Beste Cult Hackers podcasts (2024)

1
Challenging Leadership 2:18

28d ago2:18

2:18

Introducing Challenging Leadership, a new podcast with Stephen and Jared. Check out Season 1 now - Season 2 coming soon. https://pod.link/1712306504Door Cult Hackers

1
The End is Nigh: Our last ever Cult Hackers Podcast. 34:44

4M ago34:44

34:44

This is our last ever Cult Hackers podcast. We say goodbye and thank you to all our listeners and supporters over the years We also explore our final topic of the podcast, that of tribes, and ask whether we are experiencing the cultification of the internet through social media platforms. If you'd like to keep in touch you can contact us at: https:…

1
Why are there riots in the UK? 36:05

4M ago36:05

36:05

The UK has seen a week of rioting and civil disorder. What is the background, why are people rioting? And reflections from the previous episode about whether culture needs defending in light of these events. Contact us: https://www.culthackers.com/contactDoor Cult Hackers

1
Does Culture Need Defending? 36:48

4M ago36:48

36:48

Was my upbringing as a Jehovah's Witness a multicultural one? Does culture need defending? Should we accept all cultural differences? Is the UK an Islamic country as is claimed by J D Vance? Can different cultural practices live side by side? What is the link between culture and cults? Do businesses have cultures? All questions discussed in today's…

1
Rituals: The Mind's Magic Trick 37:52

5M ago37:52

37:52

Rituals are powerful. They have been a part of our shared culture since the beginning - why? And how do cults use them? To talk to us: https://www.culthackers.com/contact To become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/culthackers/posts References: The Psychology of Rituals: An Integrative Review and Process-Based Framework Video of Speaker being dragg…

1
Getting pushed around: A tyranny of nudges 23:20

5M ago23:20

23:20

Today's episode explores Nudge Theory, more correctly Behavioral Economics and how too many nudges can start to make us feel pushed around. Referenced paper https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w20007/w20007.pdf Contact us: https://www.culthackers.com/contactDoor Cult Hackers

1
Why quitting can be good 31:42

5M ago31:42

31:42

Quitting is often treated as a sign of a weak character, but for those of us who quit a toxic cultic group it was one of the best things we've ever done. In this episode Stephen looks at some of the research on quitting and why we need to get good at knowing when to do it. Stephen also uses the topic to consider the fallout from the first US Presid…

1
The world votes and so do I 24:06

5M ago24:06

24:06

In this episode Stephen reflects upon what it's like to be prevented from voting, the psychological consequences of being a social bystander and having no stake in society, and the feeling of then being able to be part of the democratic process. Also reflections on democracy under attack. Contact us https://www.culthackers.com/contact…

1
The Infected Blood Scandal: Reflections of an Ex Jehovah's Witness 44:40

6M ago44:40

44:40

Stephen reflects upon the infected blood scandal affecting thousands of people and how it relates to his own former religious beliefs, conspiracies and questions about institutions. Kacey's Research Questionnaire and Information BBC Reporting into children being exposed to infected blood Copy of letter talking about uninfected patients being expose…

1
Cults, addiction, politics, religion, intrigue and big worms: Dune 42:36

6M ago42:36

42:36

This special episode is about the Frank Herbert story, Dune, including the recent film adaptation. This story covers many of the topics we've been interested in over the years doing the podcast and we hope you enjoy this discussion about a shared favourite of ours. More news to come soon about the future of the podcast. Links The latest movie direc…

1
The Importance of Having a Voice and Podcast News 46:35

10M ago46:35

46:35

After 267 episodes we've decided that's the end of season 1. In the final episode of the season Celine and Stephen explore why leavers of cults and coercively controlling religions feel the need to express themselves about their experience. To reach out to us: https://www.culthackers.com/ To become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/culthackers/post…

1
Order, obedience, compliance and silence: Kendra Petty's story. 57:20

10M ago57:20

57:20

Our guest today is Kendra Petty, author of the memoir "I Can't Believe I'm Not Dead". Coercively controlled by her mother and a child member of a fundamentalist Christian group, only to leave and experience multiple threats to her life. It's an extraordinary story and Kendra is an engaging and fascinating guest. Kendra's website https://kendrapetty…

1
Is Religion Good For You? 1:06:44

10M ago1:06:44

1:06:44

Celine raises the question whether there is a link between religious belief and long life. Following the Netflix series Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones the question of whether religious belief increases wellbeing is discussed by Stephen and Celine. Is there good data to suggest there is a link? If there is, is it a causal relationship or can…

1
Filmmaker Carmel Mikol talks Apostate, her Short Documentary Film 1:05:00

10M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

This week Celine and Stephen's guest is Carmel Mikol, a filmmaker, musician, artist and former Jehovah's Witness. Carmel talks about her own experience as a young Witness finding herself in an abusive marriage and her difficulties escaping the relationship and then leaving the group. Carmel talks about the misogynistic attitudes and policies within…

