In this thought-provoking episode, Rachel welcomes back Jonathan Hirsch, an award-winning podcast producer and founder of Neon Hum Media, to discuss his powerful journey growing up in a cult led by Franklin Jones. Jonathan shares his experiences of navigating the complexities of being raised in a high-control environment, and the emotional turmoil that comes with caring for a parent who was both a figure of authority and a source of conflict.

As Jonathan reflects on his childhood, he delves into the challenges of reconciling his upbringing with his current role as a father. He candidly discusses the lack of emotional connection he experienced with his parents and how that influenced his understanding of parenting. Jonathan's insights reveal the struggle many children of cults face when trying to find their own identity and parenting style in the absence of healthy role models.

Throughout the conversation, Rachel and Jonathan explore themes of moral injury, the quest for healing, and the importance of recognizing the impact of trauma on familial relationships. Jonathan's new memoir, The Mind is Burning: Losing My Father to a Cult and Dementia, provides a deeper look into his journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the complexities of cult dynamics and the lasting effects on those who grow up within them.

Find out more about Jonathan and his work here:

https://www.neonhum.com/

Purchase Jonathan's new book here:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Mind-Is-Burning/Jonathan-Hirsch/9781797190464

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In this powerful episode, Rachel reconnects with Ukrainian journalist and co-founder of stopfake.org, Dr. Olga Yurkova, who has been at the forefront of combating Russian propaganda and misinformation. Following their previous conversations, Olga provides an update on the devastating impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has led to immense suffering and displacement. She shares her insights on the psychological tactics employed by propagandists, highlighting the emotional manipulation triangle of fear, hope, and aggression that is used to control narratives and polarize societies.

Olga discusses her work with stopfake.org, which has evolved from a simple website into a renowned institution dedicated to fact-checking and educating the public on disinformation. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how rumors spread and the role they play in shaping perceptions during crises. As a new university lecturer, she is committed to empowering the next generation with the tools to discern truth from manipulation.

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Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:

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In this engaging follow-up to part one, Rachel continues her exploration of apocalyptic thinking, delving deeper into the psychological foundations that contribute to this mindset. Building on the previous episode, she discusses how fear of the unknown and the need for control can drive individuals toward apocalyptic beliefs, providing a sense of purpose and direction in uncertain times.

Rachel highlights the personality traits that may predispose individuals to apocalyptic thinking, such as authoritarianism and openness to experience. She examines how cult leaders exploit these psychological factors to manipulate followers, creating fear, urgency, and dependency through apocalyptic narratives. By using compelling examples, including the infamous David Koresh and the Branch Davidians, she illustrates how these leaders foster a strong sense of community while isolating their members from the outside world.

As Rachel wraps up this thought-provoking discussion, she offers practical advice on how to recognize and address apocalyptic thinking in oneself and others. This episode serves as a vital resource for anyone grappling with fear and uncertainty in today’s world.

Connect with us on social media:

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Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS

Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:

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IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:

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