Culture Changers with Allison Hare

How can we be so self-aware and so clueless about ourselves at the same time? Have you ever wondered why so many high-achieving, self-aware people still struggle to actually feel seen and healed? In this episode of Culture Changers, I’m inviting you behind the scenes of my fifth ceremonial psilocybin-assisted therapy journey to crack open the messy, nonlinear world of emotional healing, trauma recovery, and the radical power of self-discovery. I ditch the filters (you know me) and share what magic mushrooms (psilocybin) revealed to me about my own deeply held fears, body trauma, perimenopause mood swings, and that gnawing sense of never being “enough”, even after years in therapy and spiritual hustle. I get real about the pitfalls and promise of the psychedelic healing landscape, from shady, bougie retreat centers to the truly ethical practitioners at Entheo Temple, plus why safety and integrity matter more than ever in this wild west of plant medicine. Whether you’re psilocybin-curious, passionate about trauma healing, or just looking for a brutally honest conversation about what it means to be fully seen, this episode is for you. We’ll dig into everything including: microdosing, EMDR, healing community, body image, and I’ll share how embracing vulnerability (with a side of irreverence) can help you break open, reconnect, and rise the hell up. Healing isn’t linear, but with the right questions, support, and a little mushroom magic, real progress is possible. I cover: How healing isn’t linear or predictable Psychedelic-assisted therapy experiences Importance of ethical practitioners/facilitators Self-awareness and emotional vulnerability Being seen vs. hiding oneself Personal trauma and body acceptance Building supportive community for growth Timestamps: 00:00 Reflecting on healing and self-awareness 04:53 Preparing for guided ceremonies 07:16 Exploring psilocybin's healing benefits 12:21 Reflecting on a bad business experience 13:26 Attending an ethical healing retreat 16:28 Heroic doses and emotional healing 22:01 Realizing personal relationship patterns 24:51 Attending a small group ceremony 27:29 A mushroom ceremony experience 31:21 Reflecting on a healing session 32:49 Relaxing in nature with reflection 36:01 Struggling with body image 41:24 Closing thoughts and next steps 43:09 Supporting the show and staying connected Rather watch on YouTube? https://youtu.be/AmpeTTXQzVs —--------------------------------------------------------- To Learn More About Entheo Temple: Website: https://www.entheotemple.org  My Psychedelic Docu-Series: First Time Ever: EP150: My psychedelic journey inward: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2zWPpOEQchQ7g9azKJ3bcO?si=b57e2a0e7c214835 EP154: LIFE Update: Psychedelic Aftermath, 12-hour walk: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1zy86Rj0a1C2ojq4ZZiClk?si=a64d3dd8c55e498b 2nd journey: EP168: Psychedelics Part 2: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wQTCTc4kSlqYZFicWy2ni?si=78af6ff3c4aa474b 3rd journey: Psychedelics, brutal solo hike, and overcoming fear and doubt: https://open.spotify.com/episode/15L2tjPE0Cvx3YMQQ8fiop?si=fe13431a55914b44 4th Journey: Psychedelics Uncovered My Hidden Shadow: https://open.spotify.com/episode/06QFKj1Ak2mQuPw10UBD1i?si=e3cc9bc30d0e4f07 To Connect With Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison__hare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhare/ Website: https://allisonhare.com Book a free podcast clarity call with Allison: https://allisonhare.com/freecall Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

What is really happening to women’s bodies in pop culture right now?  Today I’m tackle the challenging, layered, and sometimes contradictory truth about Hollywood’s obsession with ultra-thin bodies, the rise and risks of GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, and the relentless cycle of shame, judgment, and pressure being placed on women, by the media, by society, and by ourselves. I break down how award season 2026 brought shocking displays of celebrities: Demi Moore, Kelly Osbourne, Ariana Grande, Nicole Kidman, Rachel Zoe, and more! Showing off bodies so gaunt they sparked a firestorm of discussion (and concern) about what’s being normalized, and why. Drawing on my own deeply personal stories, I connect the dots from generational pressures, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, and orthorexia, to today’s seismic shift: weight loss drugs making “ideal” bodies attainable (and dangerously easy). We get real about the systemic roots: patriarchy, internalized misogyny, Christian nationalism, and the culture of restriction, while asking how we might live more authentically. If you’re curious about celebrity body standards, weight loss drug culture, body positivity, or women’s mental health, this episode gives you stats, real talk, and action steps. This episode is not about body shaming; it’s about changing the cultural conversation. Join me and let’s get honest, empowered, and maybe a little pissed off, in all the right ways. I cover: Extreme celebrity weight loss and body ideals Eating disorders—prevalence, misconceptions, statistics Generational body image beliefs and family dynamics GLP-1 weight loss drugs—societal impact My own body dysmorphia and disordered eating experiences Patriarchal systems, politics, and body standards Shame, judgment, and policing women's bodies Timestamps: 00:00 Wasting Away: Women's Bodies Now 03:22 Body Trends and GLP-1 Shift 08:21 Mother's Advice on Independence 13:07 Unrealistic Motherhood Aspirations 17:44 Struggling in My 40s 19:46 Prioritize Nourishment Over Obligation 24:29 Society, Dysmorphia, and GLP-1s 27:28 Body Politics and Societal Standards 35:03 GLP-1: Benefits and Risks 42:11 Body Image and Health Choices Rather watch on YouTube? https://youtu.be/cLuFQCv-Wnk —--------------------------------------------------------- To Connect With Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison__hare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhare/ Website: https://allisonhare.com Book a free podcast clarity call with Allison: https://allisonhare.com/freecall Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

