529: Qualms about QAnon Mom and Her Starseed Schtick | Feedback Friday

Family Strain

The episode begins with a listener's dilemma about their mother, who subscribes to QAnon theories and believes she is a starseed, a half-human/half-alien hybrid. Gabriel Mizrahi explains that the mother has a history of emotional and physical abuse, and her recent behavior includes sending conspiracy theory videos and bizarre emails. The listener struggles with setting boundaries, as the mother often disregards them, leading to a strained relationship 1.

My mother had me as a young teenager and we have a strange relationship. I've always suspected that she has a personality disorder or some sort of mental health issue as she can be emotionally and physically abusive, manipulative, controlling, and somewhat narcissistic.

--- Gabriel Mizrahi

Jordan Harbinger and Gabriel discuss the complexities of dealing with a parent who is deeply invested in fringe ideologies, highlighting the emotional toll it takes on the family 2.

   

Ethical Influence

To address the listener's concerns, Jordan Harbinger consults Dr. Steven Hassan, an expert on mind control and cults. Dr. Hassan advises using ethical influence and love-based approaches to engage with the mother, rather than cutting her off entirely. He suggests asking thoughtful questions that encourage the mother to reevaluate her beliefs and building a support network to keep her grounded 3.

Dr. Hassan's philosophy of dealing with loved ones like this, it's not the usual, "Yeah, cut them out of your life for good and be done with it," kind of approach. His approach is to use ethical influence, to help folks who have been unethically influenced.

--- Jordan Harbinger

Jordan and Gabriel emphasize the importance of maintaining some level of contact to help the mother reconnect with reality, while also protecting one's own mental health 4.