Generation Cult

Epizode

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  **Live Show in San Francisco: Season 4 finale** 23.07.2025 1h 22min

  Generation Cult's live show and literary event happened on stage at The Lost Church San Francisco in front of a fabulous audience on June 26, 2025. If you missed it, you're in luck because the recording is finally out now! It was a late night in North Beach deep down in the Victorian speakeasy-style venue that hosted our show and book signing featuring the three authors who were our guests: Sarito Carroll, Anke Richter and Janja Lalich. Host Dhyana Levey moderated the discussion about children raised in cults, the authors' books, and what to watch out for in a potentially abusive group. Sure, the conversations got a bit intense. But everyone still had a good time. How could we not with Johnny Tripod bartending and cool tunes on the sound system by local SF Bay Area band The Chaw? Sarito celebrated the release of her new memoir, In the Shadow of Enlightenment, detailing her upbringing in the Osho Rajneesh cult 40 years after the infamous commune's collapse. And, yeah, we talked a little about the Netflix documentary "Wild Wild Country" and its star Ma Anand Sheela ... but there is just so much more to this story. You'll have to listen to this episode and read Sarito's book to find out. saritocarroll.com We also got a big-time expert to weigh in on our discussions and share a bit about the harsh political cult she spent a decade in. Researcher, educator and author Janja Lalich graced the stage with insight and stayed overtime to sign her book Escaping Utopia, based on interviews with 65 people who grew up in high-demand groups. janjalalich.com And tying the whole night together, we had German investigative journalist and author Anke Richter in town to visit all the way from her home base in New Zealand. Her book Cult Trip: Inside the world of coercion & control (Harper Collins), researched the aftermath of sex cults around the world.  ankerichter.net What a night! And you didn't even have to buy tickets. Enjoy the Generation Cult podcast Season 4 finale recorded in front of a live audience. Includes discussions of child sexual abuse, please listen with discretion *stage recording by Peter Clarke *set up/other audio by Brett Cline *editing by Dhyana Levey *photography by Laura Casey and Nic Roethlisberger *music by The Chaw      
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  Opening the 2X2s Floodgates with Mike 23.05.2025 38min

  Mike and Abbi grew up going to something they called "the truth" or "the way" or sometimes it didn't have a name at all. But it wasn't a church. A church was something the other kids attended. They went to "meetings" at people's houses and had leaders called "workers" who stayed with them.   After they got married and left the religion, or whatever it was, they felt isolated from friends and family, which was understandable -- they, too, had broken contact  with people who left when they were in it. They felt bad about that, though, and started a support group for other people who walked away from what they now called the 2X2s.  That's when things started to go wild. A posted letter on their support group's Facebook page about sexual abuse in the 2X2s (now the preferred name by survivors of the organization) gave way to an avalanche of more disturbing information. It rocked their world. And then the FBI got involved.  Join us for a conversation with Mike about how this all went down. To contribute to the FBI investigation go to: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/seeking-victim-information-in-2x2-investigation *Includes discussion of sexual abuse *Music by Lee Dunn, opening/closing song by The Chaw *Editing by Dhyana Levey For more information about Mike and Abbi's work: https://linktr.ee/our2x2story GENERATION CULT IS HAVING A LIVE SHOW JUNE 26 in SAN FRANCISCO Tickets on sale now: https://tinyurl.com/ChildrenfromCults $3 off Earlybird tickets (use code earlybird14 at checkout)  https://www.facebook.com/events/670324172421203
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  Special Film Edition: Beyond the Fence with Lindsey and Ashlen 05.03.2025 26min

  We're dropping back in with a Special Film Edition as Generation Cult's Season 4 draws to a close! For this bonus episode, we're bringing back our old friend and former Season 3 co-host Ashlen, who's been hard at work helping people recover from controlling groups through her LLC People Leave Cults, and has become a source of education on the topic in the media. In addition to appearing on the latest Hulu docuseries "How I Escaped My Cult," Ashlen is now an executive producer on the film "Beyond the Fence," which is now in development. Our other guest is the writer, director and producer of this film, Lindsey Paulette, who is going to tell us more about the project and the story, which can be purchased as a book. "Beyond the Fence" is about about four sisters growing up in and escaping an extreme, controlling group in Appalachia. It explores themes such as family relationships, cult dynamics and patriarchal abuse. Ashlen said she'd like to eventually use the film as a medium for psychoeducation. *Music by Lee Dunn, opening/closing song by The Chaw *Editing by Dhyana Levey   For more information or to watch the concept trailer go to: beyondthefencemovie.com/ To purchase the book go to: amazon.com/dp/B0DCG2FTD2
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  System Breakdowns & Perpetual Coercion with Brenda 03.01.2025 50min

