In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, I speak with Peter Young, a returning guest and author of 'Stop the Tall Man, Save the Tiger.' Peter shares his personal journey of unwittingly marrying into a cult and the psychological manipulation he faced from the cult leader, Uncle Robert. The conversation delves into the dynamics of cult influence on family relationships, the slow process of indoctrination, and the impact on Peter's marriage and parenting. Peter discusses his recovery journey,...

In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, I speak with Tammie Willis, a survivor of extreme Christian fundamentalism. Tammie shares her journey of escaping a life of coercive control and cultic manipulation, detailing the psychological and emotional impacts of her upbringing. The conversation explores the complexities of fundamentalism, the role of gender, the effects of purity culture, and the challenges faced in education and recovery. Tammie emphasizes the importance of peer support and...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

As 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/thecultvault Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault Gmail:...

In this episode, I chat with Jordan about his childhood experiences being involved in the Assemblies of God, a sect of Pentecostalism, and how a constant state of upheaval and relocation made it difficult to maintain friendships and experience childhood in a "typical" way. Along with homeschooling, Jordan and his family uprooted a number of times. This travelling included missionary work in Africa and his parents eventually opening their own church Get in Touch or Support: Patreon -...

In this episode, I chat with Jordan about his childhood experiences being involved in the Assemblies of God, a sect of Pentecostalism, and how a constant state of upheaval and relocation made it difficult to maintain friendships and experience childhood in a "typical" way. Along with homeschooling, Jordan and his family uprooted a number of times. This travelling included missionary work in Africa and his parents eventually opening their own church Get in Touch or Support: Patreon -...

In this remastered episode I talk with author Mary Mahoney who details her experiences in The Children of God, talking us through the trials of her memoir. Mary joined The Children of God in her teens and through systematic coercion and manipulation, became trapped in one of the most notorious and insidious cults known today. During this episode, Mary speaks about human trafficking, sexual abuse, financial and physical abuse and vast amounts of spiritual abuse - all taking place in the name...

In this remastered episode I talk with author Mary Mahoney who details her experiences in The Children of God, talking us through the trials of her memoir. Mary joined The Children of God in her teens and through systematic coercion and manipulation, became trapped in one of the most notorious and insidious cults known today. During this episode, Mary speaks about human trafficking, sexual abuse, financial and physical abuse and vast amounts of spiritual abuse - all taking place in the name...

Cast your ears back to the time I was given the chance to interview the legendary Jon Atack LIVE on stage at Crimecon UK. An experience I won't soon forget, and one you could be a part of next month as Crimecon UK returns to London on September 21st and 22nd! Find your tickets here - www.crimecon.co.uk and use the code CULT for 10% off your tickets!  Find Jon's YouTube channel here - jon atack, family & friends - YouTube Get in Touch or Support: Patreon -...

In this episode I speak with activist Evvie about their experiences in the Church of Christ. Evvie talks us through their activist work, parentification, and homeschooling during their younger years in CoC. Evvie experienced racism and lack of acceptance around the LGBTQIA+ community, advocating for their siblings, and striving for their own further education. Appearing at 2022's ICSA conference, Evvie is a true inspiration to survivors of high-demand religious...

In this episode I speak with activist Evvie about their experiences in the Church of Christ. Evvie talks us through their activist work, parentification, and homeschooling during their younger years in CoC. Evvie experienced racism and lack of acceptance around the LGBTQIA+ community, advocating for their siblings, and striving for their own further education. Appearing at 2022's ICSA conference, Evvie is a true inspiration to survivors of high-demand religious...

Remastered: Trapped In Treatment is a new docu-style podcast series from Paris Hilton & Warner Bros. Unscripted TV in Association With Telepictures, and iHeart Media, that will examine and expose the dark secrets of the “Troubled Teen Industry.” Beginning with Provo Canyon School, each season will focus on the story of one youth treatment facility, its survivors, and the traumatizing abuse at the hands of their captors. Hosted by Caroline Cole and Rebecca Mellinger, Trapped in Treatment...

In this remastered episode I chat with someone who has experienced The International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Michael gives a deep dive into many types of Religious and Spiritual groups he has joined, with a focus on a particularly problematic sub-group within the Hare Krishna movement called "The Mantra Lounge". I personally do not condone joining established cults or high demand groups for personal or social experimentation. Please be careful.  Get in Touch or Support: Patreon -...

In this remastered episode I chat with someone who has experienced The International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Michael gives a deep dive into many types of Religious and Spiritual groups he has joined, with a focus on a particularly problematic sub-group within the Hare Krishna movement called "The Mantra Lounge". I personally do not condone joining established cults or high demand groups for personal or social experimentation. Please be careful.  Get in Touch or Support: Patreon -...

In today's remastered episode, I have a special interview with author Zack Bonnie who has written 2 books about his time at CEDU and Rocky Mountain Academy. Zack's activism and whistleblowing work has opened doors into institutional reform around the world - highlighting the abuse that happens in these troubled teen programmes. Zack breaks his story up by inserting perspectives from other people in Zack's life during these experiences, with his writing also peppered in research and...

In this remastered episode I chat at length with Alexandra who grew close to a family friend before deciding to follow him out of state and into the clasp of a destructive group known as RSE. Alexandra tells the story from her perspective, allowing us keen insight into what attempts at connection made by her father truly worked, and what could have been done, if anything, to help Alexandra come home sooner.  Get in Touch or Support: Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Crimecon UK 2024 -...

In this remastered episode I chat at length with Alexandra who grew close to a family friend before deciding to follow him out of state and into the clasp of a destructive group known as RSE. Alexandra tells the story from her perspective, allowing us keen insight into what attempts at connection made by her father truly worked, and what could have been done, if anything, to help Alexandra come home sooner.  Get in Touch or Support: Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Crimecon UK 2024 -...

In this 2-part series, I first chat with Bob about his experiences losing his daughter to JZ Knight's Ramtha's School of Enlightenment. Bob speaks about the heartbreak and difficulty in working out the best way to navigate the situation - from losing all contact to treading carefully to maintain a relationship with his daughter, waiting for the day she comes home. Get in Touch or Support: Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Crimecon UK 2024 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10%...

In this 2-part series, I first chat with Bob about his experiences losing his daughter to JZ Knight's Ramtha's School of Enlightenment. Bob speaks about the heartbreak and difficulty in working out the best way to navigate the situation - from losing all contact to treading carefully to maintain a relationship with his daughter, waiting for the day she comes home. Get in Touch or Support: Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Crimecon UK 2024 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10%...