Become a Paid Subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-atack-family--friends/subscribe Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/jon-atack-family--friends/subscribe jon atack, along with his son sam, present a series of educational podcasts on how to spot, avoid, and overcome unethical manipulation of all kinds - from destructive cults and abusive relationships, to advertising, groupthink, bullying and more. join us in our hope to create a world where people are taught from ...
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Steve is a lifelong jazz fan. He even used to write a column under the name Dr Jazz. Jon and Steve both believe in the redeeming qualities of music. Steve expresses his enthusiasm at finding that a current presidential candidate shares his love of jazz. The usual wide-ranging conversation about jazz and music in general peppered with fascinating fa…
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love, narcissism, defaultilogic and scornography with Jeremy Sherman
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Jeremy gifts us some of his new words that portmanteau concepts. Criticism of Malkin's model of narcissism ('feeling special') and Jeremy's embrace of the doctrine of foregone inconclusions. A delight for the eager mind.Jeremy's Book, Neither Ghost Nor Machine, can be bought here:https://www.amazon.com/Neither-Ghost-nor-Machine-Emergence/dp/0231173…
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how to turn religious ideas into monetary wealth. An age-old story. And Joe's ideas on the eye in the pyramid and other pyramid schemes. Links: Joe's websitediscussion on PythagoreansBart Ehrman's YouTube More about the Ambani wedding in India
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Clusterflux with Jeremy Sherman, PhD
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1:33:45
Jeremy has been working with neuroscientist Terrence Deacon at Berkley for 30 years. He shares insights about his head on challenges to true believers which contrasts with Jon's more gentle approach to mindchanging.Spike's note: Regarding the Universe-spinning, tutu-wearing rhino, I couldn't resist. I plugged the prompt into Meta's AI, but it would…
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how can you tell if you’re truly free of Scientology?
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Jon is joined by Spike for this discussion about how we can tell if we're truly free from the clutches of our former high-control group - it's far more involved than just leaving; often it takes a concerted effort lasting years to unwind oneself from deep psychological indoctrination and fully heal the damage done.Here's all the links:the crimes of…
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how cults hijack our interpretation of reality
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1:58:03
Christian Szurko is a leading expert on extremist authoritarian sects. In almost five decades, he has helped thousands of people to digest and integrate their experience and become thriving survivors. Christian explains his compelling model of the process of cult involvement, which is helpful in undoing exploitative persuasion and understanding the…
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Shawn McCraney asks Jon about his beliefs
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1:14:55
Shawn is fascinated that Jon's positive attitude is not based in religious belief. Jon talks about the wide range of influences that have led him to lose any concern for personal immortality.links:Jon's current websiteJon's defunct website with the artJon's writings on the Underground BunkerNever believe a hypnotist -the paperthe videoPossible Orig…
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cult membership and the perils of ego with Hoyt Richards
1:13:16
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a discussion about the egotism that makes us prey to cults, maintains our relationship with them, and makes it difficult to accept the ways in which cults modify our beliefs and behaviour. As ever, Hoyt shares his own dreadful experiences and helps to explain how to overcome obstacles to recovery from authoritarian abuse.Ex-Scientology KidsSocrates…
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Chris Kilham: medicine hunter, expert on psychoactives
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Chris is an expert on a wide range of psychoactive plants including cannabis. He has travelled the world for decades, visiting indigenous people to discover natural medicines, superfoods, and psychoactives. He has revisited these communities and helped to establish trade routes to their and the world's benefit.Chris first visited Brazil in 1997 and…
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Roerich, Gorbachev, Putin and Agni Yoga with Joe Szimhart
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absurd beliefs can lead to atrocities. Cult specialist Joe Szimhart is an artist whose journey into the world of cults began with his interest in the paintings of Nicholas Roerich who led Agni Yoga. Roerich believed he was the 'king of the world' and cultivated an influential following - including Henry Wallace, FDR's Secretary of State for Agricul…
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reassessing responsibility after leaving a cult with Frances Peters
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Frances spent the first 44 years of her life as a Jehovah's Witness. Since leaving, she has dedicated herself to counselling former members. As Frances says, authoritarian cults give members overwhelming and impossible responsibilities. They can also diminish the real responsibilities we should accept. After leaving a cult, it is important to reass…
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a discussion about the recent D-Day and Memorial Day commemorations, the recognition of PTSD and the recent decision of the American Psychiatric Association to create a Caucus on Peace. We talk about the successes and failures of the Truth and Reconciliation process and the need for dialogue in all fraught situations.Spike's note- it seems someone …
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Alex Barnes-Ross campaigns for awareness of Scientology among British politicians
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We are delighted to hear that Scientology critic John Sweeney is standing for the UK parliament in the July 2024 elections. John is famous for his 'exploding tomato' response to the taunts of a Scientology agent while filming for BBC Panorama. He subsequently wrote a book about group and has made criticism of Scientology central to his campaign for…
