Carol Merchasin

Carol Merchasin spent many years as an employment lawyer. She has also been a partner in the Philadelphia office of Morgan, Lewis &amp; Bockius and director of Morgan Lewis Resources. She has conducted dozens of workplace investigations and taught investigative techniques to human resource professionals at many Fortune 50 companies. She has since joined McAllister Olivarius, where she heads up a practice covering sexual misconduct in religious, faith-based and spiritual communities.Later in her career, Carol Merchasin was asked to take her investigative background and use it to investigate sexual abuse within various Buddhist and yoga communities. The response she received was one of open hostility – certain religious leaders were not interested in investigating or ensuring their members were safe. This led Carol to the realisation that corporate America, a segment of society not necessarily known for its high moral and ethical standards, was doing far better than religious America when it came to stamping out abuse.Full episode page here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now. Links:McAllister OlivariusBuddhist center in Eugene sued over rape accusation against master guru — by April Ehrlich, OPB, 19 April 2023Halifax Shambhala leader accused of sexually assaulting cook at Chilean dinner — by Brett Bundale, CBC, 11 July 2018Argentina Arrests Yoga Sex Abusive Teacher, 84 – Will US Follow Suit With Swami, 72? — by Frank Parlato, Frank Report, 15 November 2022If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, you can find support with, or donate to, Cult Information and Family Support if you’re in Australia, and you can find resources outside of Australia at icsahome.com.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention website at iasp.info. Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carol Merchasin spent many years as an employment lawyer. She has also been a partner in the Philadelphia office of Morgan, Lewis &amp; Bockius and director of Morgan Lewis Resources. She has conducted dozens of workplace investigations and taught investigative techniques to human resource professionals at many Fortune 50 companies. She has since joined McAllister Olivarius, where she heads up a practice covering sexual misconduct in religious, faith-based and spiritual communities.Later in her career, Carol Merchasin was asked to take her investigative background and use it to investigate sexual abuse within various Buddhist and yoga communities. The response she received was one of open hostility – certain religious leaders were not interested in investigating or ensuring their members were safe. This led Carol to the realisation that corporate America, a segment of society not necessarily known for its high moral and ethical standards, was doing far better than religious America when it came to stamping out abuse.Full episode page <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/carol-merchasin" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>. Links:<ul><li><a href="https://mcolaw.com/team/carol-merchasin/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">McAllister Olivarius</a></li><li><a href="https://www.opb.org/article/2023/04/18/buddhist-center-eugene-oregon-sued-rape-accusation/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Buddhist center in Eugene sued over rape accusation against master guru</a> — by April Ehrlich, OPB, 19 April 2023</li><li><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/new-allegations-surface-against-shambhala-leader-1.4743325" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Halifax Shambhala leader accused of sexually assaulting cook at Chilean dinner</a> — by Brett Bundale, CBC, 11 July 2018</li><li><a href="https://frankreport.com/2022/11/15/argentina-arrests-yoga-sex-abusive-teacher-84-will-us-follow-suit-with-swami-72/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Argentina Arrests Yoga Sex Abusive Teacher, 84 – Will US Follow Suit With Swami, 72?</a> — by Frank Parlato, Frank Report, 15 November 2022</li></ul> If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, you can find support with, or donate to, <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> if you’re in Australia, and you can find resources outside of Australia at <a href="https://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">icsahome.com</a>.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention website at <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">iasp.info</a>. Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

International Cult Awareness Month: Carol Merchasin

Lisa Kendall spent the ages of 9-19 in The Move of God, Sam Fife's apocalyptic cult. Today, she devotes her time to working on policy changes that will help former cult members and children in high-demand organisations. For International Cult Awareness Month 2023, she updates us about her work with Counter Cult Coalition and the work of others in the counter-cult space.Full episode page here. You can buy Joe Gould's LTAS soundtrack album Nobody Joins a Cult here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, you can find support with or donate to Cult Information and Family Support if you’re in Australia, and you can find resources outside of Australia with the International Cultic Studies Association.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention.Links:Counter Cult Coalition – Facebook page Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lisa Kendall spent the ages of 9-19 in The Move of God, Sam Fife's apocalyptic cult. Today, she devotes her time to working on policy changes that will help former cult members and children in high-demand organisations. For International Cult Awareness Month 2023, she updates us about her work with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Counter-Cult-Coalition-308379119316770/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Counter Cult Coalition</a> and the work of others in the counter-cult space.Full episode page <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/lisa-kendall" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can buy Joe Gould's LTAS soundtrack album Nobody Joins a Cult <a href="https://joegouldmusic.bandcamp.com/album/nobody-joins-a-cult" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, you can find support with or donate to <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> if you’re in Australia, and you can find resources outside of Australia with the <a href="http://www.icsahome.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Cultic Studies Association</a>.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the <a href="http://www.iasp.info" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a>. <h3>Links:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Counter-Cult-Coalition-308379119316770/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Counter Cult Coalition</a> – Facebook page</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

International Cult Awareness Month: Lisa Kendall

Guinevere Turner

Guinevere Turner grew up in The Lyman Family, a group she now understands was a cult, but at the time was the only family she knew. Guinevere has recently released her memoir When the World Didn't End. In it, she recounts her childhood experiences, including the abusive family situation she found herself in when she was pulled out of the cult. She spoke with Sarah about her book, as well as the work she's doing now to help others who have exited cults.Full episode page here. You can buy Joe Gould's LTAS soundtrack album Nobody Joins a Cult here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now. Links:When the World Didn't End — (via Amazon) by Guinevere Turner, Penguin Random House, May 2023When the World Didn't End — (via the publisher) by Guinevere Turner, Penguin Random House, May 2023My Childhood in a Cult — by Guinevere Turner, The New Yorker, 29 April 2019The Lalich CenterIf you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult or would like to support those who have been, you can find support with, or donate to, Cult Information and Family Support if you’re in Australia, and you can find resources outside of Australia at icsahome.com and The Lalich Center.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention website at iasp.info. Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guinevere Turner grew up in The Lyman Family, a group she now understands was a cult, but at the time was the only family she knew. Guinevere has recently released her memoir <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/651933/when-the-world-didnt-end-by-guinevere-turner/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">When the World Didn't End</a>. In it, she recounts her childhood experiences, including the abusive family situation she found herself in when she was pulled out of the cult. She spoke with Sarah about her book, as well as the work she's doing now to help others who have exited cults.Full episode page <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/guinevere-turner" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can buy Joe Gould's LTAS soundtrack album Nobody Joins a Cult <a href="https://joegouldmusic.bandcamp.com/album/nobody-joins-a-cult" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>. <h3>Links:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-World-Didnt-End-Memoir/dp/0593237595/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=9780593237595&amp;qid=1685568190&amp;sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">When the World Didn't End</a> — (via Amazon) by Guinevere Turner, Penguin Random House, May 2023</li><li><a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/651933/when-the-world-didnt-end-by-guinevere-turner/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">When the World Didn't End</a> — (via the publisher) by Guinevere Turner, Penguin Random House, May 2023</li><li><a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/05/06/my-childhood-in-a-cult" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">My Childhood in a Cult</a> — by Guinevere Turner, The New Yorker, 29 April 2019</li><li><a href="https://lalichcenter.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Lalich Center</a></li></ul> If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult or would like to support those who have been, you can find support with, or donate to, <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> if you’re in Australia, and you can find resources outside of Australia at <a href="https://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">icsahome.com</a> and <a href="https://lalichcenter.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Lalich Center</a>.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention website at <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">iasp.info</a>. Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Interview Episode: When the World Didn't End with Guinevere Turner

Gloriavale Christian Community has been in the news recently in New Zealand for court cases around labour and servitude, and there are further cases happening as well. To understand more about the history of the organisation, you can listen to our 2-part episode about the group. Rosanna Overcomer recently celebrated 10 years out of Gloriavale, at the end of March 2023, and shares some of her story and the work she does now to help support others.Full episode page here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now. Links:The Gloriavale Leavers' Support TrustThe Olive Leave Network — Lindy Jacomb's new organisationThe Lalich CenterIf you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, you can find support with, or donate to, Cult Information and Family Support if you’re in Australia, and you can find resources outside of Australia at icsahome.com.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention website at iasp.info. Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gloriavale Christian Community has been in the news recently in New Zealand for court cases around labour and servitude, and there are further cases happening as well. To understand more about the history of the organisation, you can listen to our <a href="https://sites.google.com/d/1NsQplZnDzUt5VcCSec6a4KWMANZaOpmn/p/1jz7_3YhLy3e5enNeSzqrRnSNFhv3mR2W/edit" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">2-part episode about the group</a>. Rosanna Overcomer recently celebrated 10 years out of Gloriavale, at the end of March 2023, and shares some of her story and the work she does now to help support others.Full episode page <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/rosanna-overcomer" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>. Links:<ul><li><a href="https://www.gloriavaleleavers.org.nz/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Gloriavale Leavers' Support Trust</a></li><li><a href="https://oliveleaf.network/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Olive Leave Network</a> — <a href="https://sites.google.com/d/1NsQplZnDzUt5VcCSec6a4KWMANZaOpmn/p/13aG3tk2y1DgrYbyrXHLr6z5d-ZGvgzjw/edit" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Lindy Jacomb</a>'s new organisation</li><li><a href="https://lalichcenter.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Lalich Center</a></li></ul> If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, you can find support with, or donate to, <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> if you’re in Australia, and you can find resources outside of Australia at <a href="https://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">icsahome.com</a>.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention website at <a href="http://www.iasp.info" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">iasp.info</a>. Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Interview Episode: Rosanna Overcomer

