Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation
A podcast about cults, extreme belief, and manipulation – from two hosts who’ve actually lived it. Hosted by Lola Blanc and Meagan Elizabeth. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or manipulation? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, March 12, 2025
Amanda Rae - The Kingston Clan and Escaping Polygamy
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 Kingstons are, how many mothers she had, and the principle of “pure Kingston blood” that led to people sometimes intermarrying with relatives - some of whom were underage girls. She’ll tell us about how her 2 years at public school helped her think critically about the differences between what the cult SAID about outsiders and people of color - versus the reality that they were just normal people, how children as young as 9 are sent to work after school, and why the day she left began with a physical altercation with a grown man in the group. See resources below if you're in need of therapy or support: https://holdingouthelp.org/ https://voicesfordignity.com/ BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, March 05, 2025
Maggie Rowe - Sinning Bravely and Moral Scrupulosity
Today our guest is Maggie Rowe, former writer on Arrested Development and author of Sin Bravely, a book about her experiences with moral scrupulosity, or sin-focused OCD. We talk a lot about OCD on this show, so here’s a guest who wrote an entire book about growing up with religious obsessions! She’ll tell us about her first obsessions about what was and was not sin, how she started to analyze the Bible with a critical mind to try to understand how to avoid hell, and how her parents tried to help but her church leaders didn’t understand OCD and made it worse. We’ll talk about the compulsions she would engage in to make sure she was being the right amount of righteous, how she checked herself into a treatment facility for Christians, the incorrect diagnosis of bulimia she received, and how she finally got diagnosed with moral scrupulosity and began getting the treatment she actually needed. Trust Me is sponsored by ZocDoc! Stop putting off those doctors appointments! Go to ZocDoc.com/trustme to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor TODAY! BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, February 26, 2025
Caleb Ward, Part 2 - Disneyland for Christians and Exiting the Church
Former evangelical Christian and pastor's son Caleb Ward continues his story of growing up in evangelical culture in the early 2000s. We discuss some of the touchstones of his youth including Heritage USA (Disneyland for Christians) and Christian rock event Creation Festival, as well as his fear of losing his virginity before marriage, what hell to meant to him (and Lola and Meagan) growing up, how his dad was an example of healthy church leadership, how his parents were ostracized when they left the church, and what solidified his decision to leave evangelical Christianity We have deals for you!! Quince : Give yourself the luxury you deserve! Go to Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust for 10% off your first month! BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, February 19, 2025
Caleb Ward, Part 1 - Kingdom Life Ministries and Evangelical Youth Culture
Former pastor's son Caleb Ward joins Lola and Meagan to share his experience about the height of evangelical culture in the early 2000s in a church called Kingdom Life Ministries. Caleb discusses growing up in an environment where everyone was speaking in tongues and having loud prophecies in the middle of church, the pressures that come with being the son of a pastor, how heightened emotional experiences keep people connected to their churches, wild evangelical youth culture involving Christian rock, how good church leadership can actually exist, and why shunning is one of the worst parts of modern Christian religion. We have deals for you!! Prose : Looking for customized haircare? Go to Prose.com/trust for your FREE consultation and 50% off your custom routine! Shopify : Upgrade your business! Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: <span style="color: rgb(33,37,41);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 16px;font-f
Wed, February 12, 2025
Uriah Wesman, Part 2 - Growing Up in Three Cults (The Hearts Center and The Ideal Society)
Today is part 2 with Uriah Wesman, former member of THREE different cults. This week he’ll talk to us more about cult #2, the Hearts Center (which was an offshoot of cult #1 from last week), what it was like being a rebellious emo kid slowly starting to realize inconsistencies in the church, and how his dad discovered cult #3 in Canada, the Ideal Society. We’ll talk about why he loved Canada so much, how he became obsessed with Alex Jones in his rebellious phase, and what that third cult - a vegan meditation cult - was like, being surrounded by adults who spoke French and didn’t want him there. Plus, how he ended up leaving, and how creating a one man show helped him process his experiences. BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, February 05, 2025
Uriah Wesman, Part 1 - Growing Up in Three Cults (Church Universal and Triumphant)
Creator of the one man show 3 Cults Walk Into a Bar, Uriah Wesman, shares about his FIRST cult experience in Church Universal and Triumphant, how they combined Christianity and New Age ideas, the paranoia that was created by beliefs surrounding demons, his mom's mental deterioration that led her to accuse his father of being a demon, and his parents split that led him to his next cult... which we'll discuss next week! We have deals for you! ZocDoc : Stop putting off those doctors appointments! Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Shopify : Upgrade your business! Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Fri, January 24, 2025
Philip Deslippe & Stacie Stukin - 3HO, Kundalini Yoga, & Yogi Bhajan
Today our guests are historian Philip Deslippe and writer Stacie Sutkin, who together have done investigative reporting on 3HO (“happy, healthy, holy organization”), Kundalini yoga, and Yogi Bhajan. They’re going to tell us how they got started writing about 3HO, both interacting with Kundalini yoga in different ways, who Yogi Bhajan was and whether he had any credibility in the Sikh religion (spoiler: he did not), and how he began to get white Americans to believe he was the ultimate spiritual authority, rapidly expanding and profiting off of the money and property of his followers. They’ll tell us about some of the many ways Yogi Bhajan exerted control over his followers lives, the practice of separating children from their parents in a practice called “distance therapy,” and the boarding schools kids were sent to for years that turned out to be neglectful and abusive, all within full knowledge and approval of Yogi Bhajan. Plus, the wave of survivors that came forward to tell their stories of his and the organization’s abuse, and how they were failed by 3HO’s reparations program. We have deals for you! Quince : Upgrade your closet! Go to Quince.com/trust for 365-day returns PLUS free shipping on your order! Shopify : Need help with your business? Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola <span style="color: rgb(33,37,41);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 1
Wed, January 15, 2025
REWIND: Frank Lyford - Heaven's Gate, Part 2: Breaking Away
Episode 23: Lola Blanc & Meagan Elizabeth continue to interview Frank Lyford, former member of Heaven's Gate. In part 2, they discuss the growing number of red flags he began to notice after one of the leaders died, including talk of castration, and what led to his decision to finally, after 18 years, break away. He also tells the girls what it was like when he heard about the mass suicide on the news, how heartbreaking that was, the lessons he's learned as a result, and what his life is like now. Original Airdate : 03/17/2021 Trust Me is sponsored by Shopify! Upgrade your business! Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/trustme BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Fri, January 10, 2025
REWIND: Frank Lyford - Heaven's Gate, Part 1: The Nomadic Lifestyle
Episode 22: Lola & Meagan interview Frank Lyford, survivor of Heaven's Gate who left after 18 years--just a few years before discovering his friends and loved ones in the group had died by suicide. In part 1, he tells the girls how he began following the leaders Ti and Do, what it was like living a nomadic lifestyle with his "check partner," and what happened when they all settled in one place for "Class." They discuss being separated from the love of his life, how the rules became more strict and controlling, and how much darker things got after Ti got cancer. Stay tuned next week for part 2! Original Airdate : 03/10/2021 Trust Me is sponsored by Shopify! Upgrade your business! Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/trustme BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, January 01, 2025
Ashlen Hilliard - The Evolution of Cult Intervention Practices
Cult interventionist and founder of People Leave Cults, Ashlen Hilliard, talks about her path to working in cult intervention and recovery, her personal religious experience that led her to this work, how interactions with Mormons in Utah affected her worldview, how she defines what a cult is, why accusing a group of being a cult isn't always helpful, how cult intervention today is different from how it was in the 70s, how it used to involved kidnapping and unethical practices, how her model takes a harm reduction approach, and when cult intervention practices can become culty themselves! We have deals for you!! Shopify : Upgrade your business (Or start one in the new year)! Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/trustme ZocDoc : Stop putting off your doctors appointments! Go to ZocDoc.com/trustme to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Thu, December 26, 2024
REWIND: Joann Vaega: Waco Survivor and Former Branch Davidian
You're a child living on a remote compound in West Texas. One day authorities show up at your front door and an exchange of gunfire breaks out. Just as you expected would happen. Survivor of the Branch Davidians and the Waco massacre, Joann Vaega, discusses her earliest memories of living on the compound, what cult leader David Koresh was like in person, why she did not feel fear when the siege began, how her mom bravely acted to save her, learning about the fire that killed 76 people, including her own parents, and how she's currently defying how people said she would turn out. Original Airdate : 08/03/2022 WE HAVE DEALS FOR YOU!!! Prose : Need better haircare? Get 50% off your one-of-a-kind formula Prose.com/trust Babbel : Want to learn a new language? Get up to 60% off your subscription at Babbel.com/trustme Masterclass : Want to learn from world class experts? Get up to 50% off at Masterclass.com/trust Shopify : Upgrade your business! Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, December 18, 2024
Carolyn Costin - The Link Between Cults and Eating Disorders
FOR OUR 200th EPISODE, we are joined by eating disorder therapist, author, and expert Carolyn Costin to discuss her own experiences that led to her starting her practice, why so many cults control the eating habits of their members, why having an eating disorder is like having a little cult leader in your brain, and how Carolyn helped Meagan with her own eating disorder. Check out our holiday sponsors!! Quince : Gift luxury without the luxury price tag! Go to Quince.com/trust for 365-day returns PLUS free shipping on your order! ZocDoc : Find and book a top-rated doctor! Go to ZocDoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! Shopify : Upgrade your business! Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, December 11, 2024
Yoni Shrira, Part 2 - Hard Labor, Isolation, Running Away, and a Dark Legacy
Today is part 2 of our interview with Yoni Shrira, former student at the Family Foundation School, also known as Allynwood, the remote troubled teen program known for a series of lawsuits brought against it as well as over a hundred deaths from overdose or suicide by its former attendees. Last week, we talked about how and why Yoni ended up in the abusive school and the culture of required snitching, and this week he’s going to tell us about the punishments the kids endured, including hard labor and isolation. He’ll tell us about trying to run away, the origins of the group and the man who created it, how the kids were kept isolated from their families, the way it impacted him after he left, and why he thinks so many of its former students have died. Check out our holiday sponsors!! MasterClass : Want to learn from the very best? Get up to 50% off at MasterClass.com/trust Prose : GET 50% OFF your first haircare subscription order at Prose.com/trust ZocDoc : Need a doctor? Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! Shopify : Upgrade your business! Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month. Check out the work Lola's mom has been up to! https://www.sltrib.com/news/polygamy/2024/12/06/polygamous-prophet-how-flds/ 12 Step / Substance Abuse Resources https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/12-step https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/treatment-program/aftercare/types-12-step-programs/ https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/12-step-programs/ 988 -- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power?</
Wed, November 27, 2024
Yoni Shrira, Part 1 - The Family Foundation School, Troubled Teens, and Snitching Culture
Today our guest is Yoni Shrira, friend of the show and survivor of the Family Foundation School, a troubled teen sobriety school that became notorious for how many of its former students died after going through the program. In part one today, he’s going to talk about what he was like as a teenager, how he was genuinely out of control when it came to drugs and alcohol, and why his parents believed the school was the best option to help him. He’ll tell us about the religious undertones of the group, how the students were separated into groups they called “families,” the culture of constant fear and snitching, and why he thinks so many kids died. Plus next week, we’ll talk about some of the harrowing punishments the kids experienced and what it felt like to finally leave. We have holiday deals for you!! Prose : Find your one of a kind hair care formula! Get 50% off your first subscription order at Prose.com/trust Quince : Gift luxury this holiday! Go to Quince.com/trust for 365-day returns PLUS free shipping on your order! Shopify : Upgrade your business! Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Thu, November 21, 2024
Tory Hess - From Second Life to Wilderness Commune
Today our guest is Tory Hess, former member of a small rural group in upstate New York she calls Crazyland. She tells us about how she always loved reading and fantasy growing up, never went to public school, and didn’t connect easily with folks in real life when she was young, and how she found connection in the online gaming community Second Life, where she acted out her dream of having a family of her own... until it began to consume her life. She’ll tell us how some of the friends she made on there convinced her that she was spending too much time on the game, and that she should come live with them in upstate New York... in Crazyland . We’ll talk about how 13 people were living in one trailer, extremely uncomfortable living conditions, but how it fulfilled her desire for a family to take care of (at first). We’ll get into who the leader Ron was, the financial and sexual abuse he was committing, how he isolated her from her parents, and how she finally got out. Email Tory to learn more about her story! toryhess037@gmail.com BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Thu, November 14, 2024
REWIND: Jay Van Bavel - Groupthink, Social Identity, and Cult Psychology
Groups!... I did it again. Jay Van Bavel, NYU Associate Professor of Psychology and Neural Science, Director of the Social Identity and Morality Lab, and co-author of The Power Of Us, discusses how our social identities change depending on our environment and context, how the groups we identify with affect our decisions and perception, and the importance of instilling healthy hierarchy in a group to prevent unhealthy leadership. They also discuss how emotionally charged situations can forge shared identities, how cults replace individual identities with group identities, what to do when someone has fallen prey to groupthink, and whether groups are even... good? Learn more about Jay's work here! https://www.powerofus.online Original Airdate : 01/04/2023 Check out our holiday sponsors!!! Quince : Get cozy in high-quality fall wardrobe essentials! Go to Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Shopify : Upgrade your business! Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme Please donate to RedCross.org to help those affected by Huricanes Milton and Helene. BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, November 06, 2024
Bethany Joy Lenz - One Tree Hill, a Secret Cult, and Living a Double Life
Today our guest is actor, musician, and now author Bethany Joy Lenz, whom we will just call Joy. Joy was the star of hit TV show One Tree Hill, and today she’s going to talk to us about how she was in a Christian cult the whole time she was filming the show. She’ll tell us about her upbringing and her career as a young actor, living in LA on her own and joining a small Bible study group that seemed like the perfect place to share a community with like-minded young Christian actors, and how a charismatic preacher named Les began showing up, leading the meetings, and changing everything. She’ll tell us about going to a house in Idaho they called the “God spa,” how she was drugged at the house (but did not realize until later), and how Les began to exert more and more control over her life - including isolating her from her family and taking over her finances, which were being drained without her knowledge the entire time she was working on a hit television show - and how the group’s hold over her led her to turning down her dream role in her dream Broadway play. Plus, how she discovered her money was gone and finally decided to leave. We have deals for you!!! Pretty Litter : Looking for the right litter? Go to PrettyLitter.com/trustme to save 20% on your FIRST order and get a free cat toy! Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Thu, October 31, 2024
Anne - Psychosis, Delusions, & the Cult of Your Own Mind
Today, our guest is a friend who we'll call Anne. We discuss the connection between psychosis and cults, the mental changes Anne experienced when her episode started, the delusions that grew stronger, how she felt like she was communicating with spirits, the paranoia that grew inside her, and how a psychiatric mental health professional helped pull her out of it. We also compare the similarities of Anne's experience with that of many cult leaders, how coming out of a paranoid delusion is similar to coming out of a cult belief, and why it can be wise NOT to directly attack the beliefs of someone experiencing a psychotic episode. Trust Me is brought to you by Shopify! Upgrade your business! Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, October 23, 2024
REWIND: Jitarth Jadeja - Former QAnon Believer
Episode 15: Lola and Meagan interview Jitarth Jadeja, former QAnon believer. He tells the girls about how, despite being Australian, he first was a Bernie supporter, then shifted his support to Trump before becoming obsessed with conspiracy theories. They discuss the two years of his life in which he believed in Q, the moment he realized it was all a lie, how he'd have gone to the Capitol if he'd still believed, and what he suggests you should do if a loved one has fallen into QAnon. Original Airdate : 01/13/2021 BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, October 16, 2024
Gareth Gore - Opus Dei, Human Trafficking, & Project 2025
Today our guest is Gareth Gore, journalist and author whose new book Opus is about Opus Dei, an ultra-conservative Catholic sect, its harmful practices, its history of dark money, and its connections to modern day right-wing American politics. Gareth shares how he came to this story while investigating the shady practices at a bank in Spain, the history of the group and the leader’s goals of recruiting elite members of society, and its cultic practices like living in gender segregated homes with a highly controlled life and doing body mortification rituals. He tells about how members would groom kids as young as 11 or 12 to become people of influence in the group, how there are a number of reports of trafficking low-income young women and girls in various countries to exploit their labor at Opus Dei retreats, how some people were fed a cocktail of prescription drugs they didn’t need, and whether there’s been any accountability for these practices—which the group tries to officially distance themselves from. Plus, its ties to prominent US conservative activist Leonard Leo, who’s had an outsized influence in naming three of our current Supreme Court appointees and who’s tied to Project 2025, seeking to “crush liberal dominance.” Check out our great sponsors!! Quince : Get cozy in Quince's high-quality wardrobe essentials! Go to Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Shopify : Upgrade your business! Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, October 09, 2024
Norah - Girls Night In: L.A. Facebook Group Gone Culty
Today our guest is a woman whom we’ll call Norah. She tells us about a Facebook group for women in Los Angeles that ended up getting very culty. We’ll talk about why it was exciting in the beginning to connect with other women in a new way, how other subgroups began to form (including one secret, exclusive one) and how the admin, who we’ll call Vivian, seemed to be creating a space that prioritized social justice, equality, and helping other people—at first. Norah shares how the culture of the secret smaller group, Girls Night In, began to change, becoming a place where posting nudes was normalized and encouraged, sending them to other people’s boyfriends, and attacking anyone who deviated from Vivian’s ideas about what was good or bad. Plus, red flags that popped up along the way, controversies that made Norah begin to question, and how the group finally collapsed. Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, October 02, 2024
Demetria, Part 2 - Twin Ray Mysticism, Spiritual Retreats, and the Necessity of Rage
