The Cult Vault
Award Nominated Podcast. Long-Form Interview-Based Show Focusing on True Testimonies of Cult Survivors & Experts. Also Features Deep-Dive Research Episodes.
Shakahola: Path to Tragedy - The Good News International Church
In this episode, host Kacey presents a deep-dive episode on Kenyan preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and the Shakahola Forest deaths.
WARNING of child deaths, starvation, and abuse. Born in 1973, Mackenzie founded Good News International Church after working as a hawker and taxi driver, broadcasting end-times messages that branded schools and hospitals satanic. He was repeatedly arrested from 2017â2019 and then moved followers into isolated forest settlements where residents were barred from mixing. During COVID-19, fasting escalated into a planned sequence of deaths, children first, with beatings, restraints, and reported sexual assaults; authorities ignored complaints until an April 2023 raid uncovered gr...
Escaping Scientology with Amir Essalhi
In this episode, Kacey interviews Amir, a former Scientology executive from Scotland who says he escaped in January after four years in Scientology.
Amir describes a normal pre-Scientology life and explains that modern recruitment emphasises self-help books, stress/personality tests, courses, and front groups rather than overt sciâfi beliefs, while internal operations follow outdated Hubbard-era policies.
After taking an initial communications course, Amir rapidly increased course participation, was recruited onto staff, and by 2024 was running major functions at the Edinburgh org, sacrificing time, friends, and education while keeping involvement from family. Reassigned to PR, he ra...
From Sh*t to Sunshine: In Conversation with Raylynn Van Oort
LISTEN TO MY NEW 11-PART INVESTIGATIVE PODCAST SERIES HERE!Â
In this episode, Kacey interviews author and speaker Raylynn Van Oort about her memoir, From Shit to Sunshine, which recounts how childhood experiences with a controlling stepfather primed her for manipulation by a charismatic preacher-politician who claimed to speak for God and eventually claimed to be God.Â
After meeting him at McDonaldâs, she became his unpaid campaign manager/executive director, was isolated from family, coerced into surrendering money and using credit cards in membersâ names, and endured coercive control, public humiliation, beatings, and forced âmed runsâ to obtain...
Empire of Orgasm - Discussing OneTaste with Ellen Huet
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In this episode, Kacey interviews Bloomberg investigative journalist Ellen Huet, author of Empire of Orgasm, about OneTaste and its founder Nicole Daedone.
Huet explains how Daedone rebranded a partnered clitoral-stroking practice into trademarked âOrgasmic Meditationâ in 2004 and marketed it through Silicon Valley-era mindfulness, wellness, and âgirlbossâ culture as a life-transforming cure-all.
Huet describes her reporting process, including interviewing 125+ people over five years, and alleges former members reported financial, psychological, and sexual exploitation, communal living, social isolation, and âassignmentsâ tying sex to sales. She d...
Chasing Nirvana with Priya Hutner
NEW 11-PART PODCAST SERIES "THE INSTASCAMMER" - THE INSTASCAMMER
In this episode, Kacey interviews author and journalist Priya Hutner about her memoir, Chasing Nirvana, and her experiences in the Kashi ashram led by a Brooklyn-born female guru known as Ma. Priya explains how her father brought the family into the New York-based spiritual community, which later centralised in Florida, and describes her dual life as a largely unsupervised teen in the city and later as a devoted adult who returned with her two sons seeking meaning and âenlightenment.âÂ
She outlines daily ashram life, Maâs teachings, service...
American Trickster: In Conversation with Ru Marshall
NEW 11-PART SERIES 'THE INSTASCAMMER' AVAILABLE NOW
In this episode, Kacey interviews author Ru Marshall about Ru's new book American Trickster: The Hidden Lives of Carlos Castaneda. Ru describes how decades-long curiosity about Castaneda led Ru to investigate after reading about the discovery of Nury Alexanderâs skeleton and speaking with memoirist Amy Wallace. Ru outlines Castanedaâs rise after 1968âs The Teachings of Don Juan, the slow debunking of its anthropology claims, and the parallel development of a secretive high-control group that later publicised âTensegrity,â promised ascension, concealed Castanedaâs liver cancer, and saw five women vanish after his 19...