Divine Madness Running Club boasted some spectacular results in ultramarathons and became known for their excellent support teams and low-impact style of running. But the Boulder, Colorado based group was also notorious for their strange ways, whereby members were expected to follow the directions of their teacher in all aspects of their lives. Full research sources listed here. You can pre-order Joe Gould's LTAS soundtrack album here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now. With thanks to Audio-Technica, presenting partner for season 5 of Let's Talk About Sects. Use promo code LTAS10 at Audio-Technica’s Australian store for 10% off and to support the show!Links:A Leader's Long, Strange Trip — by Jere Longman, The New York Times, 28 July 1997The Long, Strange Trip of a Running Guru — by Bruce Schoenfeld, Sports Illustrated, 4 August 2003A Divine Madness? — by Andrew Murr, Newsweek, 17 August 1997Community or Cult? — by Clay Evans, Daily Camera, 5 October 1997My spiritual odyssey: A work in progress — blog by Alexander Cassady, undatedRun Ragged — by Clay Evans, Daily Camera, 7 March 200442 Miles to Enlightenment — by Daniel Glick, Women Outside, Fall 1999Running Like Hell — by Michael Finkel, Women's Sports and Fitness, Nov/Dec 1999ULTRARUNNING; Runner's Death Places Sport Under Scrutiny — by Jere Longman, The New York Times, 7 March 2004A Spiritual Community in Reserve Is Also An Ultramarathon Powerhouse — by Leslie Linthicum, Albuquerque Journal, 21 May 2006 Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Divine Madness Running Club boasted some spectacular results in ultramarathons and became known for their excellent support teams and low-impact style of running. But the Boulder, Colorado based group was also notorious for their strange ways, whereby members were expected to follow the directions of their teacher in all aspects of their lives. Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/40" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can pre-order Joe Gould's LTAS soundtrack album <a href="https://joegouldmusic.bandcamp.com/album/nobody-joins-a-cult" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or Acast+, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>. With thanks to <a href="https://audio-technica.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Audio-Technica</a>, presenting partner for season 5 of Let's Talk About Sects. Use promo code LTAS10 at <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Audio-Technica’s Australian store</a> for 10% off and to support the show!Links:<ul><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/28/sports/a-leader-s-long-strange-trip.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">A Leader's Long, Strange Trip</a> — by Jere Longman, The New York Times, 28 July 1997</li><li><a href="https://vault.si.com/vault/2003/08/04/the-long-strange-trip-of-a-running-guru-self-styled-philosopher-coach-marc-tizer-has-built-a-bizarre-spiritual-community-that-has-become-an-ultramarathon-powerhouse" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Long, Strange Trip of a Running Guru</a> — by Bruce Schoenfeld, Sports Illustrated, 4 August 2003</li><li><a href="https://www.newsweek.com/divine-madness-172454" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">A Divine Madness?</a> — by Andrew Murr, Newsweek, 17 August 1997</li><li><a href="https://culteducation.com/group/893-divine-madness/5687-community-or-cult.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Community or Cult?</a> — by Clay Evans, Daily Camera, 5 October 1997</li><li><a href="http://www.waltzetc.com/toc.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">My spiritual odyssey: A work in progress</a> — blog by Alexander Cassady, undated</li><li><a href="https://culteducation.com/group/893-divine-madness/5685-run-ragged.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Run Ragged</a> — by Clay Evans, Daily Camera, 7 March 2004</li><li><a href="https://danielglick.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/yo.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">42 Miles to Enlightenment</a> — by Daniel Glick, Women Outside, Fall 1999</li><li><a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Inside_the_Ropes/ezDG4aTNIeoC?hl=en&amp;gbpv=0" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Running Like Hell</a> — by Michael Finkel, Women's Sports and Fitness, Nov/Dec 1999</li><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/07/sports/ultrarunning-runner-s-death-places-sport-under-scrutiny.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">ULTRARUNNING; Runner's Death Places Sport Under Scrutiny</a> — by Jere Longman, The New York Times, 7 March 2004</li><li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210512082904/http://www.abqjournal.com/news/state/461951nm05-21-06.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">A Spiritual Community in Reserve Is Also An Ultramarathon Powerhouse</a> — by Leslie Linthicum, Albuquerque Journal, 21 May 2006</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Divine Madness

Carolyn Millemon learned about a form of meditation called ‘Ascending’ at a weekend workshop in Western Australia when she was 21. A couple of years later, in North Carolina, she decided to dedicate her life to the teachings. A decade later, some of the behaviours of her own teachers weren’t sitting so well with her.Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now. With thanks to Audio-Technica, presenting partner for season 5 of Let's Talk About Sects. Use promo code LTAS10 at Audio-Technica’s Australian store for 10% off and to support the show!Links:MSI and the Ishayas — posts by user ‘scribe’ archived from now defunct FACTNet forum, late 2004 to early 2005The Ishaya’s Ascension — by MSI, Sedona Journal, May 1997First Thunder: An Adventure of Discovery — by MSI, 1996Group Claims TM Movement is a Cult — by Phil McCombs, The Washington Post, 2 July 1987Para — by R. Vaughn Abrams, Seven Suns Publications, 1986, The University of Sydney Rare Books &amp; Special Collections listingThe Society for Ascension — North Carolina Secretary of State listing, accessed March 2023The Bright Path Ishayas + Maharishi Krishnananda — Cult Education Institute forum, includes post by user ‘FlatEarthRound’ which shares an email circulated to teachers in 2008, posted 19 July 2020the bright path — Cult Education Institute forum posts from 2009The Bright Path — official websiteThe Lineage — page on The Ishayas’ Ascension website, accessed March 2023 Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carolyn Millemon learned about a form of meditation called ‘Ascending’ at a weekend workshop in Western Australia when she was 21. A couple of years later, in North Carolina, she decided to dedicate her life to the teachings. A decade later, some of the behaviours of her own teachers weren’t sitting so well with her.Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/39" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>. With thanks to <a href="https://audio-technica.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Audio-Technica</a>, presenting partner for season 5 of Let's Talk About Sects. Use promo code LTAS10 at <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Audio-Technica’s Australian store</a> for 10% off and to support the show!Links:<ul><li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20090104061317/http://www.factnet.org/discus/messages/3/4407.html?1181656124" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">MSI and the Ishayas</a> — posts by user ‘scribe’ archived from now defunct FACTNet forum, late 2004 to early 2005</li><li><a href="https://ishayaearth.com/PDF/art1.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Ishaya’s Ascension</a> — by MSI, Sedona Journal, May 1997</li><li><a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/First_Thunder/NL9wSwAACAAJ?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">First Thunder: An Adventure of Discovery</a> — by MSI, 1996</li><li><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1987/07/02/group-claims-tm-movement-is-a-cult/f3ace676-19b6-4968-a712-1be95fa1b428/?noredirect=on" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Group Claims TM Movement is a Cult</a> — by Phil McCombs, The Washington Post, 2 July 1987</li><li><a href="https://sydney.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61USYD_INST/1c0ug48/alma991031632514905106" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Para</a> — by R. Vaughn Abrams, Seven Suns Publications, 1986, The University of Sydney Rare Books &amp; Special Collections listing</li><li><a href="https://www.sosnc.gov/online_services/Search/Business_Registration_profile?Id=5051567" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Society for Ascension</a> — North Carolina Secretary of State listing, accessed March 2023</li><li><a href="https://forum.culteducation.com/read.php?12,154340,154340" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Bright Path Ishayas + Maharishi Krishnananda</a> — Cult Education Institute forum, includes post by user ‘FlatEarthRound’ which shares an email circulated to teachers in 2008, posted 19 July 2020</li><li><a href="https://forum.culteducation.com/read.php?12,74565,page=1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">the bright path</a> — Cult Education Institute forum posts from 2009</li><li><a href="https://www.thebrightpath.com/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Bright Path</a> — official website</li><li><a href="https://www.ishayaearth.com/history-of-the-ishayas/the-lineage/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Lineage</a> — page on The Ishayas’ Ascension website, accessed March 2023</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

The Ishayas' Ascension / The Bright Path

Matthew Klein

Matthew Klein’s story is featured on the podcast Inside the Tribe, and Matt sat down with LTAS for a chat about what he learned from his time in the Twelve Tribes, and what he thinks society could be doing about organisations like this.Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now. Thanks to Audio-Technica, presenting partner for season 5 of Let's Talk About Sects. Use promo code LTAS10 at Audio-Technica’s Australian store for 10% off and to support the show! Links:Inside the Tribe — podcast by Tim Elliott and Camille Bianchi featuring Matt's story and those of the other people he mentionsI Catch Killers with Gary Jubelin — podcast mentioned by Matt, who will feature on an upcoming episodeCult Information and Family Support (CIFS) — Australian volunteer-run support service Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew Klein’s story is featured on the podcast Inside the Tribe, and Matt sat down with LTAS for a chat about what he learned from his time in the Twelve Tribes, and what he thinks society could be doing about organisations like this.Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/matt-klein" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>. Thanks to Audio-Technica, presenting partner for season 5 of Let's Talk About Sects. Use promo code LTAS10 at <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Audio-Technica’s Australian store</a> for 10% off and to support the show! Links:<ul><li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/inside-the-tribe" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Inside the Tribe</a> — podcast by Tim Elliott and Camille Bianchi featuring Matt's story and those of the other people he mentions</li><li><a href="https://g.co/kgs/JEsVnw" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">I Catch Killers with Gary Jubelin</a> — podcast mentioned by Matt, who will feature on an upcoming episode</li><li><a href="https://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS)</a> — Australian volunteer-run support service</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Interview Episode: Matthew Klein

