Conspirituality
Society & Culture
About
Dismantling New Age cults, wellness grifters, and conspiracy-mad yogis. At best, the conspirituality movement attacks public health efforts in times of crisis. At worst, it fronts and recruits for the fever-dream of QAnon. As the alt-right and New Age horseshoe toward each other in a blur of disinformation, clear discourse, and good intentions get smothered. Charismatic influencers exploit their followers by co-opting conspiracy theories on a spectrum of intensity ranging from vaccines to child trafficking. In the process, spiritual beliefs that have nurtured creativity and meaning are transforming into memes of a quickly-globalizing paranoia. Conspirituality Podcast attempts to bring understanding to this landscape. A journalist, a cult researcher, and a philosophical skeptic discuss the stories, cognitive dissonances, and cultic dynamics tearing through the yoga, wellness, and new spirituality worlds. Mainstream outlets have noticed the problem. We crowd-source, research, analyze, and dream answers to it.
Episodes
- Bonus Sample: What's Left?
In this bonus episode, Derek examines online debates regarding leftism and liberalism in the context of building coalitions.
- Brief: Antifascist Dad (Audiobook Excerpt)
Matthew reads the introduction from the book Antifascist Dad: Urgent Conversations with Young People in Chaotic Times.
- 307: Conspiracy Reflex Syndrome
This episode of Conspirituality discusses the quick spread of conspiracy theories after an assassination attempt on Donald Trump. It examines the cultural and political dynamics behind this phenomenon, including theories about staged event…
- Bonus Sample: Hasan, Contrapoints, Ezra Klein, & The Dem Civil War
This Conspirituality episode explores internal debates within the Democratic Party, focusing on strategies for winning elections versus radicalization. It references discussions involving online personalities like Hasan Piker and Contrapoi…
- Brief: Women 3, Manosphere 0
This episode of Conspirituality discusses three women who challenged "alpha debate bros" and a "Christian nationalist" on the Whatever Podcast livestreams. The host celebrates their intelligence in confronting misogyny in a hostile environ…
- 306: Antifascist Wellness
Conspirituality hosts Matthew and Derek discuss their new books, AntiFascist Dad and Well Enough, respectively. They explore the themes of each book and their connections to the Conspirituality podcast.
- Bonus Sample: Leo and Restless Hearts in Algeria
In this episode, Pope Leo XIV visits Algeria in 2026, engaging with political and religious leaders. The visit sparks varied reactions from the press and touches on themes of colonialism, reparations, and interfaith relations.
- Brief: Well Enough (Book Excerpt)
This Conspirituality episode features Derek reading chapters from his memoir, "Well Enough: Finding Health Despite the Wellness Industry." He discusses his work as a patient monitor and his own experience with a panic attack.
- 305: AI’s Cultish Leader
This episode of Conspirituality discusses Ronan Farrow's investigation into OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The hosts examine the existential risks of AI and its control, along with broader questions about AI's purpose and usage.
- Bonus Sample: How the Self is Made...and Unmade
This episode of Conspirituality examines the fluidity of the "self," exploring how behavioral economics research aligns with ancient Buddhist concepts. It discusses how the self is made and unmade.
- Brief: Pope Leo vs AI Slop Jesus Trump
This episode discusses the conflict between Pope Leo XIV and Donald Trump, stemming from Trump's criticism and an AI-generated image of him as Jesus. It examines the resulting divisions within the evangelical-Catholic coalition, analyzing…
- 304: Twisted Tantric Yogi
This episode of Conspirituality discusses Gregorian Bivolaru, a tantric yoga guru accused of abuse, and the new documentary series "Twisted Yoga." The hosts cover Bivolaru's background, and an interview is conducted with the director of th…
- Bonus Sample: The Philosopher, The King, & The Holy Man
This episode explores the political history of Iran, focusing on the 1953 CIA coup and the 1979 Islamic Revolution. It also examines French philosopher Michel Foucault's observations of Ayatollah Khomeini in 1978 and his concept of "spirit…
- Brief: Is There a "Deep Self"
This episode features a discussion by Derek and Julian about Marc Andreessen's recent claims regarding introspection. They also touch on his role as a Trump advisor and his investments in defense technology.
