On Wednesday 28th Feburary 2024, from 7.30-9.30pm, Stroud Radical Reading Group will host a discussion of Conspirituality: How New Age Conspiracy Theories Became a Health Threat, a book by Derek Beres, Matthew Remski and Julian Walker – hosts of the Conspirituality podcast. We will meet at Stroud Chocolate House, 2 Bedford Street – Stroud – GL5 1AY (see below for more venue details).

Conspirituality takes a deep dive into the troubling phenomenon of influencers who have curdled New Age spirituality and wellness with the politics of paranoia—peddling vaccine misinformation, tales of child trafficking, and wild conspiracy theories.

You can buy the book from the Yellow Lighted Bookshop (Nailsworth, Tetbury or Chalford pick up or delivery at £3.50) via the previous link – RRP £25. When looking at your “basket” enter the “couponcode” stroudradical24 for a 12% discount – final book price £22, a saving of £3).

We will follow this session with a discussion on 27th March 2024 of Naomi Klein’s Doppelganger: a trip into the mirror world – which covers similar issues and can also be bought from the Yellow Lighted Bookshop.

About our events and the venue

Stroud Radical Reading Group events are free to attend, though we will make a collection to cover costs. Anyone is welcome to listen to the discussion, though we encourage contributions only from those who have read at least some of the book. We try to create a comfortable discussion space for everyone, including people who have not been part of a reading group or been to university.

We will meet at Stroud Chocolate House, 2 Bedford Street – Stroud – GL5 1AY. This is just off the Stroud High St. There is parking nearby in Fawkes Place, and step-free access. Drinks will be available – please bring some cash. Please get in touch if you’d like to get more of an idea of what the sessions are like or if you have any accessibility needs.

About the book

Since May 2020, Derek Beres, Matthew Remski and Julian Walker have used their Conspirituality podcast to expose countless facets of the intersection of alt-health practitioners with far-right conspiracy trolls. Now this expansive and revelatory book unpacks the follies, frauds, cons and cults that dominate the New Age and wellness spheres and betray the trust of people who seek genuine relief in this uncertain age.

With analytical rigor and irreverent humor, Conspirituality offers an antidote to our times, helping readers recognize wellness grifts, engage with loved ones who’ve fallen under the influence, and counter lies and distortions with insight and empathy.

Resources:

• Read a free excerpt from the book: Conspirituality: How New Age conspiracy theories threaten public health (Big Think)
• Read an free excerpt from the book: The Conspirituality of Robert F. Kennedy Jr (Time magazine)
• Read a free piece from the authors of the book: Faith Healers Are Back, and They’re Getting Rich (The Walrus)
• 70 minute audiobook excerpt “The Timeline is Chaotic” (Conspirituality podcast)
• 90 minute podcast episode: Science & Sensibility
• 90 minute podcast episode: Cults & Cultures
• 70 minute podcast episode: Spirituality Without the Con
• 90 minute podcast episode: Is Our Book a Conspiracy Theory?
• 7 minute video interview with co-author Matthew Remski (embedded below)
• Conspirituality website including links to podcast episodes and more