MK Ultra: Cults, Trance States, and the Weaponization of Trauma w/ Richard Grannon & Adam Simon

In this episode, I delve into one of the most controversial and misunderstood programs in modern history: MK Ultra. Joined by Richard Grannon and screenwriter Adam Simon, we explore the reality versus the fiction of government mind control experiments, the psychology of brainwashing, and how these techniques have evolved into something far more insidious—mass manipulation through social media and modern media. We break down the actual MK Ultra program, separate fact from Hollywood fiction, and discuss whether dissociative identity disorder can truly be weaponized. Richard brings his clinical expertise to challenge popular myths about "Manchurian Candidates," while Adam shares insights from his own experience leaving the Mormon church and his research into ongoing government programs. But this conversation goes beyond historical CIA experiments. We examine how cult psychology, trance states, and trauma-based manipulation are being deployed at scale today—turning millions of people into willing participants in their own programming. From the commitment patterns used by religious organizations to the rage-inducing algorithms of social media, we explore how Chase Hughes acronym: fear, focus, emotion, agitation, and repetition (FEAR) create the perfect conditions for mass suggestibility. Richard Grannon: Adam Simon: ADAM'S SHOWNOTES: This conversation gets uncomfortable. We talk about government experiments on children, the normalization of political violence, and how we're all living inside the largest psychological operation in human history. If you're looking for easy answers or comfortable narratives, this isn't that episode. Chase Hughes on Shawn Ryan Show Derren Brown: The Assassin with Stephen Fry Support the show The views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Patreon: Website: Youtube: Instagram: X: TikTok: Facebook:

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MK Ultra: Cults, Trance States, and the Weaponization of Trauma w/ Richard Grannon & Adam Simon is an episode from WTF is on my Mind?! by Mark Vicente.

This episode is 81:26 long.

This episode was published on Dec 21, 2025.

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