Behind The Scenes – Intro to TDP Ep.51

In the intro to this week's episode, I share a little bit about my 2019 trip to the island of Vis, just off the coast of the Croatian mainland. I thought I'd drop in a few pics to offer a visual for those who are interested. Pictured Here (in order): Walking through Komiža on the island of Vis One of the weathered books at the registrars office Three distant family members I located while on the island The cemetery where my Yugoslavian...

DD#12 – Triple Isolation – Part 1

Alexandra Stein writes: "People in totalist organisations are pressed so tightly together that their individuality is erased – as are any trusting interactions among them. Everyone is a ‘friend’ but true friendship is suppressed as a diversion from, and a threat to, attachment to the cause, the leader and the group. In fact, far from finding true comradeship or companionship, followers face a triple isolation: from the outside world, from...

DD#11 – Thought-Terminating Cliches – Language Part 3

We're back with another episode in the Deconstructing Dogma series!This week we're finishing up a three-part language series with a focus on 'thought-terminating cliches' as defined by cult researcher, Robert Jay Lifton.We open things up with a discussion about the impact they have on folks who are experiencing grief - referencing an eye-opening conversation I had many moons ago on the podcast with Monica Welty. See Episode 29; it's a great...

DD#10 – ‘Cult’ure Series Resources w/ Candice

This week, I'm coming to you solo! I've compiled a list of 50+ helpful and informative 'cult'ure series resources; books, podcasts, and documentaries that have helped to shape the series. You can download the pdf below.AND in this week's video, I break down each category and share more in depth about on a number of the resources I've recommend. Here's a quick breakdown, if you're looking for something in particular: 2:20 - Why I won't be...

DD#9 – Critical Thinking vs. Loaded Language – Language Part 2

Okey doke. Here's another installment of Deconstructing Dogma... and part two in a three-part series on Language & 'Cult'ure.Reminder (and I'm gonna keep saying it)... we're not here to pick on any one group or movement because all culture is a bit culty in similar & subtle ways. That said, as always we'll again be sharing personal experiences from a variety of spiritual and new age wellness circles b/c that's what we know best!This...

DD#8 – Word Salad & Trance States – Language Part 1

We are incorporating your requests!!Next up... a three-part series where Tracy & I are taking a closer look at the power of language as it relates to cultic indoctrination.In Part 1, we explore some of the key takeaways from Amanda Montell's book, Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, we discuss a revealing documentary that demonstrates how charismatic language can serve as a smokescreen for undue influence, and we do our best to define and...

7 Keys eBook | Ch.2 | HUMILITY

This week's drop?... Chapter 2 of the 7 Keys eBook. It's a 22-page, full-color pdf that focuses on the second key of courageous self-expression, humility. The ebook pulls content from TDP Ep. 4, 5, & 6.Disclaimer :: All of this content was written back in early 2021 - which now feels like a lifetime ago. 😳 My perspective (and use of language) has evolved considerably since then; new age indoctrination has been further deconstructed by...

DD#7 – “Cosmic Salary”

"Cosmic Salary" is a term often used in 'Org' training to remind teachers - and especially trainers - that the rewards of 'sharing the work' extend far beyond making money. At face value, it's a reasonable argument.But what about when it's used as a coercive sales tactic &/or to justify exploitive labor practices?FYI >>  This was the FIRST episode of Deconstructing Dogma that we ever recorded... way before we launched Patreon and...

DD#6 – ‘Drama’ & Disobedience

This week, our Patreon bonus episode is also streaming on the main feed! And so you, dear patron, can watch the uncut/unedited version via video (above)... or... explore it as TDP #46... wherever you get your podcasts.Here's a description:🎧✨ #46 - Patreon Bonus | Deconstructing Dogma: 'Drama' & Disobedience Surprise! This week's Patreon bonus episode is dropping here, too! It's a sample from the Deconstructing Dogma series that's been...

Ep.46 – Patreon Bonus | Deconstructing Dogma: ‘Drama’ & Disobedience

Surprise! This week's Patreon bonus episode is dropping here, too! It's a sample from the Deconstructing Dogma series that's been rolling out over on Patreon. We're sharing it publicly because this chat is timely; right on the heels of a pivotal convo with Yamuna Benedict - where so many of the Org's unspoken rules of engagement were broken (sorry, not sorry). Tracy & Candice unpack three major no-no’s at the Org - gossiping, complaining,...