Fool's Gold: Discernment in the Age of Grift

About Fool's Gold: Discernment in the Age of Grift

In a world where everyone sells sparkles, how can we tell the glitter from the gold? Fool's Gold: Discernment in the Age of Grift is a podcast about spiritual seeking, coercive control, and how we learn to recognize manipulation. I'm Cara Cordoni—leadership coach, cooperative worker-owner, and someone who's been caught up in multiple cults, including the International School of Temple Arts (ISTA). I spent two years trying to work things out privately through an activist group called 3SC (Safer Sex-Positive and Spiritual Communities). When mediation failed and caused more harm, I started having public conversations instead. This podcast is one of those conversations. Why "Fool's Gold"? I am the fool. We are all fools. Most of us have been fooled. How do we learn to sort the gold from the glitter? I talk with people who've lived through these experiences, researched them, reported on them, or tried to create change around them. We explore questions like: What is coercion? How do Large Group Awareness Trainings work on your brain? Why do spiritual communities keep replicating the same harm patterns? How do people recover? What actually helps? This isn't about having answers. It's about creating resources for people trying to understand what happened to them, avoid getting caught up in the first place, or support someone who's dealing with this. It's education, exposure, and making sense of things together. People don't join cults—they join communities and trainings that promise transformation or belonging. Losing ourselves can happen in spiritual groups, workplaces, relationships, anywhere power gets concentrated and questions get shut down. New episodes bi-weekly. Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Access Humboldt.

Publisher

Cara Cordoni

Category

education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

23 Jan 2026

Latest episode

21 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Apr 2026

   S1E12: Becky Garrison: A Satirist's Guide to Surviving Spiritual Narcissists

   ABOUT BECKY GARRISON: Becky Garrison is a spiritual seeker and researcher exploring the Pacific Northwest craft culture, including beer, wine, cider, cannabis/CBD, psychedelics, along with the regional festival scene and the sacred sexuality/ecstatic dance community. She served as Senior Contributing Editor for The Wittenburg Door from 1994 to 2008 and is now on its board of directors since its 2021 relaunch. She is the author of nine books including Jesus Died for This? A Satirist's Search for the Risen Christ and Distilled in Washington: A History. Book: Gaslighting for God: A Satirical Guide to Save Yourself from Spiritual Narcissists (Lake Drive Books, January 2026) Purchase: https://www.lakedrivebooks.com/books/gaslighting-for-god/ (https://www.lakedrivebooks.com/books/gaslighting-for-god/) Website: http://www.beckygarrison.com (http://www.beckygarrison.com) Substack: https://beckygarrison.substack.com (https://beckygarrison.substack.com) Medium: https://medium.com/@becky_garrison (https://medium.com/@becky_garrison) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GarrisonBecky (https://www.youtube.com/@GarrisonBecky) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becky_garrison/ (https://www.instagram.com/becky_garrison/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeckyGarrisonWriter/ (https://www.facebook.com/BeckyGarrisonWriter/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckygarrison (https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckygarrison) RESOURCES: Safer Sex-Positive and Spiritual Communities: 3SC.Community (http://3SC.Community) ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association): ICSA.org (http://ICSA.org) DECULT: decult.net (http://decult.net) Seek Safely: https://seeksafely.org/ (https://seeksafely.org/) Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 CONNECT: If this episode resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Questions or feedback: foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me (mailto:foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me) Substack: https://caracordoni.substack.com/ (https://caracordoni.substack.com/) Instagram: @caracordoni CREDITS: Music: "Midnight Rendezvous" by Sasha Ende (ende.app (http://ende.app)) Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0

2. 

   16 Apr 2026

   Reading The News: ISTA's About Page

   In this Bonus episode of Fool's Gold Reading the News, Cara reads aloud the International School of Temple Arts/ISTA's About Page from their website ista.life (http://ista.life) as of April 2026. Judge for yourself.

3. 

