Episodes

  • S3 E20 Extreme Evangelicalism in the Modern Age

    S3 E20 Extreme Evangelicalism in the Modern Age
    Feb 2 2025
    In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Cynane Shay, who shares her journey growing up in a fundamentalist evangelical Christian household. Cynane discusses the influence of her family's beliefs on her education, the impact of purity culture, and her experiences with the Institute for Basic Life Principles (IBLP). She reflects on her college years, the gradual shift in her perspectives, and how the pandemic played a role in her personal growth and understanding of her upbringing. In this conversation, Cynane Shay shares her journey of political disillusionment and the impact of conspiracy theories on her family dynamics.

    She reflects on her inability to vote during the 2016 election due to conflicting beliefs about the candidates and discusses how her family's increasing obsession with Trump and conspiracy theories affected her perspective. The conversation delves into the rise of QAnon, the influence of COVID-19 on beliefs, and the challenges faced during her wedding planning amidst political tensions. Ultimately, Cynane describes her process of breaking free from indoctrination and finding clarity in her beliefs. In this conversation, Cynane Shay discusses the psychological underpinnings of conspiracy theories and cults, exploring how individuals seek order in chaotic environments.

    She connects the rise of conspiracy beliefs to white Christian nationalism and the psychological control mechanisms at play. The discussion also touches on the decline of religious influence in America and the hope for a more rational future as more people move away from dogmatic beliefs.

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    1 hr and 42 mins
  • S3 E19 Abortion Rights in America

    S3 E19 Abortion Rights in America
    Jan 26 2025
    In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, Dr. Warren Hern, a prominent abortion provider, discusses his extensive career in women's healthcare, the evolution of abortion access since 1975, and the current political landscape affecting reproductive rights.

    He highlights the psychological toll on women seeking abortions, the threats faced by providers, and the implications of restrictive legislation on healthcare access. Dr. Hern emphasises the importance of Colorado's pro-choice stance and reflects on the future of abortion access in the United States amidst growing political challenges. In this conversation, Dr. Hern discusses the current state of abortion rights and women's healthcare in America, emphasising the challenges posed by political climates and the importance of safe abortion access.

    He shares insights on the role of healthcare providers, the impact of personal experiences on women's health, and the generational perspectives on women's rights. The conversation highlights the urgency of advocating for reproductive rights amidst a backdrop of increasing restrictions and societal pressures.

    Dr. Hern's Book - Abortion in the Age of Unreason: A Doctor's Account of Caring for Women

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    42 mins
  • S3 E18 A Cult of Many Names: Julius Schacknow/Lord Julius/Brother Julius/The Work Cult

    S3 E18 A Cult of Many Names: Julius Schacknow/Lord Julius/Brother Julius/The Work Cult
    Jan 19 2025
    In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Sarah Darmofalski, a former member of the Lord Julius cult. Sarah shares her experiences growing up in the cult, the origins of the group, and the psychological impact it had on her and her family.
    The conversation delves into the cult's structure, daily life, and the challenges of maintaining relationships outside the group. Sarah discusses the identity changes imposed by the cult, the rituals they practiced, and the emotional turmoil of being kicked out and later returning.
    The episode provides a deep insight into the complexities of cult dynamics and the lasting effects on individuals and families.
    In this conversation, Sarah shares her experiences growing up in a cult, the challenges of navigating her identity, and the impact on her mental health and family dynamics. She discusses the struggles of reconciling her past with her present, the effects of cult involvement on relationships, and the shocking reality of violence within cults. Sarah emphasises the importance of healing and finding support, offering hope to others who have experienced similar situations.

    SUPPORT | The Family Survival
    Inside The Work, an Abusive Connecticut Sex Cult

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    59 mins
  • S3 E17 Witch-Hunting: Historically and in the Modern Age

    S3 E17 Witch-Hunting: Historically and in the Modern Age
    Jan 12 2025
    In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack from End Witch Hunts about the ongoing issue of witch hunts in modern society. They discuss the historical context of witch hunts, personal connections to the topic, and the work being done to raise awareness and advocate for victims.
    The conversation highlights the misconceptions surrounding witchcraft and the importance of understanding the distinction between historical practices and contemporary religious persecution. This conversation delves into the historical and modern implications of witch trials and witch hunts, exploring the persecution of individuals accused of witchcraft, the connections to honour-based violence, and the ongoing efforts to advocate for victims.
    The discussion highlights the importance of awareness, education, and legal advocacy in addressing these issues, as well as the successes and future plans of organisations working to combat these harmful practices.

