From Charisma to Conspiracy (Lecture at Lakeland University) (Patreon)

For anyone interested here is a video of the lecture I (Chris) gave at Lakeland University last month. 

The title was From Charisma to Conspiracy: Traits of Modern Secular Gurus and this was the abstract: 

"In the digital age, a diverse array of influencers--from YouTube personalities and tech evangelists to podcast commentators--has emerged, captivating audiences worldwide. These figures have adeptly blended elements of traditional spiritual and religious charisma with secular and scientific sources of knowledge, leveraging modern social media platforms to reach millions. This lecture aims to provide a detailed examination of the specific characteristics that enable these secular gurus to expand their influence and how they exploit modern conspiracism and populist politics. Drawing on psychological research and insights from the "Decoding the Gurus" podcast, we will delve into the manipulative techniques and rhetorical strategies these individuals employ to build their followings and assert their positions in public discourse."