Best Jon Atack Podcasts (2024)

1
how can we stop Trump? with Jeremy Sherman 2:02:05

1d ago2:02:05

2:02:05

in his "How to roll trolls and stump Trumpists", Jeremy has outlined his own approach to disappointing Trump's followers. Jeremy lays out his fascinating analysis of the 'herobot' the follower who avoids self-doubt by attaching to the 'dumbergogue' Trump. As usual, Jeremy is eloquent and spills over with ideas that will make you smart. Jon suggests…

1
extreme authoritarian sects with Christian Szurko 37:14

1d ago37:14

37:14

Christian is an expert on those groups most often called 'cults'. He explains his own less emotive description of such groups. As usual, Christian dispenses with psychobabble and offers a useable and useful model for the better understanding of the 'cult' experience.Spike's note: Zoom cut this discussion a bit short; we apologize for the abrupt end…

1
S3 E2 Cults, Caution and Comedy: Lisa VanArsdale on Experiencing Cults and Communities 1:04:57

2d ago1:04:57

1:04:57

Hello listeners and welcome back to Season 3 of the Cult Vault Podcast. In this episode, Kacey is joined by longtime friend of the show Lisa VanArsdale. Lisa discusses her ongoing exploration of various cults and religious communities, sharing her experiences and insights from her visits. They delve into the importance of understanding these groups…

1
Season 3 Launch: What is Coercive Control? 31:19

9d ago31:19

31:19

As I return from my studies in the Psychology of Coercive Control MSc programme at the University of Salford, I'm looking forward to covering more content on this subject matter. To start the new season, here is an episode on the topic itself: What is Coercive Control? Get in Touch or Support: Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Instagram: https://w…

1
Ep. 324 Assemblies of God - Episode 155 Remastered Part 2 1:26:06

11d ago1:26:06

1:26:06

In this episode, I chat with Jordan about his childhood experiences being involved in the Assemblies of God, a sect of Pentecostalism, and how a constant state of upheaval and relocation made it difficult to maintain friendships and experience childhood in a "typical" way. Along with homeschooling, Jordan and his family uprooted a number of times. …

1
Ep. 324 Assemblies of God - Episode 155 Remastered Part 1 1:12:24

11d ago1:12:24

1:12:24

In this episode, I chat with Jordan about his childhood experiences being involved in the Assemblies of God, a sect of Pentecostalism, and how a constant state of upheaval and relocation made it difficult to maintain friendships and experience childhood in a "typical" way. Along with homeschooling, Jordan and his family uprooted a number of times. …

1
leaving a belief with Hoyt Richards 1:21:27

17d ago1:21:27

1:21:27

Belief doesn't simply evaporate when we leave a group. Hoyt and Jon talk about their own experiences on the road to claiming authority for their own beliefs. Jon suggests an easy way to kickstart the process. To the outside world, Hoyt seemed to exemplify success - a sports star, Princeton graduate who earned a fortune as the first man ever called …

1
the science of herbal medicine with Chris Kilham 46:30

25d ago46:30

46:30

Chris Kilham talks about a lifetime searching the world for health-giving plants. Not only has he travelled across continents and helped to establish local production, he has also been consulted by many pharmaceutical companies that are finally moving towards the use of tried and tested natural remedies. Chris talks about his own legal cannabis cro…

1
Ep. 323 My Life in the Children of God - Episode 154 Remastered Part 2 1:26:35

30d ago1:26:35

1:26:35

In this remastered episode I talk with author Mary Mahoney who details her experiences in The Children of God, talking us through the trials of her memoir. Mary joined The Children of God in her teens and through systematic coercion and manipulation, became trapped in one of the most notorious and insidious cults known today. During this episode, M…

1
jazz and joy with Dr Steven Moffic 1:01:25

1M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

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…

1
love, narcissism, defaultilogic and scornography with Jeremy Sherman 1:13:04

1M ago1:13:04

1:13:04

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…

1
Ep. 323 My Life in the Children of God - Episode 154 Remastered 1:31:05

1M ago1:31:05

1:31:05

In this remastered episode I talk with author Mary Mahoney who details her experiences in The Children of God, talking us through the trials of her memoir. Mary joined The Children of God in her teens and through systematic coercion and manipulation, became trapped in one of the most notorious and insidious cults known today. During this episode, M…

1
Ep. 322 LIVE AT CRIMECON! With Jon Atack - Episode 254 Remastered 49:10

1M ago49:10

49:10

Cast your ears back to the time I was given the chance to interview the legendary Jon Atack LIVE on stage at Crimecon UK. An experience I won't soon forget, and one you could be a part of next month as Crimecon UK returns to London on September 21st and 22nd! Find your tickets here - www.crimecon.co.uk and use the code CULT for 10% off your tickets…