Today is part two with Demetria, survivor of the Oregon new age cult, Twin Ray. This week she shares more about the wild claims that the leaders made about their mystical backgrounds, how deeply rooted the culture of self blame was (including blaming one woman for her own cancer), and the massive property they purchased in Oregon which was financed by their followers. We talk about the dangers of the drugs they were giving people on spiritual retreats, when the cracks began to form in Demetria's belief system, and how important it was to feel her rage. Trust me is sponsored by ZocDoc! Find and book a top-rated doctor at Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Fri, September 27, 2024
Demetria, Part 1 - Online Gurus, Mysterious Elixirs, and Joining the Twin Ray Cult
Today we're joined by Demetria, survivor of an Oregon new age group called Twin Ray (not to be confused with Twin Flames). She describes the beginning of her spiritual journey including reading the works of Eckhart Tolle, how one specific online guru captured her imagination, and how this guru's partner made the claim that they were Twin Rays with access to special spiritual knowledge despite their questionable backgrounds. We discuss how they strictly controlled their followers' diets, made them take a mysterious elixir while on retreats, and how they made their sales pitch to them while they were under the influence. Check out our great sponsors! Shopify : Upgrade your business! Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/trustme Prose : Be good to your hair! Get 50% off your first haircare subscription order at Prose.com/trust BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, September 18, 2024
Joelle Tamraz, Part 2 - Meeting The Elders, Emotional Manipulation, and Moving On
This week is part two of a fascinating discussion with Joelle Tamraz, author of The Secret Practice: 18 Years on the Dark Side of Yoga. The story gets more wild! Joelle shares how her spiritual partner, Arun, became her husband, and how he brought her deeper into his world, including the strange visions he revealed to her. PLUS, the financial abuse, the cheating, the isolation from her family, and how Joelle eventually emerged from Arun's influence and moved on with her life. Check out our great sponsors!! Quince : Find your high-quality fall essentials! Go to Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! CBDistillery : Get CBD with CLEAN ingredient! Visit CBDistillery.com and use code TRUST for 20% off! BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, September 11, 2024
Joelle Tamraz, Part 1 - Traveling to India, Meeting a Swami, and "Past Lives"
Today is part one of our interview with Joelle Tamraz, author of the book The Secret Practice: 18 Years on the Dark Side of Yoga. She will tell us about her introduction to different yoga practices at a young age including TM, or transcendental meditation, the hunger she felt for a deeper spirituality that landed her in India when she was fresh out of Harvard, and how she met Arun, the self-proclaimed swami who was 35 years older than her and quickly became her spiritual teacher--and she’ll explain a bit about swami culture in India and the yoga world. She will also talk to us about how Arun made her feel special and important, eventually revealing that he was in contact with a series of beings he called “elders” that gave him privileged access to the spiritual realm, some of the ways he began to work his magic on her and why she was the perfect target, and how she felt when he revealed they had been married in another life—and should be married in this one, too. Check out our great sponsors!! Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trustme to get 10% off your first month. Shopify : Upgrade your business! Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, September 04, 2024
Sara Teitelman - The Culty Elements of Technology
Today’s guest is Sara Teitelman, tech consultant and author of a forthcoming book about tech who’s going to talk to us about the culty elements of technology. While Sara’s specialty lies more in optimization of the nonprofit workplace, we’re going to have more of a philosophical discussion about how we’re expected to just trust in our tech overlords without questioning - both the CEOs and the algorithms themselves - how it’s a sort of coercion to be handed algorithms and apps with no say in or understanding of how they work, and how AI factors into all of it. We’ll talk about the difficulty of reining in tech fast enough, how social media is dulling our critical thinking skills, and what she sees as a better approach to tech - and life in general. Trust me is sponsored by ZocDoc! Find and book a top-rated doctor at Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, August 28, 2024
Min Zhou, Part 2 - Labor Camps, Persecution, and Mass Killings in the Cultural Revolution
In part 2 of our interview with Min Zhou, survivor of the Cultural Revolution and Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Asian American Studies at UCLA, we’re going to talk more about Professor Zhou’s personal experience. We’ll discuss why her dad was a target of the Red Guards, what it felt like knowing her family was in danger at such a young age, how many people were massacred in different parts of China, and the human cost of this mass hysteria, hatred-stoking, and groupthink originally led by Chairman Mao and his cult-like propaganda campaigns. She’ll tell us about her parents being both sent to labor camps, the ways she and her siblings survived with them gone, how the Cultural Revolution finally calmed down over time and how she ended up all the way out here in LA, finally achieving her dream of teaching. Check out our great sponsors!! Quince - High-Quality Closet Essentials: Check out Quince.com/trust for free shipping and 365-day returns Shopify - Grow Your Business: Sign up at Shopify.com/trustme for a $1 per month trial period BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, August 21, 2024
Min Zhou, Part 1 - The Cult of Mao Zedong, and Growing Up in the Cultural Revolution
Today is part one with Min Zhou, Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Asian American Studies at UCLA, who also grew up during the Cultural Revolution: a decade of social chaos in China in the 1960s and 1970s where intellectuals, artists, and anyone perceived as representing capitalism or the "old ways" were persecuted and murdered in the hundreds of thousands or more. She’ll tell us about the backstory leading to this moment in history, who Mao Zedong was and what the country's climate was like when he began to use propaganda to create a cult of personality around himself, and the movement to “purge,” through psychological or violent means, anyone who disagreed with Mao’s policies. She’ll tell us about just how far the fanaticism and propaganda around Chairman Mao went, who the Red Guards were and how they initially seemed just like a cool subculture of young people when she was a kid - until they began to grow more destructive - and why her father was an immediate target. Plus, next week, we’ll discuss the labor camps her parents were sent to, and what it was like trying to survive while they were away. Check out our amazing sponsors this week! CBDistillery : Reset your health! Visit CBDistillery.com and use code TRUST for 20% off! Pluto.TV : Summer movies and tv... Free! Pluto.TV BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast <span st
Wed, August 14, 2024
Tia Levings, Part 2 - Questioning Fundamentalism, Motherhood, and the Dangers of Christian Nationalism
In part 2 with Tia Levings, author of A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy, Tia she discusses how, in the midst of a church-sanctioned abusive relationship, motherhood began to change her beliefs - at first making her more zealous. She’ll talk about how her time trying to save her baby in the children’s hospital, plus working with women doctors and nurses, planted the seeds to help her imagine a world that wasn’t completely run by men. She discusses moving to more heavily patriarchal churches, how the churches may change but it’s all part of the same larger evangelical culture, and how she joined a more extreme and isolated one as her husband became more authoritarian. Plus, she touches on her recovery process, as well as the ongoing and growing danger of fundamentalist Christianity in the United States government. Trust me is sponsored by: BetterHelp - Online Therapy : Visit BetterHelp.com/TRUST to get 10% off your first month PrettyLitter - Less Mess, Less Odor : Go to PrettyLitter.com/trustme and use code "trustme" to save 20% off your first order and get a free cat toy Quince - High-Quality Closet Essentials : Check out Quince.com/trust for free shipping and 365-day returns Shopify - Grow Your Business : Sign up at Shopify.com/trustme for a $1 per month trial period BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, August 07, 2024
Tia Levings, Part 1 - A Well-Trained Wife in the Christian Patriarchy
Today is part one with Tia Levings, author of A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy. We talk about the church her family joined when she was young, how it was connected to Bill Gothard and the IBLP - which is why you may have seen her in the Amazon docuseries Shiny Happy People - how it grew more fundamentalist, and how she met her ex-husband Allen, who was abusive from the beginning. Tia tells us about the culture of domestic abuse in the heavily patriarchal evangelical communities, including practices like wife spanking, and how various church leaders would enable the abuse. Trust me is sponsored by ZocDoc! Find and book a top-rated doctor at Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, July 31, 2024
Andrea Dunlop, Part 2 - A Family Torn, Munchausen by Proxy, & Critiquing Take Care of Maya
In part two of our interview with Andrew Dunlop, sister of a perpetrator of Medical Child Abuse (aka Munchausen by Proxy) AND host of the podcast No One Should Believe Me, we discuss the red flags that made her family realize what was going on, why CPS showed up at her sister's door, the 73,000 pages of medical records she found for her five year old niece, and why it's extremely common for victims to NOT be separated from perpetrators. We also talk about the documenatry Take Care of Maya, why she believes the storytelling is misleading, how there are certain figures who claim that medical child abuse is NOT real, and the thing that still gives her hope. Check out our great sponsors! Shopify : Run a business? Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme ZocDoc : Find and book a top-rated doctor at Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! Need a place? Check out Apartments.com - THE place to find a place! BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, July 24, 2024
Andrea Dunlop, Part 1 - Munchausen by Proxy, a Faked Miscarriage, and a Perpetrator in the Family
Today our guest is Andrea Dunlop, novelist and host of the podcast Nobody Should Believe Me, which is all about Munchausen by Proxy. She talks about Munchausen by Proxy, or medical child abuse, from a new point of view: what it’s like being related to the perpetrator. She’ll tell us about what her sister was like growing up, how she had exhibited Munchausen behaviors from a very young age, making herself seem to be sick before she had children, and how common that and other forms of deception are among people who later develop Munchausen by Proxy. We discuss how her sister faked a pregnancy and miscarriage, how the discovery of that messed with Andrea’s reality, the overlap of characteristics with people who exhibit signs of narcissism and psychopathy, and how actual medical misogyny complicates the whole thing. Check out our amazing sponsors!!! Prose : Need better haircare? Get an exclusive trial offer of 50% off your first subscription at Prose.com/trust CBDistillery : Reset your health! Visit CBDistillery.com and use code TRUST for 20% off! BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, July 17, 2024
J. Wesley Boyd - When Physician Health Programs Go Wrong
Today our guest is J. Wesley Boyd, psychiatrist, professor, and the director of education at the Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics. He joins us to talk about Physician Health Programs, (or PHPs) which are under-the-radar programs that most states have. They're supposed to be a place where doctors who are struggling with substance abuse or mental illness can go to recover. But Wes shares how a shocking number of doctors who do *not* have a substance use disorder are coerced into for-profit inpatient treatment that rips them away from their lives and costs them tens of thousands of dollars of their own money. And if they don’t comply with every demand, they’ll very likely lose their medical licenses. We’ll talk about the benevolent origin of PHPs, the profit motives that corrupted so many them over time, examples of folks who experienced this coercion at the expense of their mental health and career, and how no one believes people who were victims of them - which is why it’s important for people like Wes, who worked for one as a psychiatrist, to speak out. And as always, we will discuss the exceptions, because of course there are people who have been helped by them too. Check out our great sponsors!! Pretty Litter : Keep tabs on your cat’s health AND keep the odors down! Go to PrettyLitter.com/trustme and use code "trustme" to save 20% on your first order AND get a free cat toy! Quince : Need high quality essentials? Go to Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! Shopify : Run a business? Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, July 10, 2024
R. Derek Black, Part 2 - How a White Supremacist Changed Their Mind
Today is part two with R. Derek Black, former white supremacist turned anti-racism advocate, and author of The Klansman's Son: My Journey from White Nationalism to Antiracism. Today we discuss how and when Derek’s identity became exposed to their friend group, including drastically different reactions from fellow students, how they were invited to Shabbat dinner by some Jewish friends, and how over time the cognitive dissonance of believing in ideology that was dangerous to people they care about began to wear on them, eventually leading them to denounce white nationalism. BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, June 26, 2024
R. Derek Black, Part 1 - Former White Nationalist, Growing Up in the KKK, and Cognitive Dissonance
Today our guest is R. Derek Black, former poster child for white supremacy (now turned antiracist advocate) and author of the new memoir The Klansman’s Son. Derek, who came out as trans in this book, walks us through the white supremacist movement, where it stands now, what it was like growing up in a white nationalist family, being close to prominent neo-Nazi David Duke, how they were taught that the whole world misunderstood their "scientifically correct" ideology, and speaking to the press and becoming a public-facing figure of racism as a child. They’ll tell us about hosting a white nationalist radio show, going off to college, and how they began hanging out with a Jewish girl there who had no idea about this double life they’d been leading. Check out our great sponsors!! Babbel : Want to learn a new language? Get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription at Babbel.com/trustme Shopify : Run a business? Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme Get new episodes of Murder: True Crime Stories every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts! BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, June 19, 2024
Ian Rafalko, Part 2 - Son of a YouTube Scientologist Health Guru
In part two with Ian Rafalko, we go deeper into how he left Scientology, what that meant for his family life, and how his dad's lucrative online presence and supplement company tows the line of multi-level marketing. Ian will talk about the viral TikTok video he posted in which he said he was going to end his own life, why he decided not to, how his family reacted, and the paranoia he felt after going public. Get new episodes of Murder: True Crime Stories every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts! BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, June 12, 2024
Ian Rafalko, Part 1 - Former Scientology Auditor
Today is part one Ian Rafalko, a former scientologist from a prominent scientologist family AND son of a prominent YouTube health guru. We explore how his family joined Scientology, what it was like growing up in a group where children are treated as adult spirits in small bodies, whether Scientology creates little sociopaths, and some of the more detailed ins and outs of the system and beliefs. We’ll also talk about Ian’s experience as an auditor, how his rebellious nature started getting him in trouble, the ubiquitous culture of snitching, and how he started to deconstruct his upbringing. Check out our great sponsors!! Pretty Litter : Go to PrettyLitter.com/trustme and use code "trustme" to save 20% on your first order AND get a free cat toy! Quince : Need quality essentials? Go to Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Shopify : Run a business? Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, June 05, 2024
Aliia Roza - Former Russian Secret Agent and Sex Spy
Subject of the new Neil Strauss podcast "To Die For", Aliia Roza shares about her childhood in Russia, her father who worked for the government, the training school and how she was coerced into joining a secret program for sex operations, the seduction and manipulation techniques she learned, how she was sexually abused in school, how she used those skills to survive, what her first missions were like... and of course... whether she ever killed anyone. Plus, how she wants to use her knowledge now to help women who are struggling to find love. Check out our great sponsors!! ZocDoc : Find and book a top-rated doctor at Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! Aura : Get a 14 day trial PLUS a check of your data ALL FOR FREE at Aura.com/trust BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, May 29, 2024
Rabia Chaudry - Serial, True Crime, & Countering Violent Extremism
Lawyer, advocate, podcaster, writer, and the reason you know about Adnan Syed from Serial, Rabia Chaudry, talks about her experience advocating for him, what it was like entering the true crime world, why Adnan is free now, what disappointed her about the coverage of his story, her work in CVE (countering violent extremism), how any group or religion is capable of becoming fundamentalist or extreme, why extremism is not a strictly Muslim problem, and the power of story to change people's minds. Check out our great sponsors!! Quince : Get warm weather ready at Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order AND 365 day returns! ZocDoc : Find and book a top-rated doctor at Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! Shopify : Run a business? Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme Aura : Get a 14 day trial PLUS a check of your data ALL FOR FREE at Aura.com/trust BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Thu, May 23, 2024
Jessica Kahn - Y2K Cult
Today we chat with Jessica Kahn, former member of a group we're calling "The Narrow Road." She'll tell us about being born into this isolated fundamentalist Christian sect that was originally formed as an addiction treatment program, the leader's connection to the founders of AA, how every part of life was strictly controlled, how they believed that the end of the world would happen on Y2K, the leader's systematic physical abuse, and the violent incident that finally led her to leave. Check out our great sponsors!! Care for your hair with PROSE! Get 50% off your first subscription order at Prose.com/trust PLUS get your FREE consultation! Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod</span
Thu, May 16, 2024
Madi Stroud - Daughter of a Cult Leader: Love Has Won & Amy Carlson
Today our guest is Madi Stroud. She was featured on the HBO docu series Love Has Won, and is late cult leader Amy Carlson’s daughter - the one whose mummified body was found wrapped in Christmas lights in Colorado. Madi shares what she remembers of her mom as a kid, how it felt after Amy suddenly left Madi and her brothers when she was only 7, and how she discovered that her mom had started the Love Has Won new age cult, claiming she was God - or more specifically, Mother God. We’ll talk about how Amy’s cult grew and her followers became more fanatical, how her last boyfriend known as “Father God” contributed to her demise, and how difficult it was for Madi to watch her mother’s health deteriorate, knowing the people around her could have tried to help. Check out our great sponsors!! Quince : Get warm weather ready at Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order AND 365 day returns! Shopify : Run a business? Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Thu, May 09, 2024
Dr. Inna Kanevsky - Pseudoscience, TikTok Psychology, & Culty Psychologists
Dr. Inna Kanevsky, psychologist, professor, and debunker of pseudoscience psychology TikToks, discusses the misinformation videos that got her started on the path of debunking, why mental health labels can be helpful but can also lead us to incorrectly self-diagnose and take on labels that do not belong to us, and why it’s a problem when we make a diagnosis our identity. She comes in HOT about beloved psychology figures such as Bessel Van Der Kolk, Gabor Mate, and Dr. Amen, and how they have cult-like followings despite frequently peddling pseudoscience. Plus, we chat about the problems with polyvagal theory, why stories of resilience can be a helpful alternative to focusing on trauma, and why it is so dang painful to change our minds! Check out our amazing sponsors!! Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! Need a place? Check out Apartments.com - THE place to find a place! BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, May 01, 2024
Warren Kohl, Part 2 - The Pressures of Preaching in a Secretive Cult
Today is part two with Warren Kohl, former member and religious leader within the 2x2s (Meagan's secretive childhood group that technically has no name). Today we'll hear how Warren left behind his dreams of medical school to become a "worker" (a minister who stays in people's homes). He'll talk about the pressure to speak with some kind of authority, how he was scolded for genuinely trying to connect with the members, being told to stay out of a domestic violence situation within the group, how his mental health deteriorated, how he finally left, and his message to those still in the religion. Check out our great sponsors!! Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! Shopify : Run a business? Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme Need a place? Check out Apartments.com - THE place to find a place!
