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

Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation

Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts
Cults
Mental Health
Manipulation
Scientology
Christianity
High-Control Groups
2x2s
John Of God
Cultural Revolution
FLDS
Spirituality
Mao Zedong
Domestic Violence
Psychosis
Mormonism
Sexual Abuse
Red Guards
Financial Exploitation
Warren Jeffs
Soulcycle

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes261Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureTrue Crime

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

Latest Episodes

In part 2 with Nomzia aka Nomz Bistline, from Netflix’s docuseries Trust Me: The False Prophet (with Lola’s mom), Nomz shares what it was like getting raided by the FBI, how she felt about Lola’s mom when she learned Christine was the FBI informant, ... more

This week is part one with Nomzia “Nomz” Bistline, from the Netflix docuseries Trust Me: The False Prophet (with Lola’s mom, Christine!). Nomz joins the girls to talk about what it was like growing up in polygamist group the FLDS after leader Warren ... more

Lyndsey Burr, longtime reality television producer who worked on America’s Next Top Model for years, joins the girls to talk about her experiences working on the now-controversial hit show. She talks about what the team looked for when casting, some ... more

In part two with Matthew Remski (author and host of the Conspirituality podcast), Matthew shares how he cult hopped from his first guru to his second, the moment that disillusioned him, and the cultural patterns he's seeing—including a resurgence of ... more

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Recent Guests

Nomz Bistline
Nomzia Bistline, survivor of FLDS, discussed her experience with Sam Bateman
FLDS community
Episode: Nomzia Bistline, Part 1 - The False Prophet: Growing Up FLDS & Marrying Sam Bateman
Lyndsey Burr
Longtime reality television producer who worked on America's Next Top Model
Producer, ANTM
Episode: Lyndsey Burr - Producing America’s Next Top Model
Matthew Remski
Author, host of Conspirituality podcast
Conspirituality
Episode: Matthew Remski, Part 2 - Cult Hopping, Disillusionment, and Root Causes of Cults
Harrison Hill
Writer and author of The Oracle's Daughter
Scribner
Episode: Harrison Hill - The Aggressive Christianity Missions Training Corps
Celeste Gross
Survivor of the Children of God (Family)
Children of God (Family)
Episode: Celeste Gross - Growing Up in the Children of God
Dan Olson
Creator and host of Folding Ideas on YouTube
Folding Ideas
Episode: Dan Olson, Part 2 - Charismatic Leaders and the Cult of Crypto
Liz Cameron
Survivor of JMS; author of Cult Bride
Cult Bride; JMS survivor
Episode: Liz Cameron, Part 2 - Christ is on Earth, He’s in Prison, and You’re His Bride
Martina Castro
Creator of podcast, Two Faced John of God
Exactly Right Podcasts
Episode: Martina Castro, Part 2 - Allegations, Disappearances, and the Crumbling Cult of John of God
Parvati Shallow
Reality TV icon, Survivor winner, and author of Nice Girls Don't Win
Episode: Parvati Shallow - From Surviving a Cult to Winning Survivor

Hosts

Lola Blanc
Co-host and producer who has firsthand experience in cults, providing a personal touch and understanding to the discussions.
Meagan Elizabeth
Co-host and producer who shares her own experiences with cults, offering insights and fostering a compassionate dialogue.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 4.5k ratings
  • 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 Podcasts
    5
    MelWStew
    United States2 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 Podcasts
    5
    Themzez
    United States2 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 Podcasts
    5
    Dovie11
    United States2 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 Podcasts
    5
    Study Buddy 95
    United States2 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 Podcasts
    5
    USCfighton
    United States3 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Many find the hosts relatable and enjoy their personal stories intertwined with expert discussions.
Some feedback suggests a desire for more depth and Critical exploration of certain controversial topics.
Listeners appreciate the empathetic and humorous approach to serious topics.
The podcast is praised for its thoughtful handling of sensitive subject matter, with insightful interviews and engaging storytelling.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Matthew Remski, Part 1 - Seizures, Spirituality, & the First Charismatic Guru
Q: So it all originated with some seizures that you had, is that correct?
The seizures were a turning point that coincided with a broader fascination with religion and spirituality, helping to shape the interviewer's sense of religious sensitivity and later engagement with charismatic teachers.
Harrison Hill - The Aggressive Christianity Missions Training Corps
Q: How did the group gain followers in the early days?
Followers were recruited gradually through ministry meetings, free meals, radio shows, and personal connections; the appeal lay in charisma, a sense of belonging, and micro-communities that felt intimate and hopeful before things turned coercive.
Harrison Hill - The Aggressive Christianity Missions Training Corps
Q: What drew you to this topic and this particular group?
I was introduced to Lila/Deborah's story through close encounters and a long arc of historical documents; the narrative felt like a Petri dish for American religious history, showing how charisma, belief, and social turmoil can fuse into a dangerous cult.
Celeste Gross - Growing Up in the Children of God
Q: Can you start us at sort of the beginning of your family's journey and tell us how your parents met and how they originally joined?
Celeste explains her father, initially living on the streets and seeking belonging, joined the Children of God in his late teens, while her Brazilian mother was drawn in through family connections and devout gatherings; their union formed within a broader movement that promised community and purpose.
Dan Olson, Part 1 - Crypto, NFTs, and Tech’s War on Doubt
Q: Would you join the crypto cult?
One of the hosts asks the guest to admit susceptibility; the guest acknowledges occasional temptation but emphasizes learning, caution, and the importance of critical thinking to avoid loss.

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?

The content focuses on the intricate dynamics of cults and extreme beliefs, highlighting firsthand accounts from survivors who share their personal journeys within various high-control groups. With hosts who have their own experiences in cults, the discussions offer a unique perspective on the psychology of belief, manipulation, and the challenges of breaking free from these organizations. The show features notable conversations with former members of infamous cults, as well as experts who provide insights into topics such as groupthink and the allure of charismatic leaders, ensuring a blend of education and empathy. What sets this podcast apart is its compassionate approach, using humor and personal stories to tackle the often dark and com... more

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this podcast launched 6 years ago and published 261 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. Nomz Bistline
2. Lyndsey Burr
3. Matthew Remski
4. Harrison Hill
5. Celeste Gross
6. Dan Olson
7. Liz Cameron
8. Martina Castro

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