Best Hoyt Richards Podcasts (2025)

1
Beyond Belief: How Pentecostal Christianity Is Taking Over the World with Elle Hardy 1:00:01

1d ago1:00:01

1:00:01

In this episode of Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum, I discussed the steady rise of Pentecostal Christianity with award-winning journalist and author Elle Hardy. Her 2022 book, Beyond Belief: How Pentecostal Christianity Is Taking Over the World, details how the charismatic movement has become a global phenomenon, with currently (2025) a…

1
Cults Like Us: Why Doomsday Thinking Drives America with Jane Borden 54:49

9d ago54:49

54:49

One of Jane’s most striking points in her book and our conversation is that cults aren’t just something “other people” get involved in. Cults can deceptively recruit anyone and work in many different spheres of influence. “I just started pulling the thread,” Jane recalled, “and traced it back to the Puritans.” She explains how the theological world…

1
The Echo Machine: How Right-Wing Extremism Created a Post-Truth America with David Pakman 52:45

16d ago52:45

52:45

Right-wing extremism, post-truth America, and media literacy converge in my conversation with David Pakman. Pakman is a prominent political commentator and the host of The David Pakman Show, with over three million YouTube subscribers. Known for his insightful arguments and approachable style, Pakman tackles complex social issues, educating us on t…

1
5 Plans All New Food Allergy Moms Must Have 51:45

22d ago51:45

51:45

What topic would you like discussed? Text us! Receiving a food allergy diagnosis for your child can feel like the world has suddenly shifted beneath your feet. What was once a simple trip to the grocery store now involves scrutinizing labels, and family gatherings transform into potential hazard zones. But here's the truth: with the right plans in …

1
Cults, Authoritarian Control, and the Fight for Democracy with Sociologist Dr. Stephen A. Kent 59:35

23d ago59:35

59:35

Cult influence can be found everywhere online, including the political sphere we see when we scroll on social media. Understanding how authoritarian control operates is critical in preserving our autonomy and individuality. In this new episode of The Influence Continuum, I talk with Dr. Stephen Kent, professor emeritus of sociology, who taught cour…

1
Shadow Diplomacy: Lev Parnas and his Wild Ride from Brooklyn to Trump’s Inner Circle 50:41

1M ago50:41

50:41

On this episode of Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum, we spoke with Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian-American businessman and former Trump insider turned whistleblower. He has withstood intimidation, threats, and time in prison to present evidence and help America better understand the truth about the cult of Trump. His book, Shadow Diplomacy: Lev…

1
From Supermodel to Cult Survivor: A Story of Purpose and Healing with Hoyt Richards 1:12:25

1M ago1:12:25

1:12:25

“You were involved for over 20 years with an apocalyptic, survivalist UFO-like cult. Before joining the cult, you were a bright 16-year-old who later attended Princeton and played football for them as a cornerback. Looking back, you were essentially a bright, educated, charismatic young man who happened to meet the wrong person at the wrong time.” …

1
Terror Love and Brainwashing: Attachment in Cults and Totalitarian Systems with Alexandra Stein PhD 1:01:59

1M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

“I do feel we have an obligation to speak up,” Alexandra Stein, PhD said on this episode of Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum, “and it’s tough for people to resist these systems when there is total silence, and that’s what these systems kind of rely on.” Alexandra exited a ten year stint in a left wing political cult when she was 36 years…

1
Betrayal of The Spirit: Krishna, Cults and Healing with Nori Muster 1:03:58

2M ago1:03:58

1:03:58

 Cult survivors often have the instinct to want to save as many people as possible from the cult they survived. However, healing from the things they encountered while in the cult is often a first step before a survivor can help others escape. Cult survivors usually seek to heal with some form of therapy and move on. Nori was a member of ISKCON fro…

1
Neural Surfing: Consciousness, Meditation, and Mystical Manipulation in Spiritual Organizations With David Christopher Lane 1:07:20

2M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

For many, practices like meditation and yoga are among the most thrilling avenues for deepening spiritual awareness. At their best, these techniques can serve as a neurological and biochemical reset—enhancing self-awareness and empowering transformation. But at their worst, they can cause a loss of personal grounding, leaving individuals vulnerable…

