Cult expert Rick Alan Ross (founder of the Cult Education Institute and author of Cults Inside Out: How People Get In and Can Get Out) reveals how cults are shaping modern society in ways most people never realize.

Could a cult be influencing U.S. politics? On this episode of Mayim Bialik's Breakdown, we examine the disturbing allegations surrounding Tulsi Gabbard's (former director of national intelligence) spiritual guru, including claims of child abuse, his reported influence on her political career, concerns about potential access to national secrets during her time as Trump's Director of National Intelligence, and why Ross says fully vetting government officials is more important than ever.

Rick also answers one of today's most controversial questions: Is MAGA a cult? He explains what actually qualifies as a cult, shares examples of modern-day cults and cult-like organizations influencing global politics, and reveals what ordinary people can do to protect themselves.

Think you'd never join a cult? Think again. Ross explains why anyone (regardless of intelligence, education, or success) can become vulnerable, why loneliness and social isolation make people especially susceptible, how cults first draw people in, and the psychological process they use to slowly break people down over time.

You'll learn the 3 stages of thought reform (coercive persuasion), why social isolation is considered a core element of destructive thought programs, what makes a cult truly dangerous, why followers often lose their critical thinking and sense of empowerment, and whether cult leaders actually believe what they're preach, or knowingly manipulate others.

Rick also breaks down:

- Why it's so difficult (even for trained experts) to infiltrate cults and rescue members

- How deprogramming works, why it can take so long, and what happens when interventions fail

- Hidden warning signs of controlling leaders, including subtle behaviors followers display around them

- Scientology's controversial "auditing" process and how it functions psychologically

- Whether support groups like AA could ever be considered cults

- Where the line exists between healthy religious devotion and dangerous religious extremism

- Why accountability within leadership is essential, and why claims of having "a direct line to God" deserve careful scrutiny

The conversation goes far beyond traditional cults.

Rick explains how abusive romantic relationships often use the same psychological tactics, including how narcissistic partners create dependency, weaponize the fear of disequilibrium, why explosive behavior is never acceptable in a healthy relationship, and the key warning signs that you're dating someone controlling or abusive.

We also explore how UFO communities can evolve into cult-like movements, examine