Thu, April 25, 2024
Warren Kohl, Part 1 - Preparing to Preach in a Secretive Cult
Today's guest is Warren kohl, a fifth generation member and former “worker” (or minister) in the 2x2’s, the group that Meagan grew up in. Warren shares how devout he was to the group at a very young age, having your entire life controlled, and how utter heartbreak in high school led him to celibacy and a deeper commitment to the group. Trust Me is sponsored by ZocDoc! Find and book a top-rated doctor at Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, April 17, 2024
Nadine Macaluso - Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds
Psychologist, trauma bond expert, and author of Run Like Hell: A Therapist's Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds, Nadine Macaluso share about her relationship with ex-husband Jordan Belfort (aka The Wolf of Wall Street) and how it led her to become a therapist with a focus on trauma bonds. They also discuss "mind mapping", intermittent reinforcement, the difference between intensity and intimacy, the three phases of trauma bonds and how violence can play into them, why Nadine uses the term "pathological lover" instead of narcissist, how to tell if you're currently in a trauma bond, and green flags that are the sign of a healthy relationship. Check out our great sponsors! Quince : Love affordable luxury? Go to Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Shopify : Run a business? Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme BUY OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, April 03, 2024
Zoe & Lillian, Part 2 - Troubled Teens, Midwest Academy, and Solitary Confinement
In part two with Zoe and Lilly, survivors of Midwest Academy, one of the abusive troubled teen programs in the same organization that was spotlighted in the docuseries The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping, we dig deeper into Lily’s experience. She’ll tell us how she was in solitary confinement for two months, and how her reaction was to rebel in any way she could. We’ll get into how they both left, and how no one believed them for years - in some cases, up until just last month - how this was and still is a multi-billion dollar industry, and where they’re both at in their healing journey. Trust me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! Learn more about WWASP awareness below: https://icapanetwork.org/ https://wwaspsurvivors.com/ CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, March 27, 2024
Zoe & Lillian, Part 1 - The Program, Ivy Ridge and Casa by the Sea
Survivors of the infamous WWASP schools, Zoe & Lillian, share about their experiences being forced to join Ivy Ridge, Midwest Academy, and Casa by the Sea; All schools featured in the current Netflix docudrama, The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping. Lola & Meagan dig into how these programs were marketed to parents, the dramatic ways Zoe & Lillian were brought to the facilities as teenagers, the levels inside the program that were impossible to climb, how they could only communicate with their eyes, and how they were kept from their families. Check out our great sponsors!! Quince : Love affordable luxury? Go to Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Shopify : Run a business? Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme ZocDoc : Need a doctor? Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Thu, March 21, 2024
Roberta Blevins, Part 2 - Leaving The LuLaRoe Family
In part two with former LuLaRoe seller, Roberta Blevins, they discuss everything about LuLaRoe's founder DeAnne Brady and her family, the mother figure role DeAnne provided in Roberta's life, dealing with toxic positivity, and a thorough list of MLM red flags to look out for. Plus, how Roberta finally realized that she was in a cult and how starting her own podcast helped with her recovery. Trust Me is sponsored by Prose hair care! Get your FREE consultation and 50% off at Prose.com/trust CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola <span style="color: rgb(33,37,41);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 16px;font-family: klavika_regular, Arial, "Helvetica N
Wed, March 13, 2024
Roberta Blevins, Part 1 - Inside LuLaRoe
In part one with former LuLaRoe seller and Life After MLM podcast host, Roberta Blevins, she'll share how she first got involved in MLMS, what LuLaRoe was like, what the deal was with the wet smelly leggings, and what made realize that she did not want to be a part of MLM life anymore. We'll discuss how MLMs make good people act badly, what "huns" and "megahuns" are, and where the line is between incompetence and knowingly engaging in harmful practices. Check out our great sponsors!!! Quince : Indulge in affordable luxury! Go to Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Shopify : Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/trustme June's Journey : Discover your inner detective when you download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android. CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: <span style="color: rgb(33,37,41);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 16px;font-f
Wed, March 06, 2024
Lola & Meagan - Am I in a Cult (or Just a Group)?
This week, Lola and Meagan's guests are... Lola and Meagan! They talk about the cult of seeing everything as a cult, discussing how things that might seem a little culty don’t necessarily inherently mean that a group IS a cult. They’ll discuss political polarization, online miscommunication, group dynamics that happen in ALL groups, and the difference between a dickhead and a cult leader--with a few tangents in between. Check out our great sponsors! Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp dot com slash TRUST today to get 10% off your first month. June's Journey : Discover your inner detective when you download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android. CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, February 28, 2024
Katelyn Jade Hlavaty, Part 2 - Satanic Ritual Abuse & Becoming a Spokesperson
In part two of this listener story with Operation Light Force survivor, Katelyn Hlavaty, Lola and Meagan unpack how the leader's bogus healing protocol, which involved digging into old trauma, eventually led to Satanic Ritual Abuse. Katelyn shares how isolation from her family and a period of spontaneous remission from her bout Crohn's disease deepened her faith in the group, leading her to become a public facing spokesperson telling thousands of people that she was healed while secretly throwing up backstage. They also get into cold reading, the danger of religious leaders preventing their followers from getting needed medical care, and how Katelyn finally got out and started over. Check out our great sponsors!!! Shopify : Run a business? Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme ZocDoc : Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE!
Wed, February 21, 2024
Katelyn Jade Hlavaty, Part 1 - Joining Operation Light Force
In part one of this wild listener story, Katelyn Hlavaty chats with Lola and Meagan about her experience in the evangelical healing ministry group, Operation Light Force. Katelyn shares how she joined the group when she was isolated and struggling with Crohn's disease, and how the group's promises of community, God, and literal physical healing seemed like the answer in her moment of vulnerability. They dig into how the leader, Richard, began doing counseling sessions with Katelyn, and how Richard taught his followers that any physical ailment they experienced could be the result of sin, trauma, or even Satan. In any case, the goalpost was always moving... and Richard was the one with the answers. Trust Me is sponsored by Apartments.com - THE place to find a place! CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER / X?: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, February 14, 2024
Sara Gorman - Science, Healthcare, and Why We Ignore Facts
Sara Gorman, public health expert, CEO & founder of Critica, and author of Denying to the Grave: Why We Ignore the Facts That Will Save Us, joins Lola and Meagan to discuss the importance of the scientific method, why presenting evidence can feel like an attack, common debunked beliefs that persist in American culture, and the role that media plays in telling stories that stoke fear instead of critical thinking. They also talk about the factors that lead people to ignore evidence, how charismatic leaders play a large role in science denial, signs that a person is not coming from a place of expertise, and how to navigate the healthcare system when it fails people. Check out our great sponsors! Quince : Indulge in affordable luxury! Go to Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Shopify : Run a business? Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER / X?: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, February 07, 2024
Jenna Miscavige, Part 2 - Escaping Scientology
Former Sea Org member and niece of Scientology leader David Miscavige, Jenna Miscavige, talks about leaving "The Ranch" in order to join the Sea Org, getting involved in higher level management, how she barely knew her own parents, the constant level of paranoia she saw from everyone at all levels, what it was like to date within the Sea Org, how she threatened to kill herself to get her partner out of highly controlled isolation, the potential whereabouts of her Aunt Shelly, how a trip to Australia served as the catalyst for her to leave, and was threatened with family separation and followed by private investigators. Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER / X?: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, January 31, 2024
Jenna Miscavige, Part 1 - Growing up in Scientology's Sea Organization
Former Scientology Sea Org member and niece of current Scientology leader David Miscavige, Jenna Miscavige, talks about being a third generation member, growing up in the infamous Sea Organization, doing child labor in a place called The Ranch, the strong snitching culture and knowledge reports that made it hard to trust anyone, bizarre educational system that punished kids for not knowing words, the fear Scientology stoked in her of the outside world, and how people felt about her Uncle David growing up. Check out our great sponsors! Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! ZocDoc : Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER / X?: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, January 24, 2024
Crystal Hefner - Surviving The Playboy Mansion
Crystal Hefner, former Playboy Playmate, Hugh Hefner's widow, author of Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself shares how she ended going to the Playboy Mansion for the first time, getting invited by Hef to stay, her tightly controlled lifestyle and the weekly rituals that were designed to please Hef and no one else, how she felt about filming Girls Next Door, how she escaped and why she came back, marrying Hef and the complicated feelings she had after his death. Check out our great sponsors! Prose : Go to Prose.com/trust for your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 50% off your first subscription order PLUS 15% off and free shipping every subscription order after that! Shopify : Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, January 17, 2024
Michelle Dowd, Part 2 - From the Mountain to the Hospital to Forging Her Own Path
In part two of their conversation with Michelle Dowd, Lola & Meagan dig into when Michelle and her family moved to the mountain, why discomfort was considered a virtue, getting sick with an autoimmune disease at the age of ten, spending many months in the hospital away from The Field and her family, what happened after her cult leader grandfather passed away, and how she left the group. Trust Me is sponsored by June's Journey! Discover your inner detective when you download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android. Learn more about Michelle's work here! https://mdowd.substack.com Follow Michelle here! https://www.instagram.com/michelledowdz CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast <span style="color: rgb(33,37,41);background-color
Wed, January 10, 2024
Michelle Dowd, Part 1 - Becoming a Forager in The Field
Professor, survivor of The Field, and author of Forager: Field Notes for Surviving a Family Cult, Michelle Dowd, discusses growing up in the cult founded by her grandfather in the 1930s, how it started as an after school program for boys and evolved into something more sinister, the wild claims that her grandfather made, traveling to perform plays while serving as a magician's assistant and poodle conductor, how children were trained to talk to authorities and outsiders, and being taught to prioritize survival above all else. Learn more about Michelle's work here! https://mdowd.substack.com Follow Michelle here! https://www.instagram.com/michelledowdz Check out our great sponsors! Quince : Love affordable luxury? Go to Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! Shopify : Run your own business? Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, December 27, 2023
Thomas & Micah, Part 2 - Mormon Mission, Scientology, & Disney Adults
Two formerly closeted religious men, Thomas and Micah, share how they came out to their families and left their beliefs behind. Thomas talks about going on a Mormon mission as a gay man, Micah shares how learning about scientology was a turning point in his life, the group shares their thoughts on #DISNEYADULTS, and Thomas and Michah give their advice to anyone struggling with their sexuality and religion. Check out our great sponsors! MasterClass : Get Two Memberships for the Price of One at MasterClass.com/trust - Offer terms apply. Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, December 20, 2023
Thomas & Micah, Part 1 - God, Goofy, and Growing Up Gay in Religion
One is a former Mormon. The other was a child of evangelical missionaries teaching a doctrine called Accelerated Christian Education. Both of them were closeted gay men growing up in strict religious households. Today, Thomas and Micah share about their upbringings, how they met working at Disneyland (a type of cult unto itself), the personalized Book of Mormon that Thomas bought for Micah, and growing up in cultures that stigmatize homosexuality. Check out great sponsors! Shopify : Run your own busines? Sign up for a $1 per-month trial period at shopify.com/trust Progressive : Quote today at Progressive.com to try the Name Your Price® tool for yourself! NEED GIFT IDEAS?? CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, December 13, 2023
Marji Mozart, Part 2 - Life After the FLDS
Musician and former FLDS member, Marji Mozart, discusses her wedding day as an underage bride who had never been taught about sex, her multiple marriages including one to her sister's husband, the pain of feeling that her dreams of becoming a musician were dead, how spending time in the hospital with her child led staff to suspect that she was in an unhealthy relationship, and how she eventually left rekindled her life of pursuing music. Check out our holiday deals! Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust for 10% off your first month! MasterClass : Give One Annual Membership and Get One Free at MasterClass.com/trust ZocDoc : Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! Progressive : Quote today at Progressive.com to try the Name Your Price® tool for yourself! NEED GIFT IDEAS?? CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Thu, December 07, 2023
Marji Mozart, Part 1 - Growing up in the FLDS
Musician and former FLDS member, Marji Mozart, shares about her childhood in Colorado City, living with a rebellious mother within a high control community, how she dreamed of being a musician instead of someone's wife, getting married to a grown man when she was only 17, and how that impacted her relationship with her mom. Check out our holiday sponsors!! Quince : Love affordable luxury? Go to Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Shopify : Run your own busines? Sign up for a $1 per-month trial period at shopify.com/trust Progressive : Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive! NEED GIFT IDEAS?? CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: <p style="t
Wed, November 29, 2023
Barak Hardley - Where Belief Intersects Creativity
Lola's friend, actor, artist, director, and the next Bob Ross, Barak Hardley talks about his previous life as an evangelical pastor, getting kicked out of the church, and transitioning to life as an actor in LA. Lola and Barak dive into the philosophy of art, the creative process, skepticism, self reflection, and how art can inform your beliefs about the world. Give the gift of MasterClass! Get TWO memberships FOR THE PRICE OF ONE at MasterClass.com/trust Trust Me is sponsored by Progressive! Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive! NEED GIFT IDEAS?? CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, November 22, 2023
Annie Taylor - The Garden: Commune or Cult
Annie Taylor, Executive Producer of Discovery's The Garden: Commune or Cult, shares about her time living in an off the grid community that went viral on TikTok for accusations of being a cult and disturbing allegations about a cat. Annie tells how she and the crew showed up and gradually earned the trust of the community, filming on one of the group's properties with a fascinating cast of characters, dumpster diving as their primary food source, surviving a tornado without proper shelter, their attempts at a leaderless society, the founder's connection to Rainbow Gatherings... and whether or not The Garden is actually a cult! Check out our holiday sponsors! Shopify : Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme Progressive : Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, November 15, 2023
Alice Hines & Lorraine - Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe
Journalist Alice Hines and former Twin Flames Universe member Lorraine, both featured in the Amazon docuseries Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe, discuss the online community that was Twin Flame Ascension, what attracted people to it, how founders Jeff and Shaleia became more controlling and abusive over time, why encouragement to pursue one's twin flame sometimes led to restraining orders, the group's MLM-like structure, why you couldn't always choose your own twin flame, and their use of gender identity coercion. Check out our great sponsors! Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! ZocDoc : Need a doctor? Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! Progressive : Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabet
Wed, October 25, 2023
Jill Duggar Dillard & Derick Dillard
