IndoctriNation

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Heidi Thompson is a freelance writer and virtual research assistant. She is the founder of Surviving Cults, a Medium publication whose mission is to end the stigma of isolation and shame by giving cult survivors a safe space to tell their stories.

She was born into the Seventh-Day Adventist apocalyptic religion. She escaped at age 19 to attend college at the University of North Texas where she completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. While in graduate school, she learned about a spiritual organization

called the Rudra Center for Enlightened Awareness. She began attending their sweat lodges, meditation, and shamanic psychology classes. She soon became part of the inner circle and was

eventually introduced to its parent organization called the Deer Tribe Metis Medicine Society.

After her recruitment into the Deer Tribe, Heidi became actively involved in their sacred sexuality workshops called ‘Quodoushka.’ Quodouska claims to teach people that sex is“natural, sacred, and beautiful.” Heidi was told these workshops would help her heal from sexual trauma. However, while attending these workshops, she was manipulated into doing many perverse and corrupt sexual activities she did not want to do. These experiences left her deeply

traumatized.

Heidi began speaking publicly about her experiences in 2022. She continues to receive messages from former Deer Tribe members about their own stories of sexual exploitation and manipulation at these Quodoushka sex workshops and other Deer Tribe events. She hopes that speaking out, it will help others avoid and walk away from destructive high-control groups.

Today, Heidi and her husband are happily expecting their first child and working to rebuild their lives. She loves hearing from people and welcomes anyone with a story to share to reach out to her on social media.

Follow Heidi on social media:

Medium: www.theheidithompson.medium.com/

Surviving Cults: medium.com/surviving-cults

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/theheidithompson/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theheidithompson/

Twitter: twitter.com/heidiythompson

Daniel Barban Levin and Felicia Rosario are survivors of the now infamous coercive control group led by Larry Ray, who is now serving a 60-year prison sentence. Their stories are both heavily featured in the new Hulu documentary STOLEN YOUTH: INSIDE THE CULT AT SARAH LAWRENCE

The film which is available now for streaming offers striking first-hand interviews with con man Larry Ray’s victims and incorporates personal audio tapes and video recordings to tell the story of his grim 10-year influence over a group of young people. The series follows the story from the cult’s origins in 2010 on the Sarah Lawrence campus until its recent demise when the last members find their own paths to survival.

In this emotionally revealing continuation of their discussion with Rachel from last week, Daniel and Rosario look back at their experiences in disbelief and continue their analysis with a newfound perspective having shaken the psychological spell they were put under by the master manipulator and sociopath that controlled their friend group. Throughout the conversation, Rachel offers her insights into the common traps that people can unknowingly fall into when they have the misfortune of encountering predatory narcissists like Larry Ray.

Before You Go: Rachel addresses the false dilemmas that manipulative controllers create in order to conceal their malicious intent disguising it as benign or even savior-like.

You can stream STOLEN YOUTH: INSIDE THE CULT AT SARAH LAWRENCE now on Hulu. Watch the trailer here:

youtu.be/p81Zit72Yao

Daniel's book SLONIM WOODS 9 is available everywhere now. More info can be found here:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/634501/slonim-woods-9-by-daniel-barban-levin/

You can purchase Rachel's webinar series LIVING IN FREEDOM here:

rachelbernsteintherapy.com/webinar.html

To help support the show monthly and get bonus episodes, shirts, and tote bags, please visit:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

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

www.paypal.me/indoctrination

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In the first half of this very special two-part episode. Rachel speaks with author Daniel Barban Levin who had previously come on the show to discuss his excellent memoir SLONIM WOODS 9, about his experience getting into, surviving, and getting out of the now infamous coercive control group that began at Sarah Lawrence College. Joining Daniel this time will be Felicia Rosario who is also a survivor of the group's master manipulator Larry Ray, who thankfully is now serving a jail sentence of 60 years for his many awful abuses. Felicia who is a Harvard and Columbia Graduate was pulled into Larry's cult through her brother Santos who had briefly dated Larry's, Daughter Talia.

