Best Undue Influence Podcasts (2024)

1
Occulture and Undue Influence in Cults of Past and Present with Joseph Szimhart 1:04:55

2h ago1:04:55

1:04:55

In this episode of Influence Continuum, I spoke with my good friend and long-time colleague Joseph Szimhart. He is a cult and intervention expert and has an over 25-year history of working as a case worker in mental health. Want to understand the history of cult belief systems, including QAnon? Ascended Masters? Angles? Channelers? Mystics? Did you…

1
The More Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 37 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Warn Anew with forensic psychiatrist Bandy X. Lee MD 1:02:39

1d ago1:02:39

1:02:39

The November 2024 election will determine the future of America and the free world. Donald Trump has chosen J.D. Vance as his vice president, and the pair continue to get increasingly “weird,” and lying seems to be ramping up if that is even possible. Conservative attorney George Conway has created the Anti-Psychopath PAC and has publicly called ou…

1
4th Generation Psychological Warfare and The Christian Right: A Discussion with James Scaminaci III 52:32

9d ago52:32

52:32

With the election just a few months away and an unprecedented barrage of psychological warfare being leveled at Americans, as well as people around the world, we decided to reshare this podcast and blog from 2020. It features Dr. James Scaminaci’s expertise on psychological warfare and specifically something called Fourth Generation Warfare (4GW). …

1
S3: Rebecca’s Story: The Profound Impact of Religious Cults on Personal Identities 34:13

9d ago34:13

34:13

Rebecca’s story transcends individual experience to illuminate universal themes of resilience, identity, and healing. It underscores the power of community, self-discovery, and the ongoing process of healing from psychological and emotional wounds inflicted by cults and similar restrictive groups while celebrating the courage and strength required …

1
Former Trump Attorney Michael Cohen on His Experience in The Cult of Trump 1:09:45

15d ago1:09:45

1:09:45

With the 2024 election coming in November, Trump has been ramping up his rhetoric about using the DOJ to go after his critics who he considers his enemies. He has managed to enthrall millions to think God is on Trump’s side. All I can say is that no one has experienced more directly the weaponization of the DOJ using former AG William Barr, than Mi…

1
Empowered: Helping Support Survivors of Human Trafficking with Kristy Norbert LCSW 55:03

1M ago55:03

55:03

Kristy Norbert, co-founder and executive director of Empowered Network, is a licensed social worker with over 20 years of experience who has developed trauma-informed programs aimed at helping trafficking survivors achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Her insights reveal the critical intersection between human trafficking and mind cont…

1
It’s More Important to be Related than Right: Compassion in the Time of Social Media with Ravi Chandra, M.D. 58:33

29d ago58:33

58:33

Humans crave connection. This need for connection is a vital aspect of the psychology behind cults, coercion, and undue influence. Isolation makes people vulnerable and fearful and more likely to be influenced in harmful ways. Psychiatrist Ravi Chandra discusses the psychology of connection, how institutions can take action to encourage empathy and…

1
A Portuguese Journey of Awakening and Advocacy with Ex-JW Elder António Madaleno 1:04:04

1M ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Did you know there are 8.6 million dedicated members of the Watchtower Society or Jehovah’s Witnesses, and supposedly, over 20 million people attend their annual big meeting (memorial attendance) worldwide? They are out on street corners, travel terminals in pairs. When I heard about a new book in Portuguese by a former elder, I wanted to learn mor…

1
Flourishing and Developing Healthy Physiologic Responses During Ongoing Stressors: Dr. Eva Selhub, M.D. 52:48

2M ago52:48

52:48

This fascinating interview is with Dr. Eva Selhub who worked at Harvard with Herb Benson developing and understanding about the mind body connection to health. Dr. Selhub is an internationally recognized resiliency expert who has worked as a physician, author, executive coach, keynote speaker, and spiritual advisor. She has written many books, incl…

1
S3: Ciara’s Story: Is it a Sin to Talk About It? 1:00:04

2M ago1:00:04

1:00:04

Grappling with existential questions about the origins of her thoughts, the influence of external forces on her autonomy, and her experiences within a religious cult, Ciara reflects on themes of control, deception, and the struggle for personal identity and freedom within a structured belief system. Listen to find out how Ciara finds bursts of insp…

