August 18, 2025

239 — You’re Being Brainwashed Every Day—Here’s How to Stay Mentally Strong in a World of Hidden Influence with Professor Rebecca Lemov

45 minutes

Why would someone confess to a crime they didn’t commit? Or why would someone join a cult? Most of us think we’re too mentally strong to fall for brainwashing, but subtle forms of persuasion might already be shaping the way we think, feel, and act—without us even realizing it.

In this episode, I sit down with historian, professor, and author Rebecca Lemov to explore the psychology of brainwashing and how it shows up in modern life. From social media algorithms to toxic relationships, Rebecca explains how small, seemingly insignificant choices can shape the way we see ourselves and the world.

Some of the things we talk about are:

The psychology of brainwashing

The modern day forces that shape our beliefs and emotions (like social media)

How social media algorithms are designed to impact you

The Facebook experiment that manipulated emotions and what that reveals about brainwashing and social media

The privacy paradox: why we give up our data even when we know better

How addiction and trauma make us more vulnerable to coercive tactics

How you might be being brainwashed right now without even realizing it

The role of gut instincts in protecting yourself from manipulation

The signs that you're being brainwashed in everyday life

Practical strategies to stay grounded, self-aware, and mentally strong in a world of hidden influence

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Links & Resources

RebeccaLemov.com

Follow Rebecca on Instagram - @RebeccaLemov

The Instability of Truth

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By Amy Morin

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