Podcast
IndoctriNation
Hosted by IndoctriNation · EN
Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control.
24episodes
Episodes
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Reclaiming Myself After Mormonism with Lindsey Sanders
Yesterday01:20:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Rachel Bernstein sits down with Lindsey Sanders to talk about her memoir, The Sacred Song of a Heretic, and what it means to reclaim "sacredness" outside of a high-control religion.Lindsey was raised in a multigenerational Mormon family, where she was taught to value obedience, certainty, traditional gender roles, a limited range of acceptable emotions, and avoidance of outside sources of information. As a teenager, a relationship with another girl set off a chain of guilt, parental discipline, and repentance that pushed her to "double down" on her faith.Then, in 2019–2020, her brothers' decision to leave the church prompted Lindsey to research Mormon history for herself. Within six months, she walked away. Rachel and Lindsey dive into the long process of deprogramming — therapy, finding the online ex-Mormon community, a C-PTSD diagnosis framed through the lens of religious and spiritual abuse, and Lindsey's perspective on Mormon Church policies toward LGBTQ and trans members.This is a conversation about indoctrination, identity, leaving a high-control religion, and what healing can look like when you start trusting your own voice again.Lindsey’s LinksBook: https://a.co/d/00nrrG6sInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehealingexmo/Substack: https://thehealingexmo.substack.com/Connect with us on social media: https://linktr.ee/indoctrinationSupport IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrinationPrefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATIONWatch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jSRestart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: https://a.co/d/1ssz4RmRestart and Restore: Companion Notebook:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaignJournal App: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.htmlDownload Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.htmlIndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:https://thepodcastconsultant.com/aboutAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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BONUS PREVIEW: Inside the Cult of Two
6d ago00:06:44Tap to summarizeThis is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this Patreon bonus episode, host Rachel Bernstein unpacks the idea of "cults of two" — one-on-one relationships that can carry the same coercive control, manipulation, and reality-distortion found in larger high-control groups.How does a single person create cult-like power without a group? Rachel breaks down the tactics manipulators use to isolate, discredit, and slowly reshape a victim's sense of reality — and why leaving these relationships can feel impossible, even like betrayal.If you've ever wondered how narcissistic abuse, trauma bonding, and gaslighting take hold in a relationship, this episode offers language and clarity for what's really happening beneath the surface.Connect with us on social media: https://linktr.ee/indoctrinationSupport IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrinationPrefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATIONWatch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jSRestart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: https://a.co/d/1ssz4RmRestart and Restore: Companion Notebook:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaignJournal App: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.htmlDownload Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.htmlIndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:https://thepodcastconsultant.com/aboutAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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I Belong to Me with Tia Levings
1w ago01:24:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Rachel Bernstein welcomes back author Tia Levings to discuss her new book, 'I Belong to Me: A Survivor’s Guide to Recovery and Hope After Religious Trauma.'Tia opens up about surviving church-sanctioned domestic abuse and the long, deliberately paced process of rebuilding selfhood after leaving Christian patriarchy. She and Rachel explore how reclaiming body awareness, personal boundaries, and the simple practice of "I statements" can counter indoctrination.The conversation moves through the disorientation and shock that follow leaving a high-control environment or cult, the heightened vulnerability to further exploitation, and the grief of being exiled from former communities. Tia and Rachel discuss how reframing language can reduce shame, and why relearning consent and the freedom to say "no" is central to recovery.They also examine "story wounds," the mistranslations used to uphold patriarchal systems, the lasting harms of religious patriarchy, and a nuanced understanding of forgiveness — one framed not as obligation, but as a release that becomes possible only after tending to the injury and refusing self-betrayal.This episode of IndoctriNation explores religious trauma, coercive control, spiritual abuse, fundamentalism recovery, and the path to reclaiming autonomy and identity after a high-control group.Tia’s LinksBook: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/belong-to-me-9781250374271/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tialevingswriter/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TiaLevingsConnect with us on social media: https://linktr.ee/indoctrinationSupport IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrinationPrefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATIONWatch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jSRestart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: https://a.co/d/1ssz4RmRestart and Restore: Companion Notebook:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaignJournal App: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.htmlDownload Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.htmlIndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:https://thepodcastconsultant.com/aboutAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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American Trickster: The Hidden Lives of Carlos Castaneda with Ru Marshall
