28 Best Brainwash Podcasts

1. Sounds Like A Cult

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Putting the 'cult' in culture… Do you think SoulCycle is a cult? What about the Royal Family? What about Disney Adults? Or spiritual influencers? Is Instagram itself a cult? We're Sounds Like A Cult, an iHeart Radio Award-winning podcast that analyzes a different fanatical group every week to try and answer the big question: This ~sounds~ like a cult, but is it really? Created and hosted by New York Times-bestselling author Amanda Montell, co-hosted and produced by Chelsea Charles, Reese Oliver, and Iman Hariri Kia...more Hosts Amanda Montell, Isabela Medina-Mate
Producer/Network Studio71
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 3.9/5Apple Reviews 5.4KTwitter 2.6KInstagram 61K Avg Length 60 min Format Long form Get Email Contact Get access to full database of 2.7M podcastsCreate podcast lists, export in spreadsheet or CSV file with email contacts and start your podcast outreach in minutes.Sign Up for Free with Email Continue with Google

2. Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation

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Trust Me is a weekly interview podcast about cults, extreme belief, and the fine line between devotion and delusion—told through firsthand accounts from the people who lived it. Hosted by two women who've been in cults themselves, Lola Blanc and Meagan Elizabeth, the show features survivors from groups like Heaven's Gate, the Manson Family, NXIVM, OneTaste and more sharing personal stories of how they got in, how they got out, and everything in between...more Hosts Lola Blanc, Meagan Elizabeth
Producer/Network PodcastOne
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.5/5Apple Reviews 3.1KTwitter 928Instagram 20.7K Avg Length 61 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

3. IndoctriNation

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Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control.
Host Rachel Bernstein
Producer/Network IndoctriNation
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 729Facebook 2.1KTwitter 773Instagram 4.9K Avg Length 63 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

4. Cults, Culture & Coercion with Dr. Steve Hassan

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Steven Hassan, PhD, is one of the leading experts on cults and undue influence in the world. A former member of the right-wing Moonie cult, Hassan was deprogrammed 45 years ago and has dedicated his life to helping people out of cults and destructive situations. Dr. Hassan is a licensed mental health professional and has written four books, including The Cult of Trump and the seminal book Combating Cult Mind Control. On this podcast, Steve will explain HOW mind-control works, and how to protect yourself from its grips...more Host Dr. Steven Hassan
Producer/Network MeidasTouch Network
Email ****@freedomofmind.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 994 Avg Length 64 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

5. The cult.ture podcast

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Welcome to the cult.ture podcast Exploring the fine line between belief and manipulation In this podcast, we dive deep into the stories of cult survivors, unraveling the psychological, emotional, and social forces that pull people into these high-control groups. Through candid conversations, analysis, and firsthand accounts, we explore how belief can transform into manipulation, and how resilience leads to recovery...more Hosts Derek De Vol, Trinity P. Herrera
Producer/Network cultturepod
Email ****@proton.me
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.9/5Apple Reviews 15 Avg Length 100 min Format Extended Get Email Contact

6. Speaking of Cults

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A podcast about cults, coercive control and recovery. Formerly called the Sensibly Speaking podcast, in this weekly show host Chris Shelton interviews cult survivors, psychologists and other professionals and specialists about the topics of cult recruitment, retention and recovery. This also includes non-religious cults and extreme political movements including the more divisive elements of MAGA and left-wing culture war issues. There is nothing off-limits but we always try to be respectful of the people involved even if we do not respect the beliefs or actions involved.more Host Chris Shelton
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 414 Avg Length 88 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

7. How Were U Brainwashed?

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How Were U Brainwashed? is a podcast hosted by your new best friends, Nicole Spiezio and Jenny Donheiser, that asks guests just that. What did you grow up thinking was true that you now know is just full brainwashing, babe? How did you unpack that bullshit and come out the other side? From religion to Jersey Shore, from Monogamy to Pepé Le Pew, the pod tackles women stuff, fat/body stuff (Nicole is fat! Trendy!!!), mental health stuff (you know your girls are in therapy), and a fair share of lowbrow pop culture (hiiiiii Real Housewives). Hosted on Acast...more Hosts Jenny Donheiser, Nicole Spiezio
Producer/Network Jenny Donheiser
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 42 Avg Length 69 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

