The Cult Vault
Award Nominated Podcast. Long-Form Interview-Based Show Focusing on True Testimonies of Cult Survivors & Experts. Also Features Deep-Dive Research Episodes.
Episodes
April 27, 2025 • 65 mins
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Wendy Baker, a former member of the Source Family and daughter-in-law to the leader, about her experiences growing up in the counterculture movement of the 1960s, her relationship with the charismatic leader Jim Baker, and her life in the Source Family commune. Wendy shares insights from her memoir, 'My Name Was Mushroom,' detailing her transition from a typical teen...
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April 20, 2025 • 81 mins
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with author Beth Granger, a cult survivor and representative plaintiff in a landmark class action lawsuit against her abusers. Beth shares her experiences growing up in Grenville Christian College, a cult disguised as a school, and discusses the challenges of recovery and the importance of sharing stories of those born and raised in cults. The conversation delves into the...
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April 13, 2025 • 79 mins
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Lloyd Evans, a former Jehovah's Witness and current activist, about his journey out of the organisation and the complexities of Jehovah's Witness beliefs. They discuss the history of the Jehovah's Witnesses, the impact of indoctrination on children, and the challenges faced by those who leave the faith, including rapture anxiety. Lloyd shares insights on how to suppo...
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April 6, 2025 • 64 mins
In this episode, Shannon Payton AKA Shanny Pants shares her journey of growing up in a high-control religious cult, her experiences navigating life outside of it, and the challenges of parenting while healing from past trauma. She discusses the impact of her upbringing on her identity, relationships, and mental health, as well as the importance of psychoeducation in her recovery process. In this conversation, Shanny Payton shares h...
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March 30, 2025 • 73 mins
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Don Johnson, who shares his journey from being a follower of Prem Rawat to becoming an instructor within the suspected cult. Don discusses his initial attraction to the teachings, the experiences that led him deeper into the organisation, and the cognitive dissonance he faced as he began to question the integrity of his leader. He reflects on his eventual disengageme...
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March 23, 2025 • 86 mins
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Kari Bunn, a survivor of the troubled teen industry, specifically the CEDU reform school. They discuss the historical context of CEDU, its connections to the cult Synanon, and the broader troubled teen industry. Kari shares her experiences and insights into the psychological manipulation and abuse that can occur in these institutions, as well as the importance of rai...
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March 16, 2025 • 110 mins
*TRIGGER WARNING THIS EPISODE CONTAINS THEMES OF CHILD ABUSE. LISTEN WITH CAUTION!!!*
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Brenda Blais, who shares her harrowing experiences of childhood sexual abuse within the cult-like environment of the Students of Light. Brenda recounts her introduction to the group at a young age, the manipulative tactics employed by its leader, Don Kollmar, and the profound impact ...
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Brenda Blais, who shares her harrowing experiences of childhood sexual abuse within the cult-like environment of the Students of Light. Brenda recounts her introduction to the group at a young age, the manipulative tactics employed by its leader, Don Kollmar, and the profound impact ...
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March 9, 2025 • 91 mins
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Zacch Comfort, creator of the Boiled Frogs podcast, which explores the cult he grew up in. They discuss the origins of the cult, the abusive dynamics within it, and the impact on children raised in such an environment.
Zacch shares personal stories about his family's involvement, the control exerted by the cult leader, and the harsh realities of life in the commune, i...
Zacch shares personal stories about his family's involvement, the control exerted by the cult leader, and the harsh realities of life in the commune, i...
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March 2, 2025 • 80 mins
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Madison McGhee, the creator of the Ice Cold Case podcast, which investigates her father's unsolved murder. Madison shares her journey from a background in film and television to the world of podcasting, discussing the challenges and unique aspects of audio storytelling. The conversation delves into her upbringing in a religious environment, the complexities of family...
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February 23, 2025 • 67 mins
Anna has kindly gifted some free ebook versions of her book for UK listeners. Contact me if you are interested in receiving one!
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Anna Sonoda, a licensed clinical social worker, about the critical issue of grooming and child sexual abuse. Anna shares her insights on how grooming is a precursor to most child sexual abuse cases and emphasises the importance of educating ...