Members of the Duggar family, former cast members of TLC's 19 Kids and Counting, and Counting The Cost authors, Jill Duggar Dillard & Derick Dill discuss the family's involvement in the very strict Institute in Basic Life Principles, what it was like being on TV at such a young age, how her dad (Jim Bob) convinced the family that the show served the ministry of their church, how none of the kids got paid while he made millions, Jill and Derick having their first date on camera, how she was tricked into signing a contract that she didn't know existed, the inherent coercive nature of being on a reality show, why the show was rebranded after concealed records were illegally released publicly describing abuse that she experienced without her consent, the Megan Kelly interview she was pressured into doing, how outing people's trauma against their will can be re-traumatizing, and if Jill has hope of reconnecting with her family. Check out our great sponsors! Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! Prose : Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order at Prose.com/trust Quince : Love affordable luxury? Go to Quince.com/trust for free shipping and 365-day returns! Progressive : Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: <span style="color: rgb(33,
Wed, October 18, 2023
Marlene Winell - Leaving The Fold, Religious Trauma, and Emotional Recovery
Psychologist, educator, and Leaving The Fold author, Marlene Winell, talks with Lola & Meagan about how she came to study the negative impacts of religion, how some basic concepts of Christianity can be harmful, why authoritarian structures of religion can sometimes lead to trauma, how we can rationally understand something but emotionally reject it, the spectrum of meaning, and what that looks like after leaving a religion. Trust Me is sponsored by Shopify! Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme Learn more at Marlene's work at JourneyFree.org Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, October 11, 2023
Listener Stories - Independent Baptist Movement & Capoeira Teacher
Two new listener stories! One from Shelly about her time in the Independent Baptist Movement under pastor Jack Hyles and the cult recovery work she is doing now, and one from Claire about the manipulation she experienced under her capoeira teacher. Trust Me is brought to you by Progressive! Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive! Learn more about Shelly HERE! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, October 04, 2023
Daniella Mestyanek Young, Part 2 - Military Life & Parallels to The Children of God
In part two of her interview with Lola & Meagan, Children of God survivor and military veteran, Daniella Mestyanek Young, talks about joining the military after high school, being a woman in a hyper masculine culture, and unsettling parallels between what she saw in the military and the Children of God. Check out our great sponsors!! Shopify : Run your own business? Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme ZocDoc : Need a doctor? Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! Progressive : Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: <p style
Wed, September 27, 2023
Daniella Mestyanek Young, Part 1 - Children of God, 9/11, & Escaping the Cult
In part one of her interview with Lola & Meagan, Children of God survivor and military veteran, Daniella Mestyanek Young, discusses being raised in the Children of God, the various forms of punishment she and the other children experienced, how child sexual abuse was not only encouraged but part of the belief system, how the youth were taught to practice for raids and lie to protect the group, why 9/11 was a turning point in her beliefs, and how she finally left the cult. Trust Me is brought to you by Prose! Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order at Prose.com/trust Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod <p style="text-align:lef
Wed, September 20, 2023
Andrew Seidel - Christian Nationalism & Information Warfare
Constitutional attorney, author, and YouTuber Andrew Seidel joins Lola & Meagan to discuss Christian Nationalism, why its based on a myth, how it led to cultural shifts in the U.S. during the 1950s, its impact on the Supreme Court today, the practice of cherry picking ideas from the Bible, the worst case scenario of where it can lead, and why the separation of church and state was a uniquely American concept. Trust Me is brought to you by Progressive! Quote today at Progressive.com to try the Name Your Price® tool for yourself, and join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, September 13, 2023
REWIND: Post-Traumatic Growth with Richard Tedeschi
UNC Charlotte professor and psychology researcher Dr Richard Tedeschi discusses his pioneering work on post-traumatic growth, how his field is different from resilience, how core beliefs are involved in our trauma, what "integration" means, and the value of an "expert companion," having a mission, and sharing your story. Learn more about Richard's work at BoulderCrest.org Original Airdate: 5/18/2022 Trust Me is brought to you by Progressive! Quote today at Progressive.com to try the Name Your Price® tool for yourself, and join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, September 06, 2023
Simon Kent Fung - Dear Alana & Conversion Therapy
Tech and media expert Simon Fung joins Lola and Meagan to discuss the heartbreaking story behind his new podcast, Dear Alana. When Alana Chen took her own life in 2019, Simon read about her in the news and was shocked by the similarities in their stories and experiences with conversion therapy. Simon delves into how conversion therapy is no longer the lobotomies and electro-shock therapy of the past. It's become a still controversial but compelling narrative that can draw young people in, especially those who want to be a priest or a nun - just like Simon and Alana. Check out our great sponsors! ZocDoc : Find and book a top-rated doctor at Zocdoc.com/trustme - download the Zocdoc app for FREE! Shopify : Run your own business? Sign up for a $1 / month trial at shopify.com/trustme Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, August 30, 2023
Dr. Marc Feldman & Jordyn Hope - Munchausen by Proxy aka Medical Child Abuse
Dr. Marc Feldman, professor of psychology and expert in Munchausen by Proxy, talks to the girls along with survivor Jordyn Hope for an information-packed episode. Dr. Feldman discusses why he prefers the term medical child abuse (MCA), some of the more extreme cases he's seen, red flags he looks out for, and how parents get doctors to believe and treat their children's fictional illnesses. Jordyn shares how they were medicated by their mom as a child, receiving surgery and treatments for conditions they never had, how they came to realize they had experienced MCA, and what it was like discovering evidence on their medical records, including learning that one doctor had tried to help. Plus, can perpetrators be treated? Can it be passed down? What's the difference between hypochondria and MCA, and what's the path to recovery for survivors? AND: resources for people who've experienced medical child abuse including: - https://www.munchausen.com - https://www.munchausensupport.com - https://www.nobodyshouldbelieveme.com - https://www.amazon.com/Dying-be-Ill-Marc-Feldman/dp/1138063835 Trust Me is brought to you by Prose! Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order at Prose.com/trust Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, August 23, 2023
Kyle & Kari, Part 2 - The 2x2s: Uncovering Widespread Sexual Abuse
In part two of their interview, Kyle and Kari, former members of the 2x2s (the group that Meagan grew up in), talk about the Facebook group they created for people leaving the group, which created a forum for people to share their stories for the first time. They discuss the overseer who was found dead in a hotel and the letter that exposed his sexual abuse, and how Kyle and Kari were then flooded with messages from survivors who'd been sexually abused within the religion, with hundreds of perpetrators named (many by multiple victims), and the earth-shattering implications for the future of the group. Content warning: this episode will center around discussions of sexual abuse. Trust Me is brought to you by Progressive! Quote today at Progressive.com to try the Name Your Price® tool for yourself, and join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, August 16, 2023
Kyle & Kari, Part 1 - Deconstructing The 2x2s
Former members of the Two by Twos Kyle and Kari (the group that our Meagan grew up in) discuss the apocalyptic focus on the religion, personal stories of deconstructing their beliefs, the peculiar structure of the group led by pairs of ministers called "workers", how Kyle and Kari joined and met as kids, how it compared to Meagan's experience, what they did (and didn't) believe growing up, how the pandemic led them to question their beliefs, and how they found their way back to each other after a difficult period of disconnection. Stay tuned next week to learn about the Facebook they created for former members and the devastating news that came to light. Trust Me is brought to you by Progressive! Quote today at Progressive.com to try the Name Your Price® tool for yourself, and join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, August 09, 2023
Martin - Jordan Peterson, Ben Shapiro, & The I.D.W.
There's order. And there's chaos. Simple, right? Today our new friend Martin shares how he used to be a big fan of Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro, how he found videos as a teenager that helped him feel empowered as he searched for identity, the impact they had on his worldview, some of the idealogical tenants of Jordan Peterson, why so many young men are drawn to these kinds of figures, why debate isn't always the best way to uncover truth, and how working with prison inmates helped to change his mind. PLUS: The most recent single from LOLA BLANC!!! Trust Me is brought to you by Shopify! Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, August 02, 2023
Guinevere Turner, Part 2 - Group Exile, Culture Shock, & Recovery
In part two of her two-part interview, Guinevere Turner, renowned screenwriter (writer of films like American Psycho and Charlie Says), actress, and author of new memoir When The World Didn't End, talks about getting kicked out of the group and living with her mother after years of barely knowing her, the cognitive dissonance of suddenly going to school with outsiders, being sexually abused by her mother's partner, how she finally decided to never go back to the Lyman family, telling your story on your own timeline, the ways trauma can become your identity, how she began to process her experiences, and the cult recovery group Guinevere is in now. Check out our great sponsors! ZocDoc : Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! Progressive : Quote today at Progressive.com to try the Name Your Price® tool for yourself, and join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 <p style="text-ali
Wed, July 26, 2023
Guinevere Turner, Part 1 - The Lyman Family, Compound Life, and Queen Jessie
In part one of her two-part interview, Guinevere Turner, renowned screenwriter (writer of films like American Psycho and Charlie Says), actress, and author of new memoir When The World Didn't End, talks about growing up in the Lyman Family cult, bouncing around between different compounds, and being raised by women in the group who were not her mother. She discusses the trippy teachings of leader Mel Lyman, what it was like joining the caravan of the group's "queen" as a child, and the punishment and ostracization she and the other children frequently experienced. Trust Me is brought to you by Progressive! Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, July 19, 2023
Emily Lynn Paulson - Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing
When #BossBabe culture goes wrong. Author of Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing and former member of an MLM she calls Rejuvinat, Emily Paulson, shares how she was first introduced to the group by a friend from school, how it seemed to be the perfect way to bring purpose and extra income to her stay at home mom lifestyle, how her very specific circumstances helped her to be really good at it, being a top seller who was put on display by the group as a success story, the role her alcoholism played, the myth of how easy it is to turn a profit in an MLM, the drastic disparity between top and bottom earners, and how she was encouraged to use her cancer story to sell more product. Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, July 12, 2023
Madison McGhee - The Dark Side of Sorority Life
Ever joined a sorority? It's all Greek to us! Former sorority member and Ice Cold Case podcast host Madison McGhee shares how she always dreamed of joining a sorority, which one she chose after growing up Christian, what the process of joining was like, being the only person of color in the sorority, how she was punished for not straightening her curly hair and prevented from holding a leadership position, feeling ostracized to the point that it harmed her mental health, and why it's so hard to create healthy group culture in Greek Life. Check out our great sponsors! Shopify : Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/trustme Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Check out Madison's podcast at https://www.icecoldcase.com/ Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, July 05, 2023
Christy Carlson Romano - Child Actors & the Toddler to Trainwreck Pipeline
From Even Stevens to Kim Possible, Disney Channel legend and Vulnerable podcast host Christy Carlson Romano talks about the difficulties of being a working actor from such a young age, what it was like to be well-known, and the pressures of stage parents. She also discusses the "toddler to trainwreck pipeline" and the lack of an exit strategy from child stardom, the flaws in the existing infrastructure meant to support young performers, and how the film industry can do better. Check out our great sponsors!!! Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! ZocDoc : Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, June 21, 2023
Lindsey Williams, Part 2: Going to IBLP Headquarters & The Downfall of Bill Gothard
Shiny Happy People's Lindsey Williams shares how Institute in Basic Life Principles leader Bill Gothard would recruit young girls to headquarters, the inappropriate questions he asked and physical boundaries he repeatedly crossed, how controlling he was over who Lindsey dated, the website where women began connecting the dots about his behavior, the sexual assault allegations that were brought against him, the IBLP's connections to politics, and how Lindsey managed to get out of the group. Follow Lindsey on TikTok and LinkTree! https://www.tiktok.com/@thecultchronicles https://linktr.ee/Cultchronicles Check out our great sponsors! Trust Me is brought to you by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, June 14, 2023
Lindsey Williams, Part 1: Shiny Happy People, The Institute in Basic Life Principles, and Meeting Bill Gothard
Makeup artist, podcaster, and former Institute in Basic Life Principles member, Lindsey Williams (who is featured in Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets), delves into the Duggar family connection into the IBLP, being home schooled using "wisdom booklets", how physical punishment was a tenant of the faith, why women lived under the authority of their fathers and husbands, Lindsey's time at the Advanced Training Institute, the organization's twisted teachings about sexual abuse, and being recruited by the leader Bill Gothard to work at IBLP headquarters. Follow Lindsey on TikTok and LinkTree! https://www.tiktok.com/@thecultchronicles https://linktr.ee/Cultchronicles Trust Me is brought to you by Progressive Insurance! Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, June 07, 2023
Allison Miller - Interstitial Cystitis, Orthorexia, and an Alternative Medicine Cult
A Million Little Things star Allison Miller shares with Lola & Meagan how she was once a client of a culty alternative medicine clinic run by a couple who claimed to know how to heal her chronic bladder condition, Interstitial Cystitis (also known as Painful Bladder Syndrome). They dig into the societal reason why women have to resort to these measures to begin with, the extremely controlled diet and lifestyle she was told to adhere to—even when she began feeling worse, and how she became severely orthorexic, terrified of most foods, chemicals, and places. Plus, how she eventually stepped away from the group. Trust Me is brought to you by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! ZocDoc : Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, May 31, 2023
Jimanekia Eborn - Reclaiming Your Sexuality After Trauma
Jimanekia Eborn, sex educator, trauma counselor, podcast host, and founder of non-profit Tending the Garden, shares the traumas she's experienced in her own life, what her healing journey has been like, and what led her to help others in her work. They discuss sex after trauma, going on self-dates to learn what you like (and don't like), the importance of communicating with your partner(s), and how to get out of your head and into your body. Learn more about Jimanekia's work helping marginalized survivors of sexual assault at tendingthegarden.love If you have experienced sexual assault and you need help or information , call the national sexual assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673, or visit RAINN.org Check out our great sponsors! Prose : Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order at Prose.com/trust Babbel : Get up to 55% off your subscription when you go to Babbel.com/trust Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, May 24, 2023
Mubin Shaikh, Part 2: 9/11, Reinterpreting Islam, and Going Undercover
In part two of their conversation with deradicalized extremist and former Canadian government operative, Mubin Shaikh, Lola and Meagan dig into Mubin's meet-cute with his now-wife (who was not Muslim when they met), how little she knew about his extremism, why 9/11 was the turning point in his radical beliefs, and his deeper exploration into Islamic texts and interpretations. They discuss how he reached out to the Canadian government after a former acquaintance was arrested for a bomb plot, going undercover to disrupt a terrorist plot by the Toronto 18, the intervention work he's done, and how his work has impacted him emotionally. To learn more about Mubin's work , visit Parents4Peace.org or call 1-844-49-PEACE Trust Me is brought to you by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, May 17, 2023
Mubin Shaikh, Part 1: Islamic Extremism, Meeting the Taliban, and Getting Radicalized
Mubin Shaikh, deradicalized Islamic extremist and former security intelligence & counter-terrorism operative, discusses his upbringing balancing secular and Muslim life in Toronto, the party he threw as a young man that made him feel ashamed enough to become more deeply religious, and how an encounter with the Taliban pushed him toward radicalization. He also talks about the structure of Islam and his particular sect, the many complex factors that lead to extremism and terrorism, and the deep dive he did into understanding his own religion. Plus, next week: his process of deradicalization, and going undercover to disrupt a terrorist plot. Check out our great sponsors! Prose : Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order today at Prose.com/trust Trust Me is brought to you by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month! Babbel : Get up to 55% off your subscription when you go to Babbel.com/trust
