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Cult Chat

Cult Chat
Gloriavale
New Zealand
Coercive Control
Cults
International Church Of Christ
International Churches Of Christ
Two By Twos
The Lodge
Gloria Vale
Trauma
Awe
Plymouth Brethren Christian Church
Centrepoint Community
Safeguarding Children
Family Violence
University Recruitment
Auckland
Fervor
Sacred and Sane
Thermomix

Join Dr Caroline Ansley, Lindy Jacomb and Liz Gregory as they traverse the cultiverse. Journey with them as they unpack the cult playbook, talk to leavers of coercive and controlling groups in New Zealand, and share their stories. On “Cult Chat” our hosts talk with experts to gain greater understanding of cultishness and call for Kiwis to cult-proof their lives. "Cult Chat" is a home-grown Kiwi po... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes96Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Society & Culture

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Latest Episodes

This week we interview therapist & cult expert Rachel Bernstein (LMFT), who will be keynote speaker at the upcoming Decult Conference. Join the Cult Chat trio for this heart-warming episode with Rachel as she shares wisdom from over 30 years working ... more

In this important episode Caz chats with Dr Natalie Fabert, psychologist and academic, about her interest in cults and those harmed by them. You’ll learn about the prevalence of Complex-PTSD in cult survivors, why therapists need to see cult-impacted... more

We’re joined by Prof Robin Boyle-Laisure, of St John's University, New York, to discuss how cults intersect with trafficking and modern slavery. In this wide ranging conversation we discuss legal reform, different laws which have been used to bring d... more

In this second part of a two-part conversation, we hear from Anton again. In this episode he describes how he starts to see the control exerted over him by the group he has joined at university, the International Church of Christ, and what prompts hi... more

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Recent Guests

Phil Vine
Award-winning investigative journalist and creator of The Lodge
Radio New Zealand (RNZ)
Episode: Episode 90 - Inside a New Zealand Wellness Cult with Phil Vine
Dr Alexandra Stein
PhD, writer and educator specializing in the social psychology of ideological extremism and dangerous social relationships
Author of Terror, Love and Brainwashing; consultant in coercive control and cultic dynamics
Episode: Episode 88 - Terror, Love & Brainwashing with Dr Alexandra Stein (Part 1
Tristan Phipps
Ex-member of the Two by Twos; advocate and podcaster
Former Two by Twos member; advocacy space founder
Episode: Episode 87 - Catching up on the 2x2's / The Truth with Dr Kyle Eggleton & Tristan Phipps
Kyle Eggleton
Ex-Two by Two member; associate professor
University of Auckland; Two by Two advocate
Episode: Episode 87 - Catching up on the 2x2's / The Truth with Dr Kyle Eggleton & Tristan Phipps
Cheryl Hope Bawtenheimer
Former member of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church; survivor of child sexual abuse; host of Get A Life podcast
Get A Life Podcast / Olive Leaf Network (via hosting)
Episode: Episode 86 - Is this a SLAPP in the face by the PBCC (Plymouth Brethren Church/Exclusive Brethren)? Featuring Cheryl & Braden
Braden Simmons
Former member of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church; advocate for transparency and accountability
Get A Life Podcast / Olive Leaf Network
Episode: Episode 86 - Is this a SLAPP in the face by the PBCC (Plymouth Brethren Church/Exclusive Brethren)? Featuring Cheryl & Braden
Heidi Clemons
Accredited financial counselor and financial coach; founder and CEO of Managed Expectations
Managed Expectations
Episode: Episode 85: Financial Trauma in Cults with Heidi Clemons
Dr Yuval Laor
PhD in Culture Studies, researcher on cult psychology
Independent researcher/academic
Episode: Episode 82: How Cults use Awe, Humour & Fervour with Dr Yuval Laor
Rose Stanley
Author of Sacred and Sane
Author, Sacred and Sane
Episode: Episode 81: Healthy Spirituality: Being both Sacred & Sane

Hosts

Caroline Ansley
Host of Cult Chat with medical professional and survivor-support background
Lindy Jacomb
Host of Cult Chat with survivor-support and advocacy background
Liz Gregory
Host of Cult Chat with advocacy and survivor-support background

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 68 ratings
  • A must listen

    I have recently discovered this podcast and have been binge listening- and cannot stop! The three incredible ladies who host this podcast are clearly incredibly passionate & knowledgeable, amazing interviews with survivors and experts. I honestly believe their hard work is going to have an impact on the cultiverse in Aotearoa New Zealand and even globally. So much food for thought, they are easy to listen to despite the hard topics. A must listen for sure! (From a new fan, inspired to cult proof... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JSwanepoel
    New Zealand6 months ago
  • One to watch

    Great listening, intriguing interview between Caroline and Maria E on the children of god cult and the many tragedies children endured there and an incisive analysis of the motivations of regular people who get drawn in and hooked to these kinds of groups. Keep it up Lindy, Liz and Caroline!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chris da burg
    New Zealanda year ago
  • Informative and true life

    Caz, Liz and Lindy have a good conversation and interview style as they explore coercive and controlling groups. These groups are way more part of life than most of us realise. They also give me the language to better understand these groups and concepts.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    j9local
    New Zealand3 years ago
  • Hard left??

    This has been a really good informative podcast. But the latest Tom Sainsbury political episode is in real bad taste.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Rubbish app just rubbish
    New Zealand3 years ago
  • Recommend

    Found the first two episodes really interesting, the three women presenting are articulate and intelligent. I’m looking forward to hearing more as well as some of the psychology behind, how to identify and help people with these experiences too.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Abfabmiriam
    New Zealand3 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Hosts are clearly passionate and knowledgeable, with accessible interviews and survivor focus.
Shows NZ-centered, survivor-first discussions that are informative and thought-provoking.
Interviews with survivors and experts provide context and practical language for understanding coercive groups.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 72: Recruitment, Extremism and Neurodivergence with Dr Cyrus Abbasian
Q: Could you tell us a little bit more about yourself, Cyrus?
Cyrus outlines his 25+ years in psychiatry, his focus on addiction and trauma, and his recent work with neurodiversity as it relates to extremism and cultic groups.
Episode 65: Help! My Kid has been Sucked into a Cult with Renee Spencer
Q: Have you got any quick thoughts on the ethics of deprogramming or interventions?
The guest explains a trauma-informed, non-coercive approach, stressing that interventions should aim to restore connection and provide information, rather than forcing someone out, given the risks and complexities involved.
Episode 65: Help! My Kid has been Sucked into a Cult with Renee Spencer
Q: So Renee, over to you. What can you tell us?
Renee shares her personal arc, detailing how her daughter joined a cult-like group, the deceptive practices used, and the long road of trying to maintain a relationship while the group exerted control, ultimately leading to public exposure and legal steps against the leadership.
Episode 67: ICSA Cult Conference Highlights with Maria Esguerra (Part 1)
Q: What was the most impactful takeaway from the conference for you?
That strength and transformation come from survivors who speak up and share expertise, turning painful experiences into leadership and education that help others navigate leaving and healing.
Episode 80: From Jehovah’s Witness to Doomsday Comedian with Jonas Skogstroll
Q: How did humor help you heal after leaving a cult, and how do you balance humor with trauma?
He describes humor as a healing tool post-trauma, turning painful memories into material that educates and connects with wider audiences, while carefully navigating sensitive topics with survivors in mind.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cult Chat

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

A thoughtfully produced show that centers survivor experiences and expert analysis to understand coercive groups, high-control dynamics, and cult-like recruitment in New Zealand and beyond. Conversations mix personal testimonies from former members with scholarly frameworks and investigative reporting to illuminate how belonging, manipulation, and fear operate, and to offer practical guidance for prevention, exit, and recovery. Notable strengths include a consistent focus on real-world impacts, a survivor-first approach, and collaborations with researchers, advocates, and journalists to dissect complex dynamics in accessible terms. A distinctive trait is the blend of clinical insight, policy relevance, and community-building through profess... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Cult Chat?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Cult Chat:

1. Let's Talk About Sects
2. Grey Areas with Petra Bagust
3. The Dom Harvey Podcast
4. DELVE
5. Gone By Lunchtime

How many episodes of Cult Chat are there?

Cult Chat launched 3 years ago and published 96 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 Cult Chat?

Recent guests on Cult Chat include:

1. Phil Vine
2. Dr Alexandra Stein
3. Tristan Phipps
4. Kyle Eggleton
5. Cheryl Hope Bawtenheimer
6. Braden Simmons
7. Heidi Clemons
8. Dr Yuval Laor

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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