The Cult Vault

In this 4-part miniseries, I chat with Kristyn Decker about her life growing up in the Apostolic United Brethren with her own father as the leader of the AUB - a polygamist sect of the Mormon faith. We discuss coerced plural marriage, the current conditions of Utah, the lost boys, the child brides and so much more. Kristyn is the author of "Fifty Years in Polygamy - Big Secrets and Little White Li...

In this interview I speak with Ryan Anthony Hernandez, host of The Truth That Heals Podcast. Ryan has an incredible story of becoming deeply involved in an abusive Catholic sect known as The Alliance of The Holy Family International Representing Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Ryan's subsequent escape and recovery from the group is both inspirational and empowering. Listen to more of Ryan's story...

In this episode I speak with Daniel Shaw. An expert in Traumatic Narcissism, we look at the word Narcissism and break it down before applying it to Daniel's own research. Taken from his website - Daniel Shaw, LCSW, is a psychoanalyst in private practice in New York City and in Nyack, New York; and Faculty and Supervisor at The National Institute for the Psychotherapies in New York. His papers...

*Some audio issues as this was a live recording*In this episode, I sat down with an old friend to talk about his experiences joining a fun youth group that had a darker, religious underbelly that would land Sam in a coercive environment, rife with spiritual abuse. I have known Sam for over a decade and we have shared a lot of time together, travelled Europe together and completed a BA(Hons) Degree...

In this episode with author Daniella Mestyanek Young, we discuss her childhood being born and raised in David Berg's Children of God - known today as The Family International. We then compare the coercion and abuses inflicted upon Daniella and others in the CoG to the US Army - of which Daniella served as an intelligence officer after leaving the CoG.TW - we discuss the sexual abuse of chi...

In this bonus episode, I sit and talk with some amazing fellow content creators at CRIMECON UK Glasgow. To celebrate international podcast day, you can have a listen to the conversations that take place between podcasters at these events, with tickets for Crimecon UK London 2023 on sale today at crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% discount. Mike at Murder Mile - https://www.murdermiletours.com/...

In 2015, The Serious Crime Act was updated to include the Coercive or Controlling Behaviour legislation. In discussion with retired Senior Investigating Officer Colin Sutton, we discuss how this legislation could have changed notable cases from Sutton's career, including those highlighted in the hit TV series "The Real Manhunter". This talk includes a recent study conducted by The Family Survi...

In this episode I chat with Stephen Mather MSc- former Jehovah's Witness, father and one of the voices of the podcast Cult Hackers - a show Stephen co-hosts with his daughter Celine, formerly known as the "What Should I Think About" podcast. Twitter.com/CultHackersCult Hackers Podcast Feed - https://pod.link/1540824671/episode/0dc914744960acf4aabafadd344dd426https://medium.com/ @SteEvilSheepGe...

After taking on board feedback and constructive criticism over the years and moving forward with my own education in the cult-space, I have decided to launch Season 2. You can watch the video of this announcement here - https://youtu.be/ivfW47Ph3PMAnd support the show here - patreon.com/thecultvaultThank you to all my current patrons and supporters -DarianLouisaLeAnneBeccaAvrilAmandaRochelleShelby...

In this 200th episode of The Cult Vault podcast, I chat with Chris Shelton MSc - leading authority on the inner workings of Scientology. Chris Shelton YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF326xyA0QHI7Z5xAwKQDJgCult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopCrimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Get In Touch:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter : https://twitter.com/Cu...

In this episode I speak with Ron Punit Auerbacher - former Sannyasin and follower of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh known more commonly today as Osho. Ron also talks us through his difficult childhood and incredible activism work which has shaped history and Gay Rights as we know it today. Cult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopCrimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Get In Touch:Instagram: http...

In this episode I chat with the wonderful Gerette Buglion about her experiences in a high-demand group, her memoir "An Everyday Cult", life since Gerette's exodus from the group and her work around writing, consulting and working with others in the cult-recovery space. #igotout https://www.gerettebuglion.com/https://www.igotout.org/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everyday-Cult-Gerette-Buglion/dp/1578...

