jon atack, family & friends

the concept of flow is well known in psychology. Cults offer instant flow but it's a deception. Flow can only be achieved by experience. There are no short cuts to competence only to euphoria and dissociation. A fascinating discussion with leading expert Joe Szimhart.Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's TED talkJoe's short video on flow

In Opening Our Minds, Jon wrote about an outburst of mass sociogenic illness or mass hysteria in Chechnyan schools. Almost a hundred pupils thought they'd been poisoned by the Russians. It took two years for them all to be released from hospital as a cognitive therapist helped them to understand the condition.History has seen many examples of the madness of crowds - the Salem Witch Trials or those described by Huxley in The Devils of Loudon (filmed as The Devils), but are all human groups to some extent carriers of crazy ideas?Dr Moffic brings his lifetime as a therapist and his experience as a social psychiatrist to bear on the question.buy Jon's book, Opening Our Minds: Avoiding Abusive Relationships and Authoritarian GroupsMore on gender in JudaismSee Jon on Ladbible Jon is deeply indebted to Khapta Akhmedova for her painstaking help with this chapter. For a detailed account of mass hysteria, see Aldous Huxley, The Devils of Loudon, which was the basis for Ken Russell's stylish film, The Devils. Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, deals with the Salem witch trials and is also available in two film versions.

As a child, Pamela was on the maiden voyage of L. Ron Hubbard's flagship. Aboard ship, she studied alongside the younger Hubbard kids. She tells the remarkable story of her teenage years working at the first Celebrity Center in LA, and how her mother was driven into psychosis by Scientology's upper levels. Her father, despite years as a dedicated staff member, died from multiple sclerosis. Even though she left decades ago and has lived a fulfilling life, she realizes the profound impact Ron Hubbard had on her life.Links:Pamela's websiteand visit her on Instagram and TikTokThe most popular languages by native speakersand by total number of speakers

he deficits and benefits of the human potential movement. Anne worked with Werner Erhard for years and saw his tyrannical behaviour up close. Do large group awareness trainings (LGATs) lead to transformation or breakdown? Anne talks about the value of Jon's Opening Our Minds in understanding the tricks and traps of these influential groups. How Scientology affected all of these groups and the way that euphoria readily trumps reason. How feelings of knowing lead us to irrational behaviour and the frequent contradictions in the teachings of Ron Hubbard and Werner Erhard. Includes discussion of Scientology secret 'implant station' teachings.

The International School of Temple Arts (ISTA) utilizes the Large Group Awareness Training (LGAT) model. It focuses on sexual intimacy with the promise of spiritual transformation. Cara gives a fascinating account of her eight-year marriage to a one-on-on guru, who claimed to be descended from both Mesmer and Gurdjieff. She then relates her intriguing experiences with ISTA which breaks down sexual barriers as an LGAT. Cara now questions the ethics and possible negative consequences of ISTA as well as ISTA's refusal to take responsibility for those consequences or change practices that can have harmful consequences. Dave has a long experience of LGATs. They are part of a discussion about the ethics and efficacy of LGATs and are in discussion with others who have worked as trainers to see if there is an ethical framework in which group encounter can be safely and productively applied.Links:Korean Mock "Funerals" for a better lifeIra Chaleff's work on Courageous Followership and Intelligent DisobedienceLippman's Socrates for Six-Year-OldsMore on the Bear-Fedio indexMore on Decult

Jeff Hawkins was in Scientology for 40 years. In the 1980s, he created the project that put Modern Science of Mental Health back on the bestseller list. He abandoned all of Hubbard's ideas about marketing to do this. Jeff gives many insights into the true nature of Scientology management. He worked directly for David Miscavige and, like many others, was physically assaulted by him. Jeff runs a recovery group in Portland, Oregon.Links:survey of public perception of ScientologyJon's paper, Possible Origins for Dianetics and Scientology

Anne ran Landmark approved seminars for many years. She witnessed the return of Werner Erhard and often worked with him. Her fascinating book Is This a Cult? details the first phase of her own recovery. est and Landmark contain much that is familiar to Scientologists and survivors of Mind Dynamics, Subud, Silva Mind Control from which Erhard appropriated ideas. A deep dive into the twists and turns of est, the Forum, Landmark and large group awareness training with many surprises along the way.links:Buy Anne's bookAnne's Instagramfor more on Steven Hassan's Influence Continuumex-Scientology KidsSeek Safely Jon's paper, Possible Origins of Dianetics and Scientologydownload your own Predator Poster heremore on the work of Ira Chaleffmore about the Bear-Fedio index

