The Psychology of Cult Members and Fanatics

Will Storr is a British author and journalist who investigates the psychological mechanisms behind belief systems, conspiracy theories, and cult mentality. His work explores why intelligent people fall into ideological rabbit holes and how our brains construct narratives that feel absolutely true to us. Joe brought him on to discuss the intersection of psychology, history, and crime, diving into how cults form and what makes people susceptible to radicalization. Storr combines storytelling with deep research to make complex psychological concepts accessible, which is why his conversations about mass delusion and group dynamics resonate so strongly with listeners.