The Rise of New Age Spirituality
Summary
Journalist Leah Sotilli discusses her book *Blazing Eye Sees All*, which chronicles the rise and tragic fall of Amy Carlson, the leader of the digital cult Love Has Won. Sotilli explores how Carlson, a former McDonald’s manager, reinvented herself as "Mother God" by blending New Age spirituality, conspiracy theories, and anti-Semitism. The episode examines the historical roots of these movements, the vulnerability of seekers during crises, and the disturbing aftermath of Carlson’s death from colloidal silver poisoning, highlighting the dangers of unchecked online extremism.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Amy Carlson and the book Blazing Eye Sees All
Host's interest in New Age culture and tarot cards
Amy Carlson's background and descent into conspiracy theories
Historical roots: New Thought, Spiritualism, and the Civil War
Myth-making: Lemuria, Atlantis, and Amy's aggressive ideology
Sponsor break: Harmon's Grocery
Amy's online influence and comparison to Lori Vallow
Amy's death, alcoholism, and colloidal silver
The aftermath: Followers living with the body
Love Has Won's business model and political ties
Legal precedents and the legacy of New Age movements
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