Best Cult Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 398: Irrationally Justified 1:28:24

1d ago1:28:24

1:28:24

Have you ever read Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality?? Perhaps spent too much money on a self help workshop seminar? Join us as we talk about Eliezer Yudkowsky and his masterpiece of fiction. Where will this story truly lead us in this tale of rational magic and science. With our last episode on the topic trigger warning for some bad ment…

1
Episode 398: Irrationally Justified 1:28:24

6h ago1:28:24

1:28:24

Have you ever read Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality?? Perhaps spent too much money on a self help workshop seminar? Join us as we talk about Eliezer Yudkowsky and his masterpiece of fiction. Where will this story truly lead us in this tale of rational magic and science. With our last episode on the topic trigger warning for some bad ment…

1
UNLOCKED BONUS EPISODE-Chaos & Control: Navigating Information Overload PT. 1 25:06

3d ago25:06

25:06

I originally released this episode as a Patreon exclusive, but I'm making this episode available to all listeners due to its timely relevance to current events. As our nation experiences unprecedented political turbulence, understanding how to process the constant flow of information becomes more important than ever. In Chaos and Control part 1, I …

1
Freemasonry: Ch 3: The Ritual 1:51:45

3d ago1:51:45

1:51:45

Cultish is a 100% crowdfunded ministry. Partner with us & be part of the mission to mission to change lives. https://donorbox.org/cultishBy Jeff Durbin

1
Falun Gong 1:11:51

4d ago1:11:51

1:11:51

Falun Gong is familiar to many as a spiritual exercise movement, and a sect that has been persecuted by the People’s Republic of China. In Sydney you'll often see practitioners demonstrating by Town Hall with flyers sharing stories of organ harvesting of wrongfully imprisoned members. But former devotees have come forward with stories of coercion a…

1
The Mind Is Burning: Prologue 8:13

5d ago8:13

8:13

A preview of my memoir for Dear Franklin Jones listeners. THE MIND IS BURNING: Losing my Father to a Cult and Dementia is on sale May 13th and will only be available as an audiobook. You can pre-order your copy now from TheMindisBurning.com or wherever audiobooks are sold.By Witness Docs

1
S3 E31 Born and Razed: In Conversation with Beth Granger 1:21:34

6d ago1:21:34

1:21:34

In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with author Beth Granger, a cult survivor and representative plaintiff in a landmark class action lawsuit against her abusers. Beth shares her experiences growing up in Grenville Christian College, a cult disguised as a school, and discusses the challenges of recovery and the importance o…

1
BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW-The Dynamics of Consent: Freedom vs. Coercion pt. 1 5:14

8d ago5:14

5:14

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this thought-provoking bonus episode, Rachel dives deep into the complex and often misunderstood topic of consent. With a powerful exploration of how consent can be manipulated, she high…

1
Episode 397: The Philosophers Science 1:18:20

8d ago1:18:20

1:18:20

Have you ever read Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality?? Perhaps spent too much money on a self help workshop seminar? Join us as we talk about Eliezer Yudkowsky and his masterpiece of fiction. Where will this story truly lead us in this tale of rational magic and science. Thanks for listening and remember to like, rate, review, and email u…

1
Episode 397: The Philosophers Science 1:18:20

9d ago1:18:20

1:18:20

Have you ever read Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality?? Perhaps spent too much money on a self help workshop seminar? Join us as we talk about Eliezer Yudkowsky and his masterpiece of fiction. Where will this story truly lead us in this tale of rational magic and science. Thanks for listening and remember to like, rate, review, and email u…

1
Freemasonry: Ch 2: Symbolism 1:44:40

10d ago1:44:40

1:44:40

Cultish is a 100% crowdfunded ministry. Partner with us & be part of the mission to mission to change lives. https://donorbox.org/cultishBy Jeff Durbin

1
Born & Razed with Beth Granger 1:22:35

10d ago1:22:35

1:22:35

In this gripping episode, Rachel welcomes Beth Granger, a courageous survivor of a Christian cult. Beth shares her harrowing journey from being raised in a controlling environment to her eventual escape at the age of 31. Now a teacher, wife, and mother, Beth has dedicated her life to helping others heal from the long-term impacts of religious traum…

1
Ep. 315 The Church Universal Pt. 2: Theosophy Strikes Again 1:14:19

11d ago1:14:19

1:14:19

We're BACK with our final installment on a woman literally named Prophet. Listen along as Paige tells Mando about Ms. Prophet's takeover, remarriages, and the fall of the whole damn thing. Also, we have a Patreon! [Insert Air Horn Noises Here] If you'd like to donate and join our cult, please visit www.patreon.com/cultpodcast or visit our website a…

1
S3 E30 The Reluctant Apostate: In Conversation with Lloyd Evans 1:19:06

13d ago1:19:06

1:19:06

In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Lloyd Evans, a former Jehovah's Witness and current activist, about his journey out of the organisation and the complexities of Jehovah's Witness beliefs. They discuss the history of the Jehovah's Witnesses, the impact of indoctrination on children, and the challenges faced by those …

1
Introducing: The Mind Is Burning 2:10

15d ago2:10

2:10

A very special announcement for fans of Dear Franklin Jones. Introducing my memoir and audiobook. THE MIND IS BURNING: Losing my Father to a Cult and Dementia is on sale May 13th and will only be available as an audiobook. You can pre-order your copy now from TheMindisBurning.com or wherever audiobooks are sold.…

1
Episode 396: Sloppy Style with Christ (Part 3 of 3) 1:35:21

16d ago1:35:21

1:35:21

This week we finish our discussion about those naughty nuns who are getting into trouble. This friday in the convent of Sant'Ambrogio, Sister Maria Luisa and Princess Katharina Wilhelmine go head to head. Who is more saintlike? Which is the most adored and loved? Why does one of them smell good? Learn what the end of our tale holds in this final ep…

1
Episode 396: Sloppy Style with Christ (Part 3 of 3) 1:35:21

16d ago1:35:21

1:35:21

This week we finish our discussion about those naughty nuns who are getting into trouble. This friday in the convent of Sant'Ambrogio, Sister Maria Luisa and Princess Katharina Wilhelmine go head to head. Who is more saintlike? Which is the most adored and loved? Why does one of them smell good? Learn what the end of our tale holds in this final ep…

1
The Absurdity of Belief with Jon Atack 1:08:04

17d ago1:08:04

1:08:04

In the latest episode, Rachel had the privilege of speaking once again with Jon Atack, a renowned expert on authoritarian cult groups and the author of several influential books, including "Let's Sell These People a Piece of Blue Sky." Jon has spent decades studying the psychological mechanisms that underpin cult behavior, and his insights are both…

1
Freemasonry: Ch 1 : Leaving The Lodge 1:39:33

17d ago1:39:33

1:39:33

Join us for the first part of our long-awaited series on The Masonic Lodge.Our guest, Chris, is a former Third Degree Master Mason from the Blue Lodge in Alabama.If you are a Mason, it is important to understand that your experience may not exactly reflect that of our guest, as there is no central authority in Freemasonry; each lodge operates compl…

1
Children in Scientology with Mirriam Francis 1:11:03

18d ago1:11:03

1:11:03

In the wake of updates to Child Safety Standards emerging from Australia’s Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, Mirriam Francis wrote to Victoria’s Commission for Children and Young People outlining the ways in which she sees Scientology teachings and practices to be violating these standards. While concepts of relig…

1
S3 E29 In Conversation with Shanny Pants! 1:04:29

20d ago1:04:29

1:04:29

In this episode, Shannon Payton AKA Shanny Pants shares her journey of growing up in a high-control religious cult, her experiences navigating life outside of it, and the challenges of parenting while healing from past trauma. She discusses the impact of her upbringing on her identity, relationships, and mental health, as well as the importance of …

1
BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW- Navigating Moral Injury: Healing After Cult Involvement 6:18

22d ago6:18

6:18

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this thought-provoking bonus episode, Rachel addresses the often-overlooked topic of moral injury experienced by ex-cult members. She delves into the psychological, social, and spiritual dis…

1
Episode 395: Gaslight, Gospel, Girlboss (Part 2 of 3) 1:34:23

23d ago1:34:23

1:34:23

This week we continue discuss some naughty nuns who are getting into trouble. This friday in the convent of Sant'Ambrogio, Sister Maria Luisa and Princess Katharina Wilhelmine go head to head. Who is more saintlike? Which is the most adored and loved? Why does one of them smell good? And now the pope is involved! Thanks for listening and remember t…

1
Episode 395: Gaslight, Gospel, Girlboss (Part 2 of 3) 1:34:23

23d ago1:34:23

1:34:23

This week we continue discuss some naughty nuns who are getting into trouble. This friday in the convent of Sant'Ambrogio, Sister Maria Luisa and Princess Katharina Wilhelmine go head to head. Who is more saintlike? Which is the most adored and loved? Why does one of them smell good? And now the pope is involved! Thanks for listening and remember t…

1
Clearly Lies Are True: Surviving Scientology Pt.2 w/ Pamela Nickel Williams 1:27:40

24d ago1:27:40

1:27:40

In this powerful continuation of Rachel's conversation with Pamela Nickel Williams, the two delve deeper into Pamela's traumatic experiences growing up in Scientology and the complex dynamics of her family relationships. Pamela shares her painful journey of reconciling her childhood memories, including the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of …