Brisbane Christian Fellowship sounds like a fairly innocuous name for a church. But the BCF and its network of organisations across Australia have been the subject of a Four Corners investigation and a detailed book, speaking with former members who have numerous stories of families being torn apart as a result of their involvement. Author Morag Zwartz wrote that this ‘church’ “is every bit as pernicious and harmful as the Exclusive Brethren.” Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now. With thanks to Audio-Technica, presenting partner for season 5 of Let's Talk About Sects. Use promo code LTAS10 at Audio-Technica’s Australian store for 10% off and to support the show!Links:Apostles of Fear: A Church Cult Exposed — by Morag Zwartz, Parenesis Publishing, 2008Who Are the Brisbane Christian Fellowship? — by David Holden, Aletheia Publishing, September 2008 (3rd Ed.)Open Letter to Melbourne Christian Fellowship (MCF) — blog by Paul ‘Kovaks’, accessed January 2023Issues Arising from Four Corners Investigation into Latter Rain Movement — Immanuel Website Article by Brian Rensford, undatedThe God of Broken Hearts — Four Corners, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 23 June 2008Streetcar Forum — Support forum for those affected by “the teachings and behaviours of RFI leaders”, accessed January &amp; February 2023Melbourne Christian Fellowship – Why I Left It. — by Roger Williams, 27 June 2008The Brisbane Christian Fellowship – A Government Sponsored Cult — by Chrys Stevenson, Gladly the Cross-Eyed Bear blog, 30 April 2010Fired pastor sues church — by Toni Mcrae, The Courier Mail, 27 March 2010 Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brisbane Christian Fellowship sounds like a fairly innocuous name for a church. But the BCF and its network of organisations across Australia have been the subject of a Four Corners investigation and a detailed book, speaking with former members who have numerous stories of families being torn apart as a result of their involvement. Author Morag Zwartz wrote that this ‘church’ “is every bit as pernicious and harmful as the Exclusive Brethren.” Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/38" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>. With thanks to <a href="https://audio-technica.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Audio-Technica</a>, presenting partner for season 5 of Let's Talk About Sects. Use promo code LTAS10 at <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Audio-Technica’s Australian store</a> for 10% off and to support the show!Links:<ul><li><a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Apostles_of_Fear/r7VYPgAACAAJ?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Apostles of Fear: A Church Cult Exposed</a> — by Morag Zwartz, Parenesis Publishing, 2008</li><li><a href="http://www.defenceofthefaith.org/BCF3ed.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Who Are the Brisbane Christian Fellowship?</a> — by David Holden, Aletheia Publishing, September 2008 (3rd Ed.)</li><li><a href="https://mcfopenletter.blog/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Open Letter to Melbourne Christian Fellowship (MCF)</a> — blog by Paul ‘Kovaks’, accessed January 2023</li><li><a href="http://www.hnlc.org.au/rensford/resources/Immanuel_website_article.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Issues Arising from Four Corners Investigation into Latter Rain Movement</a> — Immanuel Website Article by Brian Rensford, undated</li><li><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-23/the-god-of-broken-hearts/13767122" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The God of Broken Hearts</a> — Four Corners, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 23 June 2008</li><li><a href="http://www.streetcar.org.au/index.php" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Streetcar Forum</a> — Support forum for those affected by “the teachings and behaviours of RFI leaders”, accessed January &amp; February 2023</li><li><a href="https://realityrevelations.com/2010/03/29/melbourne-christian-fellowship-why-i-left-it-part-1/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Melbourne Christian Fellowship – Why I Left It.</a> — by Roger Williams, 27 June 2008</li><li><a href="https://chrysstevenson.com/2010/04/30/the-brisbane-christian-fellowship-%E2%80%93-a-government-sponsored-cult/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Brisbane Christian Fellowship – A Government Sponsored Cult</a> — by Chrys Stevenson, Gladly the Cross-Eyed Bear blog, 30 April 2010</li><li><a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/fraser-coast/fired-pastor-sues-church/news-story/c4fe8213955eb734e7ea72fb792c2d8b" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Fired pastor sues church</a> — by Toni Mcrae, The Courier Mail, 27 March 2010</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Brisbane Christian Fellowship

MOVE Philadelphia made headlines in 1978, when police and MOVE members ended up in a prolonged siege and a gunfire exchange that left a police officer dead. They hit the headlines again in 1985, when a confrontation with the authorities became even more deadly after an explosive device was dropped on their property. The events led many to understand the organisation as a Black liberation group who were the victims of a racist system. The latter is hardly debatable, but credible stories from a multitude of former members portray MOVE as never truly being about Black liberation at all. Instead, they characterise it as a cult. Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now. With thanks to Audio-Technica, presenting partner for season 5 of Let's Talk About Sects. Use promo code LTAS10 at Audio-Technica’s Australian store for 10% off and to support the show! If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention. Links:What the survivors of MOVE deserve — by Kevin Price, Leaving MOVE blog, 22 October 2021Help Maria Start Over After MOVE — GoFundMe fundraiser for Maria Hardy, formerly Maria Africa, to help with general life expensesHelp June (Pixie) and kids resettle in hiding — GoFundMe fundraiser for June Stokes, formerly Pixie Africa, and her children to help with general life expensesThe Invention of John Africa — by Kevin Price, Leaving MOVE blog, 15 September 2021Move: An American Religion — by Richard Kent Evans, Oxford University Press, 2020Who was John Africa? — by Craig R. McCoy, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 12 January 1986 Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MOVE Philadelphia made headlines in 1978, when police and MOVE members ended up in a prolonged siege and a gunfire exchange that left a police officer dead. They hit the headlines again in 1985, when a confrontation with the authorities became even more deadly after an explosive device was dropped on their property. The events led many to understand the organisation as a Black liberation group who were the victims of a racist system. The latter is hardly debatable, but credible stories from a multitude of former members portray MOVE as never truly being about Black liberation at all. Instead, they characterise it as a cult. Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/37" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>. With thanks to <a href="https://audio-technica.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Audio-Technica</a>, presenting partner for season 5 of Let's Talk About Sects. Use promo code LTAS10 at <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Audio-Technica’s Australian store</a> for 10% off and to support the show! If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a>. Links:<ul><li><a href="https://leavingmove2021.blogspot.com/2021/10/what-survivors-of-move-deserve.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">What the survivors of MOVE deserve</a> — by Kevin Price, Leaving MOVE blog, 22 October 2021</li><li><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-maria-start-over-after-move" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Help Maria Start Over After MOVE</a> — GoFundMe fundraiser for Maria Hardy, formerly Maria Africa, to help with general life expenses</li><li><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/funds-to-free-pixie?member=12222905&amp;utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=copy_link_all&amp;utm_source=customer" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Help June (Pixie) and kids resettle in hiding</a> — GoFundMe fundraiser for June Stokes, formerly Pixie Africa, and her children to help with general life expenses</li><li><a href="https://leavingmove2021.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-invention-of-john-africa.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Invention of John Africa</a> — by Kevin Price, Leaving MOVE blog, 15 September 2021</li><li><a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=7MrhDwAAQBAJ" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Move: An American Religion</a> — by Richard Kent Evans, Oxford University Press, 2020</li><li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210902052852/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/Who_was_John_Africa.html-2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Who was John Africa?</a> — by Craig R. McCoy, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 12 January 1986</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

MOVE Philadelphia

There’s a group in regional Queensland that claims to have no name. Members meet in each other’s homes on Wednesdays and Sundays. They don’t have any of their beliefs written down, though they do sing hymns from a particular hymn book. A lot of what they follow sounds incredibly similar to a group that also claimed to have no name but was often referred to as the Two by Twos or The Truth. This one doesn’t have pairs of ‘workers’ who travel around and stay with community members, however. That job was left up to its founder, a man named Robert Barlow. If you're a member or former member of Bob Barlow's 'church' who would like to get in touch with Candice Curran, you can email survivingthetruth@outlook.com.au. Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now. With thanks to Audio-Technica, presenting partner for season 5 of Let's Talk About Sects. Use promo code LTAS10 at Audio-Technica’s Australian store for 10% off and to support the show! Links:Two by Twos / The Truth — sources for previous LTAS episode about the Two by Twos / The Truth available here, October 2020Family history research service — Queensland Government, searched November 2022David’s Rape of Bathsheba and Murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11-12) — The Theology of Work Project (TOW), accessed November 2022If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact Cult Information and Family Support in Australia, or the International Cultic Studies Association outside of Australia. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention. Credits:Written and hosted by Sarah SteelMusic by Joe GouldEdited by Matt Brazel Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s a group in regional Queensland that claims to have no name. Members meet in each other’s homes on Wednesdays and Sundays. They don’t have any of their beliefs written down, though they do sing hymns from a particular hymn book. A lot of what they follow sounds incredibly similar to a group that also claimed to have no name but was often referred to as the Two by Twos or The Truth. This one doesn’t have pairs of ‘workers’ who travel around and stay with community members, however. That job was left up to its founder, a man named Robert Barlow. If you're a member or former member of Bob Barlow's 'church' who would like to get in touch with Candice Curran, you can email <a href="mailto:survivingthetruth@outlook.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer">survivingthetruth@outlook.com.au</a>. Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/36" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>. With thanks to <a href="https://audio-technica.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Audio-Technica</a>, presenting partner for season 5 of Let's Talk About Sects. Use promo code LTAS10 at <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Audio-Technica’s Australian store</a> for 10% off and to support the show! Links:<ul><li><a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/26" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Two by Twos / The Truth</a> — sources for previous LTAS episode about the Two by Twos / The Truth available here, October 2020</li><li><a href="https://www.familyhistory.bdm.qld.gov.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Family history research service</a> — Queensland Government, searched November 2022</li><li><a href="https://www.theologyofwork.org/old-testament/samuel-kings-chronicles-and-work/the-golden-age-of-the-monarchy-2-samuel-1-24-1-kings-1-11-1-chronicles-21-2/davids-successes-and-failures-as-king-2-samuel-1-24/davids-rape-of-bathsheba-and-murder-of-uriah-2-samuel-11-12" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">David’s Rape of Bathsheba and Murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11-12)</a> — The Theology of Work Project (TOW), accessed November 2022</li></ul> If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> in Australia, or the <a href="http://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Cultic Studies Association</a> outside of Australia. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a>. Credits:Written and hosted by <a href="http://ltaspod.com/host" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Sarah Steel</a>Music by <a href="http://www.joegouldmusic.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Joe Gould</a>Edited by Matt Brazel Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Bob Barlow's "Truth"

Let's Talk About Sects is an award-winning monthly podcast focusing on a different cult each episode. Sarah takes a storytelling, deep dive approach, looking at the history of a sect's leaders, the recruitment of members, their experiences, psychological aspects, and notable incidents during its existence.You can support us on Patreon, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available now.“A fascinating and well-researched look into cults and the charismatic leaders behind them.” Peter Wells, The Sydney Morning Herald“A fantastic examination of sects, cults, and religion… a fact-based program that’ll hook you in and keep you coming back for more.” Zach Johnston, Uproxx“Cleverly named, meticulously researched.” Elena Nicolaou, Refinery29“The best podcast of its kind – I can’t wait for another episode!” Apple Podcasts review from a US listener“I study cults and sects and for this reason listen to many podcasts on these subjects. This one is by far the best.” Apple Podcasts review from a US listener“Best podcast about cults I’ve found.” Apple Podcasts review from an Australian listener Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’ve so enjoyed listening to this interesting and informative podcast.

Wonderful

I have a massive researcher crush on this podcast. Really, really good stuff!!