Both Rosario and Daniel are featured in the new Hulu documentary STOLEN YOUTH: INSIDE THE CULT AT SARAH LAWRENCE

The film's director Zachary Heinzerling had reached out to Rachel and her colleague Dan Shaw in the early stages of production to get a better sense of how to ethically portray this story from a perspective that was respectful of the survivors and not re-traumatize them in the process, they had met regularly for some time and his work can now finally be seen by the public as to provide the audience with a nuanced understanding of how anyone can get sucked into a manipulative, high control group.

The film which is available now for streaming offers striking first-hand interviews with con man Larry Ray’s victims and incorporates personal audio tapes and video recordings to tell the story of his grim 10-year influence over a group of young people. The series follows the story from the cult’s origins in 2010 on the Sarah Lawrence campus until its recent demise when the last members find their own paths to survival.

Throughout this cathartic and engaging conversation, Daniel and Felicia both begin to unpack the trauma of their experiences with Larry. With Rachel's encouragement, they provide insights into the new perspective they've gained after telling their stories through the film, reassessing what happened with a new distance from the abuse they finally broke free of.

Before You Go: Rachel explains the sociopathic mindstate of people like Larry who manipulate people in the most extreme ways seemingly just as a sort of sport. Rachel goes on to point out why it can often be difficult for followers to recognize these toxic traits in leaders.

You can stream STOLEN YOUTH: INSIDE THE CULT AT SARAH LAWRENCE now on Hulu. Watch the trailer here:

https://youtu.be/p81Zit72Yao

Daniel's book SLONIM WOODS 9 is available everywhere now. More info can be found here:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/634501/slonim-woods-9-by-daniel-barban-levin/

You can purchase Rachel's webinar series LIVING IN FREEDOM here:

rachelbernsteintherapy.com/webinar.html

To help support the show monthly and get bonus episodes, shirts, and tote bags, please visit:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

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

www.paypal.me/indoctrination

Connect with us on Social Media:

Twitter:

twitter.com/_indoctrination

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast

Tik Tok:

www.tiktok.com/@indoctrinationpodcast

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast/

YouTube:

www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft

You can always help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Patrick Ryan is a graduate of Maharishi International University and a former Associate teacher of Transcendental Meditation who has been a cult intervention specialist thought reform consultant and exit counselor since leaving TM in 1984. Mr. Ryan is the founder and former head of TM-EX, the organization of ex-members of Transcendental Meditation. He was the editor of AFF News, a news publication for former cult members from 1995-1998. Pat has contributed to the Cult Observer, AFF’s book, “Recovery From Cults”, and is co-author of "Ethical Standards for Thought Reform Consultants," Mr. Ryan established ICSA's online resources and also facilitated ICSA workshops for ex-members and families where he has lectured extensively on cult-related issues, covering a wide range of topics including; hypnosis, trance-induction techniques, communicating with cult members, cult intervention assessment, as well as thought reform consultation and more. Mr. Ryan received the AFF Achievement Award, The Leo J. Ryan "Distinguished Service Award" and a Lifetime Achievement Award from ICSA. He currently resides in Philadelphia, PA where he runs Cult News 101 and works as the co-founder of Intervention 101 with his longtime co-worker Joe Kelly.

Pat shares his perspective on hypnosis and suggestibility through his experiences in TM. He describes how being hypnotized by the influential Dr. Margaret Singer helped him to realize the vulnerability of the human mind.

Thanks so much to our Patreon supporters for making this episode possible!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

CONTENT WARNING: Child Abuse & Sex Trafficking

Isami Daehn is a subject matter expert on anti-human trafficking and child safety. She grew up in Japan and was raised by professional con artists under the guise of “missionaries." Her home was an unsafe place for children, as her mother became her sex trafficker at the age of 9. Since leaving her abusive home as an adult, her mission has been to become a voice for the exploited and abused within religious settings and educate leadership on the subjects of anti-human trafficking and child safety. Isami has a B.S. degree in interdisciplinary studies (Graphic Design/Communications+Psychology), has completed professional training in global and domestic anti-human trafficking, has an active ICF coaching certification, and has appeared on multiple shows/podcasts internationally and within the United States. Her story of resilience has allowed her to connect with thousands of survivors across the globe. She currently resides in Las Vegas, NV, with her husband.