Wed, May 10, 2023
Jennings Brown & Justice - Liana Shanti's Conspiracy Sisterhood
Journalist Jennings Brown returns, this time with a guest who goes by Justice, to talk about a new internet cult leader named Liana Shanti and her social media presence, which targets women with wellness cleanses, women's empowerment, wild conspiracy theories, and grandiose claims about her supernatural powers. They discuss Shanti's followers' pattern of changing their names, accusing family members of abuse without evidence, and suddenly taking their children out of state. Plus, a house in Florida called Destiny Manor where a group of her followers have moved, how Justice's own loved one fell down the rabbit hole, and how survivors are banding together to stop Shanti. Trust Me is brought to you by Progressive Insurance! Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, May 03, 2023
Kara Goucher - Alberto Salazar and the Nike Oregon Project
Accomplished Olympic runner and The Longest Race author Kara Goucher shares how she and her partner were invited to join the prestigious Nike Oregon Project and coach Alberto Salazar, how Alberto's methods seemed effective at first but became more controlling and inappropriate over time, what led her to become a whistleblower, and the stark contrast she eventually saw with a healthy coaching relationship. Check out our great sponsors! ZocDoc : Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! Progressive : Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Thu, April 27, 2023
Perfectionism & Purity
No one is perfect. Not even Lola and Meagan. Today the ladies delve into the extreme belief of perfectionism, its connection to purity culture, Lola and Meagan's firsthand experience with OCD and religious trauma, how to address your inner cult leader, the intersectionality with cancel culture, and the importance of staying connected to those with extreme beliefs. Trust Me is brought to you by Prose! Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order at Prose.com/trust Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, April 19, 2023
Robert Fitzpatrick - The History of MLMs
Time to level up. MLM expert and author of Ponzinomics, the Untold Story of Multi-Level Marketing, Robert Fitzpatrick, discusses the history of MLMs including why they took off in the 80s, their connection to the American Dream and economic inequality, the biggest scams he's seen over the years, how MLMs disconnect people from their identities, and what we can do about it if its happening to someone we love. Trust Me is sponsored by Progressive! Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Learn more about Robert's work at https://www.pyramidschemealert.org/ Support victim survivors and prevent further abuse at https://voicesforthetruth.org/ Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, April 12, 2023
Priscilla Tucker, Part 2: Escaping the Kingstons, Forced Rehab, and a Billion Dollar Tax Fraud
In the second half of their conversation with Kingston Clan survivor Priscilla Tucker, Lola and Meagan learn more about the leader of the group, why being sent to a bad kid camp turned out to be a positive experience for Priscilla, and how she worked for billion-dollar fraudster Jacob Kingston, ultimately helping the FBI take him down. Plus, how Priscilla ended up finally getting out of the group, thanks to the show Escaping Polygamy (and Lola's mom!). Check out our great sponsors! Babbel : Get up to 55% off your subscription when you go to Babbel.com/trust Progressive : Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, April 05, 2023
Priscilla Tucker, Part 1: The Kingstons, Polygamy, and a Cousin Engagement
Priscilla Tucker, friend of the show and survivor of Mormon-offshoot polygamist group the Kingstons, talks about the origins of the group and how it differs from other polygamist sects, why so many members become doctors and lawyers, and her upbringing, including how she began working for pennies from the age of 8. They also discuss the leader of the group, its history of incest and underage marriages, and her brief underage engagement to her first cousin. Check out our amazing sponsors!!! Thrive Causemetics : Get an exclusive 15% off your first order at ThriveCausemetics.com/trustme ZocDoc : Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! Progressive : Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, March 29, 2023
Adam Levin - Romance Scams, Hackers, & Protecting Your Identity
Have you been scammed? Lola and Meagan have... and one of them was even part of one. What the Hack podcast host Adam Levin joins Trust Me to chat about phishing, romance scams that target the elderly, social engineering, who the scammers ARE, and tips on how to protect your identity online. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, March 22, 2023
Zacch Comfort, Part 2: The Bride of Christ Church, and an Important Story From Lola
In part two of Lola & Meagan's interview with Bride of Christ Church survivor Zacch Comfort, they discuss how leader Thomas Clyde Smith Jr's control tactics got more extreme once the group moved to the Oregon commune, including separating children from their families, requiring people to hit each other in church, and cycling children into his home for sexual abuse - as well as how the group ultimately fell apart, and what Zacch's life is like now working in a psychiatric hospital. Plus, for Lola's cultiest thing of the week, she and her friend Liz Y2K discuss discovering a man they both dated has been arrested for serial rape, and how the police are seeking additional victims to come forward. Trust Me is sponsored by Thrive Causemetics! Get an exclusive 15% off your first order at ThriveCausemetics.com/trustme If you have information on Ben Belser, contact: LAPD's Operations West Bureau, Special Assault Section 213-473-0447 or 877-LAPD-247 Or for anonymous tips: LA Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS LAcrimestoppers.org If you have experienced sexual assault and you need support, visit https://www.rainn.org/ or call 800-656-HOPE
Wed, March 15, 2023
Zacch Comfort, Part 1: The Bride of Christ Church and a Sex Offender Turned Prophet
Survivor of The Bride of Christ Church and creator of the Boiled Frogs podcast, Zacch Comfort, shares how convicted child molester Thomas Clyde Smith, Jr went from seeing visions in a psych ward to starting his own church, asserting control and arranging marriages while the group was in Las Vegas, the eventual move of the cult to a commune in Oregon, how Zacch's parents came to join the cult, and how infamous criminal Lawrence Singleton nearly came to live in the cult. Check out our great sponsors! Babbel : Get up to 55% off your subscription when you go to Babbel.com/trust Progressive : Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Check out Zacch's podcast BOILED FROGS here! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Thu, March 09, 2023
Sam Ciavarella - When CrossFit Gets Culty
If the shoe CrossFits... Former employee and enthusiast of CrossFit, Sam Ciavarella, shares about a time when she constructed her whole identity around CrossFit, the feeling of constant pressure to push herself to the limit, the shady story of the original owner, comparing CrossFit to generally competitive athletic endeavors, and why pushing yourself that hard can be physically dangerous. Check out our great sponsors! Thrive Causemetics : Get an exclusive 15% off your first order at ThriveCausemetics.com/trustme Progressive : Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, February 22, 2023
Keith Page - From Megachurch Pastor to Secular Death Doula
It's the episode you've been dying to hear. Keith Page, funeral celebrant, hospice chaplain, and death doula/midwife, shares what it was like being a pastor of large church and why parts of that experience made him uncomfortable, his fall from grace that led him to turn away from religion, and how he found his calling by helping people deal with death from a secular perspective. Plus, how you can find meaning and define your own values without religion, what Keith's end of life work actually entails (yes, sometimes there's dry ice involved), and the importance of normalizing death in our society. Trust Me is sponsored by Progressive Insurance! Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, February 15, 2023
Rosanna Arquette - Commune Life, Racism, & Harvey Weinstein
Actor, director, and activist Rosanna Arquette discusses her childhood growing up on a commune that was part of the Subud spiritual movement, her mom's journey from her own abuse to helping other women, the racism she saw in the community outside of the commune, her own personal experience with Harvey Weinstein's harassment, the subsequent changes she felt in her career, speaking out against Weinstein, and being a part of a movement that changed the world. Check out our great sponsors! Thrive Causemetics : Get an exclusive 15% off your first order at ThriveCausemetics.com/trustme Progressive : Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, February 08, 2023
Felicia Rosario and Daniel Levin - Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence
Survivor's of Larry Ray's sex cult Felicia and Daniel discuss how they came to meet Larry, how he leveraged his memory and connections to craft an image of authority, how Larry gained control of their lives under the guise of helping them, when the manipulation elevated into sexual abuse and violence, and how they're doing now that Larry is going to jail for the harm he has caused. Trust Me is sponsored by Progressive Insurance! Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod <span style="color: rgb(33,37,41);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);fo
Wed, February 01, 2023
Antonio Perez - Alex Jones, the New World Order, and Conspiracy Theory Addiction
Get your pocket constitution ready. Antonio Perez, a former conspiracy theorist who followed Alex Jones, shares why Jones' over-the-top theories about the New World Order appealed to him, how Antonio's addiction factored into his dopamine-seeking thinking, and why building an internal locus of control can help avert conspiratorial thinking. Plus, how he finally stepped away from the deep state obsession, and the book he's writing on how to help people think for themselves again. Trust Me is brought to you by ZocDoc! Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, January 25, 2023
Chris Kavanagh & Matthew Browne - Decoding the Gurus
Cognitive anthropologist Chris Kavanagh and psychologist Matthew Browne, hosts of the podcast Decoding the Gurus, share some of their criteria for what makes a guru, discussing a few of the many personalities they've covered on their podcast: Elon Musk and Jordan Peterson and Joe Rogan, oh my. They discuss the horrors of social media, the importance of trusting experts (but how academic credentialism can lead people astray too), how the biggest internet gurus tend to skew male, and why basically we need more scientists with mass appeal. Trust me is brought to you by Progressive Insurance! Quote today at Progressive.com to try the Name Your Price® tool for yourself, and join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, January 18, 2023
Lauren Drain, Part 2: Life After Westboro
In part two of their discussion with former Westboro Baptist Church member Lauren Drain, she'll share how she was kicked out of the group and struggled to build a new social circle, the fear mongering that the Church used, and her healing journey including the use of fitness, EMDR, and ayahuasca. PLUS an incredible update on her family's current status! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp! Learn more and save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/trust Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, January 11, 2023
Lauren Drain, Part 1: Joining The Westboro Baptist Church
Banished author, fitness model, and registered nurse Lauren Drain joins Lola and Meagan to talk about her upbringing in the Westboro Baptist Church. They'll discuss the group's hateful and cruel picketing of public events, how Lauren's family joined after her dad intended to make a mockumentary about the church, how tightly controlled everyday life was, the very normal thing that got her kicked out, and the tragic end days of the founder Fred Phelps. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp! Learn more and save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/trust Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, January 04, 2023
Jay Van Bavel - Groupthink, Social Identity, and Cult Psychology
Groups!... I did it again. Jay Van Bavel, NYU Associate Professor of Psychology and Neural Science, Director of the Social Identity and Morality Lab, and co-author of The Power Of Us, discusses how our social identities change depending on our environment and context, how the groups we identify with affect our decisions and perception, and the importance of instilling healthy hierarchy in a group to prevent unhealthy leadership. They also discuss how emotionally charged situations can forge shared identities, how cults replace individual identities with group identities, what to do when someone has fallen prey to groupthink, and whether groups are even... good? Trust Me is brought to you by Progressive! Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Learn more about Jay's work here! https://www.powerofus.online Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, December 28, 2022
Conspiracy Month: Morbid - Elisa Lam, False Accusations, & the Dangers of Web Sleuthing
Metal musician and filmmaker Pablo "Morbid" Vergara, who appeared in the Netflix docuseries "Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel," shares what drew him to metal music and its horror-centric imagery, and how his dark persona led to him being accused by strangers of murdering Elisa Lam--despite the fact that he was there a full year before her. He'll discuss the suffering he experienced as a result of the harassment, including a suicide attempt, making art again, and the importance of mental health awareness. CHECK OUT OUR NEW MERCH!!! bit.ly/trustmemerch Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, December 21, 2022
Conspiracy Month: Aja Romano & The Satanic Panic
Don't panic! Writer Aja Romano shares how they became interested in the history of the Satanic Panic in the US, how it ramped up in the 60s and 70s, the societal impact of horror films like The Exorcist, books like Satan Seller and Michelle Remembers, rising fear and trials that arose in the 80s, its impact on the LGBTQ community, and how these kinds of ideas persist today! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp! Learn more and save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/trust Join the EXHIBIT C online community by following WONDERY-EXHIBIT-C on Facebook or find them on the web at WonderyExhibitC.com and listen to True Crime podcasts on Wondery and Amazon Music! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, December 14, 2022
Conspiracy Month: Mikey Biddlestone - What Makes Conspiracy Theorists Double Down
Lola and Meagan chat with Mikey Biddlestone, post-doc researcher at the Cambridge social decision making lab whose focus is on conspiracy beliefs, misinformation, and political psychology. They'll dig into what factors make someone more likely to believe in conspiracies, the values they do or DON'T bring to people's lives, how discrimination against conspiracy theorists can backfire, PRE-bunking vs DE-bunking, the connection between narcissism and conspiracy theories, and what we can do about the real world danger of conspiracies. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp! Learn more and save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/trust Follow Scamfluencers wherever you get your podcasts! You can listen ad-free on the Amazon Music or Wondery app! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, December 07, 2022
Conspiracy Month: Lisa Fazio - Why Fake News Feels Real
It's Conspiracy Month! In our first episode of the series, Lisa Fazio, Associate Professor of Psychology at Vanderbilt University, discusses how we come to believe falsehoods, why none of us are experts at discerning fact from fiction, and how repetition can make false information seem more true. She'll discuss why misinformation spreads so easily on the internet, ways we can protect ourselves from bad information (spoiler: it's hard), and how human memory is wildly unreliable - and, unfortunately, manipulatable. PLUS: Lola shares how her mom and stepdad spent the last year working to secretly take down polygamous cult leader Samuel Bateman. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878), OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com. INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, November 30, 2022
Josh Lobo - What Happens When You Troll a Cult
Filmmaker and Lola's pal Josh Lobo shares his experiences as a teenager dealing with a militant small-town religious group in Wyoming. He'll discuss how trolling the group on Facebook led to them seeking revenge, escalating over time to the point of shooting his car up, how he sought legal action to protect himself, and whether or not he regrets his behavior. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp! Learn more and save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/trust Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, November 23, 2022
Jan Broberg, Part 2: Seduction, Secrecy, and Realizing the Lie
Jan Broberg, kidnapping survivor and subject of the Peacock documentary Friend of the Family: True Evil (plus scripted series Friend of the Family), describes how Robert Berchtold seduced Jan's mom to get to Jan, and what it was like the second time he abducted her, keeping her hidden for 4 months in Southern California. She discusses how deeply brainwashed she was even after she was rescued and had limited contact with Berchtold, how he continued to try to intimidate Jan's family, and what the recovery process was like for her and her family. Plus, the advocacy work she's doing now with the Jan Broberg foundation. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, November 16, 2022
Jan Broberg, Part 1: Family Grooming, Aliens, and the First Kidnapping
Jan Broberg, kidnapping survivor and subject of the Peacock documentary Friend of the Family: True Evil (plus scripted series Friend of the Family), shares her story of how a man from church befriended her family when she was a child, grooming and seducing both of her parents to get to Jan. She discusses how the man, Robert Berchtold, kidnapped her and set up an elaborate scheme to convince her that she had a mission involving an alien race... and the way to complete it was to have his baby. And that's just the first kidnapping. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp! Learn more and save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/trust Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: <span style="color: rgb(33,37,41);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 16px;font-fam
Wed, November 09, 2022
Trust Me 100!
