34 Is ISKCON a Cult? A Look at Indoctrination and Devotion

Is ISKCON a cult? Does it brainwash to get members? I answer this question via a book recommendation on a book looking at this question. Live 5.6.20230:00 – Intro, announcements, Om Shri Swaminarayanaya Namah 7x2:41 – Reading from "Train Wrecks & Transcendence: A Collision of Hardcore & Hare Kirshna" by Vic DiCara of the Krishnacore punk rock movement, Cro-Mags6:30 – Researching if ISKCON/Hare Krishnas is a brainwashing cult, investigating Freemasonry story, reading books opposing my views are forced to prove their points13:46 – Recommending 1987 book "The Dark Lord: The Cult Images & The Hare Krishnas In America" by Larry D. Shinn14:31 – Is ISKCON a cult, problems with book, excellent literature review of religion & psychology books22:25 – Does ISKCON brainwash like cults according to book, religious conversion in ISKCON vs other cults, shared traits of cults vs ISKCON35:34 – Book spurred by kidnapping & deprogramming of ISKCON member who sued family, debunking religious de-programmers37:30 – Overview of book's conclusions, is ISKCON Hindu, my connection to & history with ISKCONThis podcast was a 2025 People's Choice Podcast Award nominee. On Apple Podcasts it's been the #1 most listened to show in the Philippines, and in the top 20 in France, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Israel, Switzerland and Australia.For independent thinkers who’ve outgrown spiritual, cultural and political fluff, and want more out of life than what society often offers. This isn’t about trends, vibes, or blind devotion. Tune into my live show for unfiltered commentary on politics, culture, music, religion, and society from a rational, historical and politically conservative perspective.I’m Aaron Joy in Portland, Maine, USA (also known in spiritual circles as Premanand Das Bhagat). I'm a writer, musician, ultra-runner, and former thespian. Visit my website for my books. I'm also trained as an Integral Vedic Counselor, Certified Spiritual Life Coach and Ayurveda Specialist and follow the spiritual path of Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma) of the Ramanuja lineage.Email: [email protected]: https://linktr.ee/aaronmjoyLive show available on YouTube, Bitchute, Rumble, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, allfeeds.ai, Audacy, ca.radio.net, Castbox, Chromecast, Everend, fyyd.de, Goodpods, Listen Notes, Panoply Podcast Network, People Ai, Pocket Casts, Podbay, Podcast Addict, Podcast Ranking, Podcast Republic, Podcastai, Podcast.app, Podchaser, Poddtoppen, Podscan.fm, Podtail, Rephonic, Zeno.FM