2w ago01:20:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Rachel Bernstein interviews Ru Marshall about the hidden world surrounding the guru Carlos Castaneda. Marshall shares insights from their research into Castaneda’s history, manipulation tactics, spiritual abuse, and the disturbing aftermath surrounding his inner circle after his death.The conversation explores charismatic narcissism, cult control, and how high-control spiritual leaders exploit vulnerability and emotional dependency. Rachel and Marshall also discuss the psychological impact on former followers, institutional denial, and the warning signs of manipulative groups and cult leaders.Topics include cult psychology, spiritual abuse, manipulation tactics, narcissistic leaders, Carlos Castaneda’s legacy, coercive persuasion, and recovery from high-control groups.Ru’s LinksWebsite: https://rmarshallstudio.com/writingBook: https://www.amazon.com/American-Trickster-Hidden-Carlos-Castaneda/dp/1682194612/ref=sr_1_1Connect with us on social media: https://linktr.ee/indoctrinationSupport IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrinationPrefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATIONWatch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jSRestart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: https://a.co/d/1ssz4RmRestart and Restore: Companion Notebook:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaignJournal App: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.htmlDownload Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.htmlIndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:https://thepodcastconsultant.com/aboutAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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BONUS PREVIEW: Identity After Indoctrination: Rebuilding Yourself After Control
3w ago00:05:56Tap to summarizeThis is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this Patreon bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein explores how survivors of narcissistic families, manipulative relationships, and cultic systems can rebuild their identity after years of control, conformity, and emotional conditioning. Many survivors leave asking, “Who am I really?” after individuality has been shamed, punished, or replaced by loyalty and performance.Rachel discusses identity loss after narcissistic abuse and cult involvement, including why some survivors experiment with new names, values, interests, and lifestyles as they reconnect with themselves outside of trauma and coercive control. She shares practical ways to begin healing through small experiments, body awareness, boundary setting, and learning to separate authentic values from programming.Topics include narcissistic abuse recovery, cult recovery, people-pleasing, trauma and identity, coercive control, self-discovery, emotional manipulation, and rebuilding self-worth after toxic relationships.Connect with us on social media: https://linktr.ee/indoctrinationSupport IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrinationPrefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATIONWatch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jSRestart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: https://a.co/d/1ssz4RmRestart and Restore: Companion Notebook:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaignJournal App: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.htmlDownload Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.htmlIndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:https://thepodcastconsultant.com/aboutAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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Mind Games: Investigating NLP with Alice Hines
3w ago00:52:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Rachel Bernstein welcomes investigative journalist Alice Hines to discuss neurolinguistic programming (NLP), its origins, and the fine line between empowerment and manipulation. Known for her reporting on Twin Flames Universe and co-hosting Mind Games, Alice explores how NLP techniques have influenced therapy, sales culture, pickup artists, and groups like NXIVM.Rachel and Alice examine rapid rapport-building, mirroring, “conscious resistance,” and public claims like instant phobia cures, while unpacking how these methods can become dangerous when combined with coercion, exhaustion, fear, and social pressure. They also discuss ethical concerns, cult psychology, emotional influence, and how to recognize manipulative tactics in self-help and personal development spaces.This episode of IndoctriNation explores manipulation, coercive persuasion, trauma recovery, and the importance of discernment when evaluating therapeutic or self-help modalities.Alice Hines LinksALICE HINES: X: @alicehinesINSTAGRAM: @alicehines_TIKTOK: alicehines_KALEIDOSCOPE: X: @kscope_nycINSTAGRAM: @kscope_nycIHEARTPODCASTS: X: @iHeartPodcastsINSTAGRAM: @iheartpodcast Connect with us on social media: https://linktr.ee/indoctrinationSupport IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrinationPrefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATIONWatch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jSRestart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: https://a.co/d/1ssz4RmRestart and Restore: Companion Notebook:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaignJournal App: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.htmlDownload Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.htmlIndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:https://thepodcastconsultant.com/aboutAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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Living Authentically: Escaping Aesthetic Realism pt. 2 with Donna Lamb
4w ago01:23:24Tap to summarizeIn part 2, Rachel Bernstein continues her conversation with Donna Lamb, a survivor of the Aesthetic Realism group. Recruited at 20 in New York City, Donna spent 32 years in the group before leaving in her fifties.She explains how founder Eli Siegel and his successor maintained control through “contempt,” enforced self-criticism, surveillance, and manipulation, including “Respect meetings.” Donna also shares how fear-based indoctrination and pressure to inform on others kept members compliant.A key focus is the group’s promotion of conversion therapy. Donna recounts being pushed to deny her sexual identity, pursue heterosexual relationships, and conform to rigid beliefs about sexuality. She reflects on her experience through the lens of sexual fluidity and speaks out about the harm and lasting impact of these practices.This episode explores cult dynamics, coercive control, identity manipulation, and the path to healing.Donna’s LinksSubstack: https://donnalamb.substack.com/Website: https://donnalamb.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnalamb330Connect with us on social media: https://linktr.ee/indoctrinationSupport IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrinationPrefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATIONWatch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jSRestart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: https://a.co/d/1ssz4RmRestart and Restore: Companion Notebook:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaignJournal App: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.htmlDownload Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.htmlIndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:https://thepodcastconsultant.com/aboutAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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BONUS PREVIEW: How Cults Recruit and Control
