The Gateway: Teal Swan

The podcast was good and it did present a fair and balanced approach to the methods of Teal Swan. However, I think it could have greatly benefited greatly from expert analysis and research. For instance, throughout the podcast I thought of Dr. Elizabeth Loftus, who is a leading expert on memory research. In particular, I thought of her research on false memories. She has done studies that demonstrate how false memories can be planted within our minds. Her research leaves you somewhat disturbed because it illustrates that it doesn’t take any magic or master manipulation to implant a false memory; it merely takes a suggestion. Aside for this specific example, I just felt as though the podcast could have really benefitted from interviewing psychologists, experts on suicide, other gurus/spiritual leaders, etc. or referencing research on the topics discussed. I probably approach information differently because I am a professor of philosophy. But I believe it is difficult to truly understand a topic in isolation and that approaching a topic critically involves analyzing the context. While context was given regarding how Teal Swan became a spiritual leader and the way in which her methods manifested, I felt as though the podcast failed to provide the larger context in which Teal Swan’s methods and beliefs are situated (e.g., trauma, memory, suicide, spirituality, psychosomatic therapy, depression whether existential or clinical, etc.) and what experts already know on such topics. It should be noted that I am only on episode four.

I was impressed teal let Jennings get this close to her. I liked his style of reporting, I didn't feel like he was talking to me like a child like some other podcasts seem to do. I liked that it brought all involved parties and it gave you every angle available.

I enjoyed this podcast, as I do many investigative podcasts. That said, something happened towards the end where it seems as though the reporter/host got triggered, possibly from the memory he had come up about being put in the hamper by his cousin, and the whole vibe changed. The last two episodes you can hear how activated he is, and he’s no longer viewing things in any kind of objective way. I know that reporters aren’t required to remain impartial, but in his attempt to make Teal Swan look like a dangerous cult leader he only succeeds at making himself look like a scared reactive mess.

Felt like everyone in this podcast got a fair shake–presenting the facts and yet not being overly sympathetic or moralizing. Was fascinated to the end.

He sounds enamored by Teal Swan and in an interview with “Sounds like a Cult” podcast actually mentions how his producer had to toss a large part of an interview with Teal Swan because she got in his head. Can definitely tell that happened throughout this podcast. Are you exposing her or promoting her? Hard to tell.