1
Insights on Surviving and Thriving After a Cult with Michelle Dowd 1:01:39

2M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

I had the privilege of a second opportunity to talk with Michelle Dowd, a journalism professor and author of Forager: Field Notes on Surviving a Family Cult. I watched Michelle’s three-and-a-half-hour interview on Joe Rogan’s podcast. Joe was utterly fascinated by Dowd’s cult experience and asked many questions, including what a cult is. Michelle m…

1
Unmasking Climate Denial: How Cult Tactics Fuel Disinformation with David Lipsky 1:03:41

2M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

I read David Lipsky’s article in Rolling Stone last year on how the Moonies have been the center for global climate denial for 50 years through their Washington Times organization. I immediately bought his book, The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial and wanted to interview him. Well, the paperback is now out and we had a great…

1
The Moon Cult: An Interview with former top American leader Allen Tate Wood 1:00:23

2M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

For those who know Combating Cult Mind Control and my work, you know I was in the Moon cult. However, if you are under 50 years old, most people have no idea what the Moonies are about. Allen Tate Wood was a four-year member of the Unification Church–aka The Moon organization. He was the Chief Political Officer of the Unification Church in the Unit…

1
Ex-Scientologists, Recovery, and Helping Others – a Discussion with Jon Atack 1:03:09

2M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

One of the most publicized authoritarian cults is Scientology and the world’s leading authority is Jon Atack. Jon and I have been friends and colleagues He is the author of Let’s Sell These People A Piece of Blue Sky, considered the definitive book on Scientology, Dianetics, and L. Ron Hubbard. During our podcast, we discussed the new audiobook ver…

1
“Conspiratorial Demonology” in the New Apostolic Reformation: LGBTQ Students and Undue Influence in Schools with Jonathon Sawyer 1:02:20

3M ago1:02:20

1:02:20

Jonathon Sawyer is urgently speaking out against involvement of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) in education for a very clear reason. He stated, “More people need to know that those who are discriminated against [sometimes] become those who discriminate.” In psychology, we call this the victim, victimizer paradigm. It is the idea that without h…

1
Cult Trip: Inside the World of Coercion & Control with Journalist Anke Richter 1:03:06

3M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

Anke Richter co-founded FACT (Fight Against Conspiracy Theories) and is organizing the first cult awareness conference in Australia, DECULT. Anke’s bestseller “Cult Trip: Inside the World of Coercion & Control” is about her ten-year investigation into sex cults –from tantra yoga to the Human Potential Movement to fundamentalist Christianity. She is…

1
Raised in Scientology, He Became a Military Helicopter Pilot and Rescued His Abused Mother with Mike Brown 1:04:30

3M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

Mike tried to escape Scientology’s undue influence when he was 15. As punishment for trying to escape, he was isolated, sleep-deprived, and forced to do hard labor for over a year and a half. Mike reflects that he felt like a prisoner during this time. Mike finally escaped Scientology at age 27 and joined the military. He had little education and n…

1
Ex-Communication from Unitarian Universalism: the World’s Most Liberal Religion with Rev. Dr. Todd Eklof 1:03:24

3M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Rev. Dr. Todd F. Eklof has been the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane, WA, since 2011. He’s appreciated for his mind-altering sermons, compassionate soul, and social activism. Unitarianism and Unitarian Universalism have traditionally been known as liberal religions, defined by their commitment to individual dignity and freed…

1
How to Be a World-Class Investigator with Julie Jones 1:02:07

4M ago1:02:07

1:02:07

A former British Police Detective and Undercover Operator, Julie Jones is the founder and CEO of Human-I Intelligence Services, an international consultancy specializing in cybercrime investigations and online open-source intelligence (OSINT). She is a recognized international expert in human trafficking. A bestselling author of the book How to Be …

1
The Life of Candace Pert: Dysfunction in Medical Science and Research Communities with Pamela Ryckman 1:10:43

4M ago1:10:43

1:10:43

My guest on this episode of The Influence Continuum is Pamela Ryckman, who wrote the book Candace Pert: Genius, Greed, and Madness in the World of Science. Science and health institutions can mimic cult-like behaviors and dysfunctional systems when the structures within them become overly competitive and focused on limited resources to obtain profe…

