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Speaking of Cults

Chris Shelton
Scientology
Coercive Control
Cults
Cult Recovery
David Miscavige
Institute Of Basic Life Principles
UK Protests
Mental Health
Protest Tactics
Fundamentalism
Bill Gothard
Public Awareness
Destructive Cults
Child Abuse
Duggar Family
Psychedelics
Anonymous Movement
Scientology Policies
Religious Trauma
Emotional Needs

A podcast about cults, coercive control and recovery. Formerly called the Sensibly Speaking podcast, in this weekly show host Chris Shelton interviews cult survivors, psychologists and other professionals and specialists about the topics of cult recruitment, retention and recovery. This also includes non-religious cults and extreme political movements including the more divisive elements of MAGA a... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes300Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Religion & SpiritualityEducation

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Artwork for Speaking of Cults

Latest Episodes

This week I welcome back Jon Atack to discuss his new book about the common origins of Naziism and Scientology, and then go deep into the REM Model of Human Behavior which I created and how that explains so much of what Hubbard was about, as well as ... more

YouTube

This week I welcome Zach Elwood, host of the People Who Read People podcast and a very fun guest to discuss the entrepreneurship of influence that is quite popular on social media these days especially as personified by Chase Hughes. Zach discusses h... more

YouTube

This week I welcome Jennie Gage, an ex-Mormon/MAGA/trad wife who has a story to tell about her upbringing in the Mormon world, how she was literally trafficked before escaping into abject poverty to rebuild her life from scratch. As part of this, we ... more

YouTube

This week I welcome Bethany Leger, host of the Stop the Shunning podcast and a former member of the Jehovah's Witnesses. She has a few interesting twists in her childhood growing up in the JWs and we had a lot to discuss in recovering from the cult e... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Zach Elwood
Researcher who investigates manipulation tactics in the self-help industry and behavioral analysis.
Episode: Speaking of Cults...Chase Hughes and the NLP Grift with Zach Elwood
Jennie Gage
Lived in the world of MAGA and Mormonism; an advocate against childhood indoctrination and for mental health awareness.
Episode: Speaking of Cults...The Religion/MAGA Connection with Jennie Gage
Bethany Leger
A YouTuber and advocate against shunning practices in the Jehovah's Witness community, sharing her experiences growing up in the organization.
YouTube channel Stop the Shunning
Episode: Speaking of Cults...Growing Up a Witness with Bethany Leger
Michael Shemwell
Host of the Shunned podcast, former Jehovah's Witness
Shunned, xjwhelp.com
Episode: Speaking of Cults...Let's Talk Cult Recovery with Michael Shemwell
Jon Atack
Author and expert on Scientology and cults
Episode: Speaking of Cults...The Occult Roots of Nazism and Scientology
Jane Borden
Author and culture editor, regularly contributes to the New York Times Magazine
Episode: Speaking of Cults...The Cult Foundations of the United States ft. Jane Borden
Ewan Whyte
Writer, poet, translator, and cult survivor who grew up in the Community of Jesus
Episode: Speaking of Cults...Abuse in the Community of Jesus ft. Ewan Whyte
Pamela Jones
Author of 'The Dirt Beneath Our Door', grew up in a polygamous fundamentalist Mormon cult
Episode: Speaking of Cults...Escaping Fundamentalist Mormonism ft. Pamela Jones
Jason Horvatic
Ex-Scientologist from Australia
Episode: Speaking of Cults...Cult Recovery is a Rocky Road

Host

Chris Shelton
Host of the show who previously was a Scientologist, and now focuses on raising awareness around cult behavior and recovery.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 476 ratings
  • Long-time fan!

    Always equally well-researched, patient, and entertaining. Truly a pleasant and comforting listen!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ElectricSuzy80
    Finland4 months ago
  • Culty deconstruction tool at its best!

    I love the approach Chris takes to question, explore and bring some good old fashioned critical thinking to the whole field of culty recovery and deconstruction. We get to learn these lessons or relive them … this podcast is a must follow if you are looking to understand the mind set and implications of culty manipulation and control.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    WisdomAnne
    United States7 months ago
  • Apology

    Long time listener. I really enjoy this thoughtful podcast. It sounds like you owe Aaron an apology. Extra star for you if you do because that would be the classy move.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    mrkit2u
    United States2 years ago
  • Interesting.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    DMS
    2 years ago
  • Usually interesting

    Informed information on cults, but I’ve come to avoid the podcasts with Jon Atack for two reasons. First, I heard him talk about a subject that I know something about and he’d misunderstood some aspects. Consequently I mistrust what he says about subjects I know nothing about. Secondly, he tends to turn a conversation away from a topic to talking about himself and he really is old enough to have got over himself by now.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Hokeykokey
    United Kingdom2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Overall, feedback emphasizes the importance of the subject matter and the compelling nature of the interviews.
A must-follow for those seeking to understand the dynamics behind cults and extreme ideologies.
Some listeners have noted that while the episodes are engaging, there can be moments where the host's biases come through, affecting objectivity.
Well-researched and entertaining content that offers deep insights into cult behavior and recovery.

Top Education Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Speaking of Cults...The Religion/MAGA Connection with Jennie Gage
Q: What do you think drives the hypocrisy among certain Christian groups?
The drive is often financial; those in power manipulate teachings for profit and control, deviating from the true principles of compassion that Jesus embodied.
Speaking of Cults...The Religion/MAGA Connection with Jennie Gage
Q: How did your experiences in the Mormon Church shape your beliefs about politics?
Mormonism laid the foundation for my understanding of America as a promised land and groomed me for Christian nationalism during the rise of MAGA.
Speaking of Cults...Breaking the Spell of Religion with Dr. Moe
Q: What is a double bind in psychological terms?
A double bind occurs when individuals are told they are defective and must follow strict rules, but challenging that authority is also deemed wrong, creating a mental prison.
Speaking of Cults...Breaking the Spell of Religion with Dr. Moe
Q: Could you explain more about identity issues tied to religion?
Identity in religious contexts often ties individuals to their communities and parental beliefs, making self-reflection essential for unpacking trauma and accepting oneself.
Speaking of Cults...Breaking the Spell of Religion with Dr. Moe
Q: How do you talk about or describe trauma when it comes to religious settings?
Trauma in religious settings manifests as a camouflage that hides nefarious practices, leading individuals to accept abusive norms as their reality.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Speaking of Cults

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

The show explores themes surrounding cults, coercive control, and recovery, featuring a diverse range of guests, including cult survivors, psychologists, and other experts. Topics span the psychological mechanisms behind cult recruitment and retention, the impact of high-control groups on individuals, and the societal implications of extreme beliefs, both religious and secular, including controversial political movements. The host fosters a respectful dialogue, allowing for nuanced discussions on these often sensitive subjects while aiming to inform and empower listeners regarding the dynamics of cults and harmful ideologies. With weekly episodes, the content is aimed at anyone looking to understand the intricacies of mind control and recov... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Speaking of Cults?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Speaking of Cults:

1. Blown for Good: Scientology Exposed
2. A Little Bit Culty
3. Cults to Consciousness
4. IndoctriNation
5. Cults, Culture & Coercion with Dr. Steve Hassan

How many episodes of Speaking of Cults are there?

Speaking of Cults launched 10 years ago and published 300 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 Speaking of Cults?

Recent guests on Speaking of Cults include:

1. Zach Elwood
2. Jennie Gage
3. Bethany Leger
4. Michael Shemwell
5. Jon Atack
6. Jane Borden
7. Ewan Whyte
8. Pamela Jones

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