Truth Be Told with Zara McDermott

エピソード

• Bereaved Mother: Did Social Media Take My Son’s Life? 15.07.2026 15分

  Support Resources:Samaritans -- 116 123 -- samaritans.org.ukChild Bereavement UK -- 0800 02 888 40 --childbereavementuk.orgDrinkline -- 0300 123 1110Adfam -- adfam.org.ukIn 2022, Ellen's life was forever changed by the tragic death of her 14-year-old son, Jools. The cause of Jools' death is unknown, and Ellen has always believed there is more to it - but when she tried to access Jools' social media data to find out more, she found herself blocked by tech giants. This led her to her campaigning for 'Jools’ Law', which called for children's social media data to be automatically preserved after death. What started as a grassroots petition led by a bereaved mother has now turned into a national movement that is spurring changes in national policy and legislation.
• Ex Gangster On The £80 Million Drug Deal That Got Him Arrested 08.07.2026 26分

  Support Resources:Samaritans -- 116 123 -- samaritans.org.ukFrank Stedman was working as a drug dealer in Essex when he was caught by the Serious Organised Crime Agency in one the biggest undercover drug stings in British history. After a stint on the run in Thailand, he was apprehended upon his return at Heathrow Airport and convicted for his involvement in a major drug deal involving 299 kilos of cocaine, worth an estimated £80 million in street value. After nearly a decade in prison, Frank has since turned things around; he now runs his own scaffolding business and shares his story publicly in a bid to avoid young people following in his footsteps. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify now.In this brand-new series, Zara sits down with people whose lives have been shaped by extraordinary experiences. From surviving life-changing events and escaping dangerous situations to stories of crime, cults, and shocking split-second decisions, each guest shares their story with complete honesty. Raw, candid and deeply personal, these are the stories you won't forget.This story may include sensitive themes. Please listen with care. The experiences and views shared belong to the individuals involved and reflect their own experiences and beliefs.Follow on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@zaranicolemcdermottInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthbetoldstoriesProduced by South Shore Productions
• Domestic Abuse Survivor: Escaping My Husband 01.07.2026 18分

  At 17, Natasha Saunders met John: an older man who swept her off her feet with his flattery, charm and constant communication. Within a few months, the new couple had moved in together, gotten engaged and were due to have a baby. This sudden escalation marked the beginning of an eight-year marriage marred with relentless, complex and multifaceted abuse -- until Natasha eventually hatched a plan to escape and report her husband to the authorities. Now, she is a dedicated campaigner, consultant and public speaker, drawing on her personal experiences of domestic abuse and coercive control to advocate for change.🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify now.Support Resources:National Domestic Abuse Helpline -- 0808 2000 247Refuge -- refuge.org.ukWomen's Aid -- womensaid.org.ukIn this brand-new series, Zara sits down with people whose lives have been shaped by extraordinary experiences. From surviving life-changing events and escaping dangerous situations to stories of crime, cults, and shocking split-second decisions, each guest shares their story with complete honesty. Raw, candid and deeply personal, these are the stories you won't forget.This story may include sensitive themes. Please listen with care. The experiences and views shared belong to the individuals involved and reflect their own experiences and beliefs.Follow on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@zaranicolemcdermottInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthbetoldstoriesProduced by South Shore Productions
• The Woman Who Brought Down A Global Cult 24.06.2026 20分

  Support Resources Childline -- 020 7616 9999childline.org.uk Samaritans -- 116 123samaritans.org.ukJuliana Bühring was born into a notorious, global cult founded by David Berg in the 1960s. Removed from her parents' care at the age of three, she was raised in a series of military-style training camps and endured a difficult, nomadic childhood, alleging frequent physical, psychological and sexual abuse.After the death of her sister Davida, Juliana left the group and co-wrote a memoir that helped to expose the cult's wrongdoings, eventually leading to its demise. Using the strength and resilience she found within herself during her early years, she later took up endurance cycling and became the first woman to complete a round-the-world cycle.🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify now.In this brand-new series, Zara sits down with people whose lives have been shaped by extraordinary experiences. From surviving life-changing events and escaping dangerous situations to stories of crime, cults, and shocking split-second decisions, each guest shares their story with complete honesty. Raw, candid and deeply personal, these are the stories you won't forget.The Family International has previously said that it respects the views of former members, while maintaining that these allegations are subjective, exaggerated, and do not reflect the organisation as a whole. However, it acknowledges that some former members have had negative experiences, for which it apologises.The Family International has admitted that there were incidents of inappropriate behaviour towards minors in the past. However, since 1986, any form of abuse has been forbidden and sexual contact between adults and minors has been prohibited, resulting in immediate expulsion.The Family International says that it has undergone independent investigations involving around 700 children, with no evidence of abuse found. It also states that such claims risk overshadowing what it describes as its longstanding Christian missionary and humanitarian work.This story may include sensitive themes. Please listen with care. The experiences and views shared belong to the individuals involved and reflect their own experiences and beliefs.Follow on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@zaranicolemcdermottInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthbetoldstoriesProduced by South Shore Productions