Best Dr Steven Hassan Podcasts (2025)

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20. Escaping a Cult w/ Dr. Steven Hassan 1:31:09

7d ago1:31:09

1:31:09

How can someone so intelligent end up with a cult like mindset? Someone who otherwise seems to have their life together? Seems to be so grounded? Anyone can fall into a cult, and even those who are deeply indoctrinated can get back out. Dr. Steven Hassan is a leading expert in cults, mind control, and undue influence, best known for transforming hi…

1
21. Hell Bent - with Brian Recker 1:01:12

18h ago1:01:12

1:01:12

If you're familiar with the online deconstruction space, you've probably encountered Brian Recker or @brecker on Instagram. As a former evangelical pastor, he's been very vocal about his deconstruction and transformation. In this episode, Brian and I talk about our growing up years, our faith and how thats evolved from narrow and rigid mindsets int…

1
Will Potter 52:44

4h ago52:44

52:44

A century and a half ago, one out of every five Americans lived on a farm. Today, it’s closer to one out of every fifty, even though the population has increased more than tenfold. The industrial-scale farm and livestock business that we depend on today feeds hundreds of millions every day, but at what cost? In this episode of Point of Inquiry, Jim…

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Social, Forensic, and Media Psychology: Law and Reform in Current Practices Surrounding Influence With Brian L. Cutler, Ph.D. 1:03:00

3d ago1:03:00

1:03:00

The law is out of date on topics regarding how the mind works and how much social influence can sway people to do and believe things that are not common sense. Dr. Cutler has done cutting edge work in forensics and law enforcement analysis. He serves at Fielding Graduate University as both a Professor and Program Director. Social Psychology is one …

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Rapid Advancements in VR and AI: Understanding Opportunities and Necessary Boundaries With David Christopher Lane, PhD 1:04:09

10d ago1:04:09

1:04:09

“Our brain is a like a VR headset. That’s what it is. It renders incoming data streams to interpret different worlds,” David explained. He proposed that we already live in a symbolic universe, such as the trash can on a desktop being merely a symbol of an action taken on a computer. “VR is a much better model to explain what our brains do,” he cont…

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19. Make America Healthy Again? With Dr. Jessica Knurick 1:20:24

15d ago1:20:24

1:20:24

As RFK Jr. removes all members of the CDC panel advising on vaccines we are faced with the question, is all this making America healthy again? Dr. Knurick has a PHD in Nutrition Science, is a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. And in this episode we break down the facts and fictions of the MAHA movement and what the real concerns for America's he…

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In the Shadow of Enlightenment: A Girl’s Journey Through the Osho Rajneesh Cult with Sarito Carroll 1:01:43

17d ago1:01:43

1:01:43

The highly watched Netflix 2018 documentary Wild Wild Country for people “in the know” was terribly biased. There were no former members. No cult experts. The two people featured were still “true believers in the cult leader, Rajneesh–who was rebranded after his expulsion from the United States as Osho. This cult took over the small town of Antelop…

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18. The Founding Myth with Andrew Seidel 1:03:37

22d ago1:03:37

1:03:37

Andrew Seidel is a constitutional lawyer, author of books "The Founding Myth" and "American Crusade", and works full time defending the 1st amendment and every Americans right to true religious liberty. On Flipping Tables we have a discussion about the Christian Nationalist myth that America is a "Christian" nation and the dangers it poses to true …

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The Hacking of the American Mind: The Science Behind the Corporate Takeover of Our Bodies and Brains With Robert H. Lustig, M.D., M.S.L 58:44

24d ago58:44

58:44

The future of Public Health depends on protection against unrestrained corporate power. A sicker humanity means increased pain and suffering at large. In the past, we have identified numerous exposures that have made us sick, many of which are addictive, and created shield laws to protect the corporations that peddle them. We also know it’s our mos…

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17. Queer & Christian with Brandan Robertson 1:11:30

29d ago1:11:30

1:11:30

Across platforms the most common question I get is "What does the Bible say about homosexuality and trans people?" Christian nationalists main talking point is a direct opposition to gay rights. But does the Bible really say that? Today we meet with pastor and theologian Brandan Robertson to talk about that, break down the "gotcha" passages of the …

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

1M 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…

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16. Children of God Sex Cult 1:05:51