1
Behaving Badly for the Org. 58:33

11M ago58:33

58:33

A high profile case of people behaving appallingly on behalf of an organisation is big news in the UK, known as the Post Office scandal. The question of why people do unethical things to support the business, religion or cult to which they belong, has been researched and is multi-faceted. Today Stephen and Celine explore the psychological research …

1
Interview With Apostate Barbie 1:01:45

11M ago1:01:45

1:01:45

Celine and Stephen are joined by Micki, AKA Apostate Barbie, from Instagram and Tic Tok. Micki tells us about her journey out of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Challenging an aunt about outlandish QANON conspiracy theories, made her consider her own beliefs - not the first time we've heard our guests speak of this type of exit, from Christian Fundamental…

1
Bonus Crossover: Magical Thinking Part 2 53:49

11M ago53:49

53:49

A follow-up to the conversation Stephen had with Spencer Watson from the Truth Unrestricted Podcast about magical thinking. This time Stephen was a guest on Spencer's show and this audio is brought to you by his permission. They discuss developmental psychology and how babies and children develop an understanding of a world apart from themselves an…

1
Legal Fights: Jehovah’s Witnesses Vs Norway, with Jan Frode Nilsen 1:08:47

11M ago1:08:47

1:08:47

Jan Frode Nilsen has a long-form interview with Stephen about his work exposing the damaging shunning policies of Jehovah's Witnesses, and his appearance as a witness for the Norwegian government in recent court cases. He also talks about his own experience as a former member raised in the group. Documents related to the case on: Avoid JW website R…

1
Finding Friends After Leaving a Cult; Patron Takeover 1:07:02

11M ago1:07:02

1:07:02

Losing friends, making new ones, reuniting with old ones, all at the same time as finding yourself. Friendships can be a tricky thing after leaving a cult. This week some of the Cult Hacker Patreon supporters join Celine and Stephen on a panel of former Jehovah's Witnesses, to explore the process of finding and making friendships outside a high-con…

1
Bonus Audio Blog: Am I Awake Yet? 15:27

11M ago15:27

15:27

This short bonus episode is the audio version of a blog Stephen recently published on Medium. Many leavers of high control religions use 'waking up' as a metaphor for realising the group we had been a member of had been telling us lies, and that we had a warped worldview. The film 'The Matrix' holds resonance for many of us. In this short piece Ste…

1
Living in Keith Green’s Cult Commune; Last Days Ministries 1:00:58

12M ago1:00:58

1:00:58

In the late 70s Sharon and Tracey were attracted to "The Jesus People" and joined the Last Days Ministries, living on a cult commune as teenagers with rock star Keith Green and the community he built. As teenagers they believed Jesus return would happen in 1981 and that they would be saved if they stayed within the group that was following Jesus pr…

1
The Cultic Bug In The System 58:08

12M ago58:08

58:08

For this week's podcast Celine and Stephen discuss the "software bug" inherent in human beings that makes us vulnerable to cults and their leaders. The article on Medium https://medium.com/ To reach out to us: https://www.culthackers.com/ To become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/culthackers/postsDoor Cult Hackers

1
Understanding Magical Thinking with Spencer Watson 1:43:40

12M ago1:43:40

1:43:40

This week Stephen talks to Spencer Watson from the Truth Unrestricted Podcast about the question of 'Magical Thinking'. What is it? How is it different from scientific thinking? Why is it attractive? Why do ex cult members have a special interest in it? and many more questions. It's a bumper discussion this week that gets into some deep stuff as we…

1
Deconstructing the Certainty of Fundamentalism with Olivia Jackson 58:30

1y ago58:30

58:30

When you're a member of a fundamentalist religious group, you find comfort in the certain knowledge that you have "The Truth". Leaving is partly a journey of coming to terms with uncertainty. Olivia Jackson herself a former member of such a group, has created an impressive piece of work, where she has interviewed 140 former members at various stage…

1
Cult Hackers Birthday Party 1:10:38

1y ago1:10:38

1:10:38

Join the party to listen to some of our nearly 100 hundred different guests over the last three years. We chat over a glass of virtual bubbly to ex members of groups such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Children of God, NXIVM, Rajneeshpuram, Evangelicalism, Amish, Christian Fundamentalism and Conspiracism. Guests featured: Lizzie Ens, former Amish Brent Le…

1
Discovering who you are after the cult, with Rachel Bernstein 57:58

1y ago57:58

57:58

Celine and Stephen speak to cult expert, therapist and podcaster, Rachel Bernstein about her introduction into the topic, her work as a therapist helping leavers and her thoughts on the anti-cult ecosystem. Such a thrill to speak to Rachel about her work, her experiences and her insights into cults. To reach out to us: https://www.culthackers.com/ …

