Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation
Exactly Right and iHeartPodcastsTrust Me is a weekly interview podcast about cults, extreme belief, and the fine line between devotion and delusion—told through firsthand accounts from the people who lived it. Hosted by two women who’ve been in cults themselves, Lola Blanc and Meagan Elizabeth, the show features survivors from groups like Heaven’s Gate, the Manson Family, NXIVM, OneTaste and more–sharing personal stories of how ... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 267 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | True CrimeSociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
This week, Lola’s mom Dr. Christine Marie (and the podcast’s very first guest!) talks about moving to FLDS town Short Creek, how she earned the trust of new self-proclaimed prophet Sam Bateman, and what it was like going undercover with the FBI to ge... more
In part two with Nikki G., she discusses more of the high-control groups she joined, the political project of the Seven Mountain Mandate that she was part of, the connection between biblical concepts of obedience and white supremacy, and how everyone... more
This week, Nikki G., host of Surviving the Black Church and survivor of FIVE different high-control groups, discusses joining the first church on her cult-hopping journey, how she got initially pulled down the rabbit hole by conspiracy theories and t... more
This week, Lola and Meagan are joined by comic, actor, and author of Sure I’ll Join Your Cult, Maria Bamford. The girls discuss Maria’s childhood OCD, intrusive thoughts, and the ways those experiences primed her to seek support, structure, and belon... more
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Reviews
- Oprah
Too much glorification of Oprah in episode lest we forget son of John was not her only intro of perpetrators in the world lest we forget Dr Oz and Dr Phil as well as the guy that made up the book A Million Little pieces:James Frey!
Apple Podcasts5MelWStew
United States3 months ago - Empathetic
Love their attitude of empathy, since they understand how one gets confused in their thinking , and their drawing of parallels to cult like behavior around beauty standards, AI use etc.
These women are smart and have on great guests so each episode is interesting, even if I didn’t think I’d relate I can learn something from each one. Thanks for keeping it real ladies !!
Apple Podcasts5ThemzezUnited States3 months ago - Great show!
I’ve been listening since they joined ERM and I don’t want to say it’s been a pleasure . . . but this is a great show that is really elevated by the hosts deep understanding of high control tactics. Highly recommend!!
Apple Podcasts5Dovie11United States4 months ago - Almost Through the Catalog
Learned about this podcast when they joined exactly right and I’m almost done listening all the way back to the beginning. Love hearing people’s stories and the understanding that comes from the hosts’ perspectives. Balance of serious content and finding the joy perfect.
Apple Podcasts5Study Buddy 95United States4 months ago - Great show!
Very interesting content from a very interesting perspective.
Meagan is the best. She told me to say that. This is not an AI paid advertisement.
Apple Podcasts5USCfightonUnited States4 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #161 | United States/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #178 |  Canada/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #232 |  Australia/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #130 |  South Africa/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #138 |  Finland/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #165 |  Belgium/Society & Culture |
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast
What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This show centers on firsthand experiences with high-control groups, exposing how manipulation, indoctrination, and charismatic leadership shape belief and behavior. Across episodes, conversations blend survivor testimony with expert analysis to unpack the dynamics of coercive influence, love bombing, and social manipulation, while offering practical guidance for recognizing red flags and rebuilding lives after exit. Notable strengths include empathetic hosting, rigorous research, and a balance of serious critique with accessible storytelling that helps listeners understand why people join and stay in high-control environments—and how to safely exit or support others who do.
What stands out is the hosts' lived experience as former participa... more
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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?
These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:
1. My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
2. The Knife: A True Crime Podcast
3. A Little Bit Culty
4. Buried Bones - a historical true crime podcast with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes
5. Wicked Words - A True Crime Talk Show with Kate Winkler Dawson
How many episodes of this podcast are there?
this podcast launched 6 years ago and published 267 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 this podcast?
Recent guests on this podcast include:
1. Nikki G.
2. Maria Bamford
3. Sarah Edmondson
4. Nomz Bistline
5. Lyndsey Burr
6. Matthew Remski
7. Harrison Hill
8. Celeste Gross
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