IndoctriNation

Latest Episodes:

The Consolidation of Church and State w/ Tammie Willis Nov 04, 2020

Show notes

Returning guest Tammie Willis grew up in a cultic Christian fundamentalist church which was steeped in methods of control based on fear, coercion, guilt, and shame. Though she left the church more than 30 years ago she is still coming to terms with the effect it has had on her life. She describes to Rachel how seeing what's happening in the United States political system and the rise of Christian nationalism has been eye-opening and triggering in the last few years, Before You Go: Rachel explains how misinterpretation of biblical texts can be incredibly dangerous when merged with the powers of government. She elaborates on how governmental power and influence can be used to promote specific religious views and violate the rights of other people. Thanks to our newest Patreon Supporters: Julia Molen, Lynne, Caitlin Schumacher, Leslie H and Nicole Artanowicz
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The "Truth" Rundown w/Chris Shelton Oct 21, 2020

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Chris Shelton is an author, podcaster, and former member of the Church of Scientology's upper echelon, the Sea Organization. Since leaving Scientology in 2013 he has been dedicated to exposing the abuses of destructive cults and high control groups through his YouTube channel, where he also promotes critical thinking and education as the solutions to the cult problem. Chris shares with Rachel the details of his harrowing experience in Scientology's Rehabilitation Project Force(RPF) A program for members of its Sea Organization who have allegedly violated expectations or policies. Chris breaks down a day in the life of a resident of the RPF which he describes as a re-education camp. Rachel helps Chris unpack the idea that our personal perceptions are actually malleable and explains how authoritarian groups can exploit that. Before You Go: Rachel points out why Chris's insights are invaluable not only for people wrapped up in Scientology but for anyone who is struggling with personal responsibility within high control groups. Hear more of Rachel's discussions with Chris on his YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGrPM1Pg2h705KqJ9DRi3HKkWqqZAA6Hs
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Hearing What Wasn't Said w/ Audrey Brewer Oct 14, 2020

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Returning guest, Audrey Brewer, is a marketing manager who found herself in a beauty-based MLM until she realized how entangled her life had become. She reveals the difficulties she has struggled with since leaving the group as well as the tremendous growth she has since experienced. Rachel and Audrey go in-depth on the mechanics that can lead to manipulation in MLM groups. Before You Go: Rachel explains the art of "saying something without saying it" the importance of noticing what is not being said and how to read between the lines. Thanks so much to our newest Patreon supporter Trymian Cassidy! Become a supporter at https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination
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Positive Indoctrination w/ Nat Gertler Oct 07, 2020

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Author Nat Gertler is the publisher of the About Comics line and a "professional peanuts nerd". He has written over a hundred comic book stories and has twice been nominated for Comic-Con's Eisner Award. He went on to publish The Negro Motorist Green Book - Jim Crow-era travel guides for African Americans, an important historical document previously out of print. Rachel and Nat discuss how representation in influential forms of popular media can create a positive form of indoctrination that can ultimately lead to progressive societal change. Before You Go: Rachel expands on the idea of representation in media and the positive impact it can have in minority communities of all kinds. She compares it to the affirmation people who've left cultic groups feel when their experiences are shared with the majority through mass media. Follow Indoctrination on Social Media: Twitter @_indoctrination IG: @indoctrinationpodcast Facebook: @indoctrinationpodcast
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Thought Stopping Techniques w/Tammie Willis Sep 30, 2020

Show notes

Tammie Willis grew up in a Christian fundamentalist church in Virginia that she now knows was a cult by the ways in which it abused and controlled its members. She explains how her church, school, and family life were all steeped in methods of control based on fear, abuse, dependency, coercion, and obedience at all costs. Tammie describes how although she's been away from fundamentalism for 30 years, she's still coming to terms with how her life has been affected. She goes on to explain how seeing what is happening in the United States political system and the rise of Christian nationalism has been eye-opening and triggering for her. Before you go: Rachel discusses religious trauma and spiritual abuse, which despite being frighteningly commonplace are still relatively unknown to the public. She describes ways in which these abuses can manifest themselves throughout the lives of those who are victimized by them. Thanks so much to our newest Patrons; Ellie, Lindsey Millen, Jason M, Elizabeth Long, Karen Unterreiner, Anne, and Jake Phillips! We appreciate your support!
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Recognizing The Patterns w/ Mark Vicente Sep 23, 2020