1
The Time Cure: Overcoming PTSD with the New Psychology of Time Perspective Therapy by Dr. Philip Zimbardo with Rosemary Sword 1:04:12

2M ago1:04:12

1:04:12

Those who have experienced Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) will often report the profoundly painful experience of being thrown into past trauma by a particular trigger. Common examples include war veterans who may experience full body activation following a loud explosive noise. Another examp…

1
Is Xolair (omalizumab) really "superior" to multi-food oral immunotherapy (OIT)? 32:55

2M ago32:55

32:55

What topic would you like discussed? Text us! The world of food allergy treatment has been buzzing with headlines claiming that Xolair (omalizumab) is "superior" to oral immunotherapy for treating multiple food allergies. As a board-certified allergist who both prescribes Xolair and performs multi-food OIT, I'm here to cut through the hype and prov…

1
Make it Meaningful: How to Find Purpose in Life and Work: Leaving the Kabbalah Centre Cult and Becoming a Scholar in the World of Corporate Social Responsibility With Debbie Haski-Leventhal, PhD 59:05

2M ago59:05

59:05

Power can be rapidly stripped away from individuals, or it can be taken away layer by layer. Not everyone makes it out of a cult, but life can become particularly meaningful when they do. A new purpose can arise for the person, more substantial than the grasp of mind control. Leaving an authoritarian cult is the experience that Dr. Debbie Haski-Lev…

1
The Hidden Influence of Occult Beliefs on World Politics with Joe Szimhart 1:03:28

3M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

“How did I get to the point where I am upset with this current administration?” Joe Szimhart asks at the start of this week’s Cult Conversations: Influence Continuum episode. His journey from a self-described “cult believer” to a leading expert on esoteric religious movements offers invaluable insights into how authoritarian influence takes hold in…

1
The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley with Marietje Schaake 47:29

3M ago47:29

47:29

Marietje Schaake is a Fellow at Stanford University’s Cyber Policy Center and Stanford’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. As a Dutch politician, she also served as a member of the European Parliament from the Netherlands between 2009 and 2019. She was appointed to the United Nations High-Level Advisory Body on AI in 2023. With …

1
Tools, Methods, and Political Games in the Age of Musk with Stuart Shulman, PhD 1:00:53

3M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

Elon Musk, a corporate billionaire and private naturalized American citizen born in South Africa, has taken an extraordinary amount of power in government since Donald Trump took office as President less than a month ago. Musk is seeking to interfere with elections in Germany and other countries around the world. Vance recently told European leader…

1
Invisible Threads: Weaving Mental Health and Democracy in Trump Times with Kate Woodsome 1:10:45

3M ago1:10:45

1:10:45

Kate Woodsome is the founder of The Invisible Threads Project, which studies the relationship between mental health and democracy. We talked about the recent election of Trump and the support for that process from the Heritage Foundation, Opus Dei implications, and Project 2025. She was part of The Washington Post team who won a Pulitzer Prize for …

1
How to Prescribe Stock Epinephrine to Schools and Other Entities 56:13

4M ago56:13

56:13

What topic would you like discussed? Text us! Accidental ingestions of food allergens happen all too often, so kids with food allergies need access to epinephrine. While them having their own epi is ideal, that just isn't always the reality. Stock epinephrine is epinephrine prescribed to a school or other entity to be used to treat a child or adult…

1
On Offense: Taking Action to Prevent Further Assaults to Democracy with Kristofer Goldsmith 1:03:38

4M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

Kristofer Goldsmith is the founder and CEO of the nonprofit group Task Force Butler Institute, which trains veterans in research and operations to counter extremism. He is an Iraq combat veteran, accomplished public policy advocate, nonprofit leader, and expert on the threats posed by domestic extremist organizations that work against Democracy. Hi…

1
How to Feed Babies to Prevent Food Allergies: The Safety of "Early" Food Introduction 28:47

4M ago28:47

28:47

What topic would you like discussed? Text us! This episode focuses on the importance of early introduction of allergenic foods in preventing food allergies in infants. Tune in to hear Dr. Hoyt discuss the LEAP and EAT studies, which illustrate how feeding babies common allergens early can significantly reduce their risk of developing allergies. You…

1
Tuning In: Experiencing Music in Psychedelic States, a new book by former Hare Krishna devotee Steven J. Gelberg 1:05:54

