Best Jon Atack Podcasts (2025)

1
Landmark exposed: Is This a Cult? with Anne L. Peterson 2:21:18

1h ago2:21:18

2:21:18

Anne ran Landmark approved seminars for many years. She witnessed the return of Werner Erhard and often worked with him. Her fascinating book Is This a Cult? details the first phase of her own recovery. est and Landmark contain much that is familiar to Scientologists and survivors of Mind Dynamics, Subud, Silva Mind Control from which Erhard approp…

1
JESSIE REYEZ: DEPRESSION IS LIKE A DAGGER BUT YOU CAN'T SEE IT TO TAKE IT OUT 53:02

1h ago53:02

53:02

Jessie Reyez is a Canadian singer-songwriter who’s worked with the likes of Eminem, Duo Lipa, Calvin Harris - she’s a real musician’s musician, but the thing that has always struck me about Jessie was her energy: her music oozes emotion so I was excited to get her in the studio to chat. Jessie chatted to me about those big emotions she feels - how …

1
Theosophy, the Aryan Race, Nazi occultism and Scientology with Joe Szimhart 1:08:03

3h ago1:08:03

1:08:03

Madame Blavatsky's close confederate Dr Franz Hartmann was a point of origin for both Nazi Aryan Race theory and Hubbard's Scientology. He co-founded the Ordo Templi Orientis, the 'sex magick' group later headed by 'the wickedest man in the world' Aleister Crowley. Hubbard plundered Crowley's teachings to create Scientology.#scientologycult #scient…

1
DR ALIZA PRESSMAN: THE HIDDEN IMPACT OF PARENT'S MENTAL HEALTH ON CHILDREN 53:22

8d ago53:22

53:22

Dr. Aliza Pressman is a renowned childhood expert and developmental psychologist with two decades of experience; she also has a hugely successful podcast and has written multiple books about how to raise good humans. I was excited to speak to her as the topic of children becomes more and more relevant in my life… Aliza chatted to me about the incre…

1
Scientology and other language traps 1:22:33

10d ago1:22:33

1:22:33

Authoritarian cults like Scientology use loaded language to restrict and control thinking. Spike joins Jon for a discussion of this and some of the vital ways in which language is used to bypass reasoning.#scientologycult #scientology #lronhubbard #dianetics Links:The appendix to Orwell's 1984The Hubbard "Zimbabwe" interviewJon's paper, "Scientolog…

1
ITALIANBACH: GOING VIRAL IS JUST UNDERSTANDING HUMAN PSYCHOLOGY 1:01:40

14d ago1:01:40

1:01:40

ItalianBach is a hugely successful digital star with close to 5million followers; he’s someone who relentlessly works and studies his craft so I was fascinated to have him in the studio to find out about not only how he’s building his business, but where that drive and motivation comes from. Isaac chatted to me about how he chose his alias, Italian…

1
Scientology’s conspiracy against psychiatry with Dr Steve Moffic 1:20:18

4d ago1:20:18

1:20:18

award-winning psychiatrist Steve Moffic discusses the potential crisis in the US and Scientology's war on psychiatry. Steve criticises the pharmaceutical bias of psychiatry, while defending the proper use of medicines. Both the US and the UK have struggled with understaffing for the treatment of mental disorders. Steve and Jon talk about the drift …

1
EKIN-SU: I KEPT THE REAL ME LOCKED UP 1:08:23

22d ago1:08:23

1:08:23

Ekin-Su graced our television screens in 2022, winning Love Island, earning a place as royalty on the show. Since then, she’s been heralded as both genuine and fake. In this exclusive interview, Ekin opens up about the reality of putting yourself out there… Ekin is a producer’s dream - she brings high drama, hilarious moments and meme-able content …

1
how cults get you high - manipulating mania with Dr John Hunter 1:17:16

18d ago1:17:16

1:17:16

Since Scientology gave birth to Silva Mind Control, Leadership or Mind Dynamics and est, in the 1960s, there has been an industry in 'large group awareness trainings' (LGATs), including The Forum, Landmark Education, Lifespring and Tony Robbins. Wikipedia tells us LGATs 'may compromise participants' mental wellbeing'. Dr John Hunter realized that t…

