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Impolite Company with Demetra Gray
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© Copyright 2025 Demetra Gray
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We live in a time when it's hard to know what to trust or who to believe. Above all, it's important that we are allowed to question things and are allowed to speak. This podcast is about people who change their minds & worldviews and why. It's about unpopular opinions and how evil can masquerade as good. It's about questioning everything and the willingness to be wrong. It's about not walking on eggshells and the freedom of discussion between different parties without making judgements about the character of someone for holding their beliefs. It's about whistleblowers and former cult members and telling the stories of people who speak out. It's about being the one who is willing to speak and be considered "impolite" in society as long as it means we are holding up the truth to the light. If you'd like to tell your story, send me an email at demetra@demetragray.com.
23 Episodes
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We are moving countries soon and the podcast is taking a break! Maybe it is a summer break or maybe we will never return. Only God knows the answer to these questions. Not joking. I tell you all about how much I miss Fourth of July and how I am taking all pressure off myself and having a season of joy and nourishment and fun, focusing on in-person life and how I feel about tech and social media. And I tell you about how fun this podcast has been to create :)
In this episode Danyelle and I go deeper into mind control tactics, how narcissists work, and how and why it's so easy to fall into their trap. We discuss cult dynamics and the cult mind, and what made us each more susceptible in our experiences. We also talk about exactly how Danyelle healed and what that experience looked like - plus we touch on eating disorders and how control of food and also sex can play into cults and cult recovery. Danyelle's first episode on this podcast was episode 13, where she told us the full story of how she grew up in a Christian cult, only to run away and be groomed into another, more intense cult full of sexual abuse and financial exploitation. Watch this episode on YouTube here
A 28-year-old woman from the Netherlands joins us (anonymously) to talk about her experience with body dysmorphia and gender dysphoria, how she hated her breasts and wanted to cut them off (from puberty until age 25), and how she ended up discovering through therapy she was engaging in for another reason that this feeling was a result of memories she had completely suppressed of sexual assault. This story coincides and intertwines with her experience of finding God. She grew up in an atheist family and ended up playing around with the occult and New Age practices, only to have an absolutely chilling experience of a demonic spirit attacking someone in front of her, which turned her toward God. She is now deeply Christian. We discuss evil and our experiences with Christianity and how it’s easier to fight the enemy when you know it well. Demetra's SubstackDemetra's email listWatch this episode on YouTube here
A few weeks ago, Aubrey Marcus released a podcast explaining how God told him to open up his marriage and find a younger woman and how the spirit of Isis told him to impregnate both of them. Our characters are Aubrey, 44; his wife Vylana, 38; the new addition Alana, 28; and Marc Ganfi, a culty ex-rabbi posing as a "relationship coach" who was accused of molesting young girls in his time as a youth leader. Jade and I dissect the dynamics of this podcast — about what we call "God," how we know "truth," the tactics narcissists use to manipulate others, our own experience in the sex coaching world, opinions on polyamory, and more. Videos referenced in this episode:The Aubrey Marcus podcast episode on YouTubeClip of Marc Gafni on Dr. Phil (a hilarious bit)Clip of Gafni on Dr. Phil where his victim explains her storyJennifer Jade Merrihue is a relationship coach, sexologist, & medicine woman. Her background is in philosophy, academia, neuropsych, CBT, Eastern & Western medicine and philosophies, Neotantra/Taoism, human sexuality, existential/ spiritual kink, alternative relationships and sacred sexuality, nutrition, relationships, trauma, Neurolinguistics, psychology… among many other things! You can connect with her on Instagram @jennifer.jade.merrihue or on her website merrihue.com. Demetra's SubstackDemetra's email listWatch this episode on YouTube here
Dylan was once in school to become a Jesuit priest, but after a heartbreak and disillusionment with the people around him, he left the church to find himself. We talk about abortion (Dylan used to be pro-life and is now pro-choice, I used to be pro-choice and now am pro-life), assisted suicide and how much role the government should have in our lives, and capitalism’s influence on feminism. We discuss the US healthcare system, the importance of accountability in conservatism, and if human morality solely comes from faith. We also touch on how women should not be priests, why Dylan feels spiritual experiences come mainly from human connection, his experience witnessing the Jesuits around him, sin, good and evil, shame, and freedom. We talk about the transgender epidemic, the role of family in society, and how suburban living could be the root cause of a lot of our societal distress. Dylan talks about his past experiences and future aspiration with political activism. Dylan Bain, CPA, MBA, is the managing partner at TrueNorth CPAs, bringing over a decade of expertise in tax and accounting. A former math teacher and wrestling coach, Dylan is passionate about education and mentorship. He’s deeply involved in men’s work, including with The Savage Legion. Dylan’s journey also includes an aspiration to become a priest, informed by his extensive education in Catholic schools from kindergarten through graduate studies. Though he no longer identifies as Christian, he remains profoundly influenced by Jesuit philosophy, especially the concept of cura personalis, which emphasizes care for the whole person. A devoted family man, he shares his life with his amazing wife and two beautiful daughters.