Lola and Meagan celebrate their 100th episode by looking back at some of their most awe-inspiring, informative, and touching moments from their interviews with former Moonie Steve Hassan, NXIVM survivor India Oxenberg, former Manson girl Dianne Lake, Heaven's Gate survivor Frank Lyford, and more! This episode of Trust Me is brought to you by the Amazon Music exclusive podcast - SUSPECT: Vanished in the Snow - Download the Amazon Music App today! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola <span style="color: rgb(33,37,41);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 16px;font-f
Wed, November 02, 2022
Elishaba Doerksen, Part 2 - Escaping Alaska and the Road to Recovery
Lola and Meagan continue their conversation with Elishaba Doerksen, author of Out of the Wilderness: Escaping My Father's Prison and My Journey to Forgiveness. Elishaba discuess her family's move to Alaska, how her father's physical abuse turned sexual after years of grooming, how she finally escaped, how she mentally adjusted to life in normal society, and the process of healing that many layers of trauma. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, October 19, 2022
Elishaba Doerksen, Part 1 - My Family Cult in the Wilderness
Elishaba Doerksen, author of Out of the Wilderness: Escaping My Father's Prison and My Journey to Forgiveness, describes how her father rejected his well-to-do upbringing, became a hippie, and eventually found Christianity, deeming himself a sort of prophet. In part one of her story, she shares how he moved their entire family into a cabin in the wilderness with no electricity or running water, the gaslighting and physical abuse he inflicted on her, and how in the midst of her trauma she found comfort in their animals. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, October 12, 2022
Abigail Kochunas - The Gloria Gifford Conservatory for the Performing Arts
Actor Abigail Kochunas and our very own Meagan Elizabeth share stories of what they saw and were subjected to as students in Gloria Gifford's Acting Conservatory including classes that would go on for hours, public humiliation, and the unusual level of control Gloria had over the lives of her members. Abigail shares how much time and money she invested into her education with Gloria, missing nearly every christmas with her family for over a decade, Gloria's ties to Scientology and the Hollywood Reporter article in which numerous former students spoke out. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, October 05, 2022
Sari Crawford - Synanon: Rehab Program Turned Cult
Sari Crawford, host of podcast The Sunshine Place, details her father's involvement with Synanon, the notorious drug rehabilitation program turned cult. Sari shares what led Charles Dederich to found the group in the 1950s, Synanon's early success helping addicts recover, and practices like "the game" and "the trip." She also discusses how the group's attitudes towards violence changed as Dederich became more controlling, how her father became a leader within the group and why he eventually left, and how growing up around former Synanon members has impacted her own life. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, September 28, 2022
Charlotte Laws - IsAnyoneUp.com, Revenge Porn, and the Most Hated Man on the Internet
Author and anti-revenge porn activist Charlotte Laws details her battle against the infamous founder of IsAnyoneUp.com and the subject of Netflix's The Most Hated Man on the Internet, Hunter Moore. She shares how her daughter Kayla's photos were hacked and stolen by Hunter, how he refused to take down his victim's photos, how his online following became cult-like and scary, and how Charlotte continues to fight Hunter and revenge porn. Learn how to battle revenge porn below: https://cybercivilrights.org/ https://www.cyberrightsproject.com/ Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Thu, September 22, 2022
Listener Stories - Financial Abuse, Mormon Missions, and Coming Out
Lola & Meagan re-open up the hotline to Stephanie in Los Angeles as she shares how she was stalked and subjected to financial abuse by her narcissist ex-husband, and Annie in Utah who discusses coming out as a lifelong Mormon, the hardship she experienced on her mission, how she left the LDS church, and her work today supporting LGBT+ youth. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, September 14, 2022
Chris Bail - Online Extremism, Trolls, & the Myth of the Echo Chamber
Chris Bail, professor and director of the Polarization Lab at Duke University, talks about his work in computational social science, why social echo chambers don't work the way we think they do, how our needs for identity and community factor into extremism, and why the moderate majority is the quietest online. Plus, what online trolls are like in real life, how society's attraction to narcissists is part of the problem, and what a better social media could look like. Learn more about Chris' work HERE!!! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, August 31, 2022
Cheryl Nichols - High School Teacher Grooming, Patriarchy, and "Passing the Trash"
Filmmaker and subject of Freeform's "Keep This Between Us," Cheryl Nichols, shares how her high school teacher groomed her for a sexual relationship when she was 16, isolating her from her loved ones, testing the waters with a series of inappropriate emails, and giving her the book Lolita. PLUS: The societal expectations for teenage girls, the patriarchal culture where Cheryl grew up, how "passing the trash" keeps predators at schools from facing consequences... and how she learned she wasn't the only one. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, August 24, 2022
Camille & Trillium - A Pagan Coven and a Southern Fried Narcissist
You're a bisexual Libra living in the south trying to make friends when a guy you're dating invites you to attend a coven meeting... just as the prophecy foretold. Two former members of a southern coven, Camille & Trillium share what drew them to the group, the dubious claims their leader "Kathy" made about her powers, the elaborate courses she designed for her followers, how "Kathy" tried to isolate them from their loved ones, how Camille was ostracized after being abused by "Kathy's" son, why "Kathy" called CPS to take away Trillium's son, and how Camille & Trillium's experience brought them together. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, August 17, 2022
Strictly Stalking's Jaimie Beebe & Jake Deptula
Why do people stalk? The answer is more complicated than you think. Jaimie Beebe & Jake Deptula of the Strictly Stalking podcast drop by to discuss scary stories from stalking survivors, how Hollywood romanticizes controlling relationship dynamics, what triggers people to stalk, the parallels with fandom, the empathy many victims feel for their stalkers, the importance of establishing and keeping boundaries,and whether restraining orders do anything. PLUS: Lola and Meagan discuss Joe Dispenza. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Mon, August 15, 2022
Welcome To The Sunshine Place
Once called “the miracle on the beach,” Synanon began in the 1960s as an experimental rehab facility in Santa Monica, California with a radical claim: It could cure heroin addiction. Before long, it would make an even bolder claim: It could cure any of your problems. All you had to do was move in. What started in a house on the beach, soon spread to compounds across the country. The man who made the miracle happen, Charles E. Dederich, aka “Chuck,” would be the one to destroy it all, along with the lives of many of his followers and millions of dollars in assets. The Sunshine Place tells the mind-blowing, true-story of Synanon - one of America’s most cutting edge social experiments, turned into one of its most dangerous and violent cults - as it’s never been told before: by the people who lived it. Executive Produced by Robert Downey Jr., Susan Downey, and Emily Barclay Ford for Team Downey and C13Originals, together with Josh McLaughlin for Wink Pictures and written, produced, and directed by Peabody-nominated C13Originals, a Cadence13 Studio.
Wed, August 10, 2022
Virginia Heffernan: Edge, Jeffrey Epstein, & the Intellectual Dark Web
You're struggling to advance your writing career. You reach out to a mysterious book agent who seems to be the key to success, along with his exclusive group of intellectual heavy hitters. Little do you know, that group is not all it seems... and it's closely connected to an absolute monster. Journalist Virginia Heffernan shares the origins of male-dominated intellectual organization Edge, its promise of merging the arts and the sciences to create a "third culture," how she joined through founder John Brockman, and the lengthy list of prominent academics, billionaires, and artists involved, from Elon Musk to Richard Dawkins--to Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, the "billionaires' dinners," its close financial ties to Epstein, and the overlap with the Intellectual Dark Web. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, August 03, 2022
Joann Vaega: Waco Survivor and Former Branch Davidian
You're a child living on a remote compound in West Texas. One day authorities show up at your front door and an exchange of gunfire breaks out. Just as you expected would happen. Survivor of the Branch Davidians and the Waco massacre, Joann Vaega, discusses her earliest memories of living on the compound, what cult leader David Koresh was like in person, why she did not feel fear when the siege began, how her mom bravely acted to save her, learning about the fire that killed 76 people, including her own parents, and how she's currently defying how people said she would turn out. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
Wed, July 27, 2022
Spencer Schneider: Sharon Gans, School, & a Manhattan Cult Story
Can you keep a secret? Lawyer and author of Manhattan Cult Story: My Unbelievable True Story of Sex, Crimes, Chaos, and Survival discusses his attraction to esoteric philosophy, how he joined Sharon Gans' secretive group School, the strict social rules members had to follow and the similarities it shared with Fight Club, the financial and psychological abuse the members suffered, and how he finally left after being a member for 23 years. PLUS: Lola and Meagan discuss the intersection of social media and mental health, high rise jeans, death doulas, and open casket funerals. FOR MORE INFO AND RESOURCES: https://nyc-wellness.com/ http://www.cultrevolt.com/ https://www.spencer-schneider.com/ Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Thu, July 21, 2022
Luis Favela & Honor Academy
Jesus bootcamp, anyone? Musician Luis Favela shares what it was like attending the Christian youth training camp Honor Academy, part of an evangelical youth organization called Teen Mania Ministries. Luis shares his story about growing up as a religious youth leader, attending Honor Academy only for it to turn into a military style bootcamp, the physical and mental stress the "interns" had to endure in the name of Jesus, and how cat food factored in. PLUS: Lola & Meagan discuss Young Life and climate change avoidance. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Thu, July 14, 2022
Hank Nuwer & Hazing Culture
Writer and author of several books including Hazing: Destroying Young Lives, Hank Nuwer, discusses the various forms that hazing can take, why he started tracking data of deaths and injuries, a history of tragic incidents, the functions and alternatives of hazing, how it varies between fraternities and sororities, and general discussions of group dynamics. PLUS : Lola and Meagan discuss hearing voices, a wholesome bigfoot hunting trip gone wrong, the 1997 sci-fi flick Contact, why space is Lola's new religion, and how we might be living in a simulation! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, July 06, 2022
Evan McNary: Assisting Exorcisms, Speaking in Tongues & Pastors in Sunglasses
Filmmaker Evan McNary discusses his childhood in an exorcism focused church, believing in demons, helping with church exorcisms, having "possessed" people living in his home, and attending a Pentecostal church where members would laugh and scream for hours on end. PLUS: an interesting conversation about how a world with less religion is a double-edged sword, and Evan's theory on pastor's who wear sunglasses. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, June 22, 2022
G Charles Wright: Growing up Bisexual, Natural Disasters & Abusive Parenting
Casting director and former Christian G Charles Wright talks about growing up Christian and struggling with his sexuality, a natural disaster he was caught in the middle of, why he calls his mom a psychopath, and how he shed the influence of his upbringing and finally accepted himself and his sexuality. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878?) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, June 15, 2022
Sara Levine & Danny Murphy of Not Another True Crime Podcast
Sara & Danny, hosts of Not Another True Crime Podcast, join Lola and Meagan to discuss the tragic cases of Matthew Coleman and Anthony Todt and delusional conspiracy theories that they believed, the recent wave of con men documentaries, the cults of Reddit and SoulCycle, the link between Mormonism and MLMs, and Meagan's family connection to the BTK Killer. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878?) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, June 08, 2022
Monia Ali: One Direction & Toxic Fandom
Former One Direction stan Monia Ali shares her involvement in various fandoms throughout her life, how old she was when she became a One Direction stan, the conspiracy theory she became wrapped up in, the online bullying she experienced when she left the fandom, and the role of identity and community in these groups. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, June 01, 2022
Patrick Ryan and Joe Kelly - Transcendental Meditation & Cult Intervention
Want to learn how to levitate? Cult Interventionists and Founders of Cult News 101, Patrick Ryan and Joe Kelly, talk about their work with ICSA (the International Cultic Studies Association), how levitation played into their experiences with Transcendental Meditation, early cult deprogramming and why it was problematic, how most people leave cults of their own volition, and why exploring someone's beliefs are better than attacking them. Learn more about Patrick and Joe's work here: cultmediation.com cultnews101.com If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, May 25, 2022
Rethinking Trauma: The Power Threat Meaning Framework with Lucy Johnstone
UK consultant clinical psychologist and one of the authors of the power threat meaning framework Lucy Johnstone shares how her work is meant to re-conceive how we think of mental illness, why the DSM is flawed, the position of why labels are problematic, how " ideological power" factors in, how "mental illnesses" can be adaptive, and the importance of creating your narrative. PLUS!! A bonus interview with Lola's mom Dr Christine Marie!! Learn more about Lucy's below: https://www.bps.org.uk/power-threat-meaning-framework https://www.pccs-books.co.uk/products/a-straight-talking-introduction-to-the-power-threat-meaning-framework-an-alternative-to-psychiatric-diagnosis If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, May 18, 2022
Rethinking Trauma: Post-Traumatic Growth with Richard Tedeschi
UNC Charlotte professor and psychology researcher Dr Richard Tedeschi discusses his pioneering work on post-traumatic growth, how his field is different from resilience, how core beliefs are involved in our trauma, what "integration" means, and the value of an "expert companion," having a mission, and sharing your story. Learn more about Richard's work at https://bouldercrest.org/ If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, May 11, 2022
Rethinking Trauma: Self-Regulation and Healing Trauma with Robert Rhoton
How do we self-regulate when faced with triggers? CEO of the Arizona Trauma Institute and President at the Trauma Institute International Dr Robert Rhoton digs into the physiology of trauma, why the particular therapeutic model isn’t THAT important (as long as our therapists are trauma-informed), how being dysregulated is akin to a certain Marvel character, and why it’s important for our therapists to be regulated themselves. Plus, how our culture might not promote emotional regulation, practical ways to get regulated, and how we can actually begin to heal our trauma over time. Learn more about Robert's work at https://aztrauma.org/ If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, May 04, 2022
Rethinking Trauma: Resilience with George Bonanno
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we're taking May to dive into trauma: how we think about it, how it works, and what we can actually DO about it if we're struggling. How can we live our best lives, even if we've had difficult or terrifying experiences? In part 1 of the Rethinking Trauma series, Lola and Meagan chat with Columbia professor and PhD George Bonanno about his pioneering research into trauma and resilience, how we aren't necessarily doomed to be traumatized when we experience something terrible, why "coping ugly" is okay, and how flexibility can help us become more resilient. https://www.mentalhealth.gov/ If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, April 27, 2022
Jordan Harbinger: Scams, Influence, & The Law of Attraction
Podcast veteran Jordan Harbinger joins Lola and Meagan to talk magical thinking, the law of attraction, influence vs manipulation, how to be an ethical leader, how he himself has been scammed, and what makes people susceptible to scams! If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Thu, April 21, 2022
Nitai Joseph, Part 2: When Meditation Gets Culty
A little meditation never hurt anyone... right? Lola and Meagan chat with former Hare Krishna monk Nitai Joseph about meditation and how it isn't necessarily always the cure-all it's cracked up to be. They discuss Sam Harris, whether you can divorce meditation from its religious roots, and the work Nitai does with Cheetah House to help those with adverse meditation experiences. Learn more about Nitai's work at https://www.cheetahhouse.org/ SUPPORT LOLA'S FILM: bit.ly/pruningfilm If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, April 13, 2022
Nitai Joseph, Part 1 - Hare Krishna, Cool Gurus, & Labor Exploitation
Nitai Joseph, talks about being a former Hare Krishna Monk, what the general beliefs are, going to California to learn from a seemingly cooler guru, devoting his life to the group, the labor exploitation he experienced, and the dangers of the guru structure. SUPPORT LOLA'S FILM: bit.ly/pruningfilm If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, April 06, 2022
Lynn Short - The New Gnostic Society, Sexual Alchemy, & Lucid Dreaming
