What’s it like to grow up in a world where your life’s only purpose is to serve the men around you? Cait West knows firsthand. Raised in a household steeped in Christian patriarchy—a radical movement that places men in absolute control over their families—Cait was homeschooled, groomed to be an obedient wife and mother, and forbidden from pursuing a career or formal education. By the time she escaped at 25, she had no driver’s license, no real job experience, and few resources to navigate life outside the confines of her upbringing.

Despite all of that, Cait built a new life for herself. She’s now a writer, podcaster, and the author of Rift: A Memoir of Breaking Away from Christian Patriarchy. She also co-hosts the podcast Survivors Discuss and serves on the editorial board of Tears of Eden, a nonprofit supporting survivors of spiritual abuse.

In this episode, Cait shares her journey out of Christian patriarchy, unpacks the disturbing ideologies at its core, and talks about how she reclaimed her independence and sense of self. Be advised: this episode includes discussions of religious trauma, sexual trauma, and the movement’s toxic views on race and gender.

Cait’s resilience is inspiring, and her story sheds light on the often-hidden realities of religious abuse. Don’t miss this fascinating and deeply important conversation.

Also… let it be known that:

The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody’s mad at you, just don’t be a culty fuckwad.

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CREDITS: 

Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames

Production Partner: Amphibian.Media

Writer & Co-Creator: Jess Tardy

Associate producers: Emma Diehl  and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media  

Audio production: Red Caiman Studios

Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin