Twenty-First Century Cults

Jordan B. Peterson has developed a cult following as a provocative, globally influential public intellectual. In this episode, we investigate the cult of the public intellectual. We discuss the spectacular rise of Peterson, a psychologist turned culture warrior, who has become a disciplinarian guru for wayward young men.  Written and presented by Stephanie Alice Baker, Eugene McLaughlin and Chris RojekRecording Engineer: Maria Martinez-UgartecheaEditor: Al BoothOriginal music: ‘Evil’ composed by BLACKBOX from PixabayArtwork: Yaman MohammedFunded by the School of Politics and Global Affairs at City, University of LondonThis is original research derived from our book, Cults (2024). Available from Routledge.

Elon Musk has cultivated a cult following as a tech entrepreneur. In this episode, we explore the idolatry of tech entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. We analyse how Musk has established and maintained a cult following online and the political implications of his cult-like status.Written and presented by Stephanie Alice Baker, Eugene McLaughlin and Chris RojekRecording Engineer: Maria Martinez-UgartecheaEditor: Al BoothOriginal music: ‘Evil’ composed by BLACKBOX from PixabayArtwork: Yaman MohammedFunded by the School of Politics and Global Affairs at City, University of LondonThis is original research derived from our book, Cults (2024). Available from Routledge.

Andrew Tate has built a cult following online by establishing himself as a self-help guru. In this episode, we explore the history of self-help as a genre and an industry. We examine how Tate has established and maintained what could be described as a self-help cult by tapping into the aspirations and anxieties of young men in the twenty-first century.Written and presented by Stephanie Alice Baker, Eugene McLaughlin and Chris RojekRecording Engineer: Maria Martinez-UgartecheaEditor: Al BoothOriginal music: ‘Evil’ composed by BLACKBOX from PixabayArtwork: Yaman MohammedFunded by the School of Politics and Global Affairs at City, University of LondonThis is original research derived from our book, Cults (2024). Available from Routledge.