Best Jw Cult Podcasts (2024)

1
#9 Keeping the Faith (no, not that one) 35:32

7h ago35:32

35:32

Most of us have a negative association with the word "faith". To those of us who have escaped from high control religions, the word "faith" implies blind allegiance to a harmful belief systems that creates division and doesn't hold up to the slightest scrutiny. Today, we suggest not throwing that baby out with the bathwater. We redefine and reclaim…

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

6h 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
#8 Why it's so hard to wake them up (and some ideas if you choose to try) 32:50

3d ago32:50

32:50

What's better than waking up from the org? Waking and taking your friends and family with you. Sadly, this is easier said, and almost never done. In this episode we talk about the psychological mechanisms which keep people asleep, as well as a few ideas for those bold enough to try (please be warned though, in my experience it is nearly impossible)…

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

3d 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
#7 You Are Not Broken 18:40

8d ago18:40

18:40

Sharing our story, of the ways in which we have been hurt by this organization, and our grief over challenges it has created for us is an essential part of our healing process. But sometimes, we can get a little stuck in this stage of development, and not infrequently the story we are repeating is one that perpetuates the idea that we are forever d…

1
#6 Pt2: Breaking free from black and white thinking 14:16

11d ago14:16

14:16

Black and white, right and wrong, good and bad... This is how JWs approach the world, and it creates a real problem for those of us who enter into the world with this rigid dualistic mindset. Forget black and white. Today we learn to live in color

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

10d 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
#5 Pt1: Breaking free from black and white thinking 15:47

15d ago15:47

15:47

Black and white, right and wrong, good and bad... This is how JWs approach the world, and it creates a real problem for those of us who enter into the world with this rigid dualistic mindset. Forget black and white. Today we learn to live in colorBy Dr Ryan Lee

1
Where Are They Now? Candice Ficalora 50:40

11d ago50:40

50:40

Hello there! It's good to be back, I am excited about this new series. Are you ready for some stories about growth? Health and wellness? Healthy mindsets? Unraveled indoctrination? LET'S DO IT!!---------------------------------------------------------------For Candace's first interview:https://youtu.be/rE_mP0aTEyYBorn and raised in Brooklyn NYC to …

1
#4 Pt2: Learning to trust your treacherous heart 16:51

17d ago16:51

16:51

How many times have we heard about the dangers of trusting our treacherous heart? Among the many ways in which JW indoctrination sabotages our senses and turn us against ourselves, this is one of the most insidious. It tells us not to trust one of the deepest and most important aspects of our being. Today we take some time to dispel this nasty bit …

1
#3 Pt1: Learning to trust your treacherous heart 16:07

21d ago16:07

16:07

How many times have we heard about the dangers of trusting our treacherous heart? Among the many ways in which JW indoctrination sabotages our senses and turn us against ourselves, this is one of the most insidious. It tells us not to trust one of the deepest and most important aspects of our being. Today we take some time to dispel this nasty bit …

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

17d 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
#2 pt2: I'm out, now what? 5 essential tasks for moving on 17:10

24d ago17:10

17:10

Ok, so you've just left the organization. First of all, congratulations! Welcome to our ex-JW tribe! What you have done is nothing short of heroic. It takes so much bravery to make that choice, and trust us, it will be worth it. But now that you're out, you may be wondering what comes next? Where should you channel your energy and attention? Well, …

1
#1 pt1: I'm out, now what? 5 essential tasks for moving on 16:04

28d ago16:04

16:04

Ok, so you've just left the organization. First of all, congratulations! Welcome to our ex-JW tribe! What you have done is nothing short of heroic. It takes so much bravery to make that choice, and trust us, it will be worth it. But now that you're out, you may be wondering what comes next? Where should you channel your energy and attention? Well, …

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

24d 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
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
“Conspiratorial Demonology” in the New Apostolic Reformation: LGBTQ Students and Undue Influence in Schools with Jonathon Sawyer 1:02:20

1M 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
Cult Trip: Inside the World of Coercion & Control with Journalist Anke Richter 1:03:06

2M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

Anke Richter co-founded FACT (Fight Against Conspiracy Theories) and is organizing the first cult awareness conference in Australia, DECULT. Anke’s bestseller “Cult Trip: Inside the World of Coercion & Control” is about her ten-year investigation into sex cults –from tantra yoga to the Human Potential Movement to fundamentalist Christianity. She is…