1
White Christian Nationalism and Conspiracy Theories 1:23:14

1y ago1:23:14

1:23:14

Today we're joined by Cynane, a former member of a fundamentalist Christian group. Cynane is writing a book about the links between Fundamentalism, white Christian Nationalism and conspiracy theories. Cynane talks about her life as an evangelical Christian and how lizard people and space lasers led her out. To reach out to us: https://www.culthacke…

1
What The Stanford Prison Experiment Tells Us About Cults 56:24

1y ago56:24

56:24

It's perhaps the most famous psychological study ever but what does it really tell us? And what might it tell us about cults? In the 1970s Professor Philip Zimbardo created a simulated prison in the basement of a college building, separating volunteer students into the roles of prisoners and guards to observe their behaviour. What happened next is …

1
”Feeling like a misfit”: Creative Struggles and Triumphs with Witness Underground 1:43:32

1y ago1:43:32

1:43:32

Stephen speaks to Scott Homan, Ryan Sutter, Anthony Mathenia, Denise Wise and Micah Allen Losch from the Witness Underground team. In this special episode each former Jehovah's Witness speaks about their struggle to find creative expression while a member, and their journey of self discovery as they left, as well as updating us on the amazing docum…

1
Taking on Gloriavale with Human Rights Lawyer, Stephen Patterson 1:02:18

1y ago1:02:18

1:02:18

Human rights lawyer, Stephen Patterson joins us today to talk about his work representing ex-members of the New Zealand based Gloriavale religious group. Stephen provides insights into life in the group thanks to his many conversations with former members. It's some of the worst exploitation we've heard about on this podcast with children being for…

1
Sci-fi saviours with cult kids, Riley and Stephen 1:04:35

1y ago1:04:35

1:04:35

In this bonus episode Riley joins Stephen to go deep into the philosophy and meaning behind childhood TV and film favourites from the perspective of indoctrinated young (at the time) Jehovah's Witnesses. Oh yeah and they liked the space ships and theme tunes. Share this podcast with a friend https://pod.link/1540824671 To reach out to us: https://w…

1
”What gets measured gets done!”, Jehovah’s Witnesses stop counting time - Reaction 46:35

1y ago46:35

46:35

A major driver of the culture within Jehovah's Witnesses has been the requirement to count and record time spent on the door to door and other witnessing work. A recent announcement at the JW AGM has informed the rank and file members that they will no longer be asked to report on their ministry. It's a massive change with important connotations an…

1
Dennis Tourish on The Dark Side of Charismatic Leaders 51:02

1y ago51:02

51:02

Our guest today is Dennis Tourish, Professor of Leadership and Organization Studies at The University of Sussex. He's an academic and author with a particular interest in charismatic and transformational leadership within organizations including businesses. He's studied organizations such as Enron, Theranos and WeWork and has researched how some le…

1
Exposing cultic abuse with Dr Alexandra Stein 59:16

1y ago59:16

59:16

A big welcome back to Dr Alexandra Stein onto the podcast, updating us on her work exposing cults and educating people about their dangers. She talks about the BBC documentary 'A Very British Cult' and other media appearances, her role in the Family Survival Trust as well as her work for the United States, January 6th Committee and her analysis of …

1
The psychological ABC of Conspiracism and Cults 55:40

1y ago55:40

55:40

Celine and Stephen explore how overarching conspiracy theories and cults highjack fundamental psychological needs to make them attractive. Are we living in a time with a particularly fertile ground for the growth of these ideas? What part do men like Donald Trump, Russell Brand, Elon Musk, Rupert Murdoch, Andrew Tate and Rishi Sunak play in this ec…

1
Purity Culture And the Damage it Does, with Kendra Bryan 1:04:27

1y ago1:04:27

1:04:27

Celine and Stephen are joined today by Kendra Bryan who was raised in a fundamentalist Christian group. Kendra describes her experience of purity culture, the "Quiverfull movement", the Duggars, attitudes towards women and child raising and the damage it does. She also talks about her escape into her new life. Share this podcast with a friend https…

1
Cultic Motivation 1:01:54

1y ago1:01:54

1:01:54

Today Celine and Stephen explore the various theories related to how organizations motivate people and how they can be applied to cults. If you'd like to support Stephen's charity bike ride from Lands End to John o'Groats you can do so here: To reach out to us: https://www.culthackers.com/ To become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/culthackers/pos…

1
Bonus LEJOG update: Failing Publicly? 23:27

1y ago23:27

23:27

Stephen is back home after his attempt at the Land's End to John O'Groats cycle. He talks about his ride - the highs and lows and how he feels about the word failure.Door Cult Hackers

