In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with actor, advocate, and children’s author Barrett D. Carroll, whose story is as jaw-dropping as it is inspiring. From surviving an abusive Christian fundamentalist cult led by his father to building a thriving career in Hollywood, Barrett’s journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and reclaiming your voice after trauma.

Raised under rigid, religious authoritarianism, Barrett shares what it was like to grow up homeschooled, silenced, and constantly monitored by a man who claimed to be chosen by God. But Barrett always knew something was off. And by 16, he left home, started acting, and began the long road to healing.

Together, they explore:

✅ The mental and emotional cost of growing up in a cult
✅ Why he had to testify in court against his own father
✅ The blurred line between religion, power, and abuse
✅ His early experiences in the entertainment industry, including abuse and harassment
✅ Why creativity, performance, and storytelling became his survival tools

Plus, Barrett opens up about…

✨ Navigating Hollywood as a survivor with soul
✨ Writing and illustrating his children’s book The Acorn’s Journey
✨ Traveling to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and beyond as part of his healing
✨ Being vulnerable online, especially during the rise of QAnon
✨ Speaking up even when it’s hard, because truth-telling is the real calling

This episode will move you, wake you up, and remind you that healing is possible. Barrett’s story is living proof that you can grow something beautiful from even the most painful roots.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to the episode. Meet Barrett D. Carroll

01:30 Growing up in a Christian fundamentalist cult

04:00 The psychology of abuse in the name of God

06:00 Why he left home at 16 and never looked back

08:30 His father's conspiracy theories and “mark of the beast” obsession

10:00 Traveling for cult recruitment and ghostwriting legislation

12:00 How performance gave him an escape

14:00 Acting, survival, and trusting his instincts

16:00 First gigs, early warning signs, and seeking belonging

18:30 Facing harassment and coercion in Hollywood

20:00 Why abuse of power is so common in the entertainment world

22:30 The painful decision to leave LA after a casting couch moment

25:00 Healing shame, reclaiming boundaries, and learning to say no

28:00 Reparenting himself through inner work and kindness

31:00 Confronting the voice of abuse and unlearning his programming

34:30 On victimhood, being preyed upon, and recognizing red flags

37:00 Maintaining empathy for his abuser while protecting his peace

39:30 Why he speaks publicly about politics, QAnon, and cult tactics

42:00 The impact of COVID, conspiracy panic, and finding clarity

45:00 Going to the gray area, questioning everything

48:00 The danger of absolute thinking, even in religion and politics

51:00 How traveling changed his perspective forever

53:00 His two-month stay in Saudi Arabia and a dream trip to Egypt

55:00 Floating down the Nile, ancient temples, and finding joy

58:00 Creating from the heart, even in horror and children’s books

01:00:00 His upcoming film EAT and his message to young creatives

01:03:00 Advice for survivors, storytellers, and anyone still healing

01:05:00 The Acorn’s Journey, and how he planted peace where pain once lived

🔗 Connect with Barrett D. Carroll

✨ Instagram: @barrettdcarroll
✨ LinkedIn: Barrett D. Carroll

🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast

✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits
✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits
✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why
✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast | Meredyth Willits

🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more real talk from the creators who move us.