1
MO GILLIGAN: WHY WE FEEL SO LOST IN OUR 20s 56:33

28d ago56:33

56:33

Mo Gilligan is a very funny man - he’s one of the biggest comedians in the UK, he’s hosted the BRITs, numerous TV shows and is currently on a world tour. He’s hugely successful, but what happens when you achieve all your dreams? Do you feel fulfilled? Or lost without that direction of a goal? Mo’s someone I’ve wanted to have on the show for a while…

1
RORY SUTHERLAND: INSIDE THE MIND OF A MARKETING GENIUS 1:11:33

1M ago1:11:33

1:11:33

Rory Sutherland is one of my heroes. You might not know his name, but you’ve definitely been influenced by his work— as the Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK he has shaped the face of marketing and advertising as we know it today. He’s also become a recent TikTok phenomenon as others have realised what an absolute genius this man is. I was beyond excited …

1
AMOL RAJAN: NOTHING CAN PREPARE YOU FOR THE DEATH OF A PARENT 1:04:04

1M ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Amol Rajan is a master of tough conversations - from conducting Phillip Schofield’s first interview to speaking to the likes of Novak Djokovic, Richard Branson and Greta Thunberg. However, I never imagined that I would find my conversation with Amol so challenging for myself, effortlessly opening me up. Having become the editor of the Independent a…

1
CAT BURNS: AUTISM MADE ME FEEL I WAS DOING LIFE WRONG 1:06:07

2M ago1:06:07

1:06:07

Cat Burns released a song on TikTok during lockdown, and quickly rose to becoming one of the UK’s best-selling female artists and a three-time BRIT Award nominee. At just 24, her success is remarkable, but what struck me most was her wisdom and self-awareness. As someone who is also neurodivergent, I was excited to connect with her, and we bonded o…

1
the fairy tale behind Putin's imperialism 58:34

1M ago58:34

58:34

Cult expert Joe Szimhart discusses Cosmism, the bizarre set of fairy tale ideas that underlie Putin's 'neo-Traditionalism' and the creation of a vast Eurasian state. The relationship between these ideas and other forms of fascism - including Nazism - showing the occult notions that remain unknown to the true believers in authoritarianism.link to th…

1
DR. JULIE: SIGNS THAT SOMEONE IS NOT A TRUE FRIEND 1:05:01

2M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

Dr. Julie is a psychologist who started putting videos on TikTok to make information about mental health more accessible but she never dreamed her videos would become as big as they did… With an audience of over 7 million, and the biggest-selling book of 2022, she’s someone I’ve wanted to chat to for a long time because the work she does is truly i…

1
NEW SHOW! Mad, Sad & Bad with Paloma Faith 10:59

2M ago10:59

10:59

We've got a brand new show joining the JamPot family and we wanted to share a little taste with you! This is Mad, Sad & Bad with Paloma Faith... If you like the sound of it and want to hear the rest of the episode and MORE, go follow us wherever you find your podcasts - there are some absolutely amazing guests coming up - you won't want to miss out…

1
rage against Scientology and other cults with Hoyt Richards 1:07:30

1M ago1:07:30

1:07:30

Actor, documentarian, and cult survivor Hoyt Richards discusses the danger of former members engaging before they have healed. Hoyt is concerned about the infighting in the wide world of survivors. Jon adds reflections from his four decades of work with former members.Many people leave an authoritarian group and deny the harm it did to them and the…

1
LUKE EVANS: I KNEW THE BULLYING AT SCHOOL WAS ONLY TEMPORARY 53:36

2M ago53:36

53:36

Growing up in the Valleys, to London’s West End to the big screen in Hollywood, Luke Evans joins me in the studio and his story is incredible! Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, in a strict religious community, Luke knew his true identity was in conflict with his beliefs. After persistent bullying throughout his schooling, at age 16, he left home, and …

1
positively AI with Dustin Rozario Steinhagen, PhD 55:41

2M ago55:41

55:41

Jon and Dustin share some positive ideas about AI and a few cyber security tips to keep Scientology agents out of your computer.Links:Dustin's websiteDustin's dissertationPew Research Center survey on Americans' views of AIArticle mentioning improved performance on the International Mathematics Olympiad qualifying examAI Medical licensing exam perf…

1
Is Scientology a rebranding of ritual magick? (also Scientology slavery) 45:46

2M ago45:46

45:46

Jon and Spike continue their discussion on Hubbard, ritual magick, the slaves that Hubbard made, and the slaves still kept captive by Scientology to this day. Links: Survey of atheists who believe in the supernaturalMore on the four humors