   15 Apr 2026

   S1E11: Carol Merchasin on the Legal Landscape of Coercive Control

   What does it take to hold coercive organizations legally accountable? Attorney Carol Merchasin—known in some circles as "the cult ninja"—joins Cara for a deep dive into the legal landscape survivors face when seeking justice. Carol traces her path from large law firm partner to specialist in high-control group litigation, including the pivotal influence of Anita Hill's testimony and how it revealed the cultural divide around coercion. She breaks down the Human Trafficking Act, explaining why "trafficking" is broader than most people realize and how it's been used against groups like NXIVM and OneTaste. Carol clarifies the difference between criminal and civil courts, what "coercion that negates consent" actually means, and why juries still struggle with psychological harm the way they once struggled with workplace harassment. Content Note: Discussion of sexual assault, coercion, human trafficking, and institutional harm. ABOUT CAROL MERCHASIN: Carol Merchasin has substantial experience investigating, litigating, and publicly addressing sexual abuse, exploitation, forced labor, and coercive control within high-demand and high-control groups. She is the founder and former leader of a specialized litigation practice devoted exclusively to these issues. Widely engaged in interdisciplinary dialogue through public education, media, and conference speaking, Carol is committed to survivor-centered, ethically grounded, and collaborative approaches. Carol was a partner at Morgan, Lewis in Philadelphia with experience in addressing sexual misconduct and discrimination in the workplaces of Fortune 50 companies and the head of team of lawyers litigating on behalf of plaintiffs in coercive spiritual organizations at McAllister Olivarius. Carol's current legal practice has focused on coercive control and undue influence; sexual abuse in spiritual and religious communities; forced labor and human trafficking (civil) in high-demand and high-control groups; civil RICO and systemic abuse litigation; survivor-centered investigation and advocacy. As member of the Board of the International Cultic Studies Association, she has collaborated closely with clinicians, scholars, survivor-advocates, and other professionals. She has been a guest on more than thirty-five podcasts; had numerous television and media interviews in the United States and Canada; and been a speaker at national and international conferences across legal, therapeutic, academic, and survivor-centered communities. RESOURCES: Safer Sex-Positive and Spiritual Communities: 3SC.Community (http://3SC.Community) ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association): ICSA.org (http://ICSA.org) The BITE Model: freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/ (http://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/) Seek Safely: https://seeksafely.org/ (https://seeksafely.org/) Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 CONNECT: Conversations like these helped me get through the darkest times, and I hope they help us get through dark times together. I'd love to hear from you. Questions or feedback: foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me (mailto:foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me) Substack: https://caracordoni.substack.com/ (https://caracordoni.substack.com/) Instagram: @caracordoni Music: "Midnight Rendezvous" by Sasha Ende (ende.app (http://ende.app)) Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0

4. 

   7 Apr 2026

   S1E10: Bronwyn Rideout on the history of Highden Temple

   How did a Victorian manor in rural New Zealand become an ISTA-connected mystery school? Bronwyn Rideout—Chair of the NZ Skeptics and independent researcher—joins Cara to trace Highden Temple's strange history, from its 1898 origins through Bruce Lyon's 2017 crowdfunded acquisition. Bronwyn walks through the digital evidence trail connecting Highden to ISTA despite public claims of separation, the systematic erasure of online records, and the broader context of why New Zealand has become a magnet for alternative spiritual groups. She shares findings from her DeCult conference presentation and the challenge of documenting harm when websites disappear and records get deleted. Content Note: Discussion of alternative medicine fraud, financial exploitation, cult manipulation, and organizational harm. ABOUT BRONWYN RIDEOUT: Bronwyn Rideout is a registered midwife by night and the Chair of the New Zealand Skeptics by day. She has been researching Highden and ISTA since 2022 and delivered a presentation on both organisations at the 2024 DeCult conference with Dave Booda, Shany Kedar, and Mordechai Braunstein. As regular contributor to the NZ Skeptics newsletter, Bronwyn regularly writes about Autism, Multi-level Marketing companies, cults/coercive groups, and skeptical history through a New Zealand lens. Articles: https://articles.skeptics.nz/author/bronwyn-rideout/ (https://articles.skeptics.nz/author/bronwyn-rideout/) ISTA Research: https://skeptics.nz/ista (https://skeptics.nz/ista) Podcast: https://podcast.skeptics.nz/ (https://podcast.skeptics.nz/) RESOURCES: Safer Sex-Positive and Spiritual Communities: 3SC.Community (http://3SC.Community) ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association): ICSA.org (http://ICSA.org) DECULT: decult.net (http://decult.net) Seek Safely: https://seeksafely.org/ (https://seeksafely.org/) Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 CONNECT: Conversations like these helped me get through the darkest times, and I hope they help us get through dark times together. If this episode resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Questions or feedback: foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me (mailto:foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me) Substack: https://caracordoni.substack.com/ (https://caracordoni.substack.com/) Instagram: @caracordoni Like what you're hearing? Subscribe, share with someone who might benefit, and leave a review. Your engagement helps others find these conversations. CREDITS: Graphics: Paxton Scarberry | Music: "Midnight Rendezvous" by Sasha Ende (ende.app (http://ende.app)) Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0

5. 

   31 Mar 2026

   S1E9 Jon Atack: From Theosophy to Scientology to Neo-Tantra

   What do Scientology, Nazism, and neo-tantra have in common? Cult researcher Jon Atack traces the hidden lineage through Theosophy, Aleister Crowley, and early 20th century occultism. Jon explains how L. Ron Hubbard stole from Crowley's sex magick, how Alice Bailey's "ascended masters" influenced both Scientology and Bruce Lyon's Highden Temple, and why Blavatsky's Aryan race fantasies became foundational to Nazi ideology and modern spiritual movements. Jon and Cara discuss manipulation techniques shared across cults, gangs, and terrorist groups—love bombing, finding your ruin, weaponized meditation, and why certainty is a red flag. Content Note: Discussion of cult manipulation, Nazi ideology, sexual abuse, and authoritarian control. BOOKS MENTIONED: Jon Atack: If Scientology Ruled the World (2025), Opening Our Minds (2015), A Piece of Blue Sky (1990) Other: Bare-Faced Messiah by Russell Miller, The Secret Doctrine and Isis Unveiled by Helena Blavatsky, The Red Book by Carl Jung, Ghost Hunters by Deborah Blum, The Wrong Way Home by Arthur Deikman, The Myth of Genesis by Robert Graves and Raphael Patai, Oxford Handbook of Meditation edited by Miguel Farias Jon Atack has been recognized as a leading expert on authoritarian cults since 1990, when his best-selling Let's Sell These People a Piece of Blue Sky was first published. After nine years in Scientology, Jon left in 1983 and has since helped about 600 people recover from cult abuse. He has been consulted in over 150 court cases worldwide and recognized as an expert witness by the English High Court. In 2015, Opening Our Minds became the first book to explore manipulative techniques from advertising and propaganda to cults, gangs, and terrorist groups. His 2025 book If Scientology Ruled the World: Nazi Occultists, Sex Magick, Space Aliens, and the Second Coming exposes the origins of the Aryan Race fantasy and the relationship between cult groups and Nazi ideology. Jon has published over 500 articles and co-authored academic chapters with Steven Hassan, PhD, on topics ranging from anti-Semitism to lone-actor terrorism. Website: https://jonatack.co.uk (https://jonatack.co.uk) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jonatackfamilyfriends6176 (https://www.youtube.com/@jonatackfamilyfriends6176) Connect: Instagram @jon_atack | Bluesky jonatack.bsky.social (http://jonatack.bsky.social) | Twitter @atack_jon | Facebook /AuthorJonAtack RESOURCES: 3SC.Community (http://3SC.Community) | ICSA.org (http://ICSA.org) | freedomofmind.com (http://freedomofmind.com) | seeksafely.org (http://seeksafely.org) | Crisis Text Line: HOME to 741741 CONNECT: foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me (mailto:foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me) | calendly.com/caracordonicoaching (http://calendly.com/caracordonicoaching) | caracordoni.substack.com (http://caracordoni.substack.com) | Instagram @caracordoni Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help others find these conversations. CREDITS: Music: "Midnight Rendezvous" by Sasha Ende (ende.app (http://ende.app)), CC BY-NC 4.0

6. 

