Best Dr. Robin Stern Podcasts (2024)

1
The Cult Next Door: Mike King on the Zion Society 1:08:05

5d ago1:08:05

1:08:05

Well, this is a first for us. Today, we’re covering the Zion Society, which was a cult run by a landscaper, Arvin Shreeve. Based out of Ogden, Utah, Shreeve and his followers had some of the most manicured lawns in the neighborhood. But, behind lush green lawns hid sinister secrets. This polygamist sect had about 100 members at its peak, hiding in …

1
Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove on white poverty, race myths, and the reconstruction of American democracy 27:58

9d ago27:58

27:58

Yale Divinity School Lecturer Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove offers insights on the upcoming presidential election – drawing from his latest book with Bishop William Barber, ‘White Poverty’; discusses how a peacemaking trip to Iraq during the US invasion transformed his life; and talks about his work helping lead the new Center for Public Theology and P…

1
054 - Rethinking Grief: Marceia Cork on Gaslighting and Supporting Each Other Through Change 57:22

11d ago57:22

57:22

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern talks with Marceia Cork, also known as The Change Coach®. Marceia is SHRM, HRCI, PROSCI®, and Grief Recovery Method® certified, with expertise in restorative communication. She specializes in helping people navigate the difficult journey of change by addressing a core issue that many of us overlook—grief. Through he…

1
Dancing for the Devil: Andrea Marks on the 7M TikTok Cult 51:11

12d ago51:11

51:11

If you haven’t seen the Netflix series “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult,” it’s worth a watch. It follows Robert Shinn and his Los Angeles-based church, Shekinah, which has engaged some heavy-hitting social media stars to make a ton of money for his church. The families of those social media stars — who have been cut off from their loved o…

1
Patreon Unlocked: Tia Levings on Escaping Tradlife 44:20

19d ago44:20

44:20

Usually what happens behind the Patreon, stays behind the Patreon. But, not today! In this preview behind the paywall, we’re featuring one of our favorite people, who just so happens to be a newly-minted New York Times bestselling author! Tia Levings released her memoir ‘A Well-Trained Wife’ in August, and the book became an instant bestseller. The…

1
053 - Are We All Being Gaslighted? Steven Hassan on Mind Control And The Cult of Trump 46:38

26d ago46:38

46:38

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern is joined by returning guest Dr. Steven Hassan, one of the world's leading experts on cults and undue influence. Steven is a mental health professional, former member of the Unification Church (familiarly known as "The Moonies") led by Sun Myung Moon, and the author of several bestselling books, including Combatting…

1
Sharing Sacred Spaces and Radical Hospitality with Vanessa Avery 18:19

26d ago18:19

18:19

YDS alumna Vanessa Avery shares lessons learned from decades of interfaith peacebuilding, how architecture can be used as a tool to bring people together, and the importance of radical hospitality. https://divinity.yale.edu/news/quadcast-sharing-sacred-spaces-and-radical-hospitality-vanessa-averyBy Yale Divinity School

1
Speaking Way Up: Nikieta Lambert, Erika Cheung & Jessica Willis Fisher 36:29

26d ago36:29

36:29

This episode is sponsored by Better Help! Ready for another remix? This episode features highlights with some of the bravest women to grace our feed. From escaping childhood abuse and religious cults, these outspoken women did what was right in the moment, despite the immense pressure and abuse weighing down on them. Nikita Lambert spent 15 years c…

1
To the Moon and Back: Lisa Kohn and the Unification Church 1:01:55

1M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

Lisa Kohn likes to tell a story about these great seats she once had at Madison Square Garden — at her mother’s mass wedding. Yes, Lisa — the award-winning author of “To the Moon and Back: A Childhood Under the Influence” — grew up in the Unification Church, also known as “the Moonies,” with her mom and a life of “sex, drugs, and squalor” in New Yo…

1
052 - Navigating Gaslighting in Educational Leadership: Lessons from SEL Expert Dr. Janet Patti 44:03

