IndoctriNation

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein interviews Elise Heerde, a certified coach and mental health practitioner specializing in religious trauma, cult recovery, and coercive control. Elise recounts being raised in fundamentalist Pentecostalism with fear-based teachings about hell and the rapture, leading to anxiety, depression, and insomnia. While on staff at a high-control Pentecostal megachurch, she sought pastoral care and experienced grooming and assault, followed by silencing, threats, and blame. She describes the challenges of leaving and explains her trauma-informed coaching approach versus unqualified “spiritual counseling.” Elise also discusses co-founding the Religious Trauma Collective Australia & New Zealand to connect survivors with resources and practitioners, and advocates for behavior-focused reforms such as group-based coercive control through Victoria’s parliamentary inquiry. 

Elise’s Links
Website: https://www.eliseheerde.com/
Book: https://www.eliseheerde.com/books

Connect with us on social media: 
⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠
Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:
⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠
Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: 
https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠
Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:
https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION
Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: 
https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm
Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4
Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:
https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign
Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:
https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html
IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:
⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination 
In this Patreon bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein covers black-and-white (all-or-nothing) thinking and how cults and controlling partners reinforce it through us-vs-them fear, loyalty demands, and discouraging questions. The episode covers how this mindset affects former cult members’ relationships, self-esteem, emotions, and decision-making, often fueling guilt, shame, anxiety, and paralysis. The episode also introduces CBT strategies and an exercise to practice more nuanced, evidence-based thinking and regain confidence outside a high-control group.

Connect with us on social media: 
⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠
Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:
⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠
Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: 
https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠
Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:
https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION
Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: 
https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm
Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4
Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:
https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign
Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:
https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html
IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:
⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode, John Collins, founder of the William Branham Historical Research and the 'Leaving the Message' YouTube channel, shares his personal journey of escaping the cult of William Branham. Raised within the cult, where his grandfather was a leading figure, John dives into his awakening from deep-seated indoctrination that began due to a series of personal traumas. He details his extensive research on the origins of the group, its ties to weaponized religion, and the profound influences on modern charismatic movements. John highlights the challenges of re-entering the 'real world' after years of indoctrination, the disturbing discoveries about the cult's connections to historical and political movements, and the ongoing efforts to bring these truths to light. His story is a compelling exploration of faith, manipulation, and the quest for truth.

Collins’ Links
Website: https://william-branham.org/site/john_collins
Books: https://william-branham.org/site/books
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeavingtheMessage

Connect with us on social media: 
⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠
Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:
⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠
Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: 
https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠
Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:
https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION
Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: 
https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm
Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4
Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:
https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign
Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:
https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html
IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:
⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode, Rachel Bernstein speaks with Susan Bookheimer, a distinguished UCLA professor and neuropsychologist with over 40 years of expertise in brain imaging and human brain development. The discussion delves into the profound impact of trauma on the brain, particularly focusing on the reward system and the amygdala. They explore how neglect and various forms of abuse alter brain structures and functions, the significance of implicit learning, memory modulation, and the potential for healing through therapy and positive experiences. Susan emphasizes the importance of understanding the brain's interconnected systems, practical strategies for mitigating ongoing stress, and the power of conscious, repeated positive experiences in fostering recovery. This episode sheds light on both the challenges and possibilities for those seeking to heal from traumatic experiences.

Susan’s Links
UCLA Profile: https://profiles.ucla.edu/susan.bookheimer

Connect with us on social media: 
⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠
Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:
⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠
Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: 
https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠
Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:
https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION
Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: 
https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm
Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4
Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:
https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign
Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:
https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html
IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:
⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about
A quick note: this podcast is proudly partnered with a company, but the ads you hear are chosen by our network, not by us. Their views don’t necessarily reflect those of the IndoctriNation team.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination 
In the continuation of this Patreon bonus episode, Rachel Bernstein discusses the importance of self-talk and its impact on mental well-being. The episode covers techniques to regulate the nervous system, externalize the internalized critic, and practice curiosity over blame. Rachel emphasizes the value of gentle cognitive behavioral techniques, grounding exercises, and compassionate self-talk scripts. The episode also highlights the benefits of shifting physiological and cognitive patterns to build more positive and self-affirming internal dialogues.

Connect with us on social media: 
⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠
Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:
⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠
Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: 
https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠
Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:
https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION
Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: 
https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm
Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4
Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:
https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign
Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:
https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html
IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:
⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about
A quick note: this podcast is proudly partnered with a company, but the ads you hear are chosen by our network, not by us. Their views don’t necessarily reflect those of the IndoctriNation team.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands