Conspirituality
Dismantling New Age cults, wellness grifters, and conspiracy-mad yogis. At best, the conspirituality movement attacks public health efforts in times of crisis. At worst, it fronts and recruits for the fever-dream of QAnon. As the alt-right and New Age horseshoe toward each other in a blur of disinformation, clear discourse, and good intentions get smothered. Charismatic influencers exploit their followers by co-opting conspiracy theories on a spectrum of intensity ranging from vaccines to child trafficking. In the process, spiritual beliefs that have nurtured creativity and meaning are transforming into memes of a quickly-globalizing paranoia. Conspirituality Podcast attempts to bring understanding to this landscape. A journalist, a cult researcher, and a philosophical skeptic discuss the stories, cognitive dissonances, and cultic dynamics tearing through the yoga, wellness, and new spirituality worlds. Mainstream outlets have noticed the problem. We crowd-source, research, analyze, and dream answers to it.
Our Editor's Take
The Conspirituality podcast has an interesting theme. Hosts Derek Beres, Matthew Remski, and Julian Walker examine conspiracies. They talk about how new-age wellness movements become harmful and misleading. These movements come from religious organizations and supposed health products. Wellness and spirituality seem helpful for anyone wanting to live a healthier life. The allure of solutions for mental and physical health may be an illusion, though.
The Conspirituality podcast hosts discuss the intersection of conspiracy and spiritualism. The modern "conspirituality" movement arose from a combination of right- and left-wing beliefs. The right saw conspiracies everywhere. Those on the left sought spiritual solutions. The movement has led to many unsubstantiated claims. Con artists sell the healing power of reiki, supplements, and yoga. Yet the remedies often have no proven benefits.
Many of the practices discussed on the podcast do have health benefits. But the belief in overblown results is cult-like. Conspirituality explores the danger of unwavering trust in wellness. Listeners get to hear about the cultic practices of deluded groups. Fans of the show enjoy how the hosts challenge conspiracies believed by many.
Misinformation is all over the internet. This show offers insights into the truth. Rather than attacking what they dislike, the hosts research topics. They then present them with an unbiased tone. The show is a thoughtful place to discuss harmful yet widespread beliefs.
To help dismantle conspiracies, the podcast features expert guests. The hosts interview scholars and academics. The academic perspective allows the show to stay factual. Conspirituality views topics through the lens of skeptical journalism. The podcast covers a variety of cult-like followings. The hosts also discuss real cults like Scientology.
Listeners ready to challenge their beliefs may enjoy this show. Conspirituality has critical discussions of everyday conspiracies. The hosts have an understandable approach to topics and prepare with extensive research.
Episodes