1
SGAs with Maria Esguerra 1:21:02

25d ago1:21:02

1:21:02

Maria Esguerra escaped the Children of God at the age of 22 with her two children who have disabilities. Maria’s firsthand experience drives her passion to support fellow survivors of cults and institutions, advocating for specialised understanding, interventions and access to governmental schemes such as Redress. Maria has actively engaged in medi…

1
S3 E28 Peace Educator, Author... CULT LEADER? Maharaji/Prem Rawat 1:13:20

28d ago1:13:20

1:13:20

In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Don Johnson, who shares his journey from being a follower of Prem Rawat to becoming an instructor within the suspected cult. Don discusses his initial attraction to the teachings, the experiences that led him deeper into the organisation, and the cognitive dissonance he faced as he b…

1
Episode 394: Pen Pals with the Virgin Mary (Part 1 of 3) 1:28:22

29d ago1:28:22

1:28:22

This week we discuss some naughty nuns who are getting into trouble. This friday in the convent of Sant'Ambrogio, Sister Maria Luisa and Princess Katharina Wilhelmine go head to head. Who is more saintlike? Which is the most adored and loved? Why does one of them smell good? Tune in for some wild nuns. Thanks for listening and remember to like, rat…

1
Episode 394: Pen Pals with the Virgin Mary (Part 1 of 3) 1:28:22

29d ago1:28:22

1:28:22

This week we discuss some naughty nuns who are getting into trouble. This friday in the convent of Sant'Ambrogio, Sister Maria Luisa and Princess Katharina Wilhelmine go head to head. Who is more saintlike? Which is the most adored and loved? Why does one of them smell good? Tune in for some wild nuns. Thanks for listening and remember to like, rat…

1
Ep. 314 The Church Universal: Build Your Own Past Life 58:55

1M ago58:55

58:55

We're BACK with an episode that takes us back to our roots, baybee. I'm talking theosophy, I'm talking terrible husbands, I'm talking randomly selecting famous figures from the past to be your "previous lives". Yeah. This one got everything. Join Paige as she takes Mando through the life of Elizabeth Prophet and the beginnings of the Church Univers…

1
Clearly Lies Are True: Surviving Scientology Pt.1 w/ Pamela Nickel Williams 1:33:32

1M ago1:33:32

1:33:32

In this compelling episode, Rachel Bernstein sits down with Pamela Nickel Williams, a former member of Scientology and an accomplished educator, to explore her harrowing journey from childhood within the church to becoming a survivor and advocate. Pamela was born into Scientology, with parents who were early followers and worked closely with L. Ron…

1
Part 2: How to talk to Jehovah's Witnesses 58:56

1M ago58:56

58:56

Check out Brett's work Partner With Us. Shop Our MerchBy Jeff Durbin

1
Interview Episode: An Everyday Cult with Gerette Buglion 57:22

1M ago57:22

57:22

Gerette Buglion holds a B.A. in Elementary Education and Special Education, and earned her ‘Master's Degree’ in cult awareness education from the school of life. She emerged from her 18-year cult odyssey in 2014 at age 52, and asked herself, "How did I, an educated, caring mother, wife, and business owner become that lost and for that long?" Gerett…

1
S3 E27 The Troubled Teen Industry: CEDU 1:26:59

1M ago1:26:59

1:26:59

In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Kari Bunn, a survivor of the troubled teen industry, specifically the CEDU reform school. They discuss the historical context of CEDU, its connections to the cult Synanon, and the broader troubled teen industry. Kari shares her experiences and insights into the psychological manipula…

1
BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW-Resisting Cultic Thinking: Strategies for Empowerment 5:32

1M ago5:32

5:32

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this insightful bonus episode, Rachel delves into the critical topic of resisting cultic thinking. She begins by defining cultic thinking and its impact on individual identity, highlightin…

1
Episode 393: Ye Olde cults 1:29:57

1M ago1:29:57

1:29:57

This week we go into a deeper discourse on the concept of ancient mysteries. We lightly dicsuss a few topics we have already done and get into more of what a modern cult looks like. Tune in as we look back and analyze past cults compared to the present. Thanks for listening and remember to like, rate, review, and email us at: cultscryptidsconspirac…

1
Episode 393: Ye Olde cults 1:29:57

1M ago1:29:57

1:29:57

This week we go into a deeper discourse on the concept of ancient mysteries. We lightly dicsuss a few topics we have already done and get into more of what a modern cult looks like. Tune in as we look back and analyze past cults compared to the present. Thanks for listening and remember to like, rate, review, and email us at: cultscryptidsconspirac…

1
Understanding Pathological Manipulation with Dr. Peter Salerno 1:33:47

1M ago1:33:47

1:33:47

In this enlightening episode, Rachel engages with Dr. Peter Salerno, a licensed psychotherapist and trauma-informed educator, to discuss the complex dynamics of pathological relationship abuse and the psychological impact of cultic environments. Drawing from his extensive experience and personal journey, Dr. Salerno sheds light on the characteristi…

