The IndoctriNation Podcast is a weekly show covering cults, manipulators, & systems of control. Hosted by Rachel Bernstein, LMFT, Cult Specialist.

Rachel speaks with Dana Bristol Smith, founder and CEO of Leap to Success, about rebuilding confidence, identity, self-worth, and agency after abusive or high-control experiences. Dana explains how her work teaching public speaking led her to develop programs that help women strengthen their voices, set boundaries, challenge an inner critic, and recognize their own capabilities.

They discuss the Leap to Confidence program, affirmations, self-blame, the importance of community support, and learning to distinguish what is and is not within your control. Dana also shares the “don’t pick up the rope” strategy for stepping out of emotionally charged exchanges, why leaving abusive relationships can take multiple attempts, and how recognizing the courage and resilience already demonstrated through survival can become a foundation for what comes next.

Leap to Success:

https://leap2success.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline:

800-799-SAFE (7233) Text “START” to 88788

Connect with us on social media:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠

Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more:

https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠

Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:

https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION

Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:

⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠

Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation:

https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm

Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4

Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:

https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign

Journal App:

https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html

Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:

https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html

IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:

⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about

Rachel speaks with writer and psychotherapist Nicola Ranson about her decade as a disciple of Bhagwan Sri Rajneesh, later known as Osho, and the experiences behind her memoir, A Slice of Orange. Nicola discusses trauma, dissociation, somatic experiencing, and the search for belonging that shaped her path into the Rajneesh community.

She reflects on life at Rajneeshpuram, the community’s collapse amid serious crimes, and the shock of questioning beliefs she once trusted. The conversation also examines recovery after leaving a cult, including grief, shame, self-compassion, agency, and the small acts of choice that can help survivors reconnect with themselves.

Links:

More info on Nicola and her book:

https://nicolaranson.org/

Follow us on social media:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠

Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: 

https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠

Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:

https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION

Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:

⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠

Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: 

https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm

Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4

Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:

https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign

Journal App: 

https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html

Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:

https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html

IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:

⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about

In this episode, Rachel welcomes back researcher and author Yuval Laor to examine his hypothesis about temporal lobe epilepsy, awe, and the behavior of some cult leaders. Yuval explains how hyperactive temporal lobes may contribute to intense emotionality, certainty, religious experiences, paranoia, hypergraphia, and a sense of personal destiny.

Rachel and Yuval discuss how these traits can combine with narcissism, psychopathy, or pathological lying, why a leader’s emotional intensity can feel authentic and persuasive, and how understanding these neurological patterns may help former followers make sense of their experiences.

Links:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠

Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: 

https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠

Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:

https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION

Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:

⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠

Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: 

https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm

Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4

Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:

https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign

Journal App: 

https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html

Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:

https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html

IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:

⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about

In this episode, Rachel speaks with Jon Atack about Scientology, authoritarianism, and the ways belief systems can shape behavior. Jon reflects on his experience with Scientology, the harassment he encountered after speaking out, and the contradictions he found within its teachings. Rachel and Jon examine moral injury, magical thinking, othering, certainty, and the difficulty of psychologically separating from a controlling group. They also discuss developing a sense of self, compassion, and humility, the role of humor in recovery, and Jon’s return to painting, writing, music, and other interests outside his work on cults.

Jon's Links:

https://jonatack.co.uk/

Links:

https://linktr.ee/indoctrination

Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more:

https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:

https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION

Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS

Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation:

https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm

Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4

Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:

https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign

Journal App:

https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html

In this insightful bonus episode, Rachel dives into the generational dynamics within cultic groups, exploring the distinctions between first-generation (first gen) members and their children, second-generation (second gen) members. She discusses the unique challenges and resentments that arise when individuals who were born into cults confront their parents, who chose to join these groups. Rachel highlights the emotional complexities both generations face, including blame, responsibility, and the struggle to understand one another.

As Rachel navigates these sensitive topics, she provides valuable insights on how to foster communication and healing between parents and children affected by cultic environments. She emphasizes the importance of listening, empathy, and taking responsibility, while also acknowledging the pain and anger that can exist within these relationships. Through her compassionate approach, Rachel encourages both generations to engage in open dialogue, allowing for a path toward understanding and reconciliation.

Connect with us on social media:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠

Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:

https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION

Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:

⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠

IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:

⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about

Jules Evans and Rachel discuss the overlap between psychedelic culture, therapeutic abuse, cultic dynamics, and coercive control. Drawing from Jules’ research into post-psychedelic difficulties and Rachel’s decades of counseling former cult members, they examine how charismatic facilitators and leaders can exploit trust, vulnerability, awe, and the desire for healing.

They explore guruism, dependency, group pressure, psychedelic therapy, AI-based spiritual movements, family-like power structures, and the risks of unregulated facilitators. They also discuss ways people can regain agency after harmful experiences and what to consider when assessing the safety and qualifications of psychedelic practitioners.

Jules Links:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUE70klJkkikBFQdAqf27Jw

https://www.ecstaticintegration.org/

https://challengingpsychedelicexperiences.com/

Connect with us on social media:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠

Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more:

https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠

Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:

https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION

Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:

⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠

Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation:

https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm

Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4

Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:

https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign

Journal App:

https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html

Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:

https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html

IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:

⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about

In this episode, Rachel welcomes back Renee Swanson, host of the Covert Narcissism Podcast, to discuss the often-invisible impact of covert narcissistic relationships. Renee explains why self-reflective people can internalize blame, how emotional and psychological threats affect the body, and why anger, hypervigilance, fear, obligation, and guilt can keep people trapped. Rachel and Renee also examine narcissistic rage, manipulation, isolation, remorse, and the difficulty of identifying subtle abuse. They close by exploring how survivors can recognize red flags within themselves, rebuild trust in their own feelings, and begin healing before entering new relationships.

Links:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠

Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more:

https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠

Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:

https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION

Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:

⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠

Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation:

https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm

Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4

Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:

https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign

Journal App:

https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html

Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:

https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html

Covert Narcissism:

https://covertnarcissism.com

Covert Narcissism Group on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/covertnarcissism/

Covert Narcissism Podcast

https://thecovertnarcissismpodcast.podbean.com/

Covert Narcissism Group on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/covertnarcissism/

IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:

⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about

This is just a preview of our Patreon-exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination 

In this special bonus episode, Rachel dives into a thought-provoking quote by Friedrich Nietzsche: "They muddy the waters to make them seem deep," reflecting on how individuals in positions of authority can obscure clarity and understanding. Rachel examines the social dynamics that can leave individuals feeling inadequate or confused in the presence of seemingly profound teachings.

Through personal anecdotes and keen observations, she highlights how the pressure to conform within a group can lead to a false sense of depth in spiritual or philosophical discussions, often resulting in a collective misunderstanding. Rachel encourages listeners to critically evaluate the information presented to them, especially when it comes from charismatic leaders or organizations that may prioritize performance over genuine understanding.

This episode serves as a reminder that not everything that sounds complex is inherently valuable, and it's essential to trust one's instincts when faced with confusing or contradictory teachings. Join Rachel as she navigates these intricate themes, empowering listeners to seek clarity and authenticity in their spiritual journeys.

Connect with us on social media: 

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠

Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:

https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION

Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:

⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠

Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: 

https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm

Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4

Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:

https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign

Journal App: 

https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html

Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:

https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html

IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:

⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about

In this episode, Rachel welcomes Hoyt Richards back to discuss how he transformed his experience in the Eternal Values group into public education and survivor advocacy. Hoyt explains the difference between intellectually understanding coercive influence and emotionally processing it, why taking ownership can be empowering without becoming self-blame, and how “micro compromises” weaken a person’s trust in their inner voice. They also examine the limits of true-crime storytelling, the ripple effects on families and friends, the long process of rebuilding relationships, and Hoyt’s work with Living Cult-Free to help survivors reclaim their voices through creative expression.

Hoyt's Website:

https://www.hoytrichards.com/

Connect with us on social media:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠

Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more:

https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠

Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:

https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION

Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:

⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠

Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation:

https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm

Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4

Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:

https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign

Journal App:

https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html

Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:

https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html

IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:

⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about

In this compelling episode, Rachel welcomes back Pamela Nickel Williams, who shares her profound journey of growing up in Scientology as a second-generation member. Pamela reflects on the complex dynamics of her family relationships, particularly the devotion to an organization that often overshadowed personal connections and well-being. With the anniversary of her book, Clearly Lies Are True, approaching, Pamela discusses the unexpected ways her story has resonated with a broader audience beyond just former Scientologists.

As she recounts her experiences, Pamela delves into the themes of trauma, healing, and the universality of her story, which touches on issues of sexual abuse and the struggles of navigating life within a high-control group. She shares powerful anecdotes from her book tours, revealing how readers from various backgrounds have connected with her narrative of survival and resilience. These interactions highlight the importance of sharing one's truth and the impact it can have on others who have faced similar challenges.

Throughout the episode, Rachel and Pamela explore the complexities of forgiveness, the journey of reclaiming one's identity, and the vital conversations that emerge when stories are told. Pamela emphasizes that while her past has shaped her, it does not define her, and she is committed to using her voice to advocate for those still trapped in similar situations. Join Rachel and Pamela as they navigate this enlightening discussion about the power of storytelling and the hope it can inspire in others.

Find out more about Pamela and her book here:

https://www.clearlyliesaretrue.com/

Connect with us on social media: 

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠

Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: 

https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠

Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:

https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION

Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:

⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠

Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: 

https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm

Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4

Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:

https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign

Journal App: 

https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html

Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:

https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html

IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:

⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about