jon atack, family and friends

Latest Episodes:

did Ron Hubbard use Hitler's "magick" to make Scientology? Jan 18, 2025

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Hubbard's oldest son, L. Ron Jr., aka "Nibs," once said, "The same man who gave the magick to Hitler gave it to Ron Hubbard." Is this an accurate assessment of Scientology? Jon and Spike talk about this and about ritual magick, Nazism, Theosophy, and other subjects. It's a wild ride and you'll want to listen in. Links: The Shrinking World of L. Ron Hubbard Read the Paper, Never Believe a Hypnotist The Clearwater hearings

Scientology's marketing mayhem with Jefferson Hawkins Dec 28, 2024

Show notes

The New York Times best-seller list was topped by Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health almost forty years after it was first published through Jefferson Hawkins' marketing savvy. A turgid, repetitive, contradictory text, whose own author labelled its method 'hypnotic' only a year after release, reached the top of the most significant book list because Jeff ignored everything Hubbard had to say about marketing. Jeff was in Scientology for almost forty years. He worked directly with Ron Hubbard and with David Miscavige and the famous names of the original Sea Org, including Captain Bill Robertson, David Mayo and Yvonne Gillham-Jentzsch. Jeff talks about his journey through Scientology and shares insights gleaned from his long experience. Buy Jefferson's books here

gratitude with Steven Moffic, M.D. Dec 21, 2024

Show notes

Thanksgiving brought gratitude to Dr Moffic's attention. As he points out, gratitude is an important aspect of our psychological health. The good doctor asks if gratitude is relevant to cult involvement. Perhaps sociopathy can be seen as a lack of gratitude? Note: From Abraham Lincoln Online: "Prior to this, each state scheduled its own Thanksgiving holiday at different times, mainly in New England and other Northern states. President Lincoln responded to Mrs. Hale's request immediately, unlike several of his predecessors, who ignored her petitions altogether. In her letter to Lincoln she mentioned that she had been advocating a national thanksgiving date for 15 years as the editor of Godey's Lady's Book. George Washington was the first president to proclaim a day of thanksgiving, issuing his request on October 3, 1789, exactly 74 years before Lincoln's." Links: Zimbardo's Heroic Imagination Project The Mendota Study

Madam Blavatsky - the Godmother of the New Age - with Joe Szimhart Dec 14, 2024

Show notes

Madam Blavatsky was a fascinating woman. She travelled throughout Europe, the Middle East, India and the US gathering every last secret from the Sufi, Sikh, Masonic and Rosicrucian groups she met and published them in her Secret Doctrine.

Many groups have their origins in her work - including Theosophy, Anthroposophy, the Church Universal and Triumphant, various American fascist groups, and the Ordo Templi Orientis which gave birth to Scientology. The Nazis used her ludicrous Aryan Race Theory to justify the murder of millions. However, most contemporary fascists don't understand just how bizarre those ideas are. Joe and Jon set about straightening the record.

Scientology, Nazism, Blavatsky, and the Occult Dec 07, 2024

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Jon has a few things on his mind about the connection between Scientology, the Nazis, and the occult. Was L. Ron Hubbard Jr. right when he said that his father “was given the magic by the same person who gave it to Hitler"? Just what is the link between the Nazis and Scientology? Read Jon's paper, Possible Origins of Dianetics and Scientology or watch the videos: part one part two And read Jon's paper, Hubbard and the Occult or watch the video And find out about why medieval knights fought snails in the margins of manuscripts #scientologycult #occult #theosophy

Murderous, S3x-Crazed S@tanists in Silly Robes - how cults are (mis)represented in movies & TV Nov 30, 2024

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Spike's been researching movies and TV shows featuring "cults" and has found an ... ahem... interesting pattern. Join Jon and Spike as they discuss the good, the bad, and the just plain cringe.

Surviving Trump: Can We Counter Absolutism Without Becoming Absolutists? with Jeremy Sherman Nov 23, 2024

Show notes

Explore the pressing question of our time: How do we counter authoritarianism without falling into dogma ourselves? In this thought-provoking conversation, John Atack and Jeremy Sherman tackle the rise of absolutist movements, the role of irony and curiosity in challenging dogma, and the existential challenges facing humanity in an increasingly complex world. 🔹 From the psychology of Trumpism to the allure of simplistic solutions 🔹 The "anti-dogma dogma" and the search for strategic humility 🔹 How imagination and rationality can be tools for growth—or traps 🔹 The dangers of escapism in the age of AI and social polarization This one-hour journey combines wit, wisdom, and a candid exploration of the human condition. Don't miss this chance to think critically, challenge assumptions, and join the conversation about the future of democracy and humanity. 🌍✨ links: for hopeful, expert comment see Lawrence O'Donnell and Lawrence Tribe and to see a goat singing #JohnAtack #JeremySherman #Absolutism #Democracy #Irony #election2024 #trumppresidency #maga #cultoftrump #trump

cyber security and thought reform with Dustin Rozario Steinhagen, PhD Nov 16, 2024

Show notes

As a member of Dustin's PhD committee, Jon became familiar with his research into public awareness of psychological manipulation. Dustin describes the motivation for his work and the survey he used to estimate public understanding of manipulation. This breakthrough research will hopefully encourage other graduate students to work in this vastly under-researched area. Links: Dustin's dissertation The article Dustin mentions about the catfishing victim

magical thinking with Hoyt Richards Nov 10, 2024

Show notes

Hoyt shares his experience as a long term member of a group with a base in astrology. He was recruited at age 16. He studied at Princeton University and became internationally successful but stayed in the group for 20 years. Why do we accept conspiracy theories and magical ideas? To what extent do limitations in perception and interpretation inhibit our reasoning. A discussion about authority, certainty and authenticity. Links: A Painful Reminder For more on the "Angel and Devil on the Shoulder" trope

cannabis breakthrough research with Ethan Russo, M.D. Nov 02, 2024

Show notes

Dr Ethan Russo has been involved in cannabis research for many years. He dispels some of the myths and talks about recent breakthroughs in the treatment of anxiety and dementia. Dr Russo focuses on current research into limonene and cannabigerol. A fascinating conversation with a true expert. Links: Ethan's site: https://ethanrusso.org Acute effects of cannabigerol on anxiety, stress, and mood https://ethanrusso.org/acute-effects-of-cannabigerol-on-anxiety-stress-and-mood-a-double%E2%80%91blind-placebo%E2%80%91controlled-crossover-field-trial/ Vaporized D-limonene selectively mitigates the acute anxiogenic effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in healthy adults who intermittently use cannabis https://ethanrusso.org/vaporized-d-limonene-selectively-mitigates-the-acute-anxiogenic-effects-of-δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-in-healthy-adults-who-intermittently-use-cannabis/ PISA tables https://www.oecd.org/en/about/programmes/pisa.html

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