In the first episode of the 'cult'ure series, Candice invites us to get real about the relationships and groups we occupy. What does it mean to be psychosocially ‘under the influence’ and why are we humans so prone to surrendering personal agency? Candice shares more about what's challenged her most when it comes to living at the center of her own story, revealing the recent therapeutic ah-hah that led to the creation of this podcast summer series. Spiritual wounds are defined, as well as the Buddhist concept of near enemies and what they have to teach us about abuse of power, specifically in group wellness circles. She challenges the thought-terminating cliche 'there are no victims' and speaks openly about the dangers of idealistic generalizations arguing that often the suppression of pain is far more oppressive than laying claim to victimhood. We unpack the 4-letter word 'cult,' embracing its nuance with an acknowledgment that the dynamics of social control can be both subtle or severe and that, in either instance, they have a measurable impact on human agency. Ernest Becker's work helps us to understand why it is do-gooders are so often the ones making such a goddamned mess of things, and Candice unpacks ‘bounded choice’ - the psychological mechanics of staying put - why it is we stick around even when we shouldn't. The episode wraps with a sneak-peek into the 'cult'ure series gameplan moving forward. This episode is foundational for the conversations to come, so light a candle, pull up a floor cushion, & get thee some headphones! [cue culty music]

Referenced in this episode:

• The Sound of the Genuine, by Howard Thurman
• Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, by Anne Lamott
• Atlas Of The Heart, by Brene Brown
• Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, by Amanda Montell
• Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships, by Janja Lalich
• A Little Bit Culty Podcast, Sarah Edmondson & Nippy Ames
• Escape From Evil, Ernest Becker

Cult Docs:

• Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (docu-ser

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The stories and opinions shared in this episode are based on personal experience and are not intended to malign any individual, group, or organization.

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