In this episode I chat with Kristyn - survivor of forced polygamy, author and founder of My Sound Choices. Joining us is director of My Sound Choices and International Human Rights Lawyer Jane Ridley. My Sound Choices are working with individuals who are escaping destructive religious practices. www.mysoundchoices.orgUpcoming :Cult Vault YOUTUBE for 12 Hour Stream - https://www.youtube.com/c/CultVaultCult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopCrimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Get In ...
Jul 22, 2022•1 hr 33 min•Season 2Ep. 187
In this episode I sit down to talk with Cult Mediation Specialist Patrick Ryan - A survivor of Transcendental Meditation and Creator of Cult News 101. Pat talks us through his introduction to TM and how a situation with his family led to his initial work in mediation and cult recovery. Decades later, Pat still has significant impact on the cult education space. Pat's Website - http://cultmediation.com/about/Cult News 101 - https://www.cultnews101.com/Upcoming:Cult Vault YOUTUBE for 12 Hour Strea...
Jul 15, 2022•2 hr 11 min
I sat down with Dr Sohom Das from @A Psych For Sore Minds to discuss his career as a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, the various types of Narcissism and how we might spot a Narcissist in the wild. We also discuss Narcissism in Cult Leaders and even the possibility of Psychopathy. Head over to Sohom's channel for concise and educational content!https://www.youtube.com/c/APsychForSoreMindsCult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopCrimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Get In TouchInstagr...
Jul 09, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 185
In this episode I speak with Katie about her experiences with OneTaste/Orgasmic Meditation. Throughout our conversation we speak about body positivity and coerced polyamory. Katie makes an excellent point at the end of our chat that we need to be having more difficult but open conversations about healthy sex and relationships.Promotions - The Commune - https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2022/the-commune-podcast-centrepoint/CONning the CON - https://evergreenpodcasts.com/conning-the-conCult Vault S...
Jul 08, 2022•2 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 184
In this bonus episode I speak with Elgen Strait from the Falling Out Podcast live at Crimecon UK in London 2022. Elgen, his podcast and activism work have been a catalyst for others to leave the Unification Church, just as he did as a second generation member. You can find Elgen's work here - https://www.fallingoutpod.com/Promotions - The Commune - https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2022/the-commune-podcast-centrepoint/CONning the CON - https://evergreenpodcasts.com/conning-the-conCult Vault Shop ...
Jul 04, 2022•35 min•Season 2Ep. 183
In this week's episode I speak with returning guests Spencer and Esther as we discuss and compare each individual experience within Sharon Gan's esoteric "school" the Odyssey Study Group. Spencer's memoir "Manhattan Cult Story" is available to pre-order today with an official release date of July 5th. You can find your copy here - https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/Manhattan-Cult-Story/Spencer-Schneider/9781950994557Promotions - The Commune - https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2022/the-commu...
Jul 01, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 182
In this episode I chat with Dr Clint Heacock about his show The Mindshift Podcast, about Clint's life growing up in a non-denominational Christian environment and his journey into deconstruction and educating others. This conversation is particularly prevalent given the overturning of the RoeVSWade Ruling by the US Supreme Court today. Clint's Podcast - https://mindshiftpodcast.co.uk/Ciria 's Show "Cults and Overcoming" - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq5yaIICSgQ-ADw86VHJ52QThe Frankie Files ...
Jun 24, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 181
In this episode I chat with @On the Edge with Andrew Gold about his life as a journalist. We talk UFO's, Cults, Exorcism's and other interesting subject matter that Andrew covers on his own podcast "On The Edge"Disclaimer - Specific conversations around Cults doesn't start until around the 1 hour mark as I was interesting in learning about Andrew as an individual before getting into the details of his "Exorcism" documentary."Exorcism" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l78hW8qVIWI&ab_channel=...
Jun 21, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 180
In this episode I speak with D, a female veteran of the US Marine Corps. In this instalment, D talks about her many brushes with death, her recruitment into and time with the US Marine Corps and what her life looked like after being a part of this high-demand organisation. I am thankful that I was given the chance to have this conversation and thankful for D's contribution to the show. I find her strength and positivity inspiring.Cult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopCrimecon UK 2022 - http...
Jun 17, 2022•3 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 179
In this episode, Ronit lends us her tender voice to read the testimony of a survivor of the Japanese New Religious Movement known as Sukyo Mahikari. With little known about the group around the world, it is imperative to share experiences where possible and through her written responses to interview questions, Alice is allowing us to do just that.Sukyo Mahikari Prayer Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AS5Zreiio1MSupport - http://www.mahikariexposed.comhttps ://seeingred.cyouThank you so mu...
