jon atack, family & friendsChristian Szurko is a leading expert on extremist authoritarian sects. In almost five decades, he has helped thousands of people to digest and integrate their experience and become thriving survivors. Christian explains his compelling model of the process of cult involvement, which is helpful in undoing exploitative persuasion and understanding the perils of group involvement. This is one of the most important discussions on our channel.
how cults hijack our interpretation of reality - with Christian Szurkojon atack, family & friends2024-07-27 | Christian Szurko is a leading expert on extremist authoritarian sects. In almost five decades, he has helped thousands of people to digest and integrate their experience and become thriving survivors. Christian explains his compelling model of the process of cult involvement, which is helpful in undoing exploitative persuasion and understanding the perils of group involvement. This is one of the most important discussions on our channel.
Ex-Scientology kids: http://exscientologykids.comIs the work of Zimbardo, Milgram and Sherif valid? with Joe Szimhartjon atack, family & friends2024-10-19 | The social science that supports our work with cults has been questioned in the last decade. We discuss the complaints about Zimbardo's Stanford Prison Experiment, Stanley Milgram's Yale shock machine studies, and Sherif's Robbers Cave Experiment.
Note: this was recorded a few days before Dr. Zimbardo passed. He was truly a titan of our field and will be sorely missed.
#ZimbardoCult experts talk about Trump with Joe Szimhartjon atack, family & friends2024-10-12 | Many of us in the counter-cult world are alarmed at the prospect of a Trump presidency. Trump has proved himself to be an authoritarian. His following accept the vague promises of greatness and the lack of policy, despite hundreds of leading Republicans declaring for Harris.
Buy the NEW edition of Steven Hassan's Cult of Trump! : amazon.com/Cult-Trump-Leading-Explains-President/dp/1982127341Rama Trauma Trump - Mark Laxers Graphic Novel (reupload)jon atack, family & friends2024-10-06 | Jon and Mark discuss democracy, authoritarianism, and Mark’s graphic novel, Rama Trauma Trump - Rama Trauma Trump is a remarkable and unique view of the inner world of an authoritarian group that reflects upon the similarities between a narcissistic pseudo-religious leader and President Trump. This excellent work is free to download here: ramatraumatrump.com
We're re-uploading this for the upcoming election.
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)books and movies to untangle someone from Scientologyjon atack, family & friends2024-10-05 | Spike joins Jon to discuss the books, movies, and documentaries that can help people wean themselves from Scientology's problematic beliefs. Please leave your own viewing/reading recommendations in the comments below!
As always, please be kind and respectful of others' viewpoints.
And one last bit of penguin paraphernalia: youtu.be/XgRGe6jW84U?si=T-n3VeMu-XN6bl3bHow to talk to Trumpmaniacsjon atack, family & friends2024-10-02 | I've spent forty years talking with convinced cult members. Here are some pointers about how to have a convincing conversation rather than a battle.
Bandy X. Lee's The More Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 40 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Warn Anew amazon.com/More-Dangerous-Case-Donald-Trump/dp/B0DJ4JZD2Bextreme authoritarian sects with Christian Szurkojon atack, family & friends2024-09-28 | Christian is an expert on those groups most often called 'cults'. He explains his own less emotive description of such groups. As usual, Christian dispenses with psychobabble and offers a useable and useful model for the better understanding of the 'cult' experience.
Spike's note: Zoom cut this discussion a bit short; we apologize for the abrupt ending.