  Brenda was "mentored" by the former leader of Students of Light, a Toronto-based esoteric group inspired by teachings by Carl Jung and H.P. Blavatsky, from the age of 11 to almost 17. She pursued legal action against him in 1997, and he was eventually arrested in 2019 and extradited to Canada to be charged with rape and assault of a minor.  Her case was plagued with delays and procedural mishaps from the get go, and her abuser went free in 2023 on a technicality. Now Brenda is due back in court this month to face the Canadian police constable accused of neglecting her case.  But she's already lived a lifetime of gaslighting and victim blaming that shut down her ability to report crimes and even pursue mental health treatment. It was enough to keep her silent for years.  Now she wants to tell her story.  Join us to discuss the breakdown of family, legal and medical systems that perpetuated Brenda's abuse since the 1970s.  ***This is an intense episode with disturbing content describing child sexual assault and torture. Please listen with care or skip this one is you're squeamish.  News coverage about the arrest in the San Francisco Bay Area: https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/05/08/canadian-fugitive-suspected-of-raping-girl-in-students-of-light-religious-group-arrested-in-bay-area/  https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/03/24/chosen-by-god-former-leader-of-religious-group-extradited-from-bay-area-to-canada-to-face-1975-rape-charge/ *Music by Lee Dunn, opening/closing song by The Chaw *Editing by Dhyana Levey Reach out to Brenda at RiseUpSurvivor@outlook.com
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  Another Legal Chat with Carol! 23.12.2024 41min

  We've brought back a fan favorite from Season 3 for an update on litigation cult survivors can bring against their abusers, and this time we're also tackling the dreaded topic of defamation. Carol Merchasin, an attorney with the firm McAllister Olivarius, has had some success bringing lawsuits on behalf of people who were sexually abused in Buddhist, yoga and cult-like groups. Her focus has expanded to other types of organizations and litigation, so we're ready for an update. Do you want to speak out but have concerns about a defamation suit being brought against you? You aren't alone. Let's talk about ways to protect yourself and the options available to those who are faced with this threat. Join us for another legal chat with Carol! *Includes discussion of sexual assault Music by Lee Dunn, opening/closing song by The Chaw Editing by Dhyana Levey For more information about Carol's work, visit mcolaw.com/team/carol-merchasin/ Get in touch with Carol at cmerchasin@mcolaw.com  
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  Estranged from Mormon Royalty with Lynn 26.11.2024 41min

  Estrangement is a traumatic topic, no matter your family of origin, but it feels unavoidable when you reject your tribe's religious ideologies. Lynn knows this well. She was raised in Salt Lake City on a Mormon pedestal: the great-great grand-niece of Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church. It was a bit like being royalty. But then she rejected the whole thing. No one of her family status had done that before. Everyone was shocked. It was even more surprising when the big, whole divided family agreed to go therapy together. Join us to discuss Lynn's struggles with perfectionism and the discoveries she made that changed the course of her life. She's written a memoir, has a blog, and a YouTube channel discussing her own experience as a "heretic," and addresses family estrangement after leaving a high-control group. Spoiler alert: It is possible to reconcile (but not always) For more information, go to lynsmithgregory.com Music by Lee Dunn, opening/closing song by The Chaw Editing by Dhyana Levey  
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  The Cult of Oregon with Jesse 27.10.2024 54min