Do you feel like the news cycle is a dumpster fire and you’re just trying to figure out where your voice belongs? In this week’s episode of Culture Changers, I sit down with Jamie Maglietta, veteran news producer (CNN, BET, Fox News… yeah, she’s the real deal) and founder of OnCamReady, who’s spent her career inside the media machine helping thought leaders and pros transform their expertise into stand-out content. If you’re a thought leader, business owner, creator, or anyone desperately wondering: Should I be on YouTube? TikTok? LinkedIn? Or just take a nap?, this is pure gold. Jamie unpacks the exact strategies newsrooms use to break through chaos, how to build relatable, trustworthy content in a post-cable world, and why YouTube has overtaken every other platform for in-home viewing (spoiler: it’s not just for Gen Z anymore). We get real about showing up authentically on social media, using your story as a force for good, even when the world feels completely off the rails, and the savvy top media professionals use to avoid burnout and grow visibility. Jamie reveals tactical advice on platform selection, content pillars, and why new media is less about perfection and more about connection. Ready to stop being the best-kept secret in your industry and finally own your lane in this shifting digital landscape? Your audience is waiting, and this episode gives you the truth on how to show up, get seen, and be a culture changer. We talk about: Navigating overwhelming news cycles and anxiety Authenticity and empathy in media content Choosing the right platforms for visibility Creating relatable, focused thought leadership New media’s shift from networks to personalities Strategic use of YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn Avoiding burnout and fostering community Timestamps: 00:00 News, YouTube, and Making Impact 04:40 Empathy Wins in Breaking News 07:38 Calm Leadership in Breaking News 09:23 Dip to Black and Reframe 13:19 Mindful Social Media Presence 17:32 New Media vs Traditional Media 23:56 Streaming Shift: YouTube Dominates 31:52 Crafting Effective Short-Form Content 38:05 Power of Long-Form Content 44:47 New Platform for Thought Leaders Prefer to watch on YouTube? https://youtu.be/kNewgrYs6qc —--------------------------------------------------------- To Connect With Jamie: Website: https://www.oncamready.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamie_maglietta/ Jamie's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oncamready Substack: https://substack.com/@oncamready?utm_source=global-search Jamie's Visibility Program: https://www.oncamready.com/media-diagnostic To Connect With Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison__hare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhare/ Website: https://allisonhare.com Book a free podcast clarity call with Allison: https://allisonhare.com/freecall Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

Feeling overwhelmed by nonstop headlines, collective anxiety, and the wild world of pop culture? In this episode of Culture Changers, I dive into the phenomenon that is The Pitt the cult-favorite HBO medical drama that’s suddenly become the most patriotic show on TV (according to a New York Times opinion piece by Frank Bruni). If you’re obsessed with medical dramas, hosPittal lore, or just want to know why everyone’s talking about nepo baby actors, aging double standards (ahem, Noah Wyle), or the enigma of Nurse Dana’s accent, you’re in the right place. I break down what sets The Pitt apart, including its gritty, real-time storytelling, behind-the-scenes accuracy with real ER consultants, and its wild Reddit fandom. We’ll talk about the show’s reflection of America’s collective grief, the burnout crisis in healthcare, and why this gritty drama mirrors our chaotic news cycles and cultural divisions better than anything else on TV. I gleefully dissect the fan theories, messier character arcs (is Santos a sociopath or just the ultimate survivor?), and the secret sauce behind why this show is unmissable for culture critics and pop culture junkies alike. No guest today. Just you, me, snarky hot takes, and a big reminder that the stories we obsess over are way deeper than just water cooler gossip.  I talk about: Collective grief reflected in medical dramas Assumptions and embracing human complexity Empathy vs. lack of empathy in healthcare Pop culture's impact on real-world behaviors Nuance in political and social identity Trauma and resilience in modern society Fan culture and community through entertainment Timestamps: 00:00 The Pitt: Season Two Insights 03:31 Realism and Reflection in Drama 07:09 Navigating Grief and Uncertainty 11:51 Dr. Mel: America’s favorite Doc 15:59 Light, Funny, and Profound 18:06 The Halo Effect and Trust 21:50 Santos: Polarizing, Resilient, Badass 26:04 Tragedy, Judgment, and Understanding 31:37 The Pitt: Resilience in Crisis 32:49 Resilience, Joy, and Perspectives 38:26 Togetherness and Finding Your Voice —--------------------------------------------------------- Links and Mentions: Watch HBO's The Pitt: https://play.hbomax.com/show/e6e7bad9-d48d-4434-b334-7c651ffc4bdf Frank Bruni's Opinion Piece in the NYT on the Pitt: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/23/opinion/pitt-america-tv.html Prestige TV's Podcast Episode Breakdown of the Pitt: https://youtu.be/8sB0lR0nKYk?si=nywnnbKi6CfNPk3N To Connect With Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison__hare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhare/ Website: https://allisonhare.com Book a free podcast clarity call with Allison: https://allisonhare.com/freecall Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