Spike's other note: usually there are links to these talks; there were none this time. So enjoy this short video of my budgies playing with some string. youtu.be/79A1sCrTy-M?si=3KGpE2ehBNI9Mor1how can we stop Trump? with Jeremy Shermanjon atack, family & friends2024-09-20 | in his "How to roll trolls and stump Trumpists", Jeremy has outlined his own approach to disappointing Trump's followers. Jeremy lays out his fascinating analysis of the 'herobot' the follower who avoids self-doubt by attaching to the 'dumbergogue' Trump. As usual, Jeremy is eloquent and spills over with ideas that will make you smart. Jon suggests an approach to deconverting Trumpsters. Watch for some excited moments as we find that far from playing three-dimensional chess, Donald Trump is simply eating the pieces.Understanding Scientologys Psychological Grip - Jon Atack interviewed by Claire Headleyjon atack, family & friends2024-09-15 | Understanding Scientology's Psychological Grip - Life After Scientology #3
Mirrored from @blownforgood their kind permission.leaving a belief with Hoyt Richardsjon atack, family & friends2024-09-14 | Belief doesn't simply evaporate when we leave a group. Hoyt and Jon talk about their own experiences on the road to claiming authority for their own beliefs. Jon suggests an easy way to kickstart the process. To the outside world, Hoyt seemed to exemplify success - a sports star, Princeton graduate who earned a fortune as the first man ever called a supermodel. In reality, his life was a mess of anxiety keeping to the cult's rules and giving millions to the leader. After years of turmoil, Hoyt has become a successful actor and documentarian.
and another documentary on Scientology featuring 1980's Jon: Scientology: Inside the Cult youtu.be/eqxAEdAmq94?si=NaRrbpKZH9MnP3Pdthe science of herbal medicine with Chris Kilhamjon atack, family & friends2024-09-07 | Chris Kilham talks about a lifetime searching the world for health-giving plants. Not only has he travelled across continents and helped to establish local production, he has also been consulted by many pharmaceutical companies that are finally moving towards the use of tried and tested natural remedies. Chris talks about his own legal cannabis crop, the mind-altering aspects of chocolate, lemon balm as a safe calming agent and his upcoming trip to the Champagne region to see the extraction of medicine from grape seeds.
Roman Vishniac's photography: vishniac.icp.org/exhibition/scientific-work-and-photomicroscopy-america-early-1950s-late-1970sjazz and joy with Dr Steven Mofficjon atack, family & friends2024-08-31 | Steve is a lifelong jazz fan. He even used to write a column under the name Dr Jazz. Jon and Steve both believe in the redeeming qualities of music. Steve expresses his enthusiasm at finding that a current presidential candidate shares his love of jazz. The usual wide-ranging conversation about jazz and music in general peppered with fascinating facts and opinions about such topics as cultural appropriation and the huge contribution of black Americans to the arts.
Spike Robinson, Cicada: youtu.be/upI3wRRPjpI?si=vt0fxbyUFTc3SAHBlove, narcissism, defaultilogic and scornography with Jeremy Shermanjon atack, family & friends2024-08-24 | Jeremy gifts us some of his new words that portmanteau concepts. Criticism of Malkin's model of narcissism ('feeling special') and Jeremy's embrace of the doctrine of foregone inconclusions. A delight for the eager mind.
Notes: From Scouting for Boys, 1908: “The practice is called ‘self-abuse’. And the result of self-abuse is always - mind you, always - that the boy after a time becomes weak and nervous and shy, he gets headaches and probably also palpitations of the heart, and if he still carries it on too far he very often goes out of his mind and becomes an idiot. The use of your parts is not to play with when you are a boy but to enable you to get children when you are grown up and married. But if you misuse them while young you will not be able to use them when you are a man: they will not work then. So for all reasons be on the look out against this temptation, it is easier to stop it at first than when it becomes a habit. The next time you feel the desire coming on don't give way to it; resist it. If you have the chance just wash your parts in cold water and cool them down. Wet dreams come from it especially after eating rich food, or too much meat, or from sleeping with too warm a blanket over your body or in too soft a bed or from sleeping on your back. Therefore avoid all these. Avoid listening to stories or reading or thinking about dirty subjects. You will soon find that the temptation will not worry you so much. Be strong and don't give way to it.”
