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In this episode, our intrepid hosts discuss Amanda Montell's Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism. As the title suggests, the book is about the linguistic techniques cults use to shut down critical thinking and encourage compliance. Groups as diverse as Jonestown and CrossFit are covered--and yes, Scientology and MLMs also make an appearance. You will never think of phrases like "it is what it is" in the same way again...which is good, because you were probably overusing them, anyway. Sources: "MLMs might not be able to get away with their shady promises much longer" by Emily Stewart for VOX. Links: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/pleasestayontopic https://clarehwang.substack.com/archive Got something to say to us? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode, Clerika discuss Susannah Cahalan's The Great Pretender: The Undercover Mission That Changed Our Understanding of Madness. The book covers the famous Rosenhan experiment, which took place in the late sixties and early seventies and involved regular people faking their way into insane asylums. The experiment helped justify the closing of the asylums and the revamping of the DSM, so it was kind of a big deal. But wait--there's a shocking twist! Which we will annoyingly NOT reveal in the show notes! Links: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/pleasestayontopic https://clarehwang.substack.com/archive Got something to say to us? Email us at [email protected]

Please Stay on Topic kicks off its first season with Angela Chen's Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex. This is a topic near and dear to cohost Erika, because she's demisexual. If you don't know what that means, then don't worry--we've got you covered! And if you DO know what that means, then don't worry--we go deep enough that you still might learn something! Either way, it's going to be a great time. Sources: https://www.vox.com/23021971/florida-gay-trans-lgbtq-laws https://www.thedailybeast.com/same-sex-marriage-foes-get-band-back-together-for-dont-say-gay-push https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/apr/04/florida-dont-say-gay-bill-children-mental-health https://freedomforallamericans.org/legislative-tracker/anti-transgender-legislation/ Links: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/pleasestayontopic https://clarehwang.substack.com/archive Got something to say to us? Email us at [email protected]

Learn all about the new series, Please Stay on Topic: A Social Justice Book Club. New episodes begin next Monday.