1M ago44:03

44:03

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern talks with her good friend and colleague, Dr. Janet Patti, Ed.D. Dr. Patti is the Co-Founder and CEO of Star Factor Coaching, a leadership development organization specializing in the science of emotional intelligence. She is also a distinguished Professor of Administration and Supervision at Hunter College, CUNY. W…

1
Post Narc Therapy: Robin Stern, Dr. Ramani & Dr. Christine Cocchicola 36:16

1M ago36:16

36:16

This episode is sponsored by Better Help! The doctor is in! This week’s remix episode features conversations on personality disorders, controlling behaviors, and more. Suspecting a narcissist in your midst, or recovering from a controlling relationship? This episode might be perfect for you. This week, you’ll hear snippets from three different ment…

1
Witness Underground: Scott Homan on Music & The XJW Movement 1:12:27

2M ago1:12:27

1:12:27

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Is rock and roll an untapped conduit for healing after shunning? Filmmaker Scott Homan’s debut documentary feature “'Witness Underground”, sheds light on the experiences, creative expressions, and defection of ex-members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses community. The film delves into the journey of notable under…

1
The Future of Theological Education with YDS Dean Gregory E. Sterling 29:36

2M ago29:36

29:36

Yale Divinity School Dean and Professor of New Testament Gregory E. Sterling discusses the future of theological education, overcoming polarization in America, and how the school’s new Living Village project is an ethical response to the climate crisis. https://divinity.yale.edu/news/future-theological-education-yds-dean-gregory-sterling…

1
051 - 'Framed' by Injustice? Dr. Christine Cocchiola on Surviving Family Court Gaslighting 46:07

2M ago46:07

46:07

In this compelling episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, Dr. Robin Stern is joined by Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW, a Coercive Control Educator, Researcher, Survivor, and the host of the Perfect Pray Podcast. With a career dedicated to protecting children from abuse, Christine has been an advocate since the age of 19. Despite her deep…

1
A Landmark Sampler: Anne Peterson, Rick Ross, and Rob Copeland 39:14

2M ago39:14

39:14

This episode is sponsored by Better Help! To keep your culty content coming even while we’re on a bit of a hiatus, we whipped up this sampler platter of snippets from some ALBC episodes on the burning topic of Shmandmark, AKA Landmark Worldwide. This week, we’ll revisit insights into Landmark, its founder Werner Erhard (also known as Jack Rosenberg…

1
Prodigal Daughter: Katherine Spearing on The Christian Patriarchy Movement 1:07:09

2M ago1:07:09

1:07:09

This epiosde is sponsored by Better Help. What does a thriving life look like after surviving a cult? Katherine Spearing has some ideas about that, and some real life experience to back those ideas up. She survived the cult of the The Christian Patriarchy Movement, also known as the Stay-At- Home-Daughter Movement. And yeah: That’s as terrible as i…

1
050 - Outsmarting Gaslighters: Proven Techniques To Navigate Gaslighting 46:43

2M ago46:43

46:43

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern delves into the intricacies of mental health, personal growth, and relationships, with her guest, Dr. Judith Logue. With over 50 years of experience in the field, Dr. Logue is a renowned psychotherapist and psychoanalyst who has dedicated her career to helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of the…

1
Streaming Heroes: Sarma Melngailis, Tom Krumins & Ruthy Heiler 41:12

2M ago41:12

41:12

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Coming up for air from your latest binge-watch? This remix episode is for you. This week, we’re revisiting conversations with guests fresh off docuseries adaptations of their stories. For better or worse, these series highlight the unique cult experiences of their subjects, sharing their story with a wider …

1
The Army of Survivors: Grace French on Empowering Athletes 42:07

3M ago42:07

42:07

This episode is sponsroed by Better Help. Content Advisory: This episode contains conversation about sexual assault. Please listen with care. Former Michigan State University and ex-USA Gymnastics Larry Nassar is serving upwards of 175 years in prison after admitting to molesting some of the nation's top gymnasts for years under the guise of medica…

1
049 - Surviving Emotional Abuse: Dr. Laura Artusio on Gaslighting and Recovery 46:27