CNN is re-airing their special on the rise of Christian nationalism — and I'm re-releasing this conversation with Tia Levings because it is more relevant now than when it first aired. Tia will be featured in the CNN special, and her book A Well-Trained Wife went viral on YouTube after this episode first dropped (with "wife spanking" landing in the top four search terms — yes, really). If you prefer to watch on YouTube, here you go: https://youtu.be/aU6CcgskrUE Tia Levings is the New York Times bestselling author of A Well-Trained Wife, a memoir of her escape from Christian patriarchy. Her work has been featured in Teen Vogue, Salon, Huffington Post, Newsweek, and the Amazon docu-series Shiny Happy People. In this conversation, we go deep on: What "quiverfull" ideology really is — and how it connects to the tradwife movement today Christian domestic discipline (aka non-consensual BDSM in church clothes) The "fundy baby voice" — what it is, who's using it, and why it matters politically Why joy is now an act of rebellion against high-control systems How to resist without burning out — and why rest counts as resistance What Tia thinks is actually keeping us safer right now (it might surprise you) Timestamps: 0:00 – Re-intro + why this episode is back 1:00 – Original intro from the Re-Invention Room 3:25 – Tia's story begins: mainstream Christianity to fundamentalism 7:31 – What "quiverfull" really means 10:16 – "Hitting me was no longer taboo. It was holy." 13:20 – The pressure to be a "good girl" & wanting to be chosen 18:36 – The skinny, weak, take-up-no-space agenda 23:50 – The sadness that crawls up your legs like ivy 29:18 – The "fundy baby voice" explained 33:31 – Karoline Leavitt, Katie Britt & women in patriarchy 35:10 – Hypersexualization and modesty culture 40:09 – Where do we go from here? Tia's take on the current moment 48:29 – Does Tia feel spiritually supported? 52:15 – How to discern intuition from programming 54:00 – Advice for people who are overwhelmed by the news 57:07 – Why Tia calls them Mikey, Dougie & Petey 58:07 – How to find Tia & her books Tia Levings' links: Tia's book: A Well Trained Wife: https://amzn.to/4uffTVN Pre-order Tia's new book: I Belong To Me: https://amzn.to/46D7jWH Tia Levings Writer: Instagram | Substack   Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff. Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them! Sign up for the free weekly email AllisonHare.com Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording today Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

Are you as fascinated as I am with the intersection of faith and influence(rs)? In this episode of Culture Changers, I sit down with debut novelist Alli Hoff Kosik, author of the buzzworthy Too Blessed to Stress, for a way deeper conversation that I thought. We are talking Christian megachurches, influencer culture, and the razor-thin line between faith and performance. If you’re fascinated (or horrified) by fundamentalist Christianity, religious trauma, sought-after belonging, social media collectives, or how women shape culture from the back pew and the algorithm, let me tell you, this episode is for you. We dig into Allie’s process researching evangelical culture, what it’s like growing up on the religious outside, and how she crafted four female protagonists who are as complex, messy, and relatable as your own group chat. Plus, we get real about performative faith, power dynamics for women in church, and why changing your mind in public can cost you everything. Whether you’re a church kid, a proud skeptic, or just obsessed with pop culture, this is a smart, bold, and oddly comforting conversation about spirituality, social identity, and what true community really looks like. You’ll walk away with big questions, fresh empathy, and a new favorite novel to bring to your book club. We talk about: The search for authentic belonging and community Navigating performative faith versus genuine spirituality Social media’s impact on religious identity Female ambition and empowerment within church culture Secrets, public personas, and the influencer economy Empathy for differing worldviews and experiences The complexities of institutional religion today Timestamps: 00:00 Too Blessed to Stress 05:42 TLC, Religion, and Influence 08:49 Religious Celebrations and Longing 13:34 Secrets, Faith, and Influencer Struggles 16:52 Trishy: Faith, Friendship, Content 19:37 Faith, Scandal, and Self-Discovery 21:51 Researching Influencers and Communities 26:23 Culture, Media, and Human Context 33:01 The Cost of Public Beliefs 37:41 Belonging, Perception, and Empowerment 43:03 Rethinking Community and Belonging —--------------------------------------------------------- To Connect With Alli: Get Alli’s Book: https://allihoffkosik.com/too-blessed-to-stress Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allihoffkosik Website: https://allihoffkosik.com/ To Connect With Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison__hare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhare/ Website: https://allisonhare.com Book a free podcast clarity call with Allison:  https://allisonhare.com/freecall Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

Who’s really shaping political change? It’s not who you think! In this episode of Culture Changers, I sit down with political strategist and digital organizer, Liz Minnella, the powerhouse who coined the term "The Katies," apolitical lifestyle influencers quietly leading a revolution in persuasion and cultural change.How do suburban moms sharing sourdough recipes and get ready with me videos are actually shifting election outcomes and outpacing traditional political voices?. Liz Minnella, founder of Connect Forward, breaks down the real impact of micro-influencers, why culture always outruns policy, and how lifestyle creators are three times more persuasive than political talking heads (yes, there’s Harvard and Columbia research to prove it).We get into everything: influencer culture, viral political shifts, the genius behind the Katies, Charlie Kirk, the ripple effect of TikTok and Instagram organizing, and why genuine, unexpected voices are winning America’s messaging war. We dive into the power of permission structures, the psychology of changing your mind, and why dunking on people who are waking up is the fastest way to lose.If you care about politics, influence, pop culture, or just want to know the real levers of power today, this episode will change how you see everything. Come for the smart strategies, stay for the spicy, irreverent insights.We talk about:Influence of apolitical lifestyle influencers (“The Katies”)Power shift: social media vs. traditional politicsEmotional toll and resilience in activismThe culture war’s effect on political shiftsThe persuasive power of non-political creatorsImportance of cultural narratives and imageryBridging divides and the value of empathyTimestamps:00:00 Taking Action Through Personal Skills06:19 Culture Drives Political Change14:52 Charlie Kirk's Influence19:04 Morality, Visuals, and Mindset Shift26:51 Authenticity vs. Influencer Constraints38:47 Reflecting on Politics and Relationships44:39 Tribalism vs. Globalization Power Play48:43 Cultural Clash and Political Strategy52:01 Cultural War: Obamas vs Trumps—---------------------------------------------------------To Connect With Liz:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizaminnella/Substack: https://substack.com/@lizaminnellaTo Connect With Me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison__hareLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhare/Website: https://allisonhare.comBook a free podcast clarity call with Allison: https://allisonhare.com/freecall Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

