In this episode, Andrew speaks with writer and researcher Matthew Remski — co-host of the Conspirituality podcast and author of Practice and All Is Coming and Surviving Modern Yoga. Matthew shares his journey from cult involvement to cult journalism, yoga teaching, and now writing on antifascism. Together they explore cult dynamics, the contested language of “high demand groups,” abuse in modern yoga, and how wellness and fitness cultures often reflect broader social and political forces.
This conversation unpacks why cultic dynamics aren’t aberrations but common features of human organisations, how situational vulnerability draws people in, and why physical culture so often echoes anxieties of the time. From yoga studios and CrossFit boxes to gentrification and public housing gyms, Matthew shows how our spaces for movement reflect both the possibilities and pitfalls of community.
Themes:
Cult dynamics and contested language (“cult,” “high demand group,” “new religious movement”)
Alexandra Stein’s model of disorganised attachment
Situational vulnerability and recruitment into exploitative groups
Systemic abuse in modern yoga — Pattabhi Jois, Iyengar, Bikram, and beyond
The hidden history of yoga’s modern form and its ties to nationalism and European physical culture
Cult-like tendencies in fitness and wellness spaces, including CrossFit
Gentrification, yoga studios, and why community assets matter
Why physical culture should serve the neighbourhood, not just the individual
Antifascist fight clubs and reclaiming physical bravery
Timestamps:
00:01 – Mathew’s introduction and personal background
05:13 – What do we mean by “cult” and why the language matters
10:22 – Disorganised attachment and abusive relationships
14:57 – The “true crime” cult industry vs political realities
17:36 – Cults as logical outcomes of capitalism
20:03 – Situational vulnerability and why people join
24:32 – Victim–perpetrator narratives and the complexity of agency
26:25 – Systemic abuse in modern yoga communities
36:12 – Modern yoga’s hidden history and links to nationalism and physical culture
49:15 – CrossFit and cult dynamics in fitness spaces
54:17 – Gentrification, yoga studios, and community access
01:05:19 – Public health, planning, and simple solutions (bike lanes, basketball courts)
01:09:13 – Antifascist fight clubs and reclaiming physical bravery
Links:
Alexandra Stein – Terror, Love and Brainwashing
Robert Putnam – Bowling Alone
Music by Me for Queen.