Isami shares with Rachel the childhood traumas she endured as a sex trafficking victim at the hands of her mother and the dangerous church community of the Independent Fundamentalist Baptist movement. Throughout the conversation, Rachel outlines the common practices of isolated church communities that lack the structure and accountability measures necessary to keep their followers safe in instances of abuse. Together Isami and Rachel emphasize the difficulties survivors face when coming forward and how abusers rely on these obstacles to protect themselves from the consequences of their horrific actions, which too often go unpunished.

Before You Go: Rachel details the psychological impediments that prevent children from speaking out against their abusers and explains how abuse in isolated religious communities inherently makes it more difficult for survivors to come forward.

You can find more about Isami's story and work at: https://www.isamidaehn.com/

You can purchase Rachel's webinar series LIVING IN FREEDOM here:

rachelbernsteintherapy.com/webinar.html

To help support the show monthly and get bonus episodes, shirts, and tote bags, please visit:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

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

www.paypal.me/indoctrination

Connect with us on Social Media:

Twitter:

twitter.com/_indoctrination

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast

Tik Tok:

www.tiktok.com/@indoctrinationpodcast

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast/

YouTube:

www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft

You can always help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show!

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Meg Appelgate is the CEO of Unsilenced, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to stop institutional child abuse by empowering self-advocates to promote lasting social change. The organization envisions a world where youth are free from institutionalization and the voices of young people are respected in the development of their own mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

At the age of 15, Meg was abducted by two strangers in the middle of the night from her California home and was told that “she was coming with them”. 8 hours later she found herself at a lockdown treatment facility in Boise, Idaho. Then, 6 months later, she found herself in an additional behavioral modification program in northern Montana where she spent the next 3 years.

After graduating college, with a degree in psychology, completely oblivious to the abuse she had experienced, Meg spent the next 17 years dedicating her life to serving on various non-profit boards to help them with board development and recruitment and expanding their programs to further their impact. It wasn’t until she was well into her non-profit career that she woke up to the abuse and brainwashing that plagued her childhood and the effect it had on her entire adulthood. It was then that she became determined to pair her love of giving back and helping those in need, with her dedication to empowering other survivors of institutional abuse.

Meg brings to Unsilenced an extensive background in non-profit management, board development, and fund development. She is actively involved with and serves on the Board of Directors at Laura’s House and The Shea Center. When she doesn’t find herself fully immersed in new ideas for fundraising and development, Meg loves traveling to see new places with her husband and 4 children.

In this candid and revealing conversation Meg shares with Rachel the harrowing experiences of her adolescence that inspired the work she does today. Throughout the discussion, Rachel relates to Meg the insights she's gained from her years working with people who've been negatively impacted after encountering dangerously unprofessional practitioners in the therapy field.

Before You Go: Rachel reiterates how silencing whistleblowers allows abuse to continue and exemplifies why communication is a fundamental human need by explaining the genesis of the obscure Chinese language of Nushu.

You can find more info about Meg's organization at: https://www.unsilenced.org/

Follow Meg on Social Media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/megappelgate

IG: https://www.instagram.com/megappelgate/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megappelgate

You can purchase Rachel's webinar series LIVING IN FREEDOM here:

rachelbernsteintherapy.com/webinar.html

To help support the show monthly and get bonus episodes, shirts, and tote bags, please visit:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

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

www.paypal.me/indoctrination

Connect with us on Social Media:

