Escaping a Cult: A Mother's Journey to Freedom

Today's episode features an emotional and eye-opening conversation with Anne Hamilton, who shares her journey of growing up in a cult and eventually breaking free from it. Anne recounts her experiences of fear, control, and unhappiness within the cult, highlighting the strict rules and restrictions imposed on its members. She discusses the pivotal moment in 2013 when she made the courageous decision to leave the cult, despite the challenges and fears she faced. Anne's story is a powerful testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the strength to break free from oppressive environments.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Anne faced immense fear and control within the cult she was born into, leading to a sense of isolation and restriction in their life. Her decision to leave the cult was a life or death situation, driven by a deep internal struggle and a need for self-preservation. Despite the challenges faced, Anne took steps towards independence by making small changes in her appearance and seeking mental health support. The process of leaving the cult involved complex family dynamics and custody battles, highlighting the emotional toll of breaking away from such a controlling environment. BEST MOMENTS "I thought I'd have to be kidnapped. I spent a week thinking of who could kidnap me. And I even, you know, I even wrote letters to my kids, almost like suicide letters." "I knew I could never go back. I thought I'd have to be kidnapped." "I was constantly up til' the last minute bargaining with God. You know, I was saying, OK, if what I'm doing is wrong, show me."  HOST BIO Toni's journey defies the norm. Raised with a strong work ethic and a traditional career path in mind, she initially pursued a corporate job in HR after earning her degree. However, in 2015, everything changed when she attended a property training seminar. Little did she know that this event would ignite a profound passion for property investment. With her husband Chris, Toni raised millions in joint venture finance, creating a multi-million-pound property portfolio. But her story doesn't stop there. By the age of 33, she left her HR job behind to empower others in building their successful property businesses. Toni's passion for public speaking led her to become a world record holder. Beyond the accolades, she sees it as a calling to educate and inspire. Toni hosts training events and uses her "Talks with Toni" podcast to share insights, interview captivating guests, and motivate her audience.