Episodes
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In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, I speak with Tammie Willis, a survivor of extreme Christian fundamentalism. Tammie shares her journey of escaping a life of coercive control and cultic manipulation, detailing the psychological and emotional impacts of her upbringing. The conversation explores the complexities of fundamentalism, the role of gender, the effects of purity culture, and the challenges faced in education and recovery. Tammie emphasizes the importance of peer support and community in healing from trauma, and she offers insights into the resources available for survivors.
To reach out to Tammie and for more information about recovery resources and survivor discussion groups, please contact: [email protected]
and to access Tammie's PDF on Women in Fundamentalism, please email the above address or [email protected]
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2025 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, I speak with Lyn Smith-Gregory, the great-grandniece of Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church. Lyn shares her journey from being a devoted believer in the Mormon faith to questioning her beliefs after encountering historical evidence that contradicted her upbringing. She discusses the emotional turmoil of leaving the church, the impact on her family, and her quest for identity and fulfillment outside of the Mormon community. Lyn also touches on her upcoming memoir, 'We Were Smiths,' which explores her experiences and the broader implications of leaving a high-control religion.
Lyn's website: About - Lyn Smith Gregory
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2025 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
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This conversation delves into the coercive practices of The Way International, focusing on the sexual and reproductive control of women, financial exploitation, and the indoctrination of members. Hannah shares her personal experiences within the cult, highlighting the patriarchal dynamics and the challenges faced by women. The discussion also touches on the cult's control over information, the impact of the Jesus Movement, and the implications of the upcoming Rock of Ages event, which aims to re-establish the cult's presence. Hannah emphasises the importance of awareness and support for those still involved in the cult, advocating for recovery and freedom from its grasp.
Hannah's Substack - https://jenniferhaha.substack.com/publish/home
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2025 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, I engage with author Bart Stewart, who discusses his novel 'The Contraption' and its exploration of cult dynamics. We delve into the historical evolution of cults, the societal neglect surrounding the issue, and the connections between cults and domestic abuse. Bart shares insights from his extensive research and personal experiences, emphasising the need for greater awareness and education on the subject. The conversation also touches on the challenges of promoting literature on cults and the importance of understanding psychological manipulation within these groups.
Grab a copy of Bart's book - The Contraption eBook : Stewart, Barton Allen: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
and check out Bart's other writing - Amazon.co.uk: Barton Stewart: books, biography, latest update
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2025 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, I speak with Lonnie, a returning guest who has recently published a graphic memoir titled 'Gaytheist: Coming Out of My Orthodox Childhood'. Lonnie shares his journey from growing up in an Orthodox Jewish community in New York to living in Japan, discussing the challenges he faced as a gay man in a restrictive environment. The conversation delves into the complexities of Jewish identity, the intricacies of religious practices, and the contradictions within the community. Lonnie reflects on his experiences, the impact of his upbringing, and the importance of sharing his story through his graphic novel.
Links to Lonnie's work: Gaytheist: Coming Out of My Orthodox Childhood (lonniecomics.com)
American Cult: A Graphic History of Religious Cults in America from the Colonial Era to Today: Amazon.co.uk: Chapman, Robyn: 9781945509636: Books
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2025 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
Another episode, another week of expert interviews. This time, I sit down with Nicole Bedera to talk about her research on sexual violence within universities. Dr. Nicole Bedera is a sociologist and cofounder of the antiviolence consulting practice Beyond Compliance. She received her PhD from the University of Michigan. She has spent more than a decade studying sexual violence and advocating for survivors in media outlets including the New York Times, NPR, and Harper's BAZAAR. Nicole Bedera's debut book: On the Wrong Side: How Universities Protect Perpetrators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence is now available for purchase here.
Nicole's website - About | Nicole Bedera, Ph.D.
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2025 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
Hello listeners and welcome back to Season 3 of the Cult Vault Podcast. In this episode, Kacey is joined by longtime friend of the show Lisa VanArsdale. Lisa discusses her ongoing exploration of various cults and religious communities, sharing her experiences and insights from her visits. They delve into the importance of understanding these groups, the live show and podcast Lisa has created, and the dynamics of leadership within cults. The conversation also touches on cultural practices, human rights issues, and the impact of charismatic leaders. Lisa emphasises the need for safety and honesty when engaging with such communities, while also reflecting on her personal growth and future plans.
You can find Lisa's upcoming shows and podcast here: Lisa Joins A Cult – No virgins were sacrificed in the making of this website…
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2025 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
As I return from my studies in the Psychology of Coercive Control MSc programme at the University of Salford, I'm looking forward to covering more content on this subject matter. To start the new season, here is an episode on the topic itself: What is Coercive Control?