Quality of research is amazing

Let's Talk About Sects is an award-winning monthly podcast focusing on a different cult each episode. Sarah takes a storytelling, deep dive approach, looking at the history of a sect's leaders, the recruitment of members, their experiences, psychological aspects, and notable incidents during its existence.You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3ORHlnA" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available now</a>.“A fascinating and well-researched look into cults and the charismatic leaders behind them.” Peter Wells, <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/the-age-s-wrong-skin-named-podcast-of-the-year-20190520-p51pa3.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Sydney Morning Herald</a>“A fantastic examination of sects, cults, and religion… a fact-based program that’ll hook you in and keep you coming back for more.” Zach Johnston, <a href="https://uproxx.com/life/best-podcasts-about-cults-2019/3/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Uproxx</a>“Cleverly named, meticulously researched.” Elena Nicolaou, <a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/08/206391/podcasts-about-cults#slide-1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Refinery29</a>“The best podcast of its kind – I can’t wait for another episode!” Apple Podcasts review from a US listener“I study cults and sects and for this reason listen to many podcasts on these subjects. This one is by far the best.” Apple Podcasts review from a US listener“Best podcast about cults I’ve found.” Apple Podcasts review from an Australian listener Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Let's Talk About Sects

Twenty years ago this year, Japan was to become a nuclear wasteland, according to the leader of a sect who claimed that the only survivors would be his followers and 10% of the major cities. It was in the lead up to this year of the predicted apocalypse, 1997, that he ordered shocking acts that would eventually result in his group being labelled a terrorist organisation, and himself and 12 other sect members being sentenced to death.UPDATE 2: The death penalty was carried out in Japan in July of 2018.UPDATE: An Aum Shinrikyo update episode was released on 21 March 2018. It includes a small correction from this episode.Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact Cult Information and Family Support in Australia, or the International Cultic Studies Association outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention.Links:Profile: Shoko Asahara — BBC News, 27 February 2004A Guru's Journey – A special report. The Seer Among the Blind: Japanese Sect Leader's Rise — by Nicholas D. Kristof with Sheryl WuDunn, The New York Times, 26 March 1995Daughters of doomsday cult leader fight to save their 'loving' father — by Justin McCurry, The Guardian, 19 April 2006How a Religious Sect Rooted in Yoga Became a Terrorist Group — by Jennifer Latson, TIME, 20 March 2015Asahara’s No. 3 daughter writes on life during, after cult — by Keiji Hirano, Japan Times, 26 March 2015Former Aum cultist publishes memoir on gas attacks, Asahara — by Eiji Shimura, The Asahi Shimbun, 10 January 2017Sarin gas attack survivor recalls near miss on Tokyo subway — by Julian Ryall, South China Post, 19 March 2015 Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twenty years ago this year, Japan was to become a nuclear wasteland, according to the leader of a sect who claimed that the only survivors would be his followers and 10% of the major cities. It was in the lead up to this year of the predicted apocalypse, 1997, that he ordered shocking acts that would eventually result in his group being labelled a terrorist organisation, and himself and 12 other sect members being sentenced to death.UPDATE 2: The death penalty was carried out in Japan in July of 2018.UPDATE: An Aum Shinrikyo update episode was released on 21 March 2018. It includes a small correction from this episode.Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/3" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> in Australia, or the <a href="http://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Cultic Studies Association</a> outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a>.Links:<ul><li><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/3504237.stm" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Profile: Shoko Asahara</a> — BBC News, 27 February 2004</li><li><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/26/world/guru-s-journey-special-report-seer-among-blind-japanese-sect-leader-s-rise.html?pagewanted=all" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">A Guru's Journey – A special report. The Seer Among the Blind: Japanese Sect Leader's Rise</a> — by Nicholas D. Kristof with Sheryl WuDunn, The New York Times, 26 March 1995</li><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/apr/19/japan.justinmccurry" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Daughters of doomsday cult leader fight to save their 'loving' father</a> — by Justin McCurry, The Guardian, 19 April 2006</li><li><a href="http://time.com/3742241/tokyo-subway-attack-1995/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">How a Religious Sect Rooted in Yoga Became a Terrorist Group</a> — by Jennifer Latson, TIME, 20 March 2015</li><li><a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/03/26/national/asaharas-3-daughter-writes-life-cult/#.WYrIetOGNE5" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Asahara’s No. 3 daughter writes on life during, after cult</a> — by Keiji Hirano, Japan Times, 26 March 2015</li><li><a href="http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201701100053.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Former Aum cultist publishes memoir on gas attacks, Asahara</a> — by Eiji Shimura, The Asahi Shimbun, 10 January 2017</li><li><a href="http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1742314/sarin-gas-attack-survivor-recalls-near-miss-tokyo-subway" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Sarin gas attack survivor recalls near miss on Tokyo subway</a> — by Julian Ryall, South China Post, 19 March 2015</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Aum Shinrikyo

Edgar Bronfman Sr. of the Seagram liquor fortune once wrote a testimonial for a course he had taken through an organisation called Executive Success Programs, or ESP. He said, quote, “If everyone were to go through this training, the world would be a much better and safer place to live.” Seventeen years later, the leader and inner circle of that same organisation, now going under the name NXIVM, would be on trial for charges including sex trafficking, forced labour, fraud, extortion and child pornography.UPDATE: Keith Raniere sentenced to 120 years in prison. Allison Mack sentenced to 3 years in prison.Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now.With thanks to Audio-Technica, presenting partner for season 3 of Let's Talk About Sects.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact Cult Information and Family Support in Australia, or the International Cultic Studies Association outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention.Links:The Founder of “Nxivm,” a Purported Self-Help Organization Based in Albany, N.Y., Arrested for Sex Trafficking and Forced Labor Conspiracy — US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New YorkComplaint and Affidavit — US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New YorkJury Finds Nxivm Leader Keith Raniere Guilty of All Counts — US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edgar Bronfman Sr. of the Seagram liquor fortune once wrote a testimonial for a course he had taken through an organisation called Executive Success Programs, or ESP. He said, quote, “If everyone were to go through this training, the world would be a much better and safer place to live.” Seventeen years later, the leader and inner circle of that same organisation, now going under the name NXIVM, would be on trial for charges including sex trafficking, forced labour, fraud, extortion and child pornography.UPDATE: Keith Raniere <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/nxivm-keith-raniere-sentenced-120-years-prison-sex-cult-1081419/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">sentenced to 120 years in prison</a>. Allison Mack <a href="https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/2021-06-30/actor-allison-mack-sentenced-to-3-years-in-prison-for-nxivm-case" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">sentenced to 3 years in prison</a>.Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/17" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>.With thanks to <a href="https://audio-technica.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Audio-Technica</a>, presenting partner for season 3 of Let's Talk About Sects.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> in Australia, or the <a href="http://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Cultic Studies Association</a> outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a>.Links:<ul><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/founder-nxivm-purported-self-help-organization-based-albany-ny-arrested-sex-trafficking" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Founder of “Nxivm,” a Purported Self-Help Organization Based in Albany, N.Y., Arrested for Sex Trafficking and Forced Labor Conspiracy</a> — US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York</li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/press-release/file/1046381/download" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Complaint and Affidavit</a> — US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York</li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/jury-finds-nxivm-leader-keith-raniere-guilty-all-counts" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Jury Finds Nxivm Leader Keith Raniere Guilty of All Counts</a> — US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

NXIVM

2018 marks the 25-year anniversary of a 51-day siege that ended in tragedy, following a shootout between the U.S. government and members of a sect called the Branch Davidians. The gunfire exchange lasted for well over an hour, killing four U.S. agents and six Branch Davidians, and wounding their leader Vernon Howell, also known as David Koresh. Yet this violence was just the beginning of an ordeal that would culminate in an inferno later to become known as the Waco Massacre.CW: references to manipulative behaviours, suicide, murder, and physical abuse and sexual assault, including of minors. Please consider whether this is suitable for you and those around you who may be listening too.Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact Cult Information and Family Support in Australia, or the International Cultic Studies Association outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention.Links:The Sinful Messiah — The Waco Tribune-Herald's 7-part investigative series, 1993.The Ashes of Waco: An Investigation — by Dick J. Reavis, Syracuse University Press, 1998Breaking through the myths surrounding the 1993 Branch Davidian raid — by Lee Hancock, Dallas News, 27 February 2018Armageddon in Waco: Critical Perspectives on the Branch Davidian Conflict — by Stuart A. Wright, University of Chicago Press, 1995Four Years After the Flames of Waco, a Film Keeps the Doubts Smoldering — by Sam Howe Verhovek, The New York Times, 19 August 1997Who was David Koresh: Ex-followers describe life inside apocalyptic religious sect involved in 1993 Waco siege — by Muriel Pearson, Spencer Wilking &amp; Lauren Effron, ABC News, 2 January 2018 Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2018 marks the 25-year anniversary of a 51-day siege that ended in tragedy, following a shootout between the U.S. government and members of a sect called the Branch Davidians. The gunfire exchange lasted for well over an hour, killing four U.S. agents and six Branch Davidians, and wounding their leader Vernon Howell, also known as David Koresh. Yet this violence was just the beginning of an ordeal that would culminate in an inferno later to become known as the Waco Massacre.CW: references to manipulative behaviours, suicide, murder, and physical abuse and sexual assault, including of minors. Please consider whether this is suitable for you and those around you who may be listening too.Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/8" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> in Australia, or the <a href="http://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Cultic Studies Association</a> outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a>.Links:<ul><li><a href="http://www.wacotrib.com/news/branch_davidians/sinful-messiah/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Sinful Messiah</a> — The Waco Tribune-Herald's 7-part investigative series, 1993.</li><li><a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=-k34va6Lx3UC&amp;source=gbs_navlinks_s" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Ashes of Waco: An Investigation</a> — by Dick J. Reavis, Syracuse University Press, 1998</li><li><a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2018/02/27/breaking-myths-surrounding-1993-branch-davidian-raid" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Breaking through the myths surrounding the 1993 Branch Davidian raid</a> — by Lee Hancock, Dallas News, 27 February 2018</li><li><a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=O45DuPSh1kAC&amp;source=gbs_navlinks_s" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Armageddon in Waco: Critical Perspectives on the Branch Davidian Conflict</a> — by Stuart A. Wright, University of Chicago Press, 1995</li><li><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/19/movies/four-years-after-the-flames-of-waco-a-film-keeps-the-doubts-smoldering.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Four Years After the Flames of Waco, a Film Keeps the Doubts Smoldering</a> — by Sam Howe Verhovek, The New York Times, 19 August 1997</li><li><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/david-koresh-followers-describe-life-inside-apocalyptic-religious/story?id=52033937" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Who was David Koresh: Ex-followers describe life inside apocalyptic religious sect involved in 1993 Waco siege</a> — by Muriel Pearson, Spencer Wilking &amp; Lauren Effron, ABC News, 2 January 2018</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Branch Davidians