  Jesse grew up in "the perfect church," or so he was told. The small, albeit pushy congregation his life centered around in the town of Oregon, IL seemed almost ideal as a small child. But then the immortal leader died. She didn't come back to life like she was supposed to. And the new leader liked restrictions. There were so many restrictions. Jesse found himself trapped in a cycle of punishment, abuse and humiliation that made his teen years a prison -- both literally and figuratively. Although he eventually got away, there are certain things (like felonies on his permanent record) that he'll never be able to shake. Join us to discuss the Church of Jesus Christ Forever. ***This episode contains disturbing descriptions of child abuse. Listen with care or skip this one if you're squeamish. Music by Lee Dunn, opening/closing song by The Chaw Editing by Dhyana Levey             
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  Leaving Christian Science Pod with Hilary 29.09.2024 53min

  Most people have heard of Christian Science and passed by the reading rooms, but how much do you know about it?  Hilary grew up as a radical reliant Christian Scientist, which meant her family avoided medical intervention in favor of prayer to try to cure ailments. She lived to talk about it, but others weren't so lucky. As an adult, Hilary became an atheist and started the Leaving Christian Science Podcast on YouTube. Join us to talk about the history of this group, which is primarily made up of families who have stayed connected to it since its early days. We'll also discuss the medical neglect of children and how much pressure church members have experienced in the past to avoid doctors. While this appears to be changing, elderly members still tied to the belief system continue to suffer as they age and fall ill. ***This episode contains descriptions of medical neglect and death. Listen with care. Music by Lee Dunn, opening/closing song by The Chaw Editing by Dhyana Levey Watch Hilary's show! https://www.youtube.com/@LeavingChristianSciencePodcast
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  Sharing the Knowledge with Susan 03.09.2024 54min

  When Susan was 13, her stepdad brought her into what was then known as the Divine Light Mission, an organization led by Prem Rawat (aka Guru Maharaj Ji, aka The Boy Guru, aka Lord of the Universe, aka The Perfect Master. ... etc.) She became a believer and eventually moved into one of the ashrams while she was still a teen. By that time, Susan was grappling with a disturbing incident she and another young girl had experienced. And they weren't the only ones who had problems with a certain mahatma.  Susan tried to tell the guru. She tried so hard. But there was no accountability. When the internet became a thing, she put her story online. Not a whole lot happened. But other people started putting up their stories about the group, too.  One of them was Don, a former high-ranking official of the group, which had changed its name to Elan Vital (it's since changed its name many times). He also has a few things to say on this episode.  Join us for Susan's story (and some of Don's). ***This episode contains descriptions of child sexual abuse. Listen with care. Music by Lee Dunn, opening/closing song by The Chaw   Editing by Dhyana Levey More information: resourcesforthetruthaboutpremrawat.com 1974 documentary: Lord of the Universe 
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  3HO Reparations with Philip and Stacie 24.06.2024 48min

  Philip and Stacie wrote about a recent reparations program meant to address complaints made for decades against 3HO (Happy, Healthy, Holy Organization), led by the late Yogi Bhajan, who started Kundalini Yoga.  Join us for a discussion with these two writers about the second generation of 3HO. The children of those who joined the organization felt like they were screaming into a void about the abuses they had suffered, especially when they were sent off to boarding schools in India.  The complaints reached a crescendo in 2020, and 3HO offered a reparations program to its former second generation members who reported neglect and psychological, physical, and sexual abuse.  The program just concluded and Stacie and Philip wrote about it recently for Baaz News in an article titled 3HO's Boarding Schools Were A Living Hell https://www.baaznews.org/p/3hos-boarding-schools-abuse-yogi-bhajan  They've covered this group for a while and have much to say about its practices, businesses, treatment of children, and actual efforts to make changes. We'll also have comments from Narangkar, a past guest from Season 2 who grew up in 3HO.  If you haven't already, go back and listen to Narangkar's story, which we just rebroadcast. Music by Lee Dunn, opening/closing song by The Chaw   Editing by Dhyana Levey        
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  BONUS: *Season 2 Rebroadcast* No Horses in India with Narangkar 21.06.2024 54min

  We're rebroadcasting an episode from 2019 to remind you about a guest from Generation Cult's first episode of Season 2. Narangkar is an artist who grew up in 3HO (Healthy, Happy Holy Organization), which is connected to Kundalini Yoga and Sikh Dharma. Narangkar and her two sisters navigated a troubling childhood during their time within the group that included neglect, child-swapping, violence and a traumatizing stay at a harsh boarding school in India. *This episode contains disturbing descriptions of child abuse and death. It serves as a companion to the next episode coming up on Generation Cult discussing a 2023 3HO reparations program. For information about Narangkar's blog go to: https://rishiknots.com For more information about Narangkar's art go to: https://narangkar.com    
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  The Farm and The Neon Sun with Kate 10.05.2024 43min

