The Cult Vault

In this episode I chat with  @On the Edge with Andrew Gold  about his life as a journalist. We talk UFO's, Cults, Exorcism's and other interesting subject matter that Andrew covers on his own podcast "On The Edge"Disclaimer - Specific conversations around Cults doesn't start until around the 1 hour mark as I was interesting in learning about Andrew as an individual before getting into...

In this episode I speak with D, a female veteran of the US Marine Corps. In this instalment, D talks about her many brushes with death, her recruitment into and time with the US Marine Corps and what her life looked like after being a part of this high-demand organisation. I am thankful that I was given the chance to have this conversation and thankful for D's contribution to the show. I find...

In this episode, Ronit lends us her tender voice to read the testimony of a survivor of the Japanese New Religious Movement known as Sukyo Mahikari. With little known about the group around the world, it is imperative to share experiences where possible and through her written responses to interview questions, Alice is allowing us to do just that. Sukyo Mahikari Prayer Video - https://www.youtube....

In this episode I speak with author Erika Bornman who has been on a mission to highlight the abuses of those involved with KwaSizabantu. A survivor of this religious movement, Erika has used her story and experiences to expose how leadership have abused and exploited members for decades. Not only has she penned this incredible book, she has been working tirelessly with other victims and survivors,...

In this episode I speak with Jon who was converted to the LDS church. He journey into Mormonism started with a brief interaction with fellow members at a bus stop and soon his life changed forever. Jon talks us through the high-demands of the church and what is expected of individuals in order to get permission to enter certain parts of LDS temples and take part in various ceremonies. Jon also spe...

This week I chat with investigative journalist Syran Warner about his life leading up to cult journalism and how he decided to pursue looking into a group known as "The Body". Since we had this conversation there have been huge developments in the case. You can learn more about all of this by visiting the links below or by waiting for our update episode which I hope to bring to you soon. Syran&#39...

In this episode I chat with Angela about her experiences growing up in the Children of God with a focus on the discipline given to young children, the constant upheaval and destabilisation thrown onto members, family separation and human trafficking. This episode contains sensitive themes including child abuse so please listen with discretion. From second generation Children of God member to thriv...

In this episode I chat with the incredible author Heather Grace Heath about her memoir "Lovingly Abused - A True Story of Overcoming Cults, Gaslighting & Legal Educational Neglect". We discuss her life growing up in Bill Gothard's IBLP & ATI and the problems around homeschooling and educational neglect. From Heather's website - In this highly relevant memoir, blending raw honesty and humor...

A big sister, a best friend, a confidant, a sounding board. All of these things were found in one person for Lindsey - her sibling Toni. But things became difficult in their relationship when Toni was introduced to a new church and quickly funnelled into the high-demand of the World Mission Society Church of God. This is a loved one's account of watching a family member lose themselves, how it...

In part 1 of this 2 part series, I chat with WMSCOG former-Deaconess Toni who talks us through her experiences in converting to this South Korean Christian Sect and her rapid integration into the high-demands of the movement and her subsequent burn-out and divorce from WMSCOG. Part 2 will be an interview with Toni's sister Lindsey who speaks to her experiences watching her sister fall into thi...

In this episode I speak with Dario, a former member of Iglesia La Luz del Mundo, also known as LDM and/or LLDM. Dario has taken to speaking out about the church and its accusation of historical abuse which has been covered up for a number of years. Dario also speaks about the high-demand practices in place, the shunning and weaponising of family members and how he uses rap and the spoken word to e...

In this episode I sit down with former Christian Fundamentalist and Registered Professional Counsellor working exclusively with clients covering from Religious Trauma - Janice Selbie. Janice is also a Religious Recovery Consultant. During our conversation, Janice explores various earmarks of Religious Trauma and how people may recognise Spiritual Abuse. Janice also talks us through how she divorce...

In this episode I chat with Megan about her difficult upbringing and the experiences that led to her rejecting Mormonism and adopting alcohol and substance abuse into her lifestyle. Without protection, teaching or safeguarding given to her at a young age, Megan fought with addiction and shunning from her family. But her remarkable road to recovery, regaining her power, realising her independence a...

In this episode, I chat with Sarah about her research into Twelve Tribes with a particular look at the history, practices, and notable mentions in the media throughout recent decades. Twelve Tribes are most infamous for their historical abuse of children and members, as reported in various newspapers and media, as well their chain of Yellow Deli's eateries. Sources - https://docs.google.com/do...

In this instalment of the podcast I sit down to talk with Daniel about his childhood experiences inside a movement called KwaSizabantu where all manner of abuse has historically taken place. The movement has been involved in expose's and reports questioning the ethics and systemic abuse of children with trials still ongoing today. Erika Bornman's "Mission of Malice" - https://booklounge.co...

PART 2** In this episode I sit down with author Esther Friedman as she talks us through her experiences with an esoteric school operating in America. We've previously explored the New York group but Esther's insight into this sister group working out of Boston allows us to see that the same systematic methods were universal across this hidden "school" and caused significant damage to it&#3...

PART 1** In this episode I sit down with author Esther Friedman as she talks us through her experiences with an esoteric school operating in America. We've previously explored the New York group but Esther's insight into this sister group working out of Boston allows us to see that the same systematic methods were universal across this hidden "school" and caused significant damage to it&#3...

In this episode I sit and chat with Laurin. Laurin has a complicated life which she explores in this episode that comes with an estranged father in the centre of this story. Her father is currently a Jehovah's Witnesses Elder despite holding previous positions during his JW tenure that include bearing arms and political employment as well as committing bigamy and adultery. Does this hold conse...

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, 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, Evvie is a tru...

In this bonus episode I talk with Madison about her experiences in French Camp Academy. This interview comes with themes of abuse and addiction and is difficult to listen too at parts. Discretion is advised. Madison depicts her time in a troubled teen facility that seconds as a housing environment for religious families. During her time, Madison struggled with abuse, sexuality, guilt around trauma...

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 the hands of thei...

In this episode, I chat with Jordan about his childhood experiences being involved in the Assemblies of God sect of Pentecostalism and how he 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 an...

In this episode I talk with author Mary Mahoney who details her experiences in The Children of God and talks us through penning her memoir. Mary joined The Children of God in her teens and through systematic coercion and manipulation, Mary became trapped. During this episode, Mary speaks about human trafficking, sexual abuse, financial and physical abuse and vast amounts of spiritual abuse - all t...

Part 2 - In this episode, we take another look at the Worldwide Church of God - WWCOG - with a close look at racism and racial segregation, the lack of sex and relationship education, the rejection of ill-mental health with no support for those who suffer. Trigger warning: talk of suicide ideation and completion. Cult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopCrimecon UK 2022 -  https://www.crimecon.c...

Part 1 - In this episode, we take another look at the Worldwide Church of God - WWCOG - with a close look at racism and racial segregation, the lack of sex and relationship education, the rejection of ill-mental health with no support for those who suffer. Trigger warning: talk of suicide ideation and completion. Cult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopCrimecon UK 2022 -  https://www.crimecon.c...