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Award Nominated Podcast. Long-Form Interview-Based Show Focusing on True Testimonies of Cult Survivors & Experts. Also Features Deep-Dive Research Episodes.
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In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, I speak with Lyn Smith-Gregory, the great-grandniece of Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church. Lyn shares her journey from being a devoted believer in the Mormon faith to questioning her beliefs after encountering historical evidence that contradicted her upbringing. She discusses the emotional turmoil of leaving the church, the impact on her family, and her quest for identity and fulfillment outside of the Mormon community. Lyn also touches on her upcoming memoir, 'We Were Smiths,' which explores her experiences and the broader implications of leaving a high-control religion.Lyn's website: About - Lyn Smith GregoryGet in Touch or Support:Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvaultCrimecon UK 2025 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
This conversation delves into the coercive practices of The Way International, focusing on the sexual and reproductive control of women, financial exploitation, and the indoctrination of members. Hannah shares her personal experiences within the cult, highlighting the patriarchal dynamics and the challenges faced by women. The discussion also touches on the cult's control over information, the impact of the Jesus Movement, and the implications of the upcoming Rock of Ages event, which aims to re-establish the cult's presence. Hannah emphasises the importance of awareness and support for those still involved in the cult, advocating for recovery and freedom from its grasp.Hannah's Substack - https://jenniferhaha.substack.com/publish/homeGet in Touch or Support:Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvaultCrimecon UK 2025 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, I engage with author Bart Stewart, who discusses his novel 'The Contraption' and its exploration of cult dynamics. We delve into the historical evolution of cults, the societal neglect surrounding the issue, and the connections between cults and domestic abuse. Bart shares insights from his extensive research and personal experiences, emphasising the need for greater awareness and education on the subject. The conversation also touches on the challenges of promoting literature on cults and the importance of understanding psychological manipulation within these groups.Grab a copy of Bart's book - The Contraption eBook : Stewart, Barton Allen: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Storeand check out Bart's other writing - Amazon.co.uk: Barton Stewart: books, biography, latest updateGet in Touch or Support:Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvaultCrimecon UK 2025 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, I speak with Lonnie, a returning guest who has recently published a graphic memoir titled 'Gaytheist: Coming Out of My Orthodox Childhood'. Lonnie shares his journey from growing up in an Orthodox Jewish community in New York to living in Japan, discussing the challenges he faced as a gay man in a restrictive environment. The conversation delves into the complexities of Jewish identity, the intricacies of religious practices, and the contradictions within the community. Lonnie reflects on his experiences, the impact of his upbringing, and the importance of sharing his story through his graphic novel.Links to Lonnie's work: Gaytheist: Coming Out of My Orthodox Childhood (lonniecomics.com)American Cult: A Graphic History of Religious Cults in America from the Colonial Era to Today: Amazon.co.uk: Chapman, Robyn: 9781945509636: BooksGet in Touch or Support:Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvaultCrimecon UK 2025 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
Another episode, another week of expert interviews. This time, I sit down with Nicole Bedera to talk about her research on sexual violence within universities. Dr. Nicole Bedera is a sociologist and cofounder of the antiviolence consulting practice Beyond Compliance. She received her PhD from the University of Michigan. She has spent more than a decade studying sexual violence and advocating for survivors in media outlets including the New York Times, NPR, and Harper's BAZAAR. Nicole Bedera's debut book: On the Wrong Side: How Universities Protect Perpetrators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence is now available for purchase here.Nicole's website - About | Nicole Bedera, Ph.D.Get in Touch or Support:Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvaultCrimecon UK 2025 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
