IndoctriNation

Jules Evans and Rachel discuss the overlap between psychedelic culture, therapeutic abuse, cultic dynamics, and coercive control. Drawing from Jules’ research into post-psychedelic difficulties and Rachel’s decades of counseling former cult members, they examine how charismatic facilitators and leaders can exploit trust, vulnerability, awe, and the desire for healing.They explore guruism, dependency, group pressure, psychedelic therapy, AI-based spiritual movements, family-like power structures, and the risks of unregulated facilitators. They also discuss ways people can regain agency after harmful experiences and what to consider when assessing the safety and qualifications of psychedelic practitioners.Jules Links:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUE70klJkkikBFQdAqf27Jwhttps://www.ecstaticintegration.org/https://challengingpsychedelicexperiences.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

This 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 special bonus episode, Rachel dives into a thought-provoking quote by Friedrich Nietzsche: "They muddy the waters to make them seem deep," reflecting on how individuals in positions of authority can obscure clarity and understanding. Rachel examines the social dynamics that can leave individuals feeling inadequate or confused in the presence of seemingly profound teachings.Through personal anecdotes and keen observations, she highlights how the pressure to conform within a group can lead to a false sense of depth in spiritual or philosophical discussions, often resulting in a collective misunderstanding. Rachel encourages listeners to critically evaluate the information presented to them, especially when it comes from charismatic leaders or organizations that may prioritize performance over genuine understanding.This episode serves as a reminder that not everything that sounds complex is inherently valuable, and it's essential to trust one's instincts when faced with confusing or contradictory teachings. Join Rachel as she navigates these intricate themes, empowering listeners to seek clarity and authenticity in their spiritual journeys.Connect with us on social media: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/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

In this compelling episode, Rachel welcomes back Pamela Nickel Williams, who shares her profound journey of growing up in Scientology as a second-generation member. Pamela reflects on the complex dynamics of her family relationships, particularly the devotion to an organization that often overshadowed personal connections and well-being. With the anniversary of her book, Clearly Lies Are True, approaching, Pamela discusses the unexpected ways her story has resonated with a broader audience beyond just former Scientologists.As she recounts her experiences, Pamela delves into the themes of trauma, healing, and the universality of her story, which touches on issues of sexual abuse and the struggles of navigating life within a high-control group. She shares powerful anecdotes from her book tours, revealing how readers from various backgrounds have connected with her narrative of survival and resilience. These interactions highlight the importance of sharing one's truth and the impact it can have on others who have faced similar challenges.Throughout the episode, Rachel and Pamela explore the complexities of forgiveness, the journey of reclaiming one's identity, and the vital conversations that emerge when stories are told. Pamela emphasizes that while her past has shaped her, it does not define her, and she is committed to using her voice to advocate for those still trapped in similar situations. Join Rachel and Pamela as they navigate this enlightening discussion about the power of storytelling and the hope it can inspire in others.Find out more about Pamela and her book here:https://www.clearlyliesaretrue.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

In this gripping episode, Rachel sits down with Sarah Green, the daughter of a former cult leader, to explore her harrowing journey growing up in a paramilitary religious organization known as the Aggressive Christianity Missions Training Corps. Sarah shares her firsthand experiences of the chaos and unpredictability that defined her childhood, from moving 54 times before the age of ten to being subjected to the whims of her mother, who claimed to receive divine guidance.As Sarah recounts her struggles for autonomy, including a daring attempt to enroll herself in high school, listeners gain insight into the psychological toll of living in an environment where love and acceptance were conditional. Sarah's story highlights the profound effects of growing up in a high-control group, where questioning authority often led to severe repercussions.Throughout the episode, Rachel and Sarah delve into themes of resilience, agency, and the complexities of familial relationships in the face of manipulation and abuse. Sarah's journey to reclaim her identity and create a nurturing environment for her own children serves as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. Join Rachel and Sarah as they navigate this remarkable and emotional tale of survival and healing.Listen to our previous episode on Aggressive Christianity Missions Training Corps with Harrison Hill:https://youtu.be/U27pZDhKY_0?si=MUNjGwqa4q8yWDB1The Oracle's Daughter: The Rise and Fall of an American Cult:https://a.co/d/04TsxjzeConnect 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

This 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 exclusive Patreon bonus episode, Rachel shares her reflections on the importance of agency and consent in our interactions with others. Drawing from a seemingly casual conversation with a yoga instructor at a music festival, Rachel explores the deeper implications of how we communicate and engage with each other, particularly in contexts that involve personal boundaries.Through this insightful dialogue, listeners are encouraged to recognize their own boundaries and the importance of being asked for consent in all areas of life. Rachel urges everyone to be vigilant about the dynamics of their relationships, especially when faced with pressure from others who may not prioritize their well-being.Connect with us on social media: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/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