1
The God Market with Joe Szimhart 1:00:54

2M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

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

1
Ep. 321 Churches of Christ - Episode 158 Remastered Part 2 1:12:04

2M ago1:12:04

1:12:04

In this episode I speak with activist Evvie about their experiences in the Church of Christ. Evvie talks us through their activist work, parentification, and homeschooling during their younger years in CoC. Evvie experienced racism and lack of acceptance around the LGBTQIA+ community, advocating for their siblings, and striving for their own furthe…

1
Clusterflux with Jeremy Sherman, PhD 1:33:45

2M ago1:33:45

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…

1
how can you tell if you’re truly free of Scientology? 1:18:09

2M ago1:18:09

1:18:09

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…

1
how cults hijack our interpretation of reality 1:58:03

2M ago1:58:03

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…

1
Ep. 321 Churches of Christ - Episode 158 Remastered 1:12:58

2M ago1:12:58

1:12:58

In this episode I speak with activist Evvie about their experiences in the Church of Christ. Evvie talks us through their activist work, parentification, and homeschooling during their younger years in CoC. Evvie experienced racism and lack of acceptance around the LGBTQIA+ community, advocating for their siblings, and striving for their own furthe…

1
Shawn McCraney asks Jon about his beliefs 1:14:55

2M ago1:14:55

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…

1
Ep. 320 Trapped in Treatment - The Troubled Teen Industry - Episode 156 Remastered 1:57:39

2M ago1:57:39

1:57:39

Remastered: Trapped In Treatment is a new docu-style podcast series from Paris Hilton & Warner Bros. Unscripted TV in Association With Telepictures, and iHeart Media, that will examine and expose the dark secrets of the “Troubled Teen Industry.” Beginning with Provo Canyon School, each season will focus on the story of one youth treatment facility,…

1
cult membership and the perils of ego with Hoyt Richards 1:13:16

2M ago1:13:16

1:13:16

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…

1
Ep. 319 ISKCON and other spiritual groups - Episode 150 Part 2 Remastered 1:29:42

3M ago1:29:42

1:29:42

In this remastered episode I chat with someone who has experienced The International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Michael gives a deep dive into many types of Religious and Spiritual groups he has joined, with a focus on a particularly problematic sub-group within the Hare Krishna movement called "The Mantra Lounge". I personally do not condo…

1
Chris Kilham: medicine hunter, expert on psychoactives 1:01:41

3M ago1:01:41

1:01:41

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…

1
Roerich, Gorbachev, Putin and Agni Yoga with Joe Szimhart 1:17:44

3M ago1:17:44

1:17:44

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…

1
Ep. 319 ISKCON and other spiritual groups - Episode 150 Remastered 1:12:42

3M ago1:12:42

1:12:42

In this remastered episode I chat with someone who has experienced The International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Michael gives a deep dive into many types of Religious and Spiritual groups he has joined, with a focus on a particularly problematic sub-group within the Hare Krishna movement called "The Mantra Lounge". I personally do not condo…

1
Ep. 318 Dead, Insane or in Jail - Troubled Teen Industry. Episode 147 Remastered 1:58:54

3M ago1:58:54

1:58:54

In today's remastered episode, I have a special interview with author Zack Bonnie who has written 2 books about his time at CEDU and Rocky Mountain Academy. Zack's activism and whistleblowing work has opened doors into institutional reform around the world - highlighting the abuse that happens in these troubled teen programmes. Zack breaks his stor…

1
reassessing responsibility after leaving a cult with Frances Peters 54:04

3M ago54:04

54:04

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…

1
Ep. 317 Ramtha's School of Enlightenment - A Daughter's Story Part 2 Episode 144 Remastered 1:27:25

3M ago1:27:25

1:27:25

In this remastered episode I chat at length with Alexandra who grew close to a family friend before deciding to follow him out of state and into the clasp of a destructive group known as RSE. Alexandra tells the story from her perspective, allowing us keen insight into what attempts at connection made by her father truly worked, and what could have…

1
memorial days with Dr Steven Moffic 46:01

3M ago46:01

46:01

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 …

1
Ep. 317 Ramtha's School of Enlightenment - A Daughter's Story Part 1 Episode 144 Remastered 1:18:42

4M ago1:18:42

1:18:42

In this remastered episode I chat at length with Alexandra who grew close to a family friend before deciding to follow him out of state and into the clasp of a destructive group known as RSE. Alexandra tells the story from her perspective, allowing us keen insight into what attempts at connection made by her father truly worked, and what could have…

1
Alex Barnes-Ross campaigns for awareness of Scientology among British politicians 46:21

4M ago46:21

46:21

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…

1
"Bible Bangers" & Scientology with Jamie DeWolf 1:16:19

4M ago1:16:19

1:16:19

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

1
Ep. 316 Ramtha's School of Enlightenment - A Father's Perspective. Episode 143 Part 2 Remastered 1:16:02

4M ago1:16:02

1:16:02

In this 2-part series, I first chat with Bob about his experiences losing his daughter to JZ Knight's Ramtha's School of Enlightenment. Bob speaks about the heartbreak and difficulty in working out the best way to navigate the situation - from losing all contact to treading carefully to maintain a relationship with his daughter, waiting for the day…

