Seek Safely
Self-Improvement
About
The SEEK Safely podcast is the official voice of the nonprofit organization SEEK Safely Inc, which advocates for ethics and accountability in the self-help industry, and empowers seekers to have safe and effective self-improvement journeys. Jean Brown and Dr. Glenn Patrick Doyle peel back the layers of the largely unregulated, multi-billion dollar self-help industry, discussing the patterns of exploitation and deception that pervade the industry and allow self-help gurus to thrive at the expense of their customers and followers. Along the way we’ll have discussions with people who care as much as we do about the self-help industry being held accountable for the promises it makes–and we lay out our vision of a world in which seekers are respected and protected.
Episodes
- Tony Robbins on a Federal Healthcare Advisory Board? Hmmm....
Jean and Dr. Doyle discuss Tony Robbins' appointment to a federal mental healthcare advisory committee, questioning his qualifications and highlighting the intersection of the self-help and broader worlds. The episode also briefly mentions…
- What does "Good Self-help" Look Like with Anne Peterson
Glenn and Jean talk with Anne Peterson about what constitutes good self-help, focusing on positive examples and ethical practices within the industry.
- Interview with Chris Shelton (Part 2)
In Part 2 of 2, Chris Shelton, an expert in coercive control and creator of the R.E.M. model, joins Glenn and Jean to discuss Scientology, psychology, coercive control, and the history of self-help. Shelton also hosts the "Speaking of Cult…
- Interview with Chris Shelton Part 1
Part 1 of 2 features Chris Shelton, an expert on coercive control and creator of the R.E.M. model. He discusses Scientology, psychology, coercive control, and self-help history with hosts Glenn and Jean.
- Be Your Own Guru (bc your other guru might be in the Epstein Files)
Seek Safely hosts discuss the integration of self-help into mainstream culture, its ties to celebrity and politics, and how public figures utilize self-help gurus, referencing recent events like the Epstein Files.
- Climate Change and Self-help? Yep!
Dr. Doyle and Jean explore connections between the self-help industry and climate change, noting how societal problems reflected in self-help mirror environmental issues, and finding parallels in visions for a better future for both.
- Chatting about SEEK Week and the Upcoming SEEK Safely Summit with Anne Peterson
Glenn, Jean, and Anne Peterson discuss SEEK's annual SEEK Week fundraiser and the upcoming SEEK Summit and Empowerment Workshop. They cover event details, importance, and ways to get involved, while also touching upon the complexities of t…
- The Celebrity Guru
The podcast episode discusses the trend of celebrities becoming self-help gurus, citing examples like Goop and The Biggest Loser. It also touches on the transition from celebrity to political influence.
- Guru Origin Stories
In this episode of Seek Safely, Jean and Glenn explore the varied and sometimes fantastical origin stories of gurus. They delve into the reasons behind their actions, the purpose they serve, and the potential negative impacts.
- AI: The Shiny, Environmentally Destructive Magic 8 Ball
Jean and Glenn from the Seek Safely podcast explore the growing presence of AI in the self-help industry, questioning its implications and use in creating content and tools, while referencing examples like Tony Robbins' AI app.
- Talking ICSA 2025: the International Cultic Studies Association's Annual Conference
Jean from SEEK Safely joins Glenn to discuss the 2025 International Cultic Studies Association conference. Jean will present on the media's influence on cults and the self-help industry, highlighting SEEK's perspective.
- Mid-season Check-in (aka SEEK Safely Podcast Pajama Party)
In this episode, the Seek Safely podcast discusses coping with uncertainty and the trend of 'self-helpification' in the US government, offering advice for managing overwhelming times.
- Dr. John Hunter Explains how Self-help Events are “Manufacturing Mania”
Psychologist Dr. John Hunter explains how self-help events might create manic states by influencing brain chemistry through the dopamine hypothesis, particularly concerning Large Group Awareness Trainings (LGATs). His research links neurol…
- Entering the Post-guru Phase of Self-help: Reflecting on James Ray’s Death with Dr. Christine Whelan
SEEK Safely discusses the death of James Arthur Ray, who was responsible for three deaths at a 2009 retreat, and reflects on its significance within the broader self-help industry. The episode explores the evolution of self-help and define…
- SEEK Safely Summit Recap with Anne Peterson
This episode of the Seek Safely podcast features a recap of the November 2024 SEEK Safely summit. Hosts Glenn and Jean discuss the event with guest Anne Peterson, author of “Is this a Cult,” who shared insights on ethical self-help practic…
- Chatting with India Oxenberg on the Self-help to Cult Pipeline
India Oxenberg, author and activist, discusses her experiences with the NXIVM cult on the Seek Safely podcast. The conversation, hosted by Jean and Glenn, focuses on the self-help elements of the organization and what initially drew Oxenbe…
- Discovering the Dysfunction in Self-help
This episode discusses the flaws within the multi-billion dollar self-help industry, highlighting the mission of SEEK Safely to protect seekers from unethical and unregulated providers. The organization was founded by the Brown family afte…
- Following up with Anne Peterson, Author of "Is This a Cult"
Anne Peterson rejoins the podcast to discuss the response to her memoir "Is This A Cult?", detailing her experiences with Landmark and introducing the Safe Practitioners Workshop. The episode also includes clarifications on previous discus…
- SEEK Safely Podcast (Taylor Edition) with Brit Barkholtz (Part 2)
In Part 2 of the SEEK Safely podcast with Brit Barkholtz, a licensed clinical social worker, the discussion covers MLMs, self-help exploitation of trauma, cult-like behaviors, and the use of Taylor Swift in trauma recovery.
