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Speaking of Cults

Chris Shelton
Scientology
Coercive Control
Cults
Cult Recovery
David Miscavige
Institute Of Basic Life Principles
UK Protests
Mental Health
Protest Tactics
Fundamentalism
Bill Gothard
Public Awareness
Destructive Cults
Duggar Family
Child Abuse
Psychedelics
Anonymous Movement
Scientology Policies
Religious Trauma
Emotional Needs

A podcast about cults, coercive control and recovery. Formerly called the Sensibly Speaking podcast, in this weekly show host Chris Shelton interviews cult survivors, psychologists and other professionals and specialists about the topics of cult recruitment, retention and recovery. This also includes non-religious cults and extreme political movements including the more divisive elements of MAGA a... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes300Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EducationReligion & Spirituality

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Artwork for Speaking of Cults

Latest Episodes

This week we went live for the 100th episode of the Speaking of Cults podcast. I have some personal reflections and experiences to share as a cult expert and human in this world which I hope will be of some use to my listeners.

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This week I welcome back Shannon Grover and Bryce Blankenagel to discuss the details of Mormon missionaries and what they actually are called upon to do. It's straight up slave labor under the guise of religious dedication and the Mormon Church is ma... more

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This week I welcome Marissa Franks Burt and Kelsey Kramer McGinnis, authors of the new book The Myth of Good Christian Parenting, a deep exploration of the myths that permeate Christian communities throughout the world about what is "good parenting" ... more

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This week I welcome Cheryl Hope and Richard Marsh from the Get a Life Podcast to discuss the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (formerly Exclusive Brethren), a religion/business group with a fascinating background and even more wild structure which ... more

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Recent Guests

Cheryl Hope
Cult survivor raised in the Exclusive Brethren
Episode: Speaking of Cults...The Rise and Fall of the Exclusive Brethren
Richard Marsh
Cult survivor raised in the Exclusive Brethren
Episode: Speaking of Cults...The Rise and Fall of the Exclusive Brethren
Mitch Brisker
Ex-Scientologist and filmmaker who worked at high levels within the Church of Scientology
Formerly with the Church of Scientology
Episode: Speaking of Cults...The Mormon/Scientology Connection with Mitch Brisker
Rachel Bernstein
Family therapist, cult recovery therapist, and author
Episode: Speaking of Cults...Restarting After a Cult with Rachel Bernstein
Patty Moher
Scientology veteran who worked within various capacities in the organization and now exposes its practices.
None
Episode: Speaking of Cults...Scientology Inside and Out with Patty Moher
Zach Elwood
Researcher who investigates manipulation tactics in the self-help industry and behavioral analysis.
Episode: Speaking of Cults...Chase Hughes and the NLP Grift with Zach Elwood
Jennie Gage
Lived in the world of MAGA and Mormonism; an advocate against childhood indoctrination and for mental health awareness.
Episode: Speaking of Cults...The Religion/MAGA Connection with Jennie Gage
Bethany Leger
A YouTuber and advocate against shunning practices in the Jehovah's Witness community, sharing her experiences growing up in the organization.
YouTube channel Stop the Shunning
Episode: Speaking of Cults...Growing Up a Witness with Bethany Leger
Michael Shemwell
Host of the Shunned podcast, former Jehovah's Witness
Shunned, xjwhelp.com
Episode: Speaking of Cults...Let's Talk Cult Recovery with Michael Shemwell

Host

Chris Shelton
Host of the podcast, Chris Shelton engages audiences with insightful conversations about cults and recovery, leveraging his background as a former Scientologist to bring deep understanding to these complex issues.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 482 ratings
  • Miss Liv M

    Chris you’re amazing thank you for the podcast I’ve learnt so much !!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Miss Liv M
    Australia15 days ago
  • Thoughtful

    Chris is such a kind soul, he exudes his curiosity and determination to get to the bottom of issues. I admire his bravery. If you’re interested in deep conversations about corrupt religions - this is your place!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kathyinil
    United States2 months ago
  • Long-time fan!

    Always equally well-researched, patient, and entertaining. Truly a pleasant and comforting listen!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ElectricSuzy80
    Finland8 months ago
  • Culty deconstruction tool at its best!

    I love the approach Chris takes to question, explore and bring some good old fashioned critical thinking to the whole field of culty recovery and deconstruction. We get to learn these lessons or relive them … this podcast is a must follow if you are looking to understand the mind set and implications of culty manipulation and control.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    WisdomAnne
    United Statesa year ago
  • Apology

    Long time listener. I really enjoy this thoughtful podcast. It sounds like you owe Aaron an apology. Extra star for you if you do because that would be the classy move.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    mrkit2u
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Criticism occasionally arises concerning debates on particular topics, yet overall, the podcast is revered for its depth and humanity in tackling challenging subjects.
Chris Shelton's facilitation of engaging and insightful discussions has garnered positive feedback regarding his interviewing style and knowledge.
Listeners appreciate the well-researched and thoughtful content, often labeling it as a crucial tool for understanding cult dynamics.
Many find the exploration of coercive control and recovery educational and essential for awareness regarding high-control groups.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Speaking of Cults...The Rise and Fall of the Exclusive Brethren
Q: What are some other important aspects of the Exclusive Brethren that we haven't covered?
Nearly all of the money that the Brethren's leadership collects from its members is charitable donations, with significant funds accumulating despite asserting financial need for urgent projects.
Speaking of Cults...Restarting After a Cult with Rachel Bernstein
Q: What factors should someone consider before engaging with someone else in this journaling process?
It's important to evaluate if the person is safe and supportive without putting pressure or judgment on your sharing.
Speaking of Cults...Restarting After a Cult with Rachel Bernstein
Q: What are the goals with this workbook for survivors of manipulation?
The workbook aims to help individuals recognize manipulation in their lives and encourages self-exploration that is interactive and guided.
Speaking of Cults...Journalism and Reporting on Scientology with Tony Ortega
Q: Over your decades covering Scientology, how has the organization's strategy for handling critics evolved?
They still follow the same playbook, but now they hire professionals to manage their opponents.
Speaking of Cults...The Religion/MAGA Connection with Jennie Gage
Q: What do you think drives the hypocrisy among certain Christian groups?
The drive is often financial; those in power manipulate teachings for profit and control, deviating from the true principles of compassion that Jesus embodied.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Speaking of Cults

What is Speaking of Cults about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The episodes primarily revolve around the intricate themes of cult dynamics, coercive control, and recovery experiences from individuals involved in high-control environments, including both religious and secular contexts. Discussions frequently highlight the psychological and social implications of such organizations, extending to political movements and ideologies that reflect cult-like characteristics. Host Chris Shelton engages with a variety of guests, including survivors and experts, to unpack the mechanisms of indoctrination, the emotional ramifications of leaving such groups, and the broader societal influences at play. Notably, the podcast does not shy away from examining divisive contemporary issues, paving the way for nuanced con... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Speaking of Cults?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Speaking of Cults:

1. Cults to Consciousness
2. A Little Bit Culty
3. Leaving Eden Podcast
4. Was I In A Cult?
5. Life After MLM

How many episodes of Speaking of Cults are there?

Speaking of Cults launched 10 years ago and published 300 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Speaking of Cults?

Recent guests on Speaking of Cults include:

1. Cheryl Hope
2. Richard Marsh
3. Mitch Brisker
4. Rachel Bernstein
5. Patty Moher
6. Zach Elwood
7. Jennie Gage
8. Bethany Leger

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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