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Artwork for Let's Talk About Sects

Let's Talk About Sects

Sarah Steel
Cults
Emotional Abuse
Universal Medicine
Troubled Teen Industry
Large Group Awareness Trainings
Psychological Harm
Serge Benhayon
The Twelve Tribes
Psychology
Defamation Lawsuit
Mental Health
Human Rights
Social Exploitation
Psychological Manipulation
Harry Palmer
Avatar
Mental Healthcare
The Retreat
Trauma
Bipolar Disorder

Let's Talk About Sects is an award-winning monthly podcast focusing on a different cult each episode. Sarah takes a storytelling, deep dive approach, looking at the history of a sect's leaders, the recruitment of members, their experiences, psychological aspects, and notable incidents during its existence.

You can support us on Patreon, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's de... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes108Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
DocumentaryTrue CrimeSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Let's Talk About Sects

Latest Episodes

Harry Robert Bruner was brought into Sri Chinmoy as a child, joining the organisation run by Chinmoy Kumar Ghose at the age of 12. Chinmoy claimed he lifted weights totalling 7063¾ pounds (or over 3,200kg) with one arm on 30 January 1987. He also fac... more

Allison after NXIVM tells the story of Allison Mack: former Smallville actress, high-ranking NXIVM member, and convicted felon. With exclusive access following her release from prison, the series traces her astonishing path from Smallville fame to NX... more

Empire of Orgasm: Sex, Power, and the Downfall of a Wellness Cult is Ellen Huet’s excellent new book, described as “a cautionary tale of sex and salvation for the wellness generation: how orgasmic meditation turned into a cult.” Let's Talk About Sect... more

Danny Rensch grew up in the Church of Immortal Consciousness, a cult he usually refers to as ‘the Collective’. Started by Steven and Trina Kamp, the group followed the teachings of a Dr Pahlvon Duran, whose spirit first visited Trina when she was 9. ... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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People also subscribe to these shows.

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A Little Bit CultySarah Edmondson & Anthony “Nippy” Ames
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Cults to ConsciousnessShelise Ann Sola

Recent Guests

Harry Robert Bruner
Actor, screenwriter, founder of Creative Exit Coaching
Episode: Nephew of the Universe: Sri Chinmoy with Harry Rob Bruner
Natalie Robehmed
Host, writer, and executive producer of Allison After NXIVM
Allison After NXIVM
Episode: Allison After NXIVM with Natalie Robehmed
Ellen Huet
Award-winning investigative journalist and author of Empire of Orgasm.
Bloomberg Businessweek
Episode: Empire of Orgasm: OneTaste with Ellen Huet
Danny Rensch
International chess master, world-renowned chess broadcaster, and chief chess officer at chess.com
chess.com
Episode: The Collective: Dark Squares with Danny Rensch
Clare Heath-McIvor
Daughter of the leader of the City Builders Church and advocate on issues of cults and organized fringe groups.
Episode: Interview Episode: Clare Heath-McIvor
Liz Cameron
Survivor of the JMS cult and author of 'Cult Bride'
Episode: Cult Bride & Providence/JMS with Liz Cameron
Ryan Carey
Former member of the Geelong Revival Centre and advocate for cult reform
Episode: Interview Episode: Victorian Inquiry into Cults with Ryan & Catherine Carey
Catherine Carey
Former member of the Geelong Revival Centre and advocate for cult reform
Episode: Interview Episode: Victorian Inquiry into Cults with Ryan & Catherine Carey
Jaya Mangalam-Gibson
Former Falun Gong practitioner and critic
Episode: Falun Gong

Host

Sarah Steel
Host of a program focusing on cultivating discussions surrounding cults, aiming to provide insight and awareness around the psychology and lives of those affected by cultic environments. Her engaging narrative style combines research with survivor stories, presenting a compassionate view of trauma and recovery.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 2.1k ratings
  • Must listen

    This podcast should be compulsory listening in all schools. Excellent research and beautifully presented.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    thisislridiculous
    Australiaa month ago
  • Binge Listening