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"Bible Bangers" & Scientology with Jamie DeWolf
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Jon talks with L. Ron Hubbard's great-grandson, beat poet and award-winning filmmaker, Jamie DeWolf, about Scientology, extreme evangelical Christianity, life, philosophy, and belief. Comedy routine by Stewart Lee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvf07P7fhu0&t=6913s
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cult recovery and family support - with Hoyt Richards
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Hoyt and Jon discuss what role a family can have in helping their loved one recover from cult involvement.The book Jon is reading on the American Post Civil-War Reconstruction: David Blight's Race and Reuniona downloadable infographic of Jon's questions to ask a loved one in an authoritarian groupmore on Steven Hassan's Strategic Interactive Approa…
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strategic gullibility and psychoproctology with Jeremy Sherman
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Jeremy seeks fundamental explanations for life and motivation. He invents a new word a day to better describe his insights. He calls himself a 'psychoproctologist' because he studies the psychology of a-holes (i.e. humans). Jeremy has a different, fascinating, and entirely non pompous view of the world. He was also the inventor of the Sherman Effec…
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psychopath, sociopath or anti-social personality? with Shawn McCraney
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Shawn describes himself as a sociopath. Using the renowned expert Dr Robert Hare's work, we explore the different forms of human predation that are often confused with one another. Shawn talks about a recent experience in Hawaii that has changed his view of the world.Randy Newman's "Guilty" Note from Spike: If you haven't read the 1954 novel "The B…
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Walking free from the trauma of coercive cultic and spiritual abuse with Gillie Jenkinson, PhD
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Gillie Jenkinson talks about her time in a Bible-based cult, her escape, her doctoral studies, and her book, which is a step-by-step guide to recovery. Gillie has been counselling former members for many years and has a practice in Hope Valley outside Sheffield in England.Gillie's Hope Valley counsellingSpike's note: The British call them "milk tee…
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Paradise Undone: a novel of Jonestown by Annie Dawid - a book review with Joe Szimhart
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Joe and Jon discuss Annie Dawid's fascinating novel about Jim Jones and the Jonestown massacre. With insights into the Jones cult and its relationship to Father Divine, and other cult-related literature. Links: Joe's review of Paradise Undone Alan Scheflin's Social Influence Model The real story behind Bird Man of Alcatraz The Kanugu Cult Massacre …
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NXIVM and Scientology with Mark Vicente
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Mark Vicente, co-director of What the Bleep Do We Know? talks about his systematic recruitment by NXIVM. a comingling of Scientology and Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Mark's testimony helped to convict Keith Raniere. During his membership, Mark was asked to record Raniere and this footage was the basis for the excellent documentary The Vow.…
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a doctor's report on dianetics with Steven Moffic, MD
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Eminent psychiatrist Steven Moffic discusses the original 'Book One' method of Dianetics with Jon. Hubbard canceled the method in 1951, explaining that it is hypnotic. It was re-introduced in the late '70s and is still used as a recruiting tool. They also discuss music, art, and compassion.links:Moffic’s eclipse pieceSpike's eclipse pieceFreud lect…
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corruption in the US Family Courts with Dr Bandy Lee
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Warning: This video discusses domestic violence and severe child abuse, including sexual abuse. Viewer discretion is advised.Dr Bandy Lee is well-known for The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump, which she edited. She has taught at Yale Schools of Medicine and Public Health, and Yale Law School, and more recently at both Harvard and Columbia. Bandy tal…
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L. Ron Hubbard's great-grandson explains the development of his remarkable writing and performing talents, from reading a Stephen King novel banned by his Fundamentalist Christian mother in the crawl space to becoming a champion slam poet.Links:"the girl across the hallway" are there vegetarian spiders? Well, not entirely, but the answer is surpris…
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on faith, fanaticism, and folly with Anthony Spurgin
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Anthony spent his teens in a Traditional Catholic group. He talks with Jon about the dangers of ridicule and how we can best talk with fanatical believers. Jon refers to his own dogmatic belief in The Life of Brian.Links:Anthony's "Dragons of Victory" ChannelAnthony's artistic channelThe Tradrecovery websiteJohn Collins' work on William Branham:Mar…
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inside the mind of a sociopath with Shawn McCraney
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1:22:07
Shawn McCraney realized that he was a sociopath in 1997 and decided he had to change. He still has to work at it every day, but he provides invaluable insights into the inner workings of a predatory mind. Shawn talks with Jon about the movie Butcher Boy. He identifies closely with the boy who is the villain of the movie. A wide-ranging conversation…
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How to help PTSD sufferers with Dr Steve Moffic
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Steve Moffic, a retired professor of psychiatry, shares insights into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and questions the use of stellate ganglion block as more than a short-term solution.
