Brainwashing, Mind Control, and Hyper-Persuasion with Harvard Professor, Rebecca Lemov

What if brainwashing isn’t just a Cold War relic, but something we’re all quietly experiencing every day? In this episode, Harvard professor and author Rebecca Lemov joins us to unpack the hidden mechanics of mind control—from historical POW camps to the subtle pull of your social media feed. We talk about the concept of “ungrounding,” how it sets the stage for behavior change, and why no one is immune—not even you. Rebecca also shares a deeply personal story that reshaped her understanding of influence, control, and identity. This isn’t fearmongering—it’s a powerful invitation to look more closely at how your reality is shaped. Eye-opening, timely, and surprisingly relatable. Tune in—you’ll walk away questioning more than you expected. Rebecca's book, The Instability of Truth: Brainwashing, Mind Control, and Hyper-Persuasion, is available now! Find out more about Rebecca at histsci.fas.harvard.edu/people/rebecca-lemov. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Om Podcasten

Smart People Podcast is a biweekly, interview-based podcast that features today's most well respected thought leaders engaging in authentic, insightful conversation for the benefit of the listener. The host, Chris Stemp, and his co-host/producer Jon Rojas, utilize their insatiable curiosity and relatable charm to provoke their guests into giving the interview of a lifetime.  Every single guest has achieved a high level of recognition within their arena and in doing so has collected a wealth of experiences and insights that are brought to life in this top ranked podcast. Show topics include: psychology, leadership, education, technology, entrepreneurship, relationships, and much more.