Hoodwinked

How Marketers Use the Same Tactics as Cults

By: Mara Einstein PhD, Douglas Rushkoff - foreword

Narrated by: Mara Einstein

From viral leggings to must-have apps, Dr. Mara Einstein exposes the hidden parallels between cult manipulation and modern marketing strategies in this eye-opening investigation. Drawing from her unique background as both a former MTV marketing executive and a respected media studies professor, she reveals how companies weaponize psychology to transform casual customers into devoted followers.

This groundbreaking book uncovers how social media platforms use anxiety-inducing algorithms to keep you trapped in a purchase-panic cycle; the secret playbook marketers use to create "brand religions" around everyday products; why even the most rational consumers fall prey to scarcity marketing and manufactured FOMO; and practical strategies to break free from manipulative digital marketing tactics.

With compelling real-world examples and insights from industry insiders, Hoodwinked equips you with the knowledge to recognize and resist these sophisticated manipulation techniques. Dr. Einstein's expertise has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Business Review, making her the perfect guide through the maze of modern marketing manipulation.

©2025 Mara Einstein (P)2025 Ascent Audio

Really interesting content, very unpolished narration

Really liked the premise of the book and did read the whole thing, but this was clearly a self-narrated book by someone who doesn't narrate professionally. Lots of awkward pauses and mispronunciations. To give her credit, everything was clear and even volume, but it was distracting. Would definitely recommend the book in other formats, though.

Great read!

Dr. Mara breaks down what’s happening bc of social media beautifully. I wish I had this knowledge 15 years ago!

A Masterclass in How We Are All Get Played

Hoodwinked is one of those rare books that changes how you see the world. Dr. Einstein makes you realize just how often you’re being influenced without even knowing it — and gives you the tools to push back. I thought I made rational decisions, but this book showed me where I was getting played. Smart, sharp, and unforgettable — a must-listen.

It was fine

For the most part the performance was fine except for consistent and noticeable gaps (maybe when they were turning a page or something?). We would be in the middle of a sentence and then all of a sudden it seems like it ends. It was often enough that it took me away from the book. (I blame more whoever was in charge of editing/reviewing the finished audio book, the gaps could have been removed).

The content was ok, I just expected the connection to cult tactics to be stronger/more academic. It felt more like “look influencers are popular, they creat para social relationships, it’s like they’re cults”. I also felt like there were many small side comments that made this feel more like an opinion piece. I don’t disagree necessarily with what they said, I just wasn’t looking for opinion like that.

Good content but poor audio

I am not sure they used a professional sound engineer and an experienced director. Background breaths and clicks is very distracting.