Speaking of Cults
Latest Episodes
Speaking of Cults...Scientology's Repeating Pattern of Abuse ft. Julie McKernan
This week's show is an interview with 2nd gen, former Scientologist Julie McKernan, a woman who has a long and fascinating tale to discuss about her growing up in Scientology, what it meant to her and what happened to her including a shockingly horrible i
Speaking of Cults...A Reformed Sociopath's Origin Story with Shawn McCraney
This week I welcome Shawn McCraney, artist, pastor and someone with a story to tell of an abusive upbringing, a violent past and a reformed mental state due to the influence of religion and learned empathy. We talk about a wide range of issues and go deep
Speaking of Cults...Not So Shiny or Happy People with Dr. Clint Heacock
This week I welcome author and former Evangelical pastor Dr. Clint Heacock to share his new work, Not So Shiny Not So Happy People about his upbringing and early adult life in the Evangelical world where physical and spiritual abuse were not only part of
Speaking of Cults...Growing Up a Child of Scientology with Pamela Nickel Williams
This week I welcome author and former Scientologist Pamela Nickel Williams to discuss her upcoming memoir, Clearly Lies are True about her life growing up in and around Scientology and the Sea Org. It's a harrowing tale and we go into a lot of detail abou
Speaking of Cults...What Does it Take to DeCult? (with Anke Richter)
This week I welcome Anke Richter, journalist, author and organizer of the DeCult Conference in New Zealand on Oct 20, 2024. Anke and I have a very informative and interesting conversation this week about cults around the world, her own experience in a sex
Speaking of Cults...Where Neuroscience and Cults Meet ft. Ann Betz, PCC
This week I welcome Ann Betz, author and coach, who has not only had her own experience with a cult-like Large Group Awareness Training but has also done graduate work in neuroscience and has a lot to say in helping explain why we can all be susceptible t
Speaking of Cults...Is Traditional Catholicism a Cult? ft. Anthony Spurgin
This week I welcome back Anthony Spurgin, a man who previously shared his story of growing up as a Traditional Catholic, to discuss the movement in more detail, how its loosely structured and whether this is actually a cult or not. Enjoy! Anthony's YouTub
Speaking of Cults...What You Don't Know About Critical Thinking ft. Melanie Trecek-King
This week I welcome back educator, author and amazing guest Melanie Trecek-King to discuss critical thinking, her work as an educator and we go deep on the aspects of critical thinking that do not get talked about enough anywhere, including in the ex-cult
Speaking of Cults...Overcoming Child Abuse in Religious Groups ft. Dr. Maurice Turmel
This week I welcome Dr. Maurice Turmel, a clinical psychologist with decades of experience treating religious trauma syndrome and author of Breaking the Spell of Religion. We discuss the negative attitudes and behavior that are often present in deeply rel
Speaking of Cults...Religious Extremism in America ft. Rev. Ben Cremer
This week I welcome Reverend Benjamin Cremer, a Christian pastor and religious influencer who has some very positive Christian messaging to fight back against the more extreme versions of Christianity that are trying so hard to take away the rights of all