Hello listeners and welcome back to Season 3 of the Cult Vault Podcast. In this episode, Kacey is joined by longtime friend of the show Lisa VanArsdale. Lisa discusses her ongoing exploration of various cults and religious communities, sharing her experiences and insights from her visits. They delve into the importance of understanding these groups, the live show and podcast Lisa has created, and the dynamics of leadership within cults. The conversation also touches on cultural practices, human rights issues, and the impact of charismatic leaders. Lisa emphasises the need for safety and honesty when engaging with such communities, while also reflecting on her personal growth and future plans.You can find Lisa's upcoming shows and podcast here: Lisa Joins A Cult – No virgins were sacrificed in the making of this website…Get in Touch or Support:Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvaultCrimecon UK 2025 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
1As I return from my studies in the Psychology of Coercive Control MSc programme at the University of Salford, I'm looking forward to covering more content on this subject matter. To start the new season, here is an episode on the topic itself: What is Coercive Control? Get in Touch or Support:Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvaultInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
In this miniseries, I had the honour of chatting with leading cult expert Alexandra Stein. Alexandra Stein, Ph.D. is a writer and educator specializing in the social psychology of ideological extremism and other dangerous social relationships. Dr. Stein offers programs and materials to help people understand how to identify and protect themselves and others from recruitment to cultic or extremist groups. She also studies and teaches about positive social relationships: "small d" democracy, inclusivity and healthy social and personal networks that can oppose these dangerous relationships.She offers the following services:Consulting for individuals and organisations Cult recovery counselling, education and support for individualsTraining for social workers, teachers, law enforcement, and mental health workersTalks and lecturesMedia ResourceALEXANDRA STEIN Ph.D. Understanding Cults and Extremist Groups - storageTerror, Love and Brainwashing: Attachment in Cults and Totalitarian SystemsPodcast Promotion - The Truth that Heals on Apple PodcastsCrimecon tickets available here - www.crimecon.co.ukGet in Touch or Support:Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvaultCult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopCrimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
In this episode I chat with Brandon Chadwick, host of the Narcissist Apocalypse podcast. From Brandon's website:"In 2019, I began interviewing survivors of narcissistic and domestic abuse on my podcast, Narcissist Apocalypse. In that time, I’ve published over 250 survivor stories, interviewed countless experts in the field, from therapists, to lawyers, to domestic violence advocates and agencies. My philosophy for the podcast was to be different, and to me, that meant to be real, not clinical. My goal was to help survivors tell/validate their own stories, but to also validate and teach other survivors through those stories. And a crazy thing happened, it worked.Narcissist Apocalypse has grown beyond my wildest dreams. It now reaches upwards of 10,000 listeners an episode and it keeps growing every day. If you read the reviews on Apple Podcasts, you can see just how much of an impact the show has made in the lives of our community members. Yes, we are now a community."Podcast Promotion - Generation Cult – A podcast about people who grew up in cultsDr Sohom Das - A Psych For Sore Minds - YouTubeBrandon's Show - About - Narcissist ApocalypseCrimecon tickets available here - www.crimecon.co.ukGet in Touch or Support:Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvaultCult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopCrimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
In this episode I chat with Brandon Chadwick, host of the Narcissist Apocalypse podcast. From Brandon's website:"In 2019, I began interviewing survivors of narcissistic and domestic abuse on my podcast, Narcissist Apocalypse. In that time, I’ve published over 250 survivor stories, interviewed countless experts in the field, from therapists, to lawyers, to domestic violence advocates and agencies. My philosophy for the podcast was to be different, and to me, that meant to be real, not clinical. My goal was to help survivors tell/validate their own stories, but to also validate and teach other survivors through those stories. And a crazy thing happened, it worked.Narcissist Apocalypse has grown beyond my wildest dreams. It now reaches upwards of 10,000 listeners an episode and it keeps growing every day. If you read the reviews on Apple Podcasts, you can see just how much of an impact the show has made in the lives of our community members. Yes, we are now a community."Podcast Promotion - Generation Cult – A podcast about people who grew up in cultsDr Sohom Das - A Psych For Sore Minds - YouTubeBrandon's Show - About - Narcissist ApocalypseCrimecon tickets available here - www.crimecon.co.ukGet in Touch or Support:Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvaultCult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopCrimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