1
Supporting Patient Comfort Through Rapid Hypnotic Techniques with Elvira Lang-Anderson, M.D. 55:47

4M ago55:47

55:47

Empowering patients or clients to have authority and control over their medical experiences is vital to beneficial therapeutic care. Likewise, well-crafted use of professional communication skills in setting expectations about clinical procedures and outcomes can mean the difference between a traumatic medical visit versus one being remembered with…

1
Leaving a Martial Arts Cult with Russell Johnson 1:05:49

5M ago1:05:49

1:05:49

Russell Johnson is a former member of the Korean martial arts cult Chung Moo Quan. After much negative publicity, its name was changed to Oom Yung Doe. Now a professional security consultant, activist, and podcaster, Russell got involved with the cult as a teen and was involved for eight years. We first met in the early 90s when he contacted me aft…

1
Defining Exit Ramps for Militia Members with Former Propagandist Oath Keeper Jason Van Tatenhove 1:02:59

5M ago1:02:59

1:02:59

“America right now needs some exit ramps,” Jason Van Tatenhove said as we discussed his former role as national media director for the Oath Keepers, a group known for its far-right anti-government militia. While Jason would ultimately decide to leave the group in 2016 due to increasing racism and Holocaust denial within their membership, the Oath K…

1
Right-wing Christian Movements Threatening our Democracy with Matthew D. Taylor, PhD 1:08:33

5M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

As a Protestant, Matthew D. Taylor, Ph.D., is a Senior Scholar at the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies (ICJS), where he specializes in Muslim-Christian dialogue, Evangelical and Pentecostal movements, religious politics in the U.S., and American Islam. ICJS produced a 30-minute documentary, Spiritual Warriors: Decoding Christian…

1
Clinical Hypnosis and its Benefits for a New Health Care Paradigm with Julie H. Linden, PhD 57:48

5M ago57:48

57:48

Hypnosis is everywhere on the Internet- either covertly like ASMR or overtly, where people are enticed to learn hypnosis or NLP, a version of Ericksonian hypnosis. My guest is the lead editor of a comprehensive textbook on clinical hypnosis. Still, it also includes two chapters I co-authored with law professor emeritus Alan Scheflin on the dark sid…

1
Discussing Military Insights, AI, and Influence with Ryan McBeth 1:06:38

6M ago1:06:38

1:06:38

In this enlightening episode, I speak to Ryan McBeth, an experienced military veteran and a recognized figure in cybersecurity, military analysis, and artificial intelligence, to explore a range of thought-provoking topics. Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge from his 20 years of service as an anti-armor and heavy weapons infantryman and his prolific…

1
Navigating Journalistic Integrity in an Age of Misinformation with Anthony Davis 1:02:20

6M ago1:02:20

1:02:20

Anthony Davis is a British broadcaster, journalist, and voiceover artist. He was born in London and has been based in Los Angeles since 2017, where he works remotely from his home studio with networks worldwide. Since November 2021, his collaborations with the MeidasTouch media network, including the Five-Minute News, The Weekend Show, and America …

1
Online Radicalization with Data Scientist Dr. Stuart Shulman 1:02:11

6M ago1:02:11

1:02:11

Analyzing online content and how people interact with that content is essential to understanding the process of online radicalization. Twitter/ X has been a major source of information for tracking QAnon and many bad actors from Russia as well as Christian Dominionists, Neo Nazis, and others. Bad actors worldwide use social media to post content to…

1
Taking Down Trump: 12 Rules for Prosecuting Donald Trump by Someone Who Did It Successfully with Tristan Snell 1:04:51

6M ago1:04:51

1:04:51

The Trump University grift followed the same playbook as many predatory organizations, like Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) organizations. Victims are hooked through legitimate sounding offers, like a weekend sales course for $1,500. However, once the victims attend the weekend sales course, they are pressured into buying more courses for more money to…

1
Theocratic Politics & The New Apostolic Reformation with André Gagné and Frederick Clarkson 1:08:32

6M ago1:08:32

1:08:32

In this era of political polarization, the landscape in the United States is marked by the rise of Donald Trump as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election. This despite Trump facing numerous legal challenges–including over his involvement in the January 6th attack on the United States Capitol. However, Trump …