Madame Blavatsky's close confederate Dr Franz Hartmann was a point of origin for both Nazi Aryan Race theory and Hubbard's Scientology. He co-founded the Ordo Templi Orientis, the 'sex magick' group later headed by 'the wickedest man in the world' Aleister Crowley. Hubbard plundered Crowley's teachings to create Scientology.#scientologycult #scientology #theosophy #crowley #blavatsky #lronhubbard

Authoritarian cults like Scientology use loaded language to restrict and control thinking. Spike joins Jon for a discussion of this and some of the vital ways in which language is used to bypass reasoning.#scientologycult #scientology #lronhubbard #dianetics Links:The appendix to Orwell's 1984The Hubbard "Zimbabwe" interviewJon's paper, "Scientology: Religion or Intelligence Agency?"More about the Bear Fedio IndexThe hospital scene in Star Trek IVSpike's open letter to the media relations director of LegolandSpike's love of Lego made manifest

award-winning psychiatrist Steve Moffic discusses the potential crisis in the US and Scientology's war on psychiatry. Steve criticises the pharmaceutical bias of psychiatry, while defending the proper use of medicines. Both the US and the UK have struggled with understaffing for the treatment of mental disorders. Steve and Jon talk about the drift from a caring society into social media doomscrolling; the benefits of sleep and proper nutrition.Please put any questions for Steve's next chat with Jon in the comments section. Steve loves to answer questions! (Podcast listeners, please go to our YouTube to leave comments; for some reason Spotify does not "support comments in [your] region"....Links:Scientology vs Psychiatry latest newsThe brain problems experienced by King Charles Spaniels Jon Stewart on the pharmaceutical industry

Since Scientology gave birth to Silva Mind Control, Leadership or Mind Dynamics and est, in the 1960s, there has been an industry in 'large group awareness trainings' (LGATs), including The Forum, Landmark Education, Lifespring and Tony Robbins. Wikipedia tells us LGATs 'may compromise participants' mental wellbeing'. Dr John Hunter realized that the LGAT he attended at his boss's request claimed the symptoms of hypomania (excessive elation) as 'transformations'. After two decades of research, John has published an excellent book suggesting that LGATs and many other forms of conversion use stress and humiliation to generate the brain's reward chemical dopamine which is then released in a gush of elation - hypomania. Studies have shown that these euphoric states are transient and often result in broken marriages and careers as well as mental breakdowns and even psychosis.John's new book is a vital insight into the ways in which even highly intelligent people's critical thinking is bypassed. He argues that many religious conversions may be based in this simple neurological process. A must-watch!Exposing LGATs: The Dark Side of Personal Growth Seminars Dr. John Hunter on A Dose of ReasonDr. Hunter's bookThe music of Mavis Staples

Cult expert Joe Szimhart discusses Cosmism, the bizarre set of fairy tale ideas that underlie Putin's 'neo-Traditionalism' and the creation of a vast Eurasian state. The relationship between these ideas and other forms of fascism - including Nazism - showing the occult notions that remain unknown to the true believers in authoritarianism.link to the paper Joe mentionsMore on Russian Cosmism on Joe's channelSpike's geeky note about Dorothy and Oz - in the movie, Dorothy wakes up at the end and it's all been a dream. But in the books, Dorothy's adventures were real: when she arrives home, her aunt Em asks her where she came from and Uncle Henry had built a new house to replace the one blown away in the cyclone. In a later book (Baum wrote 14 Oz books in all), she actually moves to Oz with her family. Sorry, just had to be *that* person....

