In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Brittany, a writer who shares her journey of overcoming dyslexia to write her book, 'Whispers in the Cradle.' Brittany discusses the dark origins of nursery rhymes, the true crime elements intertwined with children's stories, and the challenges she faced during her writing process. The conversation also touches on the importance of research, the support from her family, and advice for aspiring writers. Brittany's Book Get in Touch...
Jul 20, 2025•1 hr 9 min
In this episode, Michael shares his journey from a seeker of spirituality to becoming involved in a cult. He discusses his life before the cult, the allure of enlightenment, and the psychological manipulation involved in cult dynamics. Michael emphasises the importance of trusting oneself and recognising personal wins and losses, while also reflecting on the challenges of leaving a high-control group and the impact on individuality and family dynamics. He concludes with a powerful message about ...
Jul 13, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In this conversation, Sonnet Daymont, a licensed marriage and family therapist, discusses her journey into trauma therapy, the principles of feminist theory in psychotherapy, and her upcoming book, 'When Dangerous Feels Like Home.' She explores the importance of EMDR and CBT in healing trauma, the psychological patterns of cult hopping, and the significance of recognising red flags in relationships. Sonnet emphasises the role of shame and intimidation in coercive control and offers advice for tr...
Jul 06, 2025•1 hr 22 min
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey interviews Cara Cordoni, a leadership coach and activist, who shares her experiences with the International School of Temple Arts (ISTA). The conversation delves into the complexities of cult dynamics, consent, and the journey from participant to activist. Cara discusses her initial excitement about ISTA retreats, the problematic agreements surrounding consent, and the leadership's role in perpetuating harmful practices. The episode emphasise...
Jun 29, 2025•1 hr 50 min
TICKETS TO THE NORTH EAST TRUE CRIME FORUM - New Home | North East True Crim Dr. Bethany Usher's website for books, research, and events - Author / Journalist / Academic / Educator – Author, Journalist, Academic In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Dr. Bethany Usher, a Doctor of Journalism from Newcastle University, about the evolution of crime journalism, the ethics surrounding true crime content, and the historical context of media representation. They discuss the ...
Jun 22, 2025•1 hr 19 min
In this episode, we take a look at current cult news stories in the media, and how talking about coercive control should be a normal part of our day to day lives. Sources: Andrew Tate Arrested: A Timeline Of Everything That's Happened Glamour UK Andrew Tate to face ‘coercive control’ claim in UK civil trial A timeline of sexual assault allegations against Russell Brand | Russell Brand The Guardian A Complete Timeline of Chris Brown's Controversies, Arrests Timeline of events around Russell Brand...
Jun 14, 2025•41 min
COMING TO MANCHESTER ON SEPTEMBER 27TH USE CODE CULT TO GET 10% OFF TICKETS! WWW.CRIMECON.CO.UK
Jun 08, 2025•19 min•Season 3Ep. 37
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, Kacey and Darren Mudd delve into the world of multi-level marketing (MLM), specifically focusing on Amway. Darren shares his personal experience of being recruited into Amway during a vulnerable time in his life, highlighting the psychological tactics used by recruiters to exploit emotional states. The conversation explores the cult-like dynamics of university environments, the early warning signs of MLMs, and the brainwashing techniques employed throug...
Jun 01, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 3Ep. 36
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE - Book Now | London True Crime Event | CrimeCon UK USE CODE CULT FOR 10% OFF FIND BEXY'S WORK HERE - Bexy Cameron (@cameron_film) • Instagram photos and videos
May 25, 2025•34 min
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE - Book Now | London True Crime Event | CrimeCon UK USE CODE CULT FOR 10% OFF FIND JON'S WORK HERE - www.youtube.com/@jonatackfamilyfriends6176
May 25, 2025•47 min
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE - Book Now | London True Crime Event | CrimeCon UK USE CODE CULT FOR 10% OFF
May 25, 2025•46 min
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE - Book Now | London True Crime Event | CrimeCon UK USE CODE "CULT" TO GET 10% OFF FIND COLIN'S LIVE TOUR DATES HERE - Colin Sutton tour dates & tickets 2025 | Ents24
May 25, 2025•43 min
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE - Book Now | London True Crime Event | CrimeCon UK USE CODE CULT FOR 10% OFF FIND ELGEN'S WORK HERE - Falling Out
May 25, 2025•33 min
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey interviews Sarito Carroll, author of 'In the Shadow of Enlightenment,' who shares her experiences growing up in the Osho Rajneesh cult. Sarito discusses the challenges of writing her memoir, the invisibility of children in the Rajneesh movement, and the impact of a nomadic lifestyle on her childhood. She reflects on her experiences in the ashram, the open sexuality culture, and the neglect and abuse that occurred within the community. Sarito'...
May 18, 2025•1 hr 44 min•Season 3Ep. 35
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Emily, a third-generation cult survivor whose grandfather was the leader of His Way Ministries. Emily shares her journey from a life devoid of love and support within the cult to finding freedom and happiness. The conversation delves into the origins of His Way Ministries, the nature of cult leadership, family dynamics, and the impact of pro-life activism on her upbringing. Emily reflects on her childhood experiences, the transiti...
May 11, 2025•1 hr 43 min•Season 3Ep. 34
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Maya Badham, founder of Safeguarding Human and Animal Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Abuse (SAHSDA), about the intersection of animal cruelty and coercive control in domestic abuse. They explore how animals are used as tools of manipulation and control, the cultural contexts of animal abuse, and the importance of recognising these issues in the broader conversation about human rights and violence. Maya shares her unique career p...
