Either Liz finally stepped up to the mic to tell her own story… or Tyler finally cornered her and hit record. Either way — it’s happening.

After moving to Los Angeles with a toxic boyfriend, Liz leaves behind the Chicago comedy scene and finds herself nudged into a Hollywood acting class — one he introduces her to via a “free” class that’s anything but. What starts as a supposedly legit acting class quickly earns a reputation as “the place where comedy goes to die.” And yet… it’s somehow worse than that.

Because this “class” slowly morphs into a spiritual self-help cult.

Yes. An acting class cult.

No, she did not see it coming.

And neither will you.

In Part 1 of Liz’s story, we dive into how this Chicagoan accidentally wandered into the hollyweirdest chapter of her life.

_______

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Four years after we first met her in our studio - just days after her victim impact statement in Alison Mack’s NXIVM trial - Jessica Joan is back.

Since we last spoke, Jessica shared her story on the Hulu docuseries “How I Escaped My Cult”, and a lot has shifted: in her healing, in what “justice” means, and in what accountability actually looks like over time.

This follow-up conversation was prompted by our recent interview with journalist Natalie Robehmed, host of the podcast “Alison After NXIVM”, where listeners hear Alison speak publicly about NXIVM and her life post-prison. After that episode, it felt important to come back to Jessica - to hear directly from someone harmed by Alison, and to explore the messy questions of empathy, forgiveness, and what we’re really asking for when we say we want “accountability.”

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For more culty content - follow us on Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacult

FIND JESSICA

Get your copy of The Untouchable: Jessica Joan & the Downfall of NXIVM

Check out her new website: www.thisisjessicajoan.com

Instagram/TikTok: @thesirenandthesunflower

SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you believe in what we’re doing - shining a light on manipulation, coercive control, and cultic abuse - please rate, review, and share the podcast.

Want even more?

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HAVE A CULTY STORY TO SHARE?

If you’ve been part of a cult - we want to hear from you.

Email us → info@wasiinacult.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

**NOTE: This episode originally aired in 2021**

Welcome to the worst cult ever (in our humble opinions). This is a story of incredible resilience, bravery, and inspiration. Being born into a cult always comes with its challenges, but learning how to have an original thought in your mid-20s is a rare struggle that most people are fortunate enough to never have to face. This is just one of many obstacles Angel had to overcome as she ventured out of the cult and into the world.But when you've spent over 20 years of your life in a cult and it's all you know, the real world isn't always as sparkly as you hoped.

FOLLOW US

For more culty content — follow us on Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacult

FIND ANGEL

Instagram: @whatisangeldoing

Youtube: @AngelDeSantis

SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you believe in what we’re doing — shining a light on manipulation, coercive control, and cultic abuse — please rate, review, and share the podcast.

Want even more?

Join us on Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes conversations.

HAVE A CULTY STORY TO SHARE?

If you’ve been part of a cult — we want to hear from you.

Email us → info@wasiinacult.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.