1
RUBY WAX: I DID NOT LOVE MY PARENTS 1:01:52

2M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

Ruby Wax is a legend in the world of interviewers; having spoken to the likes of Donald Trump and O.J. Simpson, she’s a person I’ve long admired and feel an affinity to in our interview styles, so I was really excited to have her join me on the show this week. Ruby was disarmingly charming, opening up about her relationship with her parents, admitt…

1
did Ron Hubbard use Hitler's "magick" to make Scientology? 51:32

2M ago51:32

51:32

Hubbard's oldest son, L. Ron Jr., aka "Nibs," once said, "The same man who gave the magick to Hitler gave it to Ron Hubbard." Is this an accurate assessment of Scientology? Jon and Spike talk about this and about ritual magick, Nazism, Theosophy, and other subjects. It's a wild ride and you'll want to listen in.Links:The Shrinking World of L. Ron H…

1
JASON DERULO: BREAKING MY NECK LED TO MY BIGGEST SUCCESS 1:02:42

3M ago1:02:42

1:02:42

Jason Derulo is a force of nature: a global hitmaker who’s sold over 250 million singles and been writing songs since the age of 8. Beyond his chart-topping career, he’s also a savvy entrepreneur and an inspiring storyteller. I’ll admit, I was a little star-struck sitting down with him, but I was excited to uncover the more human side of the pop ic…

1
PROF TIM SPECTOR: 60% OF THE UK’S DIET IS ULTRA PROCESSED 1:11:29

3M ago1:11:29

1:11:29

It’s the new year, a new series and I’m thinking about making good intentions for 2025 so who better to kick off the year with than Professor Tim Spector - founder of Zoe and leading voice in nutrition to talk to me all about the link between our gut and mental health, his opinion on Ozempic and how eating better really can change our quality of li…

1
JAMIE LAING: I HAVE A FEAR OF BEING FORGOTTEN 1:03:01

3M ago1:03:01

1:03:01

Happy New Year! To celebrate the end of Great Company’s first chapter after 40 episodes we’re treating you to something special. For this bonus episode, the tables are turned, and I’m in the hot seat! Producer Jemima, who’s been there through it all, takes the reins to interview me! I open up about my time on Made in Chelsea, sharing how it shaped …

1
Scientology's marketing mayhem with Jefferson Hawkins 43:23

3M ago43:23

43:23

The New York Times best-seller list was topped by Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health almost forty years after it was first published through Jefferson Hawkins' marketing savvy. A turgid, repetitive, contradictory text, whose own author labelled its method 'hypnotic' only a year after release, reached the top of the most significant book…

1
ROB BRYDON: I CRIED FILMING THE GAVIN AND STACEY FINALE 53:30

3M ago53:30

53:30

Surprise - it’s a Monday release! Christmas can get a bit hectic but we wanted to make sure you still had your weekly dose of Great Company - just like the December payday, we’re a little early… What really happened on the fishing trip? It’s the question Rob Brydon—beloved Uncle Bryn in Gavin and Stacey—gets asked a lot, and with their Christmas sp…

1
gratitude with Steven Moffic, M.D. 1:12:15

3M ago1:12:15

1:12:15

Thanksgiving brought gratitude to Dr Moffic's attention. As he points out, gratitude is an important aspect of our psychological health. The good doctor asks if gratitude is relevant to cult involvement. Perhaps sociopathy can be seen as a lack of gratitude?Note: From Abraham Lincoln Online: "Prior to this, each state scheduled its own Thanksgiving…

1
GK BARRY: I'M IN LOVE FOR THE FIRST TIME 47:48

3M ago47:48

47:48

I would say that Grace Keeling, (or GK Barry) is the first person in the UK to successfully navigate herself from TikTok to mainstream television. Fresh from her time in the I’m A Celeb jungle, Grace came in to the studio to chat everything from bush-tucker trials to her love life. GK Barry gained her huge following on TikTok for her unadulterated …

1
Madam Blavatsky - the Godmother of the New Age - with Joe Szimhart 54:27

4M ago54:27

54:27

Madam Blavatsky was a fascinating woman. She travelled throughout Europe, the Middle East, India and the US gathering every last secret from the Sufi, Sikh, Masonic and Rosicrucian groups she met and published them in her Secret Doctrine. Many groups have their origins in her work - including Theosophy, Anthroposophy, the Church Universal and Trium…

1
SHIRLEY BALLAS: THE STRICTLY CURSE COULD HAPPEN ANYWHERE 1:10:45

4M ago1:10:45

1:10:45

Shirley Ballas is a powerhouse: she’s the only woman in history to win the British Open to the World Professional Latin Championships with two different partners, reaching the final an incredible 17 times, and now the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Shirley during my time on Strictly, and I’ve always be…

1
Scientology, Nazism, Blavatsky, and the Occult 39:34

4M ago39:34

39:34

Jon has a few things on his mind about the connection between Scientology, the Nazis, and the occult. Was L. Ron Hubbard Jr. right when he said that his father “was given the magic by the same person who gave it to Hitler"? Just what is the link between the Nazis and Scientology?Read Jon's paper, Possible Origins of Dianetics and Scientologyor watc…

1
ALIX EARLE: I CLOSED MYSELF TO LOVE FOR A LONG TIME 56:51

4M ago56:51

56:51

Skyrocketing to fame on TikTok in 2020, amassing millions of followers and securing the number eight spot on Rolling Stone’s 2024 list of the most influential creators, Alix Earle is a force to be reckoned with. She’s also been on my dream guest-list for a long time, so while I was in LA I was delighted to sit down with her… We began by connecting …

1
Murderous, S3x-Crazed S@tanists in Silly Robes - how cults are (mis)represented in movies & TV 57:19

4M ago57:19

57:19

Spike's been researching movies and TV shows featuring "cults" and has found an ... ahem... interesting pattern. Join Jon and Spike as they discuss the good, the bad, and the just plain cringe.

1
JAMES WATT: THE TYPO THAT COST ME £50-MILLION 1:04:09

4M ago1:04:09

1:04:09

James Watt - or the BrewDog guy - is a guest I’ve wanted on the show for a while as, with these podcasts, I’m always curious to find out who the person is behind the name… So who is James Watt? For me, he’s an impressive business head, for some he’s a guy who sells great beer, others will know him from controversies surrounding the running of the b…

1
Surviving Trump: Can We Counter Absolutism Without Becoming Absolutists? with Jeremy Sherman 1:08:41

4M ago1:08:41

1:08:41

Explore the pressing question of our time: How do we counter authoritarianism without falling into dogma ourselves? In this thought-provoking conversation, John Atack and Jeremy Sherman tackle the rise of absolutist movements, the role of irony and curiosity in challenging dogma, and the existential challenges facing humanity in an increasingly com…

1
LL COOL J: BECOMING THE GOAT 48:35

4M ago48:35

48:35

If you want to talk about OGs, you can’t get much better than LL Cool J; one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success, he’s gone on to star in movies, tv and after 11 years, he’s finally released another album and I was lucky enough to chat to him for today’s episode - what an insane honour. From a young age, LL Cool J knew music was h…

1
cyber security and thought reform with Dustin Rozario Steinhagen, PhD 1:47:31

5M ago1:47:31

1:47:31

As a member of Dustin's PhD committee, Jon became familiar with his research into public awareness of psychological manipulation. Dustin describes the motivation for his work and the survey he used to estimate public understanding of manipulation. This breakthrough research will hopefully encourage other graduate students to work in this vastly und…

1
RIZZLE KICKS: MY ANXIETY PARALYSED ME 1:03:56

5M ago1:03:56

1:03:56

After reaching the heights of success so quickly, it all came crumbling down for Rizzle Kicks when Harley’s anxiety left him incapable of performing. In an attempt to help him, Jordan realised he too had demons to conquer. Now, almost ten years later, Rizzle Kicks are back! - and I was lucky enough to chat to them about the journey from then to now…

1
magical thinking with Hoyt Richards 1:06:34

5M ago1:06:34

1:06:34

Hoyt shares his experience as a long term member of a group with a base in astrology. He was recruited at age 16. He studied at Princeton University and became internationally successful but stayed in the group for 20 years. Why do we accept conspiracy theories and magical ideas? To what extent do limitations in perception and interpretation inhibi…