   24 Mar 2026

   Reading The News: 3SC, ISTA and the Misuse of the Joint Statement March 10, 2026

   In this Fool's Gold, Reading The News Bonus episode, Cara reads the latest statement posted on Safer Sex-Positive and Spiritual Communities website: 3SC, ISTA and the Misuse of the Joint Statement (https://3sc.community/3sc-ista-and-the-misuse-of-the-joint-statement/), published March 10, 2026. References: ISTA's FAQs (https://ista.life/faq-media) The Joint Statement Jan 18, 2024 (https://3sc.community/joint-statement-on-the-mediation-process-between-3sc-and-ista/) A Disappointing End June 9, 2025 (https://3sc.community/3sc-summer-community-update/) Israeli Center for Cult Victims (ICCV) Update on ISTA November 2025 (https://infokatot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ista-november-2025.pdf)

7. 

   22 Mar 2026

   S1E8: Dr. John Hunter: The Neuroscience of LGAT Experiences

   What if the "transformation" promised by week-long retreats is really activating a defense mechanism to stress? Dr. John Hunter joins Cara to explain the dopaminergic defense hypothesis, his research connecting large group awareness trainings (LGATs) to bipolar-like states. John traces LGAT history from Mind Dynamics (1967) through EST, Lifespring, and Landmark, explaining how these organizations evolved from overt abuse to covert manipulation. He and Cara discuss ISTA's format, the weaponization of personal responsibility, why educated people are vulnerable, and the industry's financial incentives to ignore harm. John shares his Fight Club research, federal court testimony, and why publishing cult research is risky but necessary. Content Note: Discussion of psychological manipulation, induced mania, sexual assault, and institutional harm. Dr. John Hunter is a South African researcher and lecturer based in Johannesburg. His interest in large group awareness trainings (LGATs) stems from personal experience with bipolar disorder and LGAT participation in 2010. He completed a PhD in psychology (2017) proposing the dopaminergic-defense hypothesis, explaining both "transformational" experiences and psychological harm associated with LGATs. Dr. Hunter published this research in the Journal for the Cognitive Science of Religion (2022), presented at ICSA (2023), and testified as expert witness in US federal court (2024). His book Manufacturing Mania: The Dopamine Hypothesis of Religious Experience is now available. Website: https://johnhunterphd.com/#about-me (https://johnhunterphd.com/#about-me) Book: Manufacturing Mania (https://www.amazon.com/Manufacturing-Mania-Hypothesis-Religious-Experience/dp/B0DMPXLSM1) Article: "LGATs and Fight Club: Dissecting a Delusion" (https://thefincheranalyst.com/articles/lgats-and-fight-club-dissecting-a-delusion/) - RESOURCES: Safer Sex-Positive and Spiritual Communities (3SC.Community) ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association): ICSA.org (http://ICSA.org) Freedom of Mind (freedomofmind.com) (Steven Hassan) Seek Safely (https://seeksafely.org/) Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 CONNECT: Conversations like these helped me get through the darkest times, and I hope they help us get through dark times together. If this episode resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Questions or feedback: foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me (mailto:foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me) Schedule a 30 min curiosity call with Cara: calendly.com/caracordonicoaching (http://calendly.com/caracordonicoaching) Substack: https://caracordoni.substack.com/ (https://caracordoni.substack.com/) Instagram: @caracordoni Like what you're hearing? Subscribe, share with someone who might benefit, and leave a review. Your engagement helps others find these conversations, especially because this is a new show. CREDITS: Graphics: Paxton Scarberry | Music: "Midnight Rendezvous" by Sasha Ende (ende.app (http://ende.app)) Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0

8. 