3M ago46:27

46:27

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern talks with Dr. Laura Artusio, where they explore the intricacies of emotional manipulation, mental health, and the journey to reclaiming one's sense of self. Dr. Artusio's expertise in emotional intelligence and psychology provide critical insights into the mechanisms and impacts of gaslighting. Dr. Laura Artusio, a…

1
From Hell to Stanford: Cameron Black on Thriving After Abuse 53:44

3M ago53:44

53:44

This episode is sponsored by Better Help! Here’s our conversation with Cameron Black, a 20-something Stanford University student who has overcome some very culty, very harrowing challenges. He chats with us about his healing process and the hard work of finding himself again after the abuse he experienced in a commune, a hellish Jesuit school exper…

1
TwinRay: ‘We Are the Resurrection’ 51:01

3M ago51:01

51:01

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. On this week’s show, we’ll talk to Demetria. She was immersed in TwinRay — an Oregon-based shop and health center that organizes “mass global meditations for peace.” But our guest says there’s way more going on here than peaceful reflection. She talks about how TwinRay’s leaders exploit people for cash and …

1
048 - Behind the Curtain: Chris Shelton Unveils Scientology's Gaslighting Techniques 1:10:04

3M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern delves into the insidious tactics of manipulation and control that leave victims questioning their reality, with guest Chris Shelton. Chris is a former Scientologist and Sea Org member who spent 25 years within the Church of Scientology, enduring relentless physical and psychological abuse. Since his escape, Chris h…

1
The Polygamist’s Daughters: Anna & Celia LeBaron on Escape and Redemption 1:08:27

3M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Anna Lebaron is one of more than fifty children born to infamous polygamist cult leader Ervil LeBaron, aka “Mormon Manson.” So you can probably imagine that her upbringing was both extraordinary and devastating: As she recounts in her excellent book, The Polygamist’s Daughter, she lost multiple family membe…

1
The Grotto: Crypto, NFTs, & An Online Hellscape (Part 3) 1:09:58

3M ago1:09:58

1:09:58

This is episode is sponsored by Better Help. This week: The final installment of our talk with four people lured into The Grotto — a mostly online hub for digital art that turned into a kind of Ponzi cult with plenty of love bombing and possible fraud. Our guests — anonymous, but going by Charm, Kateryna, Shayna, and Fomo — say it all begins with J…

1
The Grotto: Crypto, NFTs, & An Online Hellscape (Part 2) 42:24

4M ago42:24

42:24

This is episode is sponsored by Better Help. On this week’s show, the second installment of our wide-ranging, in-depth, and ultimately hopeful talk with four people lured into The Grotto — a mostly online hub for digital art that turned into a kind of Ponzi cult with plenty of love bombing and possible fraud. Our guests — anonymous, but going by Ch…

1
047 - Dr. Ramani Durvasula's 'It's Not You': Healing from Narcissism and Gaslighting 49:34

4M ago49:34

49:34

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern welcomes Dr. Ramani Durvasula. Dr. Ramani is a renowned clinical psychologist, best-selling author, and a leading expert in the field of narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder. With her extensive research and deep insights into the dynamics of toxic relationships, she has become a beacon of hope for many n…

1
The Grotto: Crypto, NFTs & An Online Hellscape (Part 1) 1:01:08

4M ago1:01:08

1:01:08

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. On this week’s show, we’ll talk to four people lured into The Grotto — a mostly online hub for digital art that turned into a kind of Ponzi cult with plenty of love bombing and possible fraud. Our guests — anonymous, but going by Charm, Kateryna, Shayna, and Fomo — say it all begins with Jaime Dubuar Dean, …

1
Emotional Intelligence and Spirituality with Dr. Robin Stern 21:55

4M ago21:55

21:55

Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence co-founder Dr. Robin Stern discusses the role of spirituality and religion in understanding and managing emotions, the danger of suppressing emotions like anger, and her groundbreaking work on gaslighting. For more information and a transcript of this conversation, please see: https://divinity.yale.edu/news/em…

1
A Cult Within a Cult: Charlotte Medlock on Guru Jagat 1:06:42

4M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. TikTok-famous Charlotte Medlock was once swept up in the world of the late Guru Jagat, aka Katie Griggs, the Rama Institute and Kundalini. Charlotte wants you to know that this particular Russian nesting doll of Yoga, new-age West Coast-style spirituality, and female empowerment vibes wasn’t all love and li…