1
Part 1: How to talk to Jehovah's Witnesses 54:14

1M ago54:14

54:14

Check out Brett's work Partner With Us. Shop Our MerchBy Jeff Durbin

1
Interview Episode: The Community of Jesus 50:00

1M ago50:00

50:00

Ewan Whyte's feature essay, ‘The Cult That Raised Me’ – about the United States based Community of Jesus and Grenville Christian College – includes the introduction, “When I was 11, my parents sent me to Grenville Christian College, a prestigious Anglican boarding school in Brockville. It turned out to be a perverse fundamentalist cult that brainwa…

1
Ep. 313 Hobby Lobby: When Joann Met Michael's 1:12:54

1M ago1:12:54

1:12:54

We're BACK, baybee! Rising from the dead to give you a life update and also to ask you to join Paige as she takes Mando through the tumultuous timeline of Hobby Lobby, the only craft store that asks "What Would Jesus Do?" And then...mostly ignores that question actually. PANIC FEST is coming up in just a week, if you want tickets to our show on Mar…

1
S3 E26 Students of Light: Kidnapped in Plain Sight 1:50:18

1M ago1:50:18

1:50:18

*TRIGGER WARNING THIS EPISODE CONTAINS THEMES OF CHILD ABUSE. LISTEN WITH CAUTION!!!* In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Brenda Blais, who shares her harrowing experiences of childhood sexual abuse within the cult-like environment of the Students of Light. Brenda recounts her introduction to the group at a young age, …

1
Episode 392: Sweet, Sweet Marrow (Part 2 of 2) 1:44:04

1M ago1:44:04

1:44:04

This week we finish our topic on the bones found at the Cerutti Mastodon site. Will the foundation of human history be upheaved? How delicious is bone marrow? Tune in and find out this thrilling scientific conclusion. Thanks for listening and remember to like, rate, review, and email us at: [email protected] or tweet us at @C3Podc…

1
Episode 392: Sweet, Sweet Marrow (Part 2 of 2) 1:44:04

1M ago1:44:04

1:44:04

This week we finish our topic on the bones found at the Cerutti Mastodon site. Will the foundation of human history be upheaved? How delicious is bone marrow? Tune in and find out this thrilling scientific conclusion. Thanks for listening and remember to like, rate, review, and email us at: [email protected] or tweet us at @C3Podc…

1
Part 3 | SDA on Trial: The Investigative Judgement 1:48:00

2M ago1:48:00

1:48:00

Join us for the final part of our conversation with Myles from Answering Adventism as we take an extended look at 'The Investigative Judgment.' This has always been considered one of the most contentious aspects of Ellen G. White’s theology, and for many former Adventists, it was the ultimate dealbreaker that led them to leave Adventism. What exact…

1
The Art of Pretending: Unmasking Con Artists with Javier Leiva 1:26:24

2M ago1:26:24

1:26:24

In this thought-provoking episode, Rachel welcomes Javier Leiva, a true crime podcaster and storyteller, to explore the intricate world of con artists and cult leaders. With his extensive background in journalism, Javier shares his insights into the psychology of deception and manipulation, drawing from his experiences with notorious fraudsters and…

1
Amanda Rae - The Kingston Clan and Escaping Polygamy 1:24:45

2M ago1:24:45

1:24:45

Today our guest is Amanda Rae, host of YouTube channel by the same name and former member of the Kingston Clan, or the Order, a polygamist group in Utah, not to be confused with the FLDS. Some of you may remember our previous guest Priscilla from the same group - both of these gals were on Escaping Polygamy. Amanda’s going to tell us who the Kingst…

1
S3 E25 Inside the Bride of Christ Cult 1:31:46

2M ago1:31:46

1:31:46

In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Zacch Comfort, creator of the Boiled Frogs podcast, which explores the cult he grew up in. They discuss the origins of the cult, the abusive dynamics within it, and the impact on children raised in such an environment. Zacch shares personal stories about his family's involvement, the…

1
BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Chaos & Control: Navigating Information Overload pt.2 5:34

2M ago5:34

5:34

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠ In part two of this insightful Patreon exclusive bonus episode, Rachel dives deeper into the pervasive issue of information overload and its impact on our mental well-being. Building on the…

1
Episode 391: CalTrans' Worst Nightmare (Part 1 of 2) 1:39:33

2M ago1:39:33

1:39:33

In this epsiode, we dive into a hotly contested theory on the origins of humanity in the Americas. Listen along to our discussion of the Cerutti Mastodon site in Cristina's very own home town! RIP CalTrans, but science had to happen. Thanks for listening and remember to like, rate, review, and email us at: [email protected] or twe…

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