And this, from Scouting For Boys, 1911: In this chapter much has been said of the active measures which a boy should take in order to become strong and well. We should be equally concerned in saving and storing up natural forces we already have. In the body of every boy, who has reached his teens, the Creator of the universe has sown a very important fluid. This fluid is the most wonderful material in all the physical world. Some parts of it find their way into the blood, and through the blood give tone to the muscles, power to the brain, and strength to the nerves. This fluid is the sex fluid. When this fluid appears in a boy's body, it works a wonderful change in him. His chest deepens, his shoulders broaden, his voice changes, his ideals are changed and enlarged. It gives him the capacity for deep feeling, for rich emotion. Pity the boy, therefore, who has wrong ideas of this important function, because they will lower his ideals of life. These organs actually secrete into the blood material that makes a boy manly, strong, and noble. Any habit which a boy has that causes this fluid to be discharged from the body tends to weaken his strength, to make him less able to resist disease, and often unfortunately fastens upon him habits which later in life he {233} cannot break. Even several years before this fluid appears in the body such habits are harmful to a growing boy. To become strong, therefore, one must be pure in thought and clean in habit. This power which I have spoken of must be conserved, because this sex function is so deep and strong that there will come times when temptation to wrong habits will be very powerful. But remember that to yield means to sacrifice strength and power and manliness. For boys who desire to know more of this subject we would suggest a splendid book by Dr. Winfield S. Hall, entitled, "From Youth into Manhood." Every boy in his teens who wants to know the secret of strength, power, and endurance should read this book. And if you want to read the whole thing (it's really fascinating, actually): gutenberg.org/files/29558/29558-h/29558-h.htm
And to learn more about the Portuguese Man O' War: https://animalia.bio/portuguese-man-o-warThe God Market with Joe Szimhartjon atack, family & friends2024-08-17 | how to turn religious ideas into monetary wealth. An age-old story. And Joe's ideas on the eye in the pyramid and other pyramid schemes.
More about the Ambani wedding in India: time.com/6997573/india-anant-mukesh-ambani-weddingAre you learning to comprehend?jon atack, family & friends2024-08-16 | Jon and Christian talk about the difference between just taking in facts to be parroted back and truly understanding themWhy do we follow along with the crowd?jon atack, family & friends2024-08-12 | Jon and Chistian talk about the Asch Conformity study and our tendency to go along with the crowd.
Find the complete video here: youtu.be/1vsigqVm3zQinsomnia, chronic fatigue or delayed sleep wake phase?jon atack, family & friends2024-08-10 | it is possible that the majority of people who believe they have either insomnia or chronic fatigue are actually suffering from delayed sleep wake phase disorder. The good news is that the cure is easy. Jon tells you how.Clusterflux with Jeremy Sherman, PhDjon atack, family & friends2024-08-10 | Jeremy has been working with neuroscientist Terrence Deacon at Berkley for 30 years. He shares insights about his head on challenges to true believers which contrasts with Jon's more gentle approach to mindchanging.
Spike's note: Regarding the Universe-spinning, tutu-wearing rhino, I couldn't resist. I plugged the prompt into Meta's AI, but it would not attach the universe to the rhino's horn. So I dragged it into Photoshop and moved the universe over onto the horn myself. The things I do...
Jon's ideas on how to reach out to people who are trapped in authoritarian groups, relationships, and patterns of thought are summed up in these two infographics, which you may download and print out for free. Share and enjoy.
Questions to Unlock a Captive Mind: jonatack.co.uk/questions-to-unlock-a-captive-mindJohn Mayall, blues giantjon atack, family & friends2024-08-07 | John Mayall was my introduction to the blues at the age of about twelve. I still listen to his great 60s albums with Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor and a host of legendary musicians. A brief tribute to a great talent.
#johnmayall #bluesmusic #progrock #englishmusichow can you tell if you’re truly free of Scientology?jon atack, family & friends2024-08-03 | Jon is joined by Spike for this discussion about how we can tell if we're truly free from the clutches of our former high-control group - it's far more involved than just leaving; often it takes a concerted effort lasting years to unwind oneself from deep psychological indoctrination and fully heal the damage done.
Download your own copy of our Human Predator poster: jonatack.co.uk/predator-postersshould politicians be whipped or is whipping unconstitutional?jon atack, family & friends2024-07-31 | just weeks after taking power, the UK's Labour government has broken its promise to reduce child poverty and suspended party membership for the seven MPs who kept to their manifesto promise. Perhaps it is time to introduce flogging for politicians?Shawn McCraney asks Jon about his beliefsjon atack, family & friends2024-07-27 | Shawn is fascinated that Jon's positive attitude is not based in religious belief. Jon talks about the wide range of influences that have led him to lose any concern for personal immortality.
Spike's gospel song for all faiths, "Precious Child": youtu.be/Pd-9BQ6qkUk?si=i_a4InP1lE5DpyhDcult membership and the perils of ego with Hoyt Richardsjon atack, family & friends2024-07-20 | a discussion about the egotism that makes us prey to cults, maintains our relationship with them, and makes it difficult to accept the ways in which cults modify our beliefs and behaviour. As ever, Hoyt shares his own dreadful experiences and helps to explain how to overcome obstacles to recovery from authoritarian abuse.
Socrates for Six-Year-Olds: youtu.be/vyD0l9En6Io?si=x220bmYl4m814JSEChris Kilham medicine hunter, expert on psychoactivesjon atack, family & friends2024-07-13 | Chris is an expert on a wide range of psychoactive plants including cannabis. He has travelled the world for decades, visiting indigenous people to discover natural medicines, superfoods, and psychoactives. He has revisited these communities and helped to establish trade routes to their and the world's benefit.
Chris first visited Brazil in 1997 and would spend 12 years taking westerners to ayahuasca ceremonies in South America. Chris works with Kew Gardens, the UK's primary plant research centre.
Spike's notes: Yes, "New Coke" launched in 1985, nearly 40 years ago. I feel old now; how about you?
You can see the full story of Phineas Gage here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phineas_GageRoerich, Gorbachev, Putin and Agni Yoga with Joe Szimhartjon atack, family & friends2024-07-06 | absurd beliefs can lead to atrocities. Cult specialist Joe Szimhart is an artist whose journey into the world of cults began with his interest in the paintings of Nicholas Roerich who led Agni Yoga. Roerich believed he was the 'king of the world' and cultivated an influential following - including Henry Wallace, FDR's Secretary of State for Agriculture and FDR's wife Eleanor. Mikhail Gorbachev and his wife were also members, as was Putin's former wife. The Russian Orthodox Church has declared both Theosophy and Agni Yoga satanic. Agni Yoga is a major source of New Age material - Joe tells the story of its use as the secret teaching at the heart of the Church Universal and Triumphant. And some discussion of Nazi beliefs, which were also influenced by Theosophy.
Spike's note: For those of us who can't just hop on over to Spain (yes I'm jealous), I highly recommend the Prado Museum's interactive website: museodelprado.es/enreassessing responsibility after leaving a cult with Frances Petersjon atack, family & friends2024-06-29 | Frances spent the first 44 years of her life as a Jehovah's Witness. Since leaving, she has dedicated herself to counselling former members. As Frances says, authoritarian cults give members overwhelming and impossible responsibilities. They can also diminish the real responsibilities we should accept. After leaving a cult, it is important to reassess beliefs and responsibilities.
For more on Ira Chaleff's work on Intelligent Disobedience and Courageous Followership: irachaleffauthor.commemorial days with Dr Steven Mofficjon atack, family & friends2024-06-22 | a discussion about the recent D-Day and Memorial Day commemorations, the recognition of PTSD and the recent decision of the American Psychiatric Association to create a Caucus on Peace. We talk about the successes and failures of the Truth and Reconciliation process and the need for dialogue in all fraught situations.
Spike's note- it seems someone has replicated Leonardo's horse, not just once, but three times; you can read more here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonardo%27s_horseBible Bangers & Scientology with Jamie DeWolfjon atack, family & friends2024-06-15 | Jon talks with L. Ron Hubbard's great-grandson, beat poet and award-winning filmmaker, Jamie DeWolf, about Scientology, extreme evangelical Christianity, life, philosophy, and belief.
Comedy routine by Stewart Lee: youtube.com/watch?v=lvf07P7fhu0&t=6913sAlex Barnes-Ross campaigns for awareness of Scientology among British politiciansjon atack, family & friends2024-06-13 | We are delighted to hear that Scientology critic John Sweeney is standing for the UK parliament in the July 2024 elections. John is famous for his 'exploding tomato' response to the taunts of a Scientology agent while filming for BBC Panorama. He subsequently wrote a book about group and has made criticism of Scientology central to his campaign for election as a Liberal Democrat (a UK centre party). Alex also tells about his communication with former Labour shadow minister Dianne Abbott who is determined to launch a government investigation into Scientology abuses.