- 303: When Men Gather
This episode of Conspirituality discusses New Yorker writer Charles Bethea's article on men's retreats, examining the modern men's movement, its historical inspirations, and its evolution. The hosts explore the functions of these groups an…
- Bonus Sample: A Course in Miracles Reconsidered (w/Joseph Baker)
This episode features a conversation between Matthew and Joseph Baker. They discuss A Course in Miracles, with Matthew expressing an allergy to it and Joseph his devotion.
- Brief: Mikki Willis and Russell Brand Rewrite History
Mikki Willis and Russell Brand recently discussed the histories of AIDS and Covid-19. This episode features Derek and Julian discussing that conversation.
- 302: The Disinformation Dozen: Wuhan Drift
This episode discusses "The Disinformation Dozen," wellness influencers accused of spreading vaccine misinformation. It analyzes a recent court settlement and the influencers' reactions to it.
- Bonus Sample: Peptides: Wellness’s Experimental Jab
This episode of Conspirituality discusses the wellness industry's marketing strategies and the role of peptides. It explores how influencers leverage novelty-seeking behaviors and the history and current use of peptides in wellness practic…
- Brief: Eulogy for Joseph Baker, Faithful Listener
Matthew offers a eulogy for Joseph Baker, a listener and online friend. Their friendship began with a discussion about "A Course in Miracles," and Matthew learned from Joseph's political insights and his hopeful perspective.
- 301: Gen X Meets the Manosphere
This episode reviews Louis Theroux’s "Inside the Manosphere" and explores its aesthetic, ethical issues, and the economics of monetizing misogyny. It also examines the influence of the Synanon cult on Cesar Chavez’s tactics.
- Bonus Sample: The New Age Muslim Apocalyptic Prophet
This episode explores the figure of Abdullah Hashem, an American-Egyptian cult leader operating from England. He presents himself as a successor to religious figures, broadcasting his apocalyptic messages and attracting followers.
- Brief: The Book Men Actually Need
This episode reviews Corinne Low's book, "Having It All," and contrasts it with a self-help book for men by Scott Galloway.
- 300: Farming Ballerinas
This episode of Conspirituality discusses Hannah and Daniel Neeleman of Ballerina Farm, their raw milk practices, and their public image. The hosts examine how privilege influences their farming and family aesthetics.
- Bonus Sample: Anxiety is The Pitt(s)
In this episode, Conspirituality host Derek shares his personal journey with anxiety and panic attacks, drawing connections to themes in "The Pitt" and examining current scientific understanding and interventions for these conditions.
- Brief: The Stepford Wives Conference
Derek and Julian take a look inside Turning Point USA's Women’s Leadership Conference, an antifeminist women's summit. The conference is set to return to Dallas in June.
- 299: American Jihad
This episode explores the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, focusing on religious and political rhetoric. It also examines prediction markets and their growing influence.
- Bonus Sample: Michael Parenti Went to a Yoga Ashram
Matthew Remski discusses Michael Parenti's experience at a yoga ashram. The episode explores Parenti's immediate recognition of "BS" in that setting, contrasted with Remski's own later experiences.
- Brief: Bishop Bootlicker Barron
This episode explores the political theology of Bishop Robert Barron and its impact on Catholic media. It discusses Barron's admiration for figures like Jordan Peterson and Marco Rubio, alongside his interpretation of "religious liberty" c…
- 298: MAHA’s Glyphosate Meltdown [feat Mallory DeMille]
This episode of Conspirituality discusses RFK Jr.'s change in stance on glyphosate, leading to a strong reaction from MAHA activists. Mallory DeMille joins to explain the internal conflict within MAHA following Kennedy's comments.
- Bonus Sample: On Death & Being Human
This Conspirituality episode explores the human fear of death and its influence on religion, culture, and political ideologies. It discusses philosophical and psychological perspectives on mortality, the necessity of belief in an afterlife…
- Brief: Re-reading Casey Means
This episode revisits Casey Means' book "Good Energy" to detail claims and misinformation. The discussion follows her nomination hearing for Surgeon General.