Synanon began as an addiction support group that gathered in a grimy Californian flat in the late 1950s. It would grow to become a well-funded utopian society throughout the late ’60s and early ’70s, before declaring itself a religion in 1974. This organisation would attract Hollywood stars like Leonard Nimoy and Jane Fonda to participate in its so-called “Game”, and eventually break up married couples, force men to have vasectomies and women to have abortions, amass assets worth tens of millions of dollars, and become entangled in a web of violence.Synanon’s leader Charles Dederich is often credited with coining the phrase “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact Cult Information and Family Support in Australia, or the International Cultic Studies Association outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention.Links:American National Biography: Supplement — Oxford University Press, 2002Self-Reliance — by Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1847 edition, Wikisource full textEstimating Emerson: An Anthology of Criticism from Carlyle to Cavell — edited by David LaRocca, A&amp;C Black, 1 January 2013Charles Dederich, 83, Synanon Founder, Dies — by Lawrence van Gelder, The New York Times, 4 March 1997Paul Morantz's website — with extensive writings by the attorney and investigative journalist about SynanonThe Man Who Fought the Synanon Cult and Won — by Matt Novak, Gizmodo, 27 August 2014Synanon's Sober Utopia: How A Drug Rehab Program Became A Violent Cult — by Matt Novak, Gizmodo, 20 April 2014 Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Synanon began as an addiction support group that gathered in a grimy Californian flat in the late 1950s. It would grow to become a well-funded utopian society throughout the late ’60s and early ’70s, before declaring itself a religion in 1974. This organisation would attract Hollywood stars like Leonard Nimoy and Jane Fonda to participate in its so-called “Game”, and eventually break up married couples, force men to have vasectomies and women to have abortions, amass assets worth tens of millions of dollars, and become entangled in a web of violence.Synanon’s leader Charles Dederich is often credited with coining the phrase “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/9" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> in Australia, or the <a href="http://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Cultic Studies Association</a> outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a>.Links:<ul><li><a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=wZczV8ZxgL4C&amp;dq" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">American National Biography: Supplement</a> — Oxford University Press, 2002</li><li><a href="https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Essays:_First_Series/Self-Reliance" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Self-Reliance</a> — by Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1847 edition, Wikisource full text</li><li><a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=qTIfAQAAQBAJ" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Estimating Emerson: An Anthology of Criticism from Carlyle to Cavell</a> — edited by David LaRocca, A&amp;C Black, 1 January 2013</li><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/04/us/charles-dederich-83-synanon-founder-dies.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Charles Dederich, 83, Synanon Founder, Dies</a> — by Lawrence van Gelder, The New York Times, 4 March 1997</li><li><a href="http://www.paulmorantz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Paul Morantz's website</a> — with extensive writings by the attorney and investigative journalist about Synanon</li><li><a href="https://paleofuture.gizmodo.com/the-man-who-fought-cults-and-won-1634267961" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Man Who Fought the Synanon Cult and Won</a> — by Matt Novak, Gizmodo, 27 August 2014</li><li><a href="https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2014/04/synanons-sober-utopia-how-a-drug-rehab-program-became-a-bizarre-cult/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Synanon's Sober Utopia: How A Drug Rehab Program Became A Violent Cult</a> — by Matt Novak, Gizmodo, 20 April 2014</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Synanon

Followers of The Move rejected mainstream society and headed into the wilderness in the 1970s, building isolated communities that were to set them up for the coming Apocalypse. Many ex-members would later tell stories of physical hardship, beatings, and worse, experienced in these communities. Move leader Sam Fife told devotees that should he ever die, they could consider it proof that he was a false prophet. Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now.With thanks to Audio-Technica, presenting partner for season 3 of Let's Talk About Sects.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact Cult Information and Family Support in Australia, or the International Cultic Studies Association outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention. Links:Swindled by Faith: A Time For Reconciliation — by Richard A Kiers, Tellwell Talent, 2019Practices of Cults Receiving New Scrutiny — The New York Times, 21 January 1979From Survivor to Thriver — by Angela “Vennie” Kocsis, ICSA Today, Vol. 5, No. 3, 2014Vennie Kocsis’ website — includes various collected materials about The MoveBrother Sam Prepares His Flock For The ‘End Days’ — by Adon Taft, Charleston Daily, 10 April 1975Awaiting apocalypse in the Peace River Valley — by Douglas Todd, Vancouver Sun, 27 October 2016Peace River commune awaits imminent apocalypse: Christian community of 250 shuns TV and requires year-long courtship void of physical contact — by Douglas Todd, Vancouver Sun, 22 September 2003 Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Followers of The Move rejected mainstream society and headed into the wilderness in the 1970s, building isolated communities that were to set them up for the coming Apocalypse. Many ex-members would later tell stories of physical hardship, beatings, and worse, experienced in these communities. Move leader Sam Fife told devotees that should he ever die, they could consider it proof that he was a false prophet. Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/19" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>.With thanks to <a href="https://audio-technica.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Audio-Technica</a>, presenting partner for season 3 of Let's Talk About Sects.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> in Australia, or the <a href="http://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Cultic Studies Association</a> outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a>. Links:<ul><li><a href="https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Swindled_by_Faith.html?id=cAKPxQEACAAJ" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Swindled by Faith: A Time For Reconciliation</a> — by Richard A Kiers, Tellwell Talent, 2019</li><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1979/01/21/archives/practices-of-cults-receiving-new-scrutiny-cults-in-america-first-of.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Practices of Cults Receiving New Scrutiny</a> — The New York Times, 21 January 1979</li><li><a href="https://www.icsahome.com/articles/from-survivor-to-thriver" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">From Survivor to Thriver</a> — by Angela “Vennie” Kocsis, ICSA Today, Vol. 5, No. 3, 2014</li><li><a href="https://venniekocsis.com/thecult/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Vennie Kocsis’ website</a> — includes various collected materials about The Move</li><li><a href="https://venniekocsis.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/0-charleston-daily-4-10-75.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Brother Sam Prepares His Flock For The ‘End Days’</a> — by Adon Taft, Charleston Daily, 10 April 1975</li><li><a href="https://vancouversun.com/news/staff-blogs/awaiting-apocalypse-in-the-peace-river-valley" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Awaiting apocalypse in the Peace River Valley</a> — by Douglas Todd, Vancouver Sun, 27 October 2016</li><li><a href="https://vancouversun.com/news/staff-blogs/awaiting-apocalypse-in-the-peace-river-valley" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Peace River commune awaits imminent apocalypse: Christian community of 250 shuns TV and requires year-long courtship void of physical contact</a> — by Douglas Todd, Vancouver Sun, 22 September 2003</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

The Move

The Order of the Solar Temple was a secret society that would go down sharing the pages of history with Jonestown, the Branch Davidians and Heaven’s Gate. But is it fair to compare the groups? When it comes to incidents of mass violence and cults, perhaps it may be unavoidable. Because whether they ended in mass murder-suicide or a different form of violence, in spite of the striking ideological differences between them, there were some similarities – in all of these groups that ended with such undeniable tragedy.Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact Cult Information and Family Support in Australia, or the International Cultic Studies Association outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention.Links:Millennium, Messiahs, and Mayhem: Contemporary Apocalyptic Movements — by Thomas Robbins &amp; Susan J. Palmer, Psychology Press, 1997Pont-Saint-Esprit poisoning: Did the CIA spread LSD? — by Mike Thomson, BBC News, 23 August 2010Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis — AMORC international websiteThe Tragedy Of The Solar Temple Cult — by Stephen Dafoe, TemplarHistory.com, 1 April 2010A Preacher With a Dark Side Led Cultists to Swiss Chalets — by Alan Riding, The New York Times, 9 October 1994The Order of the Solar Temple: The Temple of Death — by Professor James R Lewis, Ashgate Publishing, 2013Coroner's Report into the deaths at Morin Heights, Cheiry and Salvan — in French, June 1996"Our Terrestrial Journey is Coming to an End": The Last Voyage of the Solar Temple — by Jean-Francois Mayer, Nova Religio, 1999 Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Order of the Solar Temple was a secret society that would go down sharing the pages of history with Jonestown, the Branch Davidians and Heaven’s Gate. But is it fair to compare the groups? When it comes to incidents of mass violence and cults, perhaps it may be unavoidable. Because whether they ended in mass murder-suicide or a different form of violence, in spite of the striking ideological differences between them, there were some similarities – in all of these groups that ended with such undeniable tragedy.Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/15" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> in Australia, or the <a href="http://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Cultic Studies Association</a> outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a>.Links:<ul><li><a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=hffb1o4gr7oC" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Millennium, Messiahs, and Mayhem: Contemporary Apocalyptic Movements</a> — by Thomas Robbins &amp; Susan J. Palmer, Psychology Press, 1997</li><li><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-10996838" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Pont-Saint-Esprit poisoning: Did the CIA spread LSD?</a> — by Mike Thomson, BBC News, 23 August 2010</li><li><a href="https://www.amorc.org/amorc-presentation-english" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis</a> — AMORC international website</li><li><a href="http://blog.templarhistory.com/2010/04/the-tragedy-of-the-solar-temple-cult/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Tragedy Of The Solar Temple Cult</a> — by Stephen Dafoe, <a href="http://TemplarHistory.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TemplarHistory.com</a>, 1 April 2010</li><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1994/10/09/world/a-preacher-with-a-dark-side-led-cultists-to-swiss-chalets.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">A Preacher With a Dark Side Led Cultists to Swiss Chalets</a> — by Alan Riding, The New York Times, 9 October 1994</li><li><a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=x-uhAgAAQBAJ" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Order of the Solar Temple: The Temple of Death</a> — by Professor James R Lewis, Ashgate Publishing, 2013</li><li><a href="http://infosecte.org/Rapport_dinvestigation_du_coroner-juin-1996.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Coroner's Report into the deaths at Morin Heights, Cheiry and Salvan</a> — in French, June 1996</li><li><a href="https://www.academia.edu/685057/_Our_Terrestrial_Journey_is_Coming_to_an_End_The_Last_Voyage_of_the_Solar_Temple" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">"Our Terrestrial Journey is Coming to an End": The Last Voyage of the Solar Temple</a> — by Jean-Francois Mayer, Nova Religio, 1999</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Order of the Solar Temple