   10 Mar 2026

   S1E7: Anya Kamenetz on Investigative Journalism and ISTA

   Award-winning journalist Anya Kamenetz joins Cara to discuss her February 2025 New York Magazine investigation of The International School of Temple Arts, ISTA. Anya explains how she came to the story through friends who loved ISTA, attending an ISTA-adjacent retreat, and hearing whispers of a "Me Too problem" the organization was supposedly addressing. What began as a story about accountability done right became something else as facts emerged during the year-long reporting process. Anya walks through the challenges of trauma-informed interviewing with seven survivors, the editorial process at a major publication (fact-checkers, lawyers, revisions), and ISTA's responses both public and private. She addresses accusations of bias and "bait and switch." Cara and Anya name what survivors received from ISTA’s Accountability efforts versus what perpetrators got, the devastating impact of ISTA's post-publication response, and why Anya regrets editors cut her disclosure of attending an ISTA-like retreat, herself. Content Note: Discussion of sexual assault, organizational harm, and cult dynamics. Read Anya's ISTA investigation (https://3sc.community/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/The-Neo-Tantric-Sex-Group-That-Promised-to-Change.pdf) Listen to her article on YouTube (https://youtu.be/MvUBYqOO8GM) ABOUT ANYA KAMENETZ: Anya Kamenetz is an award-winning journalist, author, and speaker who has worked for National Public Radio and contributed to The New Yorker, New York Magazine, the New York Times, the Atlantic and many other publications. As an advisor to Climate Mental Health Network, she co-created the Climate Emotions Wheel. Her Substack The Golden Hour and her forthcoming book Falling In Love With The World Again (Bloomsbury, 2027) explore how to cope and thrive in a time of rapid change and intersecting crises. Website: http://anyakamenetz.net/ (http://anyakamenetz.net/) Substack: thegoldenhour.substack.com (http://thegoldenhour.substack.com) RESOURCES: Safer Sex-Positive and Spiritual Communities: 3SC.Community (http://3SC.Community) ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association): ICSA.org (http://ICSA.org) CONNECT: Conversations like these helped me get through the darkest times, and I hope they help us get through dark times together. If this episode resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Questions or feedback: foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me (mailto:foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me) Schedule a 30 min curiosity call with Cara: calendly.com/caracordonicoaching (http://calendly.com/caracordonicoaching) Substack: https://caracordoni.substack.com/ (https://caracordoni.substack.com/) Instagram: @caracordoni Like what you're hearing? Subscribe, share with someone who might benefit, and leave a review. Your engagement helps others find these conversations, especially because this is a new show. CREDITS: Graphics: Paxton Scarberry Music: "Midnight Rendezvous" by Sasha Ende (ende.app (http://ende.app)) Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0

9. 

   3 Mar 2026

   S1E6: Journalist Anke Richter on ISTA and cultic patterns

   What happens when a cult journalist finds themselves in a cult? Anke Richter, author of Cult Trip and founder of DECULT, joins Cara to explore the disorienting experience of researching sex cults while simultaneously participating in ISTA, The International School of Temple Arts. Anke describes the dopamine hook of intense retreats that made mundane life feel flat, and the embarrassing realization: "I am one of them." Anke and Cara examine how organizations systematically dismantle consent through "nature selection" rituals and teachings that reframe physical revulsion as spiritual blockage requiring "work." Anke traces these patterns from Rajneeshpuram to Centerpoint to ISTA, discusses her transition from participant to journalist-activist networker, and shares her current work organizing Australasia's first cult awareness conference through DECULT. Content Note: Discussion of sexual coercion, child sexual abuse in cults, and consent violations. Anke Richter is an international journalist based in New Zealand and the author of four non-fiction books. Her last one, Cult Trip: Inside the world of coercion & control (HarperCollins, 2023) is an investigative and personal exploration of former and current sex cults. She is now the founder and pro bono director of DECULT, a grassroots charity that organised the first cult awareness conference in Australasia and won the Champion of Change Advocate Award from the Freedom Train Project in 2025. Anke received their Ethical Media Award for her work. https://ankerichter.net/ (https://ankerichter.net/) https://decult.net/ (https://decult.net/) Anke's Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/ankerichterwriter (https://www.facebook.com/ankerichterwriter) https://www.instagram.com/ankerichterwriter/ (https://www.instagram.com/ankerichterwriter/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/anke-richter-writer/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anke-richter-writer/) RESOURCES: Safer Sex-Positive and Spiritual Communities: 3SC.Community (http://3SC.Community) ICSA: ICSA.org (http://ICSA.org) Seek Safely: https://seeksafely.org/ (https://seeksafely.org/) CONNECT: foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me (mailto:foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me) Schedule with Cara: calendly.com/caracordonicoaching (http://calendly.com/caracordonicoaching) Substack: caracordoni.substack.com (http://caracordoni.substack.com) Instagram: @caracordoni Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help others find these conversations.