1
Cult hopping with Sue Winter 56:13

1y ago56:13

56:13

Our guest today Sue Winter describes herself as a cult hopper and analyses her experiences of coercive control in the family in a religious group and in a commercial setting. She also raises the issue of the exploitation of older people through cultic practices within organizations. If you'd like to support Stephen's charity bike ride from Lands En…

1
Anti-cult activism: Hate, disgruntlement or something else? 1:26:02

1+ y ago1:26:02

1:26:02

Why do people do activism, write books or make podcasts after they've left a cultic group? Is it down to hate? Are they just disgruntled former members? A good-faith attempt to address the question of why so many ex members choose to take action or talk about their experience. If you'd like to support Stephen's charity bike ride from Lands End to J…

1
“Silenced in Eden” with Jo Lloyd Johnson 1:04:53

1+ y ago1:04:53

1:04:53

Jo Lloyd Johnson is an artist and author who escaped a charismatic, fundamentalist Christian cultic group. She has written about this experience in her insightful and touching book called 'Silenced in Eden'. In this week's episode Jo talks about the abuse she suffered as a child, purity culture, the raising of girls to be submissive wives, trying t…

1
Learning About Cults With Kacey from The Cult Vault 1:07:15

1+ y ago1:07:15

1:07:15

This week our guest is Kacey from the Cult Vault, one of the leading podcasts about cults. Kacey talks about starting up a podcast, what she's learned about cults and her plans for the future. It was great to talk to her! To support Stephen's ride in aid of the Family Survival Trust you can donate on his Just Giving Page: https://www.justgiving.com…

1
The Psychology of Cults Miniseries Part 7: Finding Identity After Leaving a Cult 42:04

1+ y ago42:04

42:04

In this special, last of the current season of miniseries episodes about the psychology of cults, we are releasing the recording of Stephen's presentation to the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) Conference in 2022. This presentation is based upon Stephen's research for his dissertation for his Masters in Organizational Psychology. To…

1
Is there a UFO cult inside the Pentagon? 1:25:46

1+ y ago1:25:46

1:25:46

Today Stephen and Celine look at the news about claims of UFOs and UAP at the Congressional Hearing on July 26th 2023. This podcast has asked before, what would religious fundamentalists make of the existence of extra terrestrial life? What do we actually know about this story? What was said during the hearing? What is the story behind characters s…

1
The Psychology of Cults Miniseries Part 6: Managing a Cult 19:18

1+ y ago19:18

19:18

In our ongoing miniseries into the psychology of cults Stephen explores how cults manage their activity, including the similarities and differences between cultic groups and more orthodox organizations. What does the org chart look like? How do they use Key Performance Indicators and how do they punish poor performance? To reach out to us: https://…

1
Inside The Mind of a Teenage Fundamentalist 1:16:49

1+ y ago1:16:49

1:16:49

Today we welcome back Brian and Troy from the 'I was a teenage fundamentalist' podcast. What are the thinking processes of a fundamentalist? What's it like to speak in tongues? Why did Stephen get a little bit scared when he asked the question? And why did one of them simulate giving birth in church as a spiritual experience? For answers to these q…

1
The Psychology of Cults Miniseries Part 5: Organizational Change 16:48

1+ y ago16:48

16:48

Today on the psychology of cults miniseries, Stephen uses the tools of Organizational Psychology to explain how organizations respond to external pressures to change. Implications include what we can expect religious cults to do to respond to accusations of abuse, and how we should shape public policy towards them. To read the original script on Me…

1
Cults on Film: The Truman Show 59:44

1+ y ago59:44

59:44

In this episode Celine and Stephen do a cult reading of the classic movie The Truman Show, directed by Peter Weir, starring Jim Carey, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich and Natascha McElhone. What are the parallels to growing up in a cult? How does the cult leader rationalise his actions? How do members who know it's not true, carry on living the lie? Wh…

1
The Psychology of Cults Miniseries Part 4: Cult Leadership 15:53

1+ y ago15:53

15:53

On our continuing miniseries on the psychology of cults, this week Stephen explores how cult leaders often employ charismatic tactics to influence their followers. Stephen uses the organizational psychological research to compare charismatic leadership in cults to those in ethical organizations. You can read the script of this podcast on Stephen's …

1
Recovering from a Traumatic Narcissistic Cultic Relationship with Dan Shaw 1:01:02

1+ y ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Daniel Shaw, former member of a yoga cultic group, is a professional psychotherapist and author, who has researched extensively traumatic abuse from narcissistic systems of subjugation and control. He's a fascinating person to talk to with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Dan talks about his work into narcissistic abusers and cult leaders, the…

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