1
046 - Healing from Gaslighting and Betrayal Trauma with Anne Blythe 56:36

4M ago56:36

56:36

Welcome to another episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, with Dr. Robin Stern. Today, Robin has a very special guest, Anne Blythe, the Producer and Host of the acclaimed BTR.ORG Podcast and author of the powerful book "Trauma Mama Husband Drama." Anne is not just a voice of experience; she's a beacon of hope and guidance for countless women navig…

1
The Fund: Rob Copeland on Ray Dalio 1:10:36

4M ago1:10:36

1:10:36

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Is the famed hedge fund Bridgewater Associates operating a cult in plain sight? Or is it just a little bit culty? Journalist and author Rob Copeland joins us for a deep dive into Wall Street’s seedy underbelly, and the troubling story of Bridgewater’s founder—the pseudo philosopher-king Ray Dalio. You’ll wa…

1
Securely Speaking: Attachment Nerd Eli Harwood (Part 2) 1:03:19

4M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Eli Harwood we can’t quite quit you just yet, but we feel very secure about it. The ever-quotable and mega-helpful licensed therapist, author, and educator is back again for another episode, and breaking down what attachment patterns can mean for cult survivors and seekers, parents and children, lovers and …

1
045 - From Cult Survivor to Cult Expert: Dr. Janja Lalich on Cult Deconstruction and Building a Legacy at the Lalich Center 54:13

5M ago54:13

54:13

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern talks with Dr. Janja Lalich. Janja is a distinguished sociologist, a leading expert on cults and coercive control, and a guiding light for those navigating the dark waters of psychological manipulation. Drawing from her own years as a cult member of the Democratic Workers Party in California, she brings a deeply per…

1
Securely Speaking: Attachment Nerd Eli Harwood (Part 1) 52:47

5M ago52:47

52:47

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Are cult leaders born or made? Did we get sucked into NXIVM because of our attachment styles? Was Vanguard always just wookin’ pa nub in all the wrong places? In this episode of A Little Bit Culty, licensed therapist and social media sweetheart Eli Harwood joins us for a chat about the way that attachment pa…

1
Patreon Replay: Sarah’s Mom Has Got It Going On 49:25

5M ago49:25

49:25

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Happy Mother’s Day Monday, ALBC babies. To celebrate the occasion, we unlocked a Patreon episode starring none other than Sarah’s mom. We talk a lot about culty villains on this podcast, but we always want to highlight the heroes, too…and Ellen is an embodiment of what it looks like to heroically love someon…

1
044 - Sarah McCammon's Exvangelical Journey: Is Gaslighting Influencing Faith, Politics, and Society? 46:30

5M ago46:30

46:30

On this episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, Dr. Robin Stern unravels the complexities of belief, identity, and society with political correspondent and author Sarah McCammon. Sarah McCammon is not just a seasoned journalist; she's also a voice of insight and understanding in the midst of today's tumultuous political landscape. But what sets her…

1
Quiet on Set: Kate Taylor on Nickelodeon’s Dark Side 44:08

5M ago44:08

44:08

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sometimes predators hide in plain sight. Like on the set of your kids’ favorite TV shows. The docuseries "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV" (Investigation Discovery) exposes the dark allegations haunting some of the most popular late 90s to 2000s Nickelodeon productions created by executive producer Da…

1
Patreon Replay: Lucy Taylor on Greek Life & Death at Penn State 46:33

5M ago46:33

46:33

We unlocked this previously released Patreon episode so everyone can hear it, because people need to know: Campus Greek Life Ain’t It. Lucy Taylor joins us to discuss the red flags of ‘rushing’, the tragic hazing death of a Penn State student, and her ongoing crusade to make frats and sororities as obsolete as landlines and fax machines for future …