10. 

    27 Feb 2026

    Reading The News: ISTA in New York Magazine, Feb 28, 2025

    In this Reading The News bonus episode of Fool's Gold, Cara reads the New York Magazine article by Anya Kamanetz (https://3sc.community/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/The-Neo-Tantric-Sex-Group-That-Promised-to-Change.pdf), published Feb 28, 2025. No commentary, just the article read aloud.

11. 

    25 Feb 2026

    S1E5: Ellie Wilde's Journey, former ISTA facilitator

    Former ISTA facilitator Ellie Wilde joins Cara to share her 11-year journey through the organization—from participant to inner circle to speaking out. Ellie arrived at 40 seeking tools for better relationships and sexuality. She traces how she moved into facilitation and what it meant to be part of a world that seemed to offer healing and belonging. Ellie and Cara discuss power dynamics between teachers and students, the difference between genuine empowerment and pseudo-importance, and recovery after leaving. They explore finding your voice after years of silence, the spiral nature of healing, and holding both harm experienced and harm perpetuated. Content Note: Discussion of sexual relationships between teachers and students, power dynamics, and grooming. References to emotional collapse and recovery. Disclaimer: Views expressed represent individual opinions and experiences, not official positions of the podcast or producers. ABOUT ELLIE WILDE: Ellie Wilde is a somatic facilitator who brings lived experience and discernment to conversations about power, intimacy, and integrity. For over a decade, she was an ISTA facilitator, working internationally in immersive trainings. Her years inside gave her intimate understanding of both the potential and serious distortions when embodiment work, trauma, eros, and spiritual authority mix without sufficient accountability or nervous-system awareness. Today, Ellie works primarily with men in one-to-one settings, supporting emotional literacy, grounded masculinity, and ethical relational capacity—helping men move beyond performance-based spirituality into genuine presence and responsibility. In groups, she prioritizes safety, consent, and nervous-system coherence. She's passionate about dismantling charismatic power dynamics and helping people separate authentic growth from coercion and unintegrated trauma. Ellie speaks not as an outsider but as someone who loved these worlds deeply and is now committed to truth-telling. www.essentialtantra.org (http://www.essentialtantra.org) | ellie@essentialtantra.org (mailto:ellie@essentialtantra.org) RESOURCES: Safer Sex-Positive and Spiritual Communities: 3SC.Community (http://3SC.Community) ICSA: ICSA.org (http://ICSA.org) Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 CONNECT: foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me (mailto:foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me) Schedule with Cara: calendly.com/caracordonicoaching (http://calendly.com/caracordonicoaching) Substack: caracordoni.substack.com (http://caracordoni.substack.com) Instagram: @caracordoni Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help others find these conversations. CREDITS: Graphics: Paxton Scarberry | Music: "Midnight Rendezvous" by Sasha Ende (ende.app (http://ende.app)) Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0

12. 

