Let's Talk About Sects
Sarah SteelLet'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
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 116 | Founded | 9 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | True CrimeSociety & CultureDocumentary | |||
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Latest Episodes
When we talk about cults, we tend to picture the ones that make headlines: isolated compounds, charismatic leaders, dramatic exits. But what about the church down the street? The one with the worship band and the small groups and the Instagram presen... more
Sphinx Spiritual takes instruction from a council of entities that includes Leonardo da Vinci, Lady Di, Sir Francis Bacon, Mahatma Ghandi, an alien called Zootor, and married Mornington Peninsula couple Ian and Pearl Rogers. Forum posts dating back t... more
A spiritual school in Victoria teaches that we each have a spiritual guide who we can rely on to help us through life, and that the couple who run the school – Ian and Pearl Rogers – sit on a council alongside entities who have lived many lifetimes b... more
The Aggressive Christianity Missions Training Corps, or ACMTC, is a hardline fringe religious cult that was led by a former hippie who went by the name Deborah Green. In The Oracle’s Daughter, author Harrison Hill tells the story of the group through... more
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Reviews
- Excellent every episode
Sarah is a wonderful host and interviewer. Highly recommend for anyone interested in understanding cults.
Apple Podcasts5CaraPietrina
United States6 months ago - Must listen
This podcast should be compulsory listening in all schools. Excellent research and beautifully presented.
Apple Podcasts5thisislridiculous
Australia6 months 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 Podcasts5All good now, you?Australia8 months ago - Meaningful Interviews
Excellent questions and great guests. Thanks Sarah. Always love your shows!
Apple Podcasts5Virginia horsesUnited States9 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 Podcasts5Bethsy06United States9 months ago
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #81 | Australia/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #102 |  South Korea/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #117 |  New Zealand/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #143 |  Russia/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #168 |  Norway/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #212 |  Singapore/True Crime |
Talking Points
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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?
A monthly, in-depth exploration of cults and sects, blending historical context, leader dynamics, recruitment tactics, and survivor stories with careful, ethical storytelling. Episodes highlight investigative journalism, personal narratives, and expert analysis to unpack coercive control, manipulation, and the wider social impact of high-control groups. Notable strengths include long-form interviews, rigorous research, and a respectful approach to participants that appeals to listeners who want thoughtful, nuanced insights rather than sensationalism. The show often pairs firsthand testimonies with scholarly or professional context, making it a strong fit for audiences interested in psychology, sociology, and advocacy work around cult-relate... more
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How many listeners does Let's Talk About Sects get?
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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. The Cult Next Door
2. Expanse
3. A Little Bit Culty
4. Casefile True Crime
5. The Expert Witness from Uncover
How many episodes of Let's Talk About Sects are there?
Let's Talk About Sects launched 9 years ago and published 116 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Let's Talk About Sects?
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What guests have appeared on Let's Talk About Sects?
Recent guests on Let's Talk About Sects include:
1. Harrison Hill
2. Fai West
3. Ruwan Meepagala
4. Dominique Bayens
5. Harry Robert Bruner
6. Natalie Robehmed
7. Ellen Huet
8. Danny Rensch
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.