S1E1: Why Fool's Gold? A conversation with Stuart Parkinson

What happens when the search for meaning collides with manipulation? In this inaugural episode of Fool's Gold, host Cara Cordoni sits down with communication strategist Stuart Parkinson to explore why this podcast exists—and why we're all fools.Stuart and Cara discuss the archetype of the fool, the mechanics of large group awareness trainings (LGATs), and how bright, thoughtful people end up in harmful organizations. Drawing on Cara's own experiences with multiple cultic groups—from Miracle of Love to the International School of Temple Arts (ISTA)—they examine the patterns that make us vulnerable to coercive control and the "counter-indicators" of real transformation.Stuart brings perspective from advertising strategy, communication psychology, and his own neurodivergent lens on "the dominator game." Together, they model the kind of collaborative excavation this podcast aims for: not sensationalizing harm, but honestly examining how we got fooled and how we develop discernment.Content Note: Contains discussion of emotional abuse, religious manipulation, mentions of suicidal ideation, and brief references to substance use. Adult language used sparingly.DISCLAIMER: The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, its host, or producers. Guest content represents their own opinions and experiences and is not intended to malign any religion, group, organization, business, individual, or entity.ABOUT STUART PARKINSON: stuart parkinson is a former advertising and experience design strategist who turned from persuasion as extraction toward meaning as repair. his work moves between political economy, psychoanalysis, eastern and western spirituality, and the psychology of propaganda. he makes psychedelic music, writes poetry, and studies how power shapes inner life. he is interested in healing that doesn't bypass structure, and philosophy that still touches the body.Connect with Stuart: https://soundcloud.com/mospodRESOURCES MENTIONED:Tantra Not Trauma (Facebook group supporting survivors)3SC (Safer Sex-Positive and Spiritual Communities): 3SC.CommunityManufacturing Mania by Dr. John Hunter (upcoming guest)ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association): ICSA.orgCONNECT WITH FOOL'S GOLD: Conversations like these helped me get through the darkest times. If this episode resonates—whether you're processing your own experiences, working with survivors, or simply curious about discernment and power—I'd love to hear from you.Email: [email protected] Schedule a curiosity call: calendly.com/caracordonicoaching Follow: @caracordoni (Instagram, Bluesky) Substack: caracordoni.substack.comLike what you're hearing? Subscribe, share, and leave a review.Music: "Midnight Rendezvous" by Sasha Ende (ende.app)Fool's Gold Podcast © 2026 by Cara Cordoni is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/