Beste Jon Atack podcaster (2024)

1
Scientology's marketing mayhem with Jefferson Hawkins 43:23

18h ago43:23

43:23

The New York Times best-seller list was topped by Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health almost forty years after it was first published through Jefferson Hawkins' marketing savvy. A turgid, repetitive, contradictory text, whose own author labelled its method 'hypnotic' only a year after release, reached the top of the most significant book…

1
gratitude with Steven Moffic, M.D. 1:12:15

8d ago1:12:15

1:12:15

Thanksgiving brought gratitude to Dr Moffic's attention. As he points out, gratitude is an important aspect of our psychological health. The good doctor asks if gratitude is relevant to cult involvement. Perhaps sociopathy can be seen as a lack of gratitude?Note: From Abraham Lincoln Online: "Prior to this, each state scheduled its own Thanksgiving…

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Madam Blavatsky - the Godmother of the New Age - with Joe Szimhart 54:27

15d ago54:27

54:27

Madam Blavatsky was a fascinating woman. She travelled throughout Europe, the Middle East, India and the US gathering every last secret from the Sufi, Sikh, Masonic and Rosicrucian groups she met and published them in her Secret Doctrine. Many groups have their origins in her work - including Theosophy, Anthroposophy, the Church Universal and Trium…

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Scientology, Nazism, Blavatsky, and the Occult 39:34

10d ago39:34

39:34

Jon has a few things on his mind about the connection between Scientology, the Nazis, and the occult. Was L. Ron Hubbard Jr. right when he said that his father “was given the magic by the same person who gave it to Hitler"? Just what is the link between the Nazis and Scientology?Read Jon's paper, Possible Origins of Dianetics and Scientologyor watc…

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Murderous, S3x-Crazed S@tanists in Silly Robes - how cults are (mis)represented in movies & TV 57:19

29d ago57:19

57:19

Spike's been researching movies and TV shows featuring "cults" and has found an ... ahem... interesting pattern. Join Jon and Spike as they discuss the good, the bad, and the just plain cringe.

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Surviving Trump: Can We Counter Absolutism Without Becoming Absolutists? with Jeremy Sherman 1:08:41

1M ago1:08:41

1:08:41

Explore the pressing question of our time: How do we counter authoritarianism without falling into dogma ourselves? In this thought-provoking conversation, John Atack and Jeremy Sherman tackle the rise of absolutist movements, the role of irony and curiosity in challenging dogma, and the existential challenges facing humanity in an increasingly com…

1
cyber security and thought reform with Dustin Rozario Steinhagen, PhD 1:47:31

1M ago1:47:31

1:47:31

As a member of Dustin's PhD committee, Jon became familiar with his research into public awareness of psychological manipulation. Dustin describes the motivation for his work and the survey he used to estimate public understanding of manipulation. This breakthrough research will hopefully encourage other graduate students to work in this vastly und…

1
magical thinking with Hoyt Richards 1:06:34

2M ago1:06:34

1:06:34

Hoyt shares his experience as a long term member of a group with a base in astrology. He was recruited at age 16. He studied at Princeton University and became internationally successful but stayed in the group for 20 years. Why do we accept conspiracy theories and magical ideas? To what extent do limitations in perception and interpretation inhibi…

1
cannabis breakthrough research with Ethan Russo, M.D. 53:16

2M ago53:16

53:16

Dr Ethan Russo has been involved in cannabis research for many years. He dispels some of the myths and talks about recent breakthroughs in the treatment of anxiety and dementia. Dr Russo focuses on current research into limonene and cannabigerol. A fascinating conversation with a true expert.Links:Ethan's site: https://ethanrusso.org Acute effects …

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Approaches to Trump supporters with Jeremy Sherman 1:15:16

2M ago1:15:16

1:15:16

Jeremy is anxious to prevent a dissociation death spiral in our culture. We explore further his approach to Trump supporters and Jon offers some portmanteau words - Jeremy's speciality - including Magavellian, utopiates and fascilitators.Links:Jeremy's videos: "Ruin A Trumpist's Day The Nice Way"and "How to Stage Interventions With Trump Addicts"…

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Is the work of Zimbardo, Milgram and Sherif valid? with Joe Szimhart 23:07

2M ago23:07

23:07

The social science that supports our work with cults has been questioned in the last decade. We discuss the complaints about Zimbardo's Stanford Prison Experiment, Stanley Milgram's Yale shock machine studies, and Sherif's Robbers Cave Experiment.Note: this was recorded a few days before Dr. Zimbardo passed. He was truly a titan of our field and wi…

1
Cult experts talk about Trump with Joe Szimhart 1:02:09

3M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

Many of us in the counter-cult world are alarmed at the prospect of a Trump presidency. Trump has proved himself to be an authoritarian. His following accept the vague promises of greatness and the lack of policy, despite hundreds of leading Republicans declaring for Harris.Buy the NEW edition of Steven Hassan's Cult of Trump!…

1
books and movies to untangle someone from Scientology 1:10:00

3M ago1:10:00

1:10:00

Spike joins Jon to discuss the books, movies, and documentaries that can help people wean themselves from Scientology's problematic beliefs. Please leave your own viewing/reading recommendations in the comments below!As always, please be kind and respectful of others' viewpoints.Links:Jon on Andrew GoldJon on LadBibleSecret Lives: L. Ron HubbardThe…