- 297: The Epstein Satanic Panic
The episode discusses the re-emergence of Satanic Panic themes in connection with the Epstein files. It analyzes how these narratives simplify the issue of the "Epstein Class" into an unsolvable problem of evil.
- Bonus Sample: MAHA’s Silence is Deafening
The episode investigates MAHA, presented as a marketing engine for activist propaganda. It focuses on Tony Lyons, a central figure in MAHA, and his strategic memo to Republican leadership regarding midterm elections.
- Brief: Toxic Masculinity & The Epstein Files
This episode discusses the public reaction to the DOJ's release of documents from the Epstein investigation. It also explores how toxic masculinity contributes to the dehumanization of women and girls, more broadly, the cultural context of…
- 296: The Chopra Files
Conspirituality discusses Deepak Chopra's involvement in the Epstein files. The episode explores the ethical and political implications within the wellness industry as revealed by his entanglement.
- Bonus Sample: Mark Carney’s Secular Catholicism
This episode explores Mark Carney’s economic vision, which is influenced by Pope Francis. The host discusses the contradictions in Carney’s economic spirituality.
- Brief: Mark Carney’s Nice But Canada Sells Arms to ICE
Matthew discusses Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada's relationship with U.S. immigration policies. The episode explores how Canadian companies profit from contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- 295: The Attia Files
This episode of Conspirituality examines Peter Attia's connections to Jeffrey Epstein, as documented in the Epstein Files. The hosts discuss Attia's role within Epstein's network and its implications for his public persona.
- Bonus Sample: Armed Struggle
This episode of Conspirituality discusses the history of armed struggle in South Africa and Northern Ireland. It explores arguments for nonviolent versus militant political movements, and the implications of forming neighborhood militias.
- Brief: MAHA is a Supplements Grift
This Conspirituality episode discusses two MAHA-approved bills. These bills would require insurance companies to cover supplements and protect homeopathic manufacturers from liability, while allowing them to make additional health claims a…
- 294: ICE Resistance
This episode explores resistance to ICE activities and the role of community organizers. It also examines how propaganda dehumanizes opposition.
- Bonus Sample: An Ode to Curiosity
This episode explores the importance of curiosity when faced with information that challenges preconceived notions. Derek uses examples from books and the Alex Pretti video to illustrate this point.
- Brief: Did MAHA Put MAGA In Power?
This episode of Conspirituality discusses the MAHA movement and its perceived role in empowering MAGA, with a focus on the voting patterns of MAHA influencers. Dr. Jonathan Howard joins the hosts to explore these connections and their impa…
- 293: Trump and Fascist Dementia
This episode discusses Donald Trump, analyzing his behavior in relation to fascism and claims of dementia. It references clinical commentary from social media and various studies on dementia, including its symptoms, risk factors, and dispa…
- Bonus Sample: Simone Weil: We Have Obligations Before We Have Rights
This episode discusses Simone Weil's philosophy, specifically her argument that obligations precede rights. It explores her critique of liberal rights discourse, drawing from her work "The Need for Roots" and examining how modern societies…
- Brief: Prospirituality Predictions for 2026
This episode discusses prospirituality as a counterpoint to conspirituality. It explores examples of religious traditions grounding resistance and ethical clarity in response to fascism, genocide, climate collapse, and AI-driven labor prec…
- 292: Women of Jan 6 (w/ Noelle Cook)
Noelle Cook discusses her book "The Conspiracists: Women, Extremism, and the Lure of Belonging," which explores the experiences of women involved in the January 6 Capitol riot and their attraction to QAnon. The book documents the impact of…
- Bonus Sample: Oil, Power, and Theocracy
This episode discusses the history of Iran, focusing on the 1953 coup and the 1979 Islamic Revolution. It explores the roles of oil, empire, and religion in shaping the region, and touches on recent protests against the current government.
- MAHA’s Selective Skepticism
This Conspirituality episode examines new dietary guidelines, specifically an "inverted pyramid" focusing on whole milk, meat, and protein. The hosts discuss potential concerns regarding dietary advisers' affiliations with meat and dairy i…