Kristin used to travel the world and be super into New Age spirituality, and after finding God she’s finding herself settling down somewhere in the US and discovering who she is now. We discuss how an experience with a demonic spirit following her around and attacking her led her back to Christianity. She talks about discovering Protestantism, how she feels about astrology and those types of things now, being obedient to God, and sanctification. I share my experience with Christianity and how God has changed me. We talk about how our role is not to judge others, lukewarm Christians, navigating friendships through changing political beliefs, being a woman, HouseInhabit, and listening to God. Kristin always had a heart for truth, and a mind full of existential questions revolving around what life is and who are we. This curiosity led to explorations of many kinds including a tour around the world focused on breaking familial/cultural programming while also seeking out ancient healing & spiritual traditions. At 18, she renounced the Catholic Church she grew up in and became steeped in the New Age beliefs, she added studies of shamanism, eastern traditions and varying spiritual/energetic practices over the years. The search felt endless and harrowing. After years of spiritual warfare and spending most of her life as a foreigner to both God and America, she returned to each one over the last few years. God led her to receiving Jesus and after learning the Truth of who He is, she was directed back to the USA. After 13 years abroad in Bali & Australia, she's now on a search for a God centered home, husband, community & church. She can be found on Instagram @where_being_resides and on Substack @KristinGiacopelli (more writing to come). Demetra's SubstackDemetra's websiteWatch this episode on YouTube here
Christina and I discuss her mom’s journey with cancer and how Christina has navigated her death. We also discuss all the loss she has witnessed as a paramedic, my brother’s car accident and my own experience of loss, culty health beliefs (like Christina’s experience of Scientologists), the things people say during grief that are not helpful, feeling angry and “irrational” feelings after loss, the role of paramedics in choosing when someone dies, organ donation, and the spiritual aspects of loss and death. We also talk about not giving all your trust to doctors, how to help people cope with grief, & many more things!Christina is a paramedic first responder, nurse, and new mother of an 8-month-old boy. She spent many years deeply immersed in all things yoga, meditation, and Eastern medicine. Having lived in four states across both coasts and the Midwest, she has gained insight from her experiences in both traditional healthcare and New Age practices.Demetra's SubstackDemetra's email listWatch this episode on YouTube here
Holly and I talk about growing up in South Dakota, her evangelical Christian upbringing, hell houses (like haunted houses for Christian children), and how she got kicked out of her Christian high school for asking questions. We discuss how aspects of her experiences were culty, her transition into a more New Age spirituality, and how we feel suspicious of people who claim to channel God. We discuss if the Bible can be trusted, why I am Christian and why Holly is not, the trend of New Age people turning Christian, and the impending return of traditional values in our society. Holly Crawford is a writer, editor, and word witch who lives for a good story and a strong cup of coffee. She’s the lead editor at Reality Sandwich, where she curates content on psychedelics, consciousness, and counterculture. With deep roots in the cannabis world and a soft spot for all things mystical, she brings heart, humor, and a little chaos magic to everything she touches. Holly lives in Seattle with her husband, stepdaughter, two opinionated cats, and a smooshie-faced dog named Oliver. You can find her on Instagram @m_sungreen, on Substack, or somewhere between the veil, the algorithm, and the orcas of Puget Sound.Demetra's writingDemetra's email list
Raphaëlle wasn’t planning on homeschooling her kids, but when she discovered what her son was learning in public school she decided to explore other options. We discuss why so many people are pulled to homeschooling nowadays, the history of education in North America and how it is set up to produce obedient workers rather than creative thinkers, and what other opportunities are possible. We also talk about our own experiences in public schools, the importance of community in raising children, food budgeting and planning, and the judgements that people have around homeschooling. Raphaëlle is a homeschooling, married mama of two who was completely immersed in her work as a real estate agent before having children. Then she flipped her world upside down as she started on her healing journey. Her old life slowly came apart and things unfolded beautifully. These days, she is interested in conscious parenting, child development, relationships, yoga and spirituality, psychology and personal growth. She enjoys deep conversations, reading and writing, nature, and learning. She is putting more energy into creating a business in which she can serve others and help them create a life that is in alignment with their deepest values. It’s what she is in service to preserving in her children and what she can help you find if you have lost it. Raff's website, Instagram, FacebookDemetra's writingDemetra's email listWatch this episode on YouTube here
