Brainwashing, Mind Control, and Hyper-Persuasion with Harvard Professor, Rebecca Lemov

Brainwashing, Mind Control, and Hyper-Persuasion with Harvard Professor, Rebecca Lemov

Author: Smart People Industries March 26, 2025 Duration: 36:24
What if brainwashing isn’t just a Cold War relic, but something we’re all quietly experiencing every day? In this episode, Harvard professor and author Rebecca Lemov joins us to unpack the hidden mechanics of mind control—from historical POW camps to the subtle pull of your social media feed. We talk about the concept of “ungrounding,” how it sets the stage for behavior change, and why no one is immune—not even you. Rebecca also shares a deeply personal story that reshaped her understanding of influence, control, and identity. This isn’t fearmongering—it’s a powerful invitation to look more closely at how your reality is shaped. Eye-opening, timely, and surprisingly relatable. Tune in—you’ll walk away questioning more than you expected. Rebecca's book, The Instability of Truth: Brainwashing, Mind Control, and Hyper-Persuasion, is available now! Find out more about Rebecca at histsci.fas.harvard.edu/people/rebecca-lemov. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every other week, Chris Stemp and Jon Rojas sit down with a guest who has fundamentally shaped their field, driven not by a rigid agenda but by genuine curiosity. The Smart People Podcast from Smart People Industries is built on the idea that the most compelling insights emerge from relaxed, authentic dialogue. You’ll hear authors, innovators, and cultural leaders-each with significant recognition in areas like business, education, or society-speak in a way that often feels more like a fascinating dinner conversation than a formal interview. Chris’s thoughtful questioning, paired with Jon’s producer perspective, gently guides discussions into unexpected territories, revealing the personal journeys and nuanced ideas behind public achievements. This podcast thrives in the space between expertise and accessibility, making complex topics relatable without sacrificing depth. It’s for anyone who believes that learning is a continuous, engaging process, and that the best lessons come from listening to people who think differently. Tune in biweekly for conversations that are as intellectually substantial as they are genuinely enjoyable, reminding us that smart discourse can be both enlightening and warmly human.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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