Gaslighting for God with Becky Garrison
MY BRAND NEW 11-PART SERIES THE INSTASCAMMER - https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-instascammer--7247429
In this episode, host Kacey interviews religious satirist and writer Becky Garrison about her book Gaslighting for God: A Satirical Guide to Save Yourself from Spiritual Narcissists
A satirical, research-anchored consumer guide to recognising spiritual narcissists and knowing when to walk away. Garrison discusses her background, the Wittenberg Door satire magazine, family experiences with alcoholism and narcissism, and how awareness, trauma healing (including EMDR), and boundary-setting help people discern healthy communities from coercive, exploitative ones. She defines narcissism as a...
A Fulfilling Life Without Meaning - In Conversation with Robert Jensen
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In today's episode, Kacey interviews retired journalist and University of Texas at Austin professor Robert Jensen, now living in rural northern New Mexico. Jensen discusses his wide-ranging books on feminism and pornography, race, anti-war responsibility, and ecology, and explains his new, more personal book, "This I Donât Believe: A Fulfilling Life Without Meaning," reflecting on a traumatic, abusive childhood, vulnerability to cult-like certainty (including an Ayn Rand libertarian phase), and 17 years of therapy. He describes moments realising his familyâs toxicity, work at a Benedictine monastery, and how...
"From Crack to Crocs" - A Conversation with Richard Velazquez
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In today's episode, Cult Vault host Kacey interviews Richard Velazquez about being born into a strict Jehovahâs Witness upbringing in New York City. Richard describes his motherâs recruitment through door-to-door preaching and promises of paradise healing, family conflict with his non-JW father, and prohibitions on holidays and birthdays that fueled a âsplit personalityâ and fear-based childhood with corporal punishment.
After his mother married an elder stepfather, he experienced severe abuse, leading to his father removing him at 11; subsequent instability included drug exposure, suicide attempts, and livi...
THE INSTASCAMMER - THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD
FULL SERIES - https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-instascammer--7247429
No one expected it to happen online.
This is where the story begins: how a wellness figure built a devoted following through juice cleanses, food protocols, and private groups full of encouragement and before-and-after photos. What started as health advice quietly became something people trusted with far more than their diets. In this opening episode we trace that rise â the language, the promises, and the community that formed around a single voice â and set out how the series approaches what came next.
Sour...
Twin Flames Universe: Saving a Loved One
In this week's episode, host Kacey interviews cybersecurity professional Cheryl (Cyber Chick Boston) about her familyâs experience when her niece became involved in the Twin Flames Universe.Â
Cheryl explains the groupâs origins under Jeff (Jeff Allen/Jeff Devine) and Shaleia (Megan), its online course-and-coaching business model likened to an MLM, escalating paid tiers, free labour, a âchurchâ for tax advantages, and coercive tactics including forced pairings and gender transition.
Cherylâs family hired a cult consultant, contacted ex-members, police, FBI, and journalist Alice Hynes, and used supportive contact to keep ties. Cheryl's niece suffered severe ment...
Deliver us from Mother - Single Family Cults with Stella McCormick
In today's episode, Kacey interviews first-time podcast guest Stella, a US Army sexual assault victim advocate and US Navy reservist who began sharing her story on TikTok and wrote a memoir, Deliver Us From Mother: Faith, Fear, and the Family Cult That Broke Me.
Stella describes being raised in a âsingle family cultâ led by her mother, defined by extreme control consistent with Steven Hassanâs BITE model, including severe physical punishment, psychological and information control, financial abuse, surveillance and âsnitching,â parentification, and extreme evangelical purity culture, racism, and homophobia, alongside foster care and adoption in a nine-child household...
The Oracle's Daughter with Harrison Hill
In this episode, Kacey interviews journalist Harrison Hill about his first book, The Oracleâs Daughter: The Rise and Fall of an American Cult.
Hill describes The Aggressive Christianity Missionary Training Corps (ACMTC), founded in the early 1980s by ex-hippies Jim and Deborah Green, with Deborah claiming prophetic status and building a militarized âspiritual armyâ using broadcasts and leaflets, later fleeing legal trouble and ending up on a remote New Mexico compound raided in 2017.