Should women demand employers to pay MORE to cover their beauty costs? Women are paying out of pocket to be seen as credible, competent, and professional at work. Hair. Skin. Clothes. Time. Money. Face lifts. All of it. Not to mention the societal expectation that women should remain youthful, polished, and "camera-ready" especially when in a visible position whether it's in leadership, on stage, or otherwise. Spicy, right?In this episode, I sit down with Eleanor Beaton, powerhouse CEO and founder of Safi Media, to talk about why these costs are not vapid vanity, but part of the infrastructure of expectation and what is required to stay relevant, and why pretending otherwise keeps women underpaid and exhausted.Listen, I pushed back HARD on how outrageous this idea is - but also, WHAT IF it could be a way forward for us as women? We chat about the economics of beauty standards, ageism in the workplace, and why professional women are stuck absorbing costs, financial and emotional, just to appear relevant and polished.Eleanor peels back the curtain on why grooming, wardrobe upgrades, and even the ruthless battle against gray hair aren’t just personal choices, they’re part of a larger social infrastructure expected from women in high-visibility roles. We get real about the financial toll (think: $20,000+ a year!) and the invisible expectations that men just don’t face. If you’re an entrepreneur, founder, or ambitious woman in a corporate setting, you’ll learn why it’s time to stop treating these “upkeep” expenses as shameful and start seeing them as legitimate business investments.We also talk about negotiating for the true cost of visibility, dismantling patriarchal narratives, finding the right communities for support and strategic advice, and why transparency and discernment are superpowers for the next generation of female leaders. This episode isn’t just a conversation, it’s an invitation to step up, get strategic, and redefine what it means to show up powerfully in a culture that’s overdue for a change.We talk about:The hidden costs of female professional visibilitySocietal beauty standards and agingThe gender wage gap and structural imbalancesNegotiating compensation as infrastructureEmotional impact of relevance and confidenceThe power of networks and access to informationDiscernment in choosing professional communitiesTimestamps:00:00 Choosing Gray: A Personal Choice03:11 Blind Spots and Relevance08:16 Beauty Expenses and Tax Challenges10:32 Accounting for Appearance Costs13:03 Gender Stereotypes and Ageism Debate19:07 Negotiating Workplace Costs20:47 Negotiation Tips for Employment Logistics26:24 Confident Women in Daily Life29:36 Empowering Women Entrepreneurs33:29 Structuring Success for Entrepreneurs35:18 Discernment and Evolving StandardsPrefer watching on YouTube? https://youtu.be/crrVBwgUfSo—---------------------------------------------------------To Connect With Eleanor:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorbeaton/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/eleanorbeaton/Website: https://eleanorbeaton.com/To Connect With Me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison__hareLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhare/Website: https://allisonhare.comBook a free clarity call with Allison: https://allisonhare.com/freecall Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

Ever wonder what really goes down behind the scenes in American journalism, and what it costs to speak your truth? Recently I sat down with powerhouse journalist THE AMAZING Brooke Baldwin: Emmy-nominated former CNN anchor, bestselling author, and creator of the viral Substack, Unraveling. Together, we get straight into the seismic shifts ripping through newsrooms and society right now, from the headline-grabbing arrest of Don Lemon (she goes OFF on this!) and the future of independent journalism, to the toxic aftermath of power dynamics in the media.Brooke brings her signature compassion and grit, sharing unfiltered stories about healing after her unceremonious CNN exit, reclaiming her voice, and what it actually means to cover humanity at the breakneck pace of breaking news. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the daily news cycle, struggled to find trustworthy sources, or wondered how to make a difference when it feels risky, this episode is for you. We talk about nervous system overload, why media literacy matters, and the messy, beautiful process of personal and cultural unraveling. This conversation isn’t afraid to call out BS, laugh through the chaos, and empower you to find connection in the middle of it all.We talk about:Don Lemon’s Arrest and Freedom of the PressThe Evolution and Future of News NetworksHumanity-Centered Storytelling in Breaking NewsMisogyny and Power Dynamics in MediaPersonal Identity, Rebirth, and HealingNavigating Media Trust and MisinformationSelf-Compassion, Resilience, and ConnectionTimestamps:00:00 Don Lemon Arrested04:28 Rebuilding and Rediscovering Purpose07:49 Humanity in Fast-Paced Journalism12:31 Defining Moment: Finding My Voice14:07 Destined for Greater Purpose18:04 Kaitlin Collins: journalism21:46 Lessons from Leaving CNN24:03 Trust, Safety, and Politics27:34 Social Media: Break or Stay?34:42 Balancing News and Wellbeing41:23 Listening to Your Higher Self44:50 Gratitude for Vulnerability and ConnectionRather watch on YouTube? https://youtu.be/jKCFj70dUgU—---------------------------------------------------------To Connect With Brooke:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke_baldwin/?hl=enSubstack: https://unravelingwithbrooke.substack.com/To Connect With Me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison__hareLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhare/Website: https://allisonhare.comFree Clarity Call with Allison: https://allisonhare.com/freecall  Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

Ever wish you could flip your anxiety, stress, or even full-on rage into superpowers? That’s exactly what we’re unpacking in this episode of Culture Changers with the wildly insightful Josh Pais, actor, New York Times bestselling author of Lose Your Mind: The Path to Creative Invincibility, and the guy who literally played Raphael in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!I get vulnerable about what it feels like to live with a fried nervous system and nagging self-doubt, and Josh takes us on a journey to transform those so-called bad emotions into fuel for creativity, confidence, and genuine presence. We talk about why the self-help industry’s obsession with feeling better often keeps us stuck (spoiler: your mind can be a real asshole), and how welcoming every messy feeling, no matter how uncomfortable, can be your gateway to creative invincibility.Josh shares radical, body-centered strategies you can use on the spot, including his four access points to shift from mental drama to full-body aliveness. If you’re over toxic positivity, exhausted by faking it, or just want to stop fighting yourself, this one’s for you. We get vulnerable, irreverent, and, dare I say, pretty damn actionable.In this episode we get into:Embracing all emotions without judgmentTransforming anxiety and stress into creative fuelThe harm of suppressing feelingsThe self-help industry's narrativeThe myth of good and bad emotionsAuthenticity and removing the emotional maskPlayfulness and creativity as healing toolsNotable Quotables:“As the breath decreases, the shit talk increases.” (17:29)“Anxiety is just an energetic pattern.” (15:16)“Ride it, don’t hide it.” (30:41)“Everybody’s mind is mean.” (15:38)“When there’s truth, you can’t look away.” (39:24)Timestamps:0:00 Channeling emotional energy4:00 Processing heavy moments in real time11:00 Why emotions aren’t good or bad15:00 Anxiety as energy19:00 Feeling emotions in the body24:00 Turning nervousness into fuel30:00 Why suppression backfires38:00 Truth, trust, and presence45:00 Playfulness and creativityResources & Links Mentioned:Lose Your Mind: The Path to Creative Invincibility by Josh Paishttps://committedimpulse.comhttps://www.instagram.com/joshpaishttps://www.instagram.com/allison__harehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhare/https://allisonhare.comBook a free clarity call: https://allisonhare.com/freecall Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

Is everything a cult? Or are we just finally noticing how belief actually works?This conversation cracked something open for me around why we get pulled into certain ideas, identities, and systems and why leaving them can feel way harder than joining. I’m sitting down with Amanda Montell, whose work sits at the intersection of cult psychology, language, and cultural influence. We talk about how words shape belief, how cognitive biases sneak into everyday life, and why so many of us are obsessed with cult stories right now. Fair warning: after this episode, you may start seeing cultish dynamics everywhere.Amanda is a linguist, New York Times bestselling author, and the voice behind Sounds Like a Cult and Magical Overthinkers. She has a rare gift for making complex psychological ideas feel accessible, funny, and deeply human without making anyone feel stupid for falling for them.In this episode, we talk about::Why we’re so captivated by cult stories and what we’re actually looking forHow language influences belief systems more than facts doWhat “thought-terminating clichés” sound like in real lifeWhy smart people stay in systems they’ve outgrownHow the sunk cost fallacy shows up in careers, relationships, and identityWhen something crosses from harmless into “watch your back”Why pop culture, wellness, and even work can feel culty without looking extremeTimestamps:0:00 Is everything a cult?2:45 Why we’re obsessed with cult stories6:30 How language pulls us in10:00 What cult psychology actually looks like16:00 When the word ‘cult’ helps or hurts26:30 Thought-terminating clichés explained37:45 Sunk cost fallacy and reinvention41:00 Lightning round: harmless vs culty45:00 Final takeawaysKey Takeaways:Cult psychology relies more on language than logicCognitive biases reward familiarity over truthLeaving a belief system is often harder than joining one and that’s normalDig Deeper into Amanda Montell's world:Podcasts: Sounds Like a Cult, Magical OverthinkersBooks: Wordslut, Cultish, The Age of Magical Overthinking Follow Amanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda_montellGet into Allison Hare's world and be a culture changer:Book a free podcast clarity call: https://allisonhare.com/freecallFor info on joining the podcast coaching cohort, send an email: allison@allisonhare.com  Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

Welcome back, Culture Changers! In this episode, I’m breaking down the runaway hit, "I've Had It" podcast, as part of a new series, Pod Phenom Playbook where I break down some of the top podcasts. If you’ve ever wondered why certain podcasts blow up and become cultural juggernauts seemingly overnight, this episode digs into the structure, psychology, and stickiness that make a show impossible to ignore.I break down how best friends Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan catapulted "I've Had It" to the top 0.01% of global podcasts with their unfiltered, outrageously funny, and profoundly political take on modern grievances. This review explains how their bold, often shocking language, political savvy, and unique in-group vernacular have created a loyal, outspoken fanbase. You’ll learn about their meteoric rise, why their unapologetic progressive stance and visceral humor resonate in today’s media landscape, and how their approach can empower everyday listeners to find their own voice and point of view.We discuss:Podcast Growth and Virality FactorsStructure and Psychology of Popular PodcastsOutrage, Humor, and Political CommentaryPoint of View vs. Playing It SafeIn-group Language and StickinessProfanity, Nicknames, and Emotional ReleaseEmpowerment Through Honest Cultural AnalysisTimestamps:00:00 Pod Phenom Playbook06:45 Creating In-Group Language08:37 Podcast Blending Politics and Community11:40 Nicknames, Insults, and Impact15:04 Media Overload and Frustration19:34 Protesting and the 3.5% Rule22:27 Understanding Divided Perspectives24:34 The Power of Perspective28:17 Breaking Status Quo TogetherRather watch on YouTube?Links & Resources Mentioned:I’ve Had It PodcastIHIP NewsKara Swisher podcast interview with Jennifer WelchRolling Stone coverageNew York Times feature on Jennifer WelchCulture Changers Podmail: culturechangerspodmail.com (submit your favorite pod shows for me to review)Want your podcast to be amazing? Book a free clarity call here: https://allisonhare.com/freecall Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