Episode 72: Lynn Short, former member of the Armageddon cult the New Gnostic Society, shares how her relationship drew her to the group, the belief that their original guru was resurrected, working as a missionary, doomsday predictions, their use of lucid dreaming and withholding orgasms, what Lynn describes as "spiritualized depression," and the nails in the coffin for leaving. SUPPORT LOLA'S FILM : bit.ly/pruningfilm If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, March 30, 2022
Anne Speckhard - How Terrorists Are Made
Episode 71: Anne Speckhard, Director of the International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism and Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown, discusses her interviews with members of Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and white supremacist groups, how she gets people to open up, the factors that drive people to terrorism, and what to do if someone you know is falling prey to extremism. Learn more about Anne's work at https://www.icsve.org/ SUPPORT LOLA'S FILM: bit.ly/pruningfilm If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, March 23, 2022
Terra Newell, Part 2 - Killing Dirty John
Episode 70: Terra Newell shares why her mom took John back after they broke up (despite his criminal history), not being able to file a restraining order, how John started to stalk the family, how Terra was able to defend herself and kill John when he attacked her, and what the recovery process has been like. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, March 16, 2022
Terra Newell, Part 1 - Meeting Dirty John
Episode 69: Terra Newell, life coach and animal lover who survived an attack from the now-infamous con man and manipulator Dirty John, shares how her mom met John on a dating app. In part one, they discuss how he claimed to be a doctor, some of his bizarre behaviors, and how he isolated her mom from the family. Plus: the grey rock method of communication, a tool for dealing with narcissists and abusers. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, March 09, 2022
Sinasta Colucci – Romance, Racism, & Cover-Ups in Twelve Tribes
Episode 68: In part two of their conversation with Sinasta Colucci, Lola and Meagan dive into the dramatic forbidden romances he experienced while in Twelve Tribes, the racist doctrines that were kept from him until he was already committed to the group, and a big secret that the community leaders covered up. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, March 02, 2022
Sinasta Colucci - Twelve Tribes, Farm Life, and The End Times
Episode 67: In part one of his conversation with Lola & Meagan, Better Than a Turkish Prison: What I Learned From Life in a Religious Cult author Sinasta Colucci shares his experience living in the Twelve Tribes communities. He talks about growing up poor in Detroit, living on a hippie Christian fundamentalist commune, the practice of giving up your personal assets, and how their end times prophecies shaped his daily life. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, February 23, 2022
The Airborne Toxic Event's Mikel Jollett - My Childhood in Synanon
Episode 66: Rockstar and Hollywood Park author Mikel Jollett shares how he spent his childhood in the drug rehab cult Synanon, how it impacted his family relationships from a young age, leaving the group only to live in poverty, incidents of violence committed by Synanon, and the residual impact on his adult life. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, February 09, 2022
Jillian Lauren, Part 2 - Return to Brunei and Meeting a Serial Killer
Episode 65: Author Jillian Lauren shares what brought her back to Brunei after leaving the first time, her relationship with the Prince, meeting the Sultan, smuggling money out of the country, and how she became acquainted with the most prolific serial killer in American History. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, February 02, 2022
Jillian Lauren, Part 1 - Life in a Harem
Episode 64: You're young and struggling to make ends meet. Then you get invited to live in the lap of luxury in a place far away... with no guarantee of your safety. Writer Jillian Lauren recounts the events from her book Some Girls: My Life in a Harem as the guest of the Prince of Brunei, including how she was first recruited, how what she went through was similar to the Bachelor and the Hunger Games, the level of sadism she experienced, and the backlash received from her family for writing the book. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, January 26, 2022
Banachek, Part 2 - Critical Thinking vs Skepticism
Episode 63: Mentalist and magician Banachek shares how he exposed a scam by televangelist and debunked faither healer Peter Popoff in the 80s, why he fights against funding pseudoscience, and the difference between critical thinking and skepticism. Plus: he performs a trick on Lola and Meagan. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, January 19, 2022
Banachek, Part 1 - Mentalism vs Psychic Ability
Episode 62: World famous mentalist and magician Banachek joins Lola & Meagan to discuss the difference between mentalists, magicians and psychics, how he became involved in a parapsychology research project called Project Alpha, and how you can become emotionally invested in something that you know is an illusion! If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, January 12, 2022
Drew Amstutz - Surviving Conversion Therapy
Episode 61: Lola & Meagan share a heartfelt conversation with conversion therapy survivor Drew Amstutz about growing up gay as a pastor's kid, being forced into conversion therapy, having suicidal ideations, and how he coped and found a way out. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, January 05, 2022
Amanda Knox & Christopher Robinson - Understanding Cognitive Bias
Episode 60: It's Lola's favorite topic. And today she and Meagan are joined by hosts of the Labyrinths podcast Amanda Knox and Christopher Robinson as they dig into the world of cognitive bias. They discuss Amanda's wrongful conviction in 2007, spending four years in an Italian prison, all of the biases that came into play in Amanda's trial, and the public perception of what happened. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, December 22, 2021
Bob Nygaard, Part 2 - How Psychics Manipulate
Episode 59: In part two of their interview with psychic tracker Bob Nygaard, Lola & Meagan dig into what its like fighting with police and prosecutors to bring criminals to justice, how psychic fraud is organized crime, an interesting discussion of why most psychics are women, the difference between cold and hot readings, the importance of having a support network, "the psychic script", a reoccurring character named Gina Marx. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, December 15, 2021
Bob Nygaard, Part 1 - Investigating Psychic Fraud
Episode 58: The notorious private investigator and psychic tracker Bob Nygaard joins Lola & Meagan to talk about his early career as a cop, getting started in confidence crimes and psychic fraud, how psychics groom their victims, and the kinds of people who seek out psychic advice (HINT: They're smarter than you think!). If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, December 08, 2021
Lauren & John Matthias – The Daybells, Part 2: Buried Bodies & the Dark Triad
Episode 57: In part two of their interview with hosts of the Hidden podcast, Lauren and Dr John Matthias, Lola and Meagan discuss the the chronology of the murders carried out by Chad & Lori Daybell, how a welfare check led to the discovery of two missing children, how Chad and Lori were living in an elaborate fiction, as well as the theories of "The Dark Triad" and "Rich Guy Syndrome." If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, December 01, 2021
Lauren & John Matthias – The Daybells, Part 1: Murder, Zombies, & LDS Fan Fiction
Episode 56: In part one of their interview with true crime power couple and hosts of the Hidden podcast, Lauren and Dr John Matthias, Lola and Meagan dig into the LDS backgrounds of Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell, Chad's history as a fiction writer, how zombies and Munchausen by proxy play into their story, and the horrific deaths of the people close to the couple. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, November 17, 2021
Angie Kehler & Yahanna Masimer - The Assembly of YHWHhoshua
Episode 55: Two best friends in a cult. Angie Kehler & Yahanna Masimer share their experience growing up in the Assembly of YHWHhoshua, founded by self-proclaimed prophet Laycher Gonzalez, who had visions from "YHWH." They discuss the strict dress code restrictions, not being allowed to have drawings, paintings, or photos, and how one member died after being forbidden from going to the doctor. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, November 10, 2021
Listener Stories - Purity Culture & Narcissist Dads
Episode 54: Lola & Meagan open up the hotline to Mlee in Houston as she shares her culty childhood with a narcissist "Super Dad", and Holly in West Virginia, a self-described "bus kid" who grew up dating two brothers in a small town Baptist purity culture. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, November 03, 2021
Rachel Bernstein & IndoctriNation
Episode 53: Ever heard of a cult specialist? Therapist and IndoctriNation podcast host Rachel Bernstein shares what healing looks like after leaving a cult, common themes in manipulation recovery, signs that someone is in a high-control group or experiencing dissociation, and advice for those with loved ones in a cult. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, October 27, 2021
Dr. Ramani Durvasula - Narcissism 101
Episode 52: Are you a narcissist? Statistically, it's possible! Dr. Ramani Durvasula joins Lola and Meagan for a clinic on all things narcissism. They discuss whether narcissists are born or made, how narcissism differs from psychopathy, why dating a narcissist is similar to being in a cult, and whether it's possible to prevent someone from becoming a narcissist. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Thu, October 21, 2021
Jennings Brown - Investigating the Fellowship of Friends
Episode 51: Jennings Brown, reporter and host of cult podcasts The Gateway and Revelations, discusses life on the lavish compound of the Fellowship of Friends leading up to their doomsday date, why people cling to their prophecies when they don't come true, allegations of sexual assault against the group's leader, and the orgy that was compared to a trip to the DMV. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, October 06, 2021
Glenn Carter - UK Raelian Leader, Part 2: A Debate on Power Dynamics
Episode 50: In part two of Lola and Meagan's interview with UFO cult leader Glenn Carter, they discuss the cloning controversy that the Raelian movement was known for, Glenn's relationship with the movement's founder, and an interesting debate on power dynamics and personal responsibility. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, September 29, 2021
Glenn Carter - UK Raelian Leader, Part 1: Aliens, Meditation & Cloning
Episode 49: It's a Trust Me first! Actor / musician / leader of the UK Raelian chapter Glenn Carter joins Lola & Meagan in part one of their conversation about Glenn's religious group with unconventional views on alien life, how he became the regional leader, and all things meditation, evolution, and cloning! If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, September 22, 2021
The Cult of Hollywood
Episode 48: Can success be its own cult? Lola & Meagan delve into how abuse of power plays into the entertainment industry, the experiences they've had firsthand with people in power, and the dark side of the pursuit of stardom. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, September 15, 2021
Natascia Mallin – Therapy Cult, Part 2: Trauma Bonding & Lifting the Veil
Episode 47: In part two of their discussion with author of The First 50 , Natascia Mallin , Lola and Meagan discuss the trauma bonding that happened within the group, whether or not the program really worked, and the importance of staying anchored to the outside world. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Thu, September 09, 2021
Natascia Mallin – Therapy Cult, Part 1: A Guru Named Stan
Episode 46: In part one of their chat with author of The First 50: A Saga of Backseats, Bedrooms, Lookout Points, and Dive Bars , Natascia Mallin , Lola and Meagan discuss how Natascia's time working at Cafe Gratitude and the Landmark Forum led her to join a "therapy cult" led by a well-read charismatic guru named Stan. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, September 01, 2021
Christina Babin - Children of God, Part 2: Reprogramming Camps
Episode 45: In part two of their interview with Children of God survivor, Christina Babin, Lola and Meagan discuss life in the "reprogramming camps," the difficulty coming forward about these kinds of experiences, and finding love after leaving the group. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, August 25, 2021
Christina Babin – Children of God, Part 1: Punishment Camps & Flirty Fishing
Episode 44: Love bombing. Flirty fishing. Moving from country to country. Just a few standard parts of life as a member of David Berg's Children of God. In part one of their conversation with Christina Babin, Lola and Meagan discuss Christina's experience in punishment camps, the separation from her family, and being exploited in a child sex trafficking cult. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Thu, August 19, 2021
Katherine - Teal Swan
Episode 43: Lola & Meagan chat with a woman named Kathryn about her experiences as a follower of the charismatic social media guru Teal Swan... who is often accused of being a cult leader. They discuss Teal's online presence and appeal, how she conducts her workshops, controversies of plagiarism, and a concerning story of what happened to one member. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Thu, August 12, 2021
Jonas Bell Pasht - How To Become A Tyrant
Episode 42: Executive producer of Netflix's How To Become a Tyrant (and friend of the show!) Jonas Bell Pasht joins Lola & Meagan to talk about the behaviors of infamous dictators like Hitler, Stalin, Idi Amin, and Saddam Hussein, the parallels between tyrants and cult leaders, and how dictators prey upon societies' wants and needs. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, August 04, 2021
Torah Bontrager - Growing Up Amish, Part 2: Escaping & Activism
Episode 41: In part two of their conversation with activist / Amish Girl in Manhattan author TORAH BONTRAGER, Lola & Meagan discuss the abuse Torah suffered in her family, escaping the community, graduating from Columbia University, and Torah's involvement with the fight against the Supreme Court case, Wisconsin v Yoder. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, July 21, 2021
Torah Bontrager – Growing Up Amish, Part 1: Corporal Punishment & Rumspringa
Episode 40: No cars, electricity, or indoor bathrooms - think you could do it? Activist / Amish Girl in Manhattan author TORAH BONTRAGER shares about her upbringing in an Amish community in Wisconsin, speaking the Amish language, the real meaning of Rumspringa, her tumultuous family relationships, the use of corporal punishment in Amish culture, and some of the abuse she experienced firsthand. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, July 14, 2021
Glynn Washington - The Worldwide Church of God
Episode 39: End time prophecies? Memorizing the bible? Required church vacations your family can't afford? Snap Judgment host and creator Glynn Washington shares his experiences growing up in the apocalyptic religion the Worldwide Church of God. He tells the girls about believing the end of the world was imminent, the white supremacist roots of the group and how he was forbidden from dating outside of his race, and the book that began to change his thinking. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, July 07, 2021
Hoyt Richards - From Supermodel to Cult Member
Episode 38: What do you model your life after? For producer, actor, and former supermodel Hoyt Richards, it was the teachings of a charming man from Nantucket who spoke about the impending apocalypse and a distant star named Arcturus. Hoyt shares how he was indoctrinated into the Eternal Values cult as his modeling career was taking off, what he describes as "cultic relationships," and how Fabio (yes, that Fabio) was involved in his recovery. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, June 30, 2021
April Snow - Scientology & the Sea Org, Part 2: Leaving & The Aftermath
Episode 37: In part two of Trust Me's first interview with a former Scientologist, April Snow shares her thoughts on how the church treats drug and alcohol addiction, the fallout from her appearance on Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, and the division it caused within her family. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, June 23, 2021
April Snow - Scientology & the Sea Org, Part 1: The LA Celebrity Centre
Episode 36: This one is sure to stimulate your thetans. Trust Me's first former Scientologist guest, April Snow, talks about growing up in the church, living in the LA Celebrity Centre as a child, and joining the infamous Sea Organization at age 15—and what it was like when her loved ones disconnected from her. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, June 16, 2021
Brian Holoyda - Folie à Deux & Shared Delusions
Episode 35: Can delusional beliefs be passed on to others? Forensic psychiatrist Brian Holoyda discusses the science of shared psychotic disorders (also known as folie à deux), how cult beliefs can mimic this phenomenon, and why Qanon doesn't necessarily count as a delusion. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, June 09, 2021
Danny Gold & Sean Williams - Mafias & Organized Crime
Episdoe 34: From the Burmese mafia to Nigeria's Black Axe, journalists and hosts of The Underworld Podcast Danny Gold and Sean Williams compare the world's mafias, cults, and organized crime groups. They discuss their most harrowing reporting experiences, what groups they've been the most fascinated by, and the parallels between mafias and cults. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, May 26, 2021
Taylor Brown - Tech CEOs
Episode 32: Charisma. Grand Ideas. Unchecked narcissism. What's stopping the world's tech CEOs from becoming our new 21st century cult leaders? Former corporate executive Taylor Brown joins Lola & Meagan to discuss all things WeWork, Elon Musk, Donald Trump, group retreats - and the psychology of corporate culture. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, May 19, 2021
Dianne Lake - The Manson Family, Part 2: The Tate-LaBianca Murders
Episode 31: Lola and Meagan dive deeper with Dianne Lake, aka “Snake,” the youngest member of the Manson family, and her co-author Deborah Herman. They discuss the LSD-fueled lifestyle on Spahn Ranch, Charles Manson's connection to the Beach Boys, his obsession with an impending race war, and how Dianne learned about the Tate-LaBianca murders--and the legal and psychological repercussions she endured. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, May 12, 2021
