47: Is An Ethical Cult Possible? (w/Jamie Wheal)

How do we tease apart the gold from the dross? What can be salvaged from a subculture marred by charismatic con-artistry, power abuses, and the toxic ingredients that lead to conspirituality? Founder of the Flow Genome Project, Jamie Wheal joins Derek for a wide-ranging interview about his new book, Recapture the Rapture. Following up on his Pulitzer-nominated bestseller, Stealing Fire, Wheal makes an ambitious argument for a dazzling renewal of meaning and mystery through sacralized biohacking. Rapture can be recaptured, Wheal argues, through awe-thumping music, blessed sex, moderate psychedelic use, and conscious community, or as he puts it “ethical cults.”  After the interview, we’ll discuss.In the Jab, Julian looks at clotting issues and emerging reports of vaccine impacts on women. In the Ticker, Matthew reviews the NY Times investigation of Alan Hofstetter’s wife and her January 6th adventure. Derek covers conspiritualism in fitness bro culture while Julian reports on Christiane Northrup’s latest junk science infomercial.Show NotesNew Jersey gym owners offer free membership to those who don’t get COVID-19 vaccineWhat We Know About Ian Smith, the New Jersey Gym Owner Defying Gov. Phil Murphy’s Executive OrdersAnti-mask gym finedFitness centers are struggling to rebound from the pandemicA Teacher Marched to the Capitol. When She Got Home, the Fight Began.White women’s role in white supremacy, explainedRecapture the Rapture — Jamie WhealCult Dynamics 101: a primerHypnotic Da Free John — Svengali of the truth-seeking set (San Francisco Examiner, 1985)Guru hit by sex-slave suit (San Francisco Examiner, 1985)Original Oregonian investigation into Osho and R -- -- --Support us on PatreonPre-order Conspirituality: How New Age Conspiracy Theories Became a Health Threat: America | Canada Follow us on Instagram | Twitter: Derek | Matthew | JulianOriginal music by EarthRise SoundSystem Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices