Case Files 15: Everyday Cults with Rachel Bernstein

Nobody Should Believe Me

True Story Media

True Crime, Personal Journals, Society & Culture

4.3 • 2.3K Ratings

🗓️ 10 April 2025

⏱️ 59 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this week’s episode of Case Files, we’re joined by Rachel Bernstein, a therapist specializing in cults and the host of the podcast IndoctriNation. Andrea and Rachel delve into the crossover between those in the sphere of Munchausen by Proxy perpetrators and cults. Rachel talks about the complexity of cult dynamics, the emotional and psychological impacts on families, and the challenges faced by individuals trying to break free from manipulative environments. Andrea and Rachel touch on navigating relationships with abusive family members and the importance of community, safe spaces, and support. *** Listen to IndoctriNation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/indoctrination/id1373939526 Order Andrea's new book The Mother Next Door: Medicine, Deception, and Munchausen by Proxy https://read.macmillan.com/lp/the-mother-next-door-9781250284273/ View our sponsors. Remember that using our codes helps advertisers know you’re listening and helps us keep making the show! https://www.nobodyshouldbelieveme.com/sponsors/ Follow Andrea on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: https://www.instagram.com/andreadunlop/ Buy Andrea's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Andrea-Dunlop/author/B005VFWJPI To support the show, go to http://Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe or subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nobody-should-believe-me/id1615637188?ign-itscg=30200S&ign-itsct=larjmedia_podcasts) where you can get all episodes early and ad-free and access exclusive ethical true crime bonus content. For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit http://MunchausenSupport.com The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children’s MBP Practice Guidelines can be downloaded here: https://apsac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Munchausen-by-Proxy-Clinical-and-Case-Management-Guidance-.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	True Story Media.
0:09.5	Hello, it's Andrea, and I am so excited to share today's conversation with Rachel Bernstein, host of the Indoctrination podcast.
0:18.9	Rachel is a therapist who specializes in cults and cult adjacent behaviors, and today
0:24.0	we are digging into coercive control, manipulation, and tackling the question of why people
0:30.2	go on believing things, even when they've been presented with mountains of evidence to the
0:35.5	contrary, which is a question that feels pretty timely
0:39.2	right about now. Our sixth season is coming in June, and we've got lots of great stuff for you
0:44.5	in the meantime, including our deep dive into the medical kidnapping lawsuit against Rattie
0:50.1	Children's in San Diego, a look at the Bell Gibson case, which was featured in
0:55.0	the new Netflix show Apple Cider Vinegar and some other fascinating tidbits.
0:59.8	If you are a subscriber on Apple or Patreon, we're talking about the Peacock documentary, The Anatomy
1:05.3	of Lies, which is about the Elizabeth Finch case this month, as well as bringing you some updates on the ongoing
1:12.0	Kowalski saga in Florida. And just as a reminder, as a subscriber, once again, you'll get all
1:18.9	eight episodes of season six on the day they launch in June. So without further ado, here is my
1:24.6	conversation with Rachel Bernstein. Just a quick reminder that my new book, The Mother Next Door, Medicine, Deception, and Munchausen
1:32.7	by proxy, is on sale right now wherever books are sold.
1:37.0	The book was an Amazon editor's pick for nonfiction, and the Seattle Times called it
1:41.4	a riveting deep dive into MVP.
1:44.0	And if you are an audiobook lover
1:45.7	and you like hearing my voice, which I'm assuming you do since you're listening here, you should
1:50.0	know that I narrate the audiobook as well. If you have already read the book, which I know so many
1:55.0	of you have, thank you so much. Please let me know your thoughts and questions at hello and
	...

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