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 | 284 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Society & CultureTrue Crime | |||
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Latest Episodes
This week is part two with Makelle Bistline, one of polygamist cult leader Sam Bateman’s former wives who helped take him down from the inside. She returns to share how she finally relented and became Bateman’s 22nd wife after he wore down her resist... more
This week’s guest is Makelle Bistline, who grew up in the polygamist sect the FLDS and became one of the wives of self-proclaimed prophet Samuel Bateman–ultimately playing a crucial role in bringing him down. Makelle did not appear in the Netflix ser... more
This week, the girls are joined again by Felicia Rosario, survivor of the cult at Sarah Lawrence, led by a man named Larry Ray. Today Felicia, who previously came on the show along with fellow survivor Daniel Levin, explains how Larry drew her in ove... more
This week, author and historian Stephen Kinzer joins Trust Me to discuss his book, Poisoner in Chief, and its subject: chemist Sidney Gottlieb, who led mind control experiments in the CIA’s Project MKUltra. Stephen explains who Gottlieb was and how h... more
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Reviews
- Megan is the best
Megan should break free and have her own podcast- she relates to guests very well - I wish Lola was not so fake. Her mom is the main reason why …..
Apple Podcasts5ylimeylimeylime636
United Statesa month ago - My favorite podcast!
Love this show. I went to school for religious studies and cultural anthropology and new religious movements have been an interest of mine for years.
I hope they get around to exploring such groups as the Gush Emunim in Israel, the Ahmadiyya sect and perhaps expanding the focus to include the culty aspects of the mainstream religions.
Regardless, I have listened to every episode and eagerly await the release of each new one with bated breath.
Apple Podcasts5Kenchi77United Statesa month ago - Most untrustworthy!
What you said about chiropractic was disturbing in how incorrect it was. Chiropractors are doctors and not pseudoscientists! They will go to school much longer than a physical therapist or a therapist (though both of those careers also require education and expertise!). They are experts in anatomy and physiology and correct physical problems and pain management. Your show’s presentation of this made you sound incredibly uninformed, uneducated, and lose credibility to the point that I personall... more
Apple Podcasts1nickibondiUnited Statesa month ago - Really?
Disappointed the hosts did not condemn the dangerous pseudoscience that is chiropractic “medicine”. The overlap between it and the anti-vax movement seems like cult behavior that the show should have done some research on.
Apple Podcasts4vic8863United States2 months ago - Absolutely obsessed
I haven’t been able to stop listening to this podcast. Love the hosts and their banter
Apple Podcasts5BbyTigrUnited States2 months ago
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Apple Podcasts | #222 | United States/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #122 |  South Africa/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #154 |  Chile/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #170 |  Argentina/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 provides first-person accounts from survivors and experts to unpack how high-control groups and manipulation shape belief, belonging, and exit. Across episodes, listeners hear intimate narratives—from cults and religious movements to influencer ecosystems and extremist communities—paired with thoughtful analysis of coercive dynamics, consent, and accountability. The tone blends empathy with rigorous context, aiming to illuminate how seductive leaders operate and how people rebuild agency after leaving. A notable strength is the hosts' lived experience, which informs nuanced conversations without sensationalism, making complex social psychology accessible to curious, impact-focused audiences.
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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?
These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:
1. A Little Bit Culty
2. Was I in a Cult?
3. My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
4. The Knife: A True Crime Podcast
5. Buried Bones - a historical true crime podcast with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes
How many episodes of this podcast are there?
this podcast launched 6 years ago and published 284 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. Makelle Bistline
2. Felicia Rosario
3. Stephen Kinzer
4. Renee Spencer
5. Larena Wynn
6. Elyse Wynn
7. John Hunter
8. Laci Mosley
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.