Cult Diaries

Epizodai

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  When Loyalty Costs You Everything: Malia Calles Story of Leaving Jehovah's Witnesses 10.08.2026 57min

  What happens when you've spent your entire life trying to prove your love for God... only to discover you've been serving a system that never allowed you to trust yourself?In this deeply moving episode of Cult Diaries, Brooke sits down with former Jehovah's Witness and former Circuit Overseer's wife Malia Calles, whose story challenges everything we think we know about devotion, identity, and the true cost of loyalty.From setting spiritual goals at just four years old to dedicating over 25 years to full-time ministry, Malia was the model Jehovah's Witness. Her greatest desire was simple: to make God proud. But beneath her unwavering devotion was a quiet question that never seemed to go away:"Does God actually approve of me?"Together, Brooke and Malia explore the psychological impact of growing up in a high-control religion, what it's like to live under impossible expectations, and the painful unraveling that began when one question changed everything.This conversation is an honest look at religious trauma, identity loss, deconstruction, grief, and the courage it takes to choose integrity over unquestioning loyalty.What it was really like serving as the wife of a Circuit Overseer.Why certainty can become one of the most powerful tools of control.The hidden psychological cost of always striving to be "good enough."How deconstruction became the pathway back to authenticity.Why leaving a high-control religion isn't the end of the journey—it's the beginning of rebuilding your identity.The difference between loyalty and integrity, and why that distinction changed everything.Whether you've experienced religious trauma yourself or are trying to understand the invisible wounds left behind by high-control groups, this conversation is a powerful reminder that healing begins the moment you give yourself permission to question, to grieve, and ultimately, to trust yourself again.Because the greatest freedom isn't found in having all the answers.It's found in finally belonging to yourself.In this episode, you'll hear some big truth bombs:"The relationship with the organization wasn't built on trust. It was built on loyalty.""Children don't choose who they become. They become who they believe they need to be to stay connected.""The most dangerous prison is the one that teaches you not to trust your own mind.""An insane system can never be recognized from the inside.""The hardest part wasn't leaving. It was learning how to trust myself for the first time.""Loyalty kept me inside the system. Integrity led me out.""The Governing Body didn't ask for agreement. They asked for obedience.""Control doesn't always look like chains. Sometimes it looks like someone making every decision for you until you forget how to make your own.""You don't realize how much of your identity belonged to the system until you're forced to build one of your own.""When your entire life has been outsourced to authority, freedom can feel terrifying.""Leaving a cult isn't just losing a religion. It's grieving an entire future you believed was promised to you.""The greatest loss wasn't certainty. It was believing I could no longer trust my own heart.""Healing begins the moment you stop asking, 'What am I allowed to think?' and start asking, 'What do I know to be true?'""The opposite of blind loyalty isn't rebellion. It's integrity.""Deconstruction isn't destroying your faith. It's making room for truth.""Every survivor's story is different, but every survivor deserves the chance to reclaim their own voice.""Freedom isn't just leaving a high-control religion. It's learning to belong to yourself."
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  HOLY DISOBEDIENCE: Sex, Sin, and Secrets in the Biggest Church No One Knows 27.07.2026 43min

  What happens when the faith that was meant to bring you hope becomes the very thing that causes your deepest wounds?In this powerful episode of Cult Diaries, Brooke sits down with award-winning essayist, screenwriter, and religious trauma advocate Melissa Duge Spiers to explore her journey of breaking free from religious abuse, reclaiming her voice, and transforming pain into purpose. Melissa shares her personal story with honesty and courage, offering hope to anyone questioning their beliefs, healing from spiritual manipulation, or rebuilding their identity after leaving a high-control religious environment. Event though she left the Seventh Day Adventist at 18 years old, she realized she was acting out her religious programming in relationships. Obedience, loyalty to a fault set her up to be a prime candidate for narcissistic abusers. As the creator behind The Glory Whole and author of the award-winning memoir Holy Disobedience, Melissa has become a passionate advocate for survivors of religious trauma, helping others understand that healing is possible—and that life on the other side of fear is filled with freedom.Melissa's journey through religious abuse and the path to healing.The hidden psychological impact of high-control religious environments.Reclaiming your identity after leaving a faith community.Breaking free from shame, fear, and religious conditioning.Finding your voice and sharing your story with courage.How writing became a powerful tool for healing and advocacy.What hope and freedom can look like after religious trauma.Whether you're questioning your faith, recovering from spiritual abuse, or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a reminder that your story doesn't end when you leave—it begins.If this episode resonates with you, be sure to subscribe to Cult Diaries, leave a review, and share this conversation with someone who needs to know they are not alone.
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  Escaping an Abusive Marriage & the Family That Enabled It 13.07.2026 34min