1
Greek Tragedies: Lucy Taylor on Campus Hazing 44:54

5M ago44:54

44:54

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Newsflash: Culty, culty college frats and sororities are still fraught with peril. Where do we even start? There’s the deadly hazing incidents…the rampant sexual assaults…the blatant racism. And while we’re talking about it: There are also far too many red Solo Cups coming out of frats and sororities. (Micro…

1
043 - Surviving The Cult of NXIVM: Sarah Edmondson and Anthony Ames' Resilience in the Face of Manipulation 1:03:02

6M ago1:03:02

1:03:02

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern is honored to be joined by two extraordinary individuals whose resilience and courage have transformed their experiences into beacons of hope. Sarah Edmondson, a Canadian actress known for her roles in CBS's "Salvation" and numerous Hallmark Channel and Lifetime films, embarked on a journey of self-discovery when sh…

1
Cult Trip: Anke Richter on Coercion & Control 1:08:22

6M ago1:08:22

1:08:22

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. In this episode, we’re joined by international journalist Anke Richter for a conversation about her decade-long investigation into sex cults and her own brush with ISTA, a shamanic ‘school’ from the US with a base in New Zealand. Anke’s recently published book CULT TRIP covers her labyrinthine investigation …

1
Cold Brew: What Is Blooming Around The Corner 8:55

6M ago8:55

8:55

Candice has some exciting news to share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The Bible and the Apocalypse with Professor John Collins 17:51

6M ago17:51

17:51

YDS Professor Emeritus John Collins, author of the book “The Apocalyptic Imagination,” discusses what the Bible really says about the end of the world; what caused the rise of apocalyptic literature; and how some Christians err in their understanding of end times. For more information and a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://divinity…

1
A Journey of Love: Andrew LeCompte on A Course in Miracles 50:00

6M ago50:00

50:00

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. For Andrew LeCompte, his study of A Course in Miracles (ACIM) started off like the proverbial ‘good thing’ of so many cult survivor stories. He eventually taught ACIM in Mexico, Spain, Hawaii, and Canada–working as something like a NXIVM-era Mark Vicente for his teacher. He initially had amazing experiences …

1
042 - Finding Her Voice: Jessica Willis Fisher's Triumph Over Abuse and Gaslighting 58:00

6M ago58:00

58:00

A QUICK WARNING: This episode contains discussions of traumatic events, violence, child abuse, sexual abuse, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, and graphic language. Listener discretion is advised. On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern dives into the extraordinary journey of Jessica Willis Fisher—a tale of survival, resilience, and the relentless p…

1
Rebel With a Cause: Rick Ross on NXIVM, Landmark & The Law 1:15:57

6M ago1:15:57

1:15:57

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Hello there cult awareness content nerds: We see you. We honor you. And let’s be honest: We are you. In this episode we (finally!) sit down with OG anti-cult crusader Rick Alan Ross for a chat about NXIVM, what it’s like to be sued simultaneously by Keith Raniere and Werner Erhard, and the ongoing audacity o…

1
EXTENDED CUT: Waiting for a Callback w/ Michael Rosenbaum 1:18:40

6M ago1:18:40

1:18:40

Because this was recorded during the SAG-AFTRA strike, we edited out chunks of this episode where Michael talked about Smallville and various other shows he's been on. Enjoy this original cut. Original Air Date: Sep 7th 2023 Candice is joined by actor, comedian, and just an all-arounder of a human being, Michael Rosenbaum, to discuss how he has wor…

1
The Erhard Effect: Anne Peterson on Landmark (Part 2) 59:20

6M ago59:20

59:20

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. It’s part two of our chat with Anne Peterson, and we’re picking up again right at the part of the story where things really go sideways for her inside the Landmark ecosystem. She shares what it was like flying in Werner Erhard’s inner circle working as something of an Olivia Pope for the company’s high falut…

1
REPLAY: Being Unapologetic About What You Like w/ Emily Henry 1:05:35

6M ago1:05:35

1:05:35

Pre-Order Emily's New Novel "Funny Story" Here: linktr.ee/EmilyHenryWrites Original Air Date: June 15th 2023 This week Candice is joined by author Emily Henry. They discuss how settings inspire Emily's writing, why little imperfections are good markers for life, learning about the language of love, how her parents being good at arguing was essentia…

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