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Reasonably Happy with Paul Ollinger

Jane Borden- Cults Like Us | Reasonably Happy

In this thought-provoking episode of Reasonably Happy, Paul Ollinger sits down with journalist and author Jane Borden to unpack her explosive new book Cults Like Us: Why Doomsday Thinking Drives America. Together, they explore how apocalyptic beliefs, religious extremism, and cult-like behaviors have shaped American identity—from Puritan roots to modern political movements like MAGA. Jane reveals how tribal psychology, anti-intellectualism, and the prosperity gospel fuel division, and why both the far right and far left are vulnerable to cultish thinking. With dark humor, candid insights, and a deep dive into American history, this episode is a must-watch for anyone curious about religion, politics, and the future of democracy. Check out Janes book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Cults-Like-Us/Jane-Borden/9781668007808 Get Pauls Book: https://www.paulollinger.com/the-book
Broadcast on:
09 Apr 2025

In this thought-provoking episode of Reasonably Happy, Paul Ollinger sits down with journalist and author Jane Borden to unpack her explosive new book Cults Like Us: Why Doomsday Thinking Drives America. Together, they explore how apocalyptic beliefs, religious extremism, and cult-like behaviors have shaped American identity—from Puritan roots to modern political movements like MAGA. Jane reveals how tribal psychology, anti-intellectualism, and the prosperity gospel fuel division, and why both the far right and far left are vulnerable to cultish thinking. With dark humor, candid insights, and a deep dive into American history, this episode is a must-watch for anyone curious about religion, politics, and the future of democracy.


Check out Janes book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Cults-Like-Us/Jane-Borden/9781668007808


Get Pauls Book: https://www.paulollinger.com/the-book

In this thought-provoking episode of Reasonably Happy, Paul Ollinger sits down with journalist and author Jane Borden to unpack her explosive new book Cults Like Us: Why Doomsday Thinking Drives America. Together, they explore how apocalyptic beliefs, religious extremism, and cult-like behaviors have shaped American identity—from Puritan roots to modern political movements like MAGA. Jane reveals how tribal psychology, anti-intellectualism, and the prosperity gospel fuel division, and why both the far right and far left are vulnerable to cultish thinking. With dark humor, candid insights, and a deep dive into American history, this episode is a must-watch for anyone curious about religion, politics, and the future of democracy. Check out Janes book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Cults-Like-Us/Jane-Borden/9781668007808 Get Pauls Book: https://www.paulollinger.com/the-book