  Mae Scott, a woman whose story shines a light on a kind of abuse that often goes unseen—the kind that is protected, enabled, and reinforced by family systems themselves.Mae is the author of An Embarrassment of Pandas, a powerful and honest account of escaping not only an abusive marriage, but an entire family dynamic that functioned like a cult—one that protected her abuser and turned against her, despite the harm she endured.For nearly 19 years, Mae was caught inside a web of control, manipulation, and silence. This conversation unpacks the reality of narcissistic family systems—where loyalty is demanded, truth is distorted, and the survivor is often scapegoated for speaking out.We talk about:– What it feels like when an entire family protects the abuser– The psychological impact of narcissistic and “cult-like” family dynamics– The breaking point that leads to choosing yourself– And the long, courageous journey back to freedom, identity, and peaceMae is not only a survivor—she is a social worker, advocate, writer, and mother of three, using her voice to support others navigating similar experiences. Her message is simple, but powerful: everyone deserves freedom, and everyone deserves peace.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt trapped in a system that told them to stay silent, for anyone who has been made to question their reality, and for anyone who is ready to reclaim their life. Because sometimes the hardest truth to face is this: the people who were supposed to protect you… didn’t.And healing begins the moment you choose yourself anyway.Grab her book here: https://a.co/d/01m9nM6r
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  Faith, Fear, and Finding Her Voice Again: Pentecostal Exit Story 29.06.2026 47min

  In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Edna White, a survivor, truth-teller, and transformational leader who courageously shares her journey of leaving the Pentecostal church and confronting the deep-rooted patriarchy and suppression of women within it.Edna opens up about what it felt like to live inside a system where women’s voices were minimized, their roles confined, and their identities shaped by rigid expectations. This conversation goes beyond religion—it’s about power, control, and the quiet ways women are taught to disconnect from their truth.But this is also a story of reclamation.As the Founder and CEO of 2nd Chance Inc., Edna now helps individuals and communities rise beyond adversity and step into purpose-driven lives. She is the author of Stuff! The Stuff No One Told Us About Life After Sexual Abuse, and a powerful voice for those navigating healing, identity, and life after trauma.Through her work as a Business & Clarity Strategist, keynote speaker, and host of the podcasts Keeping it Real on Purpose and Unchurched, Edna creates spaces for honest conversations, emotional healing, and authentic leadership.In this episode, we explore:– The hidden impact of patriarchy within religious systems– What it takes to unlearn suppression and reclaim your voice– Healing after both religious and personal trauma– And how to move from survival mode into clarity, confidence, and purposeThis conversation is real, raw, and deeply validating—especially for anyone who has ever felt silenced, controlled, or disconnected from their truth.Because sometimes, leaving isn’t just about walking away from a place it’s about finally coming home to yourself.
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  Breaking The Silence On Patriarchal Harm: Evangelicalism Exit Story 15.06.2026 39min

