Inside Cult Life: LaNisa Frederick Unpacks the Black Experience with Humor & Healing

Step inside an honest, powerful conversation with actress and comedian LaNisa Frederick on "Dope Interviews." In this episode, LaNisa opens up about her upbringing in a doomsday church, her journey into acting, and the creation of her podcast "Black and Cultivated." Hear firsthand how she navigated religious trauma, why she centers Black and Brown voices in cult survivor spaces, and how humor and community play a role in healing. 

Join host Warren Shaw as he and LaNisa explore groupthink, the realities of leaving a cult, the importance of therapy, and what it means to reclaim your story. 

Whether you’re interested in cult psychology, the intersection of race and spirituality, or stories of resilience, this episode offers insight, laughter, and inspiration-perfect for your next listen.

• 00:00 – Defining a Cult: Lanisa’s Perspective
• 01:35 – Lanisa’s Journey Into Acting & Entertainment
• 03:30 – Theater Roots and Career Highlights
• 05:00 – Launching "Black and Cultivated"
• 08:20 – Finding Black Cult Survivors: The Call-Out Process
• 10:40 – What Makes a Cult? Not Just Religion
• 12:50 – How Lanisa Left Her Cult
• 16:07 – Blending Comedy With Trauma
• 19:00 – Guest Selection & Creating Safe Spaces
• 21:30 – Cult Hopping: Why People Join Multiple Groups
• 23:46 – Therapy & Healing in Black and Brown Communities
• 27:45 – Guest and Audience Reactions
• 30:21 – Non-Black Listeners and Broader Reception
• 32:28 – Centering Black & Brown Voices
• 34:22 – Season Structure and Future Plans
• 35:17 – Biggest Lessons Learned
• 36:35 – The Strangest Cults Encountered
• 37:07 – Final Message: Breaking Shame and Finding Healing

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