1
TESCREAL hallucinations: Psychedelic and AI hype as inequality engines with Neşe Devenot, PhD 1:05:00

7M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

Neşe Devenot is a Postdoctoral Associate at the Institute for Research in Sensing (IRiS) at the University of Cincinnati and the Medicine, Society & Culture Research Fellow at Psymposia. I decided to use the title of her profoundly important journal article for this podcast. Psychedelics are all the rage. When I gave a talk at the American Psychiat…

1
AI, Technology & Mind Control Topics in Natural Wellness and Spiritual Communities with Dr. Melanie Trowbridge 1:01:25

7M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Natural medicine might seem distant from the far-right fringes of society until you dig a little deeper and find the wealth of ‘wellness products’ being sold alongside political conspiracies. There is a constant quest for increasing well-being and less ‘toxic’ lifestyles. Meanwhile, conspiracy theories drain resources and instill fears, including p…

1
Revitalizing Non-partisan Civics Education with iCivics.org Chief Louise Dubé 58:43

7M ago58:43

58:43

Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the founder of iCivics, said, "The practice of democracy is not passed down through the gene pool. It must be taught and learned by each new generation." It is the continuing mission of the iCivics organization and its current Chief Executive Officer, Louise Dubé, to ensure that future generations of Ameri…

1
When Religion Hurts You: Healing from Religious Trauma and the Impact of High Control Religion with Dr. Laura E. Anderson 1:04:49

7M ago1:04:49

1:04:49

Laura E. Anderson, PhD, was raised in a Christian family and experienced first hand what religious trauma is all about. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a Ph.D. in Mind Body Medicine from Saybrook University. She specializes in complex trauma, with a particular focus on domestic violence, sexualized violence, and religious traum…

1
Breaking the Silence: Alva Johnson’s Journey in the Cult of Trump as the 2016 campaign’s Director of Outreach and Coalitions 1:10:40

8M ago1:10:40

1:10:40

Legally released from an unenforceable NDA, the former 2016 campaign staffer discusses the cult-building tactics, Russian interference, and the who’s who of bad actors behind the scenes of the Trump campaign. Joining the campaign when then-candidate Trump was polling last in the GOP field, Alva is one of the very few former campaign staffers who wo…

1
Utilizing Integrative Psychology and Psychedelic Therapy with Australian Psychologist Nigel Denning 58:26

8M ago58:26

58:26

In this New Year, we offer an episode on healthy, ethical influence. What is Integrative Psychology? What is “organization of mind?” If a person is interested in embodied mind practices, which include concentration meditation training, it takes very specialized training and practice to navigate this terrain effectively. Nigel Denning is a Counselli…

1
The Convergence of Cult Experience and Military Indoctrination with Former Army Captain Daniella Mestyanek Young 1:08:29

8M ago1:08:29

1:08:29

Ever wonder about basic training in the military? What about how the BITE Model of Authoritarian Control applies to military personnel? With so many veterans who have returned to society, many do not seem to have been given the necessary psychological support to integrate and thrive. There is large amounts of active trauma as well as a high suicide…

1
Unveiling the La Luz del Mundo Cult: Sochil Martin’s Story of Resilience 1:10:41

8M ago1:10:41

1:10:41

Sochil Martin is a Mexican-American woman who was born and raised in a religious high control group called La Luz del Mundo (LDM), which claims to have over 5 million members in 58 countries worldwide. This group was established in 1926 and features a power structure like New Apostolic Reformation megachurches. It has been very involved in politics…

1
Mussolini to the Present- The Rising Tide of Online Authoritarian Influence with Ruth Ben-Ghiat 47:33

9M ago47:33

47:33

Navigating a deeply divided, polarized world filled with vulnerable souls to the siren calls of conspiracy theories, I find it essential to shine a light on the shadows where undue influence thrives. In this discussion with historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat, we discuss the subtle and often sinister ways authoritarianism intertwines with the psychological me…

1
The Transformative Power of Wonder with Monica C. Parker 57:12

9M ago57:12

57:12

Monica C. Parker has authored a remarkable book which was such a positive in the current concerning times. It is titled, The Power of Wonder: The Extraordinary Emotion That Will Change the Way You Live Learn and Lead. Our conversation delved into how this powerful emotion could revolutionize learning, relationships, work, and societal interactions …

