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 | 118 | Founded | 9 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | True CrimeDocumentarySociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
Carol Merchasin is the newly appointed President of the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA). Drawing on decades of experience in law, investigations, and survivor advocacy, Carol has led inquiries into allegations of misconduct within pro... more
Hoyt Richards spent over two decades in Eternal Values, after first meeting the man who called himself Frederick von Mierers on a beach at the age of 16. Bring Me the Beauties: A Model Cult, out now on HBO Max with episodes releasing weekly, explores... more
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
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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 States7 months ago - Must listen
This podcast should be compulsory listening in all schools. Excellent research and beautifully presented.
Apple Podcasts5thisislridiculous
Australia7 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?Australia9 months ago - Meaningful Interviews
Excellent questions and great guests. Thanks Sarah. Always love your shows!
Apple Podcasts5Virginia horsesUnited States10 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 States10 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #136 | Australia/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #129 |  South Korea/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #144 |  Ukraine/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #144 |  New Zealand/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #167 |  Singapore/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #228 |  South Africa/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 meticulously researched, interview-driven exploration of high-control groups, cults, and coercive religious dynamics. Episodes center on survivor accounts, recruitment tactics, manipulation techniques, and the long road to recovery, often featuring clinicians, journalists, and researchers who illuminate psychological and societal facets without sensationalism. The show stands out for its ethical framing, survivor-centric storytelling, and thorough historical context, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to understand cults, deprogramming, and the broader impact of coercive groups on families and communities.
Where can I find podcast stats for Let's Talk About Sects?
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Let's Talk About Sects. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Let's Talk About Sects and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
How many listeners does Let's Talk About Sects get?
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What are the audience demographics for Let's Talk About Sects?
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How many subscribers and views does Let's Talk About Sects have?
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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. A Little Bit Culty
3. Cults to Consciousness
4. Expanse
5. Secrets We Keep
How many episodes of Let's Talk About Sects are there?
Let's Talk About Sects launched 9 years ago and published 118 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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Where can I see ratings and reviews for 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. Hoyt Richards
2. Sam Sellers
3. Elise Heerde
4. Harrison Hill
5. Dominique Bayens
6. Fai West
7. Ruwan Meepagala
8. Harry Robert Bruner
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.