The internet empowers everyone to find a like-minded community online. It also facilitates spreading misinformation and conspiracy thinking at breakneck speeds. QAnon, the belief that government insiders have foretold the Biblical cleansing of liberals, has morphed from a handful of conspiracy theories on 8chan to a full-blown cult that is tearing families apart.
In response, the internet has birthed support groups like r/QAnonCasualties, where people can share their stories and get advice on how to help family members obsessed with Q. It also contains the cautionary tales of former Q believers who found a way out.
In this special four-part episode of 2 GIRLS 1 PODCAST, Alli and Jen learn about the QAnon phenomenon and what people can do to help loved ones unplug and escape from cult behavior.
Interviews include:
- Mike Rothschild, a journalist with the Daily Dot who has covered QAnon extensively. Mike explains its origins, evolution, and just how deep the Q rabbit hole goes (yes, aliens).
- Mia, a woman who rebooted her life after her ex-husband became obsessed with Q.
- Jitarth Jadeja, a former QAnon believer who left the cult after a lot of reflection and mental health support.
- Rick Alan Ross, a cult deprogrammer, anti-cult activist, and author who has been helping families with cult intervention for decades.
Listen to episode 149 of #2G1P here:
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