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
In this episode, I chat with Jordan about his childhood experiences being involved in the Assemblies of God, a sect of Pentecostalism, and how a constant state of upheaval and relocation made it difficult to maintain friendships and experience childhood in a "typical" way. Along with homeschooling, Jordan and his family uprooted a number of times. This travelling included missionary work in Africa and his parents eventually opening their own church
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2024 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
In this episode, I chat with Jordan about his childhood experiences being involved in the Assemblies of God, a sect of Pentecostalism, and how a constant state of upheaval and relocation made it difficult to maintain friendships and experience childhood in a "typical" way. Along with homeschooling, Jordan and his family uprooted a number of times. This travelling included missionary work in Africa and his parents eventually opening their own church
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2024 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
In this remastered episode I talk with author Mary Mahoney who details her experiences in The Children of God, talking us through the trials of her memoir. Mary joined The Children of God in her teens and through systematic coercion and manipulation, became trapped in one of the most notorious and insidious cults known today. During this episode, Mary speaks about human trafficking, sexual abuse, financial and physical abuse and vast amounts of spiritual abuse - all taking place in the name of the Lord.
You can find Mary's writing here:"Abnormal Normal - My Life in the Children of God" https://www.amazon.co.uk/Abnormal-Normal-Life-Children-God-ebook/dp/B086HJMVF3
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2024 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
In this remastered episode I talk with author Mary Mahoney who details her experiences in The Children of God, talking us through the trials of her memoir. Mary joined The Children of God in her teens and through systematic coercion and manipulation, became trapped in one of the most notorious and insidious cults known today. During this episode, Mary speaks about human trafficking, sexual abuse, financial and physical abuse and vast amounts of spiritual abuse - all taking place in the name of the Lord.
You can find Mary's writing here:"Abnormal Normal - My Life in the Children of God" https://www.amazon.co.uk/Abnormal-Normal-Life-Children-God-ebook/dp/B086HJMVF3
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2024 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
Cast your ears back to the time I was given the chance to interview the legendary Jon Atack LIVE on stage at Crimecon UK. An experience I won't soon forget, and one you could be a part of next month as Crimecon UK returns to London on September 21st and 22nd! Find your tickets here - www.crimecon.co.uk and use the code CULT for 10% off your tickets!
Find Jon's YouTube channel here - jon atack, family & friends - YouTube
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2024 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
In this episode I speak with activist Evvie about their experiences in the Church of Christ. Evvie talks us through their activist work, parentification, and homeschooling during their younger years in CoC. Evvie experienced racism and lack of acceptance around the LGBTQIA+ community, advocating for their siblings, and striving for their own further education. Appearing at 2022's ICSA conference, Evvie is a true inspiration to survivors of high-demand religious groups.
https://www.emergentphoenixrising.com
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2024 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
In this episode I speak with activist Evvie about their experiences in the Church of Christ. Evvie talks us through their activist work, parentification, and homeschooling during their younger years in CoC. Evvie experienced racism and lack of acceptance around the LGBTQIA+ community, advocating for their siblings, and striving for their own further education. Appearing at 2022's ICSA conference, Evvie is a true inspiration to survivors of high-demand religious groups.
https://www.emergentphoenixrising.com
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2024 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
Remastered:
Trapped In Treatment is a new docu-style podcast series from Paris Hilton & Warner Bros. Unscripted TV in Association With Telepictures, and iHeart Media, that will examine and expose the dark secrets of the “Troubled Teen Industry.” Beginning with Provo Canyon School, each season will focus on the story of one youth treatment facility, its survivors, and the traumatizing abuse at the hands of their captors. Hosted by Caroline Cole and Rebecca Mellinger, Trapped in Treatment weaves together personal accounts with historical detail and expert opinions to shine a light on what really happens at behavior modification centers and how this billion-dollar industry has flourished for so long.
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2024 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
In this remastered episode I chat with someone who has experienced The International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Michael gives a deep dive into many types of Religious and Spiritual groups he has joined, with a focus on a particularly problematic sub-group within the Hare Krishna movement called "The Mantra Lounge". I personally do not condone joining established cults or high demand groups for personal or social experimentation. Please be careful.
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2024 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
In this remastered episode I chat with someone who has experienced The International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Michael gives a deep dive into many types of Religious and Spiritual groups he has joined, with a focus on a particularly problematic sub-group within the Hare Krishna movement called "The Mantra Lounge". I personally do not condone joining established cults or high demand groups for personal or social experimentation. Please be careful.
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2024 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
In today's remastered episode, I have a special interview with author Zack Bonnie who has written 2 books about his time at CEDU and Rocky Mountain Academy. Zack's activism and whistleblowing work has opened doors into institutional reform around the world - highlighting the abuse that happens in these troubled teen programmes. Zack breaks his story up by inserting perspectives from other people in Zack's life during these experiences, with his writing also peppered in research and explanations about cults and captive organisations.
Zack's website - https://www.deadinsaneorinjail.com
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2024 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] -
In this remastered episode I chat at length with Alexandra who grew close to a family friend before deciding to follow him out of state and into the clasp of a destructive group known as RSE. Alexandra tells the story from her perspective, allowing us keen insight into what attempts at connection made by her father truly worked, and what could have been done, if anything, to help Alexandra come home sooner.
Get in Touch or Support:
Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault
Crimecon UK 2024 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault
Gmail: [email protected] - Show more