    I got into this podcast through a recommendation on the Twelve Tribes episode. Had a couple of brushes with them in the early 2000s. Now binge listening from the beginning. Love the research and non-sensational, thoughtful presentation!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    All good now, you?
    Australia4 months ago
  • Meaningful Interviews

    Excellent questions and great guests. Thanks Sarah. Always love your shows!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Virginia horses
    United States4 months ago
  • Ethical and Thorough Cult Investigation

    I’ve read and listened to a lot about cults but Let’s Talk About Sects is simply the best out there. The investigations are thorough, well researched and, importantly, ethically produced. It’s not flashy, there isn’t dramatic music accompanying the most sordid details. However, it’s still incredibly engaging without feeling exploitative. I love that we get to hear from a lot of survivors, and it really feels like Sarah gives them a space to open up and tell their story, without it feeling like s... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bethsy06
    United States5 months ago
  • Ex 2x2 member

    Just found this podcast and as an ex 2x2 cult member who was born and raised in it I found the episodes about the 2x2s sooo vindicating. Finding any community and understanding has been very difficult for years given the immense secrecy of the cult. Thank you so much for putting this all together

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kernal K5
    Canada5 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some critiques mention contentious episodes related to political ideologies, indicating that while the content is generally well-received, it can evoke diverse opinions.
Overall feedback suggests that this podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of cults and their impact on individuals.
Reviews emphasize the podcast's ability to shed light on lesser-known cults alongside major ones, providing a comprehensive view of cult dynamics and their societal impacts.
Listeners appreciate the thorough and empathetic research, often noting its educational value and engagement with survivor stories.
The host's compassionate approach towards discussing sensitive topics is frequently highlighted as a strong point, making complex issues accessible to a broad audience.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#51
South Korea/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#250
New Zealand/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Nephew of the Universe: Sri Chinmoy with Harry Rob Bruner
Q: What can you tell me about the sort of lifestyle that Chinmoy was leading?
Chinmoy lived in a humble abode, focusing on gathering disciples and managing the groups while promoting his performances and teachings.
Nephew of the Universe: Sri Chinmoy with Harry Rob Bruner
Q: What was the lifestyle like as being part of the group and what was different about it for children and for adults?
Harry notes that initially it was kind of fun and he was exposed to many interesting people while balancing normal school life.
Nephew of the Universe: Sri Chinmoy with Harry Rob Bruner
Q: What was your father's feeling about this all at the time?
Harry describes that his father was horrified and concerned about being indoctrinated at such a young age, wanting him to have a normal life.
Allison After NXIVM with Natalie Robehmed
Q: So in putting together the podcast series, what do you feel that you've learned about some of the misconceptions around cults and how they operate?
Getting out of a cult is a gradual process as is the indoctrination into one, and it's not as immediate as people assume.
Allison After NXIVM with Natalie Robehmed
Q: At what point did she begin to realize that she may have been mistaken in her dedication?
Allison took a long time to flip against Keith, as admitting he was wrong also meant acknowledging her own wrongdoings, which was a monumental realization for her.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
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Frequently Asked Questions About Let's Talk About Sects

What is Let's Talk About Sects about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on various cults and sects, this podcast presents an in-depth exploration of the psychological and social dynamics surrounding these groups. Each episode elaborates on a different cult or sect, detailing its history, leadership, member recruitment, personal testimonials, and significant events that shaped their narratives. This approach is likely to resonate with listeners interested in true crime, sociology, and cultural studies, offering both educational insights and compelling stories that highlight the complexities and often disturbing realities of cult involvement. Notably, the podcast has garnered acclaim for its thorough research and empathetic presentation of survivor experiences, making it a trusted resource in understandi... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Let's Talk About Sects?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Let's Talk About Sects:

1. Was I In A Cult?
2. A Little Bit Culty
3. Cults to Consciousness
4. What It Was Like
5. Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation

How many episodes of Let's Talk About Sects are there?

Let's Talk About Sects launched 8 years ago and published 108 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 Let's Talk About Sects?

Recent guests on Let's Talk About Sects include:

1. Harry Robert Bruner
2. Natalie Robehmed
3. Ellen Huet
4. Danny Rensch
5. Clare Heath-McIvor
6. Liz Cameron
7. Ryan Carey
8. Catherine Carey

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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