4M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

This interview had two foci: ISKCON and Tulsi Gabbard’s Connection to Krishna Hinduism and his new academic book on music and its role in psychedelics states. Gelberg was a Krishna devotee for 17 years and has written about his experiences with the cult and why he exited. He is now a successful photographer and author. We discussed the more recent …

1
Framed: Women in the Family Court Underworld with Dr. Christine M. Cocchiola and Amy Polacko 1:01:12

4M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

Ever hear the term coercive control? Did you know the UK government made it a crime? It is the application of undue influence methods and techniques used by a person, typically a man against a partner to do what I have been calling mind control- as in my BITE Model. However, women especially need to know what the techniques are and how to navigate …

1
Research on Folks Who Left the Headquarters of the Jehovah’s Witnesses with Dr. Andre Jackson 1:01:49

4M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Former cult members often reference the moment when they finally realized they were in a cult. In 2023 the Watchtower Society reported approximately 8.6 million members. Like many cults, Jehovah's Witnesses discourage critical thinking and members' exposure to any information that could be critical of the belief system. Such insolation from the rea…

1
Shame-Sex Attraction: Survivors' Stories of Conversion Therapy with Lucas Wilson 1:00:20

5M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

"Conversion therapy"—a discredited practice that purports to change an individual's sexual orientation and/or gender identification and expression—has harmed countless lives under the guise of morality. I spoke to Lucas Wilson, an SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto Mississauga, as he shared his harrowing experience with "convers…

1
Taking on Sexual Misconduct in Spiritual Communities with Attorney Carol Merchasin 1:06:08

5M ago1:06:08

1:06:08

Carol highlights the urgent need to reform the law, especially concerning coercion and control in legislative practices. She focuses exclusively on clients who have endured sexual abuse and coercion within cultic groups—not because other forms of abuse are absent, but because the law currently recognizes and addresses this specific type of abuse. T…

1
Maladaptive Daydreaming and Trauma Survivors with Dr. Eli Somer 56:46

5M ago56:46

56:46

Many people daydream, and this is an entirely normal part of life. However, when daydreaming is taken to the extreme and creates psychological distress or impairs functioning, it can be considered maladaptive and may require intervention. Trauma causes many issues for survivors, whether the trauma was sustained in one event or many events over many…

1
Thought Reform and Cyber Security: Where Cult Manipulation Techniques Meet Technology With Dustin Rozario Steinhagen, PhD 58:16

5M ago58:16

58:16

Dustin Rozario Steinhagen, PhD is a privacy expert who recently graduated with his doctorate degree in Cyber Defense from Dakota State University. His dissertation is titled “Defending the security of the mind: A mail survey of thought-reform literacy in South Dakota.” This quantitative analysis measured “what everyday people know about thought ref…

1
Using the Law to Criminalize Cult Leaders With Robin Boyle-Laisure 1:00:54

5M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

Professor Boyle is a full-time faculty member at St. John’s University School of Law, New York (since 1994). She is a board member of the International Cultic Studies Association. She has written Law journal articles on using Trafficking law to prosecute cult leaders and uses my BITE Model of Authoritarian Control. Robin’s new book, Taken No More: …

1
Navigating Life Beyond the Children of God Cult as an Expert on Disabilities with Psychologist Maria Esguerra 1:09:47

6M ago1:09:47

1:09:47

Australian Maria Esguerra tells us that it’s still difficult to speak about her personal experiences as a second-generation survivor of The Children of God cult. In this episode of The Influence Continuum, we explored the challenges of breaking free from cults and how those who become part of society’s natural defense system against cult indoctrina…

1
Nature’s Medicine: Unlocking the Secrets to Wellness with Chris Kilham 59:45

6M ago59:45

59:45

In recent years, modern science has confirmed what ancient tribal medicine has known all along—medicinal plants and practicing meditation can offer fantastic health benefits. Plants like ayahuasca and psilocybin are now being recognized for their remarkable ability to treat mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Yoga and med…