- SEEK Safely Podcast (Taylor Edition) with Brit Barkholtz (Part 1)
Brit Barkholtz, a licensed clinical social worker known as The Caffeinated Therapist, joins the SEEK Safely Podcast to discuss MLMs, self-help exploiting trauma, and the concept of Taylor Swift as a tool for trauma recovery. This is Part 1…
- Bypassing–Spiritual and Otherwise–in Self-help
This episode discusses bypassing, or avoidance, in self-help, highlighting how spiritual, emotional, and reality bypassing can be dangerous, especially for trauma survivors. Dr. Glenn explains how to recognize bypassing as a potential red…
- Part 2: “Is This A Cult?” – Anne Peterson's New Memoir about Her Time with Landmark Education & the Infamous Werner Erhard
In Part 2 of this conversation, Anne Peterson shares details from her memoir about her involvement with Landmark Education and founder Werner Erhard, exploring themes of transformation and exploitation. This episode is the second of a two-…
- “Is This A Cult?” – Anne Peterson's New Memoir about Her Time with Landmark Education & the Infamous Werner Erhard
Anne Peterson shares her experiences with Landmark Education, a large-group awareness training company, in her memoir "Is This A Cult?". She raises concerns about its founder, Werner Erhard, and the potential for exploitation within the or…
- From Kirby Jam 2023: SEEK Safely’s Legislative Effort to Pass Self-help Consumer Protection Legislation
SEEK Safely discusses their legislative effort to pass self-help consumer protection legislation, which was a topic at their Kirby Jam 2023 fundraiser. Dr. Glenn, Jean, and Ginny Brown explain the bill's importance and its potential progre…
- Self-help Books that Arent's Self-help Books with Guest Dr. Christine Whelan
Dr. Doyle and guest Dr. Christine Whelan explore books not originally written as self-help but that have become popular in the genre. They discuss titles like The Bible, Atlas Shrugged, and Sapiens, which have been adopted into self-help c…
- Healthy, Less Self-helpy New Year's Resolutions
Seek Safely hosts Jean and Glenn discuss New Year's resolutions, the overwhelming nature of the self-help industry, and how to identify scams within the wellness space. They offer advice on approaching the new year constructively.
- BINGO! We’ve got another Self-help Cult with Twin Flames Universe
The Seek Safely podcast discusses the Twin Flames Universe, analyzing its nature as a self-help cult. The episode delves into why individuals join self-help groups that evolve into cults, referencing various media and authors.
- Taking on the 'Giant Within' Self-help: Tony Robbins (PART 2)
This episode of Seek Safely continues the discussion on Tony Robbins, detailing his rise to self-help stardom and his broad approach to personal development. It examines his career trajectory and touches upon his later controversial stance…
- Taking on the 'Giant Within' Self-help: Tony Robbins (PART 1)
This episode of Seek Safely features Jean and Glenn discussing Tony Robbins, a prominent self-help author. They explore his impact on the self-help industry and the evolution of his career, from tape series to live events. This is the firs…
- ICYMI: Reviewing Season 2 of the SEEK Safely Podcast
In this episode of the Seek Safely podcast, hosts Glenn and Jean review Season 2, discussing highlights, favorite moments, and a central theme. They mention their podcast break and return date in October, while also referencing various boo…
- Man Cave Bacon-eating Energy: ‘The Manosphere’ and Self-help
This episode of Seek Safely discusses the Manosphere and its connection to the self-help industry, examining how it might be a response to women's rights movements and potentially lead to extremist ideologies.
