Conspirituality Podcast - Episode 265: Guru Rehab

Hosts: Derek Beres, Matthew Remsky, Julian Walker
Release Date: July 10, 2025

Introduction to Guru Rehab

In Episode 265, titled "Guru Rehab," the Conspirituality hosts—Derek Beres, Matthew Remsky, and Julian Walker—delve into the tumultuous journey of Aubrey Marcus, a prominent figure in the conspirituality movement. Marcus epitomizes the fusion of New Age spirituality with controversial conspiracy theories, positioning himself as a central figure in the landscape they seek to dismantle.

Aubrey Marcus: The Polestar of Conspirituality

Matthew Remsky opens the discussion by highlighting Aubrey Marcus's significant influence:

"As a stupidly wealthy New Ager who preaches about spiritual evolution and against vaccines while campaigning for RFK Jr and then Trump by default, he's kind of a polestar for the conspirituality moment and its political manias." ([01:56])

Marcus's adeptness at navigating the guru attention economy is evident in his ability to continually innovate his narrative, even amidst personal and public crises. The hosts note that this episode marks the eighth installment focused on Marcus, underscoring his centrality to their analysis.

Joe Rogan's Evolution and Intersection with Conspirituality

Julian Walker transitions the conversation to Joe Rogan, exploring his transformation from a podcast host engaged in conspiracy discussions to a mainstream influencer with significant political sway. Rogan's alliances with figures like Aubrey Marcus and his pivot towards supporting anti-vaccine sentiments and Trumpism are scrutinized.

A clip from Rogan illustrates his concerns about overreactions in immigration policies:

Joe Rogan [05:02]: "Problem with things that are going in a radical direction... what do you do about all the criminals?"

The hosts critique Rogan's shifting stance, emphasizing how his influence perpetuates right-wing disinformation:

"But it's also kind of good when something like this can still shine through for them to hear." ([07:09])

Political Alignments and the Threat of Anti-Semitism

The discussion broadens to encompass the dangerous conflation of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism within right-wing circles. Matthew Remsky expresses concern over influential figures like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene blurring these lines, potentially fostering new waves of anti-Semitism:

"You're going to see people saying things like, oh, MAGA is finally waking up to the real Satan in the world." ([13:24])

Julian Walker adds:

"There is a part of me that appreciate... we are watching somebody basically die in real time in one sort of blaze of glory or another." ([67:19])

Aubrey Marcus's Public Rehab and Ethical Concerns

The core of the episode examines Aubrey Marcus's latest attempt at rehabilitating his image through public therapy sessions and involving his ex-fiancée, Caitlin Howe, and renowned therapist Dr. Richard Schwartz. The hosts critique this strategy as a blend of self-promotion and performative therapy, raising ethical questions.

Matthew Remsky summarizes feedback from licensed psychotherapists:

"It is unethical of a therapist to allow themselves to be used in this way... Encouraging vulnerable people into this guy's orbit, blurring the lines between therapy and coaching." ([19:59])

A pivotal moment includes a clip from Marcus's session with Schwartz, where the emphasis is on internal parts and spiritual healing rather than addressing external misdeeds:

Aubrey Marcus [49:55]: "The last several years, I've become more spiritual...We're here to learn lessons." ([49:55])

The hosts argue that this public display manipulates therapeutic discourse to maintain his cult of personality, preventing genuine accountability and healing.

Update on the Liver King: A Parallel Downfall

In parallel to Marcus's struggles, the hosts provide an update on the Liver King (Brian Johnson), another influential figure in the wellness and conspirituality sphere. Recently arrested for threatening Joe Rogan, Liver King's erratic online behavior suggests a severe personal crisis:

"He posted a video of a fake arrest...he continues posting weird clips...he hasn't posted today." ([64:11])

Julian Walker and Matthew Remsky express concern over signs of possible neurological issues, such as a stroke, based on observed symptoms like dilated pupils:

Rosemary CG, a paramedic and follower [62:39]: "I sincerely hope someone takes him to a doctor because the differing pupil sizes is a huge red flag."

Conclusion: The Fragility of Modern Gurus

The episode concludes with reflections on the inherent instability of modern, digitally-driven gurus. Unlike their analog predecessors, today's influencers must constantly engage and expose themselves online, leaving little room to hide personal failings. This relentless exposure increases the likelihood of public implosions, as seen with both Aubrey Marcus and the Liver King.

Derek Beres emphasizes:

"This man needs help... I fear there's going to be an article that pops into my feed very soon about something horrific..." ([67:38])

The hosts warn listeners of the precarious nature of such influential figures who merge spirituality with extremist ideologies, underscoring the urgent need for critical discourse and intervention to prevent further harm.

Notable Quotes:

• Matthew Remsky [01:56]: "He is kind of a polestar for the conspirituality moment and its political manias."
• Joe Rogan [05:02]: "Problem with things that are going in a radical direction... what do you do about all the criminals?"
• Matthew Remsky [13:24]: "You're going to see people saying things like, oh, MAGA is finally waking up to the real Satan in the world."
• Aubrey Marcus [49:55]: "We're here to learn lessons... We're here to learn lessons."
• Peter J. Ryan, LPC [19:59]: "Encouraging vulnerable people into this guy's orbit, blurring the lines between therapy and coaching."
• Rosemary CG [62:39]: "I sincerely hope someone takes him to a doctor because the differing pupil sizes is a huge red flag."
• Derek Beres [67:38]: "This man needs help... I fear there's going to be an article that pops into my feed very soon about something horrific..."

This episode of Conspirituality meticulously dissects the downfall of modern spiritual gurus who intertwine their messages with conspiracy theories and extremist politics. Through the lens of Aubrey Marcus and the Liver King, the hosts illuminate the dangers of a digital age that demands constant visibility, leaving spiritual leaders vulnerable to public exposure and personal unraveling. The discussion serves as a cautionary tale about the exploitation of spirituality for personal gain and the broader implications for public health and societal well-being.