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"Pretendians" falsely claim to be members of Native American or Canadian First Peoples. Famous examples are folk singer Buffy Sainte Marie and Little Feather - who accepted an Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando. As Joe points out, cult leaders are often Pretendians in the sense that they pretend to be enlightened or part of a spiritual heritage. Jon …
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Mike Rinder answers Mirriam Francis's allegations
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Mirriam Francis asked Jon to put some questions to Mike Rinder. Here are his responses.Links:ChildUSAThe Australian Royal Commission on Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse - Scientology testimonyLisa McPherson's deathMike Rinder's blogThe Aftermath Foundation
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trust and healthy skepticism with Hoyt Richards
1:10:56
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documentarian and cult expert Hoyt Richards joins Jon to talk about how to develop healthy skepticism when our natural inclination is to trust. The conversation ranges through groupthink, confirmation or myside bias and our cognitive dissonance when presented with ideas that conflict with our own feelings of knowing.…
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Liberating Scientology's Sea Org slaves
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Jon and Spike discuss the plight of the few thousand people who are living as slaves in Scientology's Sea Organization.Links:The Foster ReportWhen men sold their wives at marketReport Scientology to the IRS, here (US Citizens only) Upload "The Truth about Scientology" pamphlet (scroll down to bottom)more on Spike's Xenu window - seriously, Spike wo…
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The Christian and the agnostic - with Rev. Callan Slipper, PhD
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Jon met Callan when they were two. Through elementary (primary) school, they were close companions. They have recently reacquainted themselves after two decades. Callan is an Anglican minister and a theologian who has advised archbishops. He talks about his spiritual development in his teens and shares his view of God. Callan and Jon also talk abou…
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understanding the sociopathic temperament with Shawn McCraney
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Redeemed predator Shawn McCraney quizzes Jon about life, the universe and everything. A conversation about reason and emotion, and how sociopaths feel. Shawn shares valuable insights that help to identify and understand human predators. Links: Study on Red Enhancing Competitive Athletic Performance The Mendota Study Jon's Tao Note from Spike: turtl…
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Toledo, Tarot &Trouble: Spike’s long, strange trip in the world of ritual magic(k)
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Spike has made a career out of helping Jon and other experts educate people about cults, authoritarianism, and mind control. But how did she get into the field? It’s a long and bizarre journey that starts with an over-imaginative child raised without a religion, takes us through a dangerous and destructive “magickal order” operating at a small Ohio…
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Ron Hubbard and Astounding Science Fiction with Alec Nevala-Lee
1:09:49
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Alec's Astounding is a brilliant account of the 'golden age' of science-fiction when John Campbell, jnr, brought together the writers who would thrust s-f into the public arena - Heinlein, Asimov, Van Vogt and, of course, Ron Hubbard. There is much to be learned from Hubbard's stint at Astounding. Without Campbell, Dianetics might never have seen t…
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psychedelics and psychotherapy with Professor Steven Moffic, MD
1:35:21
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Psilocybin, LSD, cannabis and MDMA are among the banned substances that have been shown to have potential benefit in therapy. Eminent psychiatrist Steven Moffic talks with Jon about the potential benefits and dangers of psychotropic drugs. A wide-ranging discussion about changing attitudes towards these substances and the need for caution and robus…
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when to leave a cult with Hoyt Richards
1:07:20
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1:07:20
documentarian, actor and cult expert Hoyt Richards talks with Jon about ending a toxic relationship, whether with an authoritarian cult or an abusive or unsuitable partner.
