Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this episode, Rachel welcomes back Chris Shelton, a former Scientologist and author of the new book, What Now? They dive deep into Chris's experiences, discussing the complexities of recovery from high-control groups and the importance of understanding one's own moral framework. Chris shares insights from his extensive studies in coercive control and introduces his REM model, which explores the layers of consciousness, morality, emotions, and rationality that influence human behavior.
Chris reflects on his journey of escaping Scientology, the challenges of grappling with guilt and moral injury, and the transformative power of education in recovery. He emphasizes the significance of self-compassion and the idea that most people are well-intentioned, even when caught in harmful systems. As they navigate these profound topics, Chris offers practical advice for those seeking to rebuild their lives after cult experiences, highlighting the necessity of agency in the recovery process.
Join Rachel and Chris for a thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on the path to healing and the tools needed to foster a fulfilling life post-cult.
Chris’s Links:
Website: chrissheltonmsc.org
YouTube: youtube.com/@ChrisSheltonMsc
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 welcomes back Chris Shelton, a former Scientologist and author of the new book, What Now? They dive deep into Chris's experiences, discussing the complexities of recovery from high-control groups and the importance of understanding one's own moral framework. Chris shares insights from his extensive studies in coercive control and introduces his REM model, which explores the layers of consciousness, morality, emotions, and rationality that influence human behavior.
Chris reflects on his journey of escaping Scientology, the challenges of grappling with guilt and moral injury, and the transformative power of education in recovery. He emphasizes the significance of self-compassion and the idea that most people are well-intentioned, even when caught in harmful systems. As they navigate these profound topics, Chris offers practical advice for those seeking to rebuild their lives after cult experiences, highlighting the necessity of agency in the recovery process.
Join Rachel and Chris for a thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on the path to healing and the tools needed to foster a fulfilling life post-cult.
Chris’s Links:
Website: chrissheltonmsc.org
YouTube: youtube.com/@ChrisSheltonMsc
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
