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June 17, 2021

Steve Hassan: Spotting a Cult, Hidden Hypnotism & Indoctrination in the Digital Age

Steve Hassan, world-renowned mental health professional and cult & undue influence expert, breaks down classic cult tactics and how those techniques have evolved into the digital age. He details his own indoctrination into the Unification Church of Sun Myung Moon, his subsequent moment of realization that he was a cult member, and his intense deprogramming experience. Mayim and Steve discuss 21st century sects like Scientology, NXIVM, and QAnon, and how cult ideologies may have led to the Capitol insurrection in January of 2021. They explore ways to identify cults and abusers through their authoritarian features and methods they use, such as disorientation, "love bombing", social-psychological compliance, covert hypnotism, neuro-linguistic programming, and deep fakes. Hassan emphasizes media literacy in order to avoid these organizations and provides tips on how to engage with a loved one involved in a cult. Mayim and Jonathan discuss society's servitude to technology and debate about potential solutions.

Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong.
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Steven Hassan PhD

Mental Health Counselor, Cult Expert

cultexpert
Mayim Bialik

Host

@missmayim
Jonathan Cohen

Co-Host

@jonathancohenofficial

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Guest References

Cult Expert Steven Hassan's Freedom of Mind Resource Center
The Freedom of Mind Resource Center supports those affected by undue influence by providing coaching and consulting services. We offer training and educational resources to support individuals, families, advocacy groups, educational institutions, professionals, law enforcement, government entities, and non-governmental organizations by providing training and educational resources.
(Book) The Cult of Trump
A masterful and eye-opening examination of Trump and the coercive control tactics he uses to build a fanatical devotion in his supporters written by “an authority on breaking away from cults…an argument that…bears consideration as the next election cycle heats up”
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Cult Expert Steve Hassan Is on a Controversial Crusade
Steve Hassan was once in a group widely regarded as a cult. He’s since spent decades working to rescue other cult members—but now some wonder if he’s gone too far...
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Steven Hassan | Cambridge College
Steven Hassan, M.Ed., LMHC, NCC is one of the foremost authorities on cults and mind control. He has been involved in educating the public about mind control, brainwashing and destructive cults since 1976. He holds a Master’s degree in counseling psychology from Cambridge College...
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