    End Witch Hunts - https://endwitchhunts.org/

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • S3 E16 Paradise Undone: Jim Jones, Jonestown and the Peoples Temple

    S3 E16 Paradise Undone: Jim Jones, Jonestown and the Peoples Temple
    Jan 5 2025
    In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey interviews author Annie Dawid about her book 'Paradise Undone: A Novel of Jonestown,' which explores the complex history of Jonestown and the Peoples Temple. Annie discusses her motivations for writing the book, the challenges of portraying the racial and political context of the time, and the importance of understanding the events surrounding Jonestown. The conversation also highlights the role of the Jonestown Institute in preserving history and educating the public about the tragic events that unfolded in Guyana. In this conversation, Annie Dawid discusses her journey into the world of cults, particularly focusing on the Peoples Temple and the Jonestown massacre.

    She shares her personal experiences that sparked her interest in cults, the evolution of public awareness regarding cults over the years, and the surprising revelations she encountered during her research. Dawid emphasises the complexity of the Jonestown tragedy, highlighting the human stories behind the statistics and the importance of understanding the psychological manipulation involved. She also reflects on her long journey to publication, encouraging persistence in the face of challenges.

    Annie's Book - https://amzn.eu/d/hHOdbS7
    Bookfinder - https://www.bookfinder.com/


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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • S3 E15 Broken Trust: Spiritual Abuse and How to Recover

    S3 E15 Broken Trust: Spiritual Abuse and How to Recover
    Dec 29 2024
    In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Remy, a former pastor and author, about the critical issues of spiritual abuse and toxic faith. Remy shares his journey from pastoring to writing about these topics, inspired by his experiences and the stories of others.
    The conversation delves into the definitions of toxic faith and spiritual abuse, the role of leadership in perpetuating these issues, and the signs of coercive behaviour in spiritual communities. Remy emphasises the importance of compassion and understanding for those navigating spiritual crises and the impact of toxic faith on relationships.
    The episode concludes with insights on how to approach healing and the journey back to faith. In this conversation, Remy and Kacey delve into the complexities of spiritual abuse and toxic faith within religious communities. They discuss the importance of recognizing conditional love in faith settings, the steps to recover from spiritual abuse, and how to create healthier environments in churches. Remy shares insights from his book 'Broken Trust', emphasising the need for education and openness in addressing these issues.
    The conversation also touches on the reactions from church leaders and congregants, the importance of supporting loved ones experiencing spiritual abuse, and the resources available for survivors. Ultimately, they highlight the significance of generosity and understanding in faith communities, and Remy's reflections on his journey and future plans.

    Remy's Book - Broken Trust - Broken Trust: …a practical guide to identify and recover from toxic faith, toxic church, and spiritual abuse

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    1 hr
  • S3 E14 Tony Quinn & Educo

    S3 E14 Tony Quinn & Educo
    Dec 22 2024
    In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Jon about the controversial group Educo, its origins, evolution, and its impact on individuals and society. Jon shares insights into the practices of its leader, Tony Quinn, who features in the opening moments of a popular 2024 documentary "One Night in Millstreet" and expanded his business ventures from yoga to personal development and wellness.
    The conversation delves into legal battles, personal experiences with cult dynamics, and the importance of survivor stories in advocating against such groups. Jon emphasises the need for awareness and prevention in dealing with cults, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by those who speak out against them.

    https://educocult.com
    https://cultpodcasts.com

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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • S3 E13 Zero Bail Policies and the Rise in Violent Crime

    S3 E13 Zero Bail Policies and the Rise in Violent Crime
    Dec 16 2024
    In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with attorney Ken Good about the complexities of bail law in the United States, particularly focusing on the implications of zero bail policies and their impact on crime rates and public safety. They discuss the differences between the U.S. and UK bail systems, the challenges faced by domestic violence survivors, and the role of advocacy groups in shaping criminal justice reform. Ken shares insights on the statistics surrounding bail and crime, emphasising the need for a balanced approach to reform that considers both public safety and the rights of individuals. In this conversation, Ken W. Good discusses the evolution of bail reform in Texas, the impact of legislative changes on the legal community, and the challenges faced by advocates in the criminal justice system. He emphasises the importance of public safety, the role of advocacy groups, and the need for honest discussions about the effectiveness of current reforms. Good also reflects on his motivation to represent the bail industry and the responsibility he feels towards the community he serves.

    The Good Law Firm - The Good Law Firm- Tyler & Houston, Texas
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    1 hr and 10 mins