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

3M 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…

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extreme authoritarian sects with Christian Szurko 37:14

3M 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…

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leaving a belief with Hoyt Richards 1:21:27

4M 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

4M 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
jazz and joy with Dr Steven Moffic 1:01:25

4M 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…

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

4M 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…

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The God Market with Joe Szimhart 1:00:54

4M 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
Clusterflux with Jeremy Sherman, PhD 1:33:45

5M 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

5M 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…

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

5M 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
Shawn McCraney asks Jon about his beliefs 1:14:55

5M 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…

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

5M 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…

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

6M 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

6M 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
reassessing responsibility after leaving a cult with Frances Peters 54:04

6M 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
memorial days with Dr Steven Moffic 46:01

6M 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 …

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

7M 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

7M 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

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

7M 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

7M 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…

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

7M 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…

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

7M 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…

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

8M 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 …

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NXIVM and Scientology with Mark Vicente 1:04:10

8M 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.…

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

8M 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…

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

8M 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…

1
Jamie de Wolf on writing and performing 31:06

8M ago31:06

31:06

L. Ron Hubbard's great-grandson explains the development of his remarkable writing and performing talents, from reading a Stephen King novel banned by his Fundamentalist Christian mother in the crawl space to becoming a champion slam poet.Links:"the girl across the hallway" are there vegetarian spiders? Well, not entirely, but the answer is surpris…

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on faith, fanaticism, and folly with Anthony Spurgin 1:37:35

9M ago1:37:35

1:37:35

Anthony spent his teens in a Traditional Catholic group. He talks with Jon about the dangers of ridicule and how we can best talk with fanatical believers. Jon refers to his own dogmatic belief in The Life of Brian.Links:Anthony's "Dragons of Victory" ChannelAnthony's artistic channelThe Tradrecovery websiteJohn Collins' work on William Branham:Mar…

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inside the mind of a sociopath with Shawn McCraney 1:22:07

9M ago1:22:07

1:22:07

Shawn McCraney realized that he was a sociopath in 1997 and decided he had to change. He still has to work at it every day, but he provides invaluable insights into the inner workings of a predatory mind. Shawn talks with Jon about the movie Butcher Boy. He identifies closely with the boy who is the villain of the movie. A wide-ranging conversation…

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How to help PTSD sufferers with Dr Steve Moffic 1:14:37

9M ago1:14:37

1:14:37

Steve Moffic, a retired professor of psychiatry, shares insights into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and questions the use of stellate ganglion block as more than a short-term solution.

1
Pretendians 45:34

9M ago45:34

45:34

"Pretendians" falsely claim to be members of Native American or Canadian First Peoples. Famous examples are folk singer Buffy Sainte Marie and Little Feather - who accepted an Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando. As Joe points out, cult leaders are often Pretendians in the sense that they pretend to be enlightened or part of a spiritual heritage. Jon …

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Mike Rinder answers Mirriam Francis's allegations 1:12:53

9M ago1:12:53

1:12:53

Mirriam Francis asked Jon to put some questions to Mike Rinder. Here are his responses.Links:ChildUSAThe Australian Royal Commission on Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse - Scientology testimonyLisa McPherson's deathMike Rinder's blogThe Aftermath Foundation

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trust and healthy skepticism with Hoyt Richards 1:10:56

10M ago1:10:56

1:10:56

documentarian and cult expert Hoyt Richards joins Jon to talk about how to develop healthy skepticism when our natural inclination is to trust. The conversation ranges through groupthink, confirmation or myside bias and our cognitive dissonance when presented with ideas that conflict with our own feelings of knowing.…

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Liberating Scientology's Sea Org slaves 1:06:26

10M ago1:06:26

1:06:26

Jon and Spike discuss the plight of the few thousand people who are living as slaves in Scientology's Sea Organization.Links:The Foster ReportWhen men sold their wives at marketReport Scientology to the IRS, here (US Citizens only) Upload "The Truth about Scientology" pamphlet (scroll down to bottom)more on Spike's Xenu window - seriously, Spike wo…

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The Christian and the agnostic - with Rev. Callan Slipper, PhD 1:18:32

10M ago1:18:32

1:18:32

Jon met Callan when they were two. Through elementary (primary) school, they were close companions. They have recently reacquainted themselves after two decades. Callan is an Anglican minister and a theologian who has advised archbishops. He talks about his spiritual development in his teens and shares his view of God. Callan and Jon also talk abou…

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understanding the sociopathic temperament with Shawn McCraney 1:29:50

11M ago1:29:50

1:29:50

Redeemed predator Shawn McCraney quizzes Jon about life, the universe and everything. A conversation about reason and emotion, and how sociopaths feel. Shawn shares valuable insights that help to identify and understand human predators. Links: Study on Red Enhancing Competitive Athletic Performance The Mendota Study Jon's Tao Note from Spike: turtl…

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Toledo, Tarot &Trouble: Spike’s long, strange trip in the world of ritual magic(k) 2:14:11

11M ago2:14:11

2:14:11

Spike has made a career out of helping Jon and other experts educate people about cults, authoritarianism, and mind control. But how did she get into the field? It’s a long and bizarre journey that starts with an over-imaginative child raised without a religion, takes us through a dangerous and destructive “magickal order” operating at a small Ohio…

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