8. jon atack, family and friends

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Become a Paid Subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-atack-family--friends/subscribeBecome a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/jon-atack-family--friends/subscribejon atack, along with his son sam, present a series of educational podcasts on how to spot, avoid, and overcome unethical manipulation of all kinds - from destructive cults and abusive relationships, to advertising, groupthink, bullying and more...more Host Jon Atack
Producer/Network jon atack, family and friends
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 99 Avg Length 65 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

9. Cultimatum: The Cult & Human Trafficking Podcast

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Cultimatum: The Cult & Human Trafficking Podcast From the studio of Anonymous Andrew Podcast, we present 'Cultimatum,' a new podcast show that uncovers the hidden world of cults and human trafficking. Cultimatum is a cult podcast that dives deep into the hidden world of manipulation, control, and survival. Hosted by Anonymous Andrew and survivor-advocate Melody Post, each episode shares powerful stories from cult survivors, experts, and whistleblowers — exposing the tactics used to recruit and control, and the path to reclaiming freedom...more Hosts Andrew Polizzo, Melody Ann Post
Producer/Network Anonymous Andrew & Melody
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 42 Avg Length 64 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

10. Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes

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Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes explores true stories of belief taken too far: murderous cults, criminal cover-ups, mass manipulation, and the conspiracies that still won't die. Hosted by Vanessa Richardson, three weekly episodes dig into cases like Jonestown, Heaven's Gate, CIA mind control experiments, and presidential assassinations. This is true crime at the intersection of faith, fear and manipulation.Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes is a Crime House Original, powered by PAVE Studios. Follow us on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts...more Host Vanessa Richardson
Producer/Network Crime House
Email ****@vrvoice.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.4/5Apple Reviews 410 Avg Length 42 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

11. Hidden Cults

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From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome...more Host Nik Hunter
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 20 Avg Length 39 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

12. Outwitting the Manipulator

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Manipulation doesn't announce itself. It shows up mid-sentence, mid-meeting, mid-argument — and by the time you realize what happened, it's over. Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski — communication experts with 50+ years of combined experience — break down the tactics manipulators use and hand you specific, practical techniques to respond in real time. No therapy-speak. No 'just set boundaries' advice that sounds great on paper and falls apart the second someone pushes back...more Hosts Dr. Dennis Becker, Robin Golinski
Producer/Network Dr. Dennis Becker & Robin Golinski
Email ****@speechimprovement.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.9/5Apple Reviews 21 Avg Length 38 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

13. MLM Recovery Room Podcast

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Welcome to the MLM Recovery Room, the podcast where former MLMers find a safe space to unpack their experiences and reclaim their lives. Hosted by Meggan J. Lanahan, a 14-year Amway veteran, this show dives deep into the emotional, financial, and spiritual toll of multilevel marketing-and offers practical tools to help you heal, rebuild, and move forward. Through candid conversations, expert advice, and personal stories, we'll explore the red flags, cult-like tactics, and psychological manipulation that make MLMs so harmful...more Host Meggan J. Lanahan
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 8 Avg Length 36 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

14. Politics & Psychology

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Exposing uncomfortable truths and mind games in politics, news, and society - using science & love. Join Dr. Renee Carr every Thursday to hear the psychology behind headlines. Listen and protect yourself from manipulation and deception. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.more Host Dr. Renee Carr
Producer/Network Politics & Psychology
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 8 Avg Length 32 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

15. Think First with Jim Detjen

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Think First with Jim Detjen examines the ideas, evidence, and stories shaping what we believe and how we act. Through conversations and investigations, the podcast explores media, technology, culture, and the habits of human judgment. Read Distorted and explore essays and practical tools at thnkfirst.com .more Host Jim Detjen
Producer/Network Jim Detjen | Think First
Email ****@detjengroup.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.4/5Apple Reviews 61Instagram 88 Avg Length 12 min Format Short form Get Email Contact

