Episode

Oprah Winfrey & "John of God"
Description
Special guest Kimberly Springer joins us to talk about an infamous, dangerous faith healer and his two — two! — appearances on Oprah's talk show. This episode contains, we're sorry to say, detailed descriptions of sexual assault. Buy Kimberly's books:Stories of Oprah: The Oprahfication of American CultureLiving for the Revolution: Black Feminist Organizations, 1968-1980Support us: Subscribe on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Maintenance Phase shirts, stickers and moreLinks!Behind the Bastards podcast series on John of God The O Magazine articleJohn of God, the Miracle HealerCelebrity Healer in Brazil Is Accused of Sexually Abusing FollowersOprah’s 2012 articleSupport the show
Chapters
This podcast episode features a clip from Oprah's second show with John of God where they discuss his background and upbringing.
00:00 - 03:44 (03:44)
Summary
This podcast episode features a clip from Oprah's second show with John of God where they discuss his background and upbringing. The hosts also share a bonus episode where they discuss Oprah's Harry and Meghan interview.
EpisodeOprah Winfrey & "John of God"
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The origins of Brazilian healer John of God and the allegations of sexual abuse against him are examined, highlighting the strange claims of magical powers made by him and his followers.
03:44 - 10:54 (07:09)
Summary
The origins of Brazilian healer John of God and the allegations of sexual abuse against him are examined, highlighting the strange claims of magical powers made by him and his followers.
EpisodeOprah Winfrey & "John of God"
PodcastMaintenance Phase
People with chronic illnesses such as cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other medical conditions visit John of God, while others seek treatment for more emotional or ambiguous issues.
10:54 - 15:12 (04:17)
Summary
People with chronic illnesses such as cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other medical conditions visit John of God, while others seek treatment for more emotional or ambiguous issues. Some treatments involve activities such as going on hikes, while others involve more spiritual practices.
EpisodeOprah Winfrey & "John of God"
PodcastMaintenance Phase
In this podcast, David Gorski performs nasal swabs on people and explains the process of testing for COVID-19.
15:12 - 18:47 (03:35)
Summary
In this podcast, David Gorski performs nasal swabs on people and explains the process of testing for COVID-19. He also discusses magic tricks and how they can be used to deceive people.
EpisodeOprah Winfrey & "John of God"
PodcastMaintenance Phase
A discussion about a person who was promising a cure for cancer which appeared to be a scam and how important it is to have systems in place to verify any medical claims.
18:47 - 26:29 (07:41)
Summary
A discussion about a person who was promising a cure for cancer which appeared to be a scam and how important it is to have systems in place to verify any medical claims.
EpisodeOprah Winfrey & "John of God"
PodcastMaintenance Phase
In this episode, the hosts discuss the trend of people rejecting the title of journalism despite playing a role in informing the public and the concept of maintenance phase.
26:29 - 31:37 (05:07)
Summary
In this episode, the hosts discuss the trend of people rejecting the title of journalism despite playing a role in informing the public and the concept of maintenance phase. They also touch on the rise of expensive health treatments such as remote meditation retreats in Brazil.
EpisodeOprah Winfrey & "John of God"
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The media often turns to doctors as all-knowing experts but fails to seek input from those who are experts in medical grifting and the tactics of those who lie for a living.
31:37 - 38:56 (07:19)
Summary
The media often turns to doctors as all-knowing experts but fails to seek input from those who are experts in medical grifting and the tactics of those who lie for a living. This reinforces the idea that doctors are always credible, even when their advice may not be sound.
EpisodeOprah Winfrey & "John of God"
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The podcast host discusses the misconceptions Americans have about people in developing countries and how there are human incentives and inequalities at play.
38:56 - 43:42 (04:46)
Summary
The podcast host discusses the misconceptions Americans have about people in developing countries and how there are human incentives and inequalities at play. Additionally, the article in Oprah magazine about John of God is heavily criticized due to its lack of information about the scandal surrounding him and his involvement in money-making schemes.
EpisodeOprah Winfrey & "John of God"
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The lack of skepticism in certain areas of healthcare is concerning despite the skepticism of other areas.
43:42 - 48:24 (04:41)
Summary
The lack of skepticism in certain areas of healthcare is concerning despite the skepticism of other areas.
EpisodeOprah Winfrey & "John of God"
PodcastMaintenance Phase
Victoria Lorient-Faibish raises a concern about the safety of Ayahuasca ceremonies training.
48:24 - 56:27 (08:03)
Summary
Victoria Lorient-Faibish raises a concern about the safety of Ayahuasca ceremonies training. She shares her thoughts on the alleged sexual misconduct cases that have been reported in Ayahuasca healing centers.
EpisodeOprah Winfrey & "John of God"
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The entities are still grifting as the short con destroys itself, with rumors of a powerful crystal that gives them even more energy; the hosts discuss the feeling of being adrift.
56:27 - 57:31 (01:03)
Summary
The entities are still grifting as the short con destroys itself, with rumors of a powerful crystal that gives them even more energy; the hosts discuss the feeling of being adrift.