1M ago1:05:51

1:05:51

In a world of cult like beliefs, propaganda, and manipulation its important to become experts on how these tactics work so that we can avoid them and so that we understand whats happening in the world around us. A little true crime break from the norm but an important discussion we have to continue to return to. HOW DO PEOPLE BELIEVE THIS? By using…

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

1M 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…

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15. Why Christians Think They Should Rule 1:15:29

1M ago1:15:29

1:15:29

THEY'RE TAKING THE CHRIST OUT OF CHRISTMAS!!!! Why do christians continuously feel like they are being persecuted? Why do they believe that anything other than special treatment is "persecution"? Because fundamentalists don't believe in the separation of church and state, and many of them don't believe in religious liberty for anyone but them. They…

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

1M 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…

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14. Common Ground in the South w/ Bryan Andrews 1:13:08

2M ago1:13:08

1:13:08

When I was sent a video of this guest... I judged a book by its cover and assumed I was going to get really upset. BOY was I wrong. Bryan Andrews is a country singer from the south who blew my mind with his vibrant and powerful personality... and opinions. How are we so far apart? In the world of current politics it feels like we are light years ap…

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

2M 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…

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13. Downfall of Dogma- Monte's Story 1:01:22

2M ago1:01:22

1:01:22

TW: Sexual assault, child abuse. I've gotten quite a few messages both here and on IG about my story and how I started to walk away and how I did eventually deconstruct. Did I always have questions? Was there a defining moment or series of moments? Little of both actually. This is a bit longer version (though not complete) of my story. I've never r…

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How Anti-Sex Trafficking Org O.U.R. Left Whistleblowers to Die 1:09:33

2M ago1:09:33

1:09:33

Today we have lots of news to cover! Join Carah Burrell and Ryan Fisher as we expose the latest controversy around Tim Ballard and Operation Underground Railroad. Former employees and whistleblowers are coming forward with explosive lawsuits, revealing a pattern of financial fraud, unpaid wages, destroyed lives, and deliberate cover-ups. Brave Cent…

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BREAKING: Utah AG Sean Reyes Exposed in Audit 1:28:29

2M ago1:28:29

1:28:29

A live stream of the breaking news uncovering the fraud we all suspected was there. Sean Reyes, once Utah’s Attorney General, now at the center of a scandal so deep, the state had to launch an entire audit just to figure out what he was hiding. And what they found? Questionable funding, concealed meetings, blurred lines between his role as AG and h…

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

2M 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…

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12. Partaking in Creation- The Trans Experience with Alyson Blake Dellinger 1:26:29

2M ago1:26:29

1:26:29

The trans population in the US has been a hotly debated topic the last few years. Fundamentalists believe that this group of people is a symptom of some kind of moral failing in the US, even though trans people have existed as long as we have had human history. The conservative movement acts as if about 1% of the population is somehow "the problem"…

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

2M 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.” …

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11. The Well Trained Wife with Tia Levings 1:03:17

2M ago1:03:17

1:03:17

Tia Levings is an author and advocate who writes and speaks about the realities of Christian fundamentalism, evangelical patriarchy, and religious trauma. Her memoir, A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy, was released on August 6, 2024. In her memoir, Levings recounts her journey into and out of the fundamentalist Quiverfull mov…

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

2M 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…

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10. Nixon, Watergate & America's Loss of Faith 1:09:12

3M ago1:09:12

1:09:12

Please rate and review the podcast and thanks! Patreon and email at bottom of show notes. We’re diving into one of the most infamous political scandals in American history—Watergate—and how it fundamentally altered the trust between the American people and their government. Let’s rewind to the early 1970s. President Richard Nixon, riding a wave of …

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

3M 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…

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9. Conversation with Jane Elliot 1:42:00

3M ago1:42:00

1:42:00

Jane Elliot has been an activist since the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Her landmark brown eye/ blue eye exercise was instrumental in my work deconstructing racism in my far right upbringing. And she has great ghost stories!!! www.janeelliot.com Find resources and long form content here: www.patreon.com/montemader…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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8. Biblical Womanhood with Dr. Beth Allison Barr 1:23:09

3M ago1:23:09

1:23:09

A conversation with Dr. Beth Allison Barr. Discussing the service, preaching and teaching of ancient women and how their ministries were erased. How patriarchal standards, the reformation and purity culture changed womens history... and forgot them. Please consider supporting my work on patreon: www.patreon.com/montemader Follow Dr. Barr: Instagram…

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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

3M 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…

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7. LGBTQ and the Church with Rev. Dr. Caleb J. Lines 1:17:38