Dianne Lake – The Manson Family, Part 1: Meeting Charlie
Episode 30: You’re a teenage girl in the late 60s, bouncing between communes, when a charismatic man and his group of young women welcome you with open arms. You were looking for a family, and now you’ve found one. In part one of an incredible interview, Dianne Lake, aka “Snake,” and her co-author Deborah Herman discuss growing up in 1960s counter-culture, the dark side of the sexual revolution, and what it was like becoming the youngest member of Charles Manson’s family. Stay tuned next week for part two, in which she tells Lola & Meagan how she learned about the murders! If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, May 05, 2021
Janja Lalich - Democratic Workers Party and Bounded Choice in Cults
Episode 29: How far would you go for your ideals? Sociologist and author Janja Lalich chats with Lola and Meagan about her time in the 70s as part of a radical Marxist-Leninist group called the Democratic Workers Party, how she became a high-ranking member, and the toll it took on her personal relationships. They discuss how to tell the difference between a legitimate political group and one that’s leaning into cult territory, what “bounded choice” means, and red flags to look out for in any relationship. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, April 28, 2021
Avital Ash - Orthodox Judaism
Episode 28: Traditions! Are they helpful customs that keep us connected to our history? Or can they become too rigid and hinder the personal and intellectual growth of those who observe them? Comedian/actor/director Avital Ash joins Lola & Meagan to dive into what it was like growing up practicing Orthodox Judaism, internalizing shame about her womanhood, and forging her own path as an adult. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, April 21, 2021
Anna LeBaron - Ervil LeBaron, the "Mormon Manson"
Episode 27: You've only met your dad twice, but you know he's the prophet. You live in abject poverty, forced into child labor. And you often have to move your entire household in the middle of the night, for reasons you don't understand. Anna LeBaron joins Lola & Meagan to talk about the trauma of living in a polygamist cult and the murders perpetrated by her father, Ervil LeBaron aka the "Mormon Manson." She also tells the girls about her healing journey, going to therapy, and the importance of telling your story. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, April 14, 2021
Kilian Aulenbacher - Church Universal and Triumphant
Episode 26: Kilian Aulenbacher went from a German kid who spoke zero English to harvesting crops and hanging out in bomb shelters on a Montana commune, as a member of the Church Universal and Triumphant. Typical childhood, right? Meagan & Lola dig into what brought Killian's family to Montana, what it was like believing the world was ending, and the Christian cult leader who claimed she received revelations from spiritual beings called the "Masters." Plus, how he learned to question everything. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, April 07, 2021
Gerardo Lopez - MS-13 & the Police, Part 2: The Rampart Scandal
Episode 25: In part 2 with former MS-13 member Gerardo Lopez, Lola and Meagan discuss how he left the gang, the harassment he experienced by the LAPD in the era of the Rampart Scandal, and how one of the Chicago Seven took him under his wing. Then: How he started a new life in Colorado, only to be suddenly arrested on a federal warrant, accused of starting a new MS-13 chapter in Colorado, and wrongfully sent to prison. Listen to learn how he fought to be released, and hear about the gang intervention work he does now! www.homiesunidosdenver.org www.homiesunidos.org IG: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch Twitter: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola www.trustmepod.com If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, March 24, 2021
Gerardo Lopez - MS-13, Part 1: LA in the 80s and 90s
Episode 24: Meagan & Lola interview Gerardo Lopez, gang interventionist and former member of gang MS-13. In part 1, he tells the ladies about growing up in gang territory in LA in the 80s and 90s, getting jumped in to MS-13, and what life was like in the gang. They discuss getting arrested, gaming the system, and how being approached by an interventionist began to change things. In part 2, they'll discuss his journey through the criminal justice system during the era of the Rampart Scandal. IG: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch Twitter: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola www.trustmepod.com If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, March 17, 2021
Frank Lyford - Heaven's Gate, Part 2: Breaking Away
Episode 23: Lola Blanc & Meagan Elizabeth continue to interview Frank Lyford, former member of Heaven's Gate. In part 2, they discuss the growing number of red flags he began to notice after one of the leaders died, including talk of castration, and what led to his decision to finally, after 18 years, break away. He also tells the girls what it was like when he heard about the mass suicide on the news, how heartbreaking that was, the lessons he's learned as a result, and what his life is like now. IG: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch Twitter: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola www.trustmepod.com If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, March 10, 2021
Frank Lyford - Heaven's Gate, Part 1: The Nomadic Lifestyle
Episode 22: Lola & Meagan interview Frank Lyford, survivor of Heaven's Gate who left after 18 years--just a few years before discovering his friends and loved ones in the group had died by suicide. In part 1, he tells the girls how he began following the leaders Ti and Do, what it was like living a nomadic lifestyle with his "check partner," and what happened when they all settled in one place for "Class." They discuss being separated from the love of his life, how the rules became more strict and controlling, and how much darker things got after Ti got cancer. Stay tuned next week for part 2! www.trustmepod.com IG: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch Twitter: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, March 03, 2021
Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti - Autism, Racism, and a Religious Cult
Episode 21: Lola Blanc and Meagan Elizabeth interview speaker and sex educator Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti. She tells the girls about being the only Black woman in an all-white Christian cult in college, the racism and bullying she experienced, and why autistic people like herself are uniquely susceptible to coercive control. They also discuss the life change that helped her realize she needed to leave, and how she's been able to embrace who she really is--plus, how to protect yourself or a loved one with autism. IG: @gloriajacksonnefertiti @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch Twitter: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola www.trustmepod.com If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Thu, February 18, 2021
M.E. Thomas & Arya - Two Sociopaths (Who Are Dating)
Episode 20: Meagan Elizabeth and Lola Blanc interview M.E. Thomas, author of Confessions of a Sociopath, and her girlfriend Arya--two sociopaths who are dating each other. They talk about how they met, what love is like for a sociopath, and how for them it has included blood play. They also discuss whether psychopaths can be rehabilitated, how malignant behaviors are not necessarily inherently caused by psychopathy, and why having a clear sense of your own boundaries is better than trying to spot a sociopath. www.trustmepod.com www.sociopathworld.com IG: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch Twitter: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, February 10, 2021
Elana Auerbach - OneTaste (aka the Orgasm Cult)
Episode 19: Lola Blanc & Meagan Elizabeth interview Elana Auerbach, former follower of sexual wellness company OneTaste--elsewhere deemed the Orgasm Cult--in its early years. Elana discusses being the founder's right hand woman as the program developed, and how the sexual practice involving stimulating a woman's genitals evolved into what's now called Orgasmic Meditation. They discuss how Elana came to center her life around the founder, how she was manipulated, and what snapped her out of it. IG: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch Twitter: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola www.trustmepod.com If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, February 03, 2021
Nicoletta Heidegger - BDSM vs. Abuse
Episode 18: Lola Blanc and Meagan Elizabeth interview sex therapist, sexologist, and Sluts and Scholars podcast host Nicoletta Heidegger about all things BDSM! They discuss the basics of consensual play, Armie Hammer (and why cannibal fantasies are not the problem), red flags to look out for, making check-ins sexy, and how to tell the difference between kink and abuse. Think you might be in an abusive relationship? Please visit www.loveisrespect.org/ or www.thehotline.org/ FOLLOW US: IG: @slutsandscholars @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch Twitter: @ohlalola @trustmecultpod PER EPISODE DISCUSSION: Free sex inventories: Autostraddle Emily Nagoski Partially paid programs: Miss Jaiya's Erotic Blueprint Kayna Cassard's arousal architecture Apps: Kindu Xconfessions Love Nudge We should try it/Spicer Book:The Relationship Fix, Dr. Jenn Mann If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, January 27, 2021
Yuval Laor - Fervor, Awe, and Hyperreligiosity
Episode 17: Lola and Meagan interview Dr. Yuval Laor, behavioral and cultural scientist who studies evolutionary biology and religion. Yuval describes his theories on awe experiences and fervor, and how cult leaders manipulate these emotional states to earn and keep their followers' loyalty. He also talks about belief attachment and why it's not so different from parental or romantic attachment, and the hyperreligiosity that can occur with temporal lobe epileptic seizures. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Tue, January 19, 2021
Lucien Greaves - The Satanic Temple, Satanic Panic, & Recovered Memory
Episode 16: Meagan and Lola interview Lucien Greaves, co-founder of the Satanic Temple, about how the Satanic Temple was founded and why their (hilarious) stunts and lawsuits are actually deeply important for religious freedom and the separation of church and state. They also discuss the Satanic panic of the 80s and 90s and how it's had a resurgence in the form of QAnon, plus why "recovered" memories, and organizations like the ISSTD that champion fringe science, can have dangerous consequences. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, January 13, 2021
Jitarth Jadeja - Former QAnon Believer
Episode 15: Lola and Meagan interview Jitarth Jadeja, former QAnon believer. He tells the girls about how, despite being Australian, he first was a Bernie supporter, then shifted his support to Trump before becoming obsessed with conspiracy theories. They discuss the two years of his life in which he believed in Q, the moment he realized it was all a lie, how he'd have gone to the Capitol if he'd still believed, and what he suggests you should do if a loved one has fallen into QAnon. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, January 06, 2021
Amber Dawn Lee - Zion Society (Fundamentalist Mormon Cult)
Episode 14: **TW: This episode contains detailed descriptions of sexual assault and child abuse.** Meagan and Lola interview Amber Dawn Lee about her childhood in Zion Society, a Fundamentalist Mormon group run by self-proclaimed prophet Arvin Shreeve. They discuss how she lived in poverty with extremist parents, what it was like in the abusive cult, and what the "sexual way of life" was. They also discuss life afterward, and how she doesn't let the trauma of the experience rent space in her brain. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, December 30, 2020
Amanda Montell - The Language of Cults and Fanaticism
Episode 13: Meagan and Lola interview Amanda Montell, linguist and author of Wordslut and now Cultish, her new book about the language of fanaticism. They discuss loaded language, thought-terminating cliches, cultish jargon that can be found in wellness communities and beyond, and the surprising characteristic those who join cultish groups have in common. Plus, how the key may just be to join a whole bunch of cults. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, December 23, 2020
Cliff "Fifth" Henderson - Jehovah's Witnesses
Episode 12: Meagan and Lola interview rapper Fifth, also known as Cliff Henderson, about his experiences as a Jehovah's Witness. Fifth tells the girls how he was a devout member until he lost his faith in his 20s, when he was disfellowshipped and subsequently shunned by his family and community at large. He also talks about the dangerous practices that the church advocates, and how he channels it all into his music. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Thu, December 17, 2020
Naomi Gibson - Children of God and NXIVM, Part 2: Recruited into NXIVM
Episode 11: Lola and Meagan finish their interview with Naomi Gibson, former member of both the Children of God (aka the Family) and NXIVM. In part two of this two-part episode, she talks to the girls about how Mark Vicente recruited her into NXIVM, what she loved about J'ness, and how she was involved in the cult's unraveling. www.trustmepod.com If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Thu, December 10, 2020
Frank Meeink - From Neo-Nazism to Anti-Racism
Episode 10: Meagan and Lola interview Frank Meeink, author of Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead, about his journey from neo-Nazism as a teenager to present-day anti-racism. They discuss how he was indoctrinated into his white supremacist group, the crimes he committed that landed him in prison, the moment that changed everything for him, where he is now, and the importance of the Fourth Amendment. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, December 02, 2020
Naomi Gibson – Children of God and NXIVM, Part 1: Life on an Abusive Commune
Episode 9: Lola and Meagan interview Naomi Gibson, former member of both the Children of God (aka the Family) and NXIVM. In part one of this two-part episode, she talks to the girls about living on a commune in the Philippines with the Family, the abuse that went on there, how her mother decided to leave, and why it's so hard to leave a group without a strong support system on the other side. She also touches on the parallels between both groups... to be continued in part two! www.trustmepod.com If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, November 25, 2020
Vikram Gandhi - Being Kumaré, the Fake Guru
Episode 8: Lola and Meagan interview filmmaker Vikram Gandhi about the making of his documentary Kumaré, in which he pretended to be a spiritual leader from a fictional village in India--and quickly built a following in Phoenix, Arizona. They discuss how it happened, why he did it, and how his followers reacted when he revealed his true identity. They also talk about the prevalence of gurus in Indian culture, whether it matters if someone's fake if they're actually helping, and why we give spirituality a little too much weight in our lives. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, November 18, 2020
Noël Wells - Scam Psychic Retreat
Episode 7: The girls interview filmmaker, musician, and actress Noël Wells about her experience going to a weekend retreat with a celebrity psychic - and eventually realizing she'd been scammed. Plus: an update on how Noël confronted the "psychic" after the initial interview. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, November 11, 2020
India Oxenberg - NXIVM
Episode 6: Lola and Meagan interview India Oxenberg, former member of NXIVM and star of Seduced, now on Starz. They discuss EMs, the group's grooming tactics, her feelings on Allison Mack, and what it was like to face Keith Raniere in court. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, November 04, 2020
Steve Hassan - The Moonies, Trump, and QAnon
Episode 5: Lola and Meagan interview cult expert Steven Hassan on his experience joining the Moonies in the 70s, his book The Cult of Trump, what Trump has in common with cult leaders, how modern cult indoctrination happens online, and how to respond if someone in your life has fallen victim to QAnon. Follow Steve Hassan on Twitter: @cultexpert If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Tue, October 27, 2020
Esther & Lori - Current FLDS Members
Episode 4: The girls interview Esther and Lori, two current members of the FLDS - aka Fundamentalist Mormons - who grew up in Short Creek, the polygamist community. They discuss how the community has changed since their prophet went to prison, and why families in the community are getting evicted from their homes. They also talk about what it's like to grow up with two mothers, raise eleven kids, and enter into - and exit out of - an arranged marriage. Plus: Esther's daughter's love for one special pop singer. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Tue, October 20, 2020
Will Allen - Buddhafield
Episode 3: The girls interview Will Allen, director of the documentary Holy Hell, about his time in Buddhafield, the 80s New Age cult. They discuss how he lived with the group's guru for years, putting on performances, receiving the "Knowing," and filming everything--all while dealing with abuse. Follow Will on Instagram: @will_allen405 If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Tue, October 13, 2020
Moses Storm - Andrea Yates's Cult
Episode 2: The girls interview Moses Storm about his experiences in a cult as a child. They discuss what it was like to live in a bus, deal with poverty, and try to convert adults to his religion, run by Andrea Yates's religious leader. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Wed, October 07, 2020
Lola's Mom - Mormon-Offshoot Cult
Episode 1: Lola and Meagan interview Christine Marie, Lola's mom, about her and Lola's experiences believing in a self-proclaimed Mormon prophet. They discuss how they came to believe in him, their separation from each other, Christine's harrowing trafficking experience, and Lola's childhood memories of Keith Raniere from NXIVM. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at trustmepod@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola
Fri, October 02, 2020
Trust Me Trailer
TRAILER: A podcast about cults, extreme belief, and abuse of power - from two hosts who've actually lived it. Hosted by Lola Blanc and Meagan Elizabeth.
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