1
Ep 2: Joseph Rutherford; Resurrected Abraham Driving Home to San Diego with the Top Down 51:07

2M ago51:07

51:07

Send us a Text Message. This episode is part two of a four part series going over the history of Jehovah's Witness leaders from the very beginning until the governing body members in 2024. This episode, Ryley and Willow discuss the president who created the cult's trademark namesake of "Jehovah's Witnesses". Following Rutherford and his one lung on…

1
Raised in Scientology, He Became a Military Helicopter Pilot and Rescued His Abused Mother with Mike Brown 1:04:30

2M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

Mike tried to escape Scientology’s undue influence when he was 15. As punishment for trying to escape, he was isolated, sleep-deprived, and forced to do hard labor for over a year and a half. Mike reflects that he felt like a prisoner during this time. Mike finally escaped Scientology at age 27 and joined the military. He had little education and n…

1
Ex-Communication from Unitarian Universalism: the World’s Most Liberal Religion with Rev. Dr. Todd Eklof 1:03:24

2M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Rev. Dr. Todd F. Eklof has been the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane, WA, since 2011. He’s appreciated for his mind-altering sermons, compassionate soul, and social activism. Unitarianism and Unitarian Universalism have traditionally been known as liberal religions, defined by their commitment to individual dignity and freed…

1
How to Be a World-Class Investigator with Julie Jones 1:02:07

2M ago1:02:07

1:02:07

A former British Police Detective and Undercover Operator, Julie Jones is the founder and CEO of Human-I Intelligence Services, an international consultancy specializing in cybercrime investigations and online open-source intelligence (OSINT). She is a recognized international expert in human trafficking. A bestselling author of the book How to Be …

1
Ep 1: Charles Taze Russell; The Virgin Jellyfish & His Pyramid of Prophecies 42:12

2M ago42:12

42:12

Send us a Text Message. In the pilot episode of the Trauma & Tribulation Podcast we are introduced to our host Ryley Hawthorne (he/him), a ex 4th generation Jehovah's Witness and his co-host best friend Willow Anderson (she/her) who has zero experience with the doomsday cult. This episode is part one of a four part series going over the history of …

1
The Life of Candace Pert: Dysfunction in Medical Science and Research Communities with Pamela Ryckman 1:10:43

2M ago1:10:43

1:10:43

My guest on this episode of The Influence Continuum is Pamela Ryckman, who wrote the book Candace Pert: Genius, Greed, and Madness in the World of Science. Science and health institutions can mimic cult-like behaviors and dysfunctional systems when the structures within them become overly competitive and focused on limited resources to obtain profe…

1
Trauma & Tribulation Podcast Preview 1:38

3M ago1:38

1:38

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to the Trauma & Tribulation Podcast feat co-hosts Ryley and Willow as they deconstruct the infamous doomsday cult known as Jehovah's Witnesses. Follow us on Tiktok @Trauma.and.Tribulation for behind the scenes content and episode previews! https://www.tiktok.com/@trauma.and.tribulation…

1
Supporting Patient Comfort Through Rapid Hypnotic Techniques with Elvira Lang-Anderson, M.D. 55:47

3M ago55:47

55:47

Empowering patients or clients to have authority and control over their medical experiences is vital to beneficial therapeutic care. Likewise, well-crafted use of professional communication skills in setting expectations about clinical procedures and outcomes can mean the difference between a traumatic medical visit versus one being remembered with…

1
Leaving a Martial Arts Cult with Russell Johnson 1:05:49

3M ago1:05:49

1:05:49

Russell Johnson is a former member of the Korean martial arts cult Chung Moo Quan. After much negative publicity, its name was changed to Oom Yung Doe. Now a professional security consultant, activist, and podcaster, Russell got involved with the cult as a teen and was involved for eight years. We first met in the early 90s when he contacted me aft…

1
Defining Exit Ramps for Militia Members with Former Propagandist Oath Keeper Jason Van Tatenhove 1:02:59

3M ago1:02:59

1:02:59

“America right now needs some exit ramps,” Jason Van Tatenhove said as we discussed his former role as national media director for the Oath Keepers, a group known for its far-right anti-government militia. While Jason would ultimately decide to leave the group in 2016 due to increasing racism and Holocaust denial within their membership, the Oath K…