  Katherine Spearing, MA, CTRC — founder of Tears of Eden, certified trauma recovery practitioner, author,  and host of the groundbreaking podcast Uncertain, one of the first platforms to boldly name and explore spiritual abuse.Katherine has spent years holding space for survivors navigating the devastating — and often invisible — impact of religious trauma and patriarchal harm. Through her nonprofit work, clinical training, and advocacy, she supports women and artists rebuilding their lives after systems that demanded silence, submission, and self-abandonment.In this episode, we explore:• What spiritual abuse actually is — and why it’s so often misunderstood• How patriarchy shapes trauma inside high-control faith systems• The grief of losing belief — and the courage it takes to reclaim identity• Why art, storytelling, and even improv theater can be powerful tools in recoveryWe also talk about Katherine’s book, A Thousand Tiny Paper Cuts, which tenderly captures the spiritual abuse survivor’s healing journey — the slow unraveling, the invisible wounds, and the quiet rebuilding of self-trust.Katherine has been featured on influential podcasts including IndoctriNation and A Little Bit Culty, and continues to write and advocate for survivors through tearsofeden.org and katherinespearing.com.This episode is for anyone who has ever questioned their faith, untangled themselves from patriarchy, or felt the invisible paper cuts of spiritual harm.
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  You're Allowed To Question-A Jehovah's Witness Exit Story 01.06.2026 28min

  In this deeply moving episode of Cult Diaries, I sit down with writer and storyteller Georgia Clare, whose life has been shaped by both profound rupture and breathtaking resilience.Raised in Wales and now living in the southwest of France, Georgia shares her journey of growing up within a high-control religious community, navigating childhood trauma, enduring personal loss, and ultimately finding the courage to leave the belief system that once defined her identity. What follows is not just a story of deconstruction — but of reconstruction.Georgia speaks with tenderness and clarity about what it means to lose a worldview, a community, and a sense of certainty — and how writing became her lifeline through it all. Through words, reflection, and radical honesty, she slowly rebuilt trust in herself and discovered meaning beyond indoctrination.We also explore her guided journal, You’re Allowed to Question, a resource she created for those walking the path she once did — the kind of companion she wishes she had eight years ago. Designed for individuals healing after high-control religion, this journal offers meditations, prompts, and space to untangle belief from identity. It’s available in both full-size and pocket editions.This conversation is about grief. It’s about autonomy. It’s about the terrifying and liberating act of questioning everything you were taught — and choosing yourself anyway.If you’ve ever had to begin again after belief, this episode will meet you gently and remind you that you are not alone.Links:https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Allowed-Question-Meditations-High-Control/dp/2959698185https://www.georgiaclare.com/https://georgiaclare.substack.com/
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  What Happens Inside a Secretive Cult Like SIST? 18.05.2026 39min

  In this deeply powerful and possibly triggering episode, (trigger warning) we sit down with Martha Glory Kartaoui, a cult survivor who has transformed unimaginable experiences into a life devoted to healing, truth, and empowerment.Martha courageously shares her story of life inside Samanta Roy Institute of Science and Technology (SIST)—a secretive, fundamentalist group based in Shawano, Wisconsin. Led by Avraham Cohen (formerly R.C. Samanta Roy or Rama Behera), the group has been described by former members and media as a cult, with allegations including emotional abuse, financial exploitation, and severe physical torture.This conversation goes beyond headlines and into the lived reality of what it means to be inside a high-control environment—and what it takes to break free from it.Martha’s journey didn’t end with escape. After more than 14 years of deep, intentional healing, she has become a powerful leader in the trauma-healing space. She is the creator of Unbound, an immersive experience designed to help individuals release the past and reclaim their power, and the founder of Unbound: The Collective, a global community of “battle angels” rising into wholeness.She is also an international bestselling author, speaker, trauma-informed coach, and host of Let Glory Shine, using her voice to awaken, empower, and guide others back to themselves.In this episode, we explore:– What it really takes to break free from cult programming– The long and layered process of healing the mind, body, and nervous system– Reclaiming identity after control, fear, and conditioning– And how to rise into purpose after surviving the unimaginableThis is more than a story—it’s a reclamation.If you’ve ever felt controlled, silenced, or disconnected from your truth, this episode will meet you there—and gently guide you forward. Because healing isn’t just about surviving what happened it’s about becoming who you were always meant to be.Grab her book or listen to her show below:https://lnk.bio/MarthaGloryKartaoui
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  Inside the Cult On The Cape 04.05.2026 53min