May 04, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 33
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Wendy Baker, a former member of the Source Family and daughter-in-law to the leader, about her experiences growing up in the counterculture movement of the 1960s, her relationship with the charismatic leader Jim Baker, and her life in the Source Family commune. Wendy shares insights from her memoir, 'My Name Was Mushroom,' detailing her transition from a typical teenager to a member of a spiritual community, the dynamics of commun...
Apr 27, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 31
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with author Beth Granger, a cult survivor and representative plaintiff in a landmark class action lawsuit against her abusers. Beth shares her experiences growing up in Grenville Christian College, a cult disguised as a school, and discusses the challenges of recovery and the importance of sharing stories of those born and raised in cults. The conversation delves into the impact of cult life on identity, the challenges of publishing a ...
Apr 20, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Season 3Ep. 31
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Lloyd Evans, a former Jehovah's Witness and current activist, about his journey out of the organisation and the complexities of Jehovah's Witness beliefs. They discuss the history of the Jehovah's Witnesses, the impact of indoctrination on children, and the challenges faced by those who leave the faith, including rapture anxiety. Lloyd shares insights on how to support children from different belief systems and the importance of c...
Apr 13, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Season 3Ep. 29
In this episode, Shannon Payton AKA Shanny Pants shares her journey of growing up in a high-control religious cult, her experiences navigating life outside of it, and the challenges of parenting while healing from past trauma. She discusses the impact of her upbringing on her identity, relationships, and mental health, as well as the importance of psychoeducation in her recovery process. In this conversation, Shanny Payton shares her journey of healing from trauma, navigating relationships post-...
Apr 06, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 28
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Don Johnson, who shares his journey from being a follower of Prem Rawat to becoming an instructor within the suspected cult. Don discusses his initial attraction to the teachings, the experiences that led him deeper into the organisation, and the cognitive dissonance he faced as he began to question the integrity of his leader. He reflects on his eventual disengagement from the suspected cult, the healing process, and the importan...
Mar 30, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 28
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Kari Bunn, a survivor of the troubled teen industry, specifically the CEDU reform school. They discuss the historical context of CEDU, its connections to the cult Synanon, and the broader troubled teen industry. Kari shares her experiences and insights into the psychological manipulation and abuse that can occur in these institutions, as well as the importance of raising awareness through media and survivor stories. The conversati...
Mar 23, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Season 3Ep. 27
*TRIGGER WARNING THIS EPISODE CONTAINS THEMES OF CHILD ABUSE. LISTEN WITH CAUTION!!! * In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Brenda Blais, who shares her harrowing experiences of childhood sexual abuse within the cult-like environment of the Students of Light. Brenda recounts her introduction to the group at a young age, the manipulative tactics employed by its leader, Don Kollmar, and the profound impact of the abuse on her life. The conversation delves into themes o...
Mar 16, 2025•1 hr 50 min•Season 3Ep. 25
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Zacch Comfort, creator of the Boiled Frogs podcast, which explores the cult he grew up in. They discuss the origins of the cult, the abusive dynamics within it, and the impact on children raised in such an environment. Zacch shares personal stories about his family's involvement, the control exerted by the cult leader, and the harsh realities of life in the commune, including labor expectations and limited education. The conversat...
Mar 09, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Season 3Ep. 25
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Madison McGhee, the creator of the Ice Cold Case podcast, which investigates her father's unsolved murder. Madison shares her journey from a background in film and television to the world of podcasting, discussing the challenges and unique aspects of audio storytelling. The conversation delves into her upbringing in a religious environment, the complexities of family relationships, and the impact of community dynamics on crime and...
Mar 02, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 3Ep. 24
Anna has kindly gifted some free ebook versions of her book for UK listeners. Contact me if you are interested in receiving one! In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Anna Sonoda, a licensed clinical social worker, about the critical issue of grooming and child sexual abuse. Anna shares her insights on how grooming is a precursor to most child sexual abuse cases and emphasises the importance of educating adults and children about recognizing grooming behaviors. The co...
Feb 23, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 23
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Jay, a former member of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), who shares her personal experiences growing up in the organisation. Jay discusses her family's background, her early involvement in SGI, and the pressures and expectations placed on her as a member. She reflects on her experiences at SGI meetings, the financial contributions required, and the impact of leadership dynamics on her family. Jay also shares her struggles with ide...
Feb 16, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 22
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with former detectives Scott Rogan and Peter Hogan, who share their experiences in the police force and their transition into podcasting. They discuss their motivations for becoming detectives, the significant cases they worked on, and the impact of coercive control in crime. The conversation highlights the importance of family involvement in true crime narratives, the challenges faced in domestic violence cases, and the need for gener...
Feb 09, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 3Ep. 21
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Cynane Shay, who shares her journey growing up in a fundamentalist evangelical Christian household. Cynane discusses the influence of her family's beliefs on her education, the impact of purity culture, and her experiences with the Institute for Basic Life Principles (IBLP). She reflects on her college years, the gradual shift in her perspectives, and how the pandemic played a role in her personal growth and understanding of her u...
Feb 02, 2025•1 hr 42 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, Dr. Warren Hern, a prominent abortion provider, discusses his extensive career in women's healthcare, the evolution of abortion access since 1975, and the current political landscape affecting reproductive rights. He highlights the psychological toll on women seeking abortions, the threats faced by providers, and the implications of restrictive legislation on healthcare access. Dr. Hern emphasises the importance of Colorado's pro-choice stance and refle...
Jan 26, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 19
