'The Language of Fanaticism'

All Of It with Alison Stewart | Jul 7, 2021

Writer, linguist, and podcast host Amanda Montell joins us to discuss her new book, Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism. She explores how language is used by the likes of Scientology and QAnon, as well as multilevel marketing companies, major brands, and influencers. Over the course of six sections, each dedicated to a different category of cult, Montell sheds light onto the shared linguistic techniques used by charismatic leaders, from Jim Jones to Jeff Bezos.

 

This episode is guest-hosted by Matt Katz.

Be alert for scams. WNYC never asks for nor accepts money for coverage or interviews. Anyone making such a request does not represent WNYC.

Top Stories

Your guide to voting in New York's 2026 elections for governor and Congress

Gina Hinojosa Aims to Make Texas Blue Again. Plus, Reading Is Alive and Well

Claire Valdez on populism and the DSA agenda in Congress

The Classroom/Technology Pipeline

YOU ARE ONLINE