In this episode of Recounting Life Lessons, we’re sitting down with Paul Cooke—a writer, academic, and former cult member who spent nine years in the Children of God, a group he later recognized as dangerously manipulative and deceptive. After a 40-year journey of reflection, healing, and writing, Paul recently completed a memoir about his experience and now shares his story to help others recognize how easily any of us can be misled under the right conditions.
This conversation isn’t just about cults—it’s about clarity, courage, and reclaiming trust in your own discernment. Whether it’s a relationship, belief system, organization, or opportunity that turns out to be something different than you thought, Paul’s story offers timeless, hard-won lessons that can help you avoid the emotional toll of misplaced trust.
IN THIS EPISODE:
A FEW GOLDEN NUGGETS;
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Learn more about Paul, his memoir, devotionals, and stories at: www.pauldavidcooke.com
Read a chapter from Paul's memoir and learn more about how cults operate at: www.makingsenseofcults.com
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