16. Brainwashed

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Brainwashed investigates the CIA's covert mind control experiments from the Cold War and MKULTRA to the so-called War on Terror. It's the story of how a renowned psychiatrist used his unwitting patients as human guinea pigs at a Montreal hospital, and the ripple effects on survivors, their families, and thousands of other people around the world. It also examines the cultural impact — how the CIA brought LSD to America and inadvertently created counterculture influencers such as author Ken Kesey and poet Allen Ginsberg...more Host Michelle Shephard
Producer/Network CBC True Crime
Email ****@frequentflyerfilms.ca
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.3/5Apple Reviews 907Twitter 11.4KInstagram 37K Avg Length 36 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

17. Feet of Clay—Confessions of the Cult Sisters

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Feet of Clay Confessions of the Cult Sisters What's it like to live in a Christian cult commune? How the hell do smart people get brainwashed into crazy beliefs and behaviors?  Tracey & Sharon share their parallel journeys into and out of Last Days Ministries, led by Christian music super-star Keith Green (and later his wife Melody Green).  Plus they interview others who also got out of high-control groups and toxic churches...more Hosts Tracey Phalen, Sharon Madere
Producer/Network Tracey and Sharon
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 126 Avg Length 88 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

18. Manipulation Games: Psychology & Marketing

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Welcome to 'Manipulation Games: Psychology & Marketing,' a podcast that explores the intricate dance between the human psyche and the world of marketing. Join hosts Gene and Darren as they explore how psychological principles influence marketing strategies, and vice versa, revealing the subtle art of persuasion that shapes our decisions and behaviors.Each episode of 'Manipulation Games' will take you on a journey through fascinating topics at the intersection of psychology and marketing...more Hosts Gene Alder, Darren Kim
Producer/Network Envoice Media
Email ****@bloomalder.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 5 Avg Length 86 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

19. DisAllusioned Podcast

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Disallusioned Podcast was created to spread awareness on themes of coercive control, cult dynamics, and recovery from high control environments. From shedding light on cults not heard of before to diving deep into relevant philosophical and psychological perspectives, DisAllusioned Podcast brings a variety of viewpoints, discussions, and survivor testimonies. Watch every Sundaymore Host Ari Sherwood
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Avg Length 73 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

20. The Sunshine Place

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Welcome to the 1980s, where the war on drugs rages on and America's teenagers are caught in the crossfire. Enter Straight Incorporated, a controversial new rehab program that promises its tough love approach can set kids back on the straight and narrow. But for the survivors of Straight, their experience tells a horrifyingly different story — one of abuse, torture, and brainwashing...more Hosts Cyndy Etler, Sari Crawford
Producer/Network Audacy Podcasts | Team Downey
Email ****@cyndyetler.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 2.2K Avg Length 44 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

21. The Dark Side of Devotion

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Welcome to The Dark Side of Devotion — where Sara, Steph, and Tony expose the hidden truths of religious abuse and cult-like organizations. Through stories and insights, we shed light on toxic environments, helping you recognize manipulation and control. If you've ever questioned a religious group, doubted a leader's intentions, or want a psychological and analytical perspective, this podcast is for you. Follow us on Youtube, Instagram and TikTok: @thedarksideofdevotion.more Hosts Sara, Steph Polan, Anthony Polanco
Producer/Network The Dark Side Of Devotion
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 4 Avg Length 70 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

