Close Call with the Circle: My Escape from a Dangerous Cult

The thing about cults is they don't look like cults at first. They look like hope, community, and belonging. I didn't realize I was being recruited... until it was almost too late to escape. This is my true story of cult recruitment—a terrifying real-life experience that started as a gap year adventure and nearly ended with my complete disappearance. What began as working on an organic farm with happy, enlightened people gradually revealed itself as something far more sinister. Cult manipulation isn't just what you see in documentaries. It's the slow erosion of your autonomy, the way questioning becomes impossible, the gradual isolation from everyone who loves you. It's realizing that the person you trusted most has been systematically destroying your ability to think for yourself. In this chilling episode, I share how I was drawn into Lydia's inner circle, the red flags I almost ignored, and my terrifying midnight escape from a group preparing to disappear forever into rural Montana. If you've ever wondered how intelligent people get trapped in cults, or if something about a group doesn't feel right, this episode might save your life. Sometimes the most dangerous predators don't lurk in dark alleys—they offer you everything you've been searching for. ------------ Beth's Spooky Story Time is your new favourite horror podcast, best enjoyed alone with headphones. All stories are suggested or submitted by listeners. Have you had a spooky experience? Email your story to [e-mail] now. For ad-free content, Spooky Chat Time, and extra perks, support us on Patreon: patreon.com/bethsspookystorytime Follow us on TikTok: @beths.spooky.story.time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices