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Aftercult

Dave Mullins
Gnostic Movement
Jehovah's Witnesses
Shincheonji
The Family
Toronto
Pentecostalism
Children Of God
Hillsong Church
Theosophy
Shunning
Ostracism
David Berg

Conversations with former cult members, by a former cult member. Aftercult takes listeners inside some of the world’s secretive cults and religious sects through the eyes of believers who saw them up close. Aftercult is hosted by Dave Mullins, a former cult member who left Australia as a young man on an evangelical mission to Canada. Mullins walked out of the cult after ten years, together with hi... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes8Founded2 months ago
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Religion & SpiritualitySociety & Culture

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Artwork for Aftercult

Latest Episodes

Dave speaks with Craig Hoyle, who was raised in The Exclusive Brethren, a church infamous for its separation from the world and shunning of ex-members. The church was established in London in 1848 by John Nelson Darby, and has undergone four major sc... more

Dave speaks with psychologist Maria Esguerra who was raised inside the Children of God, founded by David Berg. Berg claimed to be an apocalyptic prophet and professed a doctrine that led to widespread sexual abuse within the group, including against ... more

Dave speaks with Lara Kaput, who was raised in Jehovah's Witnesses. Lara is a determined advocate against religious abuse. Like many Christian sects, Armageddon and the book of Revelation are a huge influence here, with the belief that a limited numb... more

Dave speaks with Ben Shenton about his upbringing in Australia's most notorious cult, The Family, founded by Anne Hamilton-Byrne, who claimed to be a Christ figure. Ben reflects on the influences that shaped Anne and her cult, as well as his experien... more

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Recent Guests

Maria Esguerra
Psychologist and former member of the Children of God
The Family International (Children of God)
Episode: 7: Maria Esguerra & Children of God
Lara Kaput
Advocate against religious abuse, raised in Jehovah's Witnesses
Advocate against religious abuse
Episode: 6: Lara Kaput & Jehovah's Witnesses
Ben Shenton
Former member of The Family, raised inside the cult
The Family
Episode: 5: Ben Shenton & The Family
Laura Muir
Former Shincheonji member and interviewee
Shincheonji (former member)
Episode: 4: Laura Muir & Shincheonji
Sarah Blasko
Australian singer-songwriter and guest on the episode
Independent artist
Episode: 2: Sarah Blasko & Pentecostalism, Hillsong, etc
Sarah Blasco
Friend who is the first guest, sharing her own spiritual journey
Episode: 1: Dave Mullins & The Gnostic Movement

Host

Dave Mullins
Host of the show and a former cult member who guides discussions with survivors and experts.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 24 ratings
  • Brave

    Please don’t feel ashamed. I think you are very brave. You are also helping people who have or are going through the same thing that you have.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    sarbath
    United Kingdoma month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Shows care for accuracy and sensitivity when discussing coercive groups.
Thoughtful, survivor-focused conversations that balance personal stories with psychoeducation.
Guest mix is knowledgeable and candid, with valuable policy and advocacy angles.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

4: Laura Muir & Shincheonji
Q: What catalyzed your decision to leave, and how did you approach that process?
A combination of critical research, growing doubts, and a sense of betrayal when the group concealed identities and used deception culminated in a formal exit plan. The revelation that leaders avoided accountability and the end of the coercive environment prompted a deliberate, staged departure.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Aftercult

What is Aftercult about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A candid, survivor-centered show exploring coercive belief systems, high-control groups, and the road to healing. Across recent episodes, conversations blend personal testimony with psychoeducation—covering thought reform, indoctrination, shunning, and the social mechanisms that sustain cults. Guests range from former members and advocates to psychology professionals and artists, creating a mix that informs, humanizes, and sometimes challenges listeners' assumptions about belief, influence, and recovery. A standout strength is the careful focus on long-term impacts—identity, trust, family dynamics, and community support—paired with practical guidance for healing and advocacy. The show frequently links individual stories to broader patterns ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Aftercult?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Aftercult:

1. Expanse
2. Off Duty | The Guardian Investigates
3. Foundling | Tortoise Investigates
4. Sick to Death
5. Secrets We Keep

How many episodes of Aftercult are there?

Aftercult launched 2 months ago and published 8 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Aftercult?

Recent guests on Aftercult include:

1. Maria Esguerra
2. Lara Kaput
3. Ben Shenton
4. Laura Muir
5. Sarah Blasko
6. Sarah Blasco

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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