe shares how she narrowly averted recruitment into NXIVM by Mark, while Rachel points out some of the red flags to watch out for when being persuaded to join a group. Before You Go: Rachel explains why a promise can hold such tremendous weight on a person's psychology and the depth to which it can establish or destroy trust in a relationship. She explains the responsibility and emotional maturity needed when making promises to people. Listen to Zoe's podcast Solace and The City, including more conversation with Rachel here: https://solaceandthecity.com/32-rachel-bernstein-that-one-time-i-was-recruited-into-a-sex-cult/ Thanks to all our newest Patreon supporters: Julie Richards, Adael Bullock, Amy Keller, and Eve Bryant !!! You can help the show for free by leaving a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show! To help support the show monthly and sign up for cool Indoctrination stickers and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Want to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link! www.paypal.me/indoctriNATION
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