Jun 09, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 178
In this episode I speak with author Erika Bornman who has been on a mission to highlight the abuses of those involved with KwaSizabantu. A survivor of this religious movement, Erika has used her story and experiences to expose how leadership have abused and exploited members for decades. Not only has she penned this incredible book, she has been working tirelessly with other victims and survivors, collecting their testimonies and showing the world exactly what happens at KSB to congregants and m...
Jun 03, 2022•2 hr 44 min
In this episode I speak with Jon who was converted to the LDS church. He journey into Mormonism started with a brief interaction with fellow members at a bus stop and soon his life changed forever. Jon talks us through the high-demands of the church and what is expected of individuals in order to get permission to enter certain parts of LDS temples and take part in various ceremonies. Jon also speaks about the difficulty in deconstructing his experiences once he decided to leave the Mormon faith...
May 27, 2022•2 hr 17 min•Season 2Ep. 175
This week I chat with investigative journalist Syran Warner about his life leading up to cult journalism and how he decided to pursue looking into a group known as "The Body". Since we had this conversation there have been huge developments in the case. You can learn more about all of this by visiting the links below or by waiting for our update episode which I hope to bring to you soon.Syran's Website/Online Magazine - https://thebodyintl.com/Syran 's TikTok @syranwarner - https://www.tiktok.co...
May 20, 2022•2 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 174
In this episode I chat with Angela about her experiences growing up in the Children of God with a focus on the discipline given to young children, the constant upheaval and destabilisation thrown onto members, family separation and human trafficking. This episode contains sensitive themes including child abuse so please listen with discretion. From second generation Children of God member to thriving survivor with an extensive further education and a powerful voice, Angela is now advocating for ...
May 13, 2022•2 hr 36 min•Season 2Ep. 173
In this episode I chat with the incredible author Heather Grace Heath about her memoir "Lovingly Abused - A True Story of Overcoming Cults, Gaslighting & Legal Educational Neglect". We discuss her life growing up in Bill Gothard's IBLP & ATI and the problems around homeschooling and educational neglect. From Heather's website - In this highly relevant memoir, blending raw honesty and humor, Heather Heath’s story begins with her mother’s search for escape from childhood trauma, becoming p...
May 06, 2022•3 hr 12 min
A big sister, a best friend, a confidant, a sounding board. All of these things were found in one person for Lindsey - her sibling Toni. But things became difficult in their relationship when Toni was introduced to a new church and quickly funnelled into the high-demand of the World Mission Society Church of God. This is a loved one's account of watching a family member lose themselves, how it feels to watch the separation grow and how important it is to remain non-judgemental and continue commu...
Apr 29, 2022•1 hr 41 min•Season 2Ep. 171
In part 1 of this 2 part series, I chat with WMSCOG former-Deaconess Toni who talks us through her experiences in converting to this South Korean Christian Sect and her rapid integration into the high-demands of the movement and her subsequent burn-out and divorce from WMSCOG. Part 2 will be an interview with Toni's sister Lindsey who speaks to her experiences watching her sister fall into this religious group.Toni and Lindsey host a podcast together called "Playing in Traffic" - http://www.play...
Apr 22, 2022•2 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 169
In this episode I speak with Dario, a former member of Iglesia La Luz del Mundo, also known as LDM and/or LLDM. Dario has taken to speaking out about the church and its accusation of historical abuse which has been covered up for a number of years. Dario also speaks about the high-demand practices in place, the shunning and weaponising of family members and how he uses rap and the spoken word to express his emotions and thoughts throughout his deconstructing of growing up in LLDM.Dario is also t...
Apr 15, 2022•2 hr 45 min•Season 2Ep. 168
In this episode I sit down with former Christian Fundamentalist and Registered Professional Counsellor working exclusively with clients covering from Religious Trauma - Janice Selbie. Janice is also a Religious Recovery Consultant. During our conversation, Janice explores various earmarks of Religious Trauma and how people may recognise Spiritual Abuse. Janice also talks us through how she divorced religion and what deconstruction and integration into typical society felt like for her and how ot...
Apr 08, 2022•1 hr 52 min•Season 2Ep. 167
In this episode I chat with Megan about her difficult upbringing and the experiences that led to her rejecting Mormonism and adopting alcohol and substance abuse into her lifestyle. Without protection, teaching or safeguarding given to her at a young age, Megan fought with addiction and shunning from her family. But her remarkable road to recovery, regaining her power, realising her independence and identity and her return to sobriety, paint a powerful picture for other survivors and those who h...