1
Breaking the Chains: The Role of Mind Control in Human Trafficking with Rebecca Bender 59:04

9M ago59:04

59:04

Human trafficking is defined in international law as the use of fraud, force, or coercion to enslave people. It is a scourge that operates not just through physical coercion but through the devastating use of mind control, a method of psychological enslavement. Rebecca Bender is a courageous survivor and advocate who works tirelessly to empower sur…

1
Kochland: The Secret History of Koch Industries and Corporate Power in America with Christopher Leonard 1:00:05

9M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

Did you know that Koch Corporation is the second largest private business in the United States? That Fred Koch, father of David Koch, helped to found the John Birch Society? That Koch is one of the largest corporate lobbying entities in America. That their belief is libertarianism is a destructive ideology that undermines government functioning? Th…

1
The Case for Debunking Medical Cannabis Myths with Peter Grinspoon, M.D. 1:00:45

10M ago1:00:45

1:00:45

In his latest book, Seeing Through the Smoke: A Cannabis Specialist Untangles the Truth About Marijuana, Peter Grinspoon, M.D. has written an excellent, comprehensive, and authoritative book. Grinspoon is a primary care doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital and an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He has been a medical cannabis s…

1
How to Be Spiritual in These Crazy Times: A Guide with Philip Goldberg 1:03:06

10M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

Philip Goldberg has been studying the world’s spiritual traditions for more than 50 years as a practitioner, teacher, and author. An ordained Interfaith Minister, spiritual counselor, and public speaker, he has presented at major venues throughout the U.S. and has been featured in numerous publications. He has authored or co-authored more than 25 b…

1
Troubled Teen Industry Abuse with Former Victim Melanie Friedman LCSW 1:01:58

10M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

Do you worry about your teenager's safety and fear they could fall into the deceptive webs of manipulative, cult-like groups? Are you a desperate parent seeking intervention services for your struggling teen? If so, you can't afford to miss this interview with Melanie, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a survivor of the infamous Troubled Teen I…

1
The Assemblies of God; Secrets of a High Demand Church with Paul Jensen 1:07:09

10M ago1:07:09

1:07:09

Growing up in the Assemblies of God, the second-largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States with approximately three million members, Paul Jensen witnessed firsthand the controversial culture and beliefs that define this religious movement. Founded in 1914 and initially considered a fringe group by mainstream Protestant denominations, the…

1
From MAGA Activist to National Healer with Rich Logis 1:10:52

10M ago1:10:52

1:10:52

In a world marked by political extremes, high-control groups, and the Influence Continuum, the story of Rich Logis stands out as both compelling and enlightening. Formerly a true believer pundit for the MAGA movement, Rich’s transformation offers a deep dive into the mechanics of belief, mind control, the allure of belonging, and the power of self-…

1
Large Group Awareness Trainings (LGATs) Weaponize Dopamine to Manipulate People with John Hunter, PhD 1:01:12

11M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

Large Group Awareness Trainings (LGATs) bill themselves as transformational multi-day workshops. You often feel pressured to attend, perhaps by your corporation or a family member or friend, and you are deliberately not told what will happen there. These workshops often utilize eight to twelve-hour marathon sessions to wear down a person's identity…

1
Utilizing Creative Therapies for Healing and Empowerment with Esther Friedman 1:01:02

11M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Esther Friedman is an expressive therapist and former five-year member of the Odyssey Study Group (OSG), a secretive cult utilizing the Gurdjieff ideology. Her excellent book is The Gentle Souls Revolution: A Secret Cult, an Open Rebellion, and Lessons in Protecting and Honoring Your Gentle Soul. This memoir and guide offer valuable insights and gu…

1
Wisdom from the Psychedelic Underground with Rachel Harris, PhD 1:01:05

11M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

One of the hottest topics in modern psychology is utilizing psychedelics to aid psychotherapy. Research is being conducted on the potentially beneficial use of substances like psilocybin, LSD, DMT, and MDMA in a controlled environment. In recent years, it’s gotten attention for its efficacy in treating treatment-resistant depression and PTSD, addic…

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