Danyelle grew up in a Duggar-family-style Christian cult. Leading a very sheltered childhood, she left to find her own independence as a teenager and ended up getting groomed into another “Christian” cult, by a narcissistic couple who sexually abused and financially exploited her. Danyelle has a lot of self-awareness about exactly how this happened and also tells the story of her escape. She was later able to testify against her abuser in court and contributed to him going to prison. She is now happily engaged to a wonderful man and has truly moved on from her past experiences. Danyelle is a lifelong entrepreneur who loves spending time with her life partner, her coaching clients, real estate business and more! She has overcome much, including extreme religious cults and wishes you to know that your past does not have to define your future. Demetra's writingDemetra's email listWatch this episode on YouTube here
My husband Jordan and I explore the complexities of men's relationships with sexual variety, happiness, and emotional fulfillment. Jordan talks about his past involvement with pickup artist culture and having sex with hundreds of women, sex addiction and BDSM, and sex work — and the pain that resulted from engaging with sex in this way. We also discuss outsourcing intimacy to pornography and why love is the most important thing in life. Jordan's email listJordan's websiteDemetra's writingDemetra's email list
In this episode, Lisa and I discuss our journeys from New Age to Christianity. Lisa tells the story of her mental breakdown and how it led her to Christ, including her deliverance and spiritual warfare. We talk about evil, the role of humans in stewarding nature, and what it looks like to surrender to God. We also discuss “coming out as Christian” and how our followers responded, artificial intelligence and if it’s compatible with Christianity, current politics, the overlap between New Age and Christian teachings, and sexuality. Lisa Hillyer has walked an inspiring path of transformation. Once a successful interior designer, Lisa battled with a drinking problem that led her to reevaluate her life. After choosing sobriety, she began a journey of deep self-healing and spiritual awakening. Transitioning into a life coach and yoga teacher, Lisa used her gifts to guide others in their healing processes. Her journey continued as she embraced the role of a priestess, leading sacred circles and retreats, empowering women to reclaim their divine feminine power. During her midlife crisis, Lisa experienced a tumultuous downfall that returned her to Christ with renewed purpose. Now, she serves as a beacon of wisdom, guiding others to heal, reconnect and live with radiant authenticity. She lives on the Sunshine Coast on five acres holding retreats & making tallow skincare products with her 2 rescue dogs, 5 ducks & thousands of bees.Lisa's retreatsLisa's podcastLisa's podcast episode with DemetraDemetra's Substack piece on Jesus (part 1)Demetra's writingDemetra's email listWatch this episode on YouTube here
In this episode, Christina and I discuss the weird, funny, and sometimes healing world of yoga culture. We talk about her experience with Baptiste yoga teacher training, the aspects of that training that were very culty, and how emotional manipulation can show up in spiritual spaces. We also get into the ethics of coaching, question whether energy work is real, and talk about the power of belief in healing. I talk about my experience owning a yoga studio when I was younger, and how I used to identify as a witch, and we discuss returning to Christianity. This conversation went so many places — other topics include libertarianism, politics, veganism, the Amish, Mark Rippetoe and strength training, and Christina’s experience working as a first responder. There is a lot of laughter in this episode!Christina is a paramedic first responder, nurse, and new mother of a 7-month-old boy. She spent many years deeply immersed in all things yoga, meditation, and Eastern medicine. Having lived in four states across both coasts and the Midwest, she has gained insight from her experiences in both traditional healthcare and New Age practices.Demetra's SubstackDemetra's email listWatch this episode on YouTube here
My husband Jordan & I discuss midgets, suicide, Hitler, farts, and other things — like how humor helps us heal and the importance of being able to laugh about every topic. Comedians we mention: Phil Hanley (Demetra’s favorite), Tom Segura, Andrew Shulz, John Mulaney, Louis CK, Dave ChappelleJordan's email listDemetra's writingDemetra's websiteWatch this episode on YouTube here
Kymberli tells us all about growing up Mormon, what Mormonism really means, and what it was like to decide to leave the community. She describes deciding she was lesbian and where that came from and her realization that she is straight after all. We discuss healthy masculinity and how that comes up when parenting her son, the rise of wokeism especially in schools, cults, and slowly starting to return to Christianity. Kymberli is a single mom to her almost 10 year son living in a small agricultural community in Northern California. She is leaning into a new identity after being raised in a multi-generational Mormon family and as an adult decades in queer leftist communities. She now considers both to be cults and is rebuilding her life from a foundation of truth and reality with sprinkles of magic and faith. She spends her time watching old 90's movies with her kid and their two cats, cooking, baking and taking long walks along the creek behind their apartment. Demetra's writingDemetra's email listWatch this episode on YouTube here