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recognizing human predators with Shawn McCraney
1:36:59
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1:36:59
Shawn used to be a full-blown human predator. He discusses Jon's model of the predator as it applied to him. This is one of the most important videos on our channel.upload your own copy of the predator poster from here:https://jonatack.co.uk/resources/
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veteran cult expert Joe Szimhart suggests that many authoritarian cult leaders may actually suffer from a mental disorder that he has provisionally called 'cult leader syndrome'. Comparing this to imposter syndrome and with references to temporal lobe epilepsy, Joe and Jon discuss the maladies of Ron Hubbard, Elizabeth Clare Prophet, Osho, Rajneesh…
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euphoria and cult techniques with John Hunter, PhD
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Dr. John Hunter shows how authoritarian cults and large group awareness trainings (LGATs) create and then relieve stress to generate euphoria. John talks about his upcoming book and adds new insight to the processes of recruitment and the fervor induced by cultic involvement. Links:more on the Bear-Fedio indexMore fascinating material from John Hun…
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the redeemable predator - part 2 with Shawn McCraney
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Shawn is both by nature and nurture a human predator. He lived an utterly selfish life until an epiphany resolved him to learn how to care for others. Shawn changed from a violent, sex-addicted, entitled predator to a considerate and positive human being, but he still wrestles with his temperament every day. One of the most fascinating interviews o…
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the redeemable predator - part 1 with Shawn McCraney
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Shawn is both by nature and nurture a human predator. He lived an utterly selfish life until an epiphany resolved him to learn how to care for others. Shawn changed from a violent, sex-addicted, entitled predator to a considerate and positive human being, but he still wrestles with his temperament every day. One of the most fascinating interviews o…
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revisiting old haunts with Janis Gillham-Grady
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Janis joined Hubbard's crew at age eleven in 1968. She was a founder of the Commodore's Messenger Organization at age 12 and worked for Hubbard for the next eleven years. Janis has just returned from a group trip to some of the ports Hubbard's navy docked in fifty years ago and reflects on her experiences and the camaraderie she still feels with he…
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Gaza: genocide or resolution - with Dr. Steven Moffic
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Celebrated psychiatrist Professor Steven Moffic gives his concerned and compassionate view of the Gaza conflict. Steve and Jon talk about the use of culture to bring people together and the use of propaganda to tear them apart. We believe it is time to bury the hatchet and to bring the guilty to trial rather than the present assault by Hamas on the…
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telling your story is important for recovery - with Hoyt Richards
1:07:19
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1:07:19
actor and documentarian Hoyt Richards joins Jon to talk about the need to tell our story so that we can digest our experience and make something useful of it. With a short digression about the meanings of love.
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the cultic effects of Traditionalist Catholicism - with Anthony Spurgin
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Anthony Spurgin's parents joined a Traditionalist Catholic group when he was 12. At the age of 14, rather than going to high school, Anthony became part of a Traditionalist Catholic home-schooling co-operative. He talks about the traumatic effects of involvement with the group and especially the focus on sex as sinful. This talk shows how important…
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What is bipolar disorder and did L. Ron Hubbard suffer from it? with John Hunter, PhD
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A talk that will be very useful for anyone who suffers from bipolar disorder or for friends and family. John describes the symptoms of the different forms of bipolar disorder, and tells us how he manages his own condition. John explodes popular myths about bipolar disorder in a fascinating conversation. IMPORTANT NOTE:If you are feeling suicidal, h…
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Scientology, Mindfulness and the perils of present time with Joe Szimhart
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Joe Szimhart shares his remarkable knowledge of religious belief and helps Jon to assess the value of 'being here now.' Observations about Scientology, Ron Hubbard's childhood, Jon's brief time in a Zen monastery and Joe's experiences in the Church Universal and Triumphant. With reference to the origins of karma as a teaching, the separate 'bodies'…
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accountability and transformation with Hoyt Richards
1:08:31
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1:08:31
It can be very hard to take responsibility for your actions if you blame the manipulations of a cult for them. As Hoyt says, it is vital to take responsibility for your own story: it is a lot easier to fool someone than to persuade them they've been fooled. Some people blame themselves entirely for their negative behavior and others shrug it off be…
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Ron Hubbard: the Kali ceremony and ritual magick - with Janis Gillham-Grady
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56:51
Before creating Scientology, Ron Hubbard performed a ritual to incarnate the Wh*re of Babylon. Is Scientology itself perhaps an elaborate magic ritual? Hubbard also admitted to addiction to barbiturates in a Scientology lecture. At twelve, Janis was one of the original 'Commodore's Messengers' and spent time with Hubbard almost every day for eleven…
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why we don't always look before we leap - with John Hunter, PhD
1:35:25
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John Hunter PhD continues his fascinating explanation of the processes used in Large Group Awareness Trainings (LGATs). We begin with the ominously named Elaboration Likelihood Model, which explores how likely it is that someone will think before acting. John touches on Daniel Kahneman's System One - quick thinking - and System Two - considered thi…
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