1
Right-wing Christian Movements Threatening our Democracy with Matthew D. Taylor, PhD 1:08:33

3M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

As a Protestant, Matthew D. Taylor, Ph.D., is a Senior Scholar at the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies (ICJS), where he specializes in Muslim-Christian dialogue, Evangelical and Pentecostal movements, religious politics in the U.S., and American Islam. ICJS produced a 30-minute documentary, Spiritual Warriors: Decoding Christian…

1
Clinical Hypnosis and its Benefits for a New Health Care Paradigm with Julie H. Linden, PhD 57:48

4M ago57:48

57:48

Hypnosis is everywhere on the Internet- either covertly like ASMR or overtly, where people are enticed to learn hypnosis or NLP, a version of Ericksonian hypnosis. My guest is the lead editor of a comprehensive textbook on clinical hypnosis. Still, it also includes two chapters I co-authored with law professor emeritus Alan Scheflin on the dark sid…

1
Discussing Military Insights, AI, and Influence with Ryan McBeth 1:06:38

4M ago1:06:38

1:06:38

In this enlightening episode, I speak to Ryan McBeth, an experienced military veteran and a recognized figure in cybersecurity, military analysis, and artificial intelligence, to explore a range of thought-provoking topics. Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge from his 20 years of service as an anti-armor and heavy weapons infantryman and his prolific…

1
Navigating Journalistic Integrity in an Age of Misinformation with Anthony Davis 1:02:20

4M ago1:02:20

1:02:20

Anthony Davis is a British broadcaster, journalist, and voiceover artist. He was born in London and has been based in Los Angeles since 2017, where he works remotely from his home studio with networks worldwide. Since November 2021, his collaborations with the MeidasTouch media network, including the Five-Minute News, The Weekend Show, and America …

1
Online Radicalization with Data Scientist Dr. Stuart Shulman 1:02:11

4M ago1:02:11

1:02:11

Analyzing online content and how people interact with that content is essential to understanding the process of online radicalization. Twitter/ X has been a major source of information for tracking QAnon and many bad actors from Russia as well as Christian Dominionists, Neo Nazis, and others. Bad actors worldwide use social media to post content to…

1
Taking Down Trump: 12 Rules for Prosecuting Donald Trump by Someone Who Did It Successfully with Tristan Snell 1:04:51

5M ago1:04:51

1:04:51

The Trump University grift followed the same playbook as many predatory organizations, like Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) organizations. Victims are hooked through legitimate sounding offers, like a weekend sales course for $1,500. However, once the victims attend the weekend sales course, they are pressured into buying more courses for more money to…

1
Theocratic Politics & The New Apostolic Reformation with André Gagné and Frederick Clarkson 1:08:32

5M ago1:08:32

1:08:32

In this era of political polarization, the landscape in the United States is marked by the rise of Donald Trump as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election. This despite Trump facing numerous legal challenges–including over his involvement in the January 6th attack on the United States Capitol. However, Trump …

1
TESCREAL hallucinations: Psychedelic and AI hype as inequality engines with Neşe Devenot, PhD 1:05:00

5M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

Neşe Devenot is a Postdoctoral Associate at the Institute for Research in Sensing (IRiS) at the University of Cincinnati and the Medicine, Society & Culture Research Fellow at Psymposia. I decided to use the title of her profoundly important journal article for this podcast. Psychedelics are all the rage. When I gave a talk at the American Psychiat…

1
AI, Technology & Mind Control Topics in Natural Wellness and Spiritual Communities with Dr. Melanie Trowbridge 1:01:25

5M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Natural medicine might seem distant from the far-right fringes of society until you dig a little deeper and find the wealth of ‘wellness products’ being sold alongside political conspiracies. There is a constant quest for increasing well-being and less ‘toxic’ lifestyles. Meanwhile, conspiracy theories drain resources and instill fears, including p…

1
Revitalizing Non-partisan Civics Education with iCivics.org Chief Louise Dubé 58:43

5M ago58:43

58:43

Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the founder of iCivics, said, "The practice of democracy is not passed down through the gene pool. It must be taught and learned by each new generation." It is the continuing mission of the iCivics organization and its current Chief Executive Officer, Louise Dubé, to ensure that future generations of Ameri…

1
Anonymous Part 2 1:27:34

5M ago1:27:34

1:27:34

Part 2 of our anonymous interviewee. I speak with an old friend about her traumas as a youth in the Mormon church, and what she has done to overcome her past and try to build a better future for her own children, as well as the children in the church. https://protectldschildren.org/ You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @confessionsofanexmo Send …

1
When Religion Hurts You: Healing from Religious Trauma and the Impact of High Control Religion with Dr. Laura E. Anderson 1:04:49