    17 Feb 2026

    S1E4: My ISTA Journey, Pt 2 with Jack Rikess

    CONTENT NOTE Contains discussion of coercion, manipulation, organizational abuse, and victim-blaming. Jack's direct, confrontational interviewing style may be activating for survivors. In Part 2 (of 2), Cara and Jack explore what comes after you recognize harm in a community you loved. Cara shares her two-year journey attempting accountability through mediation—believing transformation was possible, documenting patterns of harm, and slowly realizing the organization wasn't interested in genuine change. The conversation moves through the stages of disillusionment: from hopeful participant to concerned insider to reluctant whistleblower. Cara reflects on why she stayed in dialogue so long and what it took to finally walk away from the dream of accountability. Jack and Cara discuss the mechanics of institutional betrayal—how organizations respond to harm reports, the ways victims get blamed for their own trauma, and what happens when mediation becomes performative. Cara describes her current work supporting survivors and building alternative models for community and leadership. Part 2 of 2. For Cara's full ISTA origin story, start with Part 1. DISCLAIMER Views expressed represent individual opinions and experiences, not official positions of the podcast or producers. Content is not intended to malign any religion, group, organization, business, individual, or entity. ABOUT JACK RIKESS Jack Rikess was a stand-up comic for twenty-five years performing across the USA. Along the way he became a producer of comedy shows and other productions, including two years as an Operational Manager for The Emerald Cup. In the early 2000s, he wrote about the Northern California Cannabis scene. That led to a column with Village Voice Media, "Toke of the Town" which was distributed in twenty American cities including LA Weekly, SF Weekly, and City Pages in his hometown of Minneapolis. His work is featured in Stephen Sparks and Tom Allman's book, "Out There In The Woods"—an account of being embedded with law enforcement in the 36-day manhunt for a double-murderer hiding in the hills of Mendocino County. His first novel, "Just For A Couple Of Weeks" will be published in spring of 2026. Connect with Jack: RESOURCES Safer Sex-Positive and Spiritual Communities: 3SC.Community (http://3SC.Community) ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association): ICSA.org (http://ICSA.org) New York Magazine Article: http://3sc.community/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/The-Neo-Tantric-Sex-Group-That-Promised-to-Change.pdf (http://3sc.community/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/The-Neo-Tantric-Sex-Group-That-Promised-to-Change.pdf) CONNECT Conversations like these helped me get through the darkest times, and I hope they help us get through dark times together. If this episode resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Questions or feedback: foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me (mailto:foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me) Schedule a 30 min curiosity call with Cara: calendly.com/caracordonicoaching (http://calendly.com/caracordonicoaching) Substack: https://caracordoni.substack.com/ (https://caracordoni.substack.com/) Instagram: @caracordoni Please subscribe, share with someone who might benefit, and leave a review. Your engagement helps others find these conversations, especially because this is a new show.

13. 

    11 Feb 2026

    Reading The News: ISTA in Cyprus: Sacred Sexuality or a Pattern of Harm?

    Fool's Gold 'Reading The News' Bonus episodes launch with the Politis article, "ISTA in Cyprus: Sacred Sexuality or a Pattern of Harm? (https://en.politis.com.cy/culture/culture-soul-scene/970088/ista-in-cyprus-sacred-sexuality-or-a-pattern-of-harm)" by Katerina Nicolaou, Nov 23, 2025. No commentary, just the article as written, read aloud to you by Cara Cordoni.

14. 

    10 Feb 2026

    S1E3: Commercial Cults with anti-MLM guest Julie Anderson

    What happens when your friend's shampoo post on Facebook leads to five years in a commercial cult? Anti-MLM activist Julie Anderson joins Cara to trace her journey from desperately seeking work to becoming one of the most recognizable voices exposing multi-level marketing fraud. Julie explains how Monat recruited her through product testimonials, bonuses, and "ignorance on fire"—the MLM term for recruits who don't understand what they're actually doing but do it with enthusiasm. Julie and Cara explore the mechanics of commercial cults: the VIP customer pipeline, and the three-month bonus trap. They discuss how MLMs normalize financial abuse through language control ("it's your business!"), prosperity gospel, and laws literally written by Amway lobbyists. Julie describes her breaking point—a product that caused suicidal ideation, combined with her father's sudden death, and realizing she'd hurt people. Content Note: Contains discussion of suicidal ideation, financial exploitation, and manipulation. Brief mention of grief and family loss. DISCLAIMER: Views expressed represent individual opinions and experiences, not official positions of the podcast or producers. Content is not intended to malign any religion, group, organization, business, individual, or entity. ABOUT GUEST Julie Anderson spent five years in two commercial cults simultaneously—the multi-level marketing company Monat and the MLM coaching group Rank Makers. After realizing the full scope of what she'd been part of, she turned everything she'd learned about content creation and recruitment into a weapon against the industry itself. For four years, Julie became one of the most recognizable anti-MLM voices online, exposing the mechanics of commercial fraud and helping countless people recognize and exit exploitative schemes. This is Julie's final interview. After nine years of creating content maniacally—five years in, four years speaking out—she has stepped away from social media to rest and heal. Her extensive body of work remains available to help others in the years to come. YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JulieAndersonvideos (https://youtube.com/@JulieAndersonvideos) RESOURCES: Safer Sex-Positive and Spiritual Communities: 3SC.Community (http://3SC.Community) ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association): ICSA.org (http://ICSA.org) CONNECT: Conversations like these helped me get through the darkest times, and I hope they help us get through dark times together. If this episode resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Questions or feedback: foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me (mailto:foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me) Schedule a 30 min curiosity call with Cara: calendly.com/caracordonicoaching (http://calendly.com/caracordonicoaching) Substack: https://caracordoni.substack.com/ (https://caracordoni.substack.com/) Instagram: @caracordoni Like what you're hearing? Subscribe, share with someone who might benefit, and leave a review. Your engagement helps others find these conversations.

