How To Leave A Cult
"How to Leave a Cult" combines the gripping biography of cult survivor Brooke Walker with essential education on cult dynamics. Uncover the true story of how she escaped the clutches of a small church in Arizona and gain insights into the psychological tactics used by these groups. Beyond storytelling, the podcast provides practical guidance on recognizing warning signs and offers support for those on the journey to recovery. Explore the dark side of charismatic leaders and find empowerment in the process of healing and rebuilding post-cult. Join us on this enlightening and compassionate exploration of the world of cults.
Episodes
25 episodes
When the Lies Become Too Much: Losing a Marriage to Cult Control
In this heart-wrenching episode of How to Leave a Cult, I share the unraveling of my marriage amidst the powerful grip of cult influence. After the birth of our second child, my husband told me he couldn’t bear the people in the group ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 20
•
42:04
Unlearning Venom: Healing Cult Trauma Through Gratitude
In this episode of How to Leave a Cult, I take you inside the intense and often toxic dynamics of life as a young couple in the cult. From attending trance circles and processes to learning the cult's harsh, down-and-dirty communicatio...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 19
•
37:20
Healing Beyond the Surface: Cult Expectations, Trauma, and Recovery
In this episode of How to Leave a Cult, we dive deep into how living under a cult’s control affects us long after we’ve left. We start by exploring the 80/20 iceberg theory, which reveals how explicit rules and hidden expectations from...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 20
•
30:27
When Milestones Aren’t Yours: The Wedding and Baby Shower I Didn’t Plan
In this deeply personal episode, I open up about two major life events—my wedding and baby shower—that were entirely decided for me. From the guest list to the location, nothing was truly mine. I share how these moments, which should have been ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 19
•
30:36
Returning to the Fold: David's Journey In and Out of Cult Life
In the upcoming episode of "How to Leave a Cult," I'm joined by David, a former cult member whose story is both unique and deeply compelling. David and his wife initially found solace in practices like Transcendental Meditation and Rebirthing, ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 18
•
1:10:49
Enforcing the Faith: How Cult Teachings Made Me Controlling
In this episode of "How to Leave a Cult," I dive into how the harsh and unforgiving teachings of the church led me to become controlling in my relationships. Driven by a desperate need to live up to the impossible standards set by the cult, I s...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 18
•
31:00
Shame and Submission: Life in My Cult-Arranged Relationship
In this episode of "How to Leave a Cult," I share the harrowing experience of navigating my arranged relationship within the cult. Not only was I responsible for teaching him the "law of the land" and dictating our living situations, but we als...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 17
•
37:21
Dictated Destiny: My Arranged Cult Marriage
In this gripping episode of "How to Leave a Cult," I recount the carefully orchestrated meeting with the man I was chosen to marry within the cult. Through this personal story, we delve into the power dynamics that dictate relationships in cult...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 17
•
37:21
Behind Closed Doors: My Life in a Cult at 16
In this compelling episode of "How to Leave a Cult," we take a deeply personal journey into a day in my life as a 16-year-old living within a cult. Through vivid storytelling and raw reflections, you'll experience the daily routines, emotional ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 16
•
35:42
Hidden in Plain Sight - Defining Cults and The Tactics they Use
In this episode of "How to Leave a Cult," we delve into the unsettling reality that cults are not as strange or distant as they might seem—they exist right among us. Using the APA Dictionary of Psychology's definition as our foundation, we expl...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 16
•
27:01
Lawsuits Galore: The Cult's Legal Onslaught Unveiled
In this eye-opening episode of "HOW TO LEAVE A CULT," we delve into the aggressive legal tactics employed by the Church of Immortal Consciousness. Discover how the church launched a series of lawsuits against neighbors, the community, the sheri...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 15
•
1:21:50
Echoes of Waco: Rumors, Threats, and Protective Measures in Cult Communities
In this riveting episode of "HOW TO LEAVE A CULT," we delve into the far-reaching consequences of the Waco Texas Cult Branch Davidians massacre, how it sparked rumors about our church and cult, and the failures of the sheriff's department in pr...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 14
•
25:47
Forced Friendships, Pot Fallout, and Learning to Lie: Navigating Cult Dynamics
In this gripping episode of "HOW TO LEAVE A CULT," we unravel the complex web of forced friendships, the aftermath of getting caught using pot, and the art of deception learned within cults. Join us as we delve into the pressures of maintaining...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 13
•
22:43
From Junior High to Cult "Service": My Journey through Rumors and Legal Realities
In this episode of "How To Leave A Cult," I share my personal journey of being ripped out of junior high to serve in the church, the rumors that swirled around the cult and its activities, and my experience working in the law office. Join me as...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 11
•
33:52
School, Sexual Promiscuity, Religious Purity, and Relationships in Light of Church Expectations
In this episode of "HOW TO LEAVE A CULT," we delve into the complex dynamics of balancing societal norms with religious teachings. Join us as we discuss the challenges faced by church member when navigating the expectations of education versus ...
•
32:10
Absolute Chaos
Welcome to 'HOW TO LEAVE A CULT,' where we navigate the challenging path of breaking free from manipulative systems. In this episode, we delve into a lesser-known aspect of cult dynamics—using utter chaos as a method to keep members too busy an...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 9
•
31:38
Beyond the Cult: Navigating Relationships After Leaving
Join us in this episode of "How to Leave a Cult" as we delve into the complexities of rebuilding relationships post-cult departure. Whether you've sought therapy, hired a coach, or embarked on a journey of self-discovery, navigating interperson...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 8
•
25:24
Cult Redefines Sibling Relationships and other WTF
In this episode of How To Leave A Cult; the first of the lawsuits I was made aware of. The cult moves cities and siblings get redefined and my parents were able to have their hearts eased. Mom got the day off work! Forgiveness, why...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 7
•
41:28
Gaslighting and Spiritual Hierarchy
Cults and some churches often lead you to believe that there is not a hierarchy, but it's a lie. They also gaslight you and encourage you stay obedient. If you can ask questions and get answers it might not be this toxic environment. If you can...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 7
•
29:42
Speaking to the dead, and cruel practices toward the living.
There were several practices that were part of the church that we had to actively participate in. Let's break them down and explain how they all worked. Dive into this episode to learn what trance or channeling was like. Specifical...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 6
•
32:55
Baby Elephants
If you have ever seen an adult elephant they may have a shackle on that is chained to a post and with a slight tug they could easily break free. Then why do they remain chained to a post. They are strong majestic beasts. For the same reason you...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 5
•
27:18
Family Secrets
In this weeks episode I share a huge family secret! In this episode learn about a family secret and the way it unfolded. Then learn how family dynamics began to be rewritten and redefined.
•
Season 1
•
Episode 4
•
27:37
The Cult Habitat
The Story: As I begin to adjust to life in the church, it is every part of our life. Our home, school, neighbors and friends are all the same surroundings. We lived collectively both physically and financially. Each member is considered family ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 3
•
30:20
Moving to the Cult
Story: In September of 1986 my family drove across the US from Rockville, Maryland to Mesa, Arizona to join the Church of Immortal Consciousness. From the very beginning there was huge changes in my life. Communal living, hierarchy and many wei...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 2
•
37:27
Intro - How To Leave A Cult
Welcome to HOW TO LEAVE A CULT.This is our fabulous intro! I want to share why I am creating this podcast as well as what you can expect from future episodes. I want to create a community where people who have been abused by cults or religi...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 1
•
14:10