Twitter:

twitter.com/_indoctrination

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast

Tik Tok:

www.tiktok.com/@indoctrinationpodcast

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast/

YouTube:

www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft

You can always help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

Patrick Ryan is a graduate of Maharishi International University and a former Associate teacher of Transcendental Meditation who has been a cult intervention specialist thought reform consultant and exit counselor since leaving TM in 1984. Mr. Ryan is the founder and former head of TM-EX, the organization of ex-members of Transcendental Meditation. He was the editor of AFF News, a news publication for former cult members from 1995-1998. Pat has contributed to the Cult Observer, AFF’s book, “Recovery From Cults”, and is co-author of "Ethical Standards for Thought Reform Consultants," Mr. Ryan established ICSA's online resources and also facilitated ICSA workshops for ex-members and families where he has lectured extensively on cult-related issues, covering a wide range of topics including; hypnosis, trance-induction techniques, communicating with cult members, cult intervention assessment, as well as thought reform consultation and more. Mr. Ryan received the AFF Achievement Award, The Leo J. Ryan "Distinguished Service Award" and a Lifetime Achievement Award from ICSA. He currently resides in Philadelphia, PA where he runs Cult News 101 and works as the co-founder of Intervention 101 with his longtime co-worker Joe Kelly.

In this conversation between two longtime friends and colleagues, Pat recalls how he first met Rachel and how her invitation to him to speak at The Jewish Federation's cult clinic helped outline the intervention practices he uses to this day. Pat goes on to share his experiences at Maharishi University explaining the deceptive practices of the Transcendental Meditation teacher's courses and the theological tricks they employ to keep followers from questioning their teachings.

Thanks so much to our Patreon supporters for making this episode possible!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Steven Hassan, Ph.D. is a mental health professional and expert in undue influence tactics used by authoritarian leaders and destructive cults. His expertise includes harmful influence in cases of destructive religious and political cults, human trafficking, extremist and terrorist groups, one-on-one relationships, families, parental alienation, mini-cults, therapy and self-improvement groups, professional and institutional abuse, corporate and multi-level marketing programs, and harmful belief systems. He is the author of four books including Combating Cult Mind Control, Freedom of Mind, and The Cult of Trump. He is a translated author with books in 10 languages. His online video courses are Understanding Cults: The Basics and Understanding Cults: A Foundational Course for Clinicians.

Dr. Hassan is the Founding Director of the Freedom of Mind Resource Center, which provides training, consulting, and support to individuals who are struggling to leave or recover from a cult and to families and organizations that are concerned about cult behaviors. He developed the BITE Model of Authoritarian Control to identify control tactics and the Influence Continuum Model to discern ethical from unethical influence. Dr. Hassan began helping people affected by undue influence after he was deprogrammed from the Moon cult in 1976 at age 22. His 45-plus years of experience give him a unique perspective on the damaging effects of undue influence and exploitation by destructive cults. He is a frequently requested speaker and media interviewee. Dr. Hassan holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Cambridge College and a Doctorate in Organizational Development and Change from Fielding Graduate University School of Leadership Studies.

Longtime colleagues Steven and Rachel, compare notes on what they have learned from their respective careers as mental health professionals specializing in cult education and recovery. Steve explains how his academic modeling aims to help policymakers better understand undue influence in order to prevent and prosecute the criminal actions of cult leaders. Rachel relays her experiences working with survivors of high control groups and how they relate to the behavior models created by Steve as well as pioneers such as Robert Lifton, and Margaret Singer. Together Rachel and Dr. Hassan discuss the need for the mental health industry to have a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the vulnerabilities and needs of cult survivors.

Before You Go: Rachel examines Steve's idea of developing "pods of trust" as a support system to protect against undue influence. She goes on to explain ways to ensure the trustworthiness of people in your circle.

