Cover of Conspirituality

Conspirituality

Conspirituality

By: Derek Beres Matthew Remski Julian Walker
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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.© 2023 Conspirituality Philosophy Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 331: Charles Eisenstein Reflects

    331: Charles Eisenstein Reflects
    22 Oct 2026
    Listen ad-free Charles Eisenstein’s very long essay, “The Coronation,” was the focus of EP1 of Conspirituality. The sacred economist turned philosopher king joined us on EPs 30 and 32 for a two-part interview about that very essay. We’ve had no contact since, even though the man turns up in the most unusual places. Including, recently, another podcast to take stock about his time serving as advisor to RFK Jr. We thought it would be a good time to reflect on the man’s post-Covid trajectory, and what it might mean for the ground of conspirituality writ large. Show Notes Public Citizen: How Trump Conned MAHA RFK Is Gloating That His Changes to HHS Are Permanent RFK Jr. Vaccine Injury Plan Rebuked for Skewed Doctor Incentives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 19 min
  • Bonus Sample: The New Age Nuclear Doomsday Prophet

    Bonus Sample: The New Age Nuclear Doomsday Prophet
    19 Oct 2026
    Listen to the full episode The Church Universal and Triumphant became an international mainstream news story in 1990. Their leader, Elizabeth Clare Prophet, was poised, eloquent, and beautiful. She also claimed to have received messages directly from God about an impending nuclear holocaust. But it's more complicated than that: the theology of her new religious movement has significant overlap with three figures Julian has covered in the Roots of Conspirituality series. In the realm of conspiracism, cults, and apocalyptic religion, history always repeats itself. What’s unique about this story is the combination of colorful New Age syncretism and dark survivalist paranoia. Armed to their throat chakras with AR15s, tripod-mounted semi-automatic rifles, and armored personnel carriers, the church had spent $25 million building the largest underground nuclear bunker network in America. It contained enough food for seven years and over 600,000 gallons of fuel. What could go wrong? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    10 min
  • Book Club: The Last Temptation of Beck (w/Josephine Riesman)

    Book Club: The Last Temptation of Beck (w/Josephine Riesman)
    17 Oct 2026
    Listen ad-free and support the podcast Although Beck David Hansen was born into Scientology, he’s never really practiced it. Except for that period where he did, heavily, when he even contemplated becoming an auditor. But then he left the church he was never really involved with—though pressure from the church appears to have completely ended his long-term relationship and close friendships. Does one of Gen X’s most iconic pop stars really believe in Thetans? You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered because Beck has remained one of the most elusive celebrities for over three decades—apparently from those closest to him, and maybe even himself. Josephine Riesman returns to Conspirituality to discuss her exceptional new book, The Last Temptation of Beck, with Derek. Show Notes The Last Temptation of Beck Losing Beck Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 min
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