What Really Happens in Wilderness Therapy with Spencer King, Director of “The Wilderness" | Ep 30
Description
In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker Spencer King to expose the dark underbelly of the troubled teen industry through his latest feature, The Wilderness. We dive into the brutal realities of wilderness therapy programs and therapeutic boarding schools - where survival, not healing, often becomes the goal.
Spencer shares what inspired the film, starring lead actor Hunter Doohan, built the story around true events, and the grueling conditions they faced while shooting in Southern Utah. But this conversation goes way beyond filmmaking - we talk about the thin line between rehabilitation and abuse, the power dynamics at play in these “treatment” programs, and the very real consequences for the young people trapped inside them.
We also discuss what parents need to know before they consider sending their child to one of these camps, and highlight organizations like Unsilenced that are pushing for transparency and accountability in an industry with over 300 reported deaths to date.
This episode is a must-listen for advocates, survivors, and anyone questioning the real cost of “tough love.”
"The Wilderness" is out now, and available for digital release in December 2025.
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