In this episode I sit and chat with Ashlen about her life growing up in the Churches of Christ, her journey through cult education and mediation and a look into Ashlen's research project for Salford's "Psychology of Coercive Control" Post-graduate programme. Ashlen's Website - https://www.peopleleavecults.com/Ashlen 's Research Video - https://youtu.be/SAFjH6oyH7sThank you to Kimbe...

In this episode I chat with Aleks about his experiences across various troubled teen programmes. Within this conversation, Aleks depicts life under authoritarian regimes that abuse children in a number of ways and result in long-lasting effects on individuals. https://www.reddit.com/r/troubledteens/https://www.yelp.com/biz/maple-lake-academy-spanish-forkCult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopC...

In this episode I chat with Abby, a survivor of the troubled teen industry and fierce advocate for change and legal reform across America regarding the billion-dollar industry and the abuses children face within these programmes every single day. For more of Abby's work visit - https://www.reddit.com/r/troubledteens/Cult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopCrimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crim...

In this bonus episode I speak with Sarah Ferris - host of Conning the Con. We discuss the parallels between con artists and cult leaders and Sarah's amazing podcast work. Come and join us both at Crimecon for drinks! Sarah's shows - https://evergreenpodcasts.com/listenVideo interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO6jUG56nXQ&t=20s&ab_channel=CultVaultCult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast....

In this episode I chat with writer, consultant, Religious Abuse Advocate & Life Coach Rebekah Drumsta about her experiences growing up in Bill Gothard's IBLP, coining the term Spiritual Identity Disruption, working alongside those recovering from Religious Abuse, writing her book "When Family Hurts" as well as her work with the Vashti Initiative. Follow these links to find out more about Rebek...

In this episode, I chat with Barbara about her experiences growing up in Herbert W Armstrong's Worldwide Church of God. We discuss the difficulties in committing to the church as well as supporting family outside of the movement. We discuss the topic of cult-hopping and the tragedy of spiritual, financial and physical abuse along with ex-communication and family alienation. The choices Barbara...

In this episode I chat with Kristyn - survivor of forced polygamy, author and founder of My Sound Choices. Joining us is director of My Sound Choices and International Human Rights Lawyer Jane Ridley. My Sound Choices are working with individuals who are escaping destructive religious practices. www.mysoundchoices.orgUpcoming :Cult Vault YOUTUBE for 12 Hour Stream -  https://www.youtube.com/c/Cult...

In this episode I sit down to talk with Cult Mediation Specialist Patrick Ryan - A survivor of Transcendental Meditation and Creator of Cult News 101. Pat talks us through his introduction to TM and how a situation with his family led to his initial work in mediation and cult recovery. Decades later, Pat still has significant impact on the cult education space. Pat's Website - http://cultmedia...

I sat down with Dr Sohom Das from  @A Psych For Sore Minds  to discuss his career as a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, the various types of Narcissism and how we might spot a Narcissist in the wild. We also discuss Narcissism in Cult Leaders and even the possibility of Psychopathy. Head over to Sohom's channel for concise and educational content!https://www.youtube.com/c/APsychForSoreMindsCu...

In this episode I speak with Katie about her experiences with OneTaste/Orgasmic Meditation. Throughout our conversation we speak about body positivity and coerced polyamory. Katie makes an excellent point at the end of our chat that we need to be having more difficult but open conversations about healthy sex and relationships. Promotions - The Commune -  https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2022/the-c...

In this bonus episode I speak with Elgen Strait from the Falling Out Podcast live at Crimecon UK in London 2022. Elgen, his podcast and activism work have been a catalyst for others to leave the Unification Church, just as he did as a second generation member. You can find Elgen's work here - https://www.fallingoutpod.com/Promotions - The Commune -  https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2022/the-co...

In this week's episode I speak with returning guests Spencer and Esther as we discuss and compare each individual experience within Sharon Gan's esoteric "school" the Odyssey Study Group. Spencer's memoir "Manhattan Cult Story" is available to pre-order today with an official release date of July 5th. You can find your copy here - https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/Manhattan-Cult...

In this episode I chat with Dr Clint Heacock about his show The Mindshift Podcast, about Clint's life growing up in a non-denominational Christian environment and his journey into deconstruction and educating others. This conversation is particularly prevalent given the overturning of the RoeVSWade Ruling by the US Supreme Court today. Clint's Podcast - https://mindshiftpodcast.co.uk/Ciria...