1
Kundalini, 3HO & Yogi Bhajan: Predatory Behavior, Sexual Abuse, and Undue Influence With Peter Blachly 1:00:42

6M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

There is a new HBO Max 4-part documentary called Breath of Fire on the cult of Guru Jagat and Harijiwan Singh Khalsa, her controller. The doc is very well done and was based on a Vanity Fair article, “The Second Coming of Guru Jagat” by Hayley Phelan. “Breath of Fire: The Unbelievable Story of Guru Jagat, the Elizabeth Holmes of Yoga” is Hillary Bu…

1
Gaining Further Election Insight on Spycraft Interference: Den of Spies from Past to Present Day with Author Craig Unger 59:01

6M ago59:01

59:01

On this episode of the Influence Continuum, I spoke with Craig Unger, an investigative journalist and the author of Den of Spies, which is described in his biography as “a real-life political thriller about how master spy William Casey put together a treasonous covert operation in 1980 that hijacked American foreign policy and stole the election fo…

1
TECH AGNOSTIC: How Technology Became the World’s Most Powerful Religion, and Why It Desperately Needs a Reformation with Harvard/ MIT Humanist Chaplain Greg Epstein 1:02:54

7M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Now with the American election won with the help of Elon Musk and his social media platform, X, and other tech billionaires. We need to pay attention! TECH is now the major world religion! Think about it. Technology was developed as a tool to serve humans, not vice versa. Unfortunately, we humans seem to have forgotten this, as billions worldwide a…

1
Workplace Bullying and the Law with Professor David Yamada 1:01:05

7M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Dr Phil spoke at Madison Square Garden saying Trump wasnt a bully. Ha! Professor Yamada is an internationally recognized authority on workplace bullying. He is a professor of law and the director of the New Workplace Institute at Suffolk University Law School in Boston. It is the primary drafter of model workplace anti-bullying legislation known as…

1
To Stop a Tyrant: The Power of Political Followers to Make or Brake a Toxic Leader with Ira Chaleff 1:01:46

7M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

When thinking about political leaders—those with influence over national or global issues—how often do we consider the role of their political followers? Could you or I say “no” to a toxic leader and courageously defy their commands? This consideration is critical. Leaders don’t operate in isolation. They need political followers who support, ampli…

1
Takedown: Inside the Fight to Shut Down Pornhub for Child Abuse, Rape, and Sex Trafficking with Laila Mickelwait 1:05:04

7M ago1:05:04

1:05:04

Pornhub was once recognized as the largest and most popular porn site in the world. The site made it easy for users to upload and download content, which is desirable in other contexts. However, these features pose significant threats when applied to freely accessible user-generated, homemade, pornography. Reports suggest that without adequate safe…

1
How to End Christian Nationalism with Baptist Religious Liberty Expert Amanda Tyler 1:01:21

8M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

My latest guest on the Influence Continuum is Amanda Tyler, a graduate of Georgetown University and The University of Texas School of Law, who has practiced privately as an attorney, as a law clerk for a U.S. district court judge in Dallas, Texas, and at various positions within the federal level. She is currently the Executive Director of the BJC …

1
Who Owns Democracy? The Real Deep State and The Struggle Over Class and Caste with Sociologist Charles Derber, PhD 1:03:56

8M ago1:03:56

1:03:56

United States history is often portrayed more through myth than historical fact. The true story of America, from its founding rebellion to the present day, is extraordinarily complex. The truth can sometimes seem almost unimaginable due to the numerous injustices and inequities throughout its history. Despite the ideals expressed by the nation’s fo…

1
Opus: The Cult of Dark Money, Human Trafficking, and Right-Wing Conspiracy inside the Catholic Church with author Gareth Gore 1:05:01

8M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

Heard about the Heritage Foundation Project 2025? Did you know it’s architect, President Kevin Roberts has ties to the far-right, secretive Roman Catholic group Opus Dei. Want to know more? I have been helping people involved with Opus Dei for decades and have read numerous books on them. I have a BITE Model of Authoritarian control on Opus day on …

1
#UNTRUTH: The Psychology of Trumpism with Filmmaker Dan Partland 1:00:17

8M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

This week on the Influence Continuum, I had the pleasure of sitting down with two-time Emmy winner Dan Partland, an extraordinary documentarian. He asked me to speak on the MAGA cult in his new film, #UNTRUTH: The Psychology of Trumpism, which will be streaming on virtually every platform. Dan’s new film highlights what I have been saying for years…

1
Understanding Coercive Control in Families with Dr. Christine Cocchiola 1:00:06

8M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Have you ever learned from an expert in coercive control? Ever thought about the authoritarianism in a family structure? Maybe you or someone you know were married to a narcissist or knows of children being manipulated by an abusive parent. My latest guest, social worker Christine Cocchiola, is an expert on adult and child victims of coercive contr…

1
Protecting the Elderly from Undue Influence with Lisa Nerenberg 55:56

9M ago55:56

55:56

When Kamala Harris was Attorney General for California she supported legislation to protect elderly people from undue influence. In this installment of The Influence Continuum, I sat down with Lisa Nerenberg, MSW, MPH, who has dedicated her career to ensuring dignity and justice for this vulnerable and growing population. Lisa is the founding execu…

1
New Report: Trustworthy Elections Can Be a Reality for All! with Braver Angels, J. Larry Mayes and Walt McKee 1:00:10

9M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

This is one of the most important podcasts I've had the pleasure to do, as its focus is on free and fair election systems, the cornerstone of our Democracy. I spoke with Walt McKee and J. Larry Mayes, who co-chair the Braver Angels Trustworthy Elections Leadership Team, an organization I am also proud to be a member of. Braver Angels is a unique no…

1
Transforming Food Allergy Management in Children: A Deep Dive into Oral Immunotherapy with Dr. Richard Wasserman 47:03

9M ago47:03

47:03

What topic would you like discussed? Text us! Oral immunotherapy (OIT) has revolutionized the way we manage food allergies in children. Join Dr. Alice Hoyt as she interviews Dr. Richard Wasserman, a true pioneer in this groundbreaking treatment. Dr. Wasserman shares his journey on how and why he started offering OIT to patients over 15 years ago. D…

1
Unorthodox: Building Communities of Ideas with Reb Moshe Waldoks 1:05:05

9M ago1:05:05

1:05:05

Come join me for a personal discussion with the man I credit for helping me to reconnect with my Jewish identity and faith. Reb Moshe Waldoks helped me find a practice of Judaism that spoke to my soul. Reb Moshe is the son of Holocaust survivors and an “advocate for joy.” Reb Moshe spent 12 years as a teacher, storyteller, and comedian. He co-edite…

1
Occulture and Undue Influence in Cults of Past and Present with Joseph Szimhart 1:04:55

9M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

In this episode of Influence Continuum, I spoke with my good friend and long-time colleague Joseph Szimhart. He is a cult and intervention expert and has an over 25-year history of working as a case worker in mental health. Want to understand the history of cult belief systems, including QAnon? Ascended Masters? Angles? Channelers? Mystics? Did you…

1
The More Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 37 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Warn Anew with forensic psychiatrist Bandy X. Lee MD 1:02:39

10M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

The November 2024 election will determine the future of America and the free world. Donald Trump has chosen J.D. Vance as his vice president, and the pair continue to get increasingly “weird,” and lying seems to be ramping up if that is even possible. Conservative attorney George Conway has created the Anti-Psychopath PAC and has publicly called ou…

1
4th Generation Psychological Warfare and The Christian Right: A Discussion with James Scaminaci III 52:32

10M ago52:32

52:32

With the election just a few months away and an unprecedented barrage of psychological warfare being leveled at Americans, as well as people around the world, we decided to reshare this podcast and blog from 2020. It features Dr. James Scaminaci’s expertise on psychological warfare and specifically something called Fourth Generation Warfare (4GW). …

1
Former Trump Attorney Michael Cohen on His Experience in The Cult of Trump 1:09:45

10M ago1:09:45

1:09:45

With the 2024 election coming in November, Trump has been ramping up his rhetoric about using the DOJ to go after his critics who he considers his enemies. He has managed to enthrall millions to think God is on Trump’s side. All I can say is that no one has experienced more directly the weaponization of the DOJ using former AG William Barr, than Mi…

1
Empowered: Helping Support Survivors of Human Trafficking with Kristy Norbert LCSW 55:03

10M ago55:03

55:03

Kristy Norbert, co-founder and executive director of Empowered Network, is a licensed social worker with over 20 years of experience who has developed trauma-informed programs aimed at helping trafficking survivors achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Her insights reveal the critical intersection between human trafficking and mind cont…

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Hoyt Richards Podcasts

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