Ken Dyers passed away 10 years ago this year, but the organisation that he spearheaded with his partner Jan Hamilton lives on. In spite of a few parallels, this Australian organisation, called Kenja, has been listed as a suppressive group by the Church of Scientology.Jan claims that Kenja has faced decades of persecution by those who want to bring them down, including a member of parliament, and charges levied at the organisation include brainwashing, exacerbation of psychological illnesses with dire consequences, alienation from family and friends, and sexual abuse.Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact Cult Information and Family Support in Australia, or the International Cultic Studies Association outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention.Links:Kenja Concert website — Includes Jan Hamilton early biography timelineKenja Communication websiteKenja Lecture websiteGuilty Until Proven Innocent — A Kenja Communication "theatre documentary" production: "The incredible story of the 15 year-long attack on the reputation of Ken Dyers – in an attempt to destroy Kenja Communication, the organisation he co-founded – which ultimately led to his death at age 85."Ken Dyers: Tributes and accusations — Sydney Morning Herald, 4 August 2007Kenja Facebook page — Image of the 10th annual full page ad Kenja placed in Fairfax Media publications for the anniversary of Ken Dyers' deathKen Dyers YouTube channelBeyond Our Ken — Documentary directed by Luke Walker and Melissa Maclean, Scribble Films 2007 Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken Dyers passed away 10 years ago this year, but the organisation that he spearheaded with his partner Jan Hamilton lives on. In spite of a few parallels, this Australian organisation, called Kenja, has been listed as a suppressive group by the Church of Scientology.Jan claims that Kenja has faced decades of persecution by those who want to bring them down, including a member of parliament, and charges levied at the organisation include brainwashing, exacerbation of psychological illnesses with dire consequences, alienation from family and friends, and sexual abuse.Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/4" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> in Australia, or the <a href="http://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Cultic Studies Association</a> outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a>.Links:<ul><li><a href="http://www.kenja-concert.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Kenja Concert website</a> — Includes Jan Hamilton early biography timeline</li><li><a href="http://www.kenja.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Kenja Communication website</a></li><li><a href="http://www.kenja-lecture.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Kenja Lecture website</a></li><li><a href="http://www.guilty-until-proven-innocent.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Guilty Until Proven Innocent</a> — A Kenja Communication "theatre documentary" production: "The incredible story of the 15 year-long attack on the reputation of Ken Dyers – in an attempt to destroy Kenja Communication, the organisation he co-founded – which ultimately led to his death at age 85."</li><li><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/ken-dyers-tributes-and-accusations/2007/08/04/1185648160419.html?page=fullpage" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Ken Dyers: Tributes and accusations</a> — Sydney Morning Herald, 4 August 2007</li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Kenja.Communication/photos/a.225919374113824.63722.215988028440292/1480808448624904/?type=3&amp;permPage=1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Kenja Facebook page</a> — Image of the 10th annual full page ad Kenja placed in Fairfax Media publications for the anniversary of Ken Dyers' death</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/kendyers/videos" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Ken Dyers YouTube channel</a></li><li><a href="http://www.beyondourken.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Beyond Our Ken</a> — Documentary directed by Luke Walker and Melissa Maclean, Scribble Films 2007</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Kenja Communication

Carli McConkey was a 21-year-old university graduate when she decided to attend the Mind Body Spirit Festival in Sydney, and came across the stand for Life Integration Programmes. The course they offered sounded like exactly what she needed to get her life on track and realise her potential. Little did she know that this encounter was the start of a 13-year ordeal that would see her estranged from her family, under continued financial stress, a victim and perpetrator of physical assault, working untold hours of unpaid labour, and eventually, medically sterilised.Special Guest: Carli McConkey.The opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of the makers of Let's Talk About Sects.Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact Cult Information and Family Support in Australia, or the International Cultic Studies Association outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention.Links:The Cult Effect — by Carli McConkeyCarli McConkey's websiteCult Leaders and Ballet Dancers: The Strange Rock School Lawsuit — by Victor Fiorillo, Philadelphia Magazine, 30 June 2014Alleged cult leader to settle defamation claims out of court — by Chris Calcino, Byron Shire News, 11 October 2014Ex-alleged cult members 'sleep well' with court case over — APN Newsdesk, The Northern Star, 11 October 2014LAKAEV v. THE ROCK SCHOOL FOR DANCE EDUCATION et al — PacerMonitor record of libel, assault, slander case – plaintiff's claims dismissed with prejudice 24 November 20149354/11 LAKAEV -V- THE AGE COMPANY LIMITED &amp; others — Supreme Court of Queensland case file summary Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carli McConkey was a 21-year-old university graduate when she decided to attend the Mind Body Spirit Festival in Sydney, and came across the stand for Life Integration Programmes. The course they offered sounded like exactly what she needed to get her life on track and realise her potential. Little did she know that this encounter was the start of a 13-year ordeal that would see her estranged from her family, under continued financial stress, a victim and perpetrator of physical assault, working untold hours of unpaid labour, and eventually, medically sterilised.Special Guest: Carli McConkey.The opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of the makers of Let's Talk About Sects.Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/5" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> in Australia, or the <a href="http://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Cultic Studies Association</a> outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a>.Links:<ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Cult-Effect-Story-Control-Australia-ebook/dp/B074DFJ3BH" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Cult Effect</a> — by Carli McConkey</li><li><a href="https://www.carlimcconkey.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Carli McConkey's website</a></li><li><a href="http://www.phillymag.com/news/2014/06/30/rock-school-dance-lawsuit-cult-universal-knowledge/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Leaders and Ballet Dancers: The Strange Rock School Lawsuit</a> — by Victor Fiorillo, Philadelphia Magazine, 30 June 2014</li><li><a href="https://www.byronnews.com.au/news/cult-leader-has-defamation-case-adjournment-refuse/2415351/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Alleged cult leader to settle defamation claims out of court</a> — by Chris Calcino, Byron Shire News, 11 October 2014</li><li><a href="https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/former-alleged-cult-members-sleep-well-court/2415350/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Ex-alleged cult members 'sleep well' with court case over</a> — APN Newsdesk, The Northern Star, 11 October 2014</li><li><a href="https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/3853939/LAKAEV_v_THE_ROCK_SCHOOL_FOR_DANCE_EDUCATION_et_al" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">LAKAEV v. THE ROCK SCHOOL FOR DANCE EDUCATION et al</a> — PacerMonitor record of libel, assault, slander case – plaintiff's claims dismissed with prejudice 24 November 2014</li><li><a href="http://apps.courts.qld.gov.au/esearching/FileDetails.aspx?Location=BRISB&amp;Court=SUPRE&amp;Filenumber=9354/11" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">9354/11 LAKAEV -V- THE AGE COMPANY LIMITED &amp; others</a> — Supreme Court of Queensland case file summary</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Universal Knowledge

William Kamm has a 10pm curfew, and is not allowed to spend time with girls under the age of 17. He is prevented from entering the Shoalhaven district of New South Wales, and his movements and communications are monitored. These are conditions of his release after serving 9 years in jail for crimes he committed against two teenage girls – yet his followers still believe that he is the next true Pope, and that the Virgin Mary speaks to him on the 13th day of every month.Special Guest: Claire Ashman.Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact Cult Information and Family Support in Australia, or the International Cultic Studies Association outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention.Links:Claire Ashman's website — where her book 'Lessons from a Cult Survivor' is available for pre-orderLessons From A Cult Survivor — by Claire Ashman, 2018 – book pre-sale linkA WOLF Among the SHEEP: How God's Prophet the Little Pebble Became a Womanising, Millionaire Cult Leader — by Graeme Webber, KeyStone Press, 2008The Little Pebble: The Last Pope, A Man of Contradiction, Petrus Romanus, Sinner or Saint? — by William Costellia, self-published, 1999 (volume 1)Official website of The Little PebbleWilliam 'Little Pebble' Kamm's supervision to continue — AAP, The Illawarra Mercury, 8 January 2016South Coast cult leader William 'Little Pebble' Kamm fails to have supervision order lifted — by Angela Thompson, Illawarra Mercury, 14 August 2017Cult leader and convicted sex offender William Kamm to be freed within days — AAP, The Age, 11 November 2014 Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

William Kamm has a 10pm curfew, and is not allowed to spend time with girls under the age of 17. He is prevented from entering the Shoalhaven district of New South Wales, and his movements and communications are monitored. These are conditions of his release after serving 9 years in jail for crimes he committed against two teenage girls – yet his followers still believe that he is the next true Pope, and that the Virgin Mary speaks to him on the 13th day of every month.Special Guest: Claire Ashman.Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/7" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> in Australia, or the <a href="http://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Cultic Studies Association</a> outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a>.Links:<ul><li><a href="http://www.claireashman.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Claire Ashman's website</a> — where her book 'Lessons from a Cult Survivor' is available for pre-order</li><li><a href="http://www.claireashman.com/ebook" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Lessons From A Cult Survivor</a> — by Claire Ashman, 2018 – book pre-sale link</li><li><a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=hPbVNwAACAAJ" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">A WOLF Among the SHEEP: How God's Prophet the Little Pebble Became a Womanising, Millionaire Cult Leader</a> — by Graeme Webber, KeyStone Press, 2008</li><li><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/2vvd6hdt0tdmlra/TheLittlePebbleTheLastPope_A4.pdf?dl=0" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Little Pebble: The Last Pope, A Man of Contradiction, Petrus Romanus, Sinner or Saint?</a> — by William Costellia, self-published, 1999 (volume 1)</li><li><a href="http://littlepebble.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Official website of The Little Pebble</a></li><li><a href="http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/3652898/sex-offender-little-pebble-to-be-monitored/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">William 'Little Pebble' Kamm's supervision to continue</a> — AAP, The Illawarra Mercury, 8 January 2016</li><li><a href="http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/4849918/nowra-cult-leader-little-pebble-continues-to-preach-from-sydney/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">South Coast cult leader William 'Little Pebble' Kamm fails to have supervision order lifted</a> — by Angela Thompson, Illawarra Mercury, 14 August 2017</li><li><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/cult-leader-and-convicted-sex-offender-william-kamm-to-be-freed-within-days-20141111-11kn5k.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult leader and convicted sex offender William Kamm to be freed within days</a> — AAP, The Age, 11 November 2014</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

