DisAllusioned Podcast

In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with David De La Isla about his experiences with Michael Woroniecke, the leader of a cult that has been linked to the tragic case of Andrea Yates, as well as Ari Sherwood's family. David shares his journey of being drawn into the cult during his college years, the psychological manipulation tactics employed, and the unique natu...

In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood and Jay discuss a range of pressing issues, including the state of press freedom, government censorship, and the role of social media in shaping public perception. They explore the implications of algorithms on information control, the social contract between citizens and their government, and the importance of self-defense and advoca...

In this episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with Taylor Lucas, a survivor of a small family cult. Taylor shares their complex journey of being adopted by the same family she was born into, the psychological and emotional abuse she endured, and their path to understanding their identity and breaking free from the cult dynamics. The conversation delves into themes of narcissis...

In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood delves into the harrowing case of Andrea Yates, who infamously drowned her five children in 2001. The discussion centers around the influence of cult leader Mike Woroniecki on Yates and the broader implications of cult dynamics on mental health and family structures. Sherwood shares personal insights from her own experiences with her...

In this episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, join host Ari Sherwood as she sits down with Joelle Tamraz, author of the book "The Secret Practice: Eighteen Years on the Dark Side of Yoga". Joelle shares her experience joining a yoga cult, and marrying the guru. She details the manipulative tactics employed by her guru, and the complex dynamics of relationships within the cult. She discusses...

Join Ari Sherwood on the DisAllusioned Podcast as she interviews Elise Delamare, a former minister and survivor of the Assemblies of God Church. Elise shares her compelling journey from feeling called to ministry at a young age, facing challenges within the church, such as negative perceptions of women in ministry, leading to her involvement in the Assemblies of God church. Elise discusses the int...

In the season 3 premiere of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood dives into the profound responsibility of sharing cult survivor stories. As podcasters and producers, it's crucial to prioritize the mental health and well-being of our guests, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for them to share their experiences. This episode explores the ethical considerations of interviewing survi...

In the season 2 finale of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood dives into the profound challenges cult survivors encounter as they strive to reclaim their identities. Through personal reflections and insightful interviews, Ari explores the journey from indoctrination to self-discovery, highlighting the courage it takes to question long-held beliefs and embrace one's true self. She explores the...

In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood and guest-host Jay dive into the complex and often disturbing realities of North Korea, exploring its history, the rise of Kim Il-sung, the impact of the Korean War, and the ongoing cult of personality surrounding its leaders. They discuss the Songbun system that categorizes citizens based on loyalty and the role of propaganda in main...

Join host Ari Sherwood in a compelling conversation with Clare Heath-McIvor, a survivor of the City Builders Church and a passionate advocate for cult survivors. Clare shares her journey growing up in a high-control religious group as the daughter of leader Brian Hearth. Her story is incredible as she details her deconstruction from evangelical fundamentalism, to becoming a whistleblower and advoc...

On this episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood and guest Jay dive into the complex and troubling history of eugenics, exploring its roots in ancient philosophy, the uprise of the eugenics movement in America, and its resurgence in modern advertising. They discuss the ethical implications of eugenics, the nature vs. nurture debate, and the cultural biases that have shaped perceptions o...

In this episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with Geoff Etherton, a former youth pastor in the Church of England, about his experiences in the church and the creation of Church Abuse Survivor's Day. Geoff was a pioneer in the church, and with creative freedom, he was able to establish a coffee shop in the church as a means for meaningful engagement with the public, regardless...

TW: This episode of DisAllusioned Podcast covers extreme and distressing themes, such as CSA, Child abuse, neglect, and torturous conditions. Viewer Discretion is strongly advised. In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood interviews Jeremy Paskell, a survivor of the cult led by Ariel Ben Sherman. Jeremy gives an open and honest account of growing up in the cult, detailing th...

Join host, Ari Sherwood, for a compelling episode diving into the multifaceted experiences of growing up in the International Churches of Christ (ICOC). Podcaster and cult survivor, Roy Clemens, opens up about the struggles of life as a "Kingdom Kid," grappling with the realization that the ICOC is more than just a church—it’s a cult. We explore the lasting impact of purity culture on ad...

In this episode of the DisAllusioned podcast, host Ari Sherwood and guest Jay continue the Philosophy Behind Cults series, focusing on the role of authority, persuasion, and manipulation of language. They explore the rhetorical strategies of ethos, pathos, and logos, and how these elements are used to establish credibility and manipulate emotions. The conversation also touches on the complexities...

In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with David Quesada, a former Jehovah's Witness and musician. David shares his journey growing up in a strict, multi-generational Jehovah's Witness family, detailing the intense control and hierarchy within the organization. He discusses the changes in teachings over the years, the financial struggles linked to lawsuits, and his...

In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with Amber, a fifth-generation ex-Jehovah's Witness. Amber shares her unique journey growing up in the organization, the complexities of baptism, disfellowshipping, and the impact of COVID-19 on the community. She discusses the contradictions within the beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses, the emotional toll of...

In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood continues her series into the philosophy behind cults, focusing on the concepts of authority and autonomy, tackling some foundational questions: What makes authority legitimate? Why should we obey authority? And can a cult be a legitimate authority? Ari gives an introduction into the philosophy of authority and the various philosophic...

In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with Maria Esguerra, psychologist, advocate, and a cult survivor born and raised in the Children of God cult. Maria shares her experiences growing up in a highly controlled environment that limited her critical thinking and access to medical care. She discusses the psychological impact of her upbringing, the challenges of trans...

In the first episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, season 2, host Ari Sherwood introduces a new series, The Philosophy Behind Cults. The conversation dives into the philosophy of authority and autonomy, examining what constitutes legitimate authority and how it relates to personal freedom. Ari shares insights from her academic background and personal journey as a cult survivor, discussing the complexi...

In this episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood and guest Jay delve into the disturbing world of cults, focusing on the Knights of the Crystal Blade, a family cult involved in child grooming and abuse. They discuss the implications of child marriage laws, the cycle of abuse that perpetuates through generations, and the coercive control tactics used by cult leaders. The conversation als...

Ari Sherwood critically examines the claims made by the Mind Alignment Process (MAP) therapy associated with the Twin Flame Universe. She highlights the importance of identifying red flags in therapy claims, evaluating the validity of research, and understanding the implications of legal disclaimers. The discussion emphasizes the need for skepticism in mental health practices and the dangers of ma...

In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with filmmaker Scott Homan, cofounder of Banana Island Films and director of Witness Underground, about his experiences as a Jehovah's Witnesses and the impact of shunning and emotional abuse. They discuss the importance of critical thinking, the dynamics of cults, and the role of public speaking in these environments. They tou...

In this episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with Richard Kiers, author of Swindled by Faith, cult survivor, and advocate, about his experiences in a cult called The Move of God. Richard shares insights into the origins of the cult, the recruitment process, and the harsh realities of life inside the group, including child labor and the impact of authoritarian control. He disc...

In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with Ryan Anthony Hernandez, a survivor of a Catholic cult ran by Edgardo Arellano, and the host of The Truth That Heals Podcast   and Creativity Worth Expressing. Ryan shares his harrowing journey of being drawn into the cult at the age of 17, the manipulative tactics used to control members, and the psychological and emotiona...