Actor, documentarian, and cult survivor Hoyt Richards discusses the danger of former members engaging before they have healed. Hoyt is concerned about the infighting in the wide world of survivors. Jon adds reflections from his four decades of work with former members. Many people leave an authoritarian group and deny the harm it did to them and the harm they did to others because of their cult beliefs. They may then descend into rage against the group rather than feeling compassion for its victims. Often, members don't understand the manipulative methods they have acquired during membership and continue to act aggressively and self-righteously. Hoyt and Jon propose ways of overcoming the toxic residue of cult involvement, where the world-saving deceptions of the group turn to saving the world from the group rather than helping members to escape and recover. Jon's response to Zeller's "review" of Cult of Trump (the publicity flyer)

Jon and Dustin share some positive ideas about AI and a few cyber security tips to keep Scientology agents out of your computer. Links: Dustin's website Dustin's dissertation Pew Research Center survey on Americans' views of AI Article mentioning improved performance on the International Mathematics Olympiad qualifying exam AI Medical licensing exam performance ChatGPT passing the bar exam MIT Technology review article mentioning Magic: the Gathering is the most complex game MIT Technology review article mentioning Go players and game programmers underestimating when Go would fall to AI (see notes) AlphaGo the movie Notes: AGI prediction survey citation - Müller, V. C., & Bostrom, N. (2016). Future progress in artificial intelligence: A survey of expert opinion. Fundamental issues of artificial intelligence, 555-572. Spike disagrees that the cyber-truck looks like a Lego car as she thinks all Lego cars are adorable.

Jon and Spike continue their discussion on Hubbard, ritual magick, the slaves that Hubbard made, and the slaves still kept captive by Scientology to this day. Links: Survey of atheists who believe in the supernatural More on the four humors

Hubbard's oldest son, L. Ron Jr., aka "Nibs," once said, "The same man who gave the magick to Hitler gave it to Ron Hubbard." Is this an accurate assessment of Scientology? Jon and Spike talk about this and about ritual magick, Nazism, Theosophy, and other subjects. It's a wild ride and you'll want to listen in. Links: The Shrinking World of L. Ron Hubbard Read the Paper, Never Believe a Hypnotist The Clearwater hearings

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 list because Jeff ignored everything Hubbard had to say about marketing. Jeff was in Scientology for almost forty years. He worked directly with Ron Hubbard and with David Miscavige and the famous names of the original Sea Org, including Captain Bill Robertson, David Mayo and Yvonne Gillham-Jentzsch. Jeff talks about his journey through Scientology and shares insights gleaned from his long experience. Buy Jefferson's books here

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 holiday at different times, mainly in New England and other Northern states. President Lincoln responded to Mrs. Hale's request immediately, unlike several of his predecessors, who ignored her petitions altogether. In her letter to Lincoln she mentioned that she had been advocating a national thanksgiving date for 15 years as the editor of Godey's Lady's Book. George Washington was the first president to proclaim a day of thanksgiving, issuing his request on October 3, 1789, exactly 74 years before Lincoln's." Links: Zimbardo's Heroic Imagination Project The Mendota Study

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 Triumphant, various American fascist groups, and the Ordo Templi Orientis which gave birth to Scientology. The Nazis used her ludicrous Aryan Race Theory to justify the murder of millions. However, most contemporary fascists don't understand just how bizarre those ideas are. Joe and Jon set about straightening the record.

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 Scientology or watch the videos: part one part two And read Jon's paper, Hubbard and the Occult or watch the video And find out about why medieval knights fought snails in the margins of manuscripts #scientologycult #occult #theosophy

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.

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 complex world.

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 under-researched area. Links: Dustin's dissertation The article Dustin mentions about the catfishing victim

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 inhibit our reasoning. A discussion about authority, certainty and authenticity. Links: A Painful Reminder For more on the "Angel and Devil on the Shoulder" trope

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 of cannabigerol on anxiety, stress, and mood https://ethanrusso.org/acute-effects-of-cannabigerol-on-anxiety-stress-and-mood-a-double%E2%80%91blind-placebo%E2%80%91controlled-crossover-field-trial/ Vaporized D-limonene selectively mitigates the acute anxiogenic effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in healthy adults who intermittently use cannabis https://ethanrusso.org/vaporized-d-limonene-selectively-mitigates-the-acute-anxiogenic-effects-of-δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-in-healthy-adults-who-intermittently-use-cannabis/ PISA tables https://www.oecd.org/en/about/programmes/pisa.html

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"

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 will be sorely missed. Links: Dr. Zimbardo's Heroic Imagination project At the center of 'Veneer Theory': Are people fundamentally good or evil? Jane Eliott's brown-eyed/ blue-eyed study on racism Muzafer Sherif's Robbers Cave Experiment A Painful Reminder #Zimbardo

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!

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 Gold Jon on LadBible Secret Lives: L. Ron Hubbard The Shrinking World of L. Ron Hubbard Scientology: Inside the Cult (featuring 1980's Jon!) Captive Minds Stolen Youth (on Hulu) Steven Hassan's interview with Larry Ray Cult survivor Daniel Barban Levin Spike's Cialdini infographic poster The Getting Clear videos on our channel NOTE: Spike misspoke; it's only videos 1 & 2 that we have here The Getting Clear Toronto 2015 conference for rent on Vimeo Spike's story, also known as "Toledo, Tarot & Trouble" And one last bit of penguin paraphernalia

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 an approach to deconverting Trumpsters. Watch for some excited moments as we find that far from playing three-dimensional chess, Donald Trump is simply eating the pieces.

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 ending. Spike's other note: usually there are links to these talks; there were none this time. So enjoy this short video of my budgies playing with some string. https://youtu.be/79A1sCrTy-M?si=3KGpE2ehBNI9Mor1

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 a supermodel. In reality, his life was a mess of anxiety keeping to the cult's rules and giving millions to the leader. After years of turmoil, Hoyt has become a successful actor and documentarian. Links: Jon's book, Opening Our Minds The Big Picture - Rethinking Dyslexia Allegre's Miserere Secret Lives: L. Ron Hubbard and another documentary on Scientology featuring 1980's Jon: Scientology: Inside the Cult

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 crop, the mind-altering aspects of chocolate, lemon balm as a safe calming agent and his upcoming trip to the Champagne region to see the extraction of medicine from grape seeds. Links: Chris' website the Report of the India Hemp Drugs Commission Roman Vishniac's photography

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 facts and opinions about such topics as cultural appropriation and the huge contribution of black Americans to the arts. Links: Kamala Harris and her jazz records Obama's speechwriter and jazz The Gloaming Lonesome Touch Son House, Death Letter Ralph Von Williams, Lark Ascending Dragonfly Kirwan Blues from Laurel Canyon Shadows and light Don Juan's Reckless Daughter Spike Robinson, Cicada

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/0231173334/ Notes: From Scouting for Boys, 1908: “The practice is called ‘self-abuse'. And the result of self-abuse is always - mind you, always - that the boy after a time becomes weak and nervous and shy, he gets headaches and probably also palpitations of the heart, and if he still carries it on too far he very often goes out of his mind and becomes an idiot. The use of your parts is not to play with when you are a boy but to enable you to get children when you are grown up and married. But if you misuse them while young you will not be able to use them when you are a man: they will not work then. So for all reasons be on the look out against this temptation, it is easier to stop it at first than when it becomes a habit. The next time you feel the desire coming on don't give way to it; resist it. If you have the chance just wash your parts in cold water and cool them down. Wet dreams come from it especially after eating rich food, or too much meat, or from sleeping with too warm a blanket over your body or in too soft a bed or from sleeping on your back. Therefore avoid all these. Avoid listening to stories or reading or thinking about dirty subjects. You will soon find that the temptation will not worry you so much. Be strong and don't give way to it.” And this, from Scouting For Boys, 1911: In this chapter much has been said of the active measures which a boy should take in order to become strong and well. We should be equally concerned in saving and storing up natural forces we already have. In the body of every boy, who has reached his teens, the Creator of the universe has sown a very important fluid. This fluid is the most wonderful material in all the physical world. Some parts of it find their way into the blood, and through the blood give tone to the muscles, power to the brain, and strength to the nerves. This fluid is the sex fluid. When this fluid appears in a boy's body, it works a wonderful change in him. His chest deepens, his shoulders broaden, his voice changes, his ideals are changed and enlarged. It gives him the capacity for deep feeling, for rich emotion. Pity the boy, therefore, who has wrong ideas of this important function, because they will lower his ideals of life. These organs actually secrete into the blood material that makes a boy manly, strong, and noble. Any habit which a boy has that causes this fluid to be discharged from the body tends to weaken his strength, to make him less able to resist disease, and often unfortunately fastens upon him habits which later in life he {233} cannot break. Even several years before this fluid appears in the body such habits are harmful to a growing boy. To become strong, therefore, one must be pure in thought and clean in habit. This power which I have spoken of must be conserved, because this sex function is so deep and strong that there will come times when temptation to wrong habits will be very powerful. But remember that to yield means to sacrifice strength and power and manliness. For boys who desire to know more of this subject we would suggest a splendid book by Dr. Winfield S. Hall, entitled, "From Youth into Manhood." Every boy in his teens who wants to know the secret of strength, power, and endurance should read this book. And if you want to read the whole thing (it's really fascinating, actually): https://www.gutenberg.org/files/29558/29558-h/29558-h.htm And to learn more about the Portuguese Man O' War: https://animalia.bio/portuguese-man-o-war