The Order of St Charbel

In May 2017, a sect that started in Melbourne, Australia, 50 years ago, and has been highly secretive over the last few decades, decided to change its closed-doors policy and go public with a website. Whilst up until now very little has been known about the group except by direct conversations with former believers, its members go to government schools, attend public universities, and work in everyday jobs. They could be your neighbour, your colleague, or even a friend, and you’d have no idea what’s really going on in their private lives.CORRECTION: There is a mention of the Book of David in this episode – this was a slip of the tongue, it should be the Book of John.Special Guest: Laura Sullivan.Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact Cult Information and Family Support in Australia, or the International Cultic Studies Association outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention.Links:Billy Graham in Australia, 1959 - Was it Revival? — by Dr. Stuart Piggin, Lucas: An Evangelical History Review, no. 6, Oct 1989Letters to the Editor — Vision Magazine, No. 9, May-June 1975Salaries for ministers rapped by church founder — by Rose Simpson, The Ottawa Journal, Wednesday July 25, 1979Outreach International websiteSeek Ye First — by Tony Kostas, Outreach International, 1975The Ultimate Attainment — by Tony Kostas, Outreach Media, 1983Building with God — series by Tony Kostas, 1985Led Into Love — by Tony Kostas, 2016 Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In May 2017, a sect that started in Melbourne, Australia, 50 years ago, and has been highly secretive over the last few decades, decided to change its closed-doors policy and go public with a website. Whilst up until now very little has been known about the group except by direct conversations with former believers, its members go to government schools, attend public universities, and work in everyday jobs. They could be your neighbour, your colleague, or even a friend, and you’d have no idea what’s really going on in their private lives.CORRECTION: There is a mention of the Book of David in this episode – this was a slip of the tongue, it should be the Book of John.Special Guest: Laura Sullivan.Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/11" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> in Australia, or the <a href="http://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Cultic Studies Association</a> outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a>.Links:<ul><li><a href="http://webjournals.ac.edu.au/ojs/index.php/LUCAS/article/view/8790/8787" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Billy Graham in Australia, 1959 - Was it Revival?</a> — by Dr. Stuart Piggin, Lucas: An Evangelical History Review, no. 6, Oct 1989</li><li><a href="http://webjournals.ac.edu.au/ojs/index.php/VMAG/article/view/325/322" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Letters to the Editor</a> — Vision Magazine, No. 9, May-June 1975</li><li><a href="https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/42949262/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Salaries for ministers rapped by church founder</a> — by Rose Simpson, The Ottawa Journal, Wednesday July 25, 1979</li><li><a href="http://www.outreach.net" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Outreach International website</a></li><li><a href="https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Seek_Ye_First.html?id=NSP5tgAACAAJ&amp;redir_esc=y" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Seek Ye First</a> — by Tony Kostas, Outreach International, 1975</li><li><a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=viXetwAACAAJ&amp;dq=the+ultimate+attainment+tony+kostas&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=0ahUKEwif1PuBzIHZAhWDS7wKHQajBeoQ6AEIKTAA" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Ultimate Attainment</a> — by Tony Kostas, Outreach Media, 1983</li><li><a href="http://www.outreach.net/publication-listing/building-with-god/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Building with God</a> — series by Tony Kostas, 1985</li><li><a href="http://www.outreach.net/publication/led-into-love/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Led Into Love</a> — by Tony Kostas, 2016</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Outreach International – Part 1

Australian esoteric healing organisation Universal Medicine teaches that entities known as The Four Lords of Form rule over 9-foot-tall spirits that are all around us, and that most people have lived at least 2,300 lives before. Former student Matt Sutherland told Sunday Night journalist Matt Doran that he would describe Universal Medicine’s founder Serge Benhayon as “a human wrecking ball.”CORRECTION: The 'groping' allegations were found to be conveyed by the publication but the court did not find that Esther Rockett had proven them true. Defences of honest opinion and qualified privilege were upheld for these allegations. This episode has been updated to remove these points. Also, Esther Rockett named herself "Darkly Venus" and "Pranic Princess", it was not Serge Benhayon who did so. Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now.With thanks to Audio-Technica, presenting partner for season 3 of Let's Talk About Sects.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact Cult Information and Family Support in Australia, or the International Cultic Studies Association outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention. Links:The Cult: International investigation into Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine — by Matt Doran, Sunday Night, Channel 7, 17 February 2019Australian cult leader Serge Benhayon targeted in international investigation — by Matt Doran, Sunday Night, Channel 7, 15 May 2019The Da Vinci Mode — by David Leser, Good Weekend, 25 August 2012Universal Medicine cult founder exposed as ‘charlatan’ — by Rhian Deutrom, news.com.au, 18 February 2019Universal Medicine 'cult' received hundreds of thousands in charity donations from prominent donors — by Josh Robertson, ABC News, 14 September 2019 Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Australian esoteric healing organisation Universal Medicine teaches that entities known as The Four Lords of Form rule over 9-foot-tall spirits that are all around us, and that most people have lived at least 2,300 lives before. Former student Matt Sutherland told Sunday Night journalist Matt Doran that he would describe Universal Medicine’s founder Serge Benhayon as “a human wrecking ball.”CORRECTION: The 'groping' allegations were found to be conveyed by the publication but the court did not find that Esther Rockett had proven them true. Defences of honest opinion and qualified privilege were upheld for these allegations. This episode has been updated to remove these points. Also, Esther Rockett named herself "Darkly Venus" and "Pranic Princess", it was not Serge Benhayon who did so. Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/18" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>.With thanks to <a href="https://audio-technica.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Audio-Technica</a>, presenting partner for season 3 of Let's Talk About Sects.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> in Australia, or the <a href="http://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Cultic Studies Association</a> outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a>. Links:<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkSQTMHJK4c" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Cult: International investigation into Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine</a> — by Matt Doran, Sunday Night, Channel 7, 17 February 2019</li><li><a href="https://7news.com.au/sunday-night/this-guy-is-a-predator-the-international-investigation-into-australian-cult-leader-serge-benhayon-c-15060" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Australian cult leader Serge Benhayon targeted in international investigation</a> — by Matt Doran, Sunday Night, Channel 7, 15 May 2019</li><li><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/the-da-vinci-mode-20120820-24h50.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Da Vinci Mode</a> — by David Leser, Good Weekend, 25 August 2012</li><li><a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/universal-medicine-cult-founder-exposed-as-charlatan/news-story/626fe650621ee65ba16b1a7af2f62aa7" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Universal Medicine cult founder exposed as ‘charlatan’</a> — by Rhian Deutrom, <a href="http://news.com.au" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">news.com.au</a>, 18 February 2019</li><li><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-14/universal-medicine-cult-received-donations/11482874" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Universal Medicine 'cult' received hundreds of thousands in charity donations from prominent donors</a> — by Josh Robertson, ABC News, 14 September 2019</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Universal Medicine

A New Zealand-born man who moved to Australia in the 1970s and started a sect, telling his eventual 9 wives and 60-plus children that he was Jesus Christ, was put behind bars for 7 years in Victoria in 2000. In spite of the fairly sensational nature of his lifestyle and crimes, his name is not well-known here, and his polygamous group gained the most media attention when a recent Bachelor Australia contestant was outed by the press for her childhood involvement.This episode we’re talking about a cult that didn’t officially have a name, but was unofficially referred to as The Seaside Sect.Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact Cult Information and Family Support in Australia, or the International Cultic Studies Association outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention.Links:Abuser kept secret through cult of fear — by Naomi Larkin, NZ Herald, 12 August 2000Meet Sam and James, the Unsuspecting Villains of Netflix's 'Instant Hotel' — by Pippa Raga, Distractify, 11 January 2019Cult head, 71, molested girls, trial told — AAP, The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 July 2000'Harem' deserts convicted guru — AAP, The Age, 4 August 2000'Guru' jailed for child molestation — News24, 11 August 2000Polygamist guru faces new child sex charges — by Katie Lapthorne, The Courier Mail, 8 March 2003Ian Francis LOWE Death Notice — New Zealand Herald, 14 April 2012The Bachelor Cult Bombshell — Alison Petrovsky, A Current Affair, 8 August 2016 Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A New Zealand-born man who moved to Australia in the 1970s and started a sect, telling his eventual 9 wives and 60-plus children that he was Jesus Christ, was put behind bars for 7 years in Victoria in 2000. In spite of the fairly sensational nature of his lifestyle and crimes, his name is not well-known here, and his polygamous group gained the most media attention when a recent Bachelor Australia contestant was outed by the press for her childhood involvement.This episode we’re talking about a cult that didn’t officially have a name, but was unofficially referred to as The Seaside Sect.Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/14" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> in Australia, or the <a href="http://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Cultic Studies Association</a> outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a>.Links:<ul><li><a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&amp;objectid=147577" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Abuser kept secret through cult of fear</a> — by Naomi Larkin, NZ Herald, 12 August 2000</li><li><a href="https://www.distractify.com/entertainment/2019/01/11/F1GZfQ35X/sam-and-james-instant-hotel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Meet Sam and James, the Unsuspecting Villains of Netflix's 'Instant Hotel'</a> — by Pippa Raga, Distractify, 11 January 2019</li><li><a href="http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/24/246.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult head, 71, molested girls, trial told</a> — AAP, The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 July 2000</li><li><a href="http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/24/248.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">'Harem' deserts convicted guru</a> — AAP, The Age, 4 August 2000</li><li><a href="https://www.news24.com/xArchive/Archive/Guru-jailed-for-child-molestation-20000811" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">'Guru' jailed for child molestation</a> — News24, 11 August 2000</li><li><a href="https://www.religionnewsblog.com/2600/polygamist-guru-faces-new-child-sex-charges" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Polygamist guru faces new child sex charges</a> — by Katie Lapthorne, The Courier Mail, 8 March 2003</li><li><a href="http://notices.nzherald.co.nz/obituaries/nzherald-nz/obituary-preview.aspx?n=ian-francis-lowe&amp;pid=156962428&amp;referrer=2865" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Ian Francis LOWE Death Notice</a> — New Zealand Herald, 14 April 2012</li><li><a href="https://www.9now.com.au/a-current-affair/2016/clip-cirnzelj700070jkio8vem6fh" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Bachelor Cult Bombshell</a> — Alison Petrovsky, A Current Affair, 8 August 2016</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