May 100:05:48Tap to summarizeThis is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this Patreon bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein explores “missionary tactics”—recruitment strategies used by high-control groups, including religious, political, wellness, MLM, and online communities. Through the story of “Alex,” the episode shows how seemingly positive outreach can gradually become manipulative.She breaks down common tactics like love bombing, rapid emotional closeness, gradual commitment, information control, us-versus-them thinking, and leader authority, along with the use of rewards, fear, guilt, and shame. The episode also explains the psychology behind these methods, including the need for belonging, reciprocity, repetition, obedience to authority, and how emotional intensity can reduce critical thinking and create dependency.Finally, she highlights key red flags—fast, intense connections, pressure to cut ties, early demands for loyalty or money, punishment for questioning, and black-and-white thinking—and offers practical guidance on how to protect yourself, including slowing down, maintaining outside support, and setting boundaries.Connect with us on social media: https://linktr.ee/indoctrinationSupport IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrinationPrefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATIONWatch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jSRestart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: https://a.co/d/1ssz4RmRestart and Restore: Companion Notebook:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaignJournal App: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.htmlDownload Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.htmlIndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:https://thepodcastconsultant.com/aboutAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Transcribe →PREVIEW: Your Questions Answered: Exclusive Patreon Q&A
Apr 3000:01:41Tap to summarizeThis is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Q&A video. You can access the full content by becoming a member at: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrinationYou asked. I answered, and these questions were remarkable.Every time I read through what this community sends in, I'm genuinely moved by how thoughtfully you're engaging with these topics. This month's Q&A covers some important questions I've received, and I've done my best to answer each one.In this Patreon Q&A video, we explore:Coercive control and the law — why psychological abuse remains so difficult to prosecute, and what's slowly beginning to shiftLove bombing and self-protection — the early relational patterns that signal danger, and one simple but powerful thing you can do to protect yourselfDo cult leaders see followers as human? — what the psychology of manipulation actually tells us about how high-control leaders relate to the people around themSelf-compassion and therapy after a high-control group — including how to navigate the frustration of feeling like the most informed person in the therapy roomLosing your spirituality after a cult — why emotional distance from religion or spirituality can be a healthy and honest response to what you've been throughConnecting with other survivors — why it can feel harder than expected, and a reframe that might helpPreventing indoctrination at a societal level — the conditions that make people vulnerable, and what meaningful prevention actually looks likeWhether you're in the middle of your own healing, supporting someone you love, or working professionally in this space, I hope this conversation offers something useful and affirming.Your questions matter. Keep sending them in to indoctrinationshow@gmail.com.Connect with us on social media: https://linktr.ee/indoctrinationSupport IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrinationPrefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATIONWatch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jSRestart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: https://a.co/d/1ssz4RmRestart and Restore: Companion Notebook:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaignJournal App: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.htmlDownload Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.htmlIndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:https://thepodcastconsultant.com/aboutAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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Living Authentically: Escaping Aesthetic Realism pt. 1 with Donna Lamb
Apr 2901:23:42Tap to summarizeIn Part 1, IndoctriNation host Rachel Bernstein speaks with Donna Lamb, a cult survivor and writer, about her 32 years inside Aesthetic Realism—a controversial group founded by Eli Siegel and still operating in New York City.Recruited at age 21 through an acting class, Donna shares how love bombing, intellectualized teachings, and strict control shaped her life inside the group. She reveals the pressure to “change” from being gay, including her experience with conversion therapy—and later being assigned to teach it herself.As tensions grew around racism, activism, and creative expression, Donna began secretly protesting, writing under pseudonyms, and ultimately made the difficult decision to leave. In this episode, she discusses leaving the group, divorcing her husband, and beginning the process of rebuilding her life after coercive control.This episode explores cult dynamics, LGBTQ+ conversion practices, psychological manipulation, and the long-term impact of high-control groups.Donna’s LinksSubstack: https://donnalamb.substack.com/Website: https://donnalamb.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnalamb330Connect with us on social media: https://linktr.ee/indoctrinationSupport IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrinationPrefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATIONWatch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jSRestart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: https://a.co/d/1ssz4RmRestart and Restore: Companion Notebook:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaignJournal App: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.htmlDownload Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.htmlIndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:https://thepodcastconsultant.com/aboutAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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