15. 

    3 Feb 2026

    S1E2: My ISTA Journey, Pt 1 with Jack Rikess

    What happens when a journalist flips the script? In this episode, writer and comedian Jack Rikess interviews host Cara Cordoni about her journey into and out of The International School of Temple Arts (ISTA). Cara walks Jack through her three ISTA retreats, from the $2,500 promise of transformation to the reality of large group awareness training (LGAT) manipulation—including sleep disruption, psychological pressure, and the dopaminergic highs that feel like enlightenment but can also be induced mania. Jack brings his journalist's instinct for direct, no-holds-barred questioning ("And what exactly happens with that carrot ritual? "). His style is confrontational but not hostile—he challenges, asks uncomfortable questions about sexuality and polyamory, and isn't afraid to express his opinion. Together, they find both absurdity and darkness in Cara's story, exploring how bright people miss obvious red flags and why she initially believed ISTA could be reformed. TRIGGER WARNING: Contains explicit discussion of sexual practices, manipulation, and coercive group dynamics. Jack's direct, challenging interviewing style may be activating for some survivors. DISCLAIMER: Views expressed represent individual opinions and experiences, not official positions of the podcast or producers. Content is not intended to malign any religion, group, organization, business, individual, or entity. ABOUT GUEST Jack Rikess was a stand-up comic for twenty-five years performing across the USA. Along the way he became a producer of comedy shows and other productions, including two years as an Operational Manager for The Emerald Cup. In the early 2000s, he wrote about the Northern California Cannabis scene. That led to a column with Village Voice Media, "Toke of the Town" which was distributed in twenty American cities including LA Weekly, SF Weekly, and City Pages in his hometown of Minneapolis. His work is featured in Stephen Sparks and Tom Allman's book, "Out There In The Woods"—an account of being embedded with law enforcement in the 36-day manhunt for a double-murderer hiding in the hills of Mendocino County. His first novel, "Just For A Couple Of Weeks" will be published in spring of 2026. Connect with Jack RESOURCES: Safer Sex-Positive and Spiritual Communities: 3SC.Community (http://3SC.Community) ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association): ICSA.org (http://ICSA.org) CONNECT: Conversations like these helped me get through the darkest times, and I hope they help us get through dark times together. If this episode resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Questions or feedback: foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me (mailto:foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me) Schedule a 30 min curiosity call with Cara: calendly.com/caracordonicoaching (http://calendly.com/caracordonicoaching) Substack: https://caracordoni.substack.com/ (https://caracordoni.substack.com/) Instagram: @caracordoni Like what you're hearing? Subscribe, share with someone who might benefit, and leave a review. Your engagement helps others find these conversations.

16. 

    23 Jan 2026

    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/mospod (https://soundcloud.com/mospod) RESOURCES MENTIONED: Tantra Not Trauma (Facebook group supporting survivors) 3SC (Safer Sex-Positive and Spiritual Communities): 3SC.Community (http://3SC.Community) Manufacturing Mania by Dr. John Hunter (upcoming guest) ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association): ICSA.org (http://ICSA.org) CONNECT 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: foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me (mailto:foolsgoldpodcast@proton.me) Schedule a curiosity call: calendly.com/caracordonicoaching (http://calendly.com/caracordonicoaching) Follow: @caracordoni (Instagram, Bluesky) Substack: caracordoni.substack.com (http://caracordoni.substack.com) Like what you're hearing? Subscribe, share, and leave a review. Music: "Midnight Rendezvous" by Sasha Ende (ende.app (http://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/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)

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Apple Podcasts (US)

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Contact Fool's Gold: Discernment in the Age of Grift

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