  In this haunting and deeply powerful episode, I sit down with Bonnie Zampino, a domestic violence and cult survivor who shares the unimaginable reality of life inside the Community of Jesus.What Bonnie endured is almost impossible to comprehend. For three years, she was held in isolation—locked in a basement and only brought out for chants and rituals. Her world was controlled, her mind targeted through repetitive recordings designed to condition and break her.But in the darkest place, she found something that would ultimately help her survive, a small music recorder filled with musicals. That became her lifeline. A quiet act of resistance. A way to protect her mind from the psychological programming she was subjected to daily.This episode is not just about survival, it’s about the resilience of the human spirit.Today, Bonnie has rebuilt a powerful and purpose-driven life. She is the voice behind the podcast The Cult on the Cape, where she sheds light on cult dynamics and gives others the courage to question, speak out, and heal.Beyond her story, Bonnie brings a wealth of experience in human resources, nonprofit leadership, and workforce development, especially supporting individuals facing barriers to employment. She has written for Huffington Post, contributed extensively to autism awareness, and played a role in advancing anti-stalking laws and protections under the Violence Against Women Act.She is also a relentless researcher with a gift for uncovering truth through public records, and in 2024, she co-founded Rock Harbor Truth with Shawn DeLude. She has created a survivor led space to help others heal and deconstruct from religious trauma. This conversation is raw, eye-opening, and deeply moving. It’s about control, survival, truth, and ultimately-freedom.If you’ve ever questioned your reality, your past, or the systems you were raised in… this episode will speak directly to your soul.Non- Profit for Cult Survivorshttp://www.rockharbortruth.org/Cult On The Cape Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6JnIrHq9MiKi6DNxsXdRUs?si=79268051ca604793
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  Inside A Doomsday Cult: Escaping The House of Yaweh 20.04.2026 58min

  Welcome to Season 2! I have finally been able to sit down and make space for some new interviews and this season is going to be a wild ride! I have some amazing guests that I have throughly enjoyed learning from, because their experience has opened my eyes to the common thread between all cult survivors. In this deeply powerful episode, I sit down with Melody Post, a survivor of the polygamist doomsday cult known as House of Yahweh, a high-control religious group rooted in extreme beliefs and rigid control.Melody’s story is one of lost innocence, survival, and profound resilience. She was pulled into the cult at just 15 years old, engaged by 16, married at 18 to the leader’s son, and a mother by 19. By 20, she was excommunicated and cast out of the only world she had known.Inside the cult, life was dictated by fear, control, and deeply disturbing teachings, where underage marriages were normalized, women were treated as “unclean,” medical care was forbidden, and families were separated both physically and psychologically.But this episode isn’t just about what Melody endured it’s about what she rebuilt.Today, Melody is the co-host and producer of the Cultimatum Podcast, and the founder of a thriving support community for survivors. Through her work, she gives voice to those who have been silenced, helping others break free from coercive control and reclaim their lives.This conversation is raw, eye-opening, and deeply human. If you’ve ever questioned belief systems, navigated trauma, or are on a journey of healing this episode will stay with you.Cult Escape & Recovery Support Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/2575419069406501Cultimatum Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1910498486077283
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  Deconstructing Faith Without Losing Your Soul 22.09.2025 37min

