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Artwork for Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation

Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation

Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts
FLDS
Scientology
Warren Jeffs
Cults
Polygamy
Fundamentalist Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints
Mental Health
Colorado City
Cognitive Dissonance
Playboy
Hugh Hefner
Mormonism
Barbra Streisand
Manipulation
Self-Discovery
Christianity
Effective Altruism
Mennonites
Amish
Stalking

Trust 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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes237Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureTrue Crime

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Artwork for Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation

Latest Episodes

This week, Lola and Meagan continue their conversation with Mike and Abbi Prussack, former members of Meagan’s childhood church, the 2x2s. In part 2, they walk the girls through the abuse crisis that has shaken the group in recent years and the long-... more

This week, Lola and Meagan talk with Mike and Abbi Prussack, former members of Meagan’s childhood church, the 2x2s, also known as The Truth or The Way. The couple, who now help moderate the Ex-2x2 Facebook community, share what it was like growing up... more

This week, researcher Tim Squirrel joins Lola & Meagan to break down the manosphere: incels, redpill, MGTOW, and the differences between some of the misogynistic subcultures in the online world of men. They discuss how isolation can leave boys vulner... more

In part 2, Sarma Melngailis, subject of the docuseries Bad Vegan and author of The Girl with the Duck Tattoo, tells Lola & Meagan how Mr. Fox consumed her time, overwhelmed her with information, and dangled promises of financial freedom that was alwa... more

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Recent Guests

Abbi Prussack
Former member of the 2x2 church who shares her experiences growing up in the cult.
Episode: Mike & Abbi Prussack - Part 1: A Church with No Name, Isolated Childhoods, and Doomsday Fear
Mike Prussack
Former member of the 2x2 church who shares his upbringing and later questioning of faith.
Episode: Mike & Abbi Prussack - Part 1: A Church with No Name, Isolated Childhoods, and Doomsday Fear
Tim Squirrel
Researcher focused on incels and the Manosphere
Episode: Tim Squirrell - Incels, Redpill, and the Manosphere
Sarma Melngailis
Author of The Girl with the Duck Tattoo, known from the docu-series Bad Vegan
Episode: Sarma Melngailis - Part 1: Bad Vegan, Meeting Mr. Fox, and Early Red Flags
Arabelle Sicardi
Author of 'The House of Beauty', with extensive experience in the beauty industry and activism for beauty workers.
Episode: Arabelle Sicardi - Plastic Surgery in Mormonism, Biohacking, and the Beauty Industry
Anthony Cesar Duncan
Artist, mental health advocate, and survivor of ChatGPT psychosis
Episode: Anthony Cesar Duncan - ChatGPT Psychosis and the Dangers of AI
Aaron Goldenberg
Comedian, performer, and survivor of conversion therapy
Episode: Aaron Goldenberg - Homeschool, Conversion Therapy, and Finally Coming Out
Sarah Stankorb
Author of Disobedient Women, exploring abuse in evangelical communities
Episode: Sarah Stankorb - Quiverfull, Christian Nationalism, and Why Evangelical Women Are Leaving
Erika Lantz
Sister and co-host of the podcast, The Turning
The Turning
Episode: Erika Lantz & Elin Lantz Lesser - Book Burnings, Rapture Drills, & the River Road Fellowship

Hosts

Lola Blanc
Host and survivor of cult experiences, Lola Blanc brings heartfelt narratives and a personal touch to discussions around manipulation and belief systems. With a background in entertainment and writing, she connects with guests through empathy and understanding.
Meagan Elizabeth
Co-host and advocate for survivors, Meagan Elizabeth shares her own powerful journey through cult experiences. Her insights and personal stories foster dialogue on resilience and healing while connecting deeply with the listener's journey.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 4.2k ratings
  • 🔥🔥🔥 podcast

    Accurate, informative takes

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AD975
    United States15 days ago
  • Changed :(

    Show has gotten worse since the network switch. Some episodes feel like filler and the hosts continually come off as uneducated about the workings evangelical fundamentalism and it’s hard to listen to those episodes as someone from that background because they position themselves as knowledgeable. Also ads for AI now??? Gross…….

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    fhjlfdhffhf
    United States15 days ago
  • Love

    I love how in-depth you two take your research and episodes. Both of your life journeys are inspirational. ❤️❤️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    tdrenegar
    United States17 days ago
  • On the fence

    I’m not giving stars one way of the other. Really enjoyed the incel interview so I listened to the Bad Vegan which felt a little confusing and then listened to the Mom episode which was even more confusing. Honestly walking away feeling like this podcast isn’t very thoughtful and a bit of brand building for Exactly Right.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    euroskank
    United States19 days ago
  • Very silly voices

    Not possible to get past the hosts very juvenile voices.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    :( thumbs down addddzzzzz
    United States20 days ago

Listeners Say

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

The podcast is praised for avoiding sensationalism and instead providing compassionate explorations of cult experiences.
Some listeners appreciate the political commentary, while others find it distracting or disagreeable, indicating a divide in audience preference.
Many find the combination of humor and serious topics to be engaging and insightful.
Listeners express appreciation for the authenticity and depth of personal experiences shared by guests.
Overall, there is a strong sense of community and understanding among listeners who relate to the themes discussed.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Mike & Abbi Prussack - Part 1: A Church with No Name, Isolated Childhoods, and Doomsday Fear
Q: How did you both come to question your faith?
They experienced a significant moment where they both admitted they never truly had faith in the first place and realized their beliefs were based on their upbringing rather than genuine belief.
Sarma Melngailis - Part 1: Bad Vegan, Meeting Mr. Fox, and Early Red Flags
Q: What was your initial impression when you met Mr. Fox in person?
Sarma felt underwhelmed and nervous, acknowledging her vulnerability during that encounter.
Sarma Melngailis - Part 1: Bad Vegan, Meeting Mr. Fox, and Early Red Flags
Q: What was the first time he asked you for money?
He presented it as a dire emergency and used emotional manipulation to elicit funds from her.
Sarma Melngailis - Part 1: Bad Vegan, Meeting Mr. Fox, and Early Red Flags
Q: How did you first encounter Mr. Fox?
She met Mr. Fox on Twitter through her friend Alec Baldwin, mistaking their online banter for legitimate connections.
Sarma Melngailis - Part 1: Bad Vegan, Meeting Mr. Fox, and Early Red Flags
Q: Can you tell us about your Wall Street era?
Sarma discusses her background working in investment banking and private equity before transitioning to culinary school and the restaurant business.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Cults, extreme beliefs, and the intricacies of manipulation are central themes explored through personal stories and expert insights. The hosts, both of whom have firsthand experience with cults, facilitate discussions that invite survivors to share their journeys—how they were drawn in, the psychological impact of their experiences, and the paths leading to their eventual escape. The conversations cover a wide array of topics, from historical and cultural influences on cult behavior to the psychological tactics employed by charismatic leaders. Notably, the podcast balances the gravity of these narratives with unfiltered honesty and dark humor, offering listeners a compassionate perspective without sensationalism. This approach to exploring... 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. The Cult Next Door
4. Was I In A Cult?
5. A Little Bit Culty

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 237 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. Abbi Prussack
2. Mike Prussack
3. Tim Squirrel
4. Sarma Melngailis
5. Arabelle Sicardi
6. Anthony Cesar Duncan
7. Aaron Goldenberg
8. Sarah Stankorb

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