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

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 not attach the universe to the rhino's horn. So I dragged it into Photoshop and moved the universe over onto the horn myself. The things I do... Links: Jeremy's book, What's Up with A**holes? Jon's translation of the Tao Te Ching Jon's ideas on how to reach out to people who are trapped in authoritarian groups, relationships, and patterns of thought are summed up in these two infographics, which you may download and print out for free. Share and enjoy. What To Say Questions to Unlock a Captive Mind

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 Josef Fritzl Steven Hassan's TedX talk "How do you know if you're brainwashed?" Possible Origins for Dianetics and Scientology: the paper The videos: Part one Part two More on Semmelweis The Report of the India Hemp Drugs Commission The episode of Big Question where Jon was on the panel Never Believe a Hypnotist the paper the video All about the Bear Fedio Index Download your own copy of our Human Predator poster

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 perils of group involvement. This is one of the most important discussions on our channel. Links: Christian's map of internal reality Kahn Academy: website YouTube You can read the appendix to 1984 FREE here Learn more about the - BITE model Singer's six criteria Lifton's eight criteria Ex-Scientology kids

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 website Jon's defunct website with the art Jon's writings on the Underground Bunker Never believe a hypnotist - the paper the video Possible Origins of Scientology and Dianetics - the paper the video part one the video part two Jon's translation of the Tao Te Ching Spike's gospel song for all faiths, "Precious Child":

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 Kids Socrates for Six-Year-Olds

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 would spend 12 years taking westerners to ayahuasca ceremonies in South America. Chris works with Kew Gardens, the UK's primary plant research centre. Spike's notes: Yes, "New Coke" launched in 1985, almost 40 years ago. I feel old now; how about you? You can see the full story of Phineas Gage here.

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 Agriculture and FDR's wife Eleanor. Mikhail Gorbachev and his wife were also members, as was Putin's former wife. The Russian Orthodox Church has declared both Theosophy and Agni Yoga satanic. Agni Yoga is a major source of New Age material - Joe tells the story of its use as the secret teaching at the heart of the Church Universal and Triumphant. And some discussion of Nazi beliefs, which were also influenced by Theosophy. Spike's note: For those of us who can't just hop on over to Spain (yes I'm jealous), I highly recommend the Prado Museum's interactive website.

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 reassess beliefs and responsibilities. Read Jon's paper, Possible Origins of Dianetics and Scientology, here or check out the videos: Part one Part two For more on Ira Chaleff's work on Intelligent Disobedience and Courageous Followership

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 has replicated Leonardo's horse, not just once, but three times; you can read more here.

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 election as a Liberal Democrat (a UK centre party). Alex also tells about his communication with former Labour shadow minister Dianne Abbott who is determined to launch a government investigation into Scientology abuses. Jon's paper, "Never believe a hypnotist." Steven Hassan's TEDx Talk: "how to tell if you're brainwashed?" John Sweeney's site Not sure how to find your government rep to write to them? US UK

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

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 Reunion a downloadable infographic of Jon's questions to ask a loved one in an authoritarian group more on Steven Hassan's Strategic Interactive Approach

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 Effect, which is the propensity to name things after ourselves. Links: Jeremy's linktree audio sample of Jeremy's book A choice selection of Jeremy's videos: Overcoming Science's Addiction to Unexplained Explanations Always Feel Like a Winner Using These 6 Tricks! (cultic behavior) Explaining The Trump Brand: The Clothes have no Emperor King Gama's aria "If you give me your attention" in Gilbert & Sullivan's "Princess Ida

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 Bad Seed" by William March (not to be confused with the children's book (!) of the same name), or seen the 1956 movie, also of the same title, consider me grabbing your lapels and shouting: "You NEED to read the book/ see the movie NOW!!!"

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 counselling Spike's note: The British call them "milk teeth," Americans call them "baby teeth," but the correct, dentistry term is "deciduous teeth." You're welcome.