22. deepdive4truth

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Become a Paid Subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deep-dive4truth/subscribeSubscribe - https://anchor.fm/deep-dive4truth (Hear It First) The Deepdivefortruth Team Is About Digging For The Truth.The Truth About Topics That May Or May Not Be Based In Reality, But Based In The Control And Manipulation And Misguidance Of Our Species By The 'SYSTEM.' The 'SYSTEM' That Is Not For The Human Species, But For The 'ENTITLED ONES' Of The Human Race.Connections Between Humans And Aliens. Who's Really Controlling The Earth And Human Race...more Producer/Network Conspiracy theories, Aliens/bases/species, UFO abductions, Bigfoot, NWO, MIB
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 3.4/5Apple Reviews 43 Avg Length 66 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

23. Cult Escape Artists

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Cult Escape Artists - Interview Podcast - Feature Documentary - Documentary Series We dive in to stories of artists escaping cults from around the globe. The director of the feature documentary WITNESS UNDERGROUND interviews artists, musicians, actors, directors, authors etc. who successfully navigated mind control tactics and got out of a cult. Through making our documentary, artists all over the world emerged with amazing music, art, and stories which we show off as powerful examples of resilience and empowerment...more Host Scott Homan
Email ****@bananaislandfilms.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 2 Avg Length 63 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

24. Propaganda Paradox

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Is the world being manipulated? It feels like overnight, old political ideas have resurfaced, fueled by a sophisticated blend of propaganda, media manipulation, PR stunts, and targeted marketing. Behind the headlines, a complex web of influence is shaping our opinions and driving our actions. But you don't have to be a victim. Join us as we unravel the tactics used to control public discourse, and learn how to navigate this turbulent landscape with critical thinking and discernment. Together, we can reclaim our power and shape a future free from manipulation.more Hosts Elliot Touretz, Tun Myaing
Producer/Network Elliot Touretz and Tun Myaing
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 10 Avg Length 40 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

25. Wicked Confessions Uncensored

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Two sisters who escaped a polygamist cult are finally telling the stories they were never supposed to share. Join Pamela and Vera as they expose the twisted truths, spiritual manipulation, and so-called 'God's will' that justified it all — with raw honesty, dark humor, and zero shame.From cult conditioning to reclaiming their power, they're pulling back the curtain on a world where obedience was holy, silence was survival, and sex came with a scripture.Get ready for a wild, unfiltered ride that will make you laugh, question everything, and feel a little more free.more Hosts Vera LaRee, Pamela Jones
Email ****@wickedconfessionsuncensored.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 7 Avg Length 34 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

26. Hoax Hunters

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Some stories are too good to be true. And some lies are too good not to believe. Hoax Hunters is your daily deep dive into the anatomy of a lie. We track down history's most audacious frauds, forgeries, and fakes—from the lost princess who wasn't lost, to the petrified giant that captivated a nation, to the Martian invasion that never happened. Each episode is a forensic investigation into a single, masterful deception. We'll meet the brilliant con artists, the charismatic cult leaders, and the scientific frauds who managed to fool the world. But the real mystery isn't how they did it...more Producer/Network Byte & Pieces
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 3 Avg Length 31 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

27. The Chant

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An audio drama from 2e Production.In the heart of New York City, Detectives Jones and Mills are thrust into a chilling investigation as a series of seemingly unrelated murders rocks the urban landscape. Each crime scene reveals a perplexing pattern: no motive, no clear suspect, and a haunting chant from each murderer. As the detectives delve deeper, they uncover a sinister connection to a rising cult known as 'The Angels of Paragon', led by the charismatic yet mysterious Victor Stone...more Producer/Network 2e Production
Estimated listeners
Avg Length 19 min Format Short form Get Email Contact

28. The Skillful Art Of Manipulation | Mastering Psychology & Influence

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In the realm of true crime, dark psychology, and mind manipulation, The Skillful Art of Manipulation is your immersive gateway into the chilling world of psychological thrillers, real-world mind games, and behavioral control. Hosted by Joe & Ryan, this gripping podcast and audiobook series dissects the tactics of emotional coercion, deception, and influence used in romance, business, politics, and beyond...more Hosts Joe, Ryan
Producer/Network 10X Pod Group
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.2/5Apple Reviews 7 Avg Length 15 min Format Short form Get Email Contact