The Cult on the Cape

Before he became the plaintiff in a federal lawsuit, Oliver “Ollie” Ortolani was a child growing up inside the Community of Jesus. In this episode of The Cult on the Cape , Bonnie Zampino speaks with Ollie’s former teacher, Nick Gascoigne, who knew him years before his allegations became public. Together, they explore the person behind the headlines: a bright, inquisitive young boy who loved techn...

After 17 years as a sister in the Community of Jesus, Suzan shares the painful and courageous journey that led her to leave everything she knew behind. In this powerful continuation of her story, Suzan describes daily life inside the community, including relentless work schedules, sleep deprivation, public humiliations, physical abuse, food restrictions, and years of control under community leader...

At 18, Suzan Ewton left Holland for what was supposed to be a three-month summer job at Rock Harbor Manor on Cape Cod. It was 17 years before she left. What began as an opportunity to work at a seaside inn quickly became something far darker. Drawn in by promises of purpose, belonging, and a "special calling from God," Suzan became one of the earliest members of what would grow into the...

In this special episode of The Cult on the Cape , Bonnie Zampino reflects on the first Community Walk for Truth and the powerful response from survivors, family members, supporters, and community members who gathered in Orleans to stand together in truth, healing, and hope. Bonnie shares why the walk is returning on June 7 as part of the Walk for Truth Summer Series, what participants experienced...

In Part 2 of Bryan Catlin’s powerful story, Bryan shares what happened after he fled the Community of Jesus — terrified, exhausted, and completely unprepared for the outside world. What followed was a mental health crisis, arrest, hospitalization, and ultimately the beginning of rebuilding a life from scratch. Bryan speaks candidly about fear, isolation, survival, and the lifelong effects of growi...

In this deeply personal conversation, Bryan Catlin shares what it was like to be born into the Community of Jesus as the Grandson of the Mother and raised entirely within its world. From loneliness, homeschooling, and life with the brothers, to fear, control, emotional confusion, and repeated attempts to leave, Brian reflects on the complexity of growing up inside a high-control religious environm...

Note: We have edited the audio to remove the last name of the Community's inside attorney and the Busar mentioned in the podcast. To read the correspondence discussed, go to : 8 Months | My Life During and After The Community of Jesus Carrie Buddington responds to statements made about her departure from the Community of Jesus After living inside the Community of Jesus for 40 years—including 2...

Ken McCormick on surveillance, control, and seeing behind the curtain In Part 2 of Ken McCormick’s story, the deeper mechanisms of control inside the Community of Jesus begin to come into focus. Ken shares what it was like working with the Community’s audio systems—and the unsettling realization that conversations throughout the property could be monitored through hidden microphones and listening...

In this special episode for International Cult Recovery Day, Bonnie shares a speech recorded by her son Brendan for a college class final project. In it, Brendan reflects on the Community of Jesus, Rock Harbor Truth, survivor stories, and the importance of listening to people who have too often been silenced or dismissed. This episode is a reminder that recovery begins when people are willing to s...

Listen to Ken McCormick share his experiences during the early days of the Community of Jesus

What happens after you survive? In this powerful continuation, Bonnie and Jeffrey Wilkinson explore the long road from harm to healing. They talk about shame, identity, self-worth, and the quiet, difficult work of rewriting the messages that were never yours to carry. If you’ve ever struggled with “Who am I now?”—this conversation is for you.

Dr. Jeffrey Wilkinson on trauma, memory, and healing after the Community of Jesus

Dr. Jeffrey Wilkinson on trauma, memory, and healing after the Community of Jesus

This episode is hosted by Mel McDaniel as she interviews Shawn DeLude and Bonnie Zampino about how Rock Harbor Truth came to be and its vision and mission for the organization.

A Life, A Loss, A Story That Matters

Matt Hempel entered the Community of Jesus at just 12 years old—and within weeks, he knew something wasn’t right. In this episode, Matt shares what it was like to grow up inside a highly structured, controlled environment where questioning wasn’t welcomed and conformity was expected. While parts of his experience included structure and opportunity, he also witnessed practices that felt confusing,...

Listen to former sister, Dianne Wentworth, reflect on her years inside the Community of Jesus.

When the storyteller becomes the story. Listen to your host, Bonnie Zampino, tell her story on Let's Get Real, a podcast by Glenda Kroll.

Today is the 2-year anniversary of Aaron Bushnell's act of extreme protest, and of his death. Today we aren't discussing the specifics of his final act. Instead, we are remembering the person that Aaron was. Listen to letters and stories from his friends, his teachers, and those who grew up with Aaron and his family at Grenville Christian College and the Community of Jesus. Thank you to Be...

Hear Susan Wilkins' story of becoming a nun and then leaving 20 years later

Listen to Dan Burnham share his story

Meet Christina, hear her story and learn about the rare apology she received.

Hear the rest of Ruth's journey

Hear from survivor, Ruth Buddington, as she shares Part 1 of her story

Learn about what draws people into cults, keeps them there, and what happens when they leave. Resources are available: lalichcenter.org (where listeners can find links to the books, resources, and CE course for clinicians discussed in the episode)  drfabert.com   Linkedin:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/drfabert/