In this eye-opening episode of the Personal Pizza Podcast, Simcha sits down with psychologist and researcher Dr. John Hunter to peel back the layers of large group awareness training (LGATs)—intense seminars that promise transformation, but at what cost? 🧠⚡
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/37caNRzs_k8
🔍 With years of firsthand research, John breaks down the high-pressure tactics used in these trainings—how stress and emotional manipulation can pave the way for euphoric breakthroughs, and why that might not be as empowering as it seems.
💊 He introduces his dopaminergic defense hypothesis, a powerful framework for understanding the biochemical rollercoaster these programs can trigger—and the potential long-term psychological effects on participants.
🚨 From the blurred lines of informed consent to parallels with Scientology and the troubled teen industry, Dr. Hunter sounds the alarm on how these techniques are repackaged and sold—often without transparency or ethical oversight.
Whether you’ve been to one of these trainings, are curious about the self-help world, or just want a deeper dive into how psychology can empower and endanger—this episode brings clarity, caution, and some serious truth-telling to the table.
👉
Subscribe now and take a bite out of the most fascinating topics on mind, body, and soul. This is just the beginning.
Learn more about Dr. Hunter and order his book at:
www.johnhunterphd.comSimcha Levenberg (
https://slevenberg.com/) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. He uses a unique blend of humor, authenticity and real world knowledge. Simcha helps individuals clarify their personal values and live a present and more meaningful life. He helps couples transform their relationships to be more open and emotionally flexible.
This show is Produced by
Rainbow Creative with Matthew Jones and Executive Producer, Editor Jeremiah Shultz . This episode also had the support of Producer Rithu Jagannath.
What is The Personal Pizza Podcast?
The Personal Pizza Podcast is a deliciously different podcast that merges clinical psychology, comedy, and pizza. Simcha Levenberg, a unique therapist with a love for baking pizza, invites guests to his home for a slice of pizza and a slice of life.
Each episode dives into a variety of topics that affect our mental health: cooking and emotional well-being, loneliness, psychedelics and metabolizing trauma (or not), large group awareness trainings, complicated bereavement, spiritual traps, and the complicated relationships we have with others (and ourselves) - while simultaneously crafting and sharing some fantastic homemade pizza.
This show is more than just food for thought – we are breaking bread to build connections. Mental health professionals, comedians, writers, and chefs sit around the table, making sense of confusing relationships, finding humor in unexpected places, and discovering the wisdom in our shared human experiences.
Come for the pizza, stay for the insights. Therapy is better with pizza, trust me.