This week's guest, Spike Robinson was born in the wilds of New Jersey and raised in bustling, metropolitan Vermont, she began her educational career in literary criticism before deciding to go for broke (literally) and study music theory and composition. One completed degree and three years in a “ritual magick” cult later, she found a new life path educating others about coercive control, manipulative persuasion, and the many nefarious ways predatory people fool us into acting against our own best interests. She currently manages the YouTube channel of author Jon Atack and lives with her ever-patient husband and two budgerigars. Spike shares her fascinating and often dark story of enchantment, psychedelia, and "Crowley-Esque, ritual magik." Together Spike and Rachel explore the textbook scenarios that led her into the arms of a narcissistic and abusive cult leader. Spike also talks about how hearing from ex-Scientologists helped her walk away from her own dark and strange group and create a new life for herself protecting people from systems of control. Before You Go: Rachel reiterates how intelligence levels have no bearing on what makes one susceptible to cultic indoctrination, and warns of the dangers of sacrificial devotion explaining how it can be exploited by abusive group leaders. To hear our episodes with the ex-Scientologists Spike mentions and many more follow this link: https://soundcloud.com/indoctrinationshow/sets/scientology?si=13d5207bbbc14329b47fbe987f5eecb9 For more on Spike: Jon Atack, family, and friends YouTube channel run by Spike: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI4tcSMV2kEh3BooY_XFSYQ Spike’s own YouTube channel with her original music: https://www.youtube.com/user/spikeoramathon Spike’s blog with her artwork and writing: https://phoenyxrose.wordpress.com Thanks to our newest Patreon supporter Matt T! To help support the show monthly and sign up for cool Indoctrination stickers and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Want to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: www.paypal.me/indoctriNATION You can help the show for free by leaving a review on Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show!