In this episode, Rachel welcomes back Elise Heerde, a mental health practitioner and co-director of the Religious Trauma Collective in Australia. Together, they delve into the complexities of religious trauma, cult recovery, and the ethical considerations surrounding exit counseling. Elise shares her journey and insights gained from her work with survivors, emphasizing the importance of agency and choice during the recovery process.Elise discusses the evolution of terminology in the field, moving from 'deprogramming' to 'exit counseling,' and the implications of these terms on the approach to helping individuals leave high-control groups. They explore the nuanced dynamics involved in supporting both survivors and their families, highlighting the need for long-term scaffolding and community support to facilitate healing. The conversation also touches on the potential pitfalls of media portrayals of cults and the importance of trauma-informed practices when sharing survivor stories.Join Rachel and Elise as they navigate these vital topics, providing valuable insights for practitioners and families alike, while advocating for a compassionate and ethical approach to recovery.Elise’s LinksWebsite: https://www.eliseheerde.com/Religious Trauma Collective: https://religioustraumaandcults.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

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein speaks with Melissa Duge Spiers, who talks about growing up inside the Seventh-day Adventist Church — and the hidden cost of its end-times, high-control culture. Her book, ‘Holy Disobedience: Sex, Sin, and Secrets in the Biggest Church No One Knows,’ traces Adventism's roots back to the 1840s Millerite movement and the visions of prophet Ellen White, whose experiences Spiers connects to traumatic brain injury and temporal lobe epilepsy.Melissa unpacks how information control, purity culture, and anti-LGBTQ teachings shaped her patriarchal, fear-based upbringing, and how those same dynamics played out in the church's boarding academies. She shares what it took to leave at 18, the devastating discovery that followed about her own father, and how that truth cracked open a much deeper reckoning with everything she'd been taught. This conversation covers religious trauma, institutional betrayal, and how social media is helping ex-Adventists find each other and speak out.Melissa’s LinksBook: https://www.lakedrivebooks.com/books/holy-disobedience/Substack: https://melissadugespiers.substack.com/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.glory.whole/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theglorywholeConnect 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

This 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 reflects on cult survivor and former supermodel Hoyt Richards and provides background on the high-control group at the center of HBO's 'Bring Me The Beauties: A Model Cult.'The group was led by Frederick von Mierers, a self-styled Manhattan socialite claiming authority from alien beings. He recruited through Studio 54, high-society circles, seminars, and media. Members endured public "slamming" sessions, strict behavioral control, financial exploitation, and apocalyptic preparation at a North Carolina compound.Richards joined in the late 1970s, spent nearly two decades inside, and became one of the group's primary financial backers. His exit in 1999 contributed to the group's collapse. He has since spoken publicly through the BBC and the HBO docuseries and has worked with Rachel on cases. Hoyt Richards will return for a future episode.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

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein, LMFT, MSEd, sits down with Jared Stacy, PhD, who is a theologian and ethicist. He is the author of "Reality in Ruins: How Conspiracy Theory Became an Evangelical Crisis." They sit down for a deeply personal and clinically resonant conversation about radicalization, religious trauma, coercive belonging, and the courage it takes to say "I don't know."Jared grew up inside fundamentalist evangelical Christianity, attended Liberty University, and was a pastor before a years-long crisis of faith led him to Scotland — and eventually back home. His book draws on that journey to examine how conspiratorial thinking takes root in high-control religious communities, and why belonging and certainty can be prioritized — fueling everything from QAnon to Christian nationalism to the weaponization of forgiveness in abusive church settings. If you've ever watched someone you love disappear into a belief system you don't recognize, this conversation is for you. Jared Stacy’s LinksWebsite: https://jaredstacy.com/about/Book: https://www.amazon.com/Reality-Ruins-Conspiracy-American-Evangelical/dp/0063453754Connect 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

In this episode, Daniella Mestyanek Young returns to IndoctriNation to discuss how cults exploit group dynamics. Born three generations into the Children of God, then a U.S. Army intelligence officer, Daniella has spent her career studying coercive control from the inside out. In her new book The Culting of America, she lays out a 10-part model of cult tactics — the same playbook used in religious cults, high-control workplaces, the military, single-family cults, and even fandoms.Rachel Bernstein and Daniella Mestyanek Young unpack why social proof makes us doubt our own eyes, why every cult seems to promise some version of "space travel," and what really separates brainwashing children from brainwashing adults. They also get into the warning signs every parent, employee, and former believer should know — and the small, daily reframes that loosen a coercive grip.Daniella’s LinksBook: https://knittingcultlady.com/products/the-culting-of-america?variant=45519679160451Website: https://knittingcultlady.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellamyoung_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@knittingcultladycaptainConnect 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

This 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

In 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

In 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