Cults come in a variety of expressions, though they have commonalities. Our guest for this episode is an expert on this subject, as well as a former cult member herself.
Dr. Janja Lalich is a researcher, author, and educator specializing in cults and extremist groups with a particular focus on charismatic relationships, political and other social movements, ideology, and social control. She was a Fulbright scholar and is Professor Emerita of Sociology at California State University, Chico, and the founder and former director of the Center for Research on Influence and Control. Her books are considered essential to understand the attraction of these groups. She presents four ways to not only explain the power of cults, but also the control they have over their followers. Her latest book is one of the most extensive examinations of those who’ve left cults.
Janja consults with education, mental health, business and legal professionals, and is a regular spokesperson for the media.
Tim and Bill also discuss the ongoing NXIVM trial, and how Janja's research helps to understand this kind of group.
Janja’s Website: http://cultresearch.org/
Janja’s Books: https://goo.gl/vGMML6
More about Recovering from Religion:
Did you know Recovering from Religion has local support groups?
https://bre.is/sndPcEW6E
Looking for a therapist who will respect your views?
https://www.seculartherapy.org/
Interested in meeting other people who have made the journey to recovery?
RfR is hosting a fall outing in Mars Hill, NC.
September 20-22, 2019
https://bre.is/cIC5j8dih
We want to hear your story.
Use the RfR Podcast hotline: 209-294-0681
Or fill out the form at the bottom of the RfR podcast page: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/podcast
E212: Cuban Ray-guns, Schoolgirl Poisonings, and Monkey Men with Rob Palmer
E211: Atheist Street Pirates: Building Secular Community with Evan Clark
E210: Godless Engineering with John Gleason
E209: Laughing Loudly in Outer Darkness with Stephanie M.
E208: Playing Devil's Advocate with Lucien Greaves
E207: Getting Lost in Trauma w/ David Teachout
E206: Separating Religion and Government w/ Geoffrey T. Blackwell
E205: Deconstruction on the Spectrum with Anthony Dominello
E204: Surviving a Christian Cult w/ Andrew Pledger
E203: Politics and Civic Engagement After Religion: Part 2 w/ Jason Racheotes
E202: Philosophy and Secularism w/ Nicholas Soutter
E201: How to Avoid Cognitive Bias w/ Richard Gilliver
E200: Trauma and Your Brain w/ Dr. Darrel Ray
E199: Why There Is No God w/ Armin Navabi
E198: How to Avoid Getting Hung Up on Bad Ideas w/ Matt Dillahunty
E197: Why Science Education is Important w/ Dr. Ethan Siegel
E196: Celebrating Sex Positivity w/ Arden Hart
E195: Logical Fallacies: The Sequel w/ Rob Palmer
E194: Answering the Call w/ Jimmy Snow
E193: Incels and the Boy Crisis w/ Dr. Darrel Ray
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