Best Ex Cult Member Podcasts (2024)

1
BREAKING NEWS! The Elders are assembled to talk about that thing that just happened...you know, THAT thing. 1:08:48

44m ago1:08:48

1:08:48

Greetings, Congregation! We didnt want the news to get stale on this one, so I assembled the Elders (formerly the Desperados) to talk about the historic event we just witnessed. This is probably the most political show we have ever done, so keep that in mind. www.patreon.com/churchandotherdrugs churchandotherdrugs@gmail.com Learn more about your ad…

1
The Lost Witches of Carlos Castaneda 1:20:26

1d ago1:20:26

1:20:26

After Castaneda died in 1998 his inner circle of Chacmools or witches went missing. We talk about the story of Castaneda and what happened to the witches. One of them her body was found deep in death valley, but what happened to the other ones? Resources: https://www.altaonline.com/dispatches/a60923618/carlos-castaneda-cult-geoffrey-gray/ Books (Af…

1
It’s More Important to be Related than Right: Compassion in the Time of Social Media with Ravi Chandra, M.D. 58:33

31m ago58:33

58:33

Humans crave connection. This need for connection is a vital aspect of the psychology behind cults, coercion, and undue influence. Isolation makes people vulnerable and fearful and more likely to be influenced in harmful ways. Psychiatrist Ravi Chandra discusses the psychology of connection, how institutions can take action to encourage empathy and…

1
302 - Brandon Autrey returns Sober and Free! 1:28:04

2d ago1:28:04

1:28:04

Greetings, congregation! This was a great episode for me. Attentive listeners will remember brandon from such episodes as "Brandon robs a drug dealer" and when we talked about death and Aleister Crowley. Brandon has been traipsing through the world of darkness for the last 3 years, and is blessedly back to us. Brandon just got done doing some time …

1
"Interfaith Debate: Should Different Religions Ever Marry?" | ft. @HalfPastChai (ep 9) 1:30:00

5h ago1:30:00

1:30:00

Oo la la! Today is a juicy episode--one of the most polarizing questions--should people of different faiths (and races) marry? Is it even possible to make work? Would that be a disaster? How would you raise your family? What holidays would you celebrate? What would be the hardest part? We cover all of that and more in today's episode. Please let me…

1
Rituals: The Mind's Magic Trick 37:52

1d ago37:52

37:52

Rituals are powerful. They have been a part of our shared culture since the beginning - why? And how do cults use them? To talk to us: https://www.culthackers.com/contact To become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/culthackers/posts References: The Psychology of Rituals: An Integrative Review and Process-Based Framework Video of Speaker being dragg…

1
Join the denomination, or lose your kids! 1:25:52

6d ago1:25:52

1:25:52

In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss some recent comments made by Rev. Jeremy Fuller at the Midwest Pilgrim Camp. To prevent your children from becoming worldly or falling into sin, should you join the church or denomination?

1
Are Cult Awareness Network (CAN) Actions Justified? 58:28

5d ago58:28

58:28

Was the Cult Awareness Network working as Deprogrammers or Kidnappers? https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeO_7EoE7YEjNoZXUS0oyEw/join In this eye-opening video, we explore into the controversial practices surrounding the Cult Awareness Network (CAN). Established with the noble intention of helping individuals ensnared by cults, CAN's methods often i…

1
A Portuguese Journey of Awakening and Advocacy with Ex-JW Elder António Madaleno 1:04:04

5d ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Did you know there are 8.6 million dedicated members of the Watchtower Society or Jehovah’s Witnesses, and supposedly, over 20 million people attend their annual big meeting (memorial attendance) worldwide? They are out on street corners, travel terminals in pairs. When I heard about a new book in Portuguese by a former elder, I wanted to learn mor…

1
301 - The Blurry Book of Enoch with Nate Henry from Blurry Creatures! 1:18:03

11d ago1:18:03

1:18:03

Greetings, Congregation! This week, the banger episodes continue with none other than Nate Henry from Blurry Creatures! Nate, along with Timothy Alberino, just released their own version of The Book of Enoch, complete with commentary from Tim, illustrations from Nate, and all the citations you could ask for. It's a great intro to the world of Genis…

1
Getting pushed around: A tyranny of nudges 23:20

8d ago23:20

23:20

Today's episode explores Nudge Theory, more correctly Behavioral Economics and how too many nudges can start to make us feel pushed around. Referenced paper https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w20007/w20007.pdf Contact us: https://www.culthackers.com/contactBy Cult Hackers

1
Aum Shinrikyo: The Most Dangerous Cult that still exists today! 1:07:38

12d ago1:07:38

1:07:38

A discussion about Aum Shinrikyo the Cult responsible for the 1995 Sarin Gas attack in Japan. Become a member of Redacted Apostate, and help the channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeO_7EoE7YEjNoZXUS0oyEw/join We discuss what is possibly the most dangerous cult that still exists to this day. From Sarin gas attacks, Uranium mines, Russian Atta…

1
Flourishing and Developing Healthy Physiologic Responses During Ongoing Stressors: Dr. Eva Selhub, M.D. 52:48

12d ago52:48

52:48

This fascinating interview is with Dr. Eva Selhub who worked at Harvard with Herb Benson developing and understanding about the mind body connection to health. Dr. Selhub is an internationally recognized resiliency expert who has worked as a physician, author, executive coach, keynote speaker, and spiritual advisor. She has written many books, incl…

1
300 - 300th episode part 2 with Dave from Dopey! 1:03:33

13d ago1:03:33

1:03:33

Greetings, Congregation! As promised, here is part 2 of episode 300 with Dave from the Dopey Podcast! you should't need an introduction at this point, but if you do, Dave has been friends with Jed and the podcast way back from the 6th or so episode, and Chris with him. Chris is no longer with us, but Dave has carried the torch and turned Dopey into…

1
The Emogelicals- Episode 3 Patreon Teaser 11:16

13d ago11:16

11:16

Greetings, Congregation! Here is a snippet from The Emogelicals episode 3, the Patreon exclusive show I do with Josh Patterson! Head over to Patreon.com/churchandotherdrugs to hear the full episode and catch up on the first 2! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Church & Other Drugs

1
Why quitting can be good 31:42

13d ago31:42

31:42

Quitting is often treated as a sign of a weak character, but for those of us who quit a toxic cultic group it was one of the best things we've ever done. In this episode Stephen looks at some of the research on quitting and why we need to get good at knowing when to do it. Stephen also uses the topic to consider the fallout from the first US Presid…

1
Missing: Bryson Muir, 14 year old son of Cult Member 32:44

16d ago32:44

32:44

Please share this with as many people as possible. Bryson Muir is the son of Colt's line backer Daniel Muir. Daniel and his wife Kristen are members of a dangerous cult called Straightway Truth Ministry which is based on Black Hebrew Israelism. According to teachings all women and children are considered property, and old testament teachings are us…

1
300 - The 300th Episode, Part 1 with original co-host and co-founder John! 59:27

18d ago59:27

59:27

HOLY CRAP, WE MADE IT! Episode 300! Unbelievable. Thank you, congregation, for sticking around and listening for all these years. This will be a 2-parter, with part 1 featuring the OG co-host, John! We wax poetic about the early days, memorable guests and more! Look for part 2 with Dave from Dopey next week! music: Get Well Soon by Reggie and the F…

1
Putin's Russian state backed Victory Cult 1:08:58

19d ago1:08:58

1:08:58

We discuss the Victory Cult and it's origin. Putin's control and his reasoning for the invasion of Ukraine. Our discussion of high control groups. Thanks to our monthly supporters Kristie Musick ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★By Redacted Apostate

1
Insights on Surviving and Thriving After a Cult with Michelle Dowd 1:01:39

19d ago1:01:39

1:01:39

I had the privilege of a second opportunity to talk with Michelle Dowd, a journalism professor and author of Forager: Field Notes on Surviving a Family Cult. I watched Michelle’s three-and-a-half-hour interview on Joe Rogan’s podcast. Joe was utterly fascinated by Dowd’s cult experience and asked many questions, including what a cult is. Michelle m…

1
The world votes and so do I 24:06

26d ago24:06

24:06

In this episode Stephen reflects upon what it's like to be prevented from voting, the psychological consequences of being a social bystander and having no stake in society, and the feeling of then being able to be part of the democratic process. Also reflections on democracy under attack. Contact us https://www.culthackers.com/contact…

1
299 - Dr. Besh Returns! Cryptoterrestrials, Terrance Howard, Reincarnation, Hindu Armageddon, Science as a Cult and More! 1:13:11

27d ago1:13:11

1:13:11

Greetings, Congregation! We are on the road to Episode THREE-HUNDRED! Crazy. This week, Dr. Besh returns with a new conversation on some good stuff. We talk about the recent Harvard peer-reviewed paper on "cryptoterrestrials", why Besh believes Terrance Howard may be right, why science can act like a big ole' cult sometimes, staying in the moment, …

1
Unmasking Climate Denial: How Cult Tactics Fuel Disinformation with David Lipsky 1:03:41

26d ago1:03:41

1:03:41

I read David Lipsky’s article in Rolling Stone last year on how the Moonies have been the center for global climate denial for 50 years through their Washington Times organization. I immediately bought his book, The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial and wanted to interview him. Well, the paperback is now out and we had a great…

1
The Bizarre story of Pythagoras 48:20

27d ago48:20

48:20

In this episode, we discuss the cult of Pythagoras, and the questions that arise. The discoveries from either Pythagoras, or the cult of Pythagoras has brought about many discoveries throughout time. Music Theory, numerology, reincarnation, Helios central planetary orbit, etc.. as well as the connection between sound, art, math, and science. Thanks…

1
Anxiety - The what, the When, and the Answer 1:13:10

1M ago1:13:10

1:13:10

In this 69th Podcast episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss the crippling effects of Anxiety. Do Christians experience anxiety? What caused it and how do we deal with it?

1
The Infected Blood Scandal: Reflections of an Ex Jehovah's Witness 44:40

1M ago44:40

44:40

Stephen reflects upon the infected blood scandal affecting thousands of people and how it relates to his own former religious beliefs, conspiracies and questions about institutions. Kacey's Research Questionnaire and Information BBC Reporting into children being exposed to infected blood Copy of letter talking about uninfected patients being expose…

1
298 - Grieving death, Immurement, Internet Overload, Protecting your Family and more with The Desperadoes! 1:30:28

1M ago1:30:28

1:30:28

Greetings, Congregation! This week, the full Desperadoes (Kenon, Andrew and Ben) have a wonderful chat about a lot of things. Jed recently lost a friend, so they talk about the stages of grief, Jed brings a new TIL segment with "Immurement", they listen to a TikTok about internet overload and they discuss the "male fantasy" of protecting your famil…

1
Happy Science 55:48

1M ago55:48

55:48

We discuss the Happy Science cult, and the anime they produce. What is the origin story of Happy Science? Where are they now? Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/stardust License code: K1NTUCRT5RNDOMJT Thanks to our monthly supporters Kristie Musick ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

1
The Moon Cult: An Interview with former top American leader Allen Tate Wood 1:00:23

1M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

For those who know Combating Cult Mind Control and my work, you know I was in the Moon cult. However, if you are under 50 years old, most people have no idea what the Moonies are about. Allen Tate Wood was a four-year member of the Unification Church–aka The Moon organization. He was the Chief Political Officer of the Unification Church in the Unit…

1
Job change, life updates and Trusting God 38:02

1M ago38:02

38:02

In this 68th episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss how busy they have been recently, a job change for Nick, and the importance of trusting God even when we don't have all the answers.

