DisAllusioned Podcast

In this episode of the Disillusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood shares her personal journey with a rare genetic condition, hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy, and reflects on the implications of growing up in an evangelical environment and later being involved in a cult. She discusses the challenges of accessing medical care, the impact of cult beliefs on health, and the rights of children to receive...

In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with Melody, Cohost of Cultimatum Podcast, cult survivor advocate, and a former member of the House of Yahweh cult. Melody shares her personal journey into the cult, her experiences with multiple marriages, and the challenges she faced while leaving and recovering from the cult's influence. The conversation delves into the dyna...

In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood and guest Jay delve into the complex interplay between evolution, cult dynamics, and religiosity. They explore how critical thinking and education can help individuals recognize and escape cult-like environments, the role of schizotypal personalities in communities, and the evolutionary advantages of pro-social behavior. The conversat...

Joy and Philip Hoover, co-founders of Esoes Cosmetics, share their journey of creating innovative safety solutions for women and discuss the impact of evangelical ideology on their beliefs and actions. They discuss their journey through the deconstruction of their fundamental evangelical beliefs after a life altering tragedy had struck their family. On April 10, 2013, Phil’s mother and brother, Ma...

In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood is joined by Kelsey and Abby to discuss their experiences in a shamanic doomsday cult led by Jeffrey Pierce. The conversation explores the blurred lines between belief and manipulation within the cult, as well as the impact of these experiences on their lives. In this segment of the conversation, the speakers dive into the credibility...

Abby shares her experience of being recruited into a cult led by Jeff Pierce, a shamanic cult leader. This resulted in her moving to the mountains of Tennessee in fear of dooms day, December 21st, 2012. She discusses her belief in a coming shift in the world and how she was drawn to Jeff's teachings and predictions. Abby gives her account of the manipulation and front-loading tactics used by Jeff...

In this episode of the Disallusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood and guest Kelsey Kay delve into Kelsey's harrowing experience as a survivor of a shamanic doomsday cult. They discuss Kelsey's recruitment, the indoctrination process, the cult's doomsday beliefs, and the manipulation tactics employed by the cult leader. Kelsey shares her journey of moving to Tennessee, her uncomfortable marriage, and...

In this episode of Disallusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood shares a deeply personal account of her experience in a cult led by Jeffrey Pierce. Starting from her search for spiritual fulfillment after leaving Christianity, Ari recounts how she was drawn into the cult's teachings, the manipulative tactics used by Pierce, and the eventual realization of the control she was under. The conversation ex...