Something big is shifting in how we get our news, and you can feel it in your body. You want to stay informed, but you also kind of want to throw your phone across the room. I asked a simple question on Facebook. Where do you get your news? What came back wasn’t a list of outlets. It was a list of survival strategies. And once I started digging into the data, it became very clear why so many smart, thoughtful people feel unsettled right now.This episode is about where Americans get their news, why trust feels so shaky, and what’s actually changing beneath the surface as we head into 2026.We are talking about:Why almost no one trusts a single news source anymoreHow social media officially replaced TV as the main way Americans get newsWhy independent journalists and news influencers are explodingWhat’s really happening with political polarization and platform trustThe influence of AI and DeepfakesHow to stay informed without burning yourself out or getting dupedKey Timestamps:0:38 Are you being radicalized by the news?1:35 What people actually said when asked where they get news3:51 Social media overtakes TV as the main news source7:41 Why mainstream news feels like WWE12:01 Personality trust vs platform trust14:36 Video platforms as the new TV18:58 The rise of independent journalists22:35 Why newsletters and community matter25:04 Why local news still has an edge27:26 Political affiliation and platform behavior28:29 Flooding the zone and source confusion33:25 Why conversations change cultureLinks and Resources:Schedule a free podcast clarity call with meAllison's IG: https://instagram.com/allison__hare Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

Something big is shifting.You can feel it.You want to stay informed and you also want to smash your phone.I’m Allison Hare, a podcast strategist, and this is Culture Changers.Here is where we talk with smarts and snark about all the stuff they say not to talk about: power, politics, religion, relationships through the lens of Pop culture. Of course we are talking cults and trad wives, too. If you’re wondering what to do with all of this, you might just be a culture changer.Episodes released every Thursday on all platforms including YouTube. Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

Something big is shifting, and you can feel it. I’ve spent the last year stripping things down, walking away from what looked good on paper, and telling the truth about what actually works, what doesn’t, and what I refuse to carry into 2026. This episode is me coming back home to Culture Changers and explaining why I left, what broke, and what finally clicked. No polish. No performance. Just clarity, courage, and a mic. If you’ve ever felt like you outgrew something you built, this one’s for you.In this episode, I talk about:Why I’ve renamed this show five times (UGH!) and what that taught meHow pop culture reflects our values, fears, and blind spotsThe moment I realized I was abandoning myself for “success” (Alignment over Approval)Why self-help culture stopped working for meWhat Culture Changers is becoming next and how you’re part of itRather watch on Youtube? https://youtu.be/ukcjGrrQtboLinks + Resources MentionedEmail the show (What pods do you love or love to hate? for Pod Phenom Playbook): culturechangerspod@gmail.comNOTABLE QUOTABLES:“I didn’t want to take Reinvention Room into the new year.” (01:04)“I was abandoning myself in service of commercial success.” (08:11)“I’m so deeply sick of self-help.” (26:06)“I’ve created such a wall around me.” (40:45)“How do we ground down on what is true when so much is uncertain?” (46:14)KEY TIMESTAMPS0:00 Why Culture Changers exists1:04 Why I ended Reinvention Room3:20 The origin story of the show8:05 The identity crisis moment12:52 Why podcast conferences broke my confidence20:06 Why reinvention stopped working26:06 Why self-help culture lost me31:15 Anxiety, control, and truth38:10 The friendship realization46:14 What this podcast is actually for56:08 Pop culture as empathy58:30 Pod Phenom Playbook explained3 TIPS / TAKEAWAYSIf you can’t explain what you do clearly, something is misalignedPop culture isn’t fluff. It’s a mirrorWhen things feel heavy, honesty creates momentum Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

Christianity has taken on a totally different meaning these days.. It is in the oversized cross necklaces, the trad-wife hair, the school board fights, the subtle “illegal aliens vs immigrants” language, and the way a MAGA hat or a Pride flag can tell people your entire belief system before you say a word. In this episode, I pull together the data, the history, and my own messy spiritual story to ask whether we’re slipping into a full-blown religious dystopia or just finally seeing what was there all along. We’ll talk about why Christian fundamentalism feels more mainstream than ever, why so many of us are “Cafeteria Christians” or spiritual but not religious, and why Gen Z is both walking away from church and walking right back in through a different door. You will not walk away from this one neutral.In this episode, you’ll hear:How Christian nationalism and partisan politics got so tangled up you can’t tell where one ends and the other startsWhy Christianity has dropped to around 62% of Americans while the “nones” and spiritual-but-not-religious crowd keep risingThe two emerging “Americas”: the remixers (Cafeteria Christians, astrology, crystals, human design) and the revivalists (fundamentalism, trad-wife aesthetics, purity culture)What Gen Z is actually doing with faith, and why some young adults are returning to church for structure while others are done with institutions for goodHow thought-terminating clichés like “God works in mysterious ways” and “everything happens for a reason” shut down real emotions and critical thinkingWhy belief in Satan, demons, and “spiritual warfare” is dropping overall, even as some conservative spaces turn it into a 24/7 fear channelThe difference between inherited faith and adult reality, and how to spot when “community” is tipping into control or culty dynamicsWhat it might look like to be human first and let belief and identity come second, without abandoning the possibility of God altogetherTimestamps:00:00 Welcome to the Reinvention Room + why this one will piss people off or make you feel seen02:28 Christian fundamentalism goes mainstream and hides inside politics05:50 Growing up Protestant, “born-again” neighbors, and never feeling Christian enough16:51 Mega-churches, mentors, and trying to find a faith home that isn’t culty23:51 The long hair, oversized crosses, trad-wife aesthetic, and what they’re signaling30:54 Deep research: declining Christianity, rising “nones,” and spiritual-but-not-religious trends35:42 Crystals, tarot, human design and why the metaphysical often feels more helpful than church40:08 Thought-terminating clichés and how they shut down real emotion and questions51:13 Spiritual warfare, “the enemy,” and why demon talk feels like an abusive boyfriend53:18 Christian nationalism, school boards, book bans, and politics dressed up as religion58:23 Trump, media bubbles, and trying to stay human first in mixed-politics families1:09:57 Burnout, belonging, and why everyone’s exhausted and spiritually unsettled1:21:10 “Why are you letting assholes get in the way of your relationship with God?”1:23:30 Are we already in a religious dystopia, and what happens next?Links & Resources Mentioned:Previous episode: Psychology of How Minds Change with David McRaney (on why people double down or actually shift)Previous episode: Dr. Jay Van Bavel on social identity and tribal brains: EP108: Social identitiesMy weekly personal email: https://allisonhare.com/emailWork with me on your podcast: https://allisonhare.com/freecallInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison__hareLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhare/Website: https://allisonhare.comNotable Quotables:[00:02:28] “Christian fundamentalism has gone from really kind of a fringe thing to totally mainstream. But now it’s wrapped in politics.”[00:03:35] “Meanwhile, most Americans are building their own version of faith from scraps, like a cafeteria Christian.”[00:33:18] “It really made me wonder, are people ditching belief, or are they ditching institutions?”[00:40:08] “These phrases don’t comfort people. They shut off critical thought and shut down your actual feelings.”[01:21:10] “Why are you letting assholes get in the way of your relationship with God?”3 Top Takeaways:Belonging often beats belief. People will choose social safety and their group over “getting the theology right,” especially when everything feels uncertain.Two spiritual Americas are forming. Remix spirituality (Cafeteria Christians, crystals, human design) is growing at the same time as Christian nationalism and fundamentalism push for legal power. PRRI+3Pew Research Center+3Pew Research Center+3You’re allowed to question. One of the healthiest spiritual moves you can make is asking, “Can I doubt here without being punished?” If the answer is no, that’s a data point. Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

