Podcast Summary: "New Age Conspirituality"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Conspiracy Theories
- Host/Author: Spotify Studios
- Episode Title: New Age Conspirituality
- Release Date: June 4, 2025
- Description: Exploring the world's most controversial events and the complex beliefs behind them, from Bigfoot sightings to alien landings.
Introduction to Conspirituality
The episode "New Age Conspirituality" delves into the intricate blend of New Age belief systems and conspiracy theories, a fusion often referred to by academics as conspirituality. Host Carter Roy sets the stage by highlighting how seemingly benign New Age practices, like checking horoscopes or displaying crystals, can intertwine with more extreme conspiratorial ideas.
Carter Roy:
"The distance between tarot cards and a new world order run by alien lizard people may be a lot shorter than you think." [00:00]
The Rise of Amy Carlson: From Suburbs to Spiritual Leader
Amy Carlson's journey from a typical suburban upbringing to the enigmatic leader of the group Love Has Won serves as the central narrative of the episode. Growing up near Dallas, Texas, Amy led a seemingly normal life, excelling in singing and maintaining a presentable image. However, her early adulthood was marked by personal struggles, including a tumultuous relationship and substance abuse.
Leah Satilli:
"Amy was really into singing and into, you know, looking her best, being very presentable." [03:32]
Amy's life took a pivotal turn in her 30s when she became engrossed in online communities discussing alien-human hybrids and other New Age topics. This period marked the beginning of her transformation into a spiritual leader.
Leah Satilli:
"She literally backs away from a table at a restaurant with her family and says, I'm leaving." [07:42]
Formation and Ideology of Love Has Won
After leaving her life in Texas around Thanksgiving 2007, Amy and her companion Amaranth (later known as Jason Castillo) settled in Crestone, Colorado. Here, Amy adopted the moniker "Mother God," positioning herself as the embodiment of the Earth and weaving a complex belief system involving reincarnation and ascended masters.
Leah Satilli:
"She is the physical embodiment of the planet... any damage to her... is actually damaging to the Earth itself." [08:16]
The group primarily operated online, leveraging social media to disseminate their teachings. As the leader, Amy produced extensive video content, presenting astrological predictions and New Age concepts in an accessible format.
Leah Satilli:
"She starts to like distribute new age ideas and a lot of astrological predictions... it was really like sweet." [10:20]
Control, Manipulation, and Exploitation
As Love Has Won grew, Amy centralized her control, delegating spiritual duties to trusted members and rebranding the group multiple times. The community emphasized healing the world through love, which translated into intensive online engagement rather than tangible charitable activities.
Leah Satilli:
"They're almost impossible to watch because... it's very, very confusing and it's just rambling." [11:52]
Followers who relocated to Crestone faced strict rules, including financial control, restricted communication with the outside world, and enforced labor. The group demanded significant personal sacrifices, often leading to financial and emotional exploitation.
Leah Satilli:
"They spend every day almost entirely on their feet... back breaking work." [18:13]
Incidents Highlighting the Group's Extremes
Several disturbing incidents illustrate the group's dark side. One notable case involved a man who, after joining the group, disappeared into the wilderness, never to return, leaving his family in anguish. Another harrowing account details how members were coerced into abusive labor and severely restricted in their personal freedoms.
Leah Satilli:
"He had been found naked on someone's property... they just cast him to the wind." [19:59]
The Decline and Death of Amy Carlson
Amy's health deteriorated dramatically due to anorexia, alcohol abuse, and chronic ingestion of colloidal silver—a substance falsely promoted by the group as a divine remedy. Her behavior became increasingly erratic and abusive, culminating in her death in April 2021.
Leah Satilli:
"Heavier reliance on colloidal silver... an autopsy revealed she died from health complications related to alcohol abuse, anorexia, and chronic colloidal silver ingestion." [24:03]
After her death, followers continued to venerate her, treating her body with reverence and attempting to propagate her teachings without legal repercussions. Despite law enforcement involvement, charges related to her death were eventually dropped, allowing the group's activities to persist and splinter into new factions.
Leah Satilli:
"No legal consequences related to Amy's death... they start writing books about her." [30:24]
Historical Context and the Evolution of New Age Conspiracies
Leah Satilli's book, "Blazing Eye Sees All," provides a comprehensive examination of American New Age culture, tracing its roots back to figures like Helena Blavatsky in the 1870s. The book argues that New Age beliefs have historically intertwined with various conspiracy theories, evolving over time to incorporate contemporary fears and uncertainties.
Leah Satilli:
"American New Age culture really started with Helena Blavatsky's ideas and writings... trying to rule men, it is necessary to deceive them." [34:48]
Satilli emphasizes that New Age movements have always been particularly appealing to women, offering roles of leadership and spiritual authority absent in many traditional religions. These movements gain traction, especially during times of societal fear and uncertainty, serving as beacons of personal agency and hope.
Leah Satilli:
"Studies show that spiritualism surges in times of uncertainty and fear, when people are looking for hope and answers." [34:11]
Conclusion: The Legacy of Conspirituality
Despite Amy Carlson's demise, the legacy of Love Has Won and the broader conspirituality movement endures globally. Followers continue to propagate the group's distorted beliefs, leveraging online platforms to maintain influence. Leah Satilli cautions listeners about the pervasive nature of New Age ideologies and the potential for exploitation by charismatic leaders.
Leah Satilli:
"This does exist here and have your eyes open for it... we are living in a time of grifters and that's not going to stop anytime soon." [34:48]
Carter Roy:
"Amy Carlson waded into the waters of the New Age and never came out. It's also a river that, by her own account, she knowingly created." [34:48]
Notable Quotes
-
Carter Roy:
"The distance between tarot cards and a new world order run by alien lizard people may be a lot shorter than you think." [00:00] -
Leah Satilli:
"She literally backs away from a table at a restaurant with her family and says, I'm leaving." [07:42] -
Leah Satilli:
"They're almost impossible to watch because... it's very, very confusing and it's just rambling." [11:52] -
Leah Satilli:
"He had been found naked on someone's property... they just cast him to the wind." [19:59] -
Leah Satilli:
"This book is more of a cautionary tale... you might want to know that this does exist here and have your eyes open for it." [34:48]
Final Thoughts
"New Age Conspirituality" offers a gripping exploration of how New Age beliefs can intertwine with conspiracy theories to form powerful, manipulative groups. Through the tragic story of Amy Carlson and Love Has Won, the episode underscores the dangers of unchecked spiritual movements and the importance of critical thinking in the face of charismatic leadership.
Stay Connected:
- Instagram: @theconspiracypod
- Email: us@conspiracystoriespotify.com
For more insights into American New Age culture, consider reading Leah Satilli's book, Blazing Eye Sees All.