  In this episode, Brooke sits down with Bre Hamilton ( Religious Trauma Coach), who grew up deeply embedded in fundamentalist evangelical Christianity—where identity, belonging, and moral value were measured by submission and spotless rule-following. When their questions began, it wasn’t just beliefs that unraveled; it was an entire sense of self.What makes their story unique is what happened next: they didn’t walk away from spirituality—they reclaimed it. Through curiosity, nervous-system healing, and radical self-honesty, Bre rebuilt a relationship to the sacred that’s consent-based, embodied, and free of coercion. Today, they’ve created a life and business devoted to healing, purpose, and community for others on a similar path.We cover:The quiet mechanics of control: purity culture, gender roles, and “worthiness” as performanceDeconstruction without collapse: nervous-system tools for safety, grief, and reorientationReclaiming spirituality on your terms—rituals, values, and inner guidance you can trustBuilding ethical, non-coercive community and safeguards against recreating harmful dynamicsPractical first steps for listeners beginning to questionConnect with your host, Brooke Kekos here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Emotional Trauma Quiz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to gain clarity on where you’re struggling, identify the hidden blocks keeping you from thriving, and learn how to begin rewriting your story.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Healing Meditation Series⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Three powerful guided hypnosis meditations created specifically for survivors of trauma and narcissistic abuse. These meditations are designed to help you regulate your nervous system, calm anxiety, and foster deep emotional healing—grab yours now and start your journey to inner peace!Shattered, Broken, and Beautiful: Losing My Religion and Finding Faith.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab your copy!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Warrior Goddess Circle for Book Club⁠⁠⁠Connect with Bre:⁠Website⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠
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  Freedom From Australia MegaChurch 08.09.2025 38min

  What happens when the church you dedicate your life to turns out to be a cult? In this episode of Cult Diaries, I sit down with Elise Heerde, who courageously shares her story of growing up in and ultimately escaping the grip of an Australian Mega Church cult.Elise opens up about the unraveling of belief, the painful process of uncovering the truth, and the courageous steps it took to finally break free. Together, we explore what it means to heal after religious trauma, how cult conditioning impacts the nervous system, and how reclaiming authenticity becomes the foundation for real freedom.Elise Heerde (she/her) is a Certified Coach and qualified Mental Health Practitioner in Melbourne, Australia. She is the Co-founder of The Religious Trauma Collective, where she supports people recovering from religious trauma and cults. With both lived experience and professional training, Elise brings compassion, authenticity, and even a touch of sarcasm to her work — creating safe, judgment-free spaces filled with hope.This conversation is for anyone who has ever questioned their faith, struggled with the aftermath of religious control, or is seeking the courage to heal and rebuild their life beyond indoctrination. Elise’s journey will inspire you to trust your inner knowing, reclaim your voice, and remember that freedom is always possible.Connect with your host, Brooke Deanne here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Emotional Trauma Quiz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to gain clarity on where you’re struggling, identify the hidden blocks keeping you from thriving, and learn how to begin rewriting your story.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Healing Meditation Series⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Three powerful guided hypnosis meditations created specifically for survivors of trauma and narcissistic abuse. These meditations are designed to help you regulate your nervous system, calm anxiety, and foster deep emotional healing—grab yours now and start your journey to inner peace!My Book is finally here: Shattered, Broken, and Beautiful: Losing My Religion and Finding Faith⁠⁠⁠Grab your copy!⁠Connect with Elise:WebsiteInstagram
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  Escaping the Jehovah’s Witnesses & an Abusive Marriage: Jada’s Powerful Story of Freedom & Healing 26.05.2025 32min

  Jada Bohmer is the host of Awaken to Freedom, a podcast dedicated to empowering women breaking free from cults, high-control religious environments, and abusive relationships. Today, Jada Bohmer shares her powerful story of awakening—breaking free from the control of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and surviving a deeply abusive marriage. Now, 30 years into her freedom, Jada’s journey is one of resilience, healing, and transformation. Her lived experience offers hope and inspiration to others walking similar paths. Through her voice and her work, she empowers women to reclaim their autonomy, heal from spiritual and relational abuse, and step fully into their truth. Connect with JadaWebsiteYouTubeSpotify
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  Breaking The Cycle: Giving My Kids the Freedom I Never Had 21.04.2025 36min

