The Cult Vault

In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Cait West about her memoir, 'Rift,' which explores her experiences growing up in a Christian patriarchal environment. The conversation delves into the impact of Christian patriarchy on identity, the complexities of homeschooling, the effects of purity culture, and the concept of stay-at-home daughters. Cait shares her journey of bre...

In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Priscilla about her experiences with the Landmark Forum, a controversial personal development program. Priscilla shares her background in neurodivergence inclusion and how she became involved with Landmark during a vulnerable time in her life. The conversation delves into the psychological techniques used by Landmark, the emotional...

In this episode, I speak with Tia Levings, author of 'A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy,' about her experiences escaping Christian patriarchy and the Quiverfull movement. We discuss the nuances of Christian fundamentalism, the emotional toll of patriarchal structures, and the importance of advocacy for women's rights. Tia shares her personal journey of healing and recovery,...

This episode was created using Spreaker's new brand new CREATE app on iOS with ready-to-use templates, a very to use copyright free library of music and sound effects and instant publishing! Download the app today to start making your podcast a reality! Spreaker In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey delves into the story of Angel’s Landing, a cult led by Daniel Perez, who manipulat...

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 indoctr...

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 c...

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,...

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 imp...

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...

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...

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 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...

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://t...

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...

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...

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,...

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,...

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, fa...

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,...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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 i...

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 ho...