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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
Duggar Family
Child Abuse
Psychedelics
Scientology Policies
Anonymous Movement
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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes300Founded11 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Religion & SpiritualityEducation

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Artwork for Speaking of Cults

Latest Episodes

Today I welcome back author and cult survivor Tia Levings, who discuses her upcoming book "I Belong to Me" about her recovery journey and advice for anyone on the same path. Enjoy!

Tia's website: tialevings.com

YouTube

Today I welcome Melissa Duge Spiers, author of the new book Holy Disobedience, which is her story of being raised in and dealing with the religious abuse of the 7th Day Adventist cult. We discuss how this group was founded by a literal insane person ... more

YouTube

Today I welcome back musician and artist Geoff Levin, former Scientologist, who has produced a new feature-length documentary, Brothers Broken, telling his story of Scientology abuse and disconnection, and the happy ending he got after escaping the c... more

YouTube

Today I welcome back Jon Atack for a new series of podcasts we'll be doing to debunk the "basics" of Scientology, one bit at a time. This is a wide-ranging and hopefully interesting discussion where we pull no punches on how we see Scientology. Enjoy... more

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Recent Guests

Melissa Duge Spiers
Author of Holy Disobedience, raised in Seventh-day Adventist Church
Episode: Speaking of Cults...7th Day Adventists and Holy Disobedience with Melissa Duge Spiers
Geoffrey Levin
Former Scientologist, artist, musician, and filmmaker; subject of Brothers Broken and Geoff and Rob Levin
Self/Levin Films
Episode: Speaking of Cults...Brothers Broken and Scientology with Geoff Levin
Jon Atack
Scientology researcher and author, invited guest
Author, Scientology critic
Episode: Speaking of Cults...Debunking Scientology with Jon Atack
Phil Jones
Executive Director of the Aftermath Foundation
Aftermath Foundation
Episode: Speaking of Cults...Helping People Escape Scientology with Phil Jones
Clint Heacock
Former evangelical minister with insights into American evangelism and its political influence
Dismantling Doctrine Podcast
Episode: Speaking of Cults...What are MAGA Christians Thinking?
Ben Eisenberg
Political consultant and media analyst, former second-generation member of Landmark
Episode: Speaking of Cults...Transforming Landmark with Ben Eisenberg
Cheryl Hope
Cult survivor raised in the Exclusive Brethren
Episode: Speaking of Cults...The Rise and Fall of the Exclusive Brethren
Richard Marsh
Cult survivor raised in the Exclusive Brethren
Episode: Speaking of Cults...The Rise and Fall of the Exclusive Brethren
Mitch Brisker
Ex-Scientologist and filmmaker who worked at high levels within the Church of Scientology
Formerly with the Church of Scientology
Episode: Speaking of Cults...The Mormon/Scientology Connection with Mitch Brisker

Host

Chris Shelton
Chris Shelton is the host and creator of the show, known for his empathetic approach to discussing sensitive topics related to cults, manipulation, and recovery. He has extensive experience in engaging with survivors and experts in the field.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 487 ratings
  • Miss Liv M

    Chris you’re amazing thank you for the podcast I’ve learnt so much !!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Miss Liv M
    Australia3 months ago
  • Thoughtful

    Chris is such a kind soul, he exudes his curiosity and determination to get to the bottom of issues. I admire his bravery. If you’re interested in deep conversations about corrupt religions - this is your place!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kathyinil
    United States4 months ago
  • Long-time fan!

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ElectricSuzy80
    Finland10 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 Statesa year 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

Listeners Say

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

Engaging expert interviews with personal narratives.
Highly informative discussions on cults and recovery.
Commitment to respectful dialogue, even on controversial beliefs.
Growing appreciation for the critical thinking skills fostered through episodes.
Deep analysis on authoritarianism in various contexts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Speaking of Cults...Debunking Scientology with Jon Atack
Q: What are the eight dynamics and other key concepts introduced in Fundamentals of Thought, and how reliable is their origin?
The eight dynamics and related ideas are presented as Hubbard's framework, but investigators contest their true source, noting that much of the material likely came from lectures and secondary editors rather than Hubbard alone, calling into question authorship and originality.
Speaking of Cults...Brothers Broken and Scientology with Geoff Levin
Q: What was the turning point that made you realize the organization might be harming you?
Hearing a critique from my brother and the blunt falsifications he uncovered about leadership figures, particularly Miscavige, and the ethical violations, pushed me toward questioning, though it took time to fully disengage.
Speaking of Cults...Brothers Broken and Scientology with Geoff Levin
Q: Did you know, even in the back of your mind, that this Scientology stuff was real while it was happening?
The quick answer is no; there was never really a moment of clarity that it was dangerous, and the promise of new abilities and immortality kept me engaged.
Speaking of Cults...What are MAGA Christians Thinking?
Q: What are the religious narratives that justify the thinking of the evangelical base?
There's a prevalent triumphalism among evangelicals that allows them to flaunt cruelty and justify harsh policies against certain groups.
Speaking of Cults...What are MAGA Christians Thinking?
Q: What do people outside the world of evangelical ministry often misunderstand about how it actually works?
Clint highlights that many outsiders relate evangelical experiences to cult-like conditions without recognizing its diverse expressions.

Audience Metrics

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

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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?

Focused on the themes surrounding cults, coercive control, and recovery, the content is enriched with interviews featuring cult survivors, psychologists, and experts who share insights on various aspects of cult dynamics. This podcast goes beyond traditional religious contexts, exploring non-religious and extreme political movements, including the divisive elements of MAGA and social issues from both left and right perspectives. The discussions prioritize respect and understanding, even when addressing controversial beliefs and actions, making it a unique resource for listeners interested in psychological insights and personal stories of recovery from coercive environments.

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How many listeners does Speaking of Cults get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Speaking of Cults?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Speaking of Cults:

1. IndoctriNation
2. Cults to Consciousness
3. A Little Bit Culty
4. Cults, Culture & Coercion with Dr. Steve Hassan
5. Was I In A Cult?

How many episodes of Speaking of Cults are there?

Speaking of Cults launched 11 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.

How do I contact Speaking of Cults?

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What guests have appeared on Speaking of Cults?

Recent guests on Speaking of Cults include:

1. Melissa Duge Spiers
2. Geoffrey Levin
3. Jon Atack
4. Phil Jones
5. Clint Heacock
6. Ben Eisenberg
7. Cheryl Hope
8. Richard Marsh

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