The Psychology of Gaslighting, Bullying, Cults, and Coercion
About this episode
Michael Shermer discusses the psychology of manipulation with expert Jennifer Fraser, exploring themes of gaslighting, bullying, and coercion.
What do gaslighting, bullying, cults, and coercion have in common? In this episode, Michael Shermer speaks with Jennifer Fraser about the psychology and neuroscience of manipulation, the recurring structure of abuse cultures, and the way authority can distort perception. Their discussion looks at fear, humiliation, retaliation, favoritism, empathy deficits, and the warning signs that distinguish legitimate leadership from coercive control across schools, workplaces, sports, relationships, and institutions. Jennifer Fraser is the author of four books and an international expert on bullying and abuse. Her latest book is The Gaslit Brain: Protect Your Brain from the Lies of Bullying, Gaslighting, and Institutional Complicit y.
People in this episode
Host: Michael Shermer
Guest: Jennifer Fraser
Topics covered
- gaslighting
- bullying
- cults
- coercion
- manipulation
- abuse cultures
- leadership
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: The Gaslit Brain
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