  Kate grew up in the secluded High View Church Farm where children worked and lived in militant conditions, rarely saw their families, and had little contact with the outside world. She left with only a couple of dollars in her pocket and no idea if that was a lot of money or not.  Education was a lifeline but it's also pretty expensive. Kate lived in her car some of the time to save money. Now she advocates for housing for students. She's also the co-founder and managing editor of Red Hen Press, author of seven books of poetry, and a teacher at Chapman University.  Join us to discuss her life and just-released debut novel entitled Under the Neon Sun, which follows the struggles of an unhoused young queer woman trying to get her education after leaving a cult. **This episode contains descriptions of child abuse Music by Lee Dunn, opening/closing song by The Chaw   Editing by Dhyana Levey
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  Rejecting Race Rhetoric with Amanda 30.04.2024 55min

  The church Amanda grew up in was started by a man known for his ejection from the KKK for being too militant. The tight and secretive community that revolved around the church valued white supremacy, male dominance, and obedience. Amanda had a lot of questions. A girl with questions wasn't valued in this community. Neither were women who wore pants or got educations. She did a lot of things that made her congregation mad, including learning how to not be racist. Join us for a very interesting discussion. ***This episode contains descriptions of racism and child abuse Music by Leanne Dunn, opening/closing song by The Chaw   Editing by Dhyana Levey
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  In God's Name Pod with Grace 27.03.2024 37min

  Yes, we are back! We're kicking off Season 4 with a conversation with Grace. She grew up in a little-known Christian fundamentalist group referred to as the Geftakys Assembly and, although her family left when she was young, she was impacted greatly by leadership's harsh rules regarding women and children. So greatly was Grace impacted that she dove into a years-long history/research project and created her own podcast about it called "In God's Name: An Unseen Cult." New episodes are being released now.  Join us as we talk about Grace's upbringing in the group, how her family left, and why she went back recently to interview former members of the Geftakys Assembly and produce her own show. ***This episode contains descriptions of child abuse Music by Leanne Dunn, opening/closing song by The Chaw   Editing by Dhyana Levey  
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  We Love New Books: Forager with Michelle 20.10.2023 41min

  We're back with yet another special literary edition! For this bonus episode, we're celebrating the recent launch of the book "Forager: Field Notes for Surviving a Family Cult." It's out now in bookstores and on Amazon. The author, Michelle, was raised in an end-times group that was started by her grandfather in the 1930s.  As survivalists in an organization referred to as "The Field," her family lived in isolation on a mountain, where they foraged for food and viewed basic comforts as a sin. Michelle endured illness, abuse, hunger and neglect before finding solace in nature and education.  Now a professor of journalism, she lives a comfortable life in Southern California but still enjoys using her knowledge of edible plants to forage in her surroundings. Her book, which was released in March, discusses her childhood as well as how to forage through nature for what provides sustenance.  In this interview, we speak to Michelle about her life, writing a book about it and how she got through some of her most challenging times.
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  Book Launch Edition: I See You Survivor with Liz 29.08.2023 48min

  Generation Cult is dropping back in with a bonus edition to celebrate today's launch of Liz Ianelli's new book called "I See You, Survivor: Life Inside (and Outside) the Totally F*cked-Up Troubled Teen Industry." In it, Liz details her years left at a program within the Troubled Teen Industry, a network of expensive residential programs, wilderness camps, and religious-affiliated establishments meant to set your child straight.  Join us as we discuss Liz's time in one of these programs, how she relates it to a cult, the abuses she and her friends endured, and the struggles kids who live through this experience have after leaving.  Liz has been an outspoken activist against the Troubled Teen Industry for many years, arguing that the programs should be shut down or, at the least, held accountable for their practices. This is her first book, released to the public on Aug. 29, and it can now be found in various bookstores as well as Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/See-You-Survivor-Troubled-Industry/dp/030683152X ***This episode contains discussions of suicide and child abuse 
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  Ep. 14: Tween Marriage and the Culture of Polygamy with Tamara 14.04.2023 1h 7min

