Aftercult

Epizodes

• 8: Craig Hoyle & The Exclusive Brethren 07.04.2026 1h 1min

  Dave speaks with Craig Hoyle, who was raised in The Exclusive Brethren, a church infamous for its separation from the world and shunning of ex-members. The church was established in London in 1848 by John Nelson Darby, and has undergone four major schisms. In recent times, The Exclusive Brethren have been managed by the Hales family in Sydney. Bruce Hales, known as "The Elect Vessel", has been the global leader since 2002. The church has around 50,000 members across the world, mainly Australi...
• 7: Maria Esguerra & Children of God 31.03.2026 1h 22min

  Dave speaks with psychologist Maria Esguerra who was raised inside the Children of God, founded by David Berg. Berg claimed to be an apocalyptic prophet and professed a doctrine that led to widespread sexual abuse within the group, including against children. Maria reflects on her experiences, especially after the cult, and touches on key psychological concepts relevant to post-cult recovery. Send us your comments
• 6: Lara Kaput & Jehovah's Witnesses 24.03.2026 1h 9min

  Dave speaks with Lara Kaput, who was raised in Jehovah's Witnesses. Lara is a determined advocate against religious abuse. Like many Christian sects, Armageddon and the book of Revelation are a huge influence here, with the belief that a limited number of places exist in paradise. Lara reflects on her experiences in the church, including the impact of "shunning" and "disfellowshipping". Ostracism is a powerful controlling mechanism within many cult settings. Send us your comments
• 5: Ben Shenton & The Family 17.03.2026 1h 9min

  Dave speaks with Ben Shenton about his upbringing in Australia's most notorious cult, The Family, founded by Anne Hamilton-Byrne, who claimed to be a Christ figure. Ben reflects on the influences that shaped Anne and her cult, as well as his experiences both in and after the cult. Ben's world was turned upside down at 15 years of age when police raided their home in 1987, bringing to light an illegal adoption scheme which forced the children to reckon with their past and future. Send us your ...
• 4: Laura Muir & Shincheonji 10.03.2026 1h 16min

  Dave speaks with Laura Muir about the deceptive recruitment process that saw her devote five years to the Korean doomsday church Shincheonji, founded by Lee Man Hee who claims to be an apocalyptic prophet. Laura reflects on her time in the church as an evangelist and the process of discarding her former beliefs and moving forward. Send us your comments
• 3: Carli McConkey & Universal Knowledge 03.03.2026 1h 12min

  Dave speaks with Carli McConkey about her 13.5 years in the New Age personal development business Universal Knowledge (formerly Life Integration Programmes, Survivor Principles) run by Natasha Lakaev. Carli shares a personal account of the abuse she suffered within the organisation and her long public legal battle to hold Lakaev to account and prevent harm to others. The impact of prolonged coercive control in a cult environment is discussed, including its capacity to render once-autonomous i...
• 2: Sarah Blasko & Pentecostalism, Hillsong, etc 19.02.2026 1h 13min

  Dave speaks to Sarah Blasko about her experiences growing up in a variety of churches, driven by her once-atheist father's search for answers in Christianity. Sarah reflects on her experiences in Hillsong (formerly Christian Life Centre) and Redeemer Baptist Church, among others, and the genesis of her music career in the church. Send us your comments
• 1: Dave Mullins & The Gnostic Movement 12.02.2026 33min

  Aftercult host Dave Mullins reflects on his 10 year experience in The Gnostic Movement, from roughly 1996-2006, and dives into its history and influences. Dave explains the aims of the series, touching on what he has learned over recent years in the process of interviewing former cult members from other cultic organisations. www.aftercultpod.com Send us your comments