Sometimes life sneaks up on you and you have no choice but to face the dark corners we wish we could avoid. My guest today, Christophe van Durme is facing an impossibly difficult challenge of brain cancer as a young father. When i met Chris and saw the way he was handling his prognosis and building a legacy for his family, I knew I had to bring him to you.Christophe talks through fear, multiple surgeries, paralysis, future plans that shifted overnight, and the quiet moments he holds onto anyway. It’s steady, honest, and strangely clarifying. There’s something about the way he speaks that pulls you closer to your own life instead of pushing you into dread.Christophe shares what it means to live with brain cancer while raising a young daughter, holding onto hope, and planning for a future he might not fully get to see. He breaks down the reality of navigating treatment, rebuilding his body, losing parts of his independence, and still choosing connection. He also talks about the private podcast he’s recording for his child so she’ll always know his voice. This conversation is unfiltered, grounded, and full of the kind of truth most people only reach for when everything else falls away.What You'll Learn:How a brain cancer survivor story can shift your perspective without sinking your hopeWhat day-to-day life actually looks like when you’re living with brain cancerHow people find meaning inside fear, not after itWhat legacy looks like when you strip out ego, performance, and pressureWhy tiny human moments hold more weight than the big milestonesHow honesty creates connection even in the darkest circumstancesLinks & Resources:Christophe van Durme - LinkedInProfitivisime (nonprofit discussed)Allison’s links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison__hareLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhare/Website: https://allisonhare.comFree clarity call: https://go.allisonhare.com/45-min-callNotable Quotables:“The only choice we get is how awake we want to be while it’s happening.” (01:20)“My goal is simple. Leave the planet in a better state than if I hadn’t been here.” (15:05)“Life is better than no life.” (35:10)“Joy exists inside pain.” (57:30)“I fear not being there next week.” (49:59)\Timestamps:00:00 — Why this story matters02:30 — The moment everything changed04:00 — Diagnosis at 1706:35 — Tumor quadruples in size09:50 — Awake brain surgery13:10 — Preparing to die20:30 — Emotional fallout and identity24:45 — A friend’s philosophy that shifted everything28:58 — MRI the day after his daughter’s birth32:40 — Paralysis and rebuilding35:37 — Why he still wanted kids39:34 — The private podcast for his daughter49:03 — Recovery, setbacks, and resilience49:59 — Fear, honesty, and what he still hopes for55:59 — Choosing a joyful funeral57:32 — A reminder about being aliveTips & Takeaways:Meaning shows up when you stop pretending you’re fine.The smallest moments end up being the ones that matter. Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

You're working so hard putting out podcast episodes week after week. You know it's good. People seem to like it. But it's not really fueling your business Why? I’m breaking down exactly what it takes to turn podcast listeners into clients without selling your soul, burning out, or morphing into a funnel bro.Today I’m sharing how small but surgical changes can transform your show into a client-generating machine by talking to real-life client - lawyer turned life coach, Caroline de Posada of the Bliss'n Up Podcast. Not hustle and burning yourself out creating 8000 pieces of content. This is how to get clarity, purpose, and a promise your audience can feel in their bones. In this episode, you’ll hear the real transformation that happens when your podcast becomes part of your business instead of floating next to it.What You'll Learn:Why “turn podcast listeners into clients” starts with clarity over marketing gimmicksThe single shift that transforms your episodes into action driversWhat a clear podcast promise does for your audience and your bank accountHow small structural changes deepen trust and increase conversionsWhat most podcasters overlook when trying to grow their businessResources Mentioned:Caroline’s Podcast: Bliss'n UpCaroline de Posada's IG and LinkedInCaroline's Community Mastermind: The HubAllison's Clarity Call: https://go.allisonhare.com/45-min-callAllison’s website: https://allisonhare.comNotable Quotables from Caroline de Posada:[00:23:49]: “I was a really good pastor on my podcast.”[00:24:32]: “They trust me. They listen to my podcast every week.”[00:27:10]: “I get to be me and sell and have a structure and have a framework.”[00:28:59]: “This isn’t just about serving more people. It’s about serving my existing people better.”[00:34:38]: “I know it’s working. I know it’s working.” Timestamps:0:00 — Why your podcast isn’t converting2:25 — The shift that changed everything7:10 — The missing link between podcast and business14:50 — Why coaches need coaches19:07 — The power of a clear podcast promise26:12 — Selling without feeling salesy29:15 — How episodes turn into clients34:20 — Listener transformation story3 Tips/Takeaways:A podcast without a clear promise will inspire people, not move them.Listeners convert when your episodes solve a problem they feel.One structural change (like your hook or mid-roll) can shift everything. Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