  Tamara grew up in a Sufi polygamist organization in the US and England. Her father joined the group when she was 5 and she soon found herself torn between a somewhat "normal" life with her mother and a bizarre, hard-working communal lifestyle with her dad. Deemed a "special child" by her father's group, she was sent to live with the leader, who put her to work caring for young children and cooking and cleaning in his mansion alongside his multiple wives. At age 12, Tamara got married -- a spotty relationship that lasted until she was 20. But when her husband wanted to follow the polygamist practices of the group, she left. On the Season 3 Finale of Generation Cult, Tamara chats with Dhyana and Ashlen about her life and the important role education played in her recovery from abuse. We'll discuss the culture of polygamist groups and what it was like to get married as a tween. Thank you for listening to this season of Generation Cult! ***This episode contains discussions of child abuse For more information about Tamara and her work, go to: tamaramc.com linktr.ee/tamaramc www.facebook.com/TamaraMC11 twitter.com/TamaraMCPhD www.instagram.com/tamaramcphd/ www.linkedin.com/in/tamaramcphd/
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  Ep. 13: Declared Evil with Rhonda 31.03.2023 51min

  Rhonda's parents joined the Holy Order of MANS (standing for Mysterian, Agape, Nous and Sophia in Greek, or mystery, love, mind and wisdom in English) when she was a year old. The San Francisco-based group held classes and meetings studying a mix of religions, initially leaning heavily on New Age concepts and Christianity. Children were not allowed to live with parents, so she was raised on a farm with other kids as her parents moved through the ranks of the organization. The Holy Order changed and dropped its New Age associations after the Jonestown tragedy in 1978, when a similar group called the People's Temple very publicly met its end in a massacre. Rhonda's parents left shortly after that but continued to practice the concepts they had learned regarding vibrations, colors, light and music. Rhonda's life was structured by her parents' beliefs, especially her father's disgust for particular forms of music and aspects of mainstream society that he deemed "evil." Eventually convinced that she was evil as well, Rhonda dealt with her parents' judgement, lingering trauma from being raised on the farm and current inability to fit in with "normal" people through substance abuse and other unhealthy practices. But in her 20s, she began to seek help and returned to school. In this one-on-one chat with Rhonda and Dhyana, we discuss a brief history of the Holy Order of MANS, Rhonda's conflict with her parents and their decision to send her away when she was young, her struggles to fit in and the journey she went on to heal.
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  Ep. 12: Searching for Healthy Community with Sarah 24.03.2023 36min

  Sarah grew up in a bible-based group in Ohio with about 400 members, many of whom are related to her. She was sexually abused throughout her childhood, something she reported to leaders of her organization, who not only didn't stop the perpetrators but told her she was one who had sinned.  Sarah left in her early 20s struggling with mental health issues as she got her education, traveled the world and started her own business. Along the way, she searched for a new, healthy community where she could feel safe and comfortable. She found that in the friends she made and a Christian church where she is allowed to ask questions and debate with the leaders. Join us as we hear Sarah's story and discuss why she considers her family's group a cult vs the more supportive communities she found herself in after she left.  **This episode contains discussions about child sexual abuse and thoughts of suicide.  Please listen with discretion.
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  Ep. 11: The Influence of Faith with Will 10.03.2023 47min

  Will grew up devout in an evangelical community and attended Christian schools, camps and mission trips. His beliefs were so strong in his youth that he describes himself as becoming radicalized and isolated from the rest of society. But in his teens he began to question his church's strict guidelines regarding who can be saved or even considered a Christian. After conversations with people from other faiths and failed attempts to have his questions answered within his community, he left his church.  On this episode, Will chats with Dhyana and Ashlen about the strict evangelical beliefs he grew up with and how those beliefs impacted the politics of the people around him. Join us as we discuss the moments that caused him to question his outlook on life and spirituality, his journey into a Quaker community, and his recent concerns regarding dogmatic behavior in our country. Have questions or comments? Send us an email at generationcult@gmail.com Interested in starting your own podcast? Get up to two months of free podcast hosting from Libsyn using our promo code GENCULT when you go to https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=GENCULT