More info on Steve's courses including, Basics and Understanding Cults: A Foundational Course for Clinicians here:

https://freedomofmind.com/understanding-cults-a-foundational-course-for-clinicians/

Find All of Steve's books including Combating Cult Mind Control and Freedom of Mind here:

https://freedomofmind.com/books/

Find Steve's podcast The Influence Continuum here:

https://freedomofmind.com/podcast-3/

You can purchase Rachel's webinar series LIVING IN FREEDOM here:

rachelbernsteintherapy.com/webinar.html

To help support the show monthly and get bonus episodes, shirts, and tote bags, please visit:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

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

www.paypal.me/indoctrination

Connect with us on Social Media:

Twitter:

twitter.com/_indoctrination

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast

Tik Tok:

www.tiktok.com/@indoctrinationpodcast

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast/

YouTube:

www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft

You can always help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Today's guests Joyce Short and Nina Lucas represent the organization known as The Consent Awareness Network, which is fighting for sexual abuse survivors by codifying consent in our penal codes as a freely given, knowledgeable, and informed agreement.

Joyce is the founder and Chief Executive of the Consent Awareness Network, she's also an author, and a TEDx Talk Presenter. Joyce has been an expert witness and the architect of several legislative bills that can radically change how consent is dealt with by our justice system. She’s been featured on Nightline, CBS News, and The New York Times, as well as being quoted in books and journals, including “The Moment” by Andrea Constand. Joyce has been honored as a 'Woman of Distinction" by the NY State Assembly.

Nina serves as Chief of Staff and a Consent Outreach Ambassador for The Consent Awareness Network and is also a member of Never Alone Advocacy, which was founded to fight back against abuse of power in the military. As a classically trained singer, Nina's secret superpower is opera and she is dedicated to applying her robust voice to inform, educate and empower wherever she can in all efforts to codify consent.

In this highly informative and revelatory discussion, Joyce and Nina outline the messy and ineffective history of consent and sexual assault laws in the U.S. through the lens of their own personal experiences with the failures of our current justice system. They explain how legally defining consent will ultimately help create a more just outcome for survivors of sexual abuse. Throughout the conversation, Rachel points out the ways that our current laws specifically prevent cult survivors from seeking justice and accountability for their perpetrators.

Before You Go: Rachel explains the impediments to common sense consent laws, noting how ineffective they are when taking into account the body's natural inclination to freeze up in the face of traumatic situations.

More Info on CAN here: www.consentawareness.net

Joyce's TEDx TALK: https://bit.ly/DefineConsent

Joyce's Book: http://bit.ly/YourConsentE

Follow Joyce on IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourconsent/?hl=en

Follow Nina on IG: https://www.instagram.com/standfirmvoice/?hl=en

SIGN THE PETITION HERE: http://bit.ly/BillPetition

CONTACT CAN: bit.ly/ConsentAmbassador

#FGKIA #CodifyConsent

You can purchase Rachel's webinar series LIVING IN FREEDOM here:

rachelbernsteintherapy.com/webinar.html

To help support the show monthly and get bonus episodes, shirts, and tote bags, please visit:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

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

www.paypal.me/indoctrination

Connect with us on Social Media:

Twitter:

twitter.com/_indoctrination

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast

Tik Tok:

www.tiktok.com/@indoctrinationpodcast

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast/

YouTube:

www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft

You can always help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This is just a preview of our exclusive Patreon bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a supporter at:

www.patreon.com/indoctrination

In this first episode of our new Patreon exclusive tribute series, we are covering the highly knowledgeable, and often hilarious James Randi.

James Randi was a Canadian-American stage magician, author, and scientific skeptic who extensively challenged paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. He was the co-founder of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and founder of the James Randi Educational Foundation. Randi began his career as a magician under the stage name The Amazing Randi and later chose to devote most of his time to investigating paranormal, occult, and supernatural claims, which he collectively called "woo-woo"

He wrote about paranormal phenomena, skepticism, and the history of magic. He was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, famously exposing fraudulent faith healer Peter Popoff.

Before Randi's retirement, his foundation sponsored the One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge, which offered a prize of one million US dollars to eligible applicants who could demonstrate evidence of any paranormal, supernatural, or occult power or event under test conditions agreed to by both parties.

James was a kind and brilliant man, who sadly passed away in 2020 but his impact still looms large and we are excited to share some of our thoughts on him as well as some of his ideas in his own words in this episode.

Find more info on Randi and his foundation at:

https://web.randi.org/

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