Show notes

Mark Vicente is an author, speaker, and award-winning Writer/Director/Producer most well-known for directing the sleeper documentary hit "What The Bleep Do We Know?!" Being born in apartheid-era South Africa, and witnessing a number of atrocities, Mark found himself propelled to question certain fundamental assumptions at a very young age. He spent a good part of the late 80's and early 90s shooting anti-apartheid films before going to Hollywood. He has traveled two parallel paths in his life so far. One working his way up the ranks of the camera department in the film industry, eventually becoming a film Director... and the other an unquenchable thirst for self-knowledge. This quest led him through many different religions and self-help organizations. It all came crashing down in 2017 when Mark found out that the company he was working with, and the mentor that led it, was hiding illegal and deeply immoral activities. Before he could even begin to heal, he and a few other brave souls had to become whistleblowers to expose what they were discovering. The journey of taking down the NXIVM organization and its key figures are captured in the 9 part HBO Documentary Series "THE VOW" currently on the air. In this second part of their conversation, Mark describes how recognizing the patterns in Raniere's manipulations helped him unravel his disturbing web of deception. Before You Go: Rachel describes how manipulators benefit from their victims' natural tendency to resist information that contradicts their beliefs. She suggests ways that loved ones can help victims without being seen as unsupportive.
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Covert Violence w/ Mark Vicente Sep 16, 2020

Show notes

Mark Vicente is an author, speaker, and award-winning Writer/Director/Producer most well-known for directing the sleeper documentary hit "What The Bleep Do We Know?!" Being born in apartheid-era South Africa, and witnessing a number of atrocities, Mark found himself propelled to question certain fundamental assumptions at a very young age. He spent a good part of the late 80's and early 90s shooting anti-apartheid films before going to Hollywood. He has traveled two parallel paths in his life so far. One working his way up the ranks of the camera department in the film industry, eventually becoming a film Director... and the other an unquenchable thirst for self-knowledge. This quest led him through many different religions and self-help organizations. It all came crashing down in 2017 when Mark found out that the company he was working with, and the mentor that led it, was hiding illegal and deeply immoral activities. Before he could even begin to heal, he and a few other brave souls had to become whistleblowers to expose what they were discovering. The journey of taking down the NXIVM organization and its key figures are captured in the 9 part HBO Documentary Series "THE VOW" currently on the air. Rachel and Mark discuss the difficulties of continuing his healing process while simultaneously "fighting the war" against NXIVM. Before you go: Rachel examines the idea of forced confessionals and the peer pressure used in cultic group settings that manipulative leaders use to extract deeply personal feelings in order to control followers.
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Save The Children? The Cultic Ideas of QAnon Sep 09, 2020

Show notes

In this week's episode, Rachel gives her unique perspective on QAnon, a far-right conspiracy theory whose dangerous and cult-like ideas are spreading at an alarming rate. She provides insights on what followers find appealing about the group and why it is so difficult for their loved ones to reason with them. To hear more of Rachel's insights on the group, listen to her recent interview on NPR's Marketplace: https://www.scpr.org/programs/marketplace-tech-report/2020/09/01/81807/ Thanks to our newest Patreon supporters Shelia M. King & Sheridan Humphreys! Have you bought your tickets yet for the "Uniting The Continents: Support For The Pacific Rim'' online conference? It's not too late to buy tickets the event starts this Friday! (September 11 &12, 2020) It's an ONLINE EVENT for Families, Former Members, and Friends Affected by CULTIC Groups and Relationships. The conference will have fourteen+ 50 minute sessions AND a 3 HOUR FORMER MEMBER workshop. Talks are available for 30 days after the event!! You don't want to miss this. Buy tickets from Cult Mediation here: https://pacificrimeventcultmediation.lpages.co/usa/ Photo credit: "QAnon - Q Conspiracy - Deep State Trump" by mikemacmarketing is licensed under CC BY 2.0 "QAnon in red shirt" by marcn is licensed under CC BY 2.0 "Qanon nutter splinter group" by marcn is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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Coming Out, Anew w/Todd Brown Sep 02, 2020

Show notes

Todd Brown continues telling his story of recovery as an ex-member of the independent sect of Sufism called Sufi Dayemi Tariqat. He describes the abuse he endured from the guru who continually belittled Todd for not living up to binary gender norms. Todd speaks openly about how he struggled with his homosexuality within the group and explains what led him to finally leave the community just a few months ago. Before You Go: Rachel examines how the hierarchical nature of controlling relationships leads to victims internalizing blame and unjustly taking responsibility for the negative actions of those in power. Thanks to our newest Patreon supporter Mary B. Stewart! Check out Rachel on NPR's Marketplace discussing Qanon this week: https://www.scpr.org/programs/marketplace-tech-report/?fbclid=IwAR2FO-Im4k4WcqDb2Q9bHl_wwPg1aHcjXSnbKVQJ7BCXMAgTreUJSOGKL0I
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Decision Deception w/ Todd Brown Aug 26, 2020

Show notes

Todd Brown is an ex-member of an independent sect of Sufism called Sufi Dayemi Tariqat. He reclaimed his identity as a gay man after 23 years with the group. He is currently working towards his PhD and hopes to help people get out of coercive groups. Todd describes the life experiences and vulnerability that lead him to joining this manipulative and controlling group in their Southern Illinois center and details the difficulties inherent in his early healing process. Before You Go: Rachel expands on the manipulative tactic of the false dilemma and describes how her concept of decision deception seduces victims into a false sense of autonomy. Thanks to our wonderful new Patreon supporter Jolie Holland! Share your story for our upcoming call-in show by leaving a message for Rachel at: 1(818)907-0036
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