The bookâs through line is their daughter Sarah Green, who grew up in the group, later escaped at 26, and faced an impossib...
Wet Paper Bag - Depicting a Fictional Cult in a Feature-Length Film
On today's episode of the Cult Vault podcast, Kacey interviews actor/filmmaker and screenwriter Adam Burke and actor Mike about their indie feature Wet Paper Bag, set at a couples wellness retreat that functions as a coercive, cult-like environment and slow-burn psychological thriller.
Adam explains the filmâs origins in a story of an abusive relationship, his experiences starting screenwriting in prison, and research drawn loosely from real-world cult material, aiming to depict manipulation ethically and relatably.
Mike discusses preparing to play cult leader Don Haberman, referencing cult figures and trauma-driven narcissism, and the emotional toll of...
Escaping William Branham's "The Message"
The Cult Vault returns with an interview featuring John Anderson, a survivor of William Branhamâs cult of personality known as âThe Message.â
John describes the movementâs postâWorld War II revival roots, its Latter Rain influence, and how Branhamâs teachings seeded splinter groups worldwide, including extreme offshoots. He recounts being raised in the church, early memories dominated by fear and doomsday prophecy, and daily life centered on constant rule-following, listening to Branhamâs tapes, and financial control through tithes and offerings. John details misogyny, demonisation tactics, and leadersâ prosperity while members struggled.
He and his wife dec...
Control, Identity & Performance: A Conversation with Emrhys Cooper
In this compelling interview, actor and filmmaker Emrhys Cooper shares his personal journey through childhood experiences with high-control groups, his role in Coronation Street portraying a cult leader, and his advocacy work with the Family Survival Trust. Discover insights into coercive control, the psychology of cults, and how storytelling can raise awareness and inspire change.
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Emrhys' Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/emrhyscooper
The Family Survival Trust - Support for cult victims - The Family Survival Trust
Petition for Changing Legislation - Petition...
Faith and Sexuality: The Impact of Conversion Therapy
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey engages with Lucas Wilson, a researcher and author, to discuss his experiences with white Christian nationalism, conversion therapy, and the complexities of queer identity within evangelical contexts. Luke shares insights from his book 'Shame Sex Attraction', highlighting the emotional and psychological struggles faced by individuals subjected to conversion therapy. The conversation also touches on the current political climate regarding LGBTQ rights, the importance of community support, and the ongoing challenges faced by transgender individuals. Luke emphasises the need for acceptance and understanding, encouraging listeners to embrace their identities and seek...
Uncovering the Dark Side of English Nursery Rhymes
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Brittany, a writer who shares her journey of overcoming dyslexia to write her book, 'Whispers in the Cradle.' Brittany discusses the dark origins of nursery rhymes, the true crime elements intertwined with children's stories, and the challenges she faced during her writing process. The conversation also touches on the importance of research, the support from her family, and advice for aspiring writers.
Brittany's BookÂ
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Crimecon UK 2025 https://www.crimecon.co...
Yoga Cults and Families Torn Apart
In this episode, Michael shares his journey from a seeker of spirituality to becoming involved in a cult. He discusses his life before the cult, the allure of enlightenment, and the psychological manipulation involved in cult dynamics. Michael emphasises the importance of trusting oneself and recognising personal wins and losses, while also reflecting on the challenges of leaving a high-control group and the impact on individuality and family dynamics. He concludes with a powerful message about the significance of self-trust and the journey of personal growth after such experiences.
Get in Touch or Support:Â
Patreon - patreon.c...
Healing from Trauma: Therapeutic Approaches to Recovery
In this conversation, Sonnet Daymont, a licensed marriage and family therapist, discusses her journey into trauma therapy, the principles of feminist theory in psychotherapy, and her upcoming book, 'When Dangerous Feels Like Home.' She explores the importance of EMDR and CBT in healing trauma, the psychological patterns of cult hopping, and the significance of recognising red flags in relationships. Sonnet emphasises the role of shame and intimidation in coercive control and offers advice for trauma survivors, while also addressing how the media can better represent trauma and its survivors.
HOME | Sonnet Daymont | Therapist near me | 1000 Fremont Ave...
The International School of Temple Arts - ISTA
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey interviews Cara Cordoni, a leadership coach and activist, who shares her experiences with the International School of Temple Arts (ISTA). The conversation delves into the complexities of cult dynamics, consent, and the journey from participant to activist. Cara discusses her initial excitement about ISTA retreats, the problematic agreements surrounding consent, and the leadership's role in perpetuating harmful practices. The episode emphasises the importance of community, transparency, and accountability in spiritual spaces, while also addressing the challenges survivors face in their healing journeys.
Get in Touch or Support:Â
P...
The History of True Crime Journalism with Dr. Bethany Usher
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Dr. Bethany Usher's website for books, research, and events - Author / Journalist / Academic / Educator â Author, Journalist, Academic
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Dr. Bethany Usher, a Doctor of Journalism from Newcastle University, about the evolution of crime journalism, the ethics surrounding true crime content, and the historical context of media representation. They discuss the sensational nature of crime media, the importance of ethical practices in podcasting, and the launch of the Ethics Project ai...
The Invisible Chains of Coercive Control: Examining the Entertainment Industry
In this episode, we take a look at current cult news stories in the media, and how talking about coercive control should be a normal part of our day to day lives.Â
Sources:
Andrew Tate Arrested: A Timeline Of Everything That's Happened Glamour UK Andrew Tate to face âcoercive controlâ claim in UK civil trialA timeline of sexual assault allegations against Russell Brand | Russell BrandThe Guardian A Complete Timeline of Chris Brown's Controversies, Arrests Timeline of events around Russell Brand allegations and the BBC review The Standard We Need To Talk About Jared Letoâs Alleged History Of Sexu...
CrimeCon Special: Take a Live Tour with Me!
COMING TO MANCHESTER ON SEPTEMBER 27TH
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S3 E36 GET AWAY, AMWAY!
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, Kacey and Darren Mudd delve into the world of multi-level marketing (MLM), specifically focusing on Amway. Darren shares his personal experience of being recruited into Amway during a vulnerable time in his life, highlighting the psychological tactics used by recruiters to exploit emotional states. The conversation explores the cult-like dynamics of university environments, the early warning signs of MLMs, and the brainwashing techniques employed through a structured learning curriculum. As the discussion progresses, they examine the challenges of recruitment, the illusion of success, and the growing dependency on the system, ultimately shedding...
CRIMECON COLLECTION: IN CONVERSATION WITH BEXY CAMERON
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CRIMECON COLLECTION: A TALK WITH LEGENDARY JON ATACK
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FIND JON'S WORK HERE - www.youtube.com/@jonatackfamilyfriends6176
CRIMECON COLLECTION: UK PODCASTER'S ROUNDUP
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CRIMECON COLLECTION: A LIVE TALK WITH COLIN SUTTON
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CRIMECON COLLECTION: A LIVE TALK WITH ELGEN STRAIT - THE UNIFICATION CHURCH
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FIND ELGEN'S WORK HERE - Falling Out
S3 E35 The Hidden Children of OSHO: A Conversation with Sarito Carroll
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey interviews Sarito Carroll, author of 'In the Shadow of Enlightenment,' who shares her experiences growing up in the Osho Rajneesh cult. Sarito discusses the challenges of writing her memoir, the invisibility of children in the Rajneesh movement, and the impact of a nomadic lifestyle on her childhood. She reflects on her experiences in the ashram, the open sexuality culture, and the neglect and abuse that occurred within the community. Sarito's story sheds light on the complexities of growing up in a cult and the lasting effects of those experiences.Â
S3 E34 His Way Ministries - Granddaughter of a Pro-Life Activist and Cult Leader
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Emily, a third-generation cult survivor whose grandfather was the leader of His Way Ministries. Emily shares her journey from a life devoid of love and support within the cult to finding freedom and happiness. The conversation delves into the origins of His Way Ministries, the nature of cult leadership, family dynamics, and the impact of pro-life activism on her upbringing. Emily reflects on her childhood experiences, the transition to rural life, and the challenges of education in isolation, providing a poignant insight into the complexities of growing up...