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Anna Sonoda, a licensed clinical social worker, about the critical issue of grooming and child sexual abuse. Anna shares her insights on how grooming is a precursor to most child sexual abuse cases and emphasises the importance of educating ...
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February 16, 2025 • 73 mins
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Jay, a former member of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), who shares her personal experiences growing up in the organisation. Jay discusses her family's background, her early involvement in SGI, and the pressures and expectations placed on her as a member. She reflects on her experiences at SGI meetings, the financial contributions required, and the impact of leadersh...
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February 9, 2025 • 74 mins
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with former detectives Scott Rogan and Peter Hogan, who share their experiences in the police force and their transition into podcasting. They discuss their motivations for becoming detectives, the significant cases they worked on, and the impact of coercive control in crime.
The conversation highlights the importance of family involvement in true crime narratives, the cha...
The conversation highlights the importance of family involvement in true crime narratives, the cha...
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February 2, 2025 • 102 mins
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Cynane Shay, who shares her journey growing up in a fundamentalist evangelical Christian household. Cynane discusses the influence of her family's beliefs on her education, the impact of purity culture, and her experiences with the Institute for Basic Life Principles (IBLP). She reflects on her college years, the gradual shift in her perspectives, and how the pandemi...
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January 26, 2025 • 42 mins
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, Dr. Warren Hern, a prominent abortion provider, discusses his extensive career in women's healthcare, the evolution of abortion access since 1975, and the current political landscape affecting reproductive rights.
He highlights the psychological toll on women seeking abortions, the threats faced by providers, and the implications of restrictive legislation on healthcare access. Dr. Hern emp...
He highlights the psychological toll on women seeking abortions, the threats faced by providers, and the implications of restrictive legislation on healthcare access. Dr. Hern emp...
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January 19, 2025 • 58 mins
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Sarah Darmofalski, a former member of the Lord Julius cult. Sarah shares her experiences growing up in the cult, the origins of the group, and the psychological impact it had on her and her family.
The conversation delves into the cult's structure, daily life, and the challenges of maintaining relationships outside the group. Sarah discusses the identity changes impos...
The conversation delves into the cult's structure, daily life, and the challenges of maintaining relationships outside the group. Sarah discusses the identity changes impos...
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January 12, 2025 • 62 mins
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack from End Witch Hunts about the ongoing issue of witch hunts in modern society. They discuss the historical context of witch hunts, personal connections to the topic, and the work being done to raise awareness and advocate for victims.
The conversation highlights the misconceptions surrounding witchcraft and the importance of understandin...
The conversation highlights the misconceptions surrounding witchcraft and the importance of understandin...
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January 5, 2025 • 71 mins
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey interviews author Annie Dawid about her book 'Paradise Undone: A Novel of Jonestown,' which explores the complex history of Jonestown and the Peoples Temple. Annie discusses her motivations for writing the book, the challenges of portraying the racial and political context of the time, and the importance of understanding the events surrounding Jonestown. The conversation also hi...
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December 29, 2024 • 59 mins
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Remy, a former pastor and author, about the critical issues of spiritual abuse and toxic faith. Remy shares his journey from pastoring to writing about these topics, inspired by his experiences and the stories of others.
The conversation delves into the definitions of toxic faith and spiritual abuse, the role of leadership in perpetuating these issues, and the signs o...
The conversation delves into the definitions of toxic faith and spiritual abuse, the role of leadership in perpetuating these issues, and the signs o...
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December 22, 2024 • 78 mins
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Jon about the controversial group Educo, its origins, evolution, and its impact on individuals and society. Jon shares insights into the practices of its leader, Tony Quinn, who features in the opening moments of a popular 2024 documentary "One Night in Millstreet" and expanded his business ventures from yoga to personal development and wellness.
The conversation delv...
The conversation delv...
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December 16, 2024 • 69 mins
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with attorney Ken Good about the complexities of bail law in the United States, particularly focusing on the implications of zero bail policies and their impact on crime rates and public safety. They discuss the differences between the U.S. and UK bail systems, the challenges faced by domestic violence survivors, and the role of advocacy groups in shaping criminal justice...
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