When being disfellowshipped from the Jehovah's Witnesses, individuals often experience being completely closed off and shunned from their own congregation. Often times, in high demand religious groups such as the JW's, this community is all the individual has ever known, including family and close friends. The strain placed on marriages adds an extra layer of turmoil. In Daniel O'Brien's case, the relationship with his young sons would forever changed. In this episode, Daniel unpacks hypocrisy in the organisation, shunning and life after Jehovah. We also discuss Daniel's role in the world as a history teacher who implements critical thinking assignments into the classroom.Podcast Promotion - Generation Cult – A podcast about people who grew up in cults "To Captive Hearts and Minds" - Ex-JW Poetry (jehovahs-witness.com)Crimecon tickets available here - www.crimecon.co.ukGet in Touch or Support:Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvaultCult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopCrimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
When being disfellowshipped from the Jehovah's Witnesses, individuals often experience being completely closed off and shunned from their own congregation. Often times, in high demand religious groups such as the JW's, this community is all the individual has ever known, including family and close friends. The strain placed on marriages adds an extra layer of turmoil. In Daniel O'Brien's case, the relationship with his young sons would forever changed. In this episode, Daniel unpacks hypocrisy in the organisation, shunning and life after Jehovah. We also discuss Daniel's role in the world as a history teacher who implements critical thinking assignments into the classroom.Podcast Promotion - Generation Cult – A podcast about people who grew up in cults "To Captive Hearts and Minds" - Ex-JW Poetry (jehovahs-witness.com)Crimecon tickets available here - www.crimecon.co.ukGet in Touch or Support:Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvaultCult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopCrimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
When being disfellowshipped from the Jehovah's Witnesses, individuals often experience being completely closed off and shunned from their own congregation. Often times, in high demand religious groups such as the JW's, this community is all the individual has ever known, including family and close friends. The strain placed on marriages adds an extra layer of turmoil. In Daniel O'Brien's case, the relationship with his young sons would forever changed. In this episode, Daniel unpacks hypocrisy in the organisation, shunning and life after Jehovah. We also discuss Daniel's role in the world as a history teacher who implements critical thinking assignments into the classroom.Podcast Promotion - Generation Cult – A podcast about people who grew up in cults "To Captive Hearts and Minds" - Ex-JW Poetry (jehovahs-witness.com)Crimecon tickets available here - www.crimecon.co.ukGet in Touch or Support:Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvaultCult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopCrimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
On February 9th HULU are premiering an exclusive documentary looking into the cult at Sarah Lawrence College spearheaded by Larry Ray. Daniel Barban Levin is a survivor of this and has written a gut-wrenching memoir "Slonim Woods 9".Find a copy of Daniel's book here - https://amzn.eu/d/cCjsKV0"Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence is an upcoming American true crime documentary miniseries, directed by Zachary Heinzerling, revolving around Larry Ray and the cult at Sarah Lawrence College. It is scheduled to premiere on February 9, 2023, on Hulu". https://press.hulu.com/shows/stolen-youth-inside-the-cult-at-sarah-lawrence/Crimecon tickets available here - www.crimecon.co.ukGet in Touch or Support:Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvaultCult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopCrimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence is an upcoming HULU documentary directed by Zachary Heinzerling. A group of unsuspecting young adults, during a period of transition and vulnerability, were severely manipulated by the abusive, controlling and abhorrent cult leader Larry Ray. Posing at first as a father-figure, Ray used extreme methods of coercive control on his victims. Ray now sits in jail, sentenced to 60 years for crimes including trafficking and racketeering. Here is director Zach to talk us through the process of making this HULU documentary which drops on February 9th. Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence - HuluCrimecon tickets available here - www.crimecon.co.ukGet in Touch or Support -Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Cult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shop Crimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