Jade joins me for this episode to discuss the lies we were sold about "sexual liberation" — from polyamory and BDSM to the way porn is impacting our society and why we now have porn-free relationships. We discuss our culture’s links to pedophilia, the way kink is used (and abused), and why not all desires are good. We also discuss women making money on OnlyFans, figures like Lily Phillips and Bonnie Blue, and the impact of selling sexuality online. Beyond that, we get very honest about abortion (including Jade’s personal experience), whether it should be legal, and even wonder about gay marriage. We discuss the woke mindset, why it’s impossible to reason with some people, and our journeys with faith, marriage, and motherhood.Jennifer Jade Merrihue is a relationship coach, sexologist, & medicine woman. Her background is in philosophy, academia, neuropsych, CBT, Eastern & Western medicine and philosophies, Neotantra/Taoism, human sexuality, existential/ spiritual kink, alternative relationships and sacred sexuality, nutrition, relationships, trauma, Neurolinguistics, psychology… among many other things! You can connect with her on Instagram @jennifer.jade.merrihue or on her website merrihue.com.
Bridget is a wild woman who has lived and worked on all 7 continents, traveling to over 80 countries and having BIG adventures (including coming face to face with polar bears, riding a reindeer into Siberia, skiing across Greenland, dancing with whales, playing with penguins, and being bitten by a lion).In this episode, we dive into what she’s learned about resilience, why New Age spiritual communities often struggle with it, and how outdoor challenges shape our ability to handle life. We also explore her political awakening during Covid — when she realized politics actually matter and were not what she thought they were — and what it means to live from love instead of fear. We talk about climate change, why trusting the experts isn’t so simple, what really causes chronic illness, evolving technology, and why we feel excited instead of scared about the upcoming changes to our world. Bridget teaches survival training in Antarctica, lectures adventure and nature therapy at a university, and is an intimacy expert. But underneath it all she sings to nature and the leylines and offers retreats, courses and coaching that guides people to explore the edges of the earth and the depths of their soul. You can find her on Instagram at @adventuresofawildchildWatch this episode on YouTubeDemetra's writing: demetragray.substack.comEmail list: demetragray.com
Dominique joins me for this conversation about raising kids with a strong sense of agency, avoiding resentment in marriage and motherhood, and having honest conversations about sex. We get into the ways resentment can build in relationships and how to approach family life in a way that keeps frustration from piling up. We also talk about feminism, its ties to capitalism, and how shifting ideas about women’s roles have shaped our culture. Dominique shares how she talks to her pre-teen daughters about sex, what she wishes she knew growing up, and why treating sex as something sacred and worth protecting is so important. Plus, we touch on family dynamics, shooting guns, and raising kids to follow their own path instead of just doing what their parents think they should.Dominique Bain is a mother of two girls ages 9 and 12 and she has been married for 15 years. Marriage and motherhood have by far been the hardest and most rewarding things she has ever done. Dominique works as an energy consultant in the greater Denver metro area and holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Sustainable Solutions.Books mentioned: The Case Against the Sexual Revolution by Louise Perry, Women's Work: the First 20,000 Years by Elizabeth Wayland BarberDemetra's writing: demetragray.substack.comEmail list: demetragray.comWatch this episode on YouTube
An anonymous woman who worked in DEI in the corporate world joins me for this episode to discuss the negative impacts she felt it had on her company and how it got in the way of truly effective work being done. I tell the story of my time paying thousands of dollars for an anti-racist program and how terrible it was. We also talk about social programs like food banks and if they are effective, question our current obsession with victimhood, and discuss how people are afraid to speak up. My Substack: demetragray.substack.comEmail list: demetragray.comWatch this episode on YouTube
85-year-old Hannah Brown joins me for this conversation to discuss what it has been like to be a Jewish woman in a world swelling with anti-semitism. We discuss how Palestine has been taken under the arm of wokeness, with anyone questioning Hamas or Islam in general accused of being racist. Hannah has voted for the Canadian liberal party her entire life and has always considered herself a socialist, but now she will vote conservative. She describes what it’s been like to lose friends, to be afraid to be Jewish, and to watch people protect those who wish her harm. The interview we referenceMy writingMy email listWatch this episode on YouTubeContact me: demetra@demetragray.com
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