NXIVM is back in the headlines after Allison Mack’s new podcast — but for survivors like Sarah Edmondson, the story never ended.She was one of the faces of The Vow on HBO — the woman who blew the whistle on NXIVM’s “self-help” empire that turned into a full-blown notorious cult.This episode is about what happened after the escape: healing from coercive control, rebuilding trust, and learning to believe your own voice again.Sarah opens up about the psychological hangover of leaving NXIVM — how fear, shame, and identity unravel once the system is gone.We unpack what freedom looks like after indoctrination, how cultish behavior shows up in everyday systems, and the slow process of learning safety again.It’s a conversation about resilience, humor, and the long road back to self-trust.If you haven't heard Part 1 yet, here you go! https://podcast.allisonhare.com/post/274What You Will Learn:How Sarah Edmondson escaped the NXIVM cult and what freedom really looked likeThe psychology of coercive control and how to spot it earlyWhy rebuilding trust is the hardest part after leaving a cultHow cult dynamics show up in modern coaching and wellness spacesHow to protect your agency without losing your sense of belongingResources MentionedPodcast: A Little Bit Culty hosted by Sarah Edmondson & Nippy AmesPre-Order new book: A Little Bit CultyThe Vow (HBO docuseries)Scarred by Sarah Edmondson (book)Sarah Edmondson’s website – sarahedmondson.comNotable Quotables (from Sarah Edmondson)“I see a woman who’s trying to right a wrong.” (02:20)“When you’re in a cult, you don’t think you’re in a cult.” (13:34)“Black-and-white thinking is culty thinking.” (11:58)“Freedom isn’t a moment. It’s a practice.” (Paraphrased version you had before — confirmed not verbatim, remove it.)Instead, use: “Leaving NXIVM was the easy part. Healing after was the work.” (09:33)“If you’re in a group and your gut tells you something’s off — and the leader says you’re in resistance — leave.” (27:49)“You can go on a seeking journey and want to better yourself, but you’re already whole.” (28:42)Timestamps0:00 Intro – NXIVM returns to headlines3:50 What it took to finally walk away10:42 The aftershock of coercive control17:05 Rebuilding trust and identity24:55 Modern cult behavior in everyday life32:20 Freedom, humor, and healingTakeawaysFreedom after control starts with reclaiming your intuition.Coercive systems don’t end with cult leaders — they live in every space that punishes dissent.Recovery isn’t linear — it’s relearning trust one choice at a time. Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

If you think you’d never fall for a cult, think again.The NXIVM cult didn’t lure the weak — it attracted smart, curious, ambitious people looking for growth and belonging. People just like us.And right in the middle of it was Sarah Edmondson, a high-ranking member who helped blow it wide open in The New York Times and HBO’s The Vow.In this conversation, we unpack how something that looked like empowerment turned into manipulation — and how the need to belong can become a weapon.Sarah shares what actually happened inside NXIVM, how coercive control disguised itself as “self-improvement,” and the exact moment she realized she was part of something dark.We talk about the psychology that keeps smart people compliant, the power structures that mirrored everyday life, and what breaking free really cost her.It’s part cult exposé, part human study — and all about reclaiming your voice when someone else has tried to own it.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow the NXIVM cult disguised coercive control as personal growthThe psychology of belonging and why smart people get trappedThe moment Sarah Edmondson decided to blow it all openHow language and hierarchy keep people obedient without forceWhat the NXIVM story teaches us about modern cults and powerResources MentionedPodcast: A Little Bit Culty hosted by Sarah Edmondson & Nippy AmesPre-Order new book: A Little Bit CultyThe Vow (HBO docuseries)Scarred by Sarah Edmondson (book)Sarah Edmondson’s website – sarahedmondson.com Quotes (from Sarah Edmondson)“Cults don’t prey on weakness — they prey on hope.” 09:2409:2409:24“I didn’t wake up and think, ‘Oh God, I’m in a cult.’ It was a slow drip of trust and fear.” 15:0215:0215:02“The brand became my evidence. It was the proof we weren’t crazy.” 27:1827:1827:18“I had to reclaim my story before someone else told it for me.” 34:4534:4534:45“Once you understand coercive control, you start seeing it everywhere.” 42:1142:1142:11 Timestamps (Key Moments)0:00 Intro – How NXIVM hooked smart people5:40 Sarah joins NXIVM and finds community12:55 The early red flags everyone missed22:18 The branding and Sarah’s breaking point30:04 The New York Times story that blew it open42:00 The psychology of control and obedience52:33 Outro – Reclaiming power after indoctrination Tips / TakeawaysBelonging is a human need — and that’s what makes it so exploitable.Coercive control often sounds like self-improvement until you question it.Recovery starts with reclaiming your own definition of truth and power. Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com