6M ago1:04:49

1:04:49

Laura E. Anderson, PhD, was raised in a Christian family and experienced first hand what religious trauma is all about. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a Ph.D. in Mind Body Medicine from Saybrook University. She specializes in complex trauma, with a particular focus on domestic violence, sexualized violence, and religious traum…

1
Breaking the Silence: Alva Johnson’s Journey in the Cult of Trump as the 2016 campaign’s Director of Outreach and Coalitions 1:10:40

6M ago1:10:40

1:10:40

Legally released from an unenforceable NDA, the former 2016 campaign staffer discusses the cult-building tactics, Russian interference, and the who’s who of bad actors behind the scenes of the Trump campaign. Joining the campaign when then-candidate Trump was polling last in the GOP field, Alva is one of the very few former campaign staffers who wo…

1
Utilizing Integrative Psychology and Psychedelic Therapy with Australian Psychologist Nigel Denning 58:26

6M ago58:26

58:26

In this New Year, we offer an episode on healthy, ethical influence. What is Integrative Psychology? What is “organization of mind?” If a person is interested in embodied mind practices, which include concentration meditation training, it takes very specialized training and practice to navigate this terrain effectively. Nigel Denning is a Counselli…

1
Anonymous Part 1 42:32

6M ago42:32

42:32

In today's episode, I speak with an old friend about her traumas as a youth in the Mormon church, and what she has done to overcome her past and try to build a better future for her own children, as well as the children in the church. https://protectldschildren.org/ Support the show You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @confessionsofanexmo Send …

1
The Convergence of Cult Experience and Military Indoctrination with Former Army Captain Daniella Mestyanek Young 1:08:29

6M ago1:08:29

1:08:29

Ever wonder about basic training in the military? What about how the BITE Model of Authoritarian Control applies to military personnel? With so many veterans who have returned to society, many do not seem to have been given the necessary psychological support to integrate and thrive. There is large amounts of active trauma as well as a high suicide…

1
Unveiling the La Luz del Mundo Cult: Sochil Martin’s Story of Resilience 1:10:41

7M ago1:10:41

1:10:41

Sochil Martin is a Mexican-American woman who was born and raised in a religious high control group called La Luz del Mundo (LDM), which claims to have over 5 million members in 58 countries worldwide. This group was established in 1926 and features a power structure like New Apostolic Reformation megachurches. It has been very involved in politics…

1
Social Anxiety, Sadness, Depression, and Other Feelings - with Ryan Lee, PsyD 1:37:35

7M ago1:37:35

1:37:35

To contact Dr. Ryan: www.drryanlee.com"I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness from birth until the age of 18, when I realized that there was more to the world than I had been taught. The following years, while exciting in some respects, were also challenging as I set out to rebuild my identity, world view and community from the ground up. I found my o…

1
Mussolini to the Present- The Rising Tide of Online Authoritarian Influence with Ruth Ben-Ghiat 47:33

7M ago47:33

47:33

Navigating a deeply divided, polarized world filled with vulnerable souls to the siren calls of conspiracy theories, I find it essential to shine a light on the shadows where undue influence thrives. In this discussion with historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat, we discuss the subtle and often sinister ways authoritarianism intertwines with the psychological me…

1
The Transformative Power of Wonder with Monica C. Parker 57:12

7M ago57:12

57:12

Monica C. Parker has authored a remarkable book which was such a positive in the current concerning times. It is titled, The Power of Wonder: The Extraordinary Emotion That Will Change the Way You Live Learn and Lead. Our conversation delved into how this powerful emotion could revolutionize learning, relationships, work, and societal interactions …

1
Breaking the Chains: The Role of Mind Control in Human Trafficking with Rebecca Bender 59:04

7M ago59:04

59:04

Human trafficking is defined in international law as the use of fraud, force, or coercion to enslave people. It is a scourge that operates not just through physical coercion but through the devastating use of mind control, a method of psychological enslavement. Rebecca Bender is a courageous survivor and advocate who works tirelessly to empower sur…

1
Kochland: The Secret History of Koch Industries and Corporate Power in America with Christopher Leonard 1:00:05

8M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

Did you know that Koch Corporation is the second largest private business in the United States? That Fred Koch, father of David Koch, helped to found the John Birch Society? That Koch is one of the largest corporate lobbying entities in America. That their belief is libertarianism is a destructive ideology that undermines government functioning? Th…

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