Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode, Rachel Bernstein interviews Ru Marshall about the hidden world surrounding the guru Carlos Castaneda. Marshall shares insights from their research into Castaneda’s history, manipulation tactics, spiritual abuse, and the disturbing aftermath surrounding his inner circle after his death.
The conversation explores charismatic narcissism, cult control, and how high-control spiritual leaders exploit vulnerability and emotional dependency. Rachel and Marshall also discuss the psychological impact on former followers, institutional denial, and the warning signs of manipulative groups and cult leaders.
Topics include cult psychology, spiritual abuse, manipulation tactics, narcissistic leaders, Carlos Castaneda’s legacy, coercive persuasion, and recovery from high-control groups.
Ru’s Links
Website: rmarshallstudio.com/writing
Book: amazon.com/American-Trickster-Hidden-Carlos-Castaneda/dp/1682194612/ref=sr_1_1
The IndoctriNation Podcast is a weekly show covering cults, manipulators, & systems of control. Hosted by Rachel Bernstein LMFT, Cult Specialist.
Featured in The New York Times
Connect with us on social media:
https://linktr.ee/indoctrination
Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more:
patreon.com/indoctrination
Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:
https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION
Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS
Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation:
https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm
Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:
amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4
Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:
education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign
Journal App:
rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html
Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:
rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html
IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:
thepodcastconsultant.com/about
In this episode, Rachel Bernstein interviews Ru Marshall about the hidden world surrounding the guru Carlos Castaneda. Marshall shares insights from their research into Castaneda’s history, manipulation tactics, spiritual abuse, and the disturbing aftermath surrounding his inner circle after his death.
The conversation explores charismatic narcissism, cult control, and how high-control spiritual leaders exploit vulnerability and emotional dependency. Rachel and Marshall also discuss the psychological impact on former followers, institutional denial, and the warning signs of manipulative groups and cult leaders.
Topics include cult psychology, spiritual abuse, manipulation tactics, narcissistic leaders, Carlos Castaneda’s legacy, coercive persuasion, and recovery from high-control groups.
Ru’s Links
Website: rmarshallstudio.com/writing
Book: amazon.com/American-Trickster-Hidden-Carlos-Castaneda/dp/1682194612/ref=sr_1_1
The IndoctriNation Podcast is a weekly show covering cults, manipulators, & systems of control. Hosted by Rachel Bernstein LMFT, Cult Specialist.
Featured in The New York Times
Connect with us on social media:
https://linktr.ee/indoctrination
Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more:
patreon.com/indoctrination
Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:
https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION
Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS
Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation:
https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm
Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:
amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4
Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:
education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign
Journal App:
rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restore-journal-app.html
Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:
rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html
IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:
thepodcastconsultant.com/about