S3 E33 Animal Abuse and Power: What You Are Not Being Told
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Maya Badham, founder of Safeguarding Human and Animal Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Abuse (SAHSDA), about the intersection of animal cruelty and coercive control in domestic abuse. They explore how animals are used as tools of manipulation and control, the cultural contexts of animal abuse, and the importance of recognising these issues in the broader conversation about human rights and violence. Maya shares her unique career path and insights into the systemic issues surrounding animal and human abuse, emphasising the need for a coordinated response to these intertwined...
S3 E32 The Source Family: In Conversation with Father Yod's Daughter-in-Law
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Wendy Baker, a former member of the Source Family and daughter-in-law to the leader, about her experiences growing up in the counterculture movement of the 1960s, her relationship with the charismatic leader Jim Baker, and her life in the Source Family commune. Wendy shares insights from her memoir, 'My Name Was Mushroom,' detailing her transition from a typical teenager to a member of a spiritual community, the dynamics of communal living, and the impact of their beliefs on their daily lives. The conversation explores themes of identity...
S3 E31 Born and Razed: In Conversation with Beth Granger
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with author Beth Granger, a cult survivor and representative plaintiff in a landmark class action lawsuit against her abusers. Beth shares her experiences growing up in Grenville Christian College, a cult disguised as a school, and discusses the challenges of recovery and the importance of sharing stories of those born and raised in cults. The conversation delves into the impact of cult life on identity, the challenges of publishing a memoir, connections to the troubled teen industry, coercive control tactics, purity culture, family dynamics, and the journey of healing.<...
S3 E30 The Reluctant Apostate: In Conversation with Lloyd Evans
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Lloyd Evans, a former Jehovah's Witness and current activist, about his journey out of the organisation and the complexities of Jehovah's Witness beliefs. They discuss the history of the Jehovah's Witnesses, the impact of indoctrination on children, and the challenges faced by those who leave the faith, including rapture anxiety. Lloyd shares insights on how to support children from different belief systems and the importance of compassion and understanding. The discussion also touches on the dynamics within survivor communities and the importance of constructive dialogue in healing and...
S3 E29 In Conversation with Shanny Pants!
In this episode, Shannon Payton AKA Shanny Pants shares her journey of growing up in a high-control religious cult, her experiences navigating life outside of it, and the challenges of parenting while healing from past trauma. She discusses the impact of her upbringing on her identity, relationships, and mental health, as well as the importance of psychoeducation in her recovery process. In this conversation, Shanny Payton shares her journey of healing from trauma, navigating relationships post-cult, and the challenges of marriage and parenthood. She emphasises the importance of humor in her healing process and discusses the support she has found...
S3 E28 Peace Educator, Author... CULT LEADER? Maharaji/Prem Rawat
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Don Johnson, who shares his journey from being a follower of Prem Rawat to becoming an instructor within the suspected cult. Don discusses his initial attraction to the teachings, the experiences that led him deeper into the organisation, and the cognitive dissonance he faced as he began to question the integrity of his leader. He reflects on his eventual disengagement from the suspected cult, the healing process, and the importance of critical thinking. Don also offers advice for others who may be navigating similar experiences and emphasises the...
S3 E27 The Troubled Teen Industry: CEDU
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Kari Bunn, a survivor of the troubled teen industry, specifically the CEDU reform school. They discuss the historical context of CEDU, its connections to the cult Synanon, and the broader troubled teen industry. Kari shares her experiences and insights into the psychological manipulation and abuse that can occur in these institutions, as well as the importance of raising awareness through media and survivor stories. The conversation also touches on the complexities of distinguishing between non-abusive and abusive schools, the impact of influential figures like Liam Scheff, and the...
S3 E26 Students of Light: Kidnapped in Plain Sight
*TRIGGER WARNING THIS EPISODE CONTAINS THEMES OF CHILD ABUSE. LISTEN WITH CAUTION!!!*
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Brenda Blais, who shares her harrowing experiences of childhood sexual abuse within the cult-like environment of the Students of Light. Brenda recounts her introduction to the group at a young age, the manipulative tactics employed by its leader, Don Kollmar, and the profound impact of the abuse on her life. The conversation delves into themes of control, isolation, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of trauma.
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