1
EMILY ATACK: I'VE ONLY ENJOYED SEX A HANDFUL OF TIMES 1:06:32

5M ago1:06:32

1:06:32

From her breakout role as Charlotte in The Inbetweeners and gracing the covers of lads’ mags, Emily Atack always knew she’d be famous but the level of attention that came with it wasn’t quite what she’d bargained for, especially when that attention has gotten nasty. Emily and I have been friends for some time but this is the first time I’ve seen he…

1
cannabis breakthrough research with Ethan Russo, M.D. 53:16

5M ago53:16

53:16

Dr Ethan Russo has been involved in cannabis research for many years. He dispels some of the myths and talks about recent breakthroughs in the treatment of anxiety and dementia. Dr Russo focuses on current research into limonene and cannabigerol. A fascinating conversation with a true expert.Links:Ethan's site: https://ethanrusso.org Acute effects …

1
JON SOPEL: WHAT IT’S LIKE TO FLY WITH A PRESIDENT 1:05:25

5M ago1:05:25

1:05:25

Former BBC North America Editor, Jon Sopel spent eight years in Washington, D.C. covering the Obama administration, to Trump, and far too many mass shootings. He now hosts The News Agents podcast and I must admit, I was a little nervous to speak to Jon, as he’s such an experienced broadcaster and commentator, but the conversation was fantastic - he…

1
Approaches to Trump supporters with Jeremy Sherman 1:15:16

5M ago1:15:16

1:15:16

Jeremy is anxious to prevent a dissociation death spiral in our culture. We explore further his approach to Trump supporters and Jon offers some portmanteau words - Jeremy's speciality - including Magavellian, utopiates and fascilitators.Links:Jeremy's videos: "Ruin A Trumpist's Day The Nice Way"and "How to Stage Interventions With Trump Addicts"…

1
MUNYA CHAWAWA: TRUMP IS FALLING OUT OF A DICTATOR'S HANDBOOK 1:07:36

5M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

The news can be pretty overwhelming at times and the politics of it all can be confusing too but there are people who make it understandable and possible to engage with; Munya Chawawa’s satire is smart, it’s funny and it gets people talking. He, himself is smart and funny and I was keen to get him talking - he’s a guest I’ve been eager to speak to …

1
Is the work of Zimbardo, Milgram and Sherif valid? with Joe Szimhart 23:07

5M ago23:07

23:07

The social science that supports our work with cults has been questioned in the last decade. We discuss the complaints about Zimbardo's Stanford Prison Experiment, Stanley Milgram's Yale shock machine studies, and Sherif's Robbers Cave Experiment.Note: this was recorded a few days before Dr. Zimbardo passed. He was truly a titan of our field and wi…

1
PROF. SARAH BERRY: MENOPAUSE CAUSES 10% OF WOMEN TO LEAVE THEIR JOBS 59:08

6M ago59:08

59:08

From increased risks of chronic diseases to sleepless nights and even leaving workplace, menopause can have a profound impact on women's lives —but what exactly is it? I’ll admit, I was embarrassed by how little I knew, despite knowing the word. That’s why I’m delighted to have leading expert and Chief Scientist at ZOE, Professor Sarah Berry, joini…

1
Cult experts talk about Trump with Joe Szimhart 1:02:09

6M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

Many of us in the counter-cult world are alarmed at the prospect of a Trump presidency. Trump has proved himself to be an authoritarian. His following accept the vague promises of greatness and the lack of policy, despite hundreds of leading Republicans declaring for Harris.Buy the NEW edition of Steven Hassan's Cult of Trump!…

1
RACHEL STEVENS: WHY I STRUGGLE TO OPEN UP 56:26

6M ago56:26

56:26

Imagine being scouted to be in one of the biggest bands of the 00s, going on to tour the globe and have thousands of fans worldwide, and then one day it all just stops. S Club 7 was a band I grew up with and until now, I’d ‘Never Had A Dream Come True…’ Rachel Stevens has topped the charts in both a band and as a solo performer, but the imposter sy…

1
books and movies to untangle someone from Scientology 1:10:00

6M ago1:10:00

1:10:00

Spike joins Jon to discuss the books, movies, and documentaries that can help people wean themselves from Scientology's problematic beliefs. Please leave your own viewing/reading recommendations in the comments below!As always, please be kind and respectful of others' viewpoints.Links:Jon on Andrew GoldJon on LadBibleSecret Lives: L. Ron HubbardThe…

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