In this instalment, I talk with former Jehovah's Witness turned activist and author Natalie Grand about her experiences and journey from leaving the organisation to publishing her award winning graphic novel "Cult Girls". "Cult Girls based on true events, telling the story of Talia and her friends as they struggle with growing suspicions that their faith is a patriarchal religious cult. It's a story of tremendous courage and female empowerment as Talia as her friends successfully free themselves. The story is told through a feminist lens with cautionary humor."Podcast Promotion - The Cult of Christianity - HomeGrab a copy of 'Cult Girls' by Natalie Grand - https://amzn.to/3JFBp0WCrimecon tickets available here - www.crimecon.co.ukGet in Touch or Support -Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Cult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shop Crimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
In this instalment, I talk with former Jehovah's Witness turned activist and author Natalie Grand about her experiences and journey from leaving the organisation to publishing her award winning graphic novel "Cult Girls". "Cult Girls based on true events, telling the story of Talia and her friends as they struggle with growing suspicions that their faith is a patriarchal religious cult. It's a story of tremendous courage and female empowerment as Talia as her friends successfully free themselves. The story is told through a feminist lens with cautionary humor."Podcast Promotion - The Cult of Christianity - HomeGrab a copy of 'Cult Girls' by Natalie Grand - https://amzn.to/3JFBp0WCrimecon tickets available here - www.crimecon.co.ukGet in Touch or Support -Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Cult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shop Crimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
In this instalment I chat with Ken Garrett - Senior Pastor, writer and advocate for healthy faith-based environments. Ken talks about his experiences in an abusive church, where his family were each subjected to various forms of coercive control, using the guise on Christianity to harm members in various ways. Today, Ken is the Senior Pastor of a beautiful and dedicates much of his time to creating safe spaces of worship. Throughout this conversation, Ken talks about what spiritual abuse looks like and how we can heal from Religious Trauma.Ken's Book - In The House of Friends - Understanding and Healing from Spiritual Abuse in Christian ChurchesFeatured Podcast - The Cult of Christianity - HomeCrimecon tickets available here - www.crimecon.co.ukGet in Touch or Support -Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Cult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shop Crimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
In this instalment I chat with Ken Garrett - Senior Pastor, writer and advocate for healthy faith-based environments. Ken talks about his experiences in an abusive church, where his family were each subjected to various forms of coercive control, using the guise on Christianity to harm members in various ways. Today, Ken is the Senior Pastor of a beautiful and dedicates much of his time to creating safe spaces of worship. Throughout this conversation, Ken talks about what spiritual abuse looks like and how we can heal from Religious Trauma.Ken's Book - In The House of Friends - Understanding and Healing from Spiritual Abuse in Christian ChurchesFeatured Podcast - The Cult of Christianity - HomeCrimecon tickets available here - www.crimecon.co.ukGet in Touch or Support -Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Cult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shop Crimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
In this instalment I chat with Ken Garrett - Senior Pastor, writer and advocate for healthy faith-based environments. Ken talks about his experiences in an abusive church, where his family were each subjected to various forms of coercive control, using the guise on Christianity to harm members in various ways. Today, Ken is the Senior Pastor of a beautiful and dedicates much of his time to creating safe spaces of worship. Throughout this conversation, Ken talks about what spiritual abuse looks like and how we can heal from Religious Trauma.Ken's Book - In The House of Friends - Understanding and Healing from Spiritual Abuse in Christian ChurchesFeatured Podcast - The Cult of Christianity - HomeCrimecon tickets available here - www.crimecon.co.ukGet in Touch or Support -Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Cult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shop Crimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com
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I adore your interviews! Please keep them coming! How did you go about finding people to interview? just a curious question. I'm sure this is very old but congratulations on your second baby!
this is so true. my ex boyfriend is Pentecostal and I was a single mom of two kids one mentally I'll the other with a life threatening disorder and they were very young. and they want you to go to church all day Saturday and sunday and wenday then two days of bible study and when I told them I couldn't spend all that time they really pressured me and made me feel like the only thing that matters is church. they only thing that mattered was what they wanted they told me to give my worries about my babies illness who was fighting for her life. woman wearing allowed to wear pants and couldn't cut there hair and aren't allowed to wear makeup. I knew it was way to controlling for me and I left