  Donovan Johnson left the Jehovah's Witnesses over 8 years ago, after losing his mother. She had confessed that she had questioned things for years, and told him before she passed. He then took that and began to awaken himself to the reality of the religion that he had been taught to believe. In today’s deeply personal episode of Cult Diaries, we’re talking about one of the most powerful forms of rebellion: choosing to live your life freely and giving your children the life you were never allowed to have.For those of us raised in high-control religions, cults, or toxic systems, freedom wasn’t something we grew up with—it was something we had to fight for. Parenting after that kind of upbringing is layered with grief, healing, and conscious choice. It means unlearning everything you were taught about love, obedience, and worth—and replacing it with truth, softness, and sovereignty.This episode is an invitation to all the cycle-breakers, the survivors, the mothers and fathers doing it differently. You may not have been raised in safety, but you’re creating it now. That matters. That’s revolutionary.Connect with your host, Brooke Deanne here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Emotional Trauma Quiz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to gain clarity on where you’re struggling, identify the hidden blocks keeping you from thriving, and learn how to begin rewriting your story.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Healing Meditation Series⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Three powerful guided hypnosis meditations created specifically for survivors of trauma and narcissistic abuse. These meditations are designed to help you regulate your nervous system, calm anxiety, and foster deep emotional healing—grab yours now and start your journey to inner peace!My Book is finally here: Shattered, Broken, and Beautiful: Losing My Religion and Finding Faith⁠Grab your copy!
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  The Truth About Armageddon: Reclaiming Power From Apocalyptic Fear 14.04.2025 13min

  In this episode of Cult Diaries, we’re diving headfirst into one of the most emotionally loaded and deeply misunderstood doctrines in the Bible—Armageddon. If you grew up in a high-control religion or under the weight of end-times fear, this conversation is for you.We’ll trace the historical origins of the Armageddon narrative—from its Jewish apocalyptic roots in books like Daniel and Enoch, to how it was reimagined in the Book of Revelation as a metaphor for spiritual resistance under Roman rule. You'll learn how early Christians viewed Rome as the Beast and Jesus as the Lamb, not as players in a literal battle, but as symbols of oppression vs. divine liberation (see Revelation 13, 17, 5, and 14).Then we’ll break down how different religions and denominations interpret Armageddon today—from the fear-based literalism of Jehovah’s Witnesses and evangelical end-times prophecies, to the symbolic, ongoing inner battle embraced by many Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists. Spoiler alert: it’s not about fire from the sky—it’s about awakening what’s been silenced inside of you.This episode draws from biblical scholarship, historical context (including insights on Emperor Domitian and first-century persecution), and cross-religious interpretations. Sources include the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, scholarly commentary on Revelation, and interfaith studies on apocalyptic belief systems.✨ Most importantly, we flip the script: maybe Armageddon isn’t an external war at all. Maybe the real battle is within—when you stop conforming, stop fearing, and start rising into your truth.If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by end-times doctrine or been told your worth depends on your survival, this is your invitation to wake up, break free, and reclaim your power.In this episode of Cult Diaries, we’re diving headfirst into one of the most emotionally loaded and deeply misunderstood doctrines in the Bible—Armageddon. If you grew up in a high-control religion or under the weight of end-times fear, this conversation is for you.We’ll trace the historical origins of the Armageddon narrative—from its Jewish apocalyptic roots in books like Daniel and Enoch, to how it was reimagined in the Book of Revelation as a metaphor for spiritual resistance under Roman rule. You'll learn how early Christians viewed Rome as the Beast and Jesus as the Lamb, not as players in a literal battle, but as symbols of oppression vs. divine liberation (see Revelation 13, 17, 5, and 14).Then we’ll break down how different religions and denominations interpret Armageddon today—from the fear-based literalism of Jehovah’s Witnesses and evangelical end-times prophecies, to the symbolic, ongoing inner battle embraced by many Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists. Spoiler alert: it’s not about fire from the sky—it’s about awakening what’s been silenced inside of you.This episode draws from biblical scholarship, historical context (including insights on Emperor Domitian and first-century persecution), and cross-religious interpretations. Sources include the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, scholarly commentary on Revelation, and interfaith studies on apocalyptic belief systems.Most importantly, we flip the script: maybe Armageddon isn’t an external war at all. Maybe the real battle is within—when you stop conforming, stop fearing, and start rising into your truth.If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by end-times doctrine or been told your worth depends on your survival, this is your invitation to wake up, break free, and reclaim your power.Connect with your host, Brooke Deanne here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Book is finally here: Shattered, Broken, and Beautiful: Losing My Religion and Finding FaithGrab your copy!
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  The Cost of Leaving Jehovah’s Witnesses 31.03.2025 41min