The Seaside Sect

The Koreshans believed that the earth was hollow, and that humans lived on the concave inside surface of it. They theorised that the moon and stars, and indeed the rest of the universe, was contained within. On the outside? A void. When they formed the utopian community in Estero, Florida that they called the Koreshan Unity Settlement, a common greeting of one member to another was, “We live inside.”Special Guest: Lyn Millner.Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact Cult Information and Family Support in Australia, or the International Cultic Studies Association outside of Australia.Links:The cellular cosmogony, or, The earth, a concave sphere, Part 1 — by Koresh and Ulysses G. Morrow, The Guiding Star Publishing House, 1898The Immortal Manhood: The Laws and Processes of Its Attainment in the Flesh — by Koresh, The Guiding Star Publishing House, 1902The Allure of Immortality: An American Cult, a Florida Swamp, and a Renegade Prophet — by Lyn Millner, University Press of Florida, 2015Author turns over every rock to reveal Estero’s Koreshans — by Dayna Harpster, Spotlight Estero News Magazine, 1 November 2015Cyrus Teed, Estero's Koreshans get their due in new book — by Amy Bennett Williams, News-Press, 19 October 2015The Teed House at Koreshan State Historic Site — Video uploaded by YouTube user Florida Trailblazer, 15 November 2013Koreshan State Historic Site History — page on the Friends of Koreshan State Park websiteKoreshan State Historic Site plans for future — by Maryann Batlle, Naples Daily News, 31 July 2016Sr. Marco Pagano's YouTube Channel — Includes a variety of videos about the Earth as a concave sphere, with over 500K views to date Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Koreshans believed that the earth was hollow, and that humans lived on the concave inside surface of it. They theorised that the moon and stars, and indeed the rest of the universe, was contained within. On the outside? A void. When they formed the utopian community in Estero, Florida that they called the Koreshan Unity Settlement, a common greeting of one member to another was, “We live inside.”Special Guest: Lyn Millner.Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/6" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> in Australia, or the <a href="http://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Cultic Studies Association</a> outside of Australia.Links:<ul><li><a href="https://archive.org/details/cellularcosmogo01morrgoog" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The cellular cosmogony, or, The earth, a concave sphere, Part 1</a> — by Koresh and Ulysses G. Morrow, The Guiding Star Publishing House, 1898</li><li><a href="https://archive.org/details/immortalmanhood00koregoog" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Immortal Manhood: The Laws and Processes of Its Attainment in the Flesh</a> — by Koresh, The Guiding Star Publishing House, 1902</li><li><a href="https://www.lynmillner.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Allure of Immortality: An American Cult, a Florida Swamp, and a Renegade Prophet</a> — by Lyn Millner, University Press of Florida, 2015</li><li><a href="https://www.esterospotlight.com/news/2015-11-01/Spotlight_News/Author_turns_over_every_rock_to_reveal_Esteros_Kor.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Author turns over every rock to reveal Estero’s Koreshans</a> — by Dayna Harpster, Spotlight Estero News Magazine, 1 November 2015</li><li><a href="http://www.news-press.com/story/life/2015/10/19/koreshans-cyrus-teed-estero-millner-book-florida-allure-immortality-hollow-universe/73813520/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cyrus Teed, Estero's Koreshans get their due in new book</a> — by Amy Bennett Williams, News-Press, 19 October 2015</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4BPXGYtMb8" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Teed House at Koreshan State Historic Site</a> — Video uploaded by YouTube user Florida Trailblazer, 15 November 2013</li><li><a href="http://friendsofkoreshan.org/koreshan-state-historic-site-history/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Koreshan State Historic Site History</a> — page on the Friends of Koreshan State Park website</li><li><a href="https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/local/2016/07/31/koreshan-state-historic-site-plans-future/87581904/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Koreshan State Historic Site plans for future</a> — by Maryann Batlle, Naples Daily News, 31 July 2016</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/marcomangascortas/videos" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Sr. Marco Pagano's YouTube Channel</a> — Includes a variety of videos about the Earth as a concave sphere, with over 500K views to date</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Koreshanity

Chung Moo Quan

Chung Moo Quan positioned itself as a superior martial arts school that taught eight different practices at once. Though this may have originally struck prospective students as a bargain-and-a-half, many who chose to take it up would come out the other end having lost thousands of dollars, personal relationships and job opportunities, and even their sense of self. Before the school’s founder and four other defendants were jailed in 1995, various experts had told reporters that Chung Moo Quan fit their definition of a destructive cult.Special Guest: Russell Johnson.Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact Cult Information and Family Support in Australia, or the International Cultic Studies Association outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention.Links:Deceived: The Moo Years — podcast by Russell Johnson, with many resources from his researchHerding the Moo: Exploits of a Martial Arts Cult — by Joe Smith, Trafford Publishing, 2006Investigators: Students take aim at martial arts school  — by Chris Ingalls, KING 5 News, 16 February 2005The Cult and the Con — special report by Pam Zekman, CBS 2 Chicago, 1989Chung Moonies? Critics call martial-arts club a cult of violence and greed — by Ric Kahn, The Boston Phoenix, 25 October 1991Be True to Your School — by Jennifer Vogel, City Pages, 1 April 1992The Martial Arts Cult of John C. Kim — by Laurence Gonzales, unpublished article for Penthouse, 5 May 1992 Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chung Moo Quan positioned itself as a superior martial arts school that taught eight different practices at once. Though this may have originally struck prospective students as a bargain-and-a-half, many who chose to take it up would come out the other end having lost thousands of dollars, personal relationships and job opportunities, and even their sense of self. Before the school’s founder and four other defendants were jailed in 1995, various experts had told reporters that Chung Moo Quan fit their definition of a destructive cult.Special Guest: Russell Johnson.Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/16" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> in Australia, or the <a href="http://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Cultic Studies Association</a> outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a>.Links:<ul><li><a href="https://www.deceivedpodcast.com/photo-and-news-galley" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Deceived: The Moo Years</a> — podcast by Russell Johnson, with many resources from his research</li><li><a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=PqYjr970lR4C&amp;dq" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Herding the Moo: Exploits of a Martial Arts Cult</a> — by Joe Smith, Trafford Publishing, 2006</li><li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20061125104530/http://www.king5.com/localnews/investigators/stories/NW_021605INKoomyungdoeJK.b55fbaa5.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Investigators: Students take aim at martial arts school </a> — by Chris Ingalls, KING 5 News, 16 February 2005</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo95dvUDez0" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Cult and the Con</a> — special report by Pam Zekman, CBS 2 Chicago, 1989</li><li><a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a282998ace8649af35ac166/5a778c74f9619a31bd56c2ec/5a778c91e4966bf9ce801838/1517784655788/bostonpagetwo.jpg?format=1500w" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Chung Moonies? Critics call martial-arts club a cult of violence and greed</a> — by Ric Kahn, The Boston Phoenix, 25 October 1991</li><li><a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a282998ace8649af35ac166/t/5a7f2923e4966bd4a4ed774a/1518283043971/City+Pages.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Be True to Your School</a> — by Jennifer Vogel, City Pages, 1 April 1992</li><li><a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a282998ace8649af35ac166/t/5a9abc5c71c10b1a7d09bf02/1520090221175/Penthouse05051992+001.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Martial Arts Cult of John C. Kim</a> — by Laurence Gonzales, unpublished article for Penthouse, 5 May 1992</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Poia Alpha

Grace J. Adams and Poia Alpha are two sisters from New Zealand, who joined David Koresh’s Branch Davidians in the 1980s along with their other sister, the younger Rebecca. Poia left the sect in early 1990, and Grace in late 1991. Rebecca remained with the group at the compound in Waco, Texas, and perished in the fire of April 1993. Grace and Poia have recently released their memoir, called ‘Hearken O Daughter’, and I caught up with them on a recent trip to Auckland.Special Guest: Grace J. Adams and Poia Alpha.Full research sources listed here. You can support us on Patreon or Acast+, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available on audiobook now.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact Cult Information and Family Support in Australia, or the International Cultic Studies Association outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the International Association for Suicide Prevention.Links:Hearken O Daughter — by Grace J. Adams and Poia Alpha, 2018Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships — by Janja Lalich and Madeleine Tobias, Bay Tree Publishing, 2006 Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grace J. Adams and Poia Alpha are two sisters from New Zealand, who joined David Koresh’s Branch Davidians in the 1980s along with their other sister, the younger Rebecca. Poia left the sect in early 1990, and Grace in late 1991. Rebecca remained with the group at the compound in Waco, Texas, and perished in the fire of April 1993. Grace and Poia have recently released their memoir, called ‘Hearken O Daughter’, and I caught up with them on a recent trip to Auckland.Special Guest: Grace J. Adams and Poia Alpha.Full research sources listed <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/12" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You can support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=7859667" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/293c3043-0316-4f41-80cf-037ced3466c1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Acast+</a>, with a <a href="http://paypal.me/SarahPSteel" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">one-off donation</a>, or grab some <a href="https://www.ltaspod.com/merch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">merch</a>. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is <a href="https://bit.ly/3dEBQuF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">available on audiobook now</a>.If you have been personally affected by involvement in a cult, or would like to support those who have been, contact <a href="http://www.cifs.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cult Information and Family Support</a> in Australia, or the <a href="http://www.icsahome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Cultic Studies Association</a> outside of Australia.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or find your local crisis centre via the <a href="http://www.iasp.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a>.Links:<ul><li><a href="https://store.bookbaby.com/book/hearken-o-daughter" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Hearken O Daughter</a> — by Grace J. Adams and Poia Alpha, 2018</li><li><a href="https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Take_Back_Your_Life.html?id=_m1RAAAACAAJ&amp;redir_esc=y" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships</a> — by Janja Lalich and Madeleine Tobias, Bay Tree Publishing, 2006</li></ul> Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Interview Episode: Grace J. Adams and Poia Alpha, Former Branch Davidians

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