4M ago1:17:38

1:17:38

Please rate and review the show! Thank you for your support! Please consider supporting my patreon www.patreon.com/montemader Who is the historical Jesus? What does the Bible actually say about gender and the LGBTQ community? How do conservative arguments fall apart facing these issues? Find Rev. Dr. Caleb J lines at: University Christian Church- S…

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Movement Mondays- 3/2-3/9 24:55

4M ago24:55

24:55

Bite sized focus episodes covering key news, giving action items and a weekly mantra! Please rate and share the podcast! Please support my work and my run for local office at www.patreon.com/montemader Action items: 1. Donate and Vote for Susan Crawford in Wisconsin: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/wisdems-scowis-2025?refcode=tiz 2. Fight Scott Y…

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

4M 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…

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Taking Inspiration from Greek History With Evaggelos Vallianatos 49:03

4M ago49:03

49:03

The ancient Greeks had a profound influence not only on their own world, but also on what would become Western culture as a whole. In this episode of Point of Inquiry, Jim chats with Evaggelos Villianatos, a Greek scholar who sheds an interesting light on how his ancestors helped shape the science, arts, language and governments of the modern world…

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6. American Jesus with April Ajoy 1:25:51

4M ago1:25:51

1:25:51

Please like and share! Thank you for your support. If you enjoy my content please consider supporting my patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/c/montemader HAPPY WOMENS HISTORY MONTH!!!! April Ajoy is a former Christian nationalist and author of the book Star Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith. The book is a heartw…

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

4M 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 …

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5. Black History Hero 59:01

4M ago59:01

59:01

Have you heard of Civil War hero Robert Smalls? We will today! Today we'll cover how American exceptionalism contributes to white supremacy, its foundation in the colonies, and the amazing true story of enslaved man turned war hero Robert Smalls! Please consider signing up for my Patreon and support my work: https://www.patreon.com/montemader Use t…

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

4M 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…

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4. Constitutional…. right? 1:07:07

4M ago1:07:07

1:07:07

“That’s unconstitutional!” Or is it? As many as 57% of Americans have never read the constitution. This episode is a deep dive on what the constitution: when and how it came about, actually says and how it’s changed Special Black History month episodes next week! Regular episode on Wednesday Feb 26 and bonus episode for Patreon users on February 28…

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

4M 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 …

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3. "Don't Drink the Kool-Aid" 1:06:27

4M ago1:06:27

1:06:27

Why does someone continue to believe a Iie? Worse, why will they commit themselves to a lie with reckless abandon? Today we cover cults, how they form, how fundamentalist ideology lends itself to cults and an example of on of the most famous cults in the 20th century. Send topic suggestions, stories, your wins to: [email protected] Please…

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

5M 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…

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A Primer on Cold Reading 37:39

5M ago37:39

37:39

The art of cold reading has convinced millions of people that gimmicks like crystal balls, palm reading, tarot cards, and other alleged paranormal abilities are real. People walk away from astrologers, mediums, and psychics saying "there's no way he could have known that" or other exclamations of amazement. But are these skills really paranormal, o…

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2. How Do I Talk to My Conservative Family? Part 1 50:22

5M ago50:22

50:22

This topic was voted on by pait Patreon users who get episode voting power and bonus episodes. Please consider supporting for $1 per week. patreon.com/MonteMader Today we approach the question of "How do I talk to my Maga family"? I'm going to break this down in a series to get to the depth of these issues. I discuss biblical arguments, historical …

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

5M 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 …

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1. Intro & What do we do now? 31:54

5M ago31:54

31:54

Episode 1: Introduction to Monte Mader and steps we can take now Introduction of more of my background with fundamentalism, theology and conservative politics Sign up for my email list and patreon on the links below. Paid Patreon members get bonus episodes and the opportunity to vote on topics.linktr.ee/MonteMaderwww.patreon.com/MonteMader…

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

5M 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 …

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BOMBSHELL: THE SECRET ABOUT MORMON LEADERS NOBODY KNOWS 18:35

5M ago18:35

18:35

This is not a drill, folks! Here's a quick rundown of the information I have. Have you ever wondered what's going on behind that Mormon veil? When LDS prophets call themselves prophets, do they REALLY think they are? Buckle in for this fast-paced episode of "Timmy Did What?" where I let you in on the secrets I've collected from insiders and the doc…

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Dr Steven Hassan Podcasts

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