  Born into a fourth-generation Jehovah’s Witness family, today's guest grew up deeply entrenched in the faith, striving to be the perfect believer while secretly battling feelings of inadequacy and doubt. Like many, she followed the path laid out for her—getting baptized at 13, pioneering, and building a life by Jehovah’s Witness standards.But when her husband voiced his doubts, everything changed. What started as a simple Google search led to a life-altering discovery that shattered the foundation of her faith. She uncovered the hidden truths about the organization, its cover-ups, and its real dealings—and in a single moment, everything she believed came crashing down.The hardest part? Choosing truth over family.In this episode, she shares:⚡ The mental and emotional turmoil of deconstructing a lifelong belief system⚡ How the fear of losing family kept her trapped longer than she wanted⚡ The moment everything changed after uncovering hidden truths⚡ The agonizing decision to leave, knowing it meant complete shunning⚡ How she and her husband fought for their kids' freedom from indoctrination⚡ Her healing journey and why she now speaks out against high-control groupsIf you've ever struggled with religious trauma, deconstructing faith, or the fear of losing everything just for choosing yourself, this episode will speak directly to your soul.💡 Trigger warning: This episode discusses themes of religious trauma, family estrangement, and mental health.🎧 Listen now and share this with someone who needs to hear they are not alone.Connect with Alissa here:Tik TokInstagramYouTube
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  Breaking Free From The Jehovah's Witness Religion Part 2 24.03.2025 37min

  Leaving a high-control religion is more than just walking away—it’s unraveling years of subconscious programming, fear-based conditioning, and deep psychological ties that still shape your thoughts, emotions, and decisions. In this episode, I share Part 2 of my journey—the moment I finally left Jehovah’s Witnesses for good, the devastating loss of my marriage and identity, and the painful truth I uncovered about the organization’s hidden abuse scandals and doctrinal contradictions. But beyond the heartbreak came clarity—a chance to rewrite my story, heal from religious trauma, and help others do the same.This episode isn’t just about deconstructing faith; it’s about the psychological impact of religious indoctrination, trauma bonding, and the fear that keeps so many trapped. Healing after leaving a cult-like religion means confronting cognitive dissonance, reprogramming your nervous system, and reclaiming the parts of yourself you were forced to suppress. If you’ve ever felt the weight of religious trauma, struggled with guilt for questioning your faith, or are seeking validation for your journey—you are not alone, and you are not broken. Tune in as we expose the illusions, break free from fear, and step into the freedom that was always meant to be ours.
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  When Faith Becomes a Weapon: Surviving Spiritual Manipulation & Domestic Abuse 17.03.2025 51min

  What happens when faith is weaponized against you? When the very institution meant to protect and guide you becomes the foundation of your abuse?In this gripping and raw podcast, Anna Marie Lopes shares her journey of surviving the dangerous intersection of spiritual manipulation and domestic violence within the church. At just 18, she was drawn into a world where biblical principles were twisted to control me. By 19, she was married to a youth pastor—a man who used his position of power to justify verbal, mental, physical, sexual, financial, and spiritual abuse. For six years, she endured unimaginable cruelty while being told she was fulfilling my role as a “good Christian wife.”But the most shocking part? Her abuser wasn’t just a pastor—he was grooming a minor and having an affair, yet he remains in the pulpit to this day, protected by a system that refuses to hold him accountable. Even her own mother, a survivor herself, sided with him—forcing her to navigate betrayal, isolation, and the painful realization that abusers thrive in spaces designed to hide them.This podcast is a call to break the silence. It’s a deep dive into the realities of religious abuse, the insidious ways narcissists manipulate faith, and the resilience it takes to break free. If you’ve ever questioned how predators continue to thrive in positions of power—or if you’re a survivor searching for validation, healing, and hope—this is for you.You are not alone. And together, we’re shattering the illusions, reclaiming our voices, and exposing the truth.🎙️ Subscribe now and join the conversation. It’s time to unmask the wolves in sheep’s clothing.Connect with your host, Brooke Deanne here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Emotional Trauma Quiz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to gain clarity on where you’re struggling, identify the hidden blocks keeping you from thriving, and learn how to begin rewriting your story.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Healing Meditation Series⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Three powerful guided hypnosis meditations created specifically for survivors of trauma and narcissistic abuse. These meditations are designed to help you regulate your nervous system, calm anxiety, and foster deep emotional healing—grab yours now and start your journey to inner peace!Connect with Anna Marie here:InstagramFree Resources:1. Free reclamationprintable cards & wallpapers for listeners by Brave & Free2.Healing & CPTSD Community Hub where I host the domestic abuse support circle every month + other free events, resources and inclusive space for trauma survivors to connect, share, and heal3. Book "Twisted Scriptures" 
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  The Devastating Reality of Religious Betrayal 10.03.2025 40min

