March 28, 2024
The Cookie Cutter Messiah School w/ Dr. Janja Lalich

The Cookie Cutter Messiah School w/ Dr. Janja Lalich

Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control.

Dr. Janja Lalich is a celebrated Professor of Sociology at California State University, Chico; and a published author of several books on cults and religions. Years before these accomplishments, she was a member of the Democratic Worker’s Party– a political cult that peaked in the 70s. The cult kept its members in line through public humiliation, forced pseudonyms to destroy individual identity, and the reinterpretation of Maoist philosophy to suit the leader’s needs. Join Rachel and Dr. Lalich as they discuss the similar techniques used by both cult leaders and controlling partners to manipulate their victims.

Stay tuned, Before You Go: Rachel speaks about the important concept of “introjection” and the pivotal role it plays in the indoctrination process.

Produced by Rachel Bernstein.

Author-Expert

Dr. Janja Lalich

Janja Lalich, Ph.D. 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, and issues of gender and sexuality.