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)Jon and Chris talk about the Cult of Greedjon atack, family & friends2024-06-04 | Mirrored from Chris' channel with his kind permission.psychopath, sociopath or anti-social personality? with Shawn McCraneyjon atack, family & friends2024-06-01 | Shawn describes himself as a sociopath. Using the renowned expert Dr Robert Hare's work, we explore the different forms of human predation that are often confused with one another. Shawn talks about a recent experience in Hawaii that has changed his view of the world.
Note from Spike: If you haven't read the 1954 novel "The Bad Seed" by William March (not to be confused with the children's book (!) of the same name), or seen the 1956 movie, also of the same title, consider me grabbing your lapels and shouting: "You NEED to read the book/ see the movie NOW!!!"
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)strategic gullibility and psychoproctology with Jeremy Shermanjon atack, family & friends2024-05-25 | Jeremy seeks fundamental explanations for life and motivation. He invents a new word a day to better describe his insights. He calls himself a 'psychoproctologist' because he studies the psychology of a-holes (i.e. humans). Jeremy has a different, fascinating, and entirely non pompous view of the world. He was also the inventor of the Sherman Effect, which is the propensity to name things after ourselves.
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)Walking free from the trauma of coercive cultic and spiritual abuse with Gillie Jenkinson, PhDjon atack, family & friends2024-05-18 | Gillie Jenkinson talks about her time in a Bible-based cult, her escape, her doctoral studies, and her book, which is a step-by-step guide to recovery. Gillie has been counselling former members for many years and has a practice in Hope Valley outside Sheffield in England.
Spike's note: The British call them "milk teeth," Americans call them "baby teeth," but the correct dentistry term is "deciduous teeth." You're welcome.
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)Paradise Undone: a novel of Jonestown by Annie Dawid - a book review with Joe Szimhartjon atack, family & friends2024-05-11 | Joe and Jon discuss Annie Dawid's fascinating novel about Jim Jones and the Jonestown massacre. With insights into the Jones cult and its relationship to Father Divine, and other cult-related literature.
SPIKE'S NOTE: YES, I have made Jon aware that Kool-Aid is still available (even in remote, exotic locations like Nottinghamshire) and is as popular as ever; I have a container of their pink lemonade gathering dust in my pantry even as I type this. I spent a reasonable hour or so doing a deep dive into flavored sugar water lore, but I could find absolutely no evidence that Kool-Aid suffered any dip in popularity due to the tragedy in Guyana. That said, if anyone can find any evidence to the contrary, please let me know. The only reason I can think of that Jon and Joe are unaware of this fact is because they live healthy lives unhindered by junk food products, whereas I have never met a Twinkie I didn't love.
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)NXIVM and Scientology with Mark Vicentejon atack, family & friends2024-05-04 | Mark Vicente, co-director of What the Bleep Do We Know? talks about his systematic recruitment by NXIVM. a comingling of Scientology and Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Mark's testimony helped to convict Keith Raniere. During his membership, Mark was asked to record Raniere and this footage was the basis for the excellent documentary The Vow.
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)a doctors report on dianetics with Steven Moffic, MDjon atack, family & friends2024-04-27 | Eminent psychiatrist Steven Moffic discusses the original 'Book One' method of Dianetics with Jon. Hubbard canceled the method in 1951, explaining that it is hypnotic. It was re-introduced in the late '70s and is still used as a recruiting tool. They also discuss music, art, and compassion.
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)Jamie de Wolf on writing and performingjon atack, family & friends2024-04-20 | L. Ron Hubbard's great-grandson explains the development of his remarkable writing and performing talents, from reading a Stephen King novel banned by his Fundamentalist Christian mother in the crawl space to becoming a champion slam poet.
Dr Bandy Lee is well-known for The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump, which she edited. She has taught at Yale Schools of Medicine and Public Health, and Yale Law School, and more recently at both Harvard and Columbia. Bandy talks with Jon about her sister's dreadful experience in the Family Court and about the corruption that has become part of the establishment in the Family Courts. Dr Lee has an impeccable reputation, otherwise it would be impossible to believe the allegations she makes. The situation is nothing short of Kafkaesque. We should all do everything we can to protect children from the network of abuse that includes "reunification camps" and police seizure of children.