  What happens when the place someone thought was safe—the place where faith, identity, and trust were built—turns out to be a lie?Since 2018, Laura Richards has been unraveling the layers of their belief system, peeling back the illusions one painful revelation at a time. Deeply involved in her church, she trusted its leaders, its teachings, and the promises of divine guidance. Then, the truth shattered that trust—a visiting prophet, a man who had given them a personal word of prophecy, was exposed as a fraud.This was more than just a betrayal. It was another crack in the foundation, another layer of deception, another trusted institution that ultimately failed them. And it wasn’t the first time.Looking back,Laura now sees the cycle of abuse woven into both their church experience and her marriage—manipulation disguised as love, control masked as protection, and unquestioning obedience demanded in the name of faith. The patterns were the same, and breaking free meant questioning everything once held sacred.This episode explores a powerful journey of faith deconstruction, spiritual betrayal, and the haunting parallels between religious abuse and domestic abuse. For those who have ever faced the devastating realization that their ‘safe space’ was anything but—or are in the process of untangling what’s real from what was forced upon them—this conversation is for them.🎙️ Listen now. Because healing begins when the questions once forbidden are finally asked.Connect with Laura here:WebsiteInstagram
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  From Cult Control to Toxic Love 03.03.2025 43min

  Trigger WarningIn this compelling episode, we dive into how growing up in a high-control religious cult, Jehovah's Witnesses,  created the perfect storm for entering an abusive relationship. Lorel Stevens shares how the rigid rules, fear-based teachings, and lack of autonomy within the cult shaped her beliefs about herself, relationships, and her worth. Conditioned to submit and suppress her voice, she found herself drawn into a toxic relationship that mirrored the same patterns of control and manipulation she experienced in the cult.This episode unpacks the connection between cult programming and abusive dynamics, highlighting how cycles of control and fear can spill into personal relationships. It’s a raw and eye-opening conversation about breaking free, healing from both spiritual and emotional abuse, and reclaiming personal power. Also, read her poem she shares about below, it's beautiful!!! 🎙 Tune in for a story of courage, resilience, and the journey to rediscoverifrgthjkl/ng self-worth.Connect with Lorel here:InstagramPoem
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  Find Your Passion After Religious Trauma 24.02.2025 39min

  In this powerful episode, I sit down with Sally Lotz, a writing coach, mentor, and author, to hear her remarkable journey of resilience and self-discovery. Sally shares her experience growing up in a home shaped by the Jehovah’s Witnesses, a faith her mother joined when Sally was just six years old. After enduring abuse, isolation, and being forced to leave home at 16 for being deemed a “bad influence,” Sally found herself navigating life on her own, separated from her father and siblings.Through her passion for writing, Sally not only survived but thrived, using her craft to heal and reclaim her identity. Join us as she shares her inspiring story of overcoming trauma, finding her voice, and empowering others to do the same.🎙 Tune in now to hear Sally’s journey of strength, healing, and transformation. Connect with Sally here:InstagramLinkedInTikTokThe Truth is A Lie Book