Apr 01, 2022•2 hr 44 min
In this episode, I chat with Sarah about her research into Twelve Tribes with a particular look at the history, practices, and notable mentions in the media throughout recent decades. Twelve Tribes are most infamous for their historical abuse of children and members, as reported in various newspapers and media, as well their chain of Yellow Deli's eateries. Sources - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oX2RjEA2y3Zp-TUaxoYxaestTndUqayh6L91vjO6b_o/editCult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopCri...
Mar 25, 2022•3 hr•Season 2Ep. 164
In this instalment of the podcast I sit down to talk with Daniel about his childhood experiences inside a movement called KwaSizabantu where all manner of abuse has historically taken place. The movement has been involved in expose's and reports questioning the ethics and systemic abuse of children with trials still ongoing today.Erika Bornman's "Mission of Malice" - https://booklounge.co.za/product/mission-of-malice-by-erika-bornman/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B45VMP6/ref =cm_sw_r_awdo_WNZV7KM...
Mar 18, 2022•2 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 163
PART 2** In this episode I sit down with author Esther Friedman as she talks us through her experiences with an esoteric school operating in America. We've previously explored the New York group but Esther's insight into this sister group working out of Boston allows us to see that the same systematic methods were universal across this hidden "school" and caused significant damage to it's members. Esther's memoir titled "The Gentle Souls Revolution - A Secret Cult, An Open Rebellion, and Life Le...
Mar 11, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 162
PART 1** In this episode I sit down with author Esther Friedman as she talks us through her experiences with an esoteric school operating in America. We've previously explored the New York group but Esther's insight into this sister group working out of Boston allows us to see that the same systematic methods were universal across this hidden "school" and caused significant damage to it's members. Esther's memoir titled "The Gentle Souls Revolution - A Secret Cult, An Open Rebellion, and Life Le...
Mar 11, 2022•2 hr 36 min•Season 2Ep. 161
In this episode I sit and chat with Laurin. Laurin has a complicated life which she explores in this episode that comes with an estranged father in the centre of this story. Her father is currently a Jehovah's Witnesses Elder despite holding previous positions during his JW tenure that include bearing arms and political employment as well as committing bigamy and adultery. Does this hold consequence over Laurin's father's current position of Elder in the JW church? Should it hold consequence? Sh...
Mar 04, 2022•2 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 160
In this episode I speak with activist Evvie about their experiences in the Church of Christ. Evvie talks us through their activist work, parentification, and homeschooling during their younger years in CoC, racism and lack of acceptance around the LGBTQIA+ community, advocating for their siblings, and striving for their own further education. Appearing at 2022's ICSA conference, Evvie is a true inspiration to survivors of high-demand religious groups. https://www.emergentphoenixrising.com/ICSA 2...
Feb 25, 2022•2 hr 42 min•Season 2Ep. 158
In this bonus episode I talk with Madison about her experiences in French Camp Academy. This interview comes with themes of abuse and addiction and is difficult to listen too at parts. Discretion is advised. Madison depicts her time in a troubled teen facility that seconds as a housing environment for religious families. During her time, Madison struggled with abuse, sexuality, guilt around traumatic experiences and her wholehearted belief in hell - as well as trying to protect herself and other...
Feb 19, 2022•2 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 157
Trapped In Treatment is a new docu-style podcast series from Paris Hilton, Warner Bros. Unscripted TV in Association With Telepictures, and iHeart Media, that will examine and expose the dark secrets of the “Troubled Teen Industry.” Beginning with Provo Canyon School, each season will focus on the story of one youth treatment facility, its survivors, and the traumatizing abuse at the hands of their captors. Hosted by Caroline Cole and Rebecca Mellinger, Trapped in Treatment weaves together perso...
Feb 18, 2022•2 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 156
In this episode, I chat with Jordan about his childhood experiences being involved in the Assemblies of God sect of Pentecostalism and how he constant state of upheaval and relocation made it difficult to maintain friendships and experience childhood in a "typical" way. Along with homeschooling, Jordan and his family uprooted a number of times. This travelling included missionary work in Africa and his parents eventually opening their own church. Resources given by Jordan - https://www.themessed...
Feb 11, 2022•2 hr 40 min•Season 2Ep. 155
In this episode I talk with author Mary Mahoney who details her experiences in The Children of God and talks us through penning her memoir. Mary joined The Children of God in her teens and through systematic coercion and manipulation, Mary became trapped.During this episode, Mary speaks about human trafficking, sexual abuse, financial and physical abuse and vast amounts of spiritual abuse - all taking place in the name of the Lord.You can find Mary's writing here:"Abnormal Normal - My Life in th...
Feb 04, 2022•2 hr 59 min•Season 2Ep. 154
