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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
"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...
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...
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,...