1
cult recovery and family support - with Hoyt Richards 1:18:03

4M ago1:18:03

1:18:03

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…

1
strategic gullibility and psychoproctology with Jeremy Sherman 59:37

4M ago59:37

59:37

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…

1
Ep. 316 Ramtha's School of Enlightenment - A Father's Perspective. Episode 143 Part 1 Remastered 1:18:29

4M ago1:18:29

1:18:29

In this 2-part series, I first chat with Bob about his experiences losing his daughter to JZ Knight's Ramtha's School of Enlightenment. Bob speaks about the heartbreak and difficulty in working out the best way to navigate the situation - from losing all contact to treading carefully to maintain a relationship with his daughter, waiting for the day…

1
Ep. 315 Manhattan Cult Story - Episode 141 Remastered Part 2 1:04:33

4M ago1:04:33

1:04:33

In this episode I speak with Spencer about his time spent in Sharon Gan's cult in Manhattan known as the Odyssey Study Group. Spencer descirbes all of this in his memoir: Mannhattan Cult Story. Abuse, Crime, Sex, and My Life inside a Secret Organization. Manhattan Cult Story: My Unbelievable True Story of Sex, Crimes, Chaos, and Survival eBook : Sc…

1
Ep. 315 Manhattan Cult Story - Episode 141 Remastered Part 1 1:24:46

4M ago1:24:46

1:24:46

In this episode I speak with Spencer about his time spent in Sharon Gan's cult in Manhattan known as the Odyssey Study Group. Spencer descirbes all of this in his memoir: Mannhattan Cult Story. Abuse, Crime, Sex, and My Life inside a Secret Organization. Manhattan Cult Story: My Unbelievable True Story of Sex, Crimes, Chaos, and Survival eBook : Sc…

1
psychopath, sociopath or anti-social personality? with Shawn McCraney 1:07:26

4M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

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…

1
Ep. 314 Shincheonji - Episode 75 Remastered 1:08:42

4M ago1:08:42

1:08:42

In this weeks episode we are diving into another movement that originated in Korea. This one comes with a twist... you don't find out that this movement is SCJ until you have been a member for over half a year. Han offers his experiences within this movement, leaving when lockdown first occurred in 2020 due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Get in Touch…

1
Ep. 313 OneTaste Episode 126 Remastered 1:27:02

5M ago1:27:02

1:27:02

In this remastered episode I speak at length with Ruwan, an outspoken ex-member of the female-pleasure focused movement known as OneTaste. Ruwan talks us through the practice of Orgasmic Meditation (OM) as well as the levels of costly courses members are encouraged to take. We end our chat on Ruwan's new focus in life and how he has taken the posit…

1
Walking free from the trauma of coercive cultic and spiritual abuse with Gillie Jenkinson, PhD 46:52

5M ago46:52

46:52

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…

1
Paradise Undone: a novel of Jonestown by Annie Dawid - a book review with Joe Szimhart 1:07:52

5M ago1:07:52

1:07:52

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 …

1
Ep. 312 Stone Mountain & Three Springs Troubled Teen Industry - Episode 132 Remastered 1:25:44

5M ago1:25:44

1:25:44

In this remastered episode I speak with Andrew who talks us through his experiences being pulled through the Troubled Teen Industry from the young age of 11 onwards. Not only was Andrew subjected to "scared straight" programmes and tactics, he was forced through 2 wilderness programmes that respectively had abuse and manipulation running through bo…

1
Ep. 311 Ant Hill Kids PATREON Episode Part 2 46:12

5M ago46:12

46:12

In this Patreon deep-dive from the vault, I look into the Ant Hill Kids, truly one of the worst cults I have ever researched or heard about to this day. This is an example of the deep-dive episodes i offer at patreon.com/thecultvault. Get in Touch or Support: Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Crimecon UK 2024 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use cod…

1
NXIVM and Scientology with Mark Vicente 1:04:10

5M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

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.…

1
Ep. 311 Ant Hill Kids PATREON Episode Part 1 46:33

5M ago46:33

46:33

In this Patreon deep-dive from the vault, I look into the Ant Hill Kids, truly one of the worst cults I have ever researched or heard about to this day. This is an example of the deep-dive episodes i offer at patreon.com/thecultvault. Get in Touch or Support: Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Crimecon UK 2024 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use cod…

1
a doctor's report on dianetics with Steven Moffic, MD 1:22:17

5M ago1:22:17

1:22:17

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…

1
corruption in the US Family Courts with Dr Bandy Lee 50:34

5M ago50:34

50:34

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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