- Enlighten Us 7 Years Later: Discussing the Flawed Documentary and What’s Happened in Self-help Since (featuring Dr. Christine Whelan)
This episode of Seek Safely revisits the 2016 CNN documentary "Enlighten Us," focusing on James Ray's post-imprisonment comeback attempt. It critiques the film's omissions, including victim family voices, and examines Ray's actions in the…
- Joelle Tamraz, Author of “The Secret Practice: Eighteen Years on the Dark Side of Yoga”
Joelle Tamraz, author of “The Secret Practice,” shares her experience of exploitation by a
- A Self-help History: Peter McWilliams and ‘What to do When Your Guru Sues You’
This episode recounts the story of Peter McWilliams, author of the best-selling “Life 101” series, and his experiences with his cult leader, John-Roger. It explores recurring themes in the self-help industry, including Large Group Awarenes…
- How Self-help Approaches Trauma (hint: it’s kind of a problem…)
The Seek Safely Podcast features Dr. Glenn and Jean discussing the popularization of trauma in self-help and culture. They differentiate clinical trauma treatment from self-help approaches and caution listeners about potential risks.
- Self-help’s Intensifying Flirtation with Conspiracy Theories
Seek Safely hosts Jean and Glenn explore the growing connection between the self-help industry and conspiracy theories, a trend that has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss why conspiracy theories resonate within self-hel…
- Geeking Out on Self-help with Dr. Christine Whelan (Part 2)
In this episode, Dr. Christine Whelan discusses the current trends in the self-help industry, including the impact of social media, the gender-related aspects of self-help, and the role of the Law of Attraction. She also explores how the s…
- Geeking Out on Self-help with Dr. Christine Whelan (Part 1)
In this episode of Seek Safely, Dr. Christine Whelan, a researcher on the self-help industry, joins hosts Jean and Glenn. They discuss how people consume self-help, how the industry reaches consumers, and the evolution of the industry. The…
- You Cannot Miss This Opportunity to Talk about MLMs!
Seek Safely discusses the significant parallels between MLMs and the self-help industry, including their similar tactics, the types of people they target, and their shared history. The episode highlights how both industries may use similar…
- Glenn and Jean Spoil ‘The Secret’
This episode of Seek Safely features Jean and Dr. Glenn Doyle discussing the Law of Attraction, a concept prominent in the self-help movement and "The Secret." They examine its historical roots, philosophical underpinnings, and analyze its…
- We’re Back for Season 2
The SEEK Safely Podcast is back for Season 2, aiming to empower seekers with safe self-help experiences. This episode covers recent industry news, Season 1 reflections, and previews Season 2 topics like the Law of Attraction, a new board m…
- Recapping Season One of the SEEK Safely Podcast and Looking Ahead to Season Two
In the final episode of Season 1, SEEK Safely hosts Dr. Doyle and Jean reflect on the season's themes, including allies in the self-improvement industry and cult-like practices. They look ahead to Season 2, mentioning resources and ways fo…
- Articulating a New Self-help Industry with Anne Peterson
Anne Peterson shares her decades of experience in the self-help industry, discussing potential improvements and the need for safeguards to protect consumers from abuse. She highlights her work with iLumn8.Life, which ensures practitioners…
- Seeking through Struggle and Finding Authentic Empowerment with August McLaughlin
August McLaughlin, host of Girl Boner Radio, joins Dr. Glenn and Jean to discuss mental health, seeking, and authentic empowerment. She shares her personal experiences with ADHD and an eating disorder, and how she found lasting empowerment.
- Surviving Cultic Abuse with Jennifer French (Part 2)
In this second of two episodes, psychologist Jennifer French joins Jean to discuss the evolution of cults, the impact of social media, potential legislation, and safety tips for those interested in self-improvement. Dr. Glenn Doyle also pr…
- Surviving Cultic Abuse with Jennifer French (Part 1)
Psychologist Jennifer French discusses her personal experience with cultic abuse and how it inspired her work. In this episode, she explains why people join abusive groups and how individuals can take back control of their self-improvement…
- Jean and Dr. Glenn Dissect Episodes 1 & 2 of The Vow, Season 2
Jean and Dr. Glenn review Season 2, Episodes 1 and 2 of HBO's docu-series "The Vow," which examines the NXIVM cult. They discuss NXIVM
- Part 2: Pushing Back against Unethical Coaching, Wellness, & Self-help with Eva Collins
Eva Collins shares her experiences within the wellness and self-help industry, detailing why she left her coaching business and how she now advocates against unethical practices and educators in these fields.
- Part 1: Pushing Back against Unethical Coaching, Wellness, & Self-help with Eva Collins
Eva Collins joins Dr. Glenn and Jean on Seek Safely to discuss unethical practices in the wellness and self-help coaching industries. Collins shares her personal journey of leaving her coaching business due to harmful and unethical teachin…
- Is Scrutiny of Self-help Building?
Dr. Glenn and Jean explore the rising scrutiny of the self-help industry, attributing it to factors like popular docuseries and evolving cultural perspectives on problematic leaders. Jean reflects on the enduring issues within the industry…