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)inside the mind of a sociopath with Shawn McCraneyjon atack, family & friends2024-04-06 | Shawn McCraney realized that he was a sociopath in 1997 and decided he had to change. He still has to work at it every day, but he provides invaluable insights into the inner workings of a predatory mind. Shawn talks with Jon about the movie Butcher Boy. He identifies closely with the boy who is the villain of the movie. A wide-ranging conversation about art, faith, personality, and change.
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)How to help PTSD sufferers with Dr Steve Mofficjon atack, family & friends2024-03-30 | Steve Moffic, a retired professor of psychiatry, shares insights into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and questions the use of stellate ganglion block as more than a short-term solution.
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)Mike Rinder answers Mirriam Franciss allegationsjon atack, family & friends2024-03-23 | Mirriam Francis asked Jon to put some questions to Mike Rinder. Here are his responses.
The Australian Royal Commission on Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse - Scientology testimony: https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/narrative/nikkis-story
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)trust and healthy skepticism with Hoyt Richardsjon atack, family & friends2024-03-16 | documentarian and cult expert Hoyt Richards joins Jon to talk about how to develop healthy skepticism when our natural inclination is to trust. The conversation ranges through groupthink, confirmation or myside bias and our cognitive dissonance when presented with ideas that conflict with our own feelings of knowing.
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)Pretendians with Joe Szimhartjon atack, family & friends2024-03-09 | "Pretendians" falsely claim to be members of Native American or Canadian First Peoples. Famous examples are folk singer Buffy Sainte Marie and Little Feather - who accepted an Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando. As Joe points out, cult leaders are often Pretendians in the sense that they pretend to be enlightened or part of a spiritual heritage. Jon suggests that cult members become Pretendians by entering the imaginary world of their leaders.
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)Liberating Scientologys Sea Org slavesjon atack, family & friends2024-03-02 | Jon and Spike discuss the plight of the few thousand people who are living as slaves in Scientology's Sea Organization.
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)The Christian and the agnostic - with Rev. Callan Slipper, PhDjon atack, family & friends2024-02-24 | Jon met Callan when they were two. Through elementary (primary) school, they were close companions. They have recently reacquainted themselves after two decades. Callan is an Anglican minister and a theologian who has advised archbishops. He talks about his spiritual development in his teens and shares his view of God. Callan and Jon also talk about Taoist and Buddhist beliefs.
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)understanding the sociopathic temperament with Shawn McCraneyjon atack, family & friends2024-02-17 | Redeemed predator Shawn McCraney quizzes Jon about life, the universe and everything. A conversation about reason and emotion, and how sociopaths feel. Shawn shares valuable insights that help to identify and understand human predators.
Note from Spike: turtles may not be able to sing, but in researching whether or not they do, I stumbled upon this footage of a baby tortoise living his best life. Enjoy: youtube.com/shorts/yjsUor_s4X4
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)Toledo, Tarot &Trouble: Spike’s long, strange trip in the world of ritual magic(k)jon atack, family & friends2024-02-10 | Spike has made a career out of helping Jon and other experts educate people about cults, authoritarianism, and mind control. But how did she get into the field? It’s a long and bizarre journey that starts with an over-imaginative child raised without a religion, takes us through a dangerous and destructive “magickal order” operating at a small Ohio university, and leads, through contact with the ex-Scientology community, to becoming Sancho to Jon’s Don Quixote.
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)Ron Hubbard and Astounding Science Fiction with Alec Nevala-Leejon atack, family & friends2024-02-03 | Alec's Astounding is a brilliant account of the 'golden age' of science-fiction when John Campbell, jnr, brought together the writers who would thrust s-f into the public arena - Heinlein, Asimov, Van Vogt and, of course, Ron Hubbard. There is much to be learned from Hubbard's stint at Astounding. Without Campbell, Dianetics might never have seen the light of day. Find how those around Hubbard lost faith in his ideas.
for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: facebook.com/groups/803202686721445 (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)