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

Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation

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FLDS
Scientology
Warren Jeffs
Cults
Polygamy
Fundamentalist Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints
Mental Health
Cognitive Dissonance
Colorado City
Playboy
Hugh Hefner
Operation Light Force
Mormonism
Barbra Streisand
Self-Discovery
Manipulation
Crohn's Disease
Christianity
Effective Altruism
Mennonites

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes234Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
True CrimeSociety & Culture

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

Latest Episodes

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

In part 1 with guest Sarma Melngailis, subject of the docuseries Bad Vegan and author of The Girl with the Duck Tattoo, Sarma shares about her life as the owner of a successful vegan restaurant in New York, how she met the man who called himself Mr. ... more

This week, the girls are joined by Arabelle Sicardi, writer, image theorist, and author of The House of Beauty: Lessons from the Image Industry. Lola and Meagan confess the cosmetic procedures they've each had, and Arabelle explores how the beauty in... more

This week, the girls are joined by Anthony Cesar Duncan, an artist, mental health advocate, and survivor of ChatGPT psychosis. Anthony opens up about his descent into a psychotic episode, led by an unlikely new cult figure: ChatGPT. He describes how ... more

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Recent Guests

Sarma Melngailis
Author of The Girl with the Duck Tattoo, featured in the docuseries Bad Vegan
Episode: Sarma Melngailis - Part 2: Isolation, Deeper into the Scam, & Getting Arrested
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
Elin Lantz Lesser
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
Jane Borden
Author of Cults Like Us, Why Doomsday Thinking Drives America
Episode: Jane Borden - Cults Like Us: Puritans, Demagogues, and America’s Doomsday Obsession
Meagan Elizabeth Cox
Former member of the Remnant Fellowship and the Way Down Workshop, featured in HBO docuseries, The Way Down.
HBO
Episode: Megan Elizabeth Cox - The Remnant Fellowship, Gwen Shamblin, and the Worship of Skinny

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 4.1k ratings
  • Need an ad-free option!

    Please and thanks! Keep doing what you do 💕

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    💕 History Buffette
    United Statesa month ago
  • So amazing and educational!

    So excited you are picked up MFM! I found you back when you had 4 episodes! So glad you didn’t stop making episodes!

    You are so educational and well researched!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lady s51592
    United Statesa month ago
  • Love the show love the new network!! Exactly right!

    Great chemistry and banter from the host. Interesting topics and guest! Makes you think!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Thehaylanater92
    United Statesa month ago
  • Informative and respectful

    Great podcast. Excellent interviews of variety of guests from different experiences. Always very informative and respectful of guest and their experiences. Highly recommend especially in our current climate.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    tbpjewelry
    United Statesa month ago
  • Long time listener

    I’ve been listening to this podcast since it came out in 2020. I sometimes drift to listening to other pods, but I always come back. They have great guests, good content, and are entertaining. Recommend.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Gayla R.
    United Statesa month 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.

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.
Aaron Goldenberg - Homeschool, Conversion Therapy, and Finally Coming Out
Q: What would you say to someone who's deconstructing beliefs about sexuality?
You are gay, and that's okay.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
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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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How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 234 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. Sarma Melngailis
2. Arabelle Sicardi
3. Anthony Cesar Duncan
4. Aaron Goldenberg
5. Sarah Stankorb
6. Erika Lantz
7. Elin Lantz Lesser
8. Jane Borden

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