1
297 - Navy SWCC Special Forces Member Captain Don! UFOs, Hollywood fact and fiction, alcoholism in the military and conspiracies! 1:40:38

1M ago1:40:38

1:40:38

Greetings, Congregation! This week i finally get to talk to my special forces buddy, Captain Don! Don is a member of Navy SWCC, the other special forces group besides the SEAL teams. Don is active duty and met Jed one fateful day in rehab. Don has an amazing story of recovery, and even more amazing insights into special forces-- separating fact fro…

1
Ex-Muslim Opens Up About Sex and Islam in Saudi Arabia | The Story of Apostate Aladdin 1:15:22

1M ago1:15:22

1:15:22

*Content Warning: self harm, physical abuse* Anonymous YouTuber Apostate Aladdin shares his story of becoming a man in an environment that used fear to keep boys and girls and men and women separated. This intense fear that men need to be kept away so they don’t act on their uncontrollable desires, left him feeling scared, targeted, alone and shame…

1
Soldiers of Christ 39:51

1M ago39:51

39:51

We discuss the slaying of a South Korean woman during an initiation process for a group that called itself Soldiers of Christ, this has shocked the Atlanta Korean American community. Where her body was found. #soldiersofchrist #news If you would like to support us or buy a cup of coffee, please visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheRedacted…

1
Ex-Scientologists, Recovery, and Helping Others – a Discussion with Jon Atack 1:03:09

1M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

One of the most publicized authoritarian cults is Scientology and the world’s leading authority is Jon Atack. Jon and I have been friends and colleagues He is the author of Let’s Sell These People A Piece of Blue Sky, considered the definitive book on Scientology, Dianetics, and L. Ron Hubbard. During our podcast, we discussed the new audiobook ver…

1
14 Yr Old Taken From U.S. to Iraq to Be Bride to Abusive Man 1:12:12

1M ago1:12:12

1:12:12

*Content Warning: Many mentions of physical abuse & sexual abuse* Tricked into moving to Iraq at age 14, Ellaf was separated from her mother and forced into a chiId marriage by her father who felt she was too much of a burden to raise. Ellaf’s husband was even more controlling than her father and knew that he could get away with hurting her in many…

1
Forced to Marry Al Qaeda: Confessions of an “Ex-Muslim” ft. Yasmine Mohammed 1:50:42

1M ago1:50:42

1:50:42

*Content Warning: Domestic Violence, SA, CA* Determined to fight for the human rights of the oppressed, Yasmine Mohammed speaks out and shares her experiences with Islam extremism. Her mother forced her to marry a terrorist and it wasn’t until she fell pregnant with a daughter that made her realize she had to escape in order to secure her a better …

1
296 - LSD overdoses, Civil War Ghosts, Grapeshot, Faith Updates and the only time Jed has ever had to bleep something out ft. The Desperados 1:25:54

2M ago1:25:54

1:25:54

Greetings, Congregation! Whoo-boy, what an episode. The Desperados (Ben, Andrew and Kenon) haven't gotten together in awhile, so they were full of the juice. Jed got a little excited and told a true fact that was probably (definitely) a little too graphic for the public audience, so he had to bleep something out for the first time in C&oD history. …

1
The 7M TikTok Cult 37:07

2M ago37:07

37:07

We prepared for the upcoming Netflix documentary on the 7M cult disguised as a TikTok dance channel. We talk about the 7 Mountain Mandate to infiltrate's 7 forms of modern society. What would happen if they were successful and we all lived in new Gilead? The story of shekinah church and it's impact on different lives. Source: https://theoutline.com…

1
“Conspiratorial Demonology” in the New Apostolic Reformation: LGBTQ Students and Undue Influence in Schools with Jonathon Sawyer 1:02:20

2M ago1:02:20

1:02:20

Jonathon Sawyer is urgently speaking out against involvement of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) in education for a very clear reason. He stated, “More people need to know that those who are discriminated against [sometimes] become those who discriminate.” In psychology, we call this the victim, victimizer paradigm. It is the idea that without h…

1
How “A WELL TRAINED WIFE” Narrowly Escaped Extreme Christian Patriarchy with 4 Kids 1:20:03

2M ago1:20:03

1:20:03

**Content Warning: DV, rape, SA** Tia Levings discusses her dark reality in Christian fundamentalism, with evangelical patriarchy and religious trauma. Having appeared in the Amazon docu-series, Shiny Happy